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Rates six times higher than when lockdown delayed By Robert Forrester CASES of coronavirus have increased more than six times over the last month since the easing of restrictions were delayed. On Monday, the PM announced July 19 will see an end to all legal Covid rules that have seen mandatory mask wearing and social distancing to reduce transmission of Covid-19. It comes four weeks after the so called ‘Freedom Day’ was delayed on June 14 due to concerns about the Delta variant, which currently accounts for 99 per cent or of the confirmed cases in the UK.
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FOOD FESTIVAL: Thousands visited Dunorlan Park at the weekend for Pub in the Park, hosted by chef and TV presenter James Martin (above). During the event another popular TV chef revealed he’s opening a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells … more on page 3
Hybrid working opens door for Town Hall office complex
Initiative could end years of Council political infighting By Richard Williams
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SUPPORTED BY
MOST of the Town Hall in Tunbridge Wells is to be converted into commercial office space with private business paying the bill of ‘less than £10million’. That’s the plan put forward by a cross party council committee which means it is almost certain to get the green light. It would end years of political infighting over what to do with the ageing building. Between 150-200 council staff normally based at the Town Hall will continue the mixture of home and office working adopted during the pandemic, freeing up around two thirds of the space.
The move comes after AXA, which has offices opposite the Town Hall, announced last month that it has adopted a similar flexible approach to its
‘It’s what the town needs. People coming here for two to three days to work’ workforce, allowing it to sell off two of its buildings. Councillors at yesterday’s [Tuesday July 13] Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board were told that the Town
Hall scheme has been devised by the Cross Party Group of councillors set up after the failed Calverley Square project. The group, which features councillors from Labour, the Lib Dems, Alliance and the Conservatives was created to find alternatives to the £108million civic centre complex that was scrapped at a cost of nearly £11million. Even before the pandemic, the Council had said the Town Hall was too large for its needs. The 1940s building is also in dire need of renovation, and currently
See more on page 2
During the seven days to June 14, when the PM delayed the final stage of lockdown easing, there were just 35 cases of the virus reported in Tunbridge Wells. By the time Boris Johnson announced on Monday that the easing of restrictions will go ahead on July 19, cases of the virus had rocketed to 255. The increase in infections means that the rate per 100,000 people – used to compare different areas of the country – has risen from 29.5 in June to 214.8 on Monday, according to Monday’s figures from the Public Health England. Similar figures can be seen for the surrounding areas. Wealden saw its weekly cases of Covid-19 increase from 35 in June to 311 on Monday, or 192.6 per 100,000. However, deaths and hospitalisations from Covid-19 have remained low across the country despite the surge in infections. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW], which runs both Maidstone Hospital and the one in Pembury, has seen just one death since February this year.
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Record hospital backlog even though admissions increased By Richard Williams
U-TURN ON MOTORIST FINES Tunbridge Wells Borough Council rethinks its policy on fining drivers who leave their engines idling P6
RAISE A GLASS Crowborough’s Blue Anchor staff celebrate after winning coveted Best Pub award following difficult year P9
NOURISH’S NEW CAMPAIGN The foodbank tells the Times how they’re aiming to support families over the holidays P10
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
BACKLOG Waiting lists are at their longest in history
THE number of people waiting for treatment by the Trust that runs Tunbridge Wells Hospital has continued to rise despite the fact that the number of people being admitted has actually increased. According to data from NHS England, at the end of May, there were 35,526 people on waiting lists at either Maidstone or the Pembury based hospital seeking non-emergency treatment such as hip or knee operations. This is more than three thousand people higher than the previous month’s figures when 32,233 were on the waiting list – the highest level since records began.
Target However, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust have said they have been ‘working hard’ to get through the record backlog. Chief Operating Officer, Sean Briggs, told the Times last month the hospital as been making ‘good progress’. He said: “We are also increasing the number of patients seen in outpatient clinics, staggering appointment times and maximising the use of virtual clinics where appropriate, to ensure that those patients who need to be seen face-to-face by a clinician are able to do so safely.” These steps have seen the number of people admitted for treatment increase to almost pre-pandemic levels. The percentage of people seen within 18 weeks
at the Trust has risen from 61.7 per cent in March to 68.9 per cent. Although this is a long way off the 92 per cent government target, the number of people that started treatment in May has increased to 7,172 from 6,536 in March. The total number of people admitted for routine treatment in hospitals across England in May was 242,064 – more than four times the number a year earlier (54,550), when hospitals were treating thousands of Covid patients. Before the pandemic struck, the NHS admitted
295,881 people for routine treatment in May 2019, suggesting the health service is getting close to dealing with pre-pandemic numbers of patients. However, the overall number of people in England waiting to start routine hospital treatment has risen to a new record high, the NHS England data shows. A total of 5.3 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of May 2021 – the highest number since records began in August 2007.
Town Hall to be converted into offices NEW LEADER BACKS TOWN HALL PLAN
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER Don’t miss our special on how and where to keep the children entertained P35 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard.moore@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk |01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lee.smith@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 01892 779580 advertising@onemediauk.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
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Continued from front page undergoing more than £1million of maintenance, including repairs to its roof and windows. According to a report presented to councillors, the Cross Party Group wants to release two thirds of the Town Hall ‘to a third-party to enable co-working to be established in the Town Hall alongside the Council’s operations’. The plan will see part of the town hall converted into commercial office space, where people from different occupations and employers work alongside each other. Council officers will continue to operate out of the Town Hall, along with other tenants in the building, including Greg Clark MP, the court services and the Community Safety Unit. The initiative has been made possible by the Covid pandemic that showed that Town Hall staff could take a flexible approach to working, allowing the Council to reduce the space it needs in the Town Hall to around a third – about 11,000 sq ft - freeing up approximately 20,000 sq ft for office space. Cllr David Scott, who sits on the working group and is the Cabinet’s member for Economic Development, said: “It is very exciting. We will work in collaboration with a third party. The
Council won’t run it as we don’t have the experience. We will work with those who have expertise and they will run it for us. “The demand for flexible office space would have happened anyway but over a number of years. Now it is happening much faster due to Covid. “The Council have been working on this idea, which is the same thing AXA are doing. Not losing staff but losing office space by more flexible working.”
The new leader of TOM DAWLINGS Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has said the plan to convert the civic centre in Tunbridge Wells into commercial offices could help pay its costly annual maintenance bill. The Town Hall, along with the Assembly Hall Theatre currently require around £1million a year in upkeep costs. But Tom Dawlings, who was elected Leader of the hung Council last month, said the Cross Party Group’s plan, could help fund the building in future, reducing the authority’s overheads. “It is an expensive building to maintain, and we have an obligation to keep it maintained, but this will go some way towards the costs.” He added: “It will enable the Council to keep the Town Hall, which is what people have told us they want us to do. The council will remain in the Town Hall and the Town Hall will still be owned by the people of Tunbridge Wells.”
Commuting He said people and businesses will be able to rent individual desks as well as small offices at the Town Hall, generating an income for the Council. It’s a similar business model to several co-working spaces that have emerged in Tunbridge Wells in recent years, including M-Space, Office Tribe and Desk Renter where people go to work two or three days a week instead of commuting to London. Cllr Scott said: “People who have come from London want a better place to work along with social links and other people around them. It is
much better than commuting every day. It is what the town needs. People coming here for two to three days to work.” He said the office space would generate an income for the Council, but the plan was to get a third-party to pay for the conversion. “We want to avoid capital expenditure where we can, so this won’t be Council money, but it won’t be as expensive as we first thought, most likely less than £10million,” he added. The plan, which is set to be recommended to Cabinet later this month, will eventually need to be approved by Full Council.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Parents urged to apply for free school meals KENT County Council is calling for parents and carers to register their children in advance of the summer holidays for free school meals. The government recently announced that it was extending its grant funding until September to allow local authorities to help vulnerable families during the summer holiday period. Shellina Prendergast, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I would urge any parents and carers who believe their children may be eligible to receive Free School Meals to visit our website and apply as soon as possible so we can provide vouchers for everyone who is entitled to them and ensure all eligible families are benefiting from this fantastic scheme.” To find out more about who is eligible and how to apply, visit: kent.gov.uk/educationand-children/schools/free-school-meals
Parkrun to return PARKRUN in Tunbridge Wells is set to return this month, organisers have announced. The Saturday morning 5km run around Dunorlan Park had to be cancelled at the start of the pandemic last year. Now the group behind the national initiative says the events, which also includes the popular Tonbridge Parkrun around the town’s sports ground, will return on Saturday, July 24.
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SINGING IN THE RAIN Revellers enjoying the festival at the weekend despite the weather
By Robert Forrester PUB In The Park saw thousands of food lovers descend on Dunorlan Park when the festival returned to Tunbridge Wells last weekend. The event, which is the brainchild of TV chef Tom Kerridge, had been cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but it returned to the town on July 9-11 and was hosted by former Saturday Kitchen star James Martin. Crowds braved the rain as they enjoyed an array of local food and entertainment that included Craig David, James Blunt, Beverley Knight and The Lightning Seeds.
Distancing It is the third time that Pub In The Park has been held in Tunbridge Wells – it was run in both 2018 and 2019 and saw as many as 20,000 visit the event, but social distancing meant the crowds were smaller this year. Festival goers enjoyed dishes at £6 a plate from some of the country’s best chefs. Local pubs and restaurants who were at the event this year, included Sankey’s, The Kentish Hare and The Small Holding.
TV chef intends to spice up The Pantiles
CURRYING FAVOUR Atul Kochhar has bought Woods
By Richard Williams A LEADING Indian chef has confirmed he is to open a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. Atul Kochhar, the former head chef of the Oberoi in New Delhi and who runs the Michelin star Tamarind in London, is to take over the former Woods restaurant on The Pantiles. Woods had been a popular family-owned restaurant for nearly 20 years. The new restaurant named Riwaz, is set to open in the iconic promenade on November 21 this year. Mr Kochhar already has similar branches in Beaconsfield, Hampshire and Windsor.
As revealed in the Times in March last year, Mr Kochhar has been scouting a number of locations across the South East for his twist on Indian cookery and made approaches to The Pantiles’ owner Target Follow. At the weekend, the Indian chef, who makes regular appearances on TV’s Saturday Kitchen, confirmed during the Pub in the Park festival at that he has taken over the site. Mr Kocchar, confirmed the plans to fellow TV chef and Pub in the Park host, James Martin via a post on Instagram. He said: “What a fab party. #riwazrestaurants opening soon in Nov 21 at Pantiles in #tunbridgewells.”
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Abusive partner jailed A MAN from Tunbridge Wells who subjected a woman to repeated physical and mental abuse has been sent to prison. Stephen Ives was jailed after pleading guilty to a string of violent offences which included biting his victim and holding her head under water. Maidstone Crown Court heard how the 34-year-old, who admitted four counts of asault, conducted a prolonged and sustained period of abuse over a year. He was jailed for two years and three months. PC Dan Holding, of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: “Domestic violence is a priority for Kent Police and nobody should ever feel they have nowhere to turn. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation or relationship to report it to someone and get help.”
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Little gig for big Brit Award star By Richard Williams
ALL YOU EVER WANTED Rag ‘N’ Bone man is to appear at The Forum
AN award-winning pop star more used to performing before packed arenas is to come to Tunbridge Wells to sing to a crowd of just 250. Brit Award winner, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, is set to take the stage at The Forum on August 23 as part of a scheme aimed at reviving grassroots music. The ‘Revive Live’ initiative organised by the Music Venues Trust, in conjunction with the National Lottery – is contributing £1million to help up-and-coming artists pay for touring expenses after a year of inactivity in the industry. To raise awareness of the initiative a number of small-scale shows have been planned featuring major stars at independent venues. Others supporting the venture across the UK include Tom Jones, James Arthur, Sam Fender and Fontaines DC. Indie folk hero Frank Turner will also play The Forum on July 19. The scheme will see Rag ‘n’ Bone man, real name Rory Graham, perform at The Forum next month. The star, who is from Eastbourne in East Sussex, is more used to singing before thousands at arenas like the Birmingham and Manchester’s O2 Academy.
Demand The artist, whose hits include Human and All You Ever Wanted, will perform at a maximum capacity 250-strong crowd at The Forum. Tickets went on sale on Monday night and sold out within minutes, which angered some fans who took to social media to vent their frustration. A spokesman for the music venue, said ‘thousands of people’ had tried to book, adding: “If you managed to get a ticket – see you at the show. If you didn’t, sorry that’s the case but head to the website and see what else is on. Music venues are back, and they need your support, not abuse.”
AFTER TAKING OVER THE WORLD… A spokesperson for The Forum said it is not the first time Rag ‘n’ Bone man has played the venue. “We have had several impromptu visits over the years as well as a gig very early on, but we are glad to welcome him [Rag ‘n’ Bone man]
back for a full show this August after many years of taking over the world,” he said. The show comes after 18 months in the which the live music industry essentially shut down due to Covid-19 and saw the cancellation
of a number of local festivals, including Black Deer, which was called off for the second year in a row last month. The Tunbridge Wells gig coincides with the town’s free music festival, Local & Live, which returns on the
bank holiday weekend of August 27 after the event had to go online only last year due to the virus. The remaining lockdown restrictions in England are to be lifted on Monday meaning the end to capacity limits on live shows.
together with The Revd Laurence Powell, Vicar of King Charles the Martyr as the Last Post was played by Jon Vanns and Lee Island of Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets Corps. Members of the public too stopped to pay their respects. The Mayor then held a thank you reception in the Council Chamber for representatives of the NHS, social care and frontline workers.
associated services, the paramedics and ambulance services, the staff of A&E, of medical wards and of intensive care units; the doctors, nurses, orderlies, and cleaners. “And all those who worked in our care-homes, which seemed particularly vulnerable. “We recognise the enormous increase in hours worked by all involved across the health and care network, and the support they received from their families and friends and others, in dealing with the consequential emotional, as well as physical stresses. “Such an immense response to a major health concern. While saddened by the loss of life and the many sorrows of affected family and friends, we are grateful for the recovery we have witnessed and the contributions of the many. “Although we are not out of the woods, we are grateful for the many small and large miracles that we have witnessed.”
Mayor and town’s leaders pay tribute to our frontline workers By Lottie Bulmer REPRESENTATIVES from the NHS were thanked in person by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells last week during a special ceremony to commemorate the hard work by frontline workers during the pandemic. The first NHS Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day last week [Monday, July 5] saw the Mayor, Cllr Chris Woodward, THANK YOU The Mayor and Mayoress [front, centre] with local dignatories and frontline staff
host a number of events to mark the occasion. The national day has been launched to remember the sacrifice and work which key workers did during the pandemic and to celebrate the 73rd birthday of the NHS. Cllr Woodward was joined by Olufunsho Adetutu Otenaike, an NHS thrombosis specialist and Ben Fitzgerald, an Emergency Care Support Worker for the South East Coast
Ambulance Service, to raise the Thank You flag on the Town Hall. A similar thank you banner was also hung above the Town Hall steps. A maroon [rocket] was fired at 11am marking the start of a two-minute’s silence to remember those who lost their lives in the service of others during the pandemic. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs Jenny Woodward, stood outside the Town Hall
“One cannot fail to recognise the enormous efforts of the NHS” Joining him to say thank you were Greg Clark MP, Council Leader Tom Dawlings as well as William Benson, Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. During a short speech Mayor Woodward paid tribute to those who ‘fought the fight’ during the pandemic. He said: “One cannot fail to recognise the enormous efforts of the staff of the NHS and
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
MP’s aide set to be the new Tonbridge leader A 28-YEAR-OLD councillor was expected to be named as the new leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] last night [Tuesday], after being chosen by the ruling Conservative group. Cllr Matt Boughton was elected leader of Tonbridge’s Tory group of councillors at an association meeting last week. As the Times went to press, TMBC was preparing to vote Cllr Boughton as leader of the authority itself at last night’s [Tuesday] Full Council meeting.
councillor on Maidstone Borough Council, representing Fant Ward from 2015 to 2019. He also works as an aide to Tonbridge & Malling MP, Tom Tugendhat. Cllr Boughton was educated at Oakwood Grammar School in Maidstone and has a politics degree from Sussex University.
Workload The Conservatives hold 39 of the 54 seats at TMBC. Cllr Boughton will replace Cllr Nicolas Heslop, who led the Council for nine years but stepped down last month due to the increasing workload. Cllr Heslop is to remain a councillor at TMBC. Cllr Boughton, who lives in Whitefriars Wharf, Tonbridge, has represented Medway Ward in the town since May 2019. Before that he served as Conservative
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Crowborough rail line raised in Parliament DISABLED access at stations in Wealden, as well as investment into the electrification of the Uckfield Line and a new depot in Crowborough were raised in the House of Commons last week. Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, lead the urgent debate on Wednesday [July 7] night. The Conservative member highlighted the current refurbishments at Eridge and Crowborough stations to ensure ‘step-free’ disability access, but urged the government to ensure Blue Badge parking is delivered alongside these improvements.
Ms Ghani also stressed the need of a major investment into the electrification of the Uckfield Line a new depot in Crowborough, and pressed for assurances as to when this investment will take place.
Vital Speaking after the debate, she said: “I’m pleased to have secured this important debate and bring disability access upgrades in Wealden to the Minister’s attention. “Train travel is a vital form of transport for Wealden residents
and securing improvements to rail services in Wealden remains one of my priorities. I have raised the matter of the electrification of the Uckfield Line repeatedly with the Department and will continue this quest to get a firm commitment as to when any major investment will take place. “I am grateful for the funds that I have already secured for fantastic accessibility upgrades to Crowborough, Eridge, Wadhurst and Frant train stations, but more needs to be done.” DEBATE Nus Ghani
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All change as bus company donates to NHS charity ARRIVA bus has donated £260,000 to NHS Charities Together Scheme. The bus provider operates routes across Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough and donated any spare change from fares. It raised the sum due to Covid safety measures where drivers
could not give change for any overpayments in an effort to minimise hand to hand contact.
Pandemic Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus, Paul O’Neil, said: “Giving something back to the
NHS in the wake of the pandemic seems absolutely the right thing to do and we are proud to make this significant donation in recognition of the extraordinary dedication and commitment of those who looked after us throughout the pandemic.”
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U-Turn on fines for idling stationary cars as Council can’t afford to issue the tickets By Richard Williams A SCHEME aimed at getting motorists to turn off their engines when stationary on Tunbridge Wells’ roads is to be piloted – but plans to fine drivers have been dropped as it would cost too much to issue the tickets. As reported in the Times earlier this year, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] wants to change the habits of motorists in a bid to improve air quality by banning the idling of
engines when cars are stationary. Those who ignored the request, it was indicated, faced possible fines. A number of signs have gone up on busy intersections, reminding drivers to turn off their motors when they are not moving. It had been hoped that Littering or Parking Enforcement Officers could urge drivers to turn off their engines with the threat of a Fixed Penalty Notice [FPN].
Implications
NO IDLING Cllr Matt Bailey
The Highway Code states that leaving ‘a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road’ can incur ‘a £20 fixed-penalty fine under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002’. But in a U-Turn, the Council has had to drop plans to hand drivers £20 FPNs as it would cost more to issue the tickets than the authority would receive back in fines. At the Council’s Planning and Transport Advisory Board on Monday [July 12] councillors were asked to back the six-month trial. The committee heard how the scheme will use ‘existing Littering Enforcement Officers to approach drivers who are stationary with their engines idling’. These officers will then ‘advise drivers of the illegality of their behaviour and its impact on the environment.’ They would ask the driver to turn off their engine, but the report states: “In the event a driver refuses, no enforcement action, through the issue of a FPN would take place.” The report sent to the committee highlighted significant ‘operational and financial
implications’ in attempting to fine drivers. It said that along with enforcement staff, administrative staff would be required to manage appeals and debt collection. A new software module would also be needed to process the tickets, which would carry associated consultancy costs and maintenance costs, as well as costs to print the PCNs. In addition, the Council would have to factor in the cost of registration of cases at the County Court and potential legal representation to deal with appeals through the court system. The Council also says while a driver can be fined £20 for idling, he or she would not be committing an offense if ‘the necessities of traffic’ made it not possible to turn the engine off, which makes fines ‘a rare outcome’. The report went on: “A budget would need to be allocated as this work could not be accommodated within existing budgets. “Even if there are high levels of noncompliance and refusals to turn idling engines off, the statutory FPN level of £20 will not make any significant contribution towards the costs of carrying out this work.” Instead, compliance by drivers to being asked to turn off their engines will be recorded and reviewed after six months. Matt Bailey, the councillor in charge of sustainability said: “The Council’s policy is to raise awareness about unnecessary idling and try to change behaviour that way. “The reason we’re doing this is because of the dangers of air pollution, with the Royal College of Physicians saying it accounts for up to 40,000 deaths every year. “Air pollution also harms the health and development of children as well as affecting the
elderly and those with existing health conditions such as asthma. “The Council is looking at various ways to raise awareness, particularly in target areas such as town centres and around schools.”
BOROUGH MAKES THE TOP TEN FOR VEHICLE NOISE COMPLAINTS TUNBRIDGE Wells has the tenth highest number of complaints about traffic noise of any town or city a Freedom of Information request has revealed. The research, from comparethemarket.com, asked councils about how many vehicle noise complaints they received in a year. The insurer asked all 381 local councils around the country requesting the total number of vehicle noise complaints received in the 2020 calendar year. Of the 288 councils that replied, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council had the tenth highest number, with 81 complaints. These refer to a wide range of issues including traffic noise, engine revving, but also car alarms, noise from delivery vehicles, loud music from cars and more. The highest number of complaints about traffic noise were made to County Durham Council, which received 162. The South East and West Midlands rank as the regions with the noisiest areas outside of London. They both hold 5 areas each with the most amount of vehicle related noise complaints.
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Water company handed record £90million fine By Robert Forrester THE utilities company that handles wastewater in Tunbridge Wells and has been handed a record fine for dumping raw sewage into coastal waters. Southern Water has been ordered to pay £90million for dumping raw sewage into coastal waters in what a judge called a ‘shocking wholesale disregard for the environment’. The company admitted 6,971 illegal spills from 17 sites in Hampshire, Kent and West Sussex between 2010 and 2015. Southern Water told Canterbury Crown Court the spills were the result of ‘negligence’, rather than deliberate acts for financial gain. It is not the first time the water treatment provider has run into legal issues. In 2016, Southern Water were handed a £57,000 fine for breaches of environmental standards at the Tunbridge Wells North Waste Water Treatment Works. The water supplier has a permit to discharge treated effluent from the Tunbridge Wells North works to the Somerhill Stream, which runs from Robingate Wood in High Brooms, through Southborough and into Tonbridge. But the Environment Agency (EA) found that the amount of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the effluent had surpassed the maximum allowance five separate times between July 2013 and July 2014. Now, the company has admitted 51 counts at Maidstone Crown Court of illegally dumping sewage from sites across the South East,
FINED Southern Water provide waste water services in the area
including Herne Bay, Chichester and Whitstable – famous for its oyster industry. Passing sentence, the Honourable Mr Justice Johnson said: “Each of the 51 offences seen in isolation shows a shocking and wholesale disregard for the environment, for the precious and delicate ecosytems along the North Kent and Solent coastlines, for human health, and for the fisheries and other legitimate businesses that depend on the vitality of the coastal waters. “Each offence does not stand in isolation. It is necessary to sentence the company for the totality of the offences to which it has pleaded guilty. But even that does not reflect the defendant’s criminality.
“That is because the offences are aggravated by its previous persistent pollution of the environment over very many years.” Bosses deliberately painted a misleading picture of compliance to the Environment Agency, which brought the criminal prosecution, Canterbury Crown Court heard. And some of the dumping hit conservation sites, causing major environmental harm to shellfish waters. The criminal prosecution follows a £126 million penalty on Southern Water in 2019 as a result of the company’s regulatory failings over the same period. Chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd, said: “With nature in crisis,
no-one should profit from undermining environmental laws. “This sentence shows fines for environmental offences are starting to reach the same level as the highest fines for crimes in financial services and that is good.” She added: “Like all water companies, Southern Water has a responsibility to operate in accordance with permit conditions and protect against serious pollution. “In its deliberate, widespread and repeated offending, it has failed the environment, customers and the system of environmental laws the public puts its trust in.”
Shareholders The case is the largest criminal investigation in the Environment Agency’s 25-year history and saw pollution offences from 16 waste water treatment works and one storm overflow. Southern Water chief executive Ian McAulay said: “I am deeply sorry for the historic incidents which have led to today’s sentencing and fine. “I know that the people who rely on us to be custodians of the precious environment in southern England must be able to trust us. “What happened historically was completely unacceptable and Southern Water pleaded guilty to the charges in recognition of that fact.” He added that the fine would not have an impact on customers’ bills, with shareholders bearing the cost. As Southern Water was fined, James Green, the director of the Whitstable Oyster Company, told newspapers sewage discharges were still blighting the seas around the Kent coast. He said: “None of what was uncovered was a surprise to me. Why has it taken nearly eight years to bring them to account? “It is a lack of investment in infrastructure which is the problem, and it is having a major impact on water quality. “It seems to be cheaper for them to go to court and to face the fines than to invest in the necessary improvements.”
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New owners turn Crowborough inn into ‘2021 Pub of the Year’ A POPULAR Crowborough pub with a ‘turbulent past’ has been named 2021 Pub of the Year following a takeover by its new owners. The Blue Anchor on Beacon Road was awarded the honour from the Beautiful South Tourism Awards earlier this year and have just received the honour following an online awards ceremony due to Covid restrictions. The pub, which is close to Ashdown Forest in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was named ‘best pub’ after Amy Glenie took over The Blue Anchor three years ago. The publican says she has been working hard to turn the pub around
BUSINESS
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Award success for Loch Associates
CELEBRATION Amy Glenie [left] and Deputy Manager Emma Agornbar outside the Blue Anchor
By Richard Williams
Local News
after its ‘turbulent past’. She added: “It is fantastic to see the recognition for our team’s efforts to go above and beyond for our customers. “It was just so unexpected and has been overwhelming to win such an award going up against such strong
‘After such highs and lows it has been such an achievement to win’ competitors in the final. It was just a fantastic boost that really drew the team together, and to get recognition for all the hard work we as a team have put in, has been amazing. “We are looking forward to the year ahead and continuing to support
hospitality, helping each other to bounce back bigger and better than ever.” She added that the award follows an exceptionally challenging year for tourism, hospitality and the world, which made the award ‘mean so much more to the team to win after a year like this’. Emma Agombar, the pub’s Deputy Manager, added: “After such highs and lows from the past year it has been such an amazing achievement to win Gold. “We are so proud and are still working hard to keep improving our standards, and menu using locally sourced produce. Knowing where our food comes from is so important to our ethos, and we really believe the proof is in the tasting.”
EMPLOYMENT specialist Loch Associates Group has been recognised at this year’s Brighton and Hove Business Awards. The group, which provides a range of services from employment law advice, HR consultancy, health and safety, to employee wellbeing programmes and mediation, won the Professional Services Award. In 2017 Loch Associates won the Times Business Award for Outstanding Business of the Year.
WINNER Pam Loch
Privileged Pam Loch, founder and Managing Director of Loch Associates Group, says the company received the accolade after demonstrating excellence in business management under-pinned by a strong financial performance and adherence to a professional code of conduct. She said: “I am so delighted that our team won the Professional Services Award at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards ceremony. “I would also like to thank all those involved in organising and judging the awards for their part in creating such a wonderful event for the Brighton and Hove business community at a time when some celebration and good news are much needed. “After such a tough year it’s a real achievement to be recognised as an exceptional business in the local
community and we feel privileged to be part of such an elite group.” She added that this has been the most difficult year by far for many businesses and their staff; coping with extreme financial pressures and the impact on their wellbeing and mental health cannot be overstated. Ms Loch continued: “A huge thank you and well done to the entire team at Loch Associates Group whose incredible hard work supporting our clients over the last year in developing solutions to help them manage their business and look after their people has been deservedly recognised. “I’m so proud to have such a fantastic team working with me and look forward to what we can achieve together in the future.”
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Community News
Refugee charity double’s fundraising goal thanks to computer repair centre A TONBRIDGE charity has raised more than £6,000 following an online campaign. Refugease – which also has a vintage shop in Tunbridge Wells - asked people to make online aid purchases during Refugee Week, which a local tech business, MacMan, then matched. Refugee Week took place from June 14 to June 20 and £3,000 in aid was raised from the online shop.
Shipping Founder of Refugease, Valentina Osborn explained how their online shop works. She said: “Traditionally, the charity has focused on collecting aid locally and then shipping it abroad. “However, last year, Brexit and Covid made our deliveries much harder and more expensive to organise. “We set up a network which allows people to purchase aid items online (or in one of our stores). The items are then purchased and distributed directly in each country by a refugee employed by us.” Since the online shop opened in November last year, the charity have been busy with ‘orders’. Shoppers have allowed them to distribute aid to hundreds of vulnerable people in France, Greece, Turkey, Jordan and Syria. Valentina added: “By employing local
refugees to buy and distribute the aid locally on a regular basis, we’re investing money in local economies and providing an income for our staff on the ground. It’s a much more sustainable option than sending physical aid abroad once or twice a year. “Now we’ve got the structure in place, we knew we were capable of helping even more people, so, we wanted to use
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Foodback fights back against poverty and holiday hunger By Millie Sanderson
the annual event of Refugee Week to get the word out.” “Aside from that, our next focus is to raise enough funds to build a permanent school building at the education centre we support in Zaa’tari Village, Jordan. She continued: “Now that our vintage emporiums in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are better established, they’re providing a more stable income to support longer term projects like this one - we can’t wait!” Co-owner of MacMan, Jon Traquair explains why he was so keen to get involved: “We’re really happy the week went so well. At MacMan, we take pride in supporting local. We’ve supported RefugEase right since the beginning so it was an easy decision for us to give them a boost for their Refugee Week campaign. “We’re over the moon with how well it’s gone and how many people will benefit from our support and are already looking into how we can support Refugease further in the future.” If you wish to support Refugease by buying an item for a refugee in need, (they start from just £2 for a pack of socks) or learn more about RefugEase and their aid shop, visit their site here: https://www. refugease.com/aid-shop
WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, parents are looking forward to having their children spend more time at home. However, for many parents, the break from school can add an extra strain on finances. Tunbridge Wells’ local foodbank Nourish has launched their Summer Campaign to highlight the support families can receive through the holidays. Hidden Holiday Hunger campaign aims to support Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling’s children which are living in food poverty. According to the statistics – which were compiled by provides the number and percentage of children aged 0-15 years who are living in households with below 60% median income before housing costs – 21 per cent of FIGHTER children Dawn in the Stanford area from are Nourish living
in food poverty, meaning they are in households with below 60% median income before housing costs. Dawn Stanford, Operations Director at Nourish said: “Food poverty is often a hidden issue and, throughout the Covid pandemic, the issue has escalated. Increasing rent costs, insecure work and low pay plus glitches in the welfare system are some of the factors that leave families without the means to get by.
Donation “Despite many parents working hard to provide as best they can, a recent UK survey showed that over 50% of them said they have a new or worse debt problem.” She continued: “We often find that it’s the families where both parents are working hard that are hit hardest. They often need to find extra money for holiday childcare and additional meals. “For a donation of just £15 you can help to provide a family with holiday items to supplement their basic food needs and ensure children can enjoy some of the fresh lunch bag items that other children are fortunate to have every day.” To support the Hidden Holiday Hunger Campaign, simply text HUNGER to 70560 to donate £15 or you can give any other amount by texting your amount. Or you can donate via the foodbank’s website: www. nourish community foodbank. org.uk/give-money/
Couple play their part in in fighting climate change in own front garden TWO Tunbridge Wells residents have taken the fight against climate change into their own hands by converting their front garden into a haven of biodiversity. Adaire and Susan Williams of Kendal Drive, were inspired by a feature on Gardeners’ World by celebrity gardener, Monty Don during lockdown, which showed the benefits that growing wildflowers could bring.
Wildflower Their garden now resembles a meadow and is a vast change from the lawn which was there
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before, as the couple explained: “We live in a bungalow near the crest of a hill which was built in about 1960 and before that, it was a golf course. “The ground is thin sandy soil on sand rock, so the grass had not grown that well. “Having seen on Gardeners’ World how lovely a wildflower meadow can look on poor soil, we decided to give it a try. “Peter Wraight – the brother of our friend and neighbour, Anne – is a knowledgeable gardener and helped prepare the ground by clearing the grass and weeds. We then put in a variety of seeds mixed with sand.
IN BLOOM Adaire and Susan Williams’ meadow which is boosting the bee population
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“Friends donated some seeds as well and it is lovely to see the way it has been appreciated by everyone – including the bees!”
Pursuit Irene Heskett, friend of the couple added: “In the light of how stressed our planet has become due to man’s thoughtless stewardship of nature where animals, birds, plants and pollinators are either already extinct or numbers are steadily
being reduced in the pursuit of ever greater profits by industry and commerce, we are being encouraged to devote parts of our gardens to rewilding. “This meadow is an example of what can be done. In a nearby street, namely Coniston Avenue one can see that other individuals have made similar attempts in their front gardens. “Such individual efforts, however small, collectively can make a big difference.”
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Pot luck for young snooker hopeful as he takes on Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White in Paddock Wood LEGENDARY snooker player Jimmy White will be in town for an exhibition evening at Paddock Wood Snooker Club on August 7. The three times World Senior Champion and six-time World Championship will be playing a frame against rising snooker star Dylan Smith, 13, who is the Kent County under 16s and 21s Champion.
Amazing The Social Club have promised an evening of snooker, pool and entertainment with TV Presenter and Sky Sports Walk-on Girl, Jade Slusarczyk and popular Master of Ceremonies, Colin Phillips. Chairman,
Louis Morritt shared his excitement. He said: “Growing up I was a massive snooker fan and, like many, Jimmy White was my favourite player as I loved his flair and the way he always entertained the crowd. “We’re over the moon at the Paddock Wood Social Club to be hosting, what looks like, a night to remember. Everyone at the club has worked so hard to make sure the club is in SNOOKER fantastic shape, with LOOPY many improvements Jimmy and made over the Dylan lockdown period, Smith we’re now ready to welcome ‘the Whirlwind’!” Dylan said: “Three years ago, when I first started playing snooker, Jimmy was
Tragic death response sees pub install new life saving defibrillator A NEW defibrillator has been launched at Tunbridge Wells pub after the sad death of a local resident at the site. Simon Weller suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in February 2020 while at a residents’ association meeting at The Robin Hood pub on Sandhurst Road. He sadly passed away later at hospital. Present on the night of Simon’s death was Sanjay Joshi – doctor for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Spurred on by the tragedy and supported by Crowborough first responders – which was the closest response unit at the time - the unit decided to take action. The unit’s leader Nicki Pointer, who is also a friend of Dr Joshi, started a fundraising campaign to get a defibrillator installed at the pub. The campaign raised more than £700, however fundraising was slowed during the pandemic and espeically when The Robin Hood was forced to close. Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Community First Responders (TTWCFR) were informed by their colleagues in Crowborough and were able to donate a defibrillator to the pub. It is now located outside the bar entrance, next
to a memorial plaque for Simon. Team leader of TTWCFR, Fergus Chalmers said: “We’re really pleased that we have been able to donate this life saving equipment, supporting the fundraising by locals which will make it available to all. “These devices really do save lives and we can’t stress enough how simple they are to use. If we can get more of these devices into the community and raise awareness of them we can save many many lives in and around Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in the future. “We would like to thank Sanjay for all his fundraising efforts, and team at The Robin Hood for all their support to make this happen.” Mr Joshi added: “As part of the launch we are promoting a public awareness event at the pub, this will be completely free and anyone can come along and learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator. “We are also encouraging others to highlight locations for future defibrillator sites to us. “People will be able to find out more about what we do, book a place on an awareness course, or contact us about a new defibrillator site at www. ttwcfr.com”
Putting best foot forward for diabetes charity A LOCAL man is putting is on a mission to walk a million steps for charity. Phillip Paine is raising funds for Diabetes UK and is hoping to raise more awareness of the condition which affects more than 3.8 million people across the country.
Driver Philip said: “My wife, Sue, suffers from Type 2 diabetes, so I wanted to do something to support her and help other people living with the disease. “I’m a keen walker and, although I am a driver by trade, I still manage to clock up over 12,000 steps a day, so it made sense to combine
my enjoyment for walking with the opportunity to fundraise for charity. “I’m aiming to complete 360,000 steps per month, which should equate to more than a million steps by the time the challenge is completed in September.” Philip works at Covers Timber and Builders Merchants’ in Tunbridge Wells, and the company has pledged to match up to £1,000 Phillip’s final fundraising amount. Henry Green, Managing Director said: “We wish him the very best of luck for his challenge and look forward to keeping track of his progress over the next few months.”
the first professional I ever played against and it was such an amazing experience I’m sure it will stay with me forever, I can’t wait to play Jimmy again.”
Exhibition Jimmy White told the Times: “It’s always great to play in front of a live audience, I started playing exhibitions from the age of 18 and 41 years later I still get a buzz out of performing in front of a live crowd, and by the sound of it, Paddock Wood has some true snooker and pool fans, I can’t wait!”
On playing Dylan again Jimmy said: “It will be nice to see Dylan play again as I’ve been watching his progress over the last three years with interest, I remember the first time I played him and being impressed with his cue action, but the he needs to keep practicing if he’s to compete with the stronger players up north and the new crop of Chinese players. But with the right guidance, coaching and practice partners I’m sure he’ll be fine.” For your chance to play meet and play the legend Jimmy White on the 7th August at Paddock Wood Social Club, contact Lee on 07796958312 for more details and how you can book your place.
!
Important notice Special timetable and changes to train services
13-18 July
Southeastern trains from London to Sandwich and other parts of Kent will be very busy during the Open Golf at Sandwich this July. If you’re a regular passenger on these routes, we recommend that you make alternative travel arrangements if possible, during these dates. If you need to travel, there will be some changes to our timetable and some Highspeed trains will have a mandatory reservation system.
Please plan ahead at southeasternrailway.co.uk
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Double child killer Pitchfork set to be released as government loses appeal A MAN who murdered two 15-year-old girls is set to be freed from prison after the Parole Board rejected a Government challenge against its ruling. Double killer Colin Pitchfork, now in his early 60s, was jailed for life after raping and strangling Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. He became the first man convicted of murder on the basis of DNA evidence in 1988 after admitting two murders, two rapes, two indecent assaults and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
‘The consequences of the murders of two girls will forever darken the lives of the families’ Following a hearing in March, the Parole Board ruled he was ‘suitable for release’, despite this being denied in 2016 and 2018. But last month Justice Secretary Robert Buckland asked the board, which is independent of the Government, to re-examine the decision under the so-called reconsideration mechanism. On Tuesday the Parole Board announced the application had been ‘refused’. A spokesman said in a statement: “The Parole Board has immense sympathy for the families of Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann and recognises
FREED Colin Pitchfork - pictured after his arrest in 1988 the pain and anguish they have endured and continue to endure through the parole process. “However, Parole Board panels are bound by law to assess whether a prisoner is safe to release. It has no power to alter the original sentence set down by the courts.
“Legislation dictates that a panel’s decision must be solely focused on what risk a prisoner may pose on release and whether that risk can be managed in the community. “As made clear in the reconsideration decision, release was supported by all of the Secretary of State’s witnesses during Mr Pitchfork’s review.” Barbara Ashworth told reporters that the decision to allow her daughter’s killer to be released was ‘disappointing’ but added that ‘he can’t hurt me anymore’. She said: “I’ve had 33 years of it and it’s all been said and as far as I’m concerned he’s going to be out in amongst the public so it speaks for itself.” The reconsideration mechanism, introduced in July 2019, allows the Justice Secretary and the prisoner to challenge the board’s decision within 21 days if they believe them to be ‘procedurally unfair’ or ‘irrational’. Judge Michael Topolski QC, who reviewed the decision for the Parole Board, said he did not consider the decision was ‘irrational’ and concluded that the “application for reconsideration is refused”. He added: “This was and remains a case of considerable seriousness, complexity and notoriety. The terrible consequences of the brutal rapes and murders of two innocent girls will forever darken the lives of the families concerned.”
Lockdowns ‘unlikely’ to return Restrictions see a government scientist suggests surge in speeding
MORE than half of cars exceeded speed limits in towns and on motorways during 2020, even as roads were emptier due to the lockdown, official figures show. The Department for Transport’s (DfT) speed compliance figures for Great Britain in 2020 found that 53% of cars exceeded the limit on motorways while 56% broke the limit on 30mph roads. Some 12% of cars went faster than they should on national speed limit (NSL) single carriageways. During the pre Covid-19 and lockdown conditions of last year, there were 50% of cars which broke the speed limit on motorways in 2019, along with 9% of cars on national speed limit single carriageways and 54% on 30mph roads. The RAC said some drivers had taken advantage of quieter roads to drive ‘far faster than they would do in normal times’.
THE UK is unlikely to see a return to lockdowns and school suspensions even though winter will be ‘rough’, a Government scientific adviser has suggested. Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) and professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool, said he thought measures such as mask-wearing could be reintroduced over the winter to deal with a spike in Covid cases.
Miserable Professor Semple said the ‘winter bump’ of Covid cases would be ‘miserable’ due to a mixture of Covid-19 and the respiratory viruses that have not been seen for the last year as people stayed at home. Asked by reporters yesterday [Tuesday] whether restrictions would come back, he said: “Possibly, and it may just be about reinforcing some common sense. “It may be bringing back some mask-wearing in certain environments, but I don’t foresee the lockdowns or the school suspensions that we’ve seen.”
Prof Semple said he thought ‘there’s no right time to unlock’ but suggested it was ‘quite realistic’ that there could be up to 2,000 hospital admissions per day, as predicted in central modelling assumptions submitted to Sage. He added: “My big message to people now is sure we’ve weakened the link between community cases and hospital cases, but that link is not broken… it’s the people that are not vaccinated that are still coming to harm.” Of the people currently going into hospital, he said: “They’re nearly all unvaccinated, and what’s surprising is that although they’re not dying, they are suffering quite a lot of injuries, so we’re seeing a lot of kidney injuries and lung injuries in these younger people.” Prof Semple added that he would continue to wear a face mask ‘particularly in enclosed areas’. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that most mandatory restrictions will end next week, though he appealed to people to proceed with caution, adding that the pandemic “is not over”. Modelling for Sage shows that the peak of the third wave of Covid infection across England is not expected before mid-August and could lead to 1,000 to 2,000 hospital admissions.
Clean air council has to fine itself BIRMINGHAM City Council has issued 82 fines to its own vehicles for non-payment of a new clean air levy, following a problem with the payment system. The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) came into existence in the city centre on June 14, with charges coming into force for vehicles from July 14. The City Council has said it has issued 82 fines to vehicles owned by the authority since the scheme went live for non-payment of the zonal levy. It said the non-payment issue for its vehicles arose because the daily charge for fleet vehicles could only be paid through a type of business credit payment card – known as a PCard (Purchase Card) – used by the local authority. The council said: “The system can only take payment from a PCard. “There was an initial delay in organising additional PCards and them being issued to local managers.”
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
PM survives rebellion on his government cuts to foreign aid BORIS JOHNSON has narrowly survived a major rebellion over the Government’s plans to cut foreign aid spending. The PM was told his aid cuts will lead to deaths in some of the poorest parts of the world as he faced a Tory revolt over the policy. The Prime Minister defended the controversial move, insisting it was necessary to protect the public finances following the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Johnson opened a crunch Commons debate yesterday [Tuesday] on the decision to cut funding for official development assistance (ODA) from 0.7 per cent of gross national income to 0.5 per cent. He said the UK’s public finances were under a ‘greater strain than ever before in peacetime history’, adding: “Every pound we spend on aid has to be borrowed and, in fact, represents not our money but money that we’re taking from future generations.” Despite his comfortable working majority of at least 83, Mr Johnson faced a substantial rebellion in the vote which he was pressured into calling by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Among those who voted against the Government was former PM Theresa May. She had earlier told the Commons that for the first time in her political career she would rebel,
telling MPs the cut meant the Government ‘turns its back on the poorest in the world’. “This isn’t about palaces for dictators and vanity projects, it’s about what cuts to funding mean – that fewer girls will be educated, more girls and boys will become slaves, more children will go hungry and more of the poorest people in the world will die,” the former prime minister said.
Commitment The commitment to 0.7 per cent is written in law and was restated in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, but was ditched as the Government attempted to save money in response to the economic carnage caused by coronavirus. The 0.5 per cent level means £10billion will be spent on aid this year, about £4billion less than if the original commitment had been kept. A group of would-be rebels had earlier backed a ‘compromise’ put forward by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, which sets out tests for restoring the 0.7 per cent level. But former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell said the tests to restore funding had only been met once in the last 20 years. The MP for Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands said the plan put forward by the
Treasury was ‘no compromise at all’ but instead ‘a fiscal trap for the unwary’. “It is quite possible these conditions will never be met,” he said. He added that the Government was ‘trashing our international reputation’. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said the cut reduced UK influence around the world. “We are the only G7 country which is cutting our aid budget,” he said. “That is not the vision of global Britain we want to see on these benches and I don’t think it’s the vision of global Britain that many on the opposite benches want to see either.” Despite the opposition to the policy, the government succeeded in getting the bill passed the commons, which voted 333 for and 298.
Rashford mural repaired following racist vandalism A VANDALISED mural of England footballer Marcus Rashford has become a ‘symbol of love and solidarity’, the man behind the street artwork said after hundreds of well-wishers covered it with anti-racism messages of support. The mural in south Manchester, was defaced within hours of England’s loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, in what police are treating as a racist incident. Ed Wellard, the community street artist behind the mural, returned to repair the damage yesterday [Tuesday] – watched by dozens of supportive locals. The mural, on the side of a cafe in Withington, has seen hundreds of visitors leaving notes, flags, flowers
and banners in support of Marcus Rashford. As street artist Akse P19 put the finishing touches to the repairs to his mural, watched by dozens of locals and onlookers, Mr Wellard said: “There’s been an outpouring of kindness, love and solidarity and it’s really heartening. “It’s a lovely thing isn’t it? I watched the footage with my friends and saw those penalties being missed and all I felt was empathy and compassion for those young men, they’ve done themselves proud, on and off the pitch. “I gave my 11-year-old boy a hug because he was crying and I wanted to give the players a hug.” The word “f***” was scrawled over
the huge artwork and the words “shit” and “bastard” were also written beside the name “Sancho”, referencing another of the players who missed a penalty to give Italy victory in the Euro final.
Covering Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho, who all missed their penalty spot-kicks in the final, were targeted with racist abuse on social media after the game, escalating a political row about racism in both football and society. On Monday, Mr Wellard tried to paint over some of the abusive graffiti before covering the rest with bin bags before Akse could return to
make good on the damage. An online crowd-funder for the mural has now raised more than £30,000, which Mr Wellard said will be used for further artwork. He said he was upset at finding the vandalism and believes politicians need to “raise their game” on racism. He added: “It was horrible, I was a bit teared-up. I was upset about the result anyway and the scenes we had seen at Wembley and stuff, it felt like a dark day for English football. “And then to come out and see what had been written, it was repugnant, it was horrible.I wanted it covered before the kids went to school. No one should see that.”
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Education News
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EDUCATION Times School celebrates financial support award – and a call up for England’s U16s hockey team MP for Wealden Nus Ghani congratulates Beacon Academy in Crowborough on its successful funding bid in the week one of its pupils is selected for England’s hockey squad CONSERVATIVE MP NUS GHANI visited Beacon Academy last week to congratulate the secondary school on its successful bid for applications for the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). The CIF’s priority is to address significant ‘condition need’ in order to keep education providers’ buildings safe and in good working order for students and staff. Beacon Academy, a co-educational comprehensive school in Crowborough with two sites, had applied for funding for the renovation of its Sixth Form roof, and also funding for the continued upgrades to the secondary school’s fire alarm systems.
Support A Beacon Academy spokesperson said that Nus Ghani, the Conservative MP for Wealden, had been ‘instrumental’ in gaining the crucial development funding. “Ms Ghani and her team have been instrumental in supporting Beacon Academy on what has been a long journey to securing one bid in particular: to improve the roof at the school’s Sixth Form Centre. This process has been ongoing for almost four years and the successful outcome of the applications was confirmed last week.” Beacon Academy Headteacher, Anna Robinson, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the CIF for our Sixth Form Centre roof, and also the funding for phase two of the continued upgrades to our Fire Alarm System on both sites. “I am extremely grateful for the support from Nus and the teamwork it has taken to get to this
BUMPING FOR JOY Beacon Academy’s Anna Robinson (left) with MP Nus Ghani
stage. These improvements will make a huge difference to not only our students, but the students who attend Grove Park School on both of our Beacon Academy sites. We are looking forward to working alongside Nus and her team moving forward with our future applications to further enhance our facilities at Beacon Academy for our students and the wider community.”
“Ms Ghani and her team have been instrumental in supporting Beacon Academy” Earlier that week one of Beacon Academy’s older students has been selected for U16 England Girls Hockey Squad. Isabel, who is in Year 11, will now represent England as goalkeeper for the U16 Girls Hockey Squad. Having started at Crowborough Hockey Club, Isabel has been playing for four years and now plays for East Grinstead. The school’s Head of PE Mrs Carney, told the Times: “This is an amazing and well-deserved achievement for Isabel, who has been working incredibly hard in trials since October. “Isabel is an amazing sports woman who has always excelled in all sports. I am absolutely delighted with her selection for England – I could not be happier for her. I’m sure Isabel will go far. I will be watching and following her progress. We wish Isabel every success and hope to welcome her back to Beacon in the future!” Isabel will continue with weekend training camps and compete in matches against Wales and Scotland later this summer.
TEAM SPIRIT: Beacon Academy student Isabel has been selected for England’s U16s hockey team
2021 Christmas at Salomons Estate Tunbridge Wells a VEry BuBlÉ ChriSTmaS
OnE nighT in VEgaS
make it a Holly Jolly Christmas with the show that has Everything in it and will definitely leave you Feeling Good.
This December Salomons Estate is staging a number of Las Vegas themed party nights so you can celebrate in style with friends, family and colleagues. ‘One Night in Vegas’ Party Nights include: Glass of prosecco on arrival. 3 course choice festive menu. Casino tables. Disco and dancing until 1am. Dress to impress / Vegas Vibes.
£45
One night only Thursday 9th December 2020
Available Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays throughout December
Glass of prosecco on arrival. 2 course choice festive menu (main and dessert). Live singing from the ‘Bublé Experience’ tribute act. Disco and dancing until 1am Dress to impress.
TimiNGS Arrival from 7pm, 1am finish. Dinner service time will be confirmed nearer the time.
£49.50
per person Available for groups of 8 people or more. TimiNGS Arrival from 7pm, dinner served 7.30pm, live entertainment 9.30pm-11pm disco and dancing until 1am finish.
per person
FESTiVE aFTErnOOn TEaS Afternoon Tea is a special treat, and what better time to treat yourself and your family and friends during the Christmas season. Available 20th November-23rd December Traditional
£21.50 per person
Prosecco
£26.50 per person
Children’s
£11.50
(smaller portion, available for children aged 12 and under only)
24hr advance booking required, bookings cancelled on the day will be asked to pay 50%.
FESTiVE lunChES
DinE WiTh SanTa
Gather your friends, family, neighbours or colleagues and enjoy a festive lunch within our stunning country house, set within 36 acres of picturesque landscape, the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Sunday 12th December Enjoy a three course Sunday roast suitable for the whole family as Santa makes his way round to hear all your stories and Christmas wish lists.
Available 20th November-24th December Enjoy a two course or three course lunch from our festive lunch menu. 2 courses
£24.50 per person
3 courses
£29.50 per person
minimum numbers and venue hire charges apply for private dining. Drawing room (minimum 45 people) Theatre (minimum 70 people) Conservatory (minimum 20 people) Gold and Leighton (minimum 20 people)
COUNTRY HOUSE
Adults
£29.50 per person
Children
£16.00 per person
includes a gift from Santa for every child. Tables available between 12pm-4pm
To book please email reservations@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152
16
NEWS
Weekly Comment
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Mark Hood The Green Party in Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Mark Hood is a Green Party Borough and County Councillor, representing Tonbridge. He is a founder member of Keep River Lawn Green, and campaigned to save the Barden Boatyard and River Lawn from development. He is also one of the organisers of the Tonbridge Calling festival
A new broom for Councils or more of the same rubbish? THE new Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has a rather daunting in-tray awaiting him. His predecessor has bequeathed a Council which has proved incapable of the most basic function, emptying our bins. His previous employer, Tom Tugendhat MP (alongside fellow parliamentarians Greg Clark and Tracey Crouch) has approved year-on-year cuts in financial support for our councils in the name of austerity. This has forced Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Councils to agree a rock bottom price from Urbaser to collect our household waste. They placed cost above service, ignored the mounting horror stories from other authorities, and due diligence seems to have failed. The reality is that the price agreed with Urbaser was far too low and subsequently they are unwilling or incapable to meet the full requirements of the contract. There are further issues looming as the Government seeks to standardise waste management by local authorities. This could see the end of charges for disposing of garden waste, which has proven extremely lucrative for both councils. If this is the case it remains to be seen how the resultant shortfall in income can be resolved, TMBC’s Financial Director warned that Covid
would leave our finances “shot to pieces”. Rather embarrassingly, the Government actually over-compensated the Council for the expense of dealing with extra costs incurred through the pandemic, yet we are now told that the financial outlook is equally bleak and that savings or cuts to the tune of £2million are expected. Additionally, the Council has committed to drawing up a new Local Plan. We urge the new leadership to identify more brownfield sites, ask landowners to propose sites, and include Council-owned sites in the development plans.
Commerically
that a facility in Tonbridge should not emerge from the shell of the Angel Centre to deliver library, leisure, community, conference and office facilities under one roof and form the centrepiece of a community energy network to power itself and surrounding homes and businesses. There is also scope here for residential development and the consolidation
of acres of car parks onto a smaller footprint. It is time to leave the past where it belongs and embrace the opportunities ahead to achieve environmental and financial sustainability and create a safer, healthier borough for all. We are hugely ambitious for our town and community. It remains to be seen how the new administration matches us.
WASTED SERVICE Urbaser agreed a rock bottom price to provide waste services
We need to create the affordable and social housing that our residents desperately need, and which progressive councils are building themselves to generate long-term revenue streams. The previous administration’s obsession with selling off the council’s property assets must end, and a more commercially ambitious policy of self-development adopted. This should include the creation of a new Civic Centre to allow the Council’s own operations to be streamlined and resemble the more pragmatic approaches that other councils have adopted this century. We have seen the Civic Hub at Southborough take form and open and there is no reason
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LOCAL NEWSPAPERS
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
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Letters
NEWS
17
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG supermarket workers are under has left them questioning whether they are being treated fairly by their employer, including the disparity between their pay and that of their colleagues in distribution centres. Leigh Day is the leading expert in UK group claims and represents more than 50,000 shop workers from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons in one of the UK’s biggest equal pay cases. We understand that taking on a large company can be daunting but there is strength in numbers. It’s our hope that supermarket bosses will stop ignoring the voices of the tens of thousands of workers who say enough is enough. Emma Satyamurti Leigh Day
If only I was ‘almost bankrupt’
A fortnight ago, you reported the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council voicing the developers’ view that removal of the retail element might ‘unjam’ the development of the wasteland at the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Doubtless 130+ flats on the site would allow a juicier profit margin than 100 flats plus retail. Contrast this with John Lewis, who are planning on building 7,000 homes on their sites across the South East. Their property director, Chris Harris, told the Sunday Times at the weekend ‘Typically, a developer might try and maximise returns and then move on to the next one. We are not
Tonbridge’s Tom stands up to PM Just in case some of your readers missed this exchange in the House of Commons last week I thought I would offer a recap. Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat was quizzing PM Boris Johnson about the latest announcements on the Covid 19 restrictions. At one point Boris gave one of his usual bumbling, evasive answers to which the MP retorted: “I’m interested in your answers to my questions… not the ones you wish I had asked.” Clearly Tory Tom is not afraid to ruffle the political feathers of his Leader by expressing a view many hold. It might also stand him in good stead when he makes his own run for the keys to Number Ten, something insiders believe will one day happen. Can’t wait. Nicholas Henderson Tonbridge
trying to do that. We are aiming to charge a fair rent and to stay for the long haul.’ Oh, for a site owner with that attitude. But then John Lewis’ founder had had a moment of epiphany when he first realised that the salaries of himself, his brother and his father were the same amount of money as the combined salaries of everyone employed by the John Lewis stores, and so decided on the profit-sharing scheme still in place today. Not something the cinema site owners are about to emulate, even if they do get the chance to cram a few more flats on their site. Mrs Dariel Francis High Brooms
I was struck by a claim in your letter pages by an anonymous writer that when the Liberal Democrats ran Tunbridge Wells Borough Council from 1995-1998 that they ‘almost bankrupted the Council’. Checking the agenda for the Finance committee for February 8th, 1998, three months before the Liberal Democrats lost control, it states that ‘… the average funds available for investment in 1998/99 will be £54.7m.’ Jeff Bezos might regard this as being ‘almost bankrupt’ but I’m sure your readers would regard this as being more than financially secure. After 23 years of Conservative control, the reserves have been drained to a fraction of what they were in 1998. Cllr Trevor Poile Liberal Democrat
Summer is not always happy For lots of people, some of the happiest and
have had them so uniformly rejected. Could it be that the penny has not yet dropped, and the Tunbridge Wells Conservatives still don’t realise that what they’re offering is not what the great majority of the people in this borough want? Did he, for example, suggest that the Council do away with the old party political loyalties and their ideological agendas and biases, and just come together with a clean slate and devise a new set of policies as Tunbridge Wells citizens, as true representatives of the people rather than as ciphers of their parties? Perhaps they didn’t because they’re too terrified that letting light into the dark recesses of their twenty-year tenure, could put them out of local government for a generation to come. Robert Chris Tunbridge Wells
Why won’t parties work with Tories?
Salute supermarket workers
At the Full Council on July 7, I asked the Council Leader to justify the fact that there are no members of the opposition parties in the Cabinet and all the committee chairs are Conservatives, despite the Conservatives not having majority control of the Council and their 24 council members having been elected by only about a third of the electorate. His answer was that it was all the doing of the opposition parties for having rejected his approaches to work together. My kids used to use this excuse when they did something wrong, - it was always someone else’s fault. This answer begs the question of what was wrong with the approaches he was making to
The pandemic has been an unsettling and stressful time for us all, but while we have navigated this unprecedented time, one of the things that has remained constant is the hard work of supermarket shop floor workers who put themselves at an increased risk to keep our fridges and cupboards stocked. Distressingly, in a survey carried out by law firm Leigh Day, nine out of 10 supermarket shop floor workers said they are more aware of issues in the workplace such as equal pay after working on the frontline during the pandemic. Some of our clients told us that working during the pandemic made them feel unsafe, undervalued and unsupported. It’s unsurprising that the extra stress that
fondest childhood memories are from summer days. From beach holidays and camping adventures, to ice creams in the park with loved ones, summer is often associated with feelings of happiness, freedom and adventure. However, for many children and young people across the UK, the reality of this time of year can be very different. Though it can have its own challenges, school can provide a vital lifeline for many young people, often giving them a safe space in which to express themselves and to feel nurtured and supported. Without it, as we’ve seen over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, many can find themselves increasingly lonely, anxious and even unsafe. Summer holidays can also be a challenging time for disadvantaged families, as inequality becomes apparent through inadequate access to provisions and childcare, perhaps coupled with reduced income. That’s why at Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, we have launched our Unseen Summer campaign. We would like to ask your readers to help us to continue to support some of the country’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families by making a donation to Barnardo’s. The money will be spent on fun summer activities for children with disabilities, the disadvantaged and young carers who can feel isolated at home caring for parents or siblings. It will also support mental health and wellbeing services, provide food parcels for those in need and help protect those at risk of abuse and exploitation. You can find out more and make a donation at www.barnardos.org.uk/unseensummer. Emma Bowman South East Regional Director, Barnardo’s
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Cinema site owners should look to John Lewis
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Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Interiors Opulent and oh so elegant
Singer Paloma Faith showcases her new interiors collection Page 22
Sign of the times
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Stamp duty ends and house prices now drop
Page 21
Homes & Interiors
Property Focus NEW S
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
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House prices fall as stamp duty holiday ends THE average house price has dropped for the first time since January, new figures suggest. According to a new index by Halifax, the drop of 0.5 per cent occurred in July and has shown that the peak of buyer demand – accelerated by the stamp duty tax holiday¬– is now likely to have passed. But typical property values were still more than £21,000 higher than a year earlier, the bank said. The price drop in June meant annual house price inflation eased back slightly from May’s 14-year high of 9.6% to 8.8%.
‘The price of a detached home has risen faster than any other property type over the past 12 months’ In June in Tunbridge Wells, the average property price was £549,785 according property website Rightmove. Comparatively, across the UK, the average house price in June was £260,358 according to the index. The stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland is now being tapered, before being phased out completely in the autumn. The “nil rate” stamp duty band shrank from £500,000 to £250,000 from July 1, prompting a rush of buyers trying to beat the deadline, and it will revert to its normal level of £125,000 from October 1.
SUNSET The sun goes down on the Stamp Duty tax holiday
Russell Galley, managing director, Halifax said: “With the stamp duty holiday now being phased out, it was predicted the market might start to lose some steam entering the latter half of the year, and it’s unlikely that those with mortgages approved in the early months of summer expected to benefit from the maximum tax break, given the time needed to complete transactions. “That said, with the tapered approach, those purchasing at the current average price of £260,358 would still only pay about £500 in stamp duty at today’s rates, increasing to around £3,000 when things return to normal from the start of October. “Government support measures over the
last year have helped to boost demand, particularly amongst buyers searching for larger family homes at the upper end of the market.
Expensive “Indeed, the average price of a detached home has risen faster than any other property type over the past 12 months, up by more than 10% or almost £47,000 in cash terms. “At a cost of over half a million pounds, they are now £200,000 more expensive than the typical semi-detached house. “That power of home-movers to drive the market, as people look to find
properties with more space, spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, won’t fade entirely as the economy recovers. “Coupled with buyers chasing the relatively small number of available properties, and continued low borrowing rates, it’s a trend which can sustain high average prices for some time to come.” Looking across the UK, Halifax said Wales (12.0%) continues to lead the way for annual house price growth, registering its strongest performance since April 2005. Northern Ireland (11.5%), the North West (11.5%), Yorkshire and Humberside (10.9%) and Scotland (10.4%) also registered double-digit gains. For Northern Ireland and Scotland, the annual price rises were the highest recorded since late 2007, while for the North West and Yorkshire, price inflation was the strongest since early 2005, the report said. At the other end of the scale, the South of England continues to lag somewhat, with eastern England and the South East recording price inflation rates of around 7%, Halifax said. In London, property values were up by just 2.9% year on year, with several unique factors weighing on the market there, the report added. Mr Gardner said UK house prices ‘would still expect annual growth to have slowed somewhat more by the end of the year’ as unemployment is expected to rise.
What goes up must come down, say industry professionals… ACCORDING to industry experts, the minor dip in prices was an inevitable conclusion to Stamp duty holiday. Matthew Cooper, Founder & Managing Director of Yes Homebuyers explained: “Cracks are starting to appear across the UK property market and the unsustainable rates of house price growth seen since the introduction of the stamp duty holiday are starting to give way to negative movement. “This is hardly surprising given the quick-fix nature of the government’s approach. “Rather than addressing the housing crisis head-on, they’ve once again chosen to stimulate prices in the short term by increasing the imbalance between supply and demand, so that when the dust
settles there are at least some positive indicators of economic performance during the pandemic.” Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, added: “What goes up, inevitably comes down again and it’s simply unrealistic to expect house prices to continue climbing at such an unheard-of rate forever. “Of course, the tapered end of the stamp duty holiday will bring about a natural market correction, but the proof in the pudding is the annual rate of growth which sits at nearly nine per cent. “The market remains in a very strong position and while we may see the rate of growth continue to cool, this is a world away from a substantial drop in market values.”
Location, location, location is key to first time buyer success ON THE COAST The South East is second only to London as the most expensive place to buy a first home
NEW research has revealed that on average, first time buyers in Tunbridge Wells will pay over £50,000 than average in the South East. The South East is second only to London as the most expensive place to buy a first home and buyers pay on average £272,380, according to analysis of the Land Registry House Price Index conducted by national estate agency, Keller Williams. The Times reported on July 7 that – according to the UK house price index – the average first time buyer in Tunbridge Wells spends £332,387 on their home which is around £50,000 higher than the average of the South East. CEO of Keller Williams, Ben Taylor explained how there can be such a disparity: “It all comes back to that overused phrase: Location, Location, Location. It’s a cliche for a reason. “For first-time buyers, location might be more important than anything else, not least for those who are looking for so-called starter homes but don’t want to move too far away from the workplaces or communities they have come to love.
“It’s great, therefore, to be able to show that amazing deals can still be found without having to sacrifice too much on your desired location. He continued: “We live on a small island and this data shows how we have incredibly varied housing markets situated next door to one another. First-time buyers don’t have to compromise too much on their desired location in order to land a great deal.
Affordable “Furthermore, it’s interesting to see how cities are falling out of favour with first-time buyers as a result of changing work patterns and life choices brought on by the Covid pandemic. “In the South East, for example, where one would naturally assume the most affordable areas to also be the most rural, we see the opposite is now true. “It’s clear that first-time buyers no longer want to live in the hustle and bustle of big cities, but still want easy access to them when needed.”
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Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
At home with
Paloma Faith as she launches her first interiors label
Sam Wylie-Harris chats to the singer about her style influences, and why she takes the same approach with decor as she does with her outfits
O
pulent glamour, vintage chinoiserie and romantic noirs influenced by the cinematic works of Wong Karwai, deserve to be showcased with a flourish. And as someone who likes to feel “every minute of every day is beautiful”, Paloma Faith knows how to channel her love of retro bohemia and vintage style – whether that’s with her scene-stealing outfits on stage, or her home style. In-between finishing albums and filming projects – she’s set to tour her fifth album, Infinite Things in September – the singersongwriter has just launched Paloma Home (palomahome.com), a blueprint for the personal style reflected in her own London townhouse. “It’s inspired by the way I decorated my own house,” says Faith, who turns 40 later in July. “Because I’m never at home and usually on tour pre-Covid, I tend to take pictures of a space and then imagine it in my mind and put everything together while I’m away,” she adds. “And when I get back, it’s all done and I just pray that it works – and it usually does.” Her debut line features three collections – Spiced Up, Rock N’Roll and Lady Muck – to help you create a ‘beautifully bohemian set up’. With 10 house prints, including Pouncing Tigers and Oriental Leaves & Birds, there’s eye-catching bedding, a parade of striking scatter cushions,
furnishings and wallpapers – all with a hint of luxe and prices starting from £21 for a ruffle cushion. Faith says she’s applied the same ethos as she takes with costumes and clothing. “The way I do it is like putting an outfit together, like every room is an outfit, and I’ve made this range to be that way. A collection with inter-changeable pieces,” she explains.
‘I enjoy looking for old things, and I never go to a city without having a quick look through vintage homewares and clothes’ “Almost like when a designer makes a capsule collection and you buy every bit of it, and then mix and match. I would say it’s probably more of a curation than a design, more about curating prints that shouldn’t be friends, but for some reason are.” As well as being her favourite eras, Faith sees the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies as the heyday of design. “When you look back at the way everything flowed, the clothing, the interiors, there wasn’t really a differentiation between the
two things, it was a lifestyle.” Chatty, fun and a self-confessed maximalist, Faith says her love of thrift shops and shopping started when she was in her early-20s. “My mother and father were very much into minimalism. They were both young in the Sixties, when white walls and trying to make a house look as empty as possible was the trend. “So it was all about the opposite of maximalism. But my father’s mother, who was Spanish and Catholic, just loved tat, which I think is where it might have come from. Lots of Spanish Catholic influence, hoarding ornaments and stuff. And my mum and dad were always culling, throwing things out and saying this place is too full up. “Whereas I became the opposite,” Faith states. “I really enjoy looking for old things, and over the years, travelling and everything, I never go to a city without having a quick look through vintage homewares and clothes, to bring stuff back.” As every maximallist knows, there’s always room for more stuff. “Like the other day, I sort of secretly bought some life-sized ceramic dogs for my house, two of them. And I didn’t mention it to my boyfriend, who hates the fact I constantly buy and believe more is more. “They arrived and he texted me: ‘Two life-sized ceramic dogs just arrived Paloma, what are you doing? Where are they going to go?’ I said,
Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
VINTAGE BOTANICALS Black Wallpaper, from £35 per roll
‘There’s plenty of room, I’ll sort it out when I get home’, and he was so annoyed with me!,” quips the musician, who lives with her partner, French artist Leyman Lahcine, and their two children. “I was like, ‘Oh sorry’, trying to keep it light, but he was so irritated. He was like, ‘This is ridiculous now!’” Fortunately, she’s found a place for them. “They’re outside my daughter’s bedroom, because I told her they would guard the room for her.” Along with her passion for music, her love of films and romantic noirs – by acclaimed director Wong Ka-wei – first influenced her when she was a student. “I was doing a masters when I was 21 at Central Saint Martins and I became obsessed by him then.”
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ORIENTAL LEAVES £35 per roll, Leopard Print Sofa, from £4,399
‘’m already trying to imagine which piece of furniture from my home I can get rid of, so I can make space for the tiger print sofa’ Film fans might be familiar with Faith’s favourite film, the romantic drama 2046, set in China in the Sixties (the sequel to In The Mood For Love). “It was all very saturated and romantic, with loads of vintage to fit in with the Shanghai Sixties look. It stayed with me for years,” she recalls. “When I started to do up my own house, the first one, I looked for that wallpaper [from the movie] and couldn’t find it,” Faith recalls. “I’m very good at sourcing things, so it wasn’t for lack of trying. And so the next time, when I bought after that, I tried to look again and still couldn’t find it.” Determined to make this vision a reality, she admits her Oriental Leaves Red Wallpaper was one of the first prints in the new range to be brought to life. “I’m over the moon I’ll finally be able to admire it in my own home.” Lady Muck features more of a ladylike palette. “I can just imagine someone sitting with a powder puff, that’s where the name comes from,
and it’s got that pastel-y, very feminine look,” notes Faith. Rock N’Roll, meanwhile, with its leopard print seating, sparks thoughts of sultry backstage sets and a cocktail of style statements – but you can create your own story. “I feel like leopard and tiger, to me, are a neutral colour. Very much a staple, almost like a black T-shirt, so it plays around with that,” Faith continues of the collection. “And also, with Rock N’Roll, it’s got that uninhibited, leaning towards not really caring whether things go together or not…”
And if she had to pick just one piece? “It would be the tiger print sofa,” says Faith. “It’s with the same fabric as the cushions and bedding. I’m already trying to imagine which piece of furniture from my home I can get rid of, so I can make space for it.” And another bonus? No need to worry about little ones and sticky fingers mucking up your plush furnishings. “The good thing about this range is there’re so many patterns and clashes, you probably won’t notice any stains at all,” says Faith. “So just go for it and let the kids draw all over it. You won’t be able to see it!” VINTAGE CHINOISERIE Jade Wallpaper, £35 per roll
ORIENTAL BIRDS £35 per metre from Paloma Home
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Food & Culture
Rich pickings
Penshurst Farmers’ Market celebrates a sweet 16 birthday
Page 28
Murder he wrote
Crime novelist William Shaw on why he chose Tunbridge Wells as a key location for his latest book Page 27
& h t l a e H g n i e b l l We TURE FEA
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Food & Culture
arts
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Word up!
This Friday (July 16) local parent and baby support group Baby Umbrella is hosting a live poetry session – via Zoom to raise funds. Eileen Leahy discovers more about this virtual event aiming to support young families
D
URING the past year and a half of the Covid crisis we’ve been forced to swap seeing friends and family in the flesh or going out to venues, to relying on all kinds of technology to keep in touch. And despite slowly rebuilding our social lives thanks to the easing of restrictions, there are some takeaways from the three lockdowns that a number of us are willing to keep going. One such thing is virtually taking part in events. Being able to still participate in something without
having to worry about babysitters or getting glammed up (although the latter is of course optional!) has seen a lot of people sticking to screenbased entertainment over the past few months.
Support One local organisation that has decided to Zoom a very special night is Baby Umbrella, a breast feeding and early-parenting support for new mums and dads of newborns all the way up to pre-schoolers across West Kent.
Having previously operated under two separate services: Kent Baby Matters West Kent and Baby Cafe Tunbridge Wells, in 2021 the two groups came together to form one new and comprehensive service for Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. Over the numerous lockdowns the group which runs both appointment and group sessions – has found that keeping in touch virtually has become quite a convenient way to still be part of something. “It has been very difficult for parents to come out and meet other families during the pandemic so a Zoom event enables everyone to attend, even with a tiny baby in arms,” say organisers Nicola Kirkwood (below left) and Laura Shtaingos (below right). Both Nicola, who is a Baby Umbrella Trustee and Laura, its director and breastfeeding counsellor, are passionate about using creativity and writing to process their journey through motherhood. “We love writing about our own experiences and reading about those of others,” they explain. “We have found this a huge source of support and comfort through what can be a rollercoaster journey, bringing a child into the world and
“We will be welcoming a wonderful group of inspiring poets from around the country who will be sharing their writings inspired by motherhood” figuring out how to be a parent.” Nicola and Laura add that one of Baby Umbrella’s objectives is to provide parents with opportunities to come together in groups and share their experiences together. But obviously the coronavirus put paid to all that last year. Hence the idea for Mum’s Poetry Night In was born. The event, which takes place on Friday July 14 from 8pm, will showcase local wordsmith Natalie Thomas along with a number of other
Food & Culture
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
poets including Ana Sampson who has edited eight different poetry anthologies including She is Fierce and Night Feeds and Morning Songs, Debra Alma of Keele University and Catherine Ball who is a GP by day and poet by night. “The advantage of hosting on Zoom is that we can also welcome poets from around the country to join us,” say Nicola and Laura.
Fun The Mum’s Poetry Night in Zoom will raise money for Baby Umbrella support services and provide parents with additional ways to come together. “We hope to raise several hundred pounds from this event and every single penny raised will go towards our services supporting local families in West Kent with breastfeeding and early parenting.”
“We hope to raise several hundred pounds from this event and every single penny raised will go to Baby Umbrella” So how will the event take shape on the night? “We will be welcoming a wonderful group of inspiring poets from around the country who will be sharing their writings inspired by motherhood. “There will also be an open mic section when participants will be invited to read their own work. Hosted via Zoom, our poets will be reading their work and we’ll be discussing the benefits of writing about motherhood, how to get started as well as taking your questions. This will be an unforgettable evening not to be missed!” Baby Umbrella’s Mum’s Poetry Night In is on Friday July 16 at 8pm on Zoom. Tickets cost £8 and can be bought via https://babyumbrella. as.me/poetry
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Who’s on the bill for Mum’s Poetry Night: Discover which female poets you can hear recite their work on Friday GRACE PILKINGTON is a writer and poet who focuses on mental illness, women’s issues and motherhood. She performs at literary nights across the UK, has recited her work on the BBC World Service and appeared at literary festivals including Hay and Port Eliot.
NATALIE THOMAS: a poet and singer from Tunbridge Wells. Originally from the Midlands, she has lived in the South of England for so long now her accent is as mashed as her tea. ANA SAMPSON: has edited eight poetry anthologies, including I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (the third bestselling poetry title of 2009), She is Fierce (a number one Amazon category bestseller) and Night Feeds and Morning Songs, a collection of poetry about motherhood. CATHERINE BELL: is a mum to a nearly six year-old girl and a two year old boy and works as a GP, writing bits of poetry on her phone when she gets a few seconds to herself. Her professional interests include women’s perinatal health, so she is really pleased to be able to support Baby Umbrella. DEBORAH ALMA: is a UK poet who teaches Creative Writing at Keele University
GITA RALLEIGH: is a writer and NHS doctor born to Indian immigrant parents in London. She has been published by The Emma Press, Magma Poetry and The Rialto. Her debut poetry collection A Terrible Thing was published by Bad Betty Press in 2020.
and has worked for years as a writer in the community. As ‘Emergency Poet’ she administered poetry on prescription
from her vintage ambulance. She is editor of Emergency Poet - an anti-stress poetry anthology, #Me Too and
Ten Poems of Happiness. She also co-edited These Are the Hands - Poems from the Heart of the NHS with with Dr Katie Amiel.
KATHARINE PERRY: writes poetry, mainly about her experiences of motherhood. She founded The Mum Poem Press in July 2020 to connect, support and encourage other mums doing the same. She runs the Mum Poet Club, a writing group for parents who write poetry.
“Tunbridge Wells is just the perfect place to hide deceit and skulduggery” Acclaimed novelist William Shaw has just published the fourth book in his long-running series of DS Alexandra Cupidi crime books. Entitled The Trawlerman, some of it is set in Tunbridge Wells. Here William explains why he chose our town as a key location...
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confess, that though I write books that are set in the county, I’m not a Kent native. I live in Sussex, just across the border. But the more I learn about the place, the more I realise what a unique county it is, stretching from the busy outskirts of London, to the lonely shores of Dungeness. Dungeness, which I write about a lot, couldn’t feel further away from the capital. It feels like another world entirely.
changes its character entirely. I love the idea of my protagonist, Alex Cupidi, a Londoner by birth, driving around this unfamiliar, giant county, discovering new places in it just as I have. The Trawlerman brings her to Tunbridge Wells - in particular to the lush countryside around it. If it’s a county that can be a little rough around the edges, Tunbridge Wells and places like Bewl Water and Sissinghurst show a more stately, calmer side. Here Kent lives up to its reputation of being the ‘Garden of England’. Among the impressive parks and country houses, there is a sense here of a timeless, unspoiled part of England.
“Tunbridge Wells and places like Bewl Water and Sissinghurst show a stately side to the county of Kent” Kent’s coasts, on which The Trawlerman and my other books that feature Detective Sergeant Alexandra Cupidi are set, face out to Europe. They are as close as Britain gets to having a real borderland. These shores have been contested territory, defended against invasion by Iron Age forts, invaded by Romans, Picts and Jutes. They are lined with Napoleonic fortifications and canals and Second World War concrete. When I researched The Trawlerman I travelled out to sea passing over wrecks of Spitfires and Dorniers. These days they are the shore on which refugees attempt to land their inflatables. But inland things soften and the county
Reputation
MURDER HE WROTE: Crime writer William Shaw
Which is useful, when it comes to writing crime. I hope the people of Tunbridge Wells won’t mind me saying, that its environs are exactly the kind of place that no reader would expect anything really nasty to happen. This is a more orderly territory than Kent’s coasts. The Pantiles has a reputation for being … well, very nice. So, of course, they’re the perfect place to hide deceit and skulduggery, which is precisely what Alex Cupidi hopes to discover there. (I’m not the first to use this ruse. Sherlock Holmes did something similar, when making his mysterious ‘cyclist from Tunbridge Wells’ both the suspect and the victim in his story The Valley of Fear.) The fact is, crime writers love to make bad things happen in beautiful places. It’s part of the fun of it.
Don’t worry. It turns out in my plot, Tunbridge Wells is safe. Just as Sherlock Holmes’ cyclist turns out not to be the murderer at all, what goes on near Tunbridge Wells turns out to be… well, I won’t tell you. You’ll have to read the book for yourselves. And maybe if you do, The Trawlerman will eventually end up on the bookshelves of Hall’s Books on Chapel Place - one of the best secondhand bookshops I’ve ever visited. And, thinking about it, probably not a bad place to make a murder happen either. The Trawlerman, by William Shaw is published by riverrun and out now priced from £6.55
Food & Culture
food
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Celebrating the value of this local farmers’ market Award-winning Penshurst Farmers’ Market has a lot to celebrate. In addition to turning sweet sixteen recently it has also been voted by the Daily Telegraph as one of the best markets to visit this summer. Here its chair, cook and published author Mary Gwynn tells us why it is so special
T
HE FIRST Penshurst Farmers’ Market was held on Saturday June 4 2005 so we have just recently celebrated its 16th birthday. The original plan was to officially mark our 15th anniversary last year but due to the pandemic this wasn’t possible.
“Our aim is to have the highest quality of locally produced foods, sold by the same people who make the food” The market was originally set up by a group of Penshurst residents and I joined the committee in 2007. I’m now the chair of the organising committee and took the role on in early 2018. Our market manager
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mary Gwynn with a celebratory cake
since mid 2018 is Sibyl Van Praag. She has been a key person in the development and success of the market, as she is responsible for its smooth operation and organising of producers and stall holders. We trade monthly in the carpark of Penshurst Place and are open from 9.30am to midday. Because of Covid and the necessary social distancing we have had to reduce the number of stall holders we usually have so we have gone down from around 30 stalls a month to about 23. In addition to our regulars there are always a few seasonal stalls such as asparagus and soft fruit in the summer and Kent turkeys and geese in the run up to Christmas. All our producers come from a 35-mile radius and we only accept local producers who grow or make and sell their own produce. Currently we have a waiting list of stalls and are approached several times a week by interested parties
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
but we don’t really want to double up on stalls as our aim is to have the highest quality of locally produced foods, sold by the same people who make the food. We have plenty of customers who have been coming to the market since it first opened. It’s a very social occasion with families enjoying the market and trying foods when we are allowed to offer tastings. We are also dog friendly! In normal times, we are always very busy in the autumn and the run up to Christmas and then again at Easter and spring. Things traditionally quieten down during the summer holidays but that may be different this year. We have seen more and more visitors since the pandemic, going from 350 when we reopened last July to 750 at Christmas and then 850 in April!
Quality I think the key reason why Penshurst Farmers’ Market has proven to be so successful is that we focus on quality and local producers, but we are also a very friendly place to come and shop. If you go to a market in France or Spain that is what people expect to find but here often stalls at local UK markets come from a wide range of places and the person selling the food is not involved in its production or knowledgeable about how and where it is made. We are strict about that, and it pays off. We know our customers come for both the quality and range of food and drink but also the chat and smiles. We sell everyday ingredients such as eggs, flour and milk alongside more expensive treats so aim to offer something for everyone. The Penshurst Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30am-12pm in Penshurst Place Car Park, Penshurst Place, Penshurst, NR, Tonbridge TN11 8DG
Penshurst’s most popular stalls:
Arcade Fisheries - Paul is our fishmonger from Hastings and with us since we first opened, because of the incredible quality of the fish and its local sourcing
and coffee and walnut cakes. Her home-made mince pies and Christmas cakes and puddings sell very well at Christmas
The Bakehouse at 124 - the sourdough bakery in Tonbridge joined us a year ago and they sell out every month. Everything is made from scratch by them in their bakery and is of wonderful quality - the almond croissants are divine
Hoopers Farm - they have been with us a long time and specialise in rare breed grass-fed lamb and beef from a local family farm just outside Edenbridge. You are always guaranteed superb meat that’s ethically and sustainably raised
Debra’s Cakes and Bakes - Debra makes all the traditional cakes and biscuits herself. Customers particularly love her Battenberg
Winterdale Farm - this producer from Wrotham brings its awardwinning Winterdale Shaw cheese and its own butter and milk
Open Air & Socially Distanced
www.heverfestival.co.uk
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Praise from the Daily Telegraph last month... This is what the national newspaper had to say about our local market: “This award-winning farmers’ market, held on the first Saturday of each month, exclusively holds stalls from within a 35-mile radius, ensuring the best in freshness and seasonality. Even the fish, which comes from Hastings, is on point. “It feels like a proper farmers’
market should, as in it only sells food, drink and plants (no crafts),” says chef and food writer Julie Friend. “All the sellers are the actual producers or growers and can tell you every fine detail you need to know. It’s also in the most stunning setting in the grounds of Penshurst Place, so it’s very easy on the eye.”
The best farmers’ markets to visit in the UK this summer These fresh fruit and vegetable markets offer more than just great produce. Here are the best ones to explore this summer
July - August
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‘Why go to London in the summer when you can go to the Festival Theatre at beautiful Hever Castle?’
Food & Culture
food
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Challenge yourself to create a taste of Italy using inspiration from this book
LIVE
Three pudding aficionados put chef and food writer Letitia Clark’s new cookbook, La Vita è Dolce, through its sweet culinary paces...
I
T doesn’t look like many of us are going to get to spend a long, lazy holiday in Italy this summer, eating ice-cream-stuffed brioche for breakfast, perfectly ripe peaches for lunch, and mountains of creamy, boozy tiramisu for dinner, ahem, dessert. There’s still a slight sliver of hope, but if the anticipation is liable to leave you sad and restless, it might be wise to throw open your own kitchen windows, don a red and white checked apron, locate an Italian radio station on your phone, and capture a little continental charm right here. We recommend grabbing a copy of England-born, Sicily-based food writer Letitia Clark’s new collection, La Vita è Dolce, dedicated solely to ‘Italianinspired desserts’. Gladly, we had a go at three recipes – a sponge, a chocolate fridge cake and a sorbet. Here’s what we learned… Ella Walker tried: Caramelised apricot, almond and orange blossom upside-down cake I shall admit upfront, I had a bit of a mare with this one. It began with ordering a new and unfamiliar pan (Clark specifies using one that is 23cm/9in and all of mine were too
small), forgetting to grease said pan properly (in my defence, I baked on the hottest day of the year and my butter was in molten revolt), and then absolutely not getting the hang of caramel. Combine this with a poor
down cake was a triumph in taste, if not in structural integrity. It all began so well. The sponge is a doddle. Spiked with orange blossom water – track a bottle down in Middle Eastern deli-shops or order online – the batter is laced with almonds and yoghurt, making it super light and, once all the fruit has soaked into it, suitably sweet, sodden and syrupy. The problems kicked in when I realised the recommended seven to eight apricots
‘The first go, the sugar wouldn’t caramelise, it just bubbled mockingly’
flip-and-catch action, a lack of patience (did I mention how hot it was?) and the result is the shocking image you see above. However, I will say that this higgledypiggledy, very upside down upside-
would not nearly be enough for the topping (I added in the segments of a satsuma that was on its last legs), followed by two attempts at making caramel. The first go, the sugar wouldn’t caramelise, it just bubbled mockingly at me. The second batch eventually started to change colour, but I panicked because it was sticking to the sides of the pan and whacked it in the cake tin too soon, where it crystallized palely. I hoped for the best and shoved the lot in
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Caramelised apricot upside-down cake recipe, with almond and orange blossom
the oven for 45 minutes regardless. It was on its re-emergence that I flipped it and the whole middle of the cake leapt into a jumble… There was no rescuing the look of it, but it was ridiculously good eaten straight from the tin, or later for breakfast with a dollop of yoghurt. Next time, I solemnly swear to grease the pan. Lisa Salmon tried: Chocolate, hazelnut and sour cherry salame I picked this recipe for two main reasons. One, it sounded like something my kids would love, and two, it looked easy to make. I was right on both counts. Often when you’re following a recipe, the preparation can be far more time-consuming than anticipated, but in this case there was no hidden fiddly-ness: crushing the biscuits and roasted hazelnuts with a rolling pin was quick
‘Few things are more refreshing than a cool sorbet on a sticky, hot summer’s day’ and easy, and I was glad Clark pointed out the biscuit pieces needed to be larger than just crumbs, or I almost certainly would have over-bashed my Hob-Nobs. Mixing the sugar, butter and eggs together with an electric mixer was also unproblematic, and all you do then is stir in the chocolate, cocoa, fruit and nuts and you’re ready to roll, literally. Even hand-rolling the mixture in cling-film was easy (and quite satisfying). And Clark is quite right, the salame you’re left with is obscenely large (but neither I nor the kids were complaining). Our verdict on the chocolate salame? Delicious. Clark does suggest adding a splash of booze to the mixture, and if I make it again I’ll definitely be popping in a glug of rum or Amaretto, for extra deliciousness. Prudence Wade tried: Peach and basil sorbet
Ingredients: (Serves 8–10)
Few things are more refreshing than a cool sorbet on a sticky, hot summer’s day. We were having blistering weather, so I thought it was high time to try this delicious-sounding peach and basil recipe – but obviously, I cracked out my ice-cream machine on the day it suddenly started pouring with rain. I persevered regardless (all in the name of sorbet) – and am glad I did. While you can’t go wrong with classic lemon sorbet, peach transports you to Tuscany, and the hint of basil is a delightful background note (and not overpowering, as I worried it might be). The recipe itself is simple – all you have to do is make a sugar syrup, add the basil, and pour it over some macerated peaches. Once that’s infused for a few hours, you sieve the mixture and pour it into an ice-cream machine. In just 15 minutes, I had sorbet that tasted fully professional – sweet and absolutely satisfying, even if it wasn’t quite the weather for it. It’s easy if you have an ice-cream machine, and even though Clark gives directions for how to make it without the expensive kit, that really would be more of a faff. La Vita è Dolce by Letitia Clark is published by Hardie Grant, priced £26. Photography by Charlotte Bland. Available now.
Vive la France!
Bonjour, wine lover. Just as it’s inconceivable to think of France without wine, so it’s an impossibility to think of the wine world without France. As the three-week-long Tour de France reaches its climax this weekend and the nation commemorates today’s Bastille Day – known better in France as ‘la Fête Nationale’ or ‘le Quatorze Juillet’ – our expert James Viner raises a glass to France with four sophisticated celebratory Gallic wines that don’t cost the earth 1) MUST-TRY BARGAIN SO-CALLED “MUSCADET OF THE SOUTH” Specially Selected Picpoul de Pinet 2020 (£5.99, Aldi) Every summer wine rack should have a Picpoul, a refreshingly inexpensive dry white from the warm eastern half of the Languedoc, or two. The grape variety thrives in the largest white-wine producing area in a triangle formed by the towns of Agde, Pézenas and Sète. Brimming with zesty lemon peel, grapefruit, melon, and hawthorn blossom charm, this is a useful fridge door summer aperitif. Lap up this brisk bargain white – it’s ace with seafood and shellfish. I especially love it with oysters, fish and chips, crab linguine, and moules marinières. See you at Aldi. Alc 12.5%
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2) ROSÉ WINE CHAMPION FROM BORDEAUX Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve Bordeaux Rosé 2020, France (£9.50, The Wine Society) Everyone will enjoy this summery sip,
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For the apricots: n 15g (½oz) butter, plus extra for greasing n 7–8 apricots n 140g (41/2oz/⅔ cup) sugar n 60ml (4tbsp) water n 1tbsp lemon juice (use the same lemon for the zest) For the cake: n 175g (6oz) butter, softened, plus extra to grease n 175g (6oz) caster (superfine) sugar n A pinch of sea salt n Zest of 1 lemon n 3 eggs n 100g (3½oz/¾ cups, plus 2tbsp) 00 or plain (all-purpose) flour n 100g (3½oz/1 cup) ground almonds (almond meal) n 100ml (3 ½fl oz/scant ½ cup) yoghurt, plus extra to serve n 2tsp baking powder n 1tbsp orange blossom water n Mascarpone, to serve (optional) Method:
stirring to dissolve the sugar. Watch carefully until the mixture turns a light coffee colour, swirling occasionally to make sure the caramelisation is even. When the mixture is caramel coloured, remove from the heat. 4. Add the butter and turn the heat down to low, stirring until it all comes together. Add the lemon juice and stir well. You should now have a smooth caramel. 5. Pour the liquid caramel into the lined cake tin and smooth it out to form an even layer. Add the apricots, placing them close to each other, cut-side down. 6. For the cake, in a mixing bowl and using an electric mixer (or in the bowl of a stand
mixer), cream the butter and sugar with the salt and lemon zest until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one by one, until incorporated. Add the flour and the ground almonds and mix again. Finally add the yoghurt, baking powder and the orange blossom water. Stir to form a smooth batter, then ladle into the prepared tin. 7. Smooth the top, then bake in the oven for 45–50 minutes, until golden and risen. Allow to cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve with yoghurt or a blob of mascarpone. Note: If you can’t find apricots or they aren’t in season, you can use tinned ones, which work surprisingly well.
1. Grease a 23cm (9in) cake tin with butter and line with baking parchment. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350 F/Gas 4). 2. Halve the apricots and remove the stones. Set aside. 3. Put the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat gently, swirling the pan rather than
which makes an exquisite pale, bone-dry substitute for Provençal pink. Think summer berries, floral and stone fruit aromas, with zippy acidity refreshing a delicate but nuanced palate of strawberry and raspberry and a cherry jam note appearing on the finish. Impressive complexity for the price. Great as an aperitif or with any fresh seafood dish. Hugely digestible, fresh and bright-fruited, no wonder it’s a ‘Wine Champion’ and bestseller at The Wine Society (WS) — and it gets my summer party vote. A pink dazzler that ticks every box! Spanish oenophiles meanwhile should add a bottle or two of Viña Zorzal Garnacha Rosado Navarra 2020 (£8.25) to their next WS order. It’s another sub-£10 must-buy WS (darker) rosé. Don’t miss out. Alc 12.5% 3) RAVISHING ROUSSILLON RED FROM VINEYARDS IN THE HIGH AGLY VALLEY OF THE PYRÉNÉESORIENTALES DEPARTMENT M. Chapoutier, Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge 2018, Côtes du Roussillon Villages (£9.90£11.90, Cellar Selected, The Drink Shop, Jaded Palates) The in-between province of Roussillon did not become completely part of France until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, which ended the FrancoSpanish War. Like Perpignan, the second city of Catalonia (after Barcelona), it still stands alone, proud and free. Be first in the queue for this classy Roussillon red made from a fleshy blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. With velvety tannins and just enough clove spice-scented, herby and smoky black cherry and blackberry fruit, it’s a winner. Great vitality. Lovely. Just the ticket for your Sunday roast or to accompany barbecued food. Alc 14%
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4) TOUCHSTONE NON-KIWI SAUVIGNON BLANC – CHEERS TO THE LOIRE! Tesco Finest Sancerre 2020, Loire (£14, Tesco) Load up your trolley with this cracking value, impeccably-judged, citrus, stone fruit and mineral-rich Loire sauvignon blanc. A terrific wine for simply grilled fish such as sea bass, fresh crab, smoked salmon, picnics, fresh oysters, when in season, and I also like it with St-Marcellin and goat’s cheese. Tailor-made for an alfresco supper. Chic with uplifting refreshment, this sings from the glass. Very fine for this price. Alc 13%
Mix up a French 75! A kissing cousin of the Tom Collins, this classic champagne cocktail was named after a French gun used in the First World War and made famous at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the early 1900s. You can buy simple sugar syrup, but if you want to make your own just dissolve equal volumes of granulated sugar and hot water. This makes a double for one. Ingredients: n 45ml London dry gin n 10ml lemon juice n 5ml simple sugar syrup (home-made or shop-bought, or just a teaspoon of caster sugar) n Chilled dry champagne, to top up Method: Put the first three ingredients in a shaker, fill with ice and shake hard, then strain into a flute or couple, slowing topping with champagne. Garnish with a long curly peel of lemon. À votre santé! Follow James on Twitter @QuxoticWine
Food & Culture
health & wellbeing
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Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Visit the centre in Tunbridge Wells tackling the coronasomnia epidemic boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine – the body’s so-called ‘happy’ chemicals. The Massage Company’s founder, Charlie Thompson, said: “By building a team of over 70 consistently high-quality massage therapists in our centres, we’ve become the ‘go to’ location for customers struggling with insomnia and looking for a nonmedical solution. “The UK is, quite literally, waking up to the knowledge that massage therapy can
drive productivity at home and in the workplace. “The Massage Company sees nearly 20% of our customers for relaxation and ‘de-stressing’ reasons, up over 5% since 2019, so it’s clear that the movement is already underway”. For more information about the centre, or to book a massage, visit tunbridgewells. massagecompany.co.uk
RUB IT IN The Massage Company in Tunbridge Wells is encouraging people with sleep disorders to massage it out
A COMPANY in Tunbridge Wells is offering massage therapy for those who are struggling from ‘coronasomnia’. The phenomenon describes the increase of sleep problems during the pandemic, which a study by the University of Southampton in August 2020 showed that the number of people experiencing insomnia had risen from one in six to one in four. Now, The Massage Company based on Monson Road is encouraging people struggling with the condition to pay the
centre a visit in order to get their sleeping patterns back on track.
“Massage lowers anxiety and promotes better sleep...” A study by the Touch Research Institute found that massage lowers anxiety, and in turn promotes better sleep, by reducing levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and
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Food & Culture
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
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The summer fitness plan made to work around you TONBRIDGE and Malling’s leisure trust have introduced their latest campaign to get the area moving this summer. If you’re looking for a way to achieve your fitness goals, pay a visit to TM Actives’ Angel Centre Gym, where there is Technogym cardio and resistance equipment, a dedicated free weights room and wellness coaches always on hand to provide support and advice to help you reach your goals. The gym aims to keep your workouts interesting and sociable with a programme of group exercise which can be accessed in person and livestreamed so you can stay motivated towards your goals.
your home – so you can get fit and active your way. “You get a free Personal Assessment, ongoing coaching and Tanita Body Analysis so you can track your progress.” To find out more call TM Active’s Membership Advisors on 01732 772690. Tunbridge & Malling Leisure Trust are a charitable organisation delivery of sport and leisure facilities on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. FITNESS FANATICS Wellness Coach Jake Knott (lef)t and Fitness Manager, Brad Watson
Support Wellness Coach at TM Active, Jake Knott explained how his role benefits gym users: “Achieving your health and fitness goals across the summer period can prove tricky, but with structure and guidance exceeding your goals is achievable and can lead to living a healthier lifestyle. “As Wellness Coaches for TM Active we offer you a strategic training plan and will educate you on the importance of nutrition and its key role in you achieving your desired goals. “Myself and my colleagues thrive on the opportunity to help individuals transform their appearance, resulting in a more confident, healthier, knowledgeable and happier version of yourself. He added that the club’s membership options were flexible around how people want to get fit. “Our £105 three-month membership is ideal as it provides unlimited access to our gym, pools and classes in the studios and live streamed to
Why your healthy diet may not actually be all it seems THE JOURNALIST, and BBC One Show regular, Michael Mosley is well known for his long standing challenge to get the nation in shape. The former doctor has now debunked the food manufacturers’ clever marketing techniques to tell you what you should really be fueling your body with and how to make the little changes which will see a big difference.
Eating healthy fats will satisfy your taste buds but curb your appetite too
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Dr Mosley explained: “The best possible way to avoid these big brand claims and long standing rumours around ‘healthy’ foods is to cook fresh, whole foods each day that align to a Mediterranean-style diet. Or, if you are looking for convenience foods, find ones that are made up of only healthy and satiating ingredients. If you do go for pre-packaged foods, always read the ingredients carefully and if you wouldn’t find the ingredients in your cupboard, or you’re not entirely sure what they are, it’s best to leave the item firmly on the shelf!” He has outlined a list of ‘healthy foods’ you should avoid the next time you are doing the weekly shop: VEGETABLE CRISPS OR CHIPS Yes, there may be real vegetables on their ingredients list however, those thin slices of veggies – that are far too small to provide any real nutritional value – are fried in sunflower oil to get the crunch you’re so familiar with. Not to mention, their sodium content, mixed with their carbohydrates and fat content, makes them so addictive that you’ll struggle to stop yourself going back for more. Vegetable crisps, in reality, are no healthier than a standard packet of potato crisps. If you are looking to satisfy your craving for crunch, there are ways to do so without jeopardising a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few ideas: n Raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, peppers/capsicum dipped into homemade guacamole or hummus.
n Nuts and seeds sprinkled over Greek yogurt with berries for a healthy breakfast. n Sauerkraut and kimchi – fermented foods bring huge benefits to your gut health and these specific ones are deliciously crunchy and crisp. Add to a salad or alongside your eggs in the morning. n Parmesan crisps – take a teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese and drop onto parchment paper in circles. Pop them into a preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, at 200℃, until golden, take them out and let them cool. They go perfectly alongside Bolognese or atop a Caesar Salad – just be sure to count the calories on fasting days. n Prosciutto crisps – preheat the oven to 180℃, line prosciutto on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until crunchy. Make sure to let them cool and then enjoy alongside salad.
LOW FAT PRODUCTS Over the past few years, there has been an abundance of new evidence that recognises the health benefits of full fat products and from our understanding, the marketing strategy of low fat products is becoming exposed. A few reasons we should be avoiding ‘low fat’: n Low fat products are stripped of their nutrients and often laden with additives and sugar. This is to compensate for the flavour that gets removed in the process of making them fat free. n Products high in sugar and low in fat will spike your glucose levels and leave you craving more as there is nothing to prolong the energy release. n Eating healthy fats, rich in mono and polyunsaturates will not only satisfy your taste buds but curb your appetite too as they slow the rate in which the stomach empties, delaying its cue to signal for more food. For more hints and tips, sign up to Michael’s healthy living and weight loss online programme, Fast 800 at www.thefast800.com UNCOVER Dr Micheal Mosley is exposing the food industry’s clever marketing
Summer Fun at the Farm! 22 July – 31 August Animal Farm, Rides, Live Entertainment! A
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Children’s Attractions OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PLAY AREA HOPPER’S ANIMAL FARM DRIVING SCHOOL HOPPER’S DINER & SOFT PLAY JUMPING PILLOWS MAGIC CASTLE INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS MUSEUMS INFLATABLES BUNGEES TRAMPOLINES AND MUCH MORE… 19T
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M E E T C AT B O Y & O W L E T T E AT T H E H O P FA R M
PAWSOME ADVENTURES!
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AT I N T E R V A L S O N
Chase and Marshall are coming to the Hop Farm where they will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day!
9TH AUGUST 2021
COME AND MEET
GLITCH & UBERCORN AT THE HOP FARM
AT INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY! PJ Masks Frog Box/Entertainment One UK limited/ Walt Disney EMEA Productions Limited 2021
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The Hop Farm Family Park Maidstone Rd, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY
01622 872068 www.hopfarm.co.uk *FEATURES AND ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
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what’s on
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
Food & Culture
Education
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Child’s play this summer Six long weeks of school holidays can prove to be quite tricky when it comes to keeping children entertained. The good news is we have done all the hard work for you by picking out some top attractions, sporting events and theatre performances that are perfect for all the family to enjoy this summer… FAMILY FUN AT THE HOP FARM Join in the summer holiday fun with activities and more for all the family. The Hop Farm Family Park, is open every day from 10am and have some special treats in store for the holidays. All of their rides and attractions, from the Giant Jumping Pillows to the Magic Castle, are open. Visit the cute animal farm featuring horses, donkeys, goats, lambs and pigs. This summer special events include TV character days where you can see your child’s favourites: 4th August - paw patrol’s chase & marshall, 9th august - pj mask’s catboy & owlette, 19th august - go jetter’s ubercorn & glitch. *features subject to change On selected dates during the school holidays the circus will be coming to town. Make sure you pre-book your tickets to Circus Zyair. As well as this, the entertainments team will be providing live entertainment for the children, including magic shows, party dances and more. The Hop Farm cafe, restaurant, ice cream parlour
and sweet shop are open for food and drink and there are picnic tables available too. And why not make a stay-cation out of it, at their award winning campsite? With brand new state of the art washrooms and showers and the countryside on one side, theme park with bars and restaurants on the other. For more information and to book tickets: www.thehopfarm. co.uk
EYE SPY There’s plenty for your children to see and do this summer
THE FESTIVAL THEATRE AT HEVER CASTLE It’s their largest festival ever with even more of your favourites – magic, live music acts, operas, Gilbert and Sullivan, plays, family shows and films planned throughout the season. The events will take place in four spectacular locations in the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, one of Kent’s top tourist attractions. The Two Sisters Theatre, the original heart of the festival where the seating is tiered and under cover, The Main Lawn Stage with a superb
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20/06/2021 21:15
Amazing Flying Displays! Keeper Talks! 22 Acre Nature Trail! Unique Falconry Experiences!
Book online at: www.willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk SO Magazine | July 2021 | 27
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Food & Culture
view of the castle, The Loggia’s tranquil Italian Gardens with the magnificent lake view and Anne Boleyn’s Woodland Walk, a secluded open-air ancient woodland glade. The new performance spaces allow audiences to choose where to sit and enjoy the vista from their own chairs or blanket, in the sunshine or under the stars. The programme of family shows has been extended once again with a performance to enthral the children each week of the holidays, commencing with Arthurs Dreamboat (Thursday 22 July), Immersion Theatre’s wild adaptation of The Jungle Book (Wednesday 28 July), Dustbin Doris (Thursday 5 August) presented in association with the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians (Thursday 12 August) and Morgan and West’s action-packed family show The Three Musketeers (Thursday 26 August). Book online www.heverfestival.co.uk or through the Box Office 01732 866114.
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
PIED PIPER ACTIVITIES AT THE MEAD SCHOOL Pied Piper multi activity camps are a great way for children aged 4 –12 years old to really enjoy their long Summer school holidays. The perfect opportunity to keep up the wonderful socialising the children need so much right now, Pied Piper is at the Mead School for the week of the 26th July and 2nd August. Pied Piper is an OFSTED registered childcare provider where children can have oodles of safe fun and parents complete peace of mind. The daily programme of 45 minute activities is carefully structured to balance high energy action games like the inflatable obstacle course with calmer fun based activities like Art & Craft all based around the theme of the week. All camps enjoy a safe, friendly and secure environment with staff chosen for their sense of fun, caring attitude and enthusiasm to make the children’s experiences special. You can book safe in the knowledge that if Coronavirus prevents the camp going ahead you will receive a full refund for your booking. So, this summer, are you going to: Become a “hang tough” champion? Or be the hero on the bicycle and scooter challenge course? Maybe the fastest across the inflatable obstacle course? Rack up the most points in Mariokart or become a Dance winner? Perhaps you’ll create the longest marble or domino run? Will you get a superstar or megastar award? Or claim the winning move in Capture the flag? Book online www.piedpiperactivities.co.uk SUMMER CAMPS AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS LAWN TENNIS CLUB Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club members are looking forward to playing on three newly resurfaced clay courts this summer. Work is being carried out to upgrade three hard courts to a high-quality clay surface which will allow members to play on them in most weather conditions. Club Chairman Tim Shilton said, ‘We are particularly proud of our grass courts but our British weather can be unpredictable, so we are
delighted to provide members more all-weather courts. As a club we are committed to providing the best tennis facilities in the area.’ The club has a busy schedule of matches and competitive tournaments. The Annual Club Championship Finals will be played on 17th July where the level of play is expected to be of a very high standard this year. The club is also running their very popular summer holiday camps following on the success of their recent Easter and May camps with a 4 week Summer offering. Head Coach James Charman says: “We have a strong reputation locally for offering fun and inspiring tennis which children find engaging and fun. We welcome all abilities from complete beginners to more confident players. We’ve got many kids returning to us many times - and the camps are already filling up so we encourage parents to book up soon.”
The club offers a comprehensive coaching programme for both adults and juniors throughout the year with opportunities to play just socially as well as in tournaments and teams. For more information on events and membership of TWLTC, contact 01892 525625 or visit www.twltc.org
EASTER & SUMMER HOLIDAYS For 4-12 year olds
The Mead, Royal Tunbridge Wells Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook
‘I just wanted to say how much they had enjoyed themselves. It was their third year of spending a week at Pied Piper and it gets better every year.’
• Roller racers & pedal go karts
• Inflatable obstacle course
• Water slides
• Mini Olympics
• Challenge Room
• Art & Crafts
www.PiedPiperActivities.co.uk
Food & Culture
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
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Experience the call of the wild With the summer holidays just around the corner it’s time to start planning your days out. A trip to Willows Bird of Prey Centre will appeal to all ages. Director, Jodie Robertson takes Lottie Bulmer under her wing to show what the centre has to offer…
H
idden in the leafy Kent countryside not far from Knockholt, Willows is an interactive wildlife centre which among other animals, has 65 birds in its care. It’s a family affair as director, Jodie explains walking me around six of the 22 acres the centre sits on.
There are six family members working at the centre and they worked through the lockdowns to reopen on April 12 along with government guidelines. The centre supports the conservation of birds of prey, both at the centre and in the wild. They work to protect birds by raising
awareness through their demonstrations about the problems that birds of prey face and how we can help them in the wild. Jodie shares why the public awareness is needed: “We end up with a lot of rescue cases when people buy a bird then change their mind about it.
Encounter “When Harry Potter was released, we rescued a lot of owls – there’s no licensing for buying birds and we are one of the only countries which don’t have any regulations in place for buying them.” During school holidays, Willows runs nine activities a day, starting at 10:30 in the morning. They are incredibly popular, and the last half term in June was fully booked. Willows’ daily summer timetable includes a Birds of the Woods Demonstration,
Summer Tennis Camps Starting 19th July
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HAVE A SMASHING TIME!
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Help the kids keep active, learn new skills, make new friends and have fun! All levels from complete beginners to confident players welcome. All sessions run by fully qualified LTA coaches. 4 - 10 years Mon - Fri 9.30am - 12.30pm
11 - 18 years Mon - Fri 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Sessions £25 pd / £100 pw (non-members)
Book online now at: twltc.org quoting reference: TWSUM1
Full details on our website or contact: coaching@twltc.org Tunbridge Wells LTC, Nevill Gate, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5ES
Hawk Talk, the Midday Demonstration and Owl Talk. Other experiences offered include Owl Encounter, Hawk Walk or an introduction to falconry. Owl Encounter is available for ages eight and above. It’s a two-hour experience where you get the chance to fly four birds. It’s really interactive and there is even the option for tea and cake after the experience. Experiences are not the only thing that Willows offers. They have recently taken on a new apprenticeship who is studying animal management, and Jodie says: “It’s fun! They get hands-on experience here which they wouldn’t get at college.”
As we come to the end of our visit, there is a display to visitors taking place with Meeka – a parrot who Jodie has had since he was 12 weeks old. His excitement to see Jodie when we approached shows how loved the birds in the centre’s care are. Willows has also adapted to Covid regulations, as Jodie explained: “We’ve had to do a separate in and out and we have two lanes and hand sanitiser on entrance and exits. We’ve even looked into installing hand washing stations.” The centre is only accessible when you book an experience which you will need to pre-book and pay for, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around the outdoor nature trail. Experiences start at £25. To book or for more information call 01959 580 677 or visit www.willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk
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goingout 7 days of activities
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
FLYING THE FLAG The Knoxbridge Inn in Cranbrook is welcoming military vehicles to its Military show and Beer festivals
By Lottie Bulmer
GO WILD Chiddingstone Castle is hosting a forest school throughout the summer holidays
CAPTURING THE CASTLE Bodiam Castle has lots of entertaining activities for kids
THE summer holidays are very nearly upon us – despite what the weather may be saying. Many heritage sites across Kent and East Sussex are putting on entertaining activities for children to keep them occupied throughout the break. The TW Fringe is also still in full swing this week, with events happening across the town. At the Times, we’ve prepared a list of things to see and do that will appeal to all ages … INTO THE WOODS Led by Jack, a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader at Chiddingstone Castle, the Forest School Summer Holiday Club is taking place throughout July and August. Open to six to 11-year-olds, each session includes four hours of woodland activities, skills and games followed by a thirty-minute
Chiddingstone Castle led activity. Leader of the programme, Jack Vaughan explained the importance of the forest sessions: “I really feel that after the turmoil that we have been through, sessions like these are invaluable to help our children overcome some of the worries and stresses that have been placed upon them.” The club takes place on Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 2:30pm from July 22 - 24, July 29-31 and August 5-7. Book in advance by emailing Jack at forestjackinfo@gmail.com
With 20 real ales and ciders, a BBQ and Hog Roast and live music all weekend, you can watch the military vehicles on display and even take a ride in a tank. Not the type to leave before the party is over? You can stay the whole weekend at the camping and glamping site. Entry on the door costs £1 per person. For more information, visit the ‘Knowbridge military vehicle show & beer festival’ page on Facebook. Prices for camping start at £30 for two night weekend.
MILITARY OPERATION At the Knoxbridge Inn in Cranbrook, the Military Show and Beer Festival is taking place from Friday to Sunday (July 16–18).
CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS The National Trust has launched a summer activity programme called ‘Get set go’ for children this summer and many of its local sites
On the fringes… The Times has partnered with The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival to help the town’s local businesses and its artists after the past tumultuous year the arts industry and high street have had. It aims to reinvigorate the community by featuring local artists, acts and groups from a range of styles including music, opera, cabaret, comedy, dance, theatre, film and visual art. This week is the final week of the festival but it still has a whole host of events, workshops and performances to keep you and the family entertained. We’ve compiled a taste of what is on offer at the Fringe by showcasing one event each day this week… Tonight (July 14) if you’re looking to get your mid-week rocking, head over to The
Grey Lady to see Faded Shades. Having just released their new single ‘Second Guessing’ the Kent-grown band is the fresh new local sound you need to hear. The show kicks off at 7pm and tickets cost £8 per person. Do you have a budding Banksy at home? Tomorrow (July 15) local street artist, Humor is teaching a masterclass in spray painting at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park at 5pm. Ages 7 to 16 can learn techniques like stencil work, typography/gridding, mark making, blending colours and masking shapes. Each of the students will have their own personalised A2 canvases to take and display at home. All appropriate safety gear like goggles, gloves, masks,
aprons provided with art materials. Children are asked to wear old clothes and the masks provided. They will be working on the floor. Tickets cost £40 PP. On Friday (July 16), Redezvous on Camden Road will be the scene of a murder, can you help a local detective figure out who is guilty? You are cordially invited to attend dinner with Lord and Lady Horning. Lord Horning, the famed kitchen gadget inventor will be announcing his latest invention which until now has been top secret even from his own family. The dress code is formal evening attire, so look sharp. Tickets start at £70 for a table of two for the evening. On Saturday (July 17) Privates: Great Ideas by Geniuses is playing at Tunbridge Wells Christian Centre South Side. The show is about the
discoveries which changed the world, by people who know nothing about them. Watch, three brilliant, big-headed idiots try to make history and win a Nobel Prize with some totally stupid homemade inventions. Meet live comedy’s anarchic answer to Wallace and Gromit. Tickets cost £5 If you’re looking for a relaxing way to round off the Fringe this week, (July 18) 21-year-old artist, Pastil, from Kent will be performing a stripped back solo performance at the Compasses pub. At 2pm, you can hear the slinking bass lines, punchy drum grooves and smooth vocal melodies define the artist who was inspired by King Krule, Rex Orange County, Connan Mockasin and other elements of early bedroom-pop. Free entry. To book tickets and more information on events, visit twfringe.com
are taking part – including Scotney Castle. Children can pick up Get, Set, Go! cards as a new way to explore the Trust’s landmarks. At Scotney Castle, they can venture out onto the estate as the perfect backdrop for a family challenge. Follow the waymarked trails for a summer stroll, and finish up with a picnic in the garden or out on the estate. The natural play area in the garden is full of fun, and the wilderness camp has den building and other activities to entertain kids of all ages. There will also be family wildlife guided walks around the estate and play activities located around the property. The castle is open daily, times vary. Normal admission applies, for more information, head over to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle
Faded Shades
Pastil
Humor
Privates
Books
Wednesday July 14 | 2021
The bookcase… Over the past year or so more people have had the chance to fall in love with reading again. Here’s our pick of this week’s top reads to enjoy
FICTION
Moth by Melody Razak
Published in hardback by W&N, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99). Available now Both a heartbreaking and heart-warming story, Melody Razak’s debut transports the reader into the home of a Brahmin family in 1940s Delhi. She navigates their beautiful yet complicated relationships as India builds up to and enters Partition. Bappu and Ma (liberals of the time) teach at Delhi University, and their daughter Alma is due to get married. But the direction of their lives – already torn between modern values and tradition – is soon turned upside down. Razak hones in on the strength and suffering of women; with moments as small as sharing stories, cooking food and plaiting hair becoming lifelines. As the plot twists and turns, you’ll truly care what happens to them. (Review by Hannah Millington)
HANNAH KIRSOP
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Songbirds by Christy Lefteri
Published in hardback by Manilla Press, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available July 8 Inspired by the real life stories of domestic workers in Cyprus, Songbirds examines the prejudices faced by migrants crossing borders in search of a better life. Nisha is a loving mother forced by financial pressures to leave her daughter in Sri Lanka to work as a maid in Nicosia. One night, she disappears. Swapping between the perspectives of her employer Petra and lover Yiannis, the book
pieces together her life – its loves, losses and sacrifices. Their search for answers is met by indifferent police, exposing society’s treatment of migrant women. The story deftly explores themes of freedom, motherhood, community and identity. The migrant community are also sensitively given a voice. (Review by Tom Pilgrim)
8/10
Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce Published in hardback by Picador, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99). Available now
A joyous story of friendship, courage and love, Yours Cheerfully sees aspiring journalist Emmeline Lake at her best when the going gets tough. In this light-hearted sequel to AJ Pearce’s debut Dear Mrs Bird, Emmy takes on the challenge of becoming a wartime advice columnist, and she gets a call from the Ministry of Information to help recruit female workers to the war effort. Emmy makes friends with some factory girls with personal struggles and – with the support of faithful friend Bunty and boyfriend Charles (who is posted in England for now) – has to ultimately decide where her loyalties lie. The story is uplifting in nature, with the Blitz spirit and camaraderie between the characters shining through. The strength of the women is inspiring and can be a lesson to us all during the struggles we’re facing in this pandemic – let’s stick together and help lift each other up as best we can. (Review by Karen Sykes)
8/10
9/10
Times book reviewer
Food & Culture
LOCAL AUTHOR
The Servant by Maggie RichellDavies
(Sharpe Books, priced £7.99) Set in the 18th century, the story revolves around Hannah Hubert, the 15-year-old daughter of a Spitalfields silk weaver who has entered service via the poor house. The book opens with Hannah moving households, from kind widow Mistress Buttermere to the more
8/10
ominous Chalkes. On arrival, she immediately encounters hard work and harsh beatings from her new mistress and soon becomes aware of other, darker goings on in the household. With colourful supporting characters in Peg, Jack and Thomas, the reader is immersed in the dark, dirty London of those times and is behind Hannah all the way as she seeks to uncover the truth. Written by a Tunbridge Wells based author, this is a gripping read for lovers of historical, crime fiction.
FAMILY SAGA
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (W&N, priced £8.99)
Hannah Kirsop grew up in Kent and now lives in Horsmonden with her family. She loves to read and share recommendations and runs Bainden Book Club for a group of local women to discuss interesting fiction and non-fiction in a range of genres. You can find www.baindenbookshelf.com online or on Instagram: @baindenbookshelf
Focusing on the highs and lows of the Sorenson family, this book tells the tale of Marilyn and David and their four, hugely different daughters – Wendy, Violet, Liza and Grace – as we follow them through love, secrets, parenthood and loss. Each of the six main characters is well-developed, balanced and believable as the book examines both their strengths and their flaws as it weaves through their various intertwining connections, highlighting the complex world of family relationships and how fragile they can be even where there is love.
9/10
A long read at over 500 pages and spanning from the 1970s to the present day with flashbacks and different narrators, this is a tragic, witty, enchanting, frustrating, realistic and entertaining character driven, family saga.