Wednesday July 7 | 2021
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Award nomination ‘a boost’ after a ‘year from hell’
Fringe benefits as festival begins
By Robert Forrester
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ENTERTAINMENT: The ‘Talentz’ were among anumber of acts that kicked off the inaugural TW Fringe this week. See page 4-5
Police chief orders review into cases of violence against women By Richard Williams KENT Police has launched a review of incidents involving ‘women who are victims of any crime’ following a jump in the number of cases being reported. The initiative has been ordered by Chief Constable Alan Pughsley as part of a move to ‘reassure’ victims they will receive ‘exemplary service’ from the force. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, had sought assurances from the Chief Constable that the force is dealing with violence against women and girls as a priority. Mr Scott said he was concerned that during the pandemic there has been a rise in the number of domestic abuse
incidents being reported to the police, as well as a rise in stalking and harassment. Since March 2020 when coronavirus first struck the UK, Kent’s Police has seen nearly a ten per cent rise in incidents of domestic violence, with 3,233 more victims coming forward than in the previous year.
‘I’ve asked for a review on the focus of women who are victims of any crime’ The force handled nearly 36,000 reports of the crime in 2020, compared to just over 32,000 reports in 2019. Tunbridge Wells domestic abuse
A TUNBRIDGE WELLS mother of seven has said receiving a business awards nomination was just the boost she needed after suffering ‘12 months from hell’. Emma Pinfold, from Frittenden, has been shortlisted in this year’s Kent Women in Business Awards [KWIBA]. She’s the owner of handbag chain Bond Street To Your Street and says the nomination for Mumpreneur of the Year and the Women in Retail award was just the ‘boost’ she needed after such a ‘torrid year’. Emma, who has three shops in Cranbrook, Rye and Tenterden, sells pre-owned designer handbags, but her stores have been burgled or ransacked on four separate occasions.
Diversify
charity, DAVSS, Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service] saw an increase or around 400 referrals in the same year, many of which were described as ‘high priority’. During his quarterly Performance and Delivery Board Meeting, Mr Scott raised the issue of domestic violence and other crimes against women with Chief Constable Alan Pughsley. He said: “How would the force assess the topic of violence against women and girls in the country at the moment and what action is being taken to respond to any concerns?” Mr Pughsley replied: “I hope you are
In total, thieves have made off with more than £50,000 worth of her stock. She told the Times: “Covid was bad enough for me as it was for everybody. “I had to diversify and just sell online when the shops were closed, but being targeted four times by thieves is even worse.” She explained that at the start of last year a woman shoplifted a number of bags from her new store in Tenterden. A month later, the same store was burgled, with thieves making off with thousands in designer bags. This was followed by another burglary at her shop in Rye last summer, where she lost more than £30,000 worth of stock, only for her Tenterden store to be hit once more.
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
this week… ‘Torrid year’ ends in
an award nomination
Continued from front page
SHARING IS CARING Hawkhurst Community Fridge is celebrating one year tackling food waste in the area by redistributing unwanted produce P11 POETRY IN MOTION Pupil from Bennett Memorial school, Isaac Delaney, has won a national poetry competition with his poem about Key Workers P14
“In total I lost in excess of £50,000 worth of stock.” She continued: “While I am insured, my policy will rocket next year – I was even burgled on one occasion the day after the insurers had paid out for the previous robbery.” Kent Police did make several arrests in connection with some of the burglaries, and criminal proceedings are ongoing, but if the thefts were not enough, Emma says she also had to get solicitors involved last year after being trolled online. She said a social media user had fasley accused her of selling fake goods. “That sort of thing can really kill a business, and for some reason this
woman decided to target me,” Emma said. She added that she didn’t believe the online trolling and burglaries were connected but admitted it had ‘taken its toll on me’. “I’ve struggled with mental health issues in the past, and I had to go back onto antidepressants,” she said. But she continued: “I’m a really positive person, so I wasn’t going to let it get to me, but it was a torrid year. “Receiving the nominations was a real boost, though, it is the perfect way to draw a line under last year and start with a clean slate. “I just want other small businesses to know that no matter how tough the last year has been, you can always put things behind you and move on.”
ON THE UP Emma Pinfold outside one of her stores
TUNBRIDGE WELLS WOMEN GET A CLEAN SWEEP IN AWARD SHORTLISTS EVERY award category at the 2021 Kent Women in Business Awards (KWIBA) has a Tunbridge Wells finalist. Nine women from the borough have made a clean sweep and been
DEMONSTRATING LAW AND ORDER The world’s oldest law firm explains how it has fared in one of the property market’s most tumultuous years P21
SIOBHAN STIRLING
CURRYING FAVOUR FOR LOCAL DINERS We pay a visit to a new Indian restaurant that’s proving it has the perfect recipe for survival success P30 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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shortlisted for a total of 19 awards at the event, which celebrate women in business in the county and is now in its sixth year. Three local entrepreneurs, Siobhan Stirling (Director of Sharp Minds Communications), Emily Brown (owner of Emily Brown Photography) and Élise Daly (co-founder of Wonderchup, an alternative to Ketchup) are each in the running for a hat-trick at the event, which will be held at The Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone on September 10. Others shortlisted include Sophie Forrest, Lucy Cameron and Sarah Raine, Islay O’Hara, TN Card
founder Jess Gibson and Dawn Stanford BEM, Operations Manager for Nourish. Dawn has been nominated for Leadership and Management, as well as the Community Champion award for her work during the pandemic. Ms Stanford said: “Giving back to the community has always been my passion and helping local people re-find their feet. “Whatever the outcome, I hope the awards can help draw more attention and support for our local community where it’s needed.” The full details and list of all nominations can be accessed online via www.kwibawards.co.uk
EMILY BROWN
Eyes on the sky as blimp makes it mark KEEN-EYED residents across Tunbridge Wells spotted an unfamiliar sight last week, as the Goodyear Blimp flew overhead. It was the first time for 10 years that the iconic airship has taken to the skies. A number of residents across the Borough were lucky enough to catch a glance of the 75-metre blimp as it returned to the UK from Calais on Friday [July 1] after touring the South East. Its flightpath took it over Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Portsmouth and Southampton, before it headed inland over Winchester, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and finally Dover.
This picture was taken by local business The Diamond Setter as the blimp floated above Mount Ephraim. It was also spotted by people in Pembury and Rusthall. The Goodyear Blimp is known throughout the world for its aerial coverage of the most-watched events in sports and entertainment, ranging from FA Cup Finals at Wembley to Live Aid as well as a number of royal weddings. The blimp is a Zeppelin NT airship, operated by Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany, as part of nearly 100-year relationship between Goodyear and Zeppelin.
TOP RANKS Matthew Scott [left] and Alan Pughsley
Police chief calls for review Continued from front page reassured that the main crime types where women are the victims has always been and will always be a priority for Kent Police. Mr Scott added that female victims of crime are ‘at the heart’ of his priorities, and has now called for a review into their treatment.
Focus He said: “The crime types where women are predominantly the victims are domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, coercion and control; similarly, the plethora of
sexual offences from rape down to so-called lower level sexual touching. “These victims have always been at the heart of our priority area and we’ve already spoken about the high level of victim satisfaction with the police response in dealing with their cases. “But what I’ve done on top of that, is ask for a review on the focus of any women who are victims of any crime type. “That review is going on as we speak. I’m sure you’ll be reassured that if you’re a woman victim of crime in Kent, you will receive exemplary service.”
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Rates rise as ‘freedom day’ easing announced THE number of people that have tested positive over a seven day period in Tunbridge Wells has risen to nearly 200. There were 198 positive tests in the Borough for the seven days to July 1. The rate per 100,000 is now at 166.8. Wealden has also seen a similar rise with the rate per 100,000 now at 166.8. A similar picture is in Sevenoaks (159.0) and Tonbridge (143.0). These virus rates at similar levels to when the country went into lockdown earlier in the year, but despite the rising infections, hospitalisations are low and there has not been a death recorded from coronavirus at Tunbridge Wells Hospital since February.
Carnival cancelled THE annual carnival in Crowborough has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to coronavirus. The Crowborough Carnival and Bonfire Society, which puts on the autumn event, say they have regretfully decided to cancel this year’s celebrations, which had been scheduled to take place on Saturday September 11. The carnival has taken place in Crowborough for more than 70 years and attracts thousands each year. Committee Chairman Nigel Cassford said: “The decision was not an easy one to make but because of the present pandemic with so many uncertainties and no one quite sure what was around the corner we thought for everyone’s safety it was best to cancel this year’s celebrations.”
A21 safety changes THE Members of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have both welcomed the installation of new safety measures along the Castle Hill stretch of the A21. Greg Clark and Tom Tugendhat have pushed for improvements following a number of incidents along the road. Highways England is now undertaking working on design and bidding for a permanent barrier. The upgrades include repairs to the fencing and installation of the temporary Vehicle Restraint Barrier. “I welcome the additional safety measures recently installed by Highways England and will continue to support them as they look towards delivering a more permanent barrier along this stretch of the A21,” said Mr Clark.
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First street charger signals the new era of electric vehicles By Robert Forrester A NEW fast charger for electric vehicles [EVs] has been unveiled by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC]. The device on Mount Pleasant Road can be used by two vehicles, with one side reserved for taxis to encourage the take-up of e-taxis in the town, the other side is available for use by all other EVs. The ‘rapid’ charging point is located right next to the main taxi rank outside the station. The Council already has added EV chargers in several of its car parks in Tunbridge Wells and Southborough, but this is the first kerbside charging point.
Phase Users will be able to park their vehicle for up to an hour and recharge the battery while they go shopping in the town centre. It comes as the government hopes to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030, but local Labour councillors say TWBC is not doing enough to meet this intended change. The Times reported last year how to install enough on street EV chargers just to meet the current 2,930 people who hold residential
POWERPOINT Head of sustainability at the Council, Matt Bailey, and the new EV car charger parking permits so do not have a drive or garage, could cost in excess of £32million. Southborough and High Broom councillor, Luke Everitt, said there is money available for the Council to meet this demand. He said: “Currently if you are a resident in this borough who lives in a property with no off-road parking you cannot own an electric vehicle, should you be in a position to do so.” He continued: “Both Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council are eligible to
apply for this funding but are failing to be proactive and equally failing residents who are in a position to own an electric vehicle to reduce greenhouse emissions and pollution.” TWBC says its policy on installation of EV chargers is to see how demand for on street charging evolves over time. The unveiling of the new on-street car charger comes as a consultation on the plan the future provision of electric vehicle chargers in the town closed this week.
Appeal for Town Hall to stop taking pot shots at rifle club By Richard Williams THE Council is to be asked to stop targeting local sports clubs for residential development following a 13-year battle with a century’s old shooting club over its land. The rifle range used by Tunbridge Wells Target Shooting Club [TWTSC] in Warwick Park is in the Borough Council’s sights for redevelopment to help the Town Hall pay its Covid debts. The club was founded in 1903 when Lord Abergavenny donated the land to the town after he learned of the poor marksmanship of British soldiers during the Boer War. The site, which can accommodate five houses, has been earmarked for residential development on a number of occasions over the last 13 years. The Council, which is currently looking for assets to offload as it seeks more than £2million to replenish its cash reserves following the Covid crisis, is promising to relocate the 115-year-old rifle club when eventually they sell it off. Club chairman, Nigel Bent, was unable to comment, but he did say they were in talks with
TRIGGERED The TWTSC is under threat Greg Clark MP and were seeking further clarification from the Council about their future, but councillors are worried any attempts to now sell off the rifle range could ‘kill the club’. Local Lib Dem councillor and former army officer, James Rands, says he’s raising the issue of the Council selling off sports facilities in a motion at today’s [Wednesday] Full Council Meeting and is urging fellow councillors to ensure a replacement venue is in place before any site is sold.
Facilities He told the Times: “I want to raise the issue for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are obligated to
find them a new home under the national planning framework, so it is worth reminding the Council we are not doing the rifle club a favour, we’re obliged to do it. “Secondly, I don’t want clubs like this to have to find a new home because it will kill the club. It doesn’t matter what type of sport it is, whether it is a rifle club or boxing club, if they have to stop for any amount of time, people will leave or move on – it kills the club. “Thirdly, the Council has to be careful as this land may not be worth as much as the cost of finding equal or better facilities for a new rifle range, which could end up costing up to £1million.” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council say no formal decision has been made on whether to ‘dispose of this site for residential development’ but a spokesperson added: “A planning application has been made and following the planning decision a report will be made to Cabinet providing full options for the site. Cabinet members will consider the report and take a decision about the site.”
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Celebrating amazing week of CROWDS Hundreds turned out to see the start of the inaugural Tunbridge Wells Fringe [pictures by Martin Briggs]
Hundreds gather as town’s newest festival gets underway By Richard Williams TWO weeks of comedy, music, drama, dance, theatre and more got underway as the Tunbridge Wells inaugural Fringe festival began this week. TW Fringe opened on The Pantiles on Monday where hundreds of people turned out to see a range of performers entertained in the streets and celebrated the start of the two-week event [July 5- July 18]. It is hoped the festival will become a tradition in Tunbridge Wells, following the example of other Fringe festivals such as those held in Brighton, Camden, and the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, which receives three million visitors a year. Due to the delay in relaxing Covid rules, some of the larger events have had to be scaled back, but organisers have promised more than a hundred artists ranging from comedians, musicians, artists, to dancers, poets and opera singers will be entertaining crowds in a range of free and paying events over the next fortnight. The Fringe opening ceremony on The Pantiles featured a raft of artists including, local musical theatre school, The Talentz,
who performed musical theatre numbers, The Once Upon a Wish Princesses, Mamma G, a Panto Dame and a local Rock Choir, plus a special guest appearance from the Three Little Pigs. Pippa Binham, Rock Choir leader for Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough said: “This was our first gig in a year and a half due to lockdown. “I would like to send a massive thanks to the Fringe Festival Organisers for putting this all on and allowing us to do what we love - sing and perform to others.
Storytelling “Although the weather wasn’t kind, it didn’t dampen our spirits and the choir members and audience absolutely loved it!” Kent’s leading Panto Dame, Robert Pearce, whose character Mama G compered the opening event, said: “It was wonderful to help launch the first Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival and see all the amazing taken that the town has to offer! It’s going to be a great two weeks and I can’t wait to be part of it!” A range of entertainment have been planned for the next two weeks in a number
DENNY’S FEST RETURNS AS PART OF FRINGE AN annual event created in memory of a local fundraising champion is to return after it was cancelled due to the pandemic last year. Denny’s Fest, which this year has teamed up with TW
Fringe, was started six years ago in memory of Denny Rowe, a local resident who spent his life raising over £75,000 for various charities. He also won the title of the
World’s Fastest Barber. This year’s event, which is organised by Denny’s Place Barbers and 14 Arrows tattoo studio, will take place on July 24 and July 25. Organiser, Storm Walker,
of different venues. Already this week, comedy horror show has been playing at the Grub and Liquor, while Bring Your Own Baby, a comedy club for parents and their babies was at Tunbridge Wells Church on the South Site. Other events planned for this week include Groove 101 who are playing The Compasses tonight [July 7], Muddy Gingers – an exploration of children’s literature through drama at the Inside Community Café [July 7], Bookmania Storytelling at Goupie Chocolate House [July 8], and children’s poetry workshop Bananas and Cream at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Organiser, Debbie King, said: “The opening ceremony was incredible. We had hundreds who came along to watch. The weather didn’t hold off but we carried on regardless, and everybody really looked to be enjoying themselves.” She added that over the next fortnight there were events across Tunbridge Wells. “There really is something for everyone. We have events just for kids, for families to live music, theatre and dance for adults.” Tickets for the paid and free Fringe events can be booked online at twfringe.com.
MELA COMES BACK TO CALVERLEY said: “We’re back even bigger and better with the amazing help of the Fringe and are proud to be a part of something that is bringing the community together after such an awful year.”
THE annual celebration of diversity and culture in Tunbridge Wells is set to return to Calverley Grounds this month. While not part of the Fringe, Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival, which is organised by the Kent
Cohesion Plus, will see music, visual arts, food and dance return to the park on Saturday July 25 – following a year’s absence due to the pandemic. The family-free event begins at 12.30pm and is set to end at 6pm.
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arts and culture in our town… The Pantiles Arcade opens with a flourish
VALUATION Eric Knowles pricing some local people’s antiques
By Robert Forrester AMID much curiosity, The Pantiles Arcade opened its doors for the first time to the general public last week. The new antiques centre at the Grade-II listed Corn Exchange is dedicated to fine art and design and showcases everything from furniture and fine art to lighting and chandeliers, Georgian glassware, French and Scandinavian art glass, continental and British porcelain, as well as local Tunbridge Ware. Eric Knowles, star of the Antiques Roadshow and founder of The Hoard inside The Pantiles Arcade, hosted a charity Valuation Day in aid of The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre at the weekend. With over 70 appointments booked on the day, £720 was raised for the charity. Whilst specialists Eric Knowles, Grant Ford, John Benjamin and Loraine Turner were kept busy viewing the many items bought in to show them, the visitors themselves showed just as much interest in the general splendour and stunning transformation now on show in the recently refurbished arcade.
PHOTOS: DAVID BARTHOLEMEW
Beautiful Whilst none of the items presented on the day were valuable enough to change anyone’s lifestyle, there were some beautiful examples of art glass, oil paintings and even a piece of Zeppelin fuselage. Speaking about the day Eric Knowles, told the Times:: “The big bonus for me was meeting so many kind-hearted people, many of whom are collectors, and I look forward to establishing long-term relationships moving forward.” The Corn Exchange in Tunbridge Wells was originally the site of a theatre, later used for agricultural trading. The Hoard will be open to the public from Thursday [July 8], in the meantime anyone with any queries or wishing to buy any of the items on show are encouraged to get in touch via the website ScottishAntiques.com.
IN THE FRAME Paintings were among the items valued by the experts
Shopping centre brushes up its empty units with local artworks By Lottie Bulmer TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ shopping centre has found a creative way to fill some if its empty stores by turning them into a pop-up art gallery. The gallery on Royal Victoria Place’s [RVP] lower mall will showcase work from a team of local artists including paintings, mixed media, ceramics, glass and jewellery. There are around 16 empty units in the centre, including the large BHS store that was vacated in 2018. Claudia Wiegand at South East Open Studios, said: “It’s great to see our artists’ work take pride of place and brighten up the windows of Royal Victoria Place. “We’re thrilled the centre has provided us with a space to share art with the local community and we hope this helps raise the profile of our thriving arts community.”
Artist Annie Graham said: “I am thrilled to be exhibiting with the other artists for the pop-up and it has already resulted in a sale! “I think it’s great to show varied types of art to people who might not have had the opportunity to see it before and what better place to present it.”
Showcasing Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at Royal Victoria Place, added: “We’re thrilled to be supporting artists from Tunbridge Wells by showcasing their work. “Our visitors have been loving the pieces we’ve dotted around the centre and we’re pleased to continue showcasing them throughout the year.” She added that each piece displayed is available for purchase by directly contacting the artists, who’s details appear in the windows.
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JAILED Tiffany Tate and Michael Roe with baby Holly before she died
against that – while making the office optional in the first place. 4. Budgeting With Desktop as a Service, you will spend less on physical servers that you likely would never fill to their full capacity. Instead, you can pay for what you use in cloud storage, which will be shared among many other businesses to reduce costs for everyone. This gives you a better cash flow, making it easier to budget. 5. Productivity Research indicates that productivity can go up by at least 20% when you embrace a hosted desktop solution, with many workers feeling a sense of liberation as they work from home. Even if they are monitored to check if they’re hard at work, the flexibility is enough to ensure that everything is done to a high standard. If you want to know more, call us on 01892 267200.
Report on baby death urges better links between social care teams By Robert Forrester A SERIOUS Case Review into the death of an eight-week-old baby who was murdered by her father in September 2018, has just been released. The East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership (ESSCP) carried out the review following the death of Crowborough baby Holly Roe. While the names of the parents are not included in the report, it has been published following the successful prosecution in March of Michael Roe, 33, who was jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years for shaking his baby daughter to death. Holly’s mother Tiffany Tate, 22, was also found by the court to have allowed Roe, her partner at the time, to kill their baby. She was jailed for two years and nine months.
‘This tragic and untimely death required a Serious Case Review to understand if more could have been done’ The review examined the contact and support the family had with various agencies and has been published now that the criminal process has been concluded. It highlights that the family received a wide range of support from health services and local authority social care teams, but this, ultimately, had not prevented the death of the child. The independent chair of the ESSCP, Reg Hooke, said: “This tragic and untimely death of a very young and vulnerable child inevitably required a Serious Case Review to understand
whether anything more could have been done to protect such vulnerable babies. “In this case we had a particular focus on the health and social care services. “The aim has been to reduce the risk of something like this happening again.” Mr Hooke said one key aspect was that both parents had, as children, been in care. The review had highlighted the importance of local authorities continuing to offer support as a ‘corporate grandparent’ when children leave care and have children themselves.
Tenacity He added: “A good level of support was provided to the mother during pregnancy and post birth by the local authority and this case underlines for me the need for care leavers who become parents themselves to receive ongoing support in the same way many new parents benefit from the support of their own families.” The improvements identified in the review included better cross-border links between social care teams and the need for persistence and tenacity in professionals to ensure a child and carers are seen in person where they are believed to be vulnerable. It also recommends that hospitals should make sure a discharge planning meeting is always held after a child’s birth to ensure that the right support is in place straight-away. Among the other recommendations of the report, the ESCPP says post-mortems should be conducted as soon as practicable where a child dies in such circumstances, and that CAT scans should be considered immediately when there’s an unexpected infant death.
Town’s dogs among the worst for attacks on postal workers POSTAL workers in Tunbridge Wells report more attacks by dogs than in almost any other town in the UK, figures have shown. According to Royal Mail, postmen and women reported 900 days of absence due to dog attacks in 2020/21 with the places recording the most incidents being Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Sheffield, Belfast, Portsmouth, Ipswich, and Gloucester. But the number of dog attacks on Royal Mail workers has fallen by almost a third in the past year, mainly due to changes to
deliveries because of the pandemic, the postal service has reported. There were 1,690 dog incidents, compared with 2,445 in 2019/20, but the company said the number of attacks is still too high, with 33 every week, some of which led to permanent and disabling injuries.
Significant Dr Shaun Davis, of Royal Mail, said: “We are pleased to see such a significant decrease in dog attacks on our
staff this past year. However, 33 dog attacks per week on postal workers is still alarmingly high. “We are aware that a change in our delivery procedures was the main factor for the reduction in attacks this year. We now need to build on this change, and further reduce the number of attacks on our people. “So we are asking our customers and our colleagues not to become complacent as there is still much work to do in bringing the figure down even further.”
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Chaos as KCC prohibits face-to-face meetings and online is ruled out By Richard Williams THE fate of a new £600,000 cycle lane hangs in the balance after the row between Kent County Council [KCC] and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] on how to spend the money took another bizarre twist. A key meeting had to be called off after County Hall banned its officers from face-to-face encounters with Councillors and the Borough Council was unable to hold the meeting online. The stalemate meant a meeting planned this week of the Joint Transport Board [JTB] had to be cancelled. On Monday, councillors at TWBC were meant to sit down with representatives from KCC for the quarterly JTB meeting.
Legislation The JTB is the only time councillors from TWBC get to discuss road and transport issues with officers from KCC, who are responsible for the borough’s highways and byways. Temporary Government legislation, which expired at the end of May, meant during the pandemic, both County Hall and TWBC were able to hold all meetings online. That legislation no longer exists and all ‘statutory’ hearings that have to be held in public cannot be conducted online, but KCC says as the JTB is not a statutory hearing, they have prevented officers from attending in person – due to Covid concerns.
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SAFETY MEASURES Councillors at TWBC now only meet in person
Meanwhile, TWBC has now abandoned virtual meetings completely, and does not have the technological capability to allow KCC’s officers to attend a ‘hybrid meeting’. TWBC has struggled to set up its virtual meeting system and was criticised last year for having to hold physical meetings during the start of the pandemic, despite most other authorities having already gone online only for meetings.
‘This is the one opportunity we get to talk about roads, and there were big issues we needed to discuss’ Pete Lidstone, Lib Dem councillor who sits on the JTB, says the meetings are the only occasion TWBC and KCC can get together to discuss highway matters. “This is the one opportunity we get to talk about roads, and there was a couple of big issues we were going to discuss,” Cllr Lidstone told the Times. “First there is the £600,000 A26 cycle lane and what is going to happen with that. Also, we want to speak about central government funding that is available, around £2.3billion for active travel schemes that TWBC is eligible to claim for. There is a tight deadline at the end of July for this.” He continued: “It is just so annoying that
TWBC are doing one thing and KCC are doing the other – since the pandemic we have all got used to speaking to people online, but I can have a meeting with somebody in Singapore and yet I can’t speak to council officers. A spokesman for KCC said: “KCC officers attend statutory meetings of the council in person as required. “Joint Transportation Board meetings are not statutory and KCC’s current position is that, until the Covid situation is resolved, officers should continue to attend them remotely and participate via Zoom or Teams. “This provides for an efficient use of staff time, contributes to our environmental policies in reducing business mileage and supports better attended meetings. Indeed many KCC committee meetings remain virtual with both members and officers in attendance.
“The arrangement for JTBs is working efficiently in other districts, but unfortunately Tunbridge Wells BC is unable to facilitate such hybrid meetings at the moment and so chose to cancel the meeting. “We hope and anticipate that the situation will be resolved by the time of the next scheduled meeting.” A spokesperson for TWBC told the Times: “Our policy is that all public meetings are now being held in the Town Hall. KCC’s current policy is that officers should not attend meetings in person and so this would mean they were unable to attend JTB. “As KCC officers are an integral part of JTB it was decided the meeting should be cancelled.” She added: “We would need an upgrade to our systems to support hybrid meetings and the options for this are being investigated.”
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Government clamps down on County Hall’s lorry parking ban By Richard Williams KENT County Council [KCC] has been told it can no longer clamp lorries in laybys after the authority was criticised for its heavy-handed approach to driver rest stops. Tunbridge Wells based Logistics UK had spearheaded a campaign to get the government to strip KCC of what they say were ‘unacceptable’ powers. The St John’s Road organisation wrote to Parliamentary Undersecretary of State Rachel Maclean MP last month, to express the group’s ‘strong objections’ to the use of the powers. They had argued clamping lorries was ‘unacceptable’ as it was penalising drivers, who had been deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic, for taking legally required rest stops. KCC had been temporarily handed the right to clamp any lorry found parking for more than 45
minutes in a layby to ‘keep Kent roads moving’ during the Brexit transition. The powers were set to expire on June 30, but County Hall had hoped to extend the layby ban for a further six months with a move to making the measures permanent. KCC also wanted to extend the scheme to Tunbridge Wells. It had been in force in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Swale and Thanet.
Welfare But the government has now refused the extension and stripped KCC of the powers. The move came after unions had reported in some parts of Kent fights had broken out between lorry drivers over authorised parking spots. Welcoming the government’s decision last
week, Heidi Skinner, policy manager at Logistics UK, said: “While the existing shortage of between 1,000 and 1,200 HGV parking spaces in Kent continues, laybys are often the only option for those seeking somewhere to stop.” She continued: “The welfare of these key workers must be a priority, to provide them with access to safe and secure parking spaces to rest – for both their welfare and to meet legally mandated rest periods from driving.” KCC said the government decision was ‘disappointing’. Simon Jones, KCC’s director of highways, said: “While we welcome the Roads’ Minister’s commitment to consider future localised restrictions and use of emergency powers in the event of border issues due to customs changes in the new year, it is disappointing not to have our current broader temporary enforcement powers extended.”
Support scheme saves businesses £137,000 FIRMS based in Tunbridge Wells town centre are being urged to take advantage of free sessions with cost-saving experts that have already saved individual businesses more than £10,000. The Place Support Partnership (PSP) run by Royal Tunbridge Wells Together has been open to all businesses within the Business Improvement District [BID] town centre area. The sessions are designed to reveal ways to reduce costs.
Managing Director of the PSP, Rishi Sood said: “Think of us as a dedicated resource for your business who can sift through your existing business bills to proactively check contract renewals to ensure you are on the best available rates, or analyse your bills to ensure accuracy and reduce wastage through error.
Assess “We sit with you to assess business activity and produce personal
savings reports to clearly identify how and when you can secure better terms for your business. “To give an idea of our reach and results, in June we saved businesses a total of £137,000. With a single business realising over £12,000 in savings on their operating costs.” He added that the Place Savings Team will be in Tunbridge Wells to providing support for local businesses on July 8 and 9, and slots can be booked via ross@ tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk
RISHI SOOD
Social media scheme is launched by NFU RETAILERS insured by NHU Mutual are able to claim 12 months free access to social media expertise and management tools to help them connect with their communities, the company has announced. The insurer, which has offices on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells says the free service is part of a wider package of support for customers and communities during the pandemic. The scheme has been launched following research from NFU showing 58 per cent of shoppers in the South East want to support their local high street. Thirty-four percent named social media as one of the most likely ways they would discover a new local retailer.
Resilience The year-long membership, worth £1,140, will provide NFU Mutual’s new and existing retail insurance customers with tools and training to help them maximise cut through and return on investment from all of their social media activity. Frank Woods, Retail Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Social media has changed the way we communicate and shop, and has become an increasingly important way for businesses to connect with customers. “Thirty per cent of shoppers in the South East increased the amount of business they do with local retailers during the pandemic, and we want to help our retail policyholders use social media to maintain those relationships, as well as attracting new business. “By maximising the benefits they see from their social media channels, local retailers can have meaningful interactions with customers, develop business resilience and potentially drive sales, helping them to bounce back after the pandemic.”
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GIVING THANKS Kent County Council Headquarters in Maidstone
Council thanks young people for their ‘sacrifice’ during Covid pandemic By Millie Sanderson Kent County Council has committed £10m to a new programme recognising the contribution young people have made throughout the pandemic. The sum will go towards Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People Programme, which encourages the users of the programme to focus on opportunities which they can take advantage of, rather than the negative impact which the pandemic have had on their futures. The programme launched in March this year and aims to help Kent’s children and young people reconnect to their health and happiness, learning which they may have missed, family, friends and community, sport, activities and the outdoors, economic wellbeing. Through the programme, each child and young person will be able to engage with the type of activity that will benefit them the most while lockdown lifts.
Well-being Pupils who wish to make up for learning missed might choose to enrol in a summer school, while youngsters who want to give their physical health a boost after multiple periods of lockdown could be encouraged back to a sport they love or given the chance to take up a new type of activity, perhaps outdoors in the fresh air. There will be activities that focus on improving mental health, well-being and happiness and opportunities for social interaction with family, friends and members of the community who may not have seen one another face to face for more than a year. Other parts of the programme will focus on promoting economic well-being and boosting young people’s employment potential. Support will also be available for anyone within the age range who has lost a loved one to Covid. Sue Chandler, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, explained the council’s hopes for the programme: “The younger generation has sacrificed so much over the past 15 months, putting their social lives with friends and family on hold, staying indoors rather than playing or
exercising outside, and missing out on many months of the routine of in-school learning. “They did this to keep their loved ones safe – as they were at a much higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid than the children and young people themselves – and this is Kent’s chance to give something back to them. “I would like to once again appeal to every Kent resident: please tell us how you would like to contribute to this exciting programme.
“Any offer of help that would contribute towards the aims of the Reconnect programme would be gratefully received” “Think about whether you could run an activity or spare a few hours a month to volunteer at a local club or at your child’s school. Perhaps you have a sports ground or a child-friendly premises that isn’t in use every day. Could your employer donate computer or sports equipment or other items? Is there an opportunity to offer a young person some work experience at your organisation? “Any offer of help that would contribute towards the aims of the Reconnect programme would be gratefully received.” Cabinet voted to provide £10m to the Reconnect programme and had already agreed at a previous meeting that £5.3m Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funding (money used to provide food and activities to disadvantaged children and young people during school holidays) would come under the Reconnect umbrella, and money from additional funding streams will be added to the total as it becomes available. Reconnect will operate until the end of August 2022 and will cover all age groups from birth through to the end of secondary school and onto the age of 24 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and specifically for employment-related activity. Local community knowledge will be used to ensure money is spent in the most effective ways in each area of Kent. For more information and to support the project visit www.kent.gov.uk/reconnect
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Retired NHS workers called to register interest in fellowship
Community fridge idea generates the equivalent of 53,000 meals in first year
AN organisation which brings together retired NHS workers is trying to gather enough interest to open a branch in Tunbridge Wells. The NHS Retirement Fellowship brings together people who have worked or volunteered in health and social care for monthly get togethers, organised walks, day trips and other activities. The Fellowship was founded in 1978 and has 130 branches today spread across England, Scotland and Wales. During the pandemic when restrictions meant that the fellowships could not meet up, members were supported by a monthly news sheet from the CEO and regional newsletters were distributed around the fellowships.
A LOCAL community food sharing project has celebrated its first birthday. Hawkhurst Community Fridge is a place where anyone can exchange food which would otherwise go to waste and is run completely by volunteers. In the UK, 6.7 million tonnes of food is wasted per year which totals to costs of £10.2 billion each year which equates to a waste of £250-£400 per household per year. Since the launch of the Community Fridge in Hawkhurst, over 22 tonnes of food have been redistributed to households which is the equivalent of 52,800 meals.
Benevolent Each branch has their own member who acts as a welfare officer through ways such as keeping in touch with members when they are unwell or sending out birthday cards. The organisation also has a benevolent fund which members can apply to for help. To register your interest in joining, visit www. nhsrf.org.uk or contact Debbie and Sherry at the Central Office on 01305 361317
ALL SMILES: The Cambridge branch of the NHS Retirement fellowship on an outing at Cromer Pier
“We know that people want to be more eco-friendly” Founder of the project and Trustee of the Hawkhurst Community Trust, Ellen Neville, suggested the idea back in 2018. She managed to source the funding in 2019 and the scheme opened last year. She explained the project’s goals: “Our objectives are reducing food waste and CO2 emissions while including residents and local stores to take part in sharing and caring for one another. “We know that people want to be more eco-friendly, but sometimes struggle to see how they can make a difference. Donating to a community fridge is easy to do, it’s accessible, and really does make that difference. “Of course, none of this could happen without our brilliant band of volunteers! We’re always on the lookout for people who can give some of their time to a really worthwhile community project; everyone has something to offer and much more to gain.”
Mental health charity blooms with opening of new garden By Lottie Bulmer PEOPLE struggling with their mental health are encouraged to get green fingered with a new gardening project in Tunbridge Wells. Launched by Crossways Community – the charity which provides housing and support for adults suffering from a range of mental illnesses – the project is named ‘Flourish’ and is based in the gardens at the rear of ChristChurch. It offers a wide range of horticultural activities to boost wellbeing including clearing beds, potting on, tidying, sowing seeds, planting a wide range of vegetables and flowers, watering and taking care of plants and preparing produce to be given to others in the local community. Christopher Munday, CEO of Crossways Community, explained how it would help those with difficulties with their wellbeing: “We want to support everyone in our community who lives with poor mental health. “We believe that the benefits of a sustained and active interest in gardening are extensive and include better physical health through exercise, improved mental health through a sense of purpose and achievement, the
GREEN FINGERS Ellen Neville, (left) in her kitchen garden with Hawkhurst residents and community fridge supporters
opportunity to connect with others – reducing feelings of isolation or exclusion, acquiring new skills to improve the chances of finding employment and just feeling better for being outside, in touch with nature and in the great outdoors.
Inequality “West Kent is one of the most affluent areas in Kent and as such it can be easy to overlook areas of relative deprivation and communities that are marginalised. “There are high levels of health inequalities, depression
and anxiety due to stigma, discrimination and poor mental health. “At Crossways we want to be part of the solution to the huge problem of mental health in our community. “At this time we are particularly aware that many people are suffering poorer mental health as a result of the Coronavirus and so Flourish is a way of playing our part in helping our community work through these issues.” To get involved with the project or for more information, visit www.crosswayscommunity. org.uk
“The Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends (which runs the Green Shop) is so supportive: it provides the location for the fridge and pays for our electricity. We’re also fortunate in having some wonderful local suppliers. “Our key ones are the Cranbrook Co-op and Waitrose in Hawkhurst, but we also benefit from smaller businesses such as Hinxden Dairy, Stevens Farm and Sandhurst Farm Shop. “Individuals, schools, kitchen gardens and allotments are contributing a lot to the scheme too. We really do appreciate and thank each and every supplier and individual who is able to donate unused food.” The Community Fridge has also inspired other projects including the ‘Great Hawkhurst Seed Off’, where seeds, seedlings, flower and
vegetable plants in pots are available for people to take home and grow. Another project is the ‘Hens of Hawkhurst’ box, which receives any leftovers at the end of the day for residents to feed to their hens or guineapigs. In January this year there was the ‘Food Amnesty’ where people donated unwanted boxes of goodies to NHS Covid staff at Pembury, Hastings and Maidstone hospitals, our two doctors’ surgeries, the pharmacy and Bowles Lodge retirement housing complex in Hawkhurst. Hawkhurst Community Fridge is located outside the Green Shop in the centre of the town and is open every day from 9:30 to 4pm. For more details, visit www.hawkhurstcommunityfridge.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Proposed development at: Smockham Farm Reynolds Lane Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9XL
Take notice that application is being made by: John Bullock Design Applicant name: Sue Frost For Planning Permission for: Conversion of historic industrial building to 1 no. residential dwelling To: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS UP THE GARDEN PATH: Beds at the garden behind Christchurch
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HEALTH SECRETARY Sajid Javid in the Commons yesterday
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Ministers outline end to selfisolation and school bubbles RULES on self-isolation are being eased for the fully vaccinated and under-18s, the Health Secretary has announced. People in those categories who have come into contact with a coronavirus case will not need to shut themselves away for the 10-day isolation period once the change comes into force on August 16. The Education Secretary has also announced plans to scrap classroom bubbles that have seen entire year groups sent home after classmates have contracted the virus. Sajid Javid’s announcement follows Boris Johnson’s decision to tear up England’s coronavirus regulations at Step 4 of the road map, expected on July 19. Mr Javid told MPs that from August 16, anyone who is a close contact of a positive case will no longer have to self-isolate if they have received two doses of a vaccine and have given the second jab a fortnight to take effect. “As we make this change, we will be drawing on the huge capacity we have built for testing and sequencing and
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Ending He told MPs: “We recognise that the system of bubbles and isolation is causing disruption to many children’s education. “That is why we’ll be ending bubbles and transferring contact tracing to the NHS Test and Trace system for early years settings, schools and colleges.” The changes will come in at Step 4 of the road map. And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will update MPs later this week on how to ‘remove the need for fully-vaccinated
arrivals to isolate when they return from an amber list country’. Mr Javid said: “Step by step, jab by jab, we are replacing the temporary protection of the restrictions with the long-term protection of the vaccine so we can restore the freedoms which we cherish and the experiences which mean so much for us all.” The announcements follow Mr Johnson’s gamble on trusting the wall of immunity provided by vaccines, and the judgment of the English public, once legal restrictions in England are lifted. The Prime Minister acknowledged there may be 50,000 new cases a day by that point, but said that if legal limits on gatherings and laws requiring the wearing of masks were not lifted this summer, they may have to remain in place for another year. Mr Javid suggested cases could rise to more than 100,000 a day in the summer as restrictions are eased. Labour called the Government’s plan “reckless” and called for ministers to maintain protections such as masks.
Cricket chaos as England Vauxhall’s EV plan XI test positive for Covid secures Ellesmere ENGLAND have been forced to select a new team for the Pakistan ODI [One Day International] series after the whole squad went into isolation due to seven Covid cases. Three players and four members of the management team tested positive after taking PCR tests.
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advising close contacts who are fully vaccinated to take a PCR test as soon as possible so they can get certainty about their condition,” he said. Anyone who tests positive will have to self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also set out plans to scrap the ‘bubble’ system which has led to classes – or even whole schools – being forced to stay at home if cases are detected.
In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB] said: “In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from 4 July following the UK government’s protocol on quarantine. England players walk off the field at the end of Sri Lankan innings during the third one day
international cricket match between England and Sri Lanka, at Bristol County Ground in Bristol. The ECB had named an unchanged side for the ODI series against Pakistan, which begins on Thursday in Cardiff. “The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate. “The ECB have confirmed the Royal London ODIs and the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will go ahead. Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad - which will be named in the next few hours.” The isolation period will span all three ODIs against Pakistan, which start on Thursday in Cardiff, Thursday’s match at Sophia Gardens is followed by games at Lords on July 10 and Edgbaston three days later.
THOUSANDS of jobs have been secured as Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant was confirmed as the site of Europe’s first dedicated electric vehicle factory. The £100million investment announced by Vauxhall’s parent company, Stellantis, secures the future of the site, which had been questioned after post-Brexit trading arrangements.
Focus The factory will now focus on making electric vehicles as the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles comes into force in 2030 in the UK. Up to 7,000 workers in the supply chain rely on the plant for their livelihoods, according to the Unite union. The news comes after Japanese car-maker Nissan announced last week an expansion of electric vehicle production at its plant in Sunderland, which the carmaker says it will create 1,650 jobs.
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Two boys are stabbed to death as London faces its highest teen murder rate in a decade
Pubs to get extension for the Euro 2020 final
THE number of violent teenage deaths in the capital this year could be one of the worst in nearly a decade with two more boys losing their lives in separate stabbings this week. In London, so far in 2021, at least 20 teenagers have been killed in just over six months, leading to concerns that the grim tally for the whole year will exceed the previous high of 27 in 2017. This would mean the highest teenage death toll since 2012. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was ‘heartbroken and appalled’ after two boys aged 15 and 16 were killed in separate knife attacks on Monday. The younger boy died when violence broke out near Woolwich Arsenal station in south-east London just after 5.20pm, while the 16-year-old was found injured in Oval Place in Lambeth shortly before midnight. Earlier this year, senior police officers expressed concern that violence may rise over the summer months as it did last year when lockdown measures were eased. The surge in 2020 was put down partly to feuds being played out on social media during coronavirus restrictions, and then spilling out on to the streets.
PUBS in England will stay open later as the Euro 2020 final reaches its climax on Sunday, Downing Street has said. Boris Johnson has granted pubs special permission to open until 11.15pm – 15 minutes after normal closing time – in case the showpiece event goes to extra time and penalties. Supporters could be celebrating a historic England win if they overcome Denmark
FLOWERS Tributes were left in Lambeth following the stabbing on Monday
But this year the number of violent teenage deaths looks set to be far higher than 2020, and potentially the highest in nearly a decade. According to figures from City Hall, in 2012 there were nine teenage homicides, 12 in 2013, 13 in 2014, 19 in 2015 and 13 in 2016.
Violence After the peak in 2017, there were 24 such deaths in 2018, 26 in 2019 and 14 in 2020 – although the country was in lockdown for large chunks of that year. The latest violence saw a 16-year-old boy pronounced dead at the scene after being found injured in Oval Place, Lambeth, south London, at around 11.45pm on Monday.
Police officers were at two separate cordons near the scene on Tuesday. A tarpaulin sheet covered a stairwell at Elworth House, a block of flats just off the main Clapham Road. Members of the public arrived looking visibly distraught and placed flowers with personal messages. Cards read “shine bright” and “love you forever … my bro.” In Woolwich, the 15-year-old boy died after being stabbed in Woolwich New Road shortly after 5.20pm. Violence erupted in a busy area near Woolwich Arsenal station and pictures on social media showed members of the public holding up sheets to provide privacy as emergency crews tried to save the boy’s life.
Lineker still heads BBC’s top earners MATCH of the day host Gary Lineker is still the BBC’s highest earning on-air talent, despite last year agreeing to a pay reduction of around £400,000. Zoe Ball remains the broadcaster’s second highest paid talent after requesting a pay cut when agreeing a new two-year deal as Radio 2’s breakfast host. The corporation’s annual report for 2020/21 shows it has slashed 10% from its pay bill for top talent, after some of its biggest names agreed to salary cuts or quit.
Highest It was announced last year that Lineker had taken a pay cut, which has reduced his pay from £1.75million to £1.36million. Meanwhile, Ball asked to reduce her pay by 28 per cent to £980,000 to reflect the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The report also shows that the gender balance of the top 10 highest-paid on-air talent was the same in 2020/21 as 2019/20, with six males and four females. Graham Norton is the only person to drop out of the top 10, after being the
third-highest earner in 2019/20. He left his Radio 2 Saturday show for Virgin Radio in December last year, and appears on the 2020/21 list with a salary of £155,000-£159,999. Norton’s salary from his popular TV chat show is not included because it is a BBC Studios production. Since 2017, the BBC has been made to publish the names of those earning more than £150,000 each year, a move instigated by the Government. But pay packets made through BBC Studios, the broadcaster’s commercial arm, are not revealed. Claudia Winkleman, who has replaced Norton as Radio 2’s Saturday host, does not feature on the list this year, with her salary from hosting Strictly Come Dancing also not included because it is also a BBC Studios production. Huw Edwards, Fiona Bruce, Vanessa Feltz, Ken Bruce and Emily Maitlis have all seen their salaries reduced, while radio presenters Scott Mills and Greg James have seen increases.
in the semi-final on Wednesday and then beat either Spain or Italy in the final at Wembley. The final is due to start at 8pm, and would ordinarily finish by about 10pm. The news comes as the Palace has confirmed Prince William, president of the Football Association, will watch the men’s squad on Wednesday in their bid to reach a first major tournament final since winning
the World Cup in 1966. At the last 16 match against Germany last week, William was joined by the Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George, who was dressed in a mini-me suit and tie just like his father. But the Duchess is currently self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus.
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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 7 | 2021
EDUCATION Times
More than just words
Bennett Memorial pupil Isaac Delaney has just won a coveted national poetry prize for his poem entitled The Small Girl. Here he tells Eileen Leahy why he was inspired by key workers to write it… people, often on low pay, keep our nation going.” adds the Poetry for Good spokesperson. The competition drew poems from across the UK and was organised by Clean for Good, an ethical workspace cleaning company for London, dedicated to delivering fair pay and dignified work for cleaners.
POETRY FOR GOOD is the first national poetry competition to celebrate the UK’s many key workers and the important work they do, a lot of it often going unseen. The competition was established earlier this year as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis with the aim of encouraging people of all ages to put pen to paper so they could express their feelings about the role front-line workers have played during the pandemic. One local budding poet and school pupil Isaac Delaney, 11, decided to enter the competition with his poem entitled The Small Girl. But little did Isaac, a student at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, know that his piece of work would have a chance of winning. “I entered the Poetry for Good competition because I enjoy writing poems and I wanted to
share them,” he tells the Times. “I was told about the competition by a friend, and I liked the fact that it celebrated key workers.” A spokesperson for Poetry for Good says the competition’s entries are ‘a testament to the lives and work of the UK’s key workers’.
“When I found out I was one of the winners I was surprised” Along with the scores of schoolchildren participating, many were also written by key workers themselves, or inspired by family members, friends or neighbours who are key workers. “Whether it is teachers or nurses, cleaners or shopkeepers, carers or couriers – millions of
Isaac’s poem in full:
THE SMALL GIRL
By Isaac Delaney Winner, Special Prize for a Poem about Cleaning
The soft tread of the foot the sighing breath as an old cleaner goes to work under the jurisdiction of flickering lights the dust seems to laugh in his face but he perseveres
Important
until all is done
Categories in the Poetry for Good competition included: ‘Growing Word aged 11-15’, ‘Written Word 16+’ and a Special Prize category in which Isaac won. Isaac says he chose to write his particular poem as he felt that cleaners are ‘undervalued’. “I wanted to write something on cleaners as being part of key workers as I feel they are undervalued and deserve more credit for the work they do. “During the Covid-19 pandemic their role has been especially important in helping to prevent the spread of the virus. When I found out I was one of the winners I was surprised but very happy. I have never entered a poetry competition before.”
he looks around
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hoping for a kind word, a congratulatory smile but none is forthcoming he turns to go his work here is done a child stops in front of him “Thank you Mr, for making everything clean and shiny!” she re-joins the throng of children heading to class he stares after her a smile dawning on his face she noticed she didn’t just walk past he turns to go a spring in his step.
GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES
If you have an individual problem which you think I can help with or you would like to have a chat about a more general issue, please do get in touch. I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call:
01892 519854 or email:
greg.clark.mp @parliament.uk
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Alex Britcher-Allan Labour Councillor for Rusthall
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Alex was elected as a Borough Councillor for Rusthall in May 2021. She was born in Tunbridge Wells and moved to Rusthall in 2008 and has been active in her local community ever since, including as a Parish Councillor since 2015. Alex has a background in the retail and commercial sectors and worked locally for Royal Victoria Place for 12 years.
Local politics should be focused on bringing people together Covid-19 support response and most recently our amazing Community Food Larder. My community activism has involved arranging litter picks, local speakers, social events, competitions for young and old, supporting those shielding or ensuring the residents have access to affordable, good quality food and reducing food waste.
I was delighted to become Labour’s newest female borough councillor in May. Labour won a seat in Rusthall for the first time since 1990. The local blue wall is certainly crumbling and it’s being replaced with red as well as other colour bricks. I have been amazed by the amount of support I received during the election campaign and since. Someone said to me the other day that I am in a position of power. I don’t see it like that. I see it as a position of responsibility, not just to Rusthall but to the borough as a whole.
‘Labour Councillors are focused on building a fairer, more cohesive Tunbridge Wells. One in which children growing up here have a chance of securing a home to raise their family in’
Engagement Being a Labour Councillor in Tunbridge Wells is about championing our priorities for Rusthall and for residents across the borough. We are the Councillors who keep raising the need for a clear economic recovery plan post-Covid. We constantly demand more genuinely affordable and social housing for rent. We call for more public engagement and consultation. But most importantly, as Councillors we are focused on our local communities not national party politics. For years I’ve worked on a voluntary basis in Rusthall for our Village Association, Parish Council, Community Arts group, Village
REMEMBERED: Jo Cox said we have a shared interest
Local political representatives should be focused on bringing people from all walks of life together, through a shared interest of where we live. After all as the late Jo Cox MP said in her maiden speech to parliament, ‘We have far more in common than that which divides us’. Elected representatives should also reflect the communities that they serve. In 2021 it is incumbent on all political parties locally to do much more on equality by encouraging more women, young people, people
with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds to stand for election and increase the diversity of our elected members. I have wasted no time in using my new position to advocate for the benefit of residents, regardless of political affiliation or none. My immediate main priorities have been working with others to get electric vehicle charging points installed, repairing our brick pavements, chasing cleaning of our multi-use games area as a safe place for our children to play, the reinstatement of public benches and cleaning of our street furniture.
Grateful Every day I continue to support all our amazing residents, community events and seeing the Rusthall Community Food Larder go from strength to strength. Our political group has a growing voice and influence in the Town Hall, particularly now that no party has overall control. Labour Councillors are focused on building a fairer, more cohesive Tunbridge Wells. One in which children growing up here have a chance of securing a home to raise their own family in. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that future for all residents.
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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
JAMMED The A26 is too narrow for a new cycle lane So Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] has once again put forward a proposal without any public engagement or consideration. To make a double cycle lane on the section from Southborough Common to Mabledon Farm. For the bulk of this section the A26 is fairly narrow and so to take up space is ridiculous. This road is one of the busiest in Kent with a huge number of large vehicles driving through, so by reducing the lanes will inevitably lead to further congestion. This in turn will add to pollution, so where
Lib Dem leader is an opportunist The Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats led by Ben Chapelard seem content to sacrifice honesty & integrity for the sake of naked self- interest. Councillor Chapelard is inclined to miss state facts to suit his case irrespective of the damage it may cause to the Town and its residents. When challenged however members of his party have no qualms in responding with threats of reprisal. Ben Chapelard is an opportunist. The controversy surrounding the Civic Centre project enabled him to jump on the populist bandwagon not because the concept was necessarily flawed but rather he saw a chance to score points against a weak Conservative administration. His ambition to become the next Tunbridge Wells MP is ominous and should act as a stark warning to all. Mark Casady Tunbridge Wells
Party is not electable ‘Having read the Times of Tunbridge Wells this week I was left with a huge grin from Cllr Chapelard’s column saying there could be a Liberal Democrat MP in Tunbridge Wells. Let’s have a look at some stats and the facts that Greg Clark has averaged over 55% of the
are these ‘green credentials’ they profess? The idea that money ‘has to be spent’ is ludicrous, Many of the side streets are crumbling and have not been repaired of resurfaced in decades, so why not consider using the funds to repair them, rather than cause more disruption? Appears that TWBC have their own agenda and to hell with the electorate… John Pearce Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: there are restrictions on how the money can be spent.
I’m growing increasingly concerned with the fashion for lowering speed limits in the local area to 20mph. Last week I travelled from Tunbridge Wells to Tonbridge along the A26 unaware of the recent changes in speed limit on Quarry Hill Road. While obeying the 40mph speed limit, I rounded a corner down Quarry Hill road only to find a car virtually static on the road where the 20mph sign was introduced. There needs to be far more warning where these 20mph limits are introduced on roads with an existing higher speed limit as the sudden drop in speed for those unaware of the change, especially when it is around a corner. I also do not believe that these lower speed limits are in any way enforceable as there are no cameras ajnd the police have no means to prove your speed. Adrian Walker Tunbridge Wells
Thank you to our volunteers The UK’s leading heart charity, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) wants to say thank you to all its fantastic shop volunteers, following Thank You Day (July 4). Our shop volunteers play a vital role in raising funds for life saving research – without their passion and drive we wouldn’t have been able to fund scientific breakthroughs for 60 years. The last year has been extremely difficult for the BHF, with the temporary shop closures and
we have been truly humbled by the continued support of our volunteers. However, we have 20% less volunteering support than we did before the Covid pandemic and are urging the local community to volunteer in their nearest BHF shop. The charity has plenty of exciting volunteering roles available, which not only provide crucial support to the BHF retail operation, but it can also help boost CVs, increase wellbeing, and provide a social network within the local community. Volunteers can get involved in a range of tasks, such as telephone and logistical administration, merchandising on the shop floor and answering customer queries. We also offer online roles for those keen to hone their tech skills, by helping to research, photographer and list items for the BHF’s online shops. Each year, heart and circulatory diseases kill more than 1 in 4 people in the South East and currently 970,000 people in the region are living with them. In the BHF’s 60th year, the support of volunteers in our local shops is more vital than ever – whether it is just a few hours a week or more. As we approach our milestone birthday, help us fund the next 60 years of scientific breakthroughs by giving us the gift of time, to save and improve lives in the South East. For more details on how you can volunteer at the BHF please visit www.bhf.org.uk/volunteer Sarah Boardman British Heart Foundation Follow Peppry on Twitter @Peppyscott
On your bike with cycle lane plan
Rise of 20mph roads are a danger
PEPPY SAYS...
vote since 2010 (across 3 general elections) and that has been through some almighty countrywide political challenges. Furthermore, even with no Green Party candidate and tactical voting employed by the Lib Dems (including other parties) and Cllr Chapelard they made little to no inroads into The Conservative Party general election vote but their ‘success’ or increase in votes was from a lack of other parties to vote for. A failure perhaps? There is little to no doubt about the success of The Liberal Democrats and The Labour Party locally in the last election but we have to remember the difference in how people vote in local and general elections, even when it is the same day- something for them to review. Finally, a reminder that the Lib Dems have just under 50% of the of the number of Councillors as the Conservatives and this is their most successful stints, apart from when they almost bankrupted the Council in 96-98 but then is this what is considered winning of a small fish that is used to failing? The ultimate reality of the Lib Dems winning in Tunbridge Wells and elsewhere is minimal as they are not an electable party at a national level and this has been shown throughout the decades time and time again. Name and address supplied
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
the
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31 Mount Pleasant road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1PN Contact us on: 01892 341054 Book your table: www.persianlounge.co.uk
Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Interiors
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Property Focus NEW S
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
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Town’s law firm reveals how stamp duty holiday has created conveyancing boost THE PROPERTY market took off in July 2020 following the announcement of the Stamp Duty holiday by chancellor Rishi Sunak. The holiday was introduced to kickstart the property market which had slowed due to the pandemic. This meant that people buying properties under the price of £500,000 would not pay the tax. It came to an end on June 30 after it was extended in March, but solicitors have been busy working throughout the period with the huge demand which the holiday created.
Increase Now, the world’s oldest law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore – which has been operating since 1570 and is based in Tunbridge Wells – has highlighted just how much the amount of residential conveyances has increased. The firm opened 706 new property transactions from January 1 to June 30, compared to 534 from the same period in 2020 – an increase of 32 per cent. Conveyancing refers to the legal transferral of property from one owner to another.
When the holiday ended on June 30, 569 transactions were completed and more than 140 deals were closed in the last 10 days alone. The majority of matters have related to properties in London and the South East, but have stretched as far as Cornwall and Norfolk. Rebecca Swain, head of conveyancing at the firm explained: “Although the property market never really stopped during lockdown, it did slow down. “This led to a lot of pent-up demand for property, which combined with the stamp duty holiday and people’s desire to move to more rural locations and to properties with more space for home working and more outside space, has led to a massive increase in activity in recent months. “It remains to be seen if this level of activity will continue now that the initial stamp duty holiday on property transactions of up to £500,000 has come to an end. “However, until the end of September, there will be no stamp duty to pay on the first £250,000 of property transactions, which may well still lead to significant levels of activity in the market going forward.”
CONVEYING THE FACTS Thomson Snell & Passmore staff pictured pre-lockdown outside the firm’s new offices
New buyers in the town pay a premium to be safe as houses FIRST time buyers are charged more when buying a house in a low crime area. Research has shown that the areas of the UK with the lowest crime rates have the highest first home prices. The average crime rate in England is 85 crimes per 1000 people and the average first time buyer’s property costs £272,380. The crime rate in Tunbridge Wells according to last year’s figures is 68 crimes per 1000 people, and according to the most recent figures from the UK House Price Index, the average first time buyer in the town spends £332,387 on their home. Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk – the estate agent comparison site which conducted the research – Colby Short, commented: “Safety is a hugely influential factor when buying at any rung of the ladder, not only in terms of the property itself but also with regard to the
SAFEHOUSE Low crime areas have higher house prices
wellbeing of your family both inside and outside of the home. “Unfortunately, the ever-increasing cost of homeownership means that for many first-time buyers, purchasing in an area with a low level of crime is often unobtainable and so they’re forced to make do with based on their budget limitations.
Resources “However, with a little bit of research you’d be surprised at what you might be able to find at your required price threshold, both in terms of the property itself and the crime rate in the local area. These sorts of resources are all publicly available and so it could make all the difference to utilise them when starting your initial search of the property market.”
Private rental property value reaches second highest peak of £1.3trillion ENGLAND’S level of housing stock in the privately rented sector has reached its second highest peak. The sector has an estimated £1.3 trillion worth of housing stock and is the second-highest level on record despite a string of government attempts to dampen the financial return on offer to landlords within the sector. There are some 4,799,000 privately rented properties across England, which is a decline from a high of 4,832,000 in 2016. The South East is home to 14% of all private rental stock and second to London as the most valuable rental market at £229bn. Sales Director at Sequre Property Investment – the company which conducted the research – Daniel Jackson, explained: “The private rental sector has grown considerably in recent times, both
in terms of the level of stock available, but also where the value of this stock within the wider housing market is concerned. “Not only does this demonstrate the continued strength of the sector, but it also highlights its importance as the backbone of the private rental market.
Importance “Without it, the government would be left with a shortfall of nearly five million homes and given their consistent failures in addressing the current housing crisis, this would no doubt be yet another obstacle they would fail to overcome. “Fingers crossed they’ve now realised the importance of the rental market given the fact a widely expected increase in capital
gains tax failed to materialise during the last budget. “While a buy-to-let investment will predominantly focus on the yields available, the capital appreciation of a rental market investment is an additional benefit that many landlords can reap on exit. “Had the government decided to penalise this, a mass exodus of landlords would no doubt have followed. Of course, while the overall value of the rental market is higher in the south, the north can present some very good investment opportunities. “Those looking to these more affordable regions can realise yields in excess of 8% in the right areas, which gives them more scope for building cash flow and as well as seeing capital growth.”
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Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Styling summer neutrals
How to put some punch into a pale palette Interiors experts share their thoughts on texture, natural materials and putting a little luxe into neutral schemes says Sam Wylie-Harris...
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VEN if you’re not new to neutrals and love everything clean and serene, chances are you’re at your most creative come high summer – and looking for ways to buff up your beige and freshen those fawn floors. “Light neutrals are always popular during summer months, as we enjoy longer days and want to instil a sense of relaxation into our
COLOUR POP Pair neutrals with bold features this season PHOTO: INTERIOR FOX
homes, reminding us of holiday travels,” says Tara Thallon, co-founder of Bound Concept, a new online modern design store offering a curated range of ‘objects of desire’ from emerging designers.
1. Copenhagen Cobra Vases: Tall Bubble White Vase, £135; Cobra Double, £145; Cobra Uno, £95 (others from a selection),
Bound Concept “To avoid neutrals looking too flat, mix in tactile pieces to bring rich texture and visual interest. Think hand-made, imperfect ceramics with rough surfaces and accessories with strong, interesting silhouettes that will draw attention,” suggests Thallon. To further your sense of calm, consider introducing natural materials alongside neutrals. “Jutes, rattans, light woods – all hint towards nature and have calming, natural tones to complement neutral surroundings,” adds Thallon.
2. Rebel 3 Seater Sofa in Taupe Velvet,
£1,099 (other items part of room set), SNUG If you’re not sure where to start, Jenna Choate, co-founder of Interior Fox, says working with cream, grey and taupe shades will allow you to create a base that’s easy to build upon, depending on the season or mood. “Add in bursts of vibrant colour during the summer months, or sumptuous and earthy colours during the winter,” suggests Choate.
3. Hana Pink Recycled Cotton Throw, £29.50, Oliver Bonas “Find a colour that you feel drawn to the most. If you’re stuck for inspiration, have a look in your
Homes & Interiors
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
wardrobe to see what colours you naturally gravitate towards,” Choate adds. “We find green and blue are a winning combination, they reflect the colours you’d find outside and work perfectly with a neutral base. Whatever colour you choose, introduce it through soft furnishings, such as cushions, throws, and rugs. “For a look that feels effortless, steer away from using the exact colour and instead opt for a tonal look.”
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4. Rattan Wall Mirror Natural, £25 (other items from a selection), Dunelm As well as adding texture, creating interest through natural materials, such as decorative seashells or beach themed decos, channels holiday vibes. As Choate points out: “These materials are perfect for summer as they give a relaxed, lived-in feeling that transports you somewhere warm, like the coast.”
5. Ocean Shores, Shell Wall Art Shadow Box Cream Natural, £94.99, Oak Furnitureland
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To build on those soft furnishings, a fresh lick of paint is one of the easiest ways to bring a new lease of life into a room. “To create contrast, add in wooden cladding vertically,” suggests Choate. “This look is a contemporary take on the panelling trend. Complete with a curation of art that reflects your style, and finish with a mix of clashing cushions on the sofa.”
6. Mirage Cushion in Cacti, £70, Kagu Interiors Flooring can be given some new neutrals treatment too, especially if you’re looking for a significant revamp. Jemma Dayman, carpet and rugs buyer for Carpetright, says choosing a light and bright neutral shade for your floors, whether soft beige carpets or marble effect vinyl, ensures your room feels spacious and airy – making it the perfect choice for smaller spaces.
considered, rather than overpowering.”
8. Natural Braided Rattan Lampshades – Low, Belly or Bottle, £90 each, Kagu Interiors “Sophisticated and contemporary, soft summery neutral tones are the perfect base for an understated decor,” Dayman continues. “Enhancing natural light and brightening darker rooms, these versatile yet complementary shades will emanate warmth and unify existing colour schemes, creating a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere.” Tactile to the touch, texture is a word that comes up a lot in the world of neutral interiors. And if you’re starting out on your jute journey or pale palette, to echo your love of pared-back simplicity, in the same vein as ‘more is more’, you can never have too much texture.
9. Portobello Scalloped Bowls – Set of 2, £25, The White Company
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“When decorating with neutrals, texture is key,” says RICH PICKINGS Chrissie Rucker, founder of Rich tones compliment the The White Company. a neutral pallette “I like natural elements and lots of texture: weathered wood, slubby linens or 7. Somerton Twist Carpet marbled slate, all of which in Sand Heather, £31.99 5 connect us back to nature and per square metre; Safi contrast well with crisp china Fringed Pyramid Natural and glassware, adding Rug, from £59.99 (other interest.” items part of room set), And for the finishing Carpetright touch, what could be “Pairing neutral tones with lovelier than the scent of natural materials like rattan freshly washed tumbleand raw woods, adds depth to dried fluffy white towels, or your scheme whilst helping sun-dried cotton sheets? bring the outside in, for an Check out Yankee Candle’s additional summery feel,” says collection of PreDayman. Fragranced Reed Starter Kits, from £16.49, to sit “If you’re looking to tone down alongside their Candlelit Cabin Reed Diffuser, bolder themes, pairing throws and lighting with £19.99, in Fluffy Towels and Clean Cotton. neutral flooring will ensure the room feels
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Food & Culture
On your bike
Set the wheels in motion for a UK-based holiday
Page 34
Take the spice route
We savour the amazing aromatic dishes on offer at new Indian restaurant Turmeric Square Page 30
& 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 7 | 2021
Your invite to a small but
Since launching in 2016, the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival has been a huge success welcoming famous authors, writers and performers. This year, to comply with Covid rules, it’s more of a fringe-style affair. With the first event on tomorrow (July 8) Eileen Leahy finds out who’s on the bill this summer
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HAT could be more joyful for literary lovers than sitting in the glorious grounds of a centuries old castle listening to some of the UK’s leading writers and novelists discuss their work and chat to their contemporaries? Well that’s exactly what happens at Chiddingstone Castle every summer and despite having to cancel last year’s event due to Covid, the good news is the festival is back
FAIRYTALE CASTLE The Literary Festival has returned to Chiddingstone this year
“This much-loved – and missed - literary fair returns for 2021 in line with current government guidelines” for 2021 . However, unlike previous years it will be a more fringe-style event taking place over the summer, as opposed to packing in a number of famous faces over the course of just one weekend. According to its organisers this is to ensure that the necessary social distancing is observed and that numbers don’t exceed the decreed limit by the government’s guidelines. Instead, book lovers will be treated to a series of renowned author talks during the afternoons and early evenings of summer and have the opportunity to picnic, purchase books, meet
PUT OUR SPECIALISTS TO THE TEST…
Eric Knowles
John Benjamin
Grant Ford
Loraine Turner
Charles Hanson
AT OUR VALUATION DAY
What’s it worth? IN AID OF THE PICKERING CANCER DROP-IN CENTRE
Eric Knowles invites you to a valuation day to celebrate the opening of The Pantiles Arcade in The Corn Exchange, a new centre dedicated to showcasing decorative art and design from the 17th Century to the present day.
Eric and a few friends – all familiar faces from the Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt and specialists in their own fields – will be donating 100% of the £10 valuation fee to The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre. Please book one of the ten minute time slots with the relevant specialist and bring along your treasured item THE at the appropriate time and let Eric and his friends do the rest – if they can’t tell you all about your item on the day – they will endeavour to carry out the necessary research and let you know very soon afterwards! AT S C O T T I S H A N T I Q U E S . C O M
THE
WHERE?
THE PANTILES ARCADE The Corn Exchange, The Lower Pantiles
WHEN? Sunday, 4th July 2021 Appointments begin at 12:00pm and end at 5.00pm
Book your appointment today!
To book an appointment call
07497 387995 or email
events@scottishantiques.com AT S C O T T I S H A N T I Q U E S
at scottishantiques.com
THE HOARD_TIMES OF TW_30-06-21 FINAL.indd 1
scottishantiques
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Thu 22 July | 2pm & 4pm 01732 304241 www.emftheatre.com sarahandducklive.com Sarah & Duck © Karrot Entertainment. Distributed by BBC Studios.
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
spectacular literary festival BROUGHT TO BOOKS Visitors can enjoy author talks and the castle’s sublime setting
authors and receive signed copies amidst Chiddingstone’s Castle’s Orangery and stunning gardens. Like most events in 2020 the usual festival had to be cancelled due to Covid but organisers still managed to create podcasts of all their scheduled author events – all of which are still available to listen to on their website. The new series of summer dates starts tomorrow (July 8) with author Anne Sebba who will host a talk from 5-6pm on her biography of Ethel Rosenberg, the first woman in the US to be executed for a crime that wasn’t murder. Entitled A Cold War Tragedy Anne will discuss the ‘catastrophic’ failure of humanity and justice which resulted in ‘the trial of the century.’ Later that evening from 7-8pm Royal biographer Hugo Vickers and journalist Simon Heffer will discuss the diaries of Henry ‘Chips’ Channon and Cecil Beaton. Vickers’ new book Malice in Wonderland reveals society photographer Cecil Beaton’s world of royalty, aristocrats and film stars, whilst Simon Heffer exposes society icons under the gaze of Henry ‘Chips’ Channon in the 1920s and 30s. The event will be chaired by James Lee with readings by actor Geoffrey Streatfiled. A few weeks later on July 22, Amanda Owen, TV’s Yorkshire Shepherdess, will talk about combining life on the farm with raising nine children, filming and writing. Amanda will speak from 5-6pm about how she rose to fame in Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, after moving from urban Huddersfield to Ravenseat in Swaledale. Audiences will hear how she combines life on the farm with raising her nine children and multi media commitments. Later that evening from 7-8pm Ben MacIntyre will uncover the life of Agent
Sonya; Lover, Mother, Soldier, Spy. This will give ticket holders the chance to hear the remarkable true story of World War II’s most extraordinary spy; Ursula Kuczynski Burton who combined rural motherhood with being a spymaster, saboteur, bomb-maker and secret agent. On the evening of Thursday August 19 classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes will turn the spotlight on the remarkable women of Greek myths in her talk entitled Pandora’s Jar which runs from 5-6pm.
“Book lovers will be treated to a series of renowned author talks and have the opportunity to picnic and purchase books” Then from 7-8pm the art critic Martin Gayford presents an illustrated talk on Hockney’s latest paintings Spring Cannot be Cancelled; David Hockney in Normandy. Gayford is a long-time friend and collaborator of Hockney. Finally on Thursday September 2 Chiddingstone Castle welcomes acclaimed novelist Sebastian Faulks who will talk about his new novel Snow Country – described as a ‘landmark novel of exquisite yearnings, dreams of youth and the sanctity of hope’. Later that day from 4-5pm Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, unveils her new novel The Black Dress which is described as a ‘beautifully observed, darkly funny, tender and surprising novel about life changes and the unexpected twists and pleasures of being alone’. To purchase tickets, priced £16 per event, or to find out more for all dates in July, August and September please visit www.chiddingstone castle. org.uk/literary_festival
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Food & Culture
food
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Spice up your life at West Malling’s new restaurant
Being a Birmingham-bred connoisseur of the curry, the opening of a new Indian restaurant was always going to be too tempting for Richard Williams to ignore. Here he explains how the new Turmeric Square adds a touch of spice to the local restaurant scene
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URMERIC SQUARE in West Malling opened just as lockdown restrictions were eased at the end of May and began by offering just takeaways. Now that restrictions are relaxing more, the Islam family who also run Turmeric Gold in Tudeley, hope the new restaurant in King Hill’s
‘Meaning ‘bucket’ – refers to the balti pot that the dish is cooked in’
PRESENTATION Liberty Square in Kings Hill, West Malling
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Liberty Square will prove just as popular with curry lovers as its sister branch. The modern, crisp and contemporary restaurant has room for 150 people (when rules allow it), and is a perfect demonstration that Indian food can be every much ‘fine dining’ as other cuisines.
The quality and presentational finesse of the food places it well above the average Friday night ‘curry house’, but that does not mean Turmeric Square is expensive. UNDER STARTERS ORDERS You will find the usual array of traditional and old favourite appetisers on Turmeric Square’s menu but there are also some Rajasthani-inspired specialities. Personally, a light nibble just to prepare for the spices to come is all that is needed, and the onion bhaji [£4.95] always fits that bill. Here, even this simplest of dishes [deep fried onions coated in chickpea flour] was delicately presented, with the four, light bitesize pieces crisp and incredibly moreish. The vegetable samosa [£4.75] was equally as delicate and served on a similar bed of salad and garnish, with just enough spice to train the tastebuds for what was to come.
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
THE MAIN EVENT The balti is virtually a staple in the Midlands region, and while less popular in the South East, it was comforting to see it on the menu [chicken, lamb or prawn £13.95] at Turmeric Square. Literally meaning ‘bucket’ – referring to the type of pot the dish is cooked in – the subtlety to a good lamb balti lies in its sauce; somewhere between the thickness of a curry but not too thin as to be a stew. Turmeric Square got it spot on, and the seasoning was perfectly balanced – not so hot that you are guzzling water after every mouthful, but just enough punch to get your tastebuds tingling. The lamb tava [£12.95] my guest found among the chef’s specials, is also named after the dish in which it is cooked – this time a skillet, more commonly associated with baking chapatis. The result was a light curry perhaps too delicately spiced for madras or vindaloo lover, DELICATE Some of the Rajasthani specials are delicate and mild
FRESH Ingredients are fresh and local
‘It won’t be hard to imagine the Liberty Square restaurant becoming a firm favourite’ but certainly a good alternative for those that don’t venture hotter than a korma or masala. Of course, these dishes were accompanied by the usual sundries of which there is no shortage, from an array of nan breads [from £3.30] and pilau rice [£3.50] to the obligatory papadum and relishes [£0.80 each]. A WELCOME EDITION As with most places, there is not a shortage of Indian restaurants in the area, but Turmeric Square is a welcome edition to this thriving curry scene. It won’t be hard to imagine, as restrictions lift, the Liberty Square restaurant becoming a firm favourite for foodies and group nights out – especially with the amount of space available in Turmeric Square. And as the restaurant intends to maintain its delivery and takeaway service, you do not even have to venture out to sample some of the best Indian cuisine West Kent has to offer.
MEET THE TEAM: The Islam family and staff at the spacious and contemporary Liberty Square
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Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
Big Zuu on working hard, African food, and the importance
“Show them the roots, show them what we come from, the grind, the hustle”
Grime artist and chef Big Zuu’s debut cookbook has heart, flair and flavour. Ella Walker finds out more
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IG ZUU is a right laugh to spend time with – as many of our brightest big-name comedians will know – but the man’s work ethic is absolutely no joke. A grime artist, rapper and cook, Big Zuu, born Zuhair Hassan, is best known for hosting series Big Zuu’s Big Eats on Dave, which sees him cooking for and chatting with comedians like James Acaster (“He’s absolutely hilarious”) and Rosie Jones (“[She] is a boss”), alongside his best mates from secondary school, Tubsey and Hyder. The 26-year-old from London is also the self-proclaimed Roux King – “I’m just really good at making roux” – a cheese lover despite being lactose intolerant (“I’ve not accepted it”), and while his professional kitchen experience amounts to a “gruelling” stint on the grills at Nando’s, he now has a
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Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
cookbook, also called Big Zuu’s Big Eats, to match the series. “It’s a beautiful moment,” he says on the phone. “Not something I expected to ever do in my life, is write a bloody book! And I’ve gone and done it. “Oh, my god, I was gonna cry. I didn’t cry. But I had tears in my eyes,” he says of holding a finished copy in his hands for the first time. “To see that final product, like, ‘Yes, I’ve done something here. I’ve put in some work to make this be created’. I was just really proud of how far I’ve come in terms of the stuff that I do.
‘The book is a delicious melding of myriad cuisines, featuring dishes that are big and bold’ “Having a physical book in front of you, it made me feel like, yep, this is all worth it. This is what I’m doing. I’m working hard to make this happen.” That hard work started at home, supporting his mum. Mumma Zuu – Isatu Hamzie – sought refuge in Britain after fleeing war in Sierra Leone in 1995, gets good and bad press in the book. “Basically, my mum was a good chef, yeah? But she wasn’t the best chef in the world,” says Zuu with an affectionate laugh, explaining how he got into cooking when his little brother was just
a bump, and Zuu himself, still a kid. “Mum was a preggers individual and when she was pregnant, I just thought, ‘Ok, how do I help around the house? What can I do? What is something I can help with?’ One of those things was cooking.” It became an obsession, and although it’s culminated in a telly show on Dave and a cookbook, Mumma Zuu doesn’t always appreciate her son being so blunt about her cooking. “Sometimes she’s like, ‘Does everyone have to always know your roots of life?’ She feels like I tell people too much about myself. Which sometimes is true,” admits Zuu. “But she knows there’s a cause, there’s a reason why we do what we do. So I think she’s got to come to terms with that a bit more. Before she was [like], ‘Everybody knows my business’, now she’s like, ‘Ok, Jonathan Ross show, eyy!’” Fortunately, Zuu also pays homage to “the incredible individual she is”, sharing her recipes for jollof rice (“That recipe has energy!”), okra soup and fufu (“Beautiful”). How and what he cooks today can be traced in part back to her too, from the fact he always has music playing in
the kitchen (“It’s part of the vibe”), to the recipes that draw on his family’s African heritage. As a child, he remembers asking for, even demanding, Western dishes. But as he got older, he got “more in touch with my African roots, understood what it meant to be African and understood what it meant to be from where I’m from” – and that helped, Zuu explains, “to not adhere to the classic Westernised dishes I kind of forced myself to love.” Slowly, he realised “African food is amazing. It’s crazy, I kind of went from not having it all the time, to being upset when my mum would make [Western] stuff, being like, ‘Where’s the jollof rice mum? Where is that? I’ve had enough of this bloody spag bol. Can I please get something less spag bolly?’ And then she just come through. She come through with the goods.” Zuu doesn’t consider his food “typical”. The book is a delicious melding of myriad cuisines: African, Jamaican, Lebanese, French, Japanese, Kurdish, Mexican, Iranian, American, Italian and more, featuring dishes that are big, bold, Instagram-worthy and largely for sharing. His recipe for sardines and rice stands apart. “I
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grew up broke,” Zuu writes, “like sardines and rice for dinner broke.” “Yes, show them the roots, show them what we come from. Show them the grind, the hustle,” he says passionately, when asked about the recipe’s importance. “I feel like highlighting that in the book just proves to people – there might be someone reading that and [they’ll] actually be like, ‘I eat sardines and rice’. Well, I still do! It might inspire someone to not feel too bad about their choice of food.” You get the sense Zuu is intent on taking everyone with him. “I feel like I’m making a change in my own way and doing what I can,” he says. “I’m not gonna turn around and say like, ‘I influence a generation’, but I definitely feel like I’ve played parts in making and changing the face of who is a huge chef and who writes a cookbook and who goes on Sunday Brunch. I definitely feel like I’ve made an influence in that in some type of way.” Key to that is eagerly encouraging everyone to just give cooking a go. “We’re not making pretentious food that nobody can make. We’re making food that is possible to make, that anyone can really have a go at,” he says, adamant. “That’s the main thing – we’re not the best chefs in the world. But we’re having a go, you know? No one can bring you down for trying.” And you can’t argue with that. Big Zuu’s Big Eats by Big Zuu is published by Ebury Press, priced £22. Photography by Ellis Parrinder. Available now.
Big bang broccoli recipe (Serves 2) Ingredients:
n 1tbsp hoisin sauce
n 1.5l vegetable oil, for deepfrying (if using a saucepan; if using a deep-fat fryer follow manufacturer’s instructions for oil)
n 1tbsp sriracha To garnish:
n 2 large eggs, beaten n ½tsp Chinese five spice n 60g cornflour n 100g broccoli or tenderstem florets n 60g panko breadcrumbs n Flaky sea salt For the dipping sauce: n 100g mayonnaise
n 1tsp crispy chilli oil
n 2 spring onions, sliced n 1 red chilli, sliced Method:
1. Preheat the oil in a deepfat fryer to 180°C or heat the oil in a deep saucepan over a medium–high heat to 180°C. 2. Mix all the dipping sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. 3. Beat the eggs, five spice and two-thirds of the cornflour together to form a smooth
batter. Season with a pinch of salt. 4. When the oil is hot, working in batches, first toss the broccoli in the remaining cornflour, then coat in the batter and then toss in the breadcrumbs to lightly coat. Carefully place in the oil. Fry for one minute, turning if necessary, until the breadcrumbs are golden. 5. Remove from the oil and drain on kitchen paper.
6. Season with flaky sea salt, garnish with the spring onions and chilli and serve with the dipping sauce.
Peanut butter and jam cheesecake (Serves 6-8) Ingredients: n Vegetable oil, for greasing n 150g digestive biscuits n 75g butter, melted n ½tsp salt n 170g smooth peanut butter n 225g cream cheese n 100g caster sugar n 2tsp vanilla extract n 225ml double cream n 40g icing sugar, sifted n 60g frozen raspberries n 100g seedless raspberry jam n 40g salted peanuts, crushed Method:
1. Grease a 20cm springform
tin with vegetable oil. To make the base, put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to a fine crumb using a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until crumbly, then stir in the melted butter and salt to make a sandy mixture. 2. Using a spoon, press this into the bottom of the tin to make a smooth, even base. Chill in the freezer while you make the filling. 3. Using a stand mixer or hand whisk, combine the peanut butter, cream cheese, caster sugar and vanilla until smooth and well mixed. In a separate bowl, lightly whip the cream and icing sugar together until very softly whipped, then fold
into the cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined. 4. Spoon the filling into the tin and spread over the base to make a smooth, even layer. Chill for four to six hours in the fridge. 5. To make the jam drizzle, heat together the frozen raspberries and jam in a saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil and cook for five minutes or so until thickened, then remove from the heat and cool completely in a bowl. 6. When you are ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin, drizzle over the jam drizzle and sprinkle with the peanuts.
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Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
A British seaside break worth splashing out on A stone’s throw from seaside resort town Bognor Regis, the Beachcroft Hotel is a peaceful family retreat, says Ben Mitchell
travel
“W
IBBLE-WOBBLE, wibble-wobble,” my 11-year-old chants as she rocks the paddleboard as violently as she can on the calm waters before finally losing her balance, plummeting into the sea with a scream of delight. We’ve just arrived at the Beachcroft Hotel, which is quite literally on the beach at Felpham, West Sussex, and as soon as we had dropped our bags in the room, my daughter, Marie, dragged me to sign out the hotel’s paddleboards and we headed straight on to the water. The sense of escape from the routine of day-to-day life is immediate as we crash into each other’s boards, attempting to topple each other into the water. Our combative cries are loud and raucous and I look around to make sure we are not disturbing anyone, but the families nearby seem to be in the midst of their own water battles as well. After eventually calling a truce, we peel off our wetsuits and tuck into the hamper lunch which has been provided by the
hotel, complete with mini bottles of Prosecco to toast our mini staycation. We may only be a stone’s throw from the famous Butlin’s resort at Bognor Regis, but with our wicker hamper and the surprisingly warm sea lapping at our feet, I feel like I have been transported to a different country – the nearest it appears we will be getting to going abroad this summer!
‘The hotel also has four quirky beach hut style maisonettes directly on to the promenade’ After lunch, we carry the boards back over the promenade to the hotel, where we properly explore our penthouse room, which is home for the weekend. Marie and my partner rush to the balcony which looks over the hotel’s Blakes beachfront bar and out to sea, which under
PADDLING OUT Paddleboarding is one of the activities on offer at the Beachcroft
Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
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SEA AIR The Beachcroft Hotel is located directly on Felpham’s beach
adaptable for pretty short legs to use as well. We head east first and, like many seaside paths, the attention is drawn to checking out the houses overlooking the beach, as much as the view out to sea, and it’s not long before we find an opportunity to stop for an ice-cream. In the evening, we head down to the Tamarisk restaurant, where I have the enjoyable quandary of choosing between the pan-fried sea bass or the oven-cooked cod loin. Luckily, Marie chooses the second, so we can try them both.
Unspoilt
the cloudless summer sky is vibrantly blue. The penthouse is made up of two bedrooms, a double and a twin, with the option of taking an adjacent third room, along with a spacious lounge decorated with a seaside theme and filled with a comfortable leather sofa and chairs. The hotel, which has 40 rooms, also has four quirky beach hut style maisonettes directly on to the promenade, with a modern mezzanine design. Once unpacked, the girls decide to spend the afternoon shopping in the boutiques of nearby Chichester, a small attractive city with a splendid cathedral at its heart, while I take the chance to ride off on my mountain bike along part of the South Downs Way. The chalk paths of the ancient thoroughfare, which run from Winchester to Eastbourne, pass not too far north of Chichester, giving great views and making villages such as South Harting appear like a child’s toy.
A gentle breeze accompanies me as I ride through corn fields, swaying the crops as if someone was grooming them with a brush. After sweating to the top of the downs, I finally head downhill on a bumpy fast descent to Cocking, the adrenaline rush spreading a big
‘Having the pool to ourselves allows us not to worry about annoying other guests’ smile across my face, before I load the bike back on to the car. I meet up with the girls and as we drive back to Felpham, a sea fog has advanced, suddenly swallowing up the hotel and turning the turquoise blues of earlier in the day into a blanket of cotton wool.
It’s the perfect opportunity to make use of the hotel’s indoor pool, which can be booked for half-hour slots for exclusive use. Having the pool to ourselves allows a resumption of battles fought previously on the high seas, with plenty of splashing, catching and races, without having to worry about annoying other guests. After all this activity, a warm shower is very welcome in our room, before we take a wellearned pause reading our books on the loungers on our balcony. But it’s not long before my daughter gets fidgety and we find a set of board-games supplied in the room and set to finding out who killed Dr Black in the library with the leadpiping. After catching the murderer, looking out we see the fog has lifted and decide to take the hotel’s bikes out for a ride along the promenade; although for adults, the fold-up bikes are
I start with scallops as Marie squeaks with delight at the smoked salmon pate, which is a hint of the tasty main courses to follow. The meals are well-presented with bright flavours, not the stereotype of greasy fish and chips you might expect to be eating on a British seaside holiday. It is our final day and we’re heading into the hills again, this time by foot, climbing up the steep approach to the site of an iron age fort at Cissbury Ring, about half-an-hour from Felpham. People have been using the hilltop as a vantage point since Neolithic times, for hunting animal herds. But nowadays, to the south, you can see across Worthing to the giant Rampion offshore wind-farm, and to the north to the unspoilt rolling green hills of the South Downs. From about 400BC, the rampart was built around the hilltop with an eye on keeping out Danish invaders. It’s all grown over with grass now and makes a perfect spot for a picnic and to roll down the steep banks, which I soon realise is a bad idea, as my stomach protests at the churning so soon after sandwiches. But however much the prospect of following in the footsteps of prehistoric hunters might excite the imagination, the true inspiration for Marie is clear, as she says to me: “Can we go back to the hotel now, I need to beat you in the paddleboard war again.”
CANDY FLOSS SKIES The South Downs has breathtaking views of the Sussex Countryside
How to plan your trip… The Beachcroft Hotel (beachcroft-hotel.co.uk; 01243 827 142) offers doubles from £126 B&B per night, or a Penthouse Suite for up to four from £334.
Food & Culture
health & wellbeing
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Wednesday July 7 | 2021
The magic of mushrooms MUSHROOMS have been used for centuries in medicine and cooking, but apart from having a great taste, do you know the benefits of your buttons from your turkey tails? You may have heard about their immune system boosting qualities already with the arrival of the pandemic meaning that many people are incorporating mushrooms more into their diet. In fact, a University of Florida study found that people who ate a cooked Shiitake mushroom each day for four weeks had a better immune system than those who didn’t. A mushroom is the fruit of a bigger fungus and made up of about 90 per cent water. They are a great source of protein with hardly any fat or carbohydrates.
EAT UP Fungi have a plethora of health benefits
Powerful There are tens of thousands of varieties of species, and with such a huge number, it can be a minefield. The UK is home to many poisonous mushrooms, including the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) which is responsible for the most fatal mushroom poisonings around the world. With that in mind, the rule of thumb is if you are in doubt, don’t eat it. Nicola Shubrook, registered nutritionist at BBC Good Food, has shared the four main health benefits of mushrooms: 1. They contain immune-supporting nutrients that also protects tissues All types of edible mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fibre. They also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
‘Boost the Vitamin D in mushrooms naturally at home by placing them at a windowsill’ 2. Source of vitamin D In particular, white button mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. When they are grown, whether indoor or outdoor, they are exposed to UV light which increases
their concentration of vitamin D. You can boost the Vitamin D in your mushrooms naturally at home by placing them ‘bottoms up’ on your windowsill for an hour or two. 3. May help protect against cancer Certain varieties of mushrooms have been shown to have potential in protecting against cancer by protecting our cells against DNA damage but also inhibiting tumour formation. There is also some evidence that they may be beneficial in the treatment and
management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 4. May help maintain heart health Mushrooms have been shown to have some therapeutic properties that can help to lower cholesterol, particularly in overweight adults, as well as phytonutrients that can help prevent cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque build-up. This in turn then helps protect the heart by maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.
Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
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But with such a huge choice, how do you pick the best shroom for your wellbeing? Kiran Bhondi of Osena London – an adaptogen wellness company – has shared some of his recommended mushrooms and how they can boost your health...
packed full of goodness for your gut health. Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) are both found in turkey tail mushrooms and they possess powerful immune-boosting properties. They activate and inhibit specific types of immune cells while simultaneously suppressing inflammation in the gut. Certain test-tube studies have shown that PSP increases the number of white blood cells that fight infection as well as boosting our immunity.
LION’S MANE
REISHI
MUSHROOMS IN LIQUID FORM
TURKEY TAIL
Reishi mushroom is the one for reducing stress and improving sleep Found growing on hardwood in the warmer regions of Asia, Southern Europe and the Southeastern US, reishi mushrooms are known not only for their immunity-boosting properties, but also their potential for reducing stress and improving our quality of sleep. One study examined 132 patients with neurasthenia, a condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches and irritability. The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking Reishi mushrooms. Early research has also shown that reishi mushrooms reduces levels of tiredness in those with breast cancer.
Lion’s mane mushroom is the one for keeping your brain healthy These mushrooms take their name from their appearance – white and shaggy which resemble the mane of a lion. Lion’s mane contains two important compounds, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These two compounds essentially help to stimulate the growth of cells in the brain, therefore helping to improve cognitive function. One study carried out in older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that consuming 3 grams of lion’s mane mushroom daily for four months significantly improved mental functioning and these benefits disappeared when supplementation of the lion’s mane stopped. Turkey Tail mushroom is the one for boosting immunity and improving your gut’s health Commonly called turkey tail due to its strikingly similar pattern, this mushroom is
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But what if I don’t like eating mushrooms? While all of the above mushrooms are edible in their raw form, they’re not quite as pleasant as the common white button or portobello. You can buy powdered forms of these mushrooms but again, it’s hard to find a place for these powders in our everyday diets. Mushrooms like the above can be found in liquid form, referred to as ‘adaptogen drops’ and can be taken by popping 20 drops under your tongue or, instead, popping them into a drink of choice.
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Food & Culture
Wednesday July 7 | 2021
goingout 7 days of activities
ROYAL APPROVAL The Queens of Henry VIII will be parading around the garden of Penshurst Place
By Lottie Bulmer
PIZZA PARTY Every Tuesday at the Salomons Estate
READ INTO IT Chiddingstone Castle’s literary festival starts this week
PARTY ON Pub in the Park returns this weekend after a year’s break THIS week brings a semblance of normality with large events taking place and the weather turning brighter. At the Times we’ve prepared a go-to list of things to do to get back out there and enjoy being together again… FOODIE FESTIVAL The town’s foodie festival makes its long-awaited return this weekend (July 9–11). Cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions, Pub in the Park is taking place at Dunorlan Park and brings chefs, musicians and producers to the town. There will be live demonstrations from chefs throughout the weekend and performances from musicians including James Blunt, Beverly Knight, Craig David’s TS5 and The Lightning Seeds. Chef Tom Kerridge said: “I’m so excited to be bringing another incredible menu to Pub in the
Park this year. “We all deserve a good party and I can’t wait for everyone to dig into some great food whilst watching some quality live gigs. “I know I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the other chef’s food as well.” The festival is one of the few which have been able to go ahead with the social distancing it is putting in place after the government announcement of the extension of the Covid restrictions last month. For more information, visit pubinthepark.com WRITER’S RETREAT Throughout July, August and September, at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge, a Literary Festival is being held. There will be a number of authors’ talks held in the garden under a marquee set in the natural beauty of Chiddingstone’s lawns and woodland.
On the fringes… The Times has partnered with, The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival which aims to help the town’s local businesses and its artists after the past tumultuous year they have all experienced. 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 over the next two weeks. Some of the events are free while others are ticketed. This week 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 7) at 7pm, live party band, Groove 101 is at The Compasses pub on Little
Mount Sion. Dance the night away with soul hits to get you grooving. Tomorrow, (July 8) 18-yearold singer-songwriter and former Tunbridge Wells schoolboy, Seb TurnerMoore is playing at The Compasses pub. On Friday, (July 9) Anna Louise from BBC Radio Kent, Fun Kids Radio and BBC Radio 4 is hosting a radio presenting workshop. Learn how to produce and record your own audio and hear stories about Anna Louise’s career in the studio, on location at festivals and dealing with breaking news. On Saturday (July 10) enjoy music from the Paul Gunn collective on The Pantiles Bandstand. The group includes a cello soloist, a drummer from Guyana, a bass player from India, sax from Sweden and
piano; the Paul Gunn. The group are veterans of the town’s stage and have performed at Pub in the Park in 2019. On Sunday (July 11) Operalele at the Grey Lady on The Pantiles brings a unique comedy music act specialising in performing music from the genres of opera and musical theatre, accompanied by the twang of their ukuleles. On Monday (July 12) Ukelear fallout are playing at The Compasses. They are a five-piece band made up of a guitar, mandolin, ukulele and bass and will be playing their own style of Americana music. Tuesday (July 13) sees an improv drama workshop at the Manna Café at Christ Church. For children aged seven to 11, your child can learn through fun games. To book tickets or for more events taking place throughout the month visit twfringe.com
On Thursday (July 8) you can hear from Anne Sebba, author of Ethel Rosenberg; A Cold War Tragedy between 5 and 6pm. On the same day, between 7 and 8pm, Hugo Vickers and Simon Heffer authors of The Diaries of Henry ‘Chips’ Channon & Cecil Beaton, will be talking chaired by James Lee with readings by actor Geoffrey Streatfeild. For more information visit chidingstonecastle. org.uk and see the Times’ special feature on this in our art Arts and Culture section on P28. PALATIAL PENSHURST At Penshurst Place this weekend, you can step back in time and meet a Tudor queen with the Tudor Legacies: The Queens of Henry VIII at are taking a stroll around the gardens in character so you can stop and say hello. The house was once a hunting lodge owned by Henry VIII and is rumoured to be the setting for
the former king’s and Anne Boleyn’s love affair as her family home of Hever Castle is located nearby. It is also the ancestral home of the aristocratic Sidney family and the historic house boasts 11 acres of Elizabethan Gardens and a unique medieval Baron’s Hall. For more info and to book tickets, visit penshurtplace.com YOU WANNA PIZZA ME? Every Tuesday at the Salomon’s Estate it is pizza night. Enjoy pizza cooked alfresco style in the estate’s wood fired pizza oven while the children entertain themselves with the table tennis, woodland treasure trail, table football and lawn games. Pizzas start at £7.50 each and are served 4pm to 7pm every Tuesday. For more information visit salomons-estate.com
FACES OF THE FESTIVAL: Opera lele [Left] Seb Turner-Moore [above left] and Ukelear Fallout [above] will be all perfoming at the TW Fringe
Books
Wednesday July 7 | 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
Sunset by Jessie Cave Published in hardback by Welbeck, priced £12.99 (ebook £13.33). Available now
Every summer, Hannah and Ruth go on a budget holiday together and, like many sisters, the pair are complete opposites. Then a freak accident changes everything between them. Heavily influenced by the death of Jessie Cave’s brother and her relationship with her sister, Sunset is a powerful insight into the deep and complex bonds between siblings. The conversational and casual style of writing is a striking contrast with the gut-wrenching emotions being played out. Heartachingly beautiful, both warm and littered with observational humour, it is a stunning debut about the raw and destructive power of grief. (Review by Megan Baynes)
Published in hardback by Bloomsbury Circus, priced £16.99 (ebook £11.89). Available now Animal is far from an easy read. Lisa Taddeo’s fictional debut – an incredibly dark tale of sexual abuse, grief, and survival – is full of descriptions and observations that can, all of a sudden, feel almost painfully vivid, and are not for the faint-hearted. The writer – who many will know for her nonfiction hit Three Women – captures emotions and
sensations in a way that makes you feel like she’s stepped inside your head. The disturbing protagonist Joan, plus the complex tone of this book, are bound to divide readers, but there’s no denying Taddeo knows how to deliver an impactful book – and it’s one many will not be able to get enough of. (Review by Georgia Humphreys)
9/10
The Great Mistake by Jonathan Lee
Published in hardback by Granta, priced £14.99 (ebook £14.99). Available now
7/10
On November 13, 1903, Andrew Haswell Green – dubbed the ‘Father of Greater New York’ as the creator of Central Park, the New York Central Library, the Bronx Zoo, and much more – was shot and killed outside his mansion on Park Avenue. From this moment in history and the ensuing investigation, Jonathan Lee delivers a novelisation of Green’s life, told as Inspector McClusky chases his killer in the underbelly of a city coming of age. As McClusky searches through brothels and backstreets to discover Green’s demons, Lee dives back in time to tell us how he rose from a childhood in poverty to become the man who would shape one of the world’s great cities. Lee shows great ambitions of his own, his literary flourishes teetering on the edge of overdoing it at times, but he brings to life a long-forgotten New York in a hugely entertaining read. (Review by Ian Parker)
COMING OF AGE
Holding her Breath by Eimear Ryan (published in paperback by Penguin,
HANNAH KIRSOP 9/10
REWIND 100 YEARS
Dangerous Ages by Rose Macaulay (published in paperback by
British Library Publishing, priced £9.99)
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
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Animal by Lisa Taddeo
9/10
Guest book reviewer
Food & Culture
Originally published in 1921, Dangerous Ages was republished in 2020 by The British Library as part of a collection of forgotten works by female authors. Focusing on four generations of women within a single family, the novel profiles each of their individual cares and concerns at different stages of womanhood, the ‘dangerous ages’, as well as their relationships with other people and one another. Written in a gentle narrative style with endearing characters, the issues affecting the women and addressed by Macaulay remain as relevant today: relaunching a career after children, challenging parental values and losing out in love. A lovely read with a challenging sub-text about the choices we can make to live the life that we want to.
priced £12.99) Set in Dublin, this book is a ‘coming of age’ novel for Beth. Arriving at university, she is looking to rebalance her life having stopped swimming competitively after a breakdown. Through her roommate, Beth meets Justin Kelleher, a lecturer and long-time admirer of the poetic works of Ben Crowe, Beth’s grandfather. As Beth’s relationship with Justin develops, her interest in her grandfather’s poetry and his untimely suicide deepens and the book weaves between Beth in two guises – as student and lover, and granddaughter and investigator. For lovers of Sally Rooney, this is an easy read but the intertwining of the two threads can feel contrived in places and, latterly, the focus on the quest means that the insight into Beth’s character is overshadowed.
9/10 HISTORIC HILARITY
Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans! by Gary Northfield (published in paperback by Walker Books, priced £6.99)
6/10
Described as Madagascar meets Gladiator, this is the brilliant opening book of the Julius Zebra series. Julius, who is NOT a stripy horse, his friend Cornelius the warthog and Milus the lion are kidnapped in Africa and taken to Rome. The only way to survive is to fight other animals and win the support of the Roman crowd. Meeting wonderful new characters along the way, the narrative builds to the big fight at the end but how will the friends fare? With wonderful illustrations throughout by the comic book artist author, this is a wonderfully gripping and hugely amusing story for ages 7-9ish with some factual history thrown in too.