Thousands flock to royal town to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee ON PARADE The sea cadets, air training corps and other armed services marking the Jubilee outside the war memorial
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
MP admits that he voted against PM in confidence vote Exclusive by Richard Williams GREG Clark has broken his silence over Covid rule breaking in Downing Street and has told the Times he voted against the PM in this week’s vote of no confidence. The Tunbridge Wells MP has remained tight-lipped over the scandals that had engulfed the PM earlier this year when Mr Johnson was fined by the Met Police for breaching his own Covid rules. Mr Clark insisted he wanted to wait for the publication of the full Sue Gray report into parties at Downing Street, before commenting on the scandal.
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By Victoria Roberts AN ESTIMATED 10,000 people descended on Royal Tunbridge Wells during last week’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as the town marked 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II. The extended Jubilee holiday saw 70 street parties – one for every year Her Majesty has been on the throne – take place across the borough, while a parade and service outside the town hall was attended by thousands of royal well-wishers. The celebrations in Royal Tunbridge Wells started on Friday (June 3) with a Military Parade at the Tunbridge Wells War Memorial, outside the town hall,
The report was published last week but Mr Clark was unavailable to comment at the time. However, writing exclusively for the Times this week the MP says he was ‘dismayed’ to hear about the rule breaking at Number 10. He said: “The Metropolitan place across the borough and wider Police found that the Prime area for the extended bank holiday Minister broke the rules on one celebrations. occasion where a surprise Villages, parish and town councils as birthday party was organised for well as residents organised a range of him. I have always said that it is events in their local areas, from fetes, a big step to remove a Prime flower shows and ‘family fun sports Minister and I do not believe days’ to tea dances and community that it would be proportionate to picnics to celebrate the Jubilee. do so for this breach alone. Towns such as Southborough, “However, I was dismayed by Paddock Wood and Cranbrook held the findings of the Sue Gray their own celebratory parades and report of a wider culture in events, while Beacons were lit across Downing Street and in particular the borough of Tunbridge Wells to mark shocked by the disrespect the special occasion. shown to staff by some people
forces (CCFs) of The Skinners’ School which was attended by the Mayor and and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent. School. The town centre It was followed saw bunting ‘The extended Jubilee by a procession of adorning many of holiday saw 70 street thousands who the shops and businesses. parties take place – one for filed through Road, Thousands of every year Her Majesty has Monson Calverley Road onlookers cheered been on the throne’ and Bayhall Road as members of the before ending up Tunbridge Wells at the Big Jubilee Lunch at Dunorlan Sea Cadets, TS Brilliant and the 129 Park. There they were entertained with (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron Air an afternoon of music and fun where Training Corps were joined by their the main stage hosted a mix of Bhangra marching bands, along with brass, country and classical music. representatives of 579 Field Squadron, Elsewhere, roads were closed and 101 Engineer Regiment, the Army Cadet Full story and pictures pages 4,5,6 & 7 bunting strung up as street parties took Force as well as the combined cadet
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this week… JUBILANT JUBILEE Tunbridge Wells celebrates the Platinum Jubilee with cheers, concerts and community P4
REACHING OUT The Mental Health Resource charity holds out a hand to teens struggling with body image and exam stress P15
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Greg Clark breaks silence over ‘partygate’ scandal Continued from front page working there.” Mr Clark went on to say that following the calling of a no confidence vote by the Conservative 1922 committee on Monday, Mr Clark voted against the PM. He said: “I want to be open with my constituents about how I cast my vote - which was against Boris Johnson’s leadership of the Party.” But he added that now the confidence vote was over he will ‘accept the result and will do everything I can to help our country and its Government succeed’. He continued: “So I hope the Prime Minister
GREG CLARK Has told the Times he voted against the PM in no confidence vote
TIMES FESTIVAL OFFER The awardwinning Black Deer Festival is back and organisers are offering Times readers an exclusive discount P26
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will take the opportunity to lead the Government in a way that will build again the respect of the people whose support it has lost in recent months.” Mr Johnson saved off the no-confidence vote this week which saw 148 of his own MPs try to oust him – Mr Clark among them. Tory MPs voted by 211 to 148 in support of the Prime Minister but the scale of the revolt against his leadership has left the PM wounded. When Theresa May faced a confidence vote in 2018 she secured the support of 63 per cent of her MPs but was still forced out within six months. Mr Johnson saw 41 per cent of his MPs vote against him, a worse result than Mrs May.
Read Mr Clark’s Times column on page 16.
PCC accuses Met Police of ‘poaching’ its officers with recruitment campaign offensive and short-sighted.” A spokesperson for the Mayor said Mr Khan made ‘no apology for standing up for London and supports the Met in recruiting and retaining the talented and experienced officers needed to rebuild the trust and confidence of Londoners and keep our capital safe’.
By Richard Williams
NOTEWORTHY On the eve of their own Diamond Jubilee, the Tonbridge Music Club talks about its commitment to live performances by invited groups P20
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
KENT’S Police and Crime Commissioner has described a new recruitment campaign by the Metropolitan Police as ‘selfish’ and accused the London force of trying to ‘poach’ his staff after it offered a bonus payment designed to lure officers away from other constabularies. The Metropolitan Police is offering experienced officers a one-off bonus of £5,000 if they transfer to the London force. The capital’s police force has combined their recruitment drive with an advertising campaign carried in local newspapers across the home counties, including in the Times (see page 9). All police forces in England and Wales are recruiting to meet the Government’s target of 20,000 additional police officers by March 2023. But Matthew Scott and other PCCs from force areas around London have called on the Met and the Mayor of London to stop using bonus payments to ‘poach’ experienced officers from neighbouring forces.
Disturbing Mr Scott along with other PCCs has written to the London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressing dismay and dissatisfaction at the capital’s tactics. In the letter, the PCCs say: “The most disturbing of these proposals is the £5,000 payment to incentivise police officers to transfer from their current forces into the Metropolitan Police. “All forces have their own uplift target to achieve and we are all operating in a competitive employment market within the South-East that presents challenges for us all.
Bolstering
CRITICISM Matthew Scott has blasted the Met’s recruitment tactics “As Police and Crime Commissioners for forces where we all met our uplift target last year, it is notable that the Metropolitan Police failed to hit its recruitment target and yet still received full funding from the Home Office. “This was a financial option not made available to any other force. Given the imbalance of funding that already exists between the Met and other forces, the use of this additional income to encourage transferees from neighbouring forces is therefore particularly
And the Met defended their recruitment strategy with Director of Resources, Clare Davies, telling the Times: “Our growth is helping us achieve positive results in driving down violent crime and bolstering our presence in town centres and in neighbourhoods across London. “The additional measures we have introduced are all targeted at making the Met competitive in the London job market at a time when all police forces and a number of other sectors are recruiting. “We will be doing everything we can whilst we have the funding to encourage the best of the best to join us. We will also continue to press hard for a fair pay award for all our officers so that we remain an attractive employer.” But Matthew Scott described the recruitment tactics as ‘selfish’ and branded the idea of offering bonuses as an attempt to ‘poach’ members of Kent Police. He said: “The failure of the Met Police to recruit will now be felt in neighbouring police forces as they selfishly seek to poach our experienced and trained officers to meet their own targets. “Policing works best when we work together, but clearly the Met is not co-operating here. “I have always argued officers should be better paid, but it must be a level playing field across all forces.”
Authority is third best in Kent for value for money By Robert Forrester TUNBRIDGE WELLS is the third best place in Kent for offering value for money to taxpayers, a new study has suggested. Out of the 12 districts in the county, excluding Medway, Tonbridge & Malling offers residents the best deal on their annual council tax, followed by Ashford, according to research by money.co.uk.
Recycling The finance comparison site analysed a variety of council services across England, including fire service response time, recycling levels, road conditions, crime rate, percentage of good or outstanding schools and care homes, to reveal in which district council tax goes the furthest. Council tax goes the furthest in Tonbridge & Malling, according to the research, with a final value score of 3.27/10. Not only are 91 per cent of schools and 94 per cent of social care homes highly rated, waste
management is the best in Kent (8.70/10). Fire services respond in 10 minutes on average - 3.47 minutes longer than Greater London. Ashford comes in second place with a value score of 2.94/10. Although 88 per cent of care homes are rated as good or outstanding, road maintenance services are below par (4.45/10), and crime levels (827 cases per 10,000 people) are 24.9 per cent higher than in Tonbridge & Malling. In third place is Tunbridge Wells with a value score of 2.80/10. Safety levels and waste
management around the area are mediocre, with less than half of household waste (46.50 per cent) being properly recycled. However, councils in Kent are generally underperforming compared to the rest of England. Over the border in East Sussex, Wealden District Council offers the best value for money out of the five districts in the county with a score of 3.29. But five out of the top ten English districts are in Greater London (Wandsworth, Westminster, Bromley, Merton, Kensington & Chelsea), with value scores averaging 5.02/10. On the other hand, Greater Manchester sees three of its districts in the top ten (Wigan, Bolton, Trafford), averaging scores of 4.56/10. James Andrews, finance expert at money.co.uk said: “With council tax bills rising by around 3 per cent in April this year, it might come as good news for many that 46.1 per cent of tax challenges made last year succeeded in reducing their band. As property valuations were roughly done back in 1991, it’s possible that your house was misvalued.”
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
NEWS IN BRIEF
Weekend closures planned for the A21 THE main arterial road into Tunbridge Wells from London and Hastings is to close over the weekend throughout June and July for safety works. The northbound carriageway of the A21 will be closed between the Vauxhall interchange (A26) and Morley’s roundabout from 8pm on June 10 and will last through to 6am on June 13. One lane will then be closed on the southbound carriageway from 8pm on June 17 and will last until 6am on June 20. From 8pm on June 24 through to 6am on June 27, the southbound carriageway will also be closed between Morley’s roundabout (A225) and the Vauxhall interchange (A26) until. More closures are planned for early July. Diversions will be in place.
Panto and ice rink THE Council has announced its Christmas plans with a return of the ice rink along with a pantomime for the Assembly Hall Theatre. Skate TW returns to Calverley Grounds on Friday November 18 to Monday January 2. Meanwhile, Jack and the Beanstalk by the award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment will be performed at the Assembly Hall Theatre between Saturday December 10 and December 31. Tickets for both events are on sale now at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
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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Depp dips in at a Wadhurst wildlife rescue centre guitarist’s wife, Sandra. According to Broadwater Forest-based Folly Wildlife Rescue, the Becks’ association with the organisation began when a fallow fawn became entangled in fencing on their property.
By Victoria Roberts HOLLYWOOD star Johnny Depp made a surprise visit to a local wildlife rescue centre thanks to his friend and touring partner Jeff Beck. The Hall of Fame guitarist who has a house in Wadhurst, is a patron of The Folly Wildlife Rescue, and introduced the actor to the organisation’s work. In a Facebook post, Folly said: “And what an incredible afternoon it was for our staff and volunteers, as he [Johnny Depp] toured the hospital's care and vet units. Johnny was incredibly complimentary and in his own words ‘blown away’ by what he saw.” As part of the visit, Johnny was given the ‘rare privilege’ of holding a badger cub named Freddie (Mercury), which the rescue is handrearing after the creature was orphaned. “I think it's fair to say he was bowled over by the whole experience!” added the centre. The actor, who is currently on a nationwide tour with Jeff Beck, was accompanied on his visit by the
Fundraising
BADGERED The movie star was hands on with on with badger ‘Freddie Mercury’ (picture Folly Wildlife )
“Unfortunately, the fawn did not survive, but Jeff was more than happy to help by becoming one of our patrons,” said the wildlife centre, adding that the couple had promoted the centre’s work and organised numerous fundraising events. Following his recent win in a US defamation case against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, Johnny Depp has appeared on stage numerous times with Jeff Beck over the past few weeks. The guitarist and the actor released their first single together in April 2020, a re-imagining of the John Lennon song ‘Isolation’. See what Times cartoonist Peppy makes of Johnny Depp’s visit in And another thing… page 17.
Teen stabbed in broad daylight attack at a Tunbridge Wells Park A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged with attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park last week. The attack happened around 2.30pm last Wednesday (June 1) when police were called to the Tunbridge Wells park after reports that somebody had been stabbed. The victim, described by Kent Police as a ‘teenager’, was found with stab wounds and was taken to a London hospital where his condition was described as ‘serious but stable’.
INVESTIGATION Police at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park last week and [inset] officers speaking to witnesses
Custody A 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons was later arrested and charged with attempted murder. He was remanded in custody. Four other teenagers were also arrested in connected with the incident but have since been released on bail pending further inquiries. A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Kent Police was called at 2.30pm on Wednesday, June 1, to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park where a teenager had an injury consistent with a stab wound. “He was taken to a London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition. “On the following day a 16-year-old boy from Tunbridge Wells, was arrested. He was charged on Saturday, June 4 with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.”
Detective Inspector Jim Farley, of Tonbridge CID, added: “Our officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are urging witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to call the appeal line. “We are also asking anybody with mobile phone footage of the incident to contact us.” Anybody with information should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/105585/22.”
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Platinum Jubilee
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
‘Three cheers’ sets the tone for jubilant weekend as By Victoria Roberts THOUSANDS of people descended on Tunbridge Wells last week as the town and wider borough celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Starting with beacon lightings across the area on Thursday evening, official celebrations started at the War Memorial on Friday, June 3 at lunchtime, where an estimated 10,000 lined the streets of the royal town to mark the occasion. The uniformed ranks of cadets, veterans and the thousands of civilian spectators in front of the War Memorial and Town Hall were addressed by Tunbridge Wells Mayor Cllr Godfrey Bland and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent Brigadier Trevor Minter.
JUBILATION Thousands flocked to the town centre to celebrate the Jubilee (Picture Emily Harding)
Medals The Lieutenancy of Kent is the official representative of the Queen in the county of Kent, an office dating from Tudor times. Attending in uniform were the Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets, TS Brilliant and the 129 (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron Air Training Corps, representatives of 579 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment, the Army Cadet Force and The Skinners' School and Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School CCFs. Veterans were also seated next to the podium, wearing their medals.
‘Respect and gratitude for Her Majesty’s 70 years of dedicated service unites us all’ Following the singing of ‘God save the Queen’, the mood was lightened with a cheer, as all of the uniformed personnel participated in three hats-off hurrahs for the monarch. Although the military personnel and bands led the official parade onward – through Monson Road, Calverley Road and Bayhall Road to Dunorlan Park – the mood became less martial and more carnival, with costumes, flags HONOUR Following the military parade outside the town hall (right) the celebrations continued in Dunorlan Park (below)
FLAG WAVING A younger resident enjoying the Jubilee
PARADE READY Residents fill Monson Road as the party heads to Dunorlan Park
Platinum Jubilee
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Tunbridge Wells celebrates 70 years of Her Majesty and groups galore. At Dunorlan Park, the Big Jubilee Lunch filled the Events Field, with stalls and stages lining up to entertain, feed, inform and celebrate. Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir sang some of the Queen’s favourite classical pieces for the crowd, while the car show showcased seven decades’ worth of vehicles from The Queen’s reign – including the Rolls-Royce used in the Netflix show ‘The Crown’.
wonderful celebrations of #platinumjubilee nationally and locally throughout the last 4 days. “Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make them so successful. “Respect and gratitude for Her Majesty’s 70 years of dedicated service unites us all.”
Parties
Crowds Training went on, too – the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Community First Responders trained 114 people in CPR during the day. Mingling with the crowds, on his way to other events across his constituency, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, tweeted: “Such
LIFE SAVERS Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Community First Responders shared their knowledge
FANFARE The events stage played host to performers across the genres, reflecting the diversity of the Commonwealth (Picture Emily Harding)
The official event was a collaboration between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the local branches of The Round Table, Rotary Club, Masons, Sea Cadets, and was sponsored by G. Collins & Sons, Thompson Snell & Passmore and Berkeley Homes. Official celebrations continued on the Sunday with a celebration at the church of St Thomas, Southborough, in Pennington Road. Among the activities on offer was crown-craft – for aspiring monarch-makers. Across the town, there were parties and events taking place, from neighbourhood get-togethers in parks and fields and closed roads, to Saturday’s Cake-Off event in The Pantiles’ historic pedestrian promenade – won by the Taste Wells café in Royal Victoria Place, with its independent supplier Chef’s Pantry. The winning ‘Elizabeth sponge’ consisted of vanilla sponge, jam and buttercream filling and rosewater icing with edible rose petals, Taste Wells’ founder Sarah Betts said. “We supplied one entry cake and four cakes in traybake form, but they ran out very quickly – within an hour all the cake samples were gone.”
‘King Charles the Martyr church was celebrating the Queen’s 70 years with floral displays symbolising her reign’ Voting was close, and The Zero Waste Company’s Pimms and orange cake lost by just one vote, organisers RTW Together said. The historic King Charles the Martyr church was celebrating the Queen’s 70 years with floral displays symbolising aspects of her reign, which was followed by a ‘Buckingham Palace’ black-tie garden party at the Vicarage – a return to the pomp and circumstance of pre-pandemic social life.
FACE PAINT Ian Woodcraft from Rusthall getting into the swing of it
HER MAJESTY GETS A WARM WOOLLEN WELCOME ‘Yarn-bombers’ were also busy knitting the communities together. ‘Postbox toppers’ are a recent phenomenon and a number were spotted last week. The one below is on Wilman Road and the work of Tunbridge Wells Yarnbomber.
There was even a ‘knitted Queen’, who graced Southeastern trains with her presence, and made a royal stop at Tunbridge Wells station, courtesy of the Southeast Community Rail Partnership.
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Platinum Jubilee
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Jubilee celebrations take to the streets THERE were 70 street parties scheduled across the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Parties saw road closures across the weekend in scores of residential streets. There were also road closures in Brenchley, where the High Street was given over to a party, Five Oaks Green, Goudhurst, Groombridge, Hawkhurst, High Brooms, Langton Green, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Rusthall and Southborough.
‘It’s a bit bigger than normal. It’s a collaboration between several neighbours’
Set up in a gazebo at the corner of the party, the Pickering Cancer Charity was collecting for its drop-in centre work, as well as giving residents a sneak preview of its entry for the Soapbox Stars Kart Race at Dunorlan Park which
takes place on June 25. One of the street party organisers, Cathy Davis, said: “It’s a bit bigger than normal. It’s a collaboration between several neighbours – when it’s a cause, we do a road closure.”
PAYING TRIBUTE Polly Taylor, centre, with children at a street party collecting for her Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre
Skittles Southborough and High Brooms held their Jubilee celebrations on Saturday at Southborough Civic Centre and Town Square. At Salmons Estate in Broomhill Road, nearly a hundred people gathered for the Jubilee Picnic. Meanwhile, in Shirley Gardens, Rusthall, the road was closed and a dining marquee, skittle alley and kids’ zone, were all erected for the day. There was also face painting and much more.
BIDBOROUGH RESIDENT RECALLS QUEEN’S FIRST YEAR ON THRONE
COMMONWEALTH COLOURS Grace Pennell puts on her glad rags for the occasion (Picture Emily Harding)
LONG MEMORIES Bidborough residents David and Dina Wheeler remember past jubilees
BIDBOROUGH’S fête on Thursday [June 2] for the Jubilee also raised money in aid of the children’s playground. Events and activities during the day included It’s a Knockout, skittles, bouncy castle, dog show and West Kent Radio DJ. Ten-year-old bunting made by village stalwarts The Event Planners for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 fluttered around the Rec. Ground, while Bidborough Church of England primary school’s stall and reading tent featured brand-new bunting made out of the yellow and green school uniform. Long-time inhabitant David Wheeler, who was manning the raffle stall with his wife Dina, had moved to Bidborough in 1954, just one year after the Queen’s coronation in 1953. “I remember they used to exercise five horses
at a time, driving right down the middle of the street, and the whole village complained about the noise of horses at five o’clock in the morning!” he recalled. However, he said, the inhabitants also welcomed new people and times. “All the ‘new’ houses – they’re all members of the village and all blending in with the village,” he stressed. “There have always been community efforts here. Everyone has drawn this village together.” Pointing to the recreation ground’s play area, which the village was raising money for, he said, “When I was here as a child, we only had two swings. They fund-raised to make a playground. And now it’s time it was done again. “It’s encouraging to see the younger people taking over.”
LAND GIRL Paula Thomas of Prospect Road, Southborough
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
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across Tunbridge Wells and beyond When the Times went to press last night, the street party collection had raised £120 for Pickering and money was still coming in, Ms Taylor said. Pembury Parish Council held a Jubilee Picnic in the Park at Lower Green Recreation Ground on Sunday.
followed by a tea dance and concert, then a Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday. Cranbrook’s celebrations were on Sunday, with a party in the High Street and music at The White Horse.
PARTY IN THE PARK Culverden Park residents are joined by people from Connaught Way and Royal Chase
Revellers Over in East Sussex, half a dozen street parties closed roads for neighbourhood celebrations in Crowborough and the town council’s main event, the ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ attracted hundreds of picnickers and revellers to Chapel Green on Sunday.
Upcycled Meanwhile, in Paddock Wood, the Community Picnic was hosted by Paddock Wood Youth Council. Langton Green has not held a fête since 2019, so celebrated hard, laying on music, food and drink, and stringing up miles of bunting. Its dog show made a welcome return, while the bric-a-brac stall also returned, now upcycled as ‘Fortnum & Wastenot’. Capel Parish Council also held a Jubilee picnic on Saturday, while Hawkhurst’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations were held on Saturday, with the addition of a big screen broadcasting celebrations in London, plus the Derby, and the Party at the Palace. In Groombridge, the jubilee picnic celebration was held at the Rec. Ground on Saturday. Goudhurst also had a full programme, including a beacon and fireworks on Thursday evening, as well as flower show, car rally and evening events. There was also a beacon at Lamberhurst,
TRIUMPHAL ARCH At Aspens Jubilee party
Local beacons join ‘chain’ of light across the UK and Commonwealth BLAZING Ashdown Forest’s Jubilee Beacon
TUG O’ WAR at Banner Farm Road Estate’s family sports
A ‘CHAIN’ of signal fires linked local villages and towns to cities across the UK and world on Thursday night, as beacons were lit at the start of the Platinum Jubilee weekend. Beacons in and around Tunbridge Wells included Biddenden, Brenchley and Matfield, Capel, Crowhurst, Edenbridge, Goudhurst, Lamberhurst, Mayfield and Five Ashes, Rolvenden, Cranbrook and Rusthall. As the highest point in the High Weald, Crowborough’s beacon at Goldsmith’s Recreation Ground was a prominent link in the ‘chain’ of beacons.
Over 3,000 beacons were lit in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, and one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries. An official ‘Certificate of Grateful Recognition’ is due to be sent to all participants at the end of June 2022, via email, enabling them to print out copies to present to those whose help was essential for the event.
HONOURS FOR PICKERING AND MELA FOUNDERS
UP ON THE WEALD Crowborough’s beacon
Recognition Rusthall’s celebrations featured the beacon lighting event at the parish council’s Rackliff Centre, which drew about 150 people, said council chair Liz Ellicott. “The beacon was lit by Cllr Barry Edwards. The bugle fanfare was played by the TW Sea Cadets and flags unfurled by Rusthall St Paul's scouts,” she added. Beacons were also lit for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, while Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has seen beacons lit of for her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees, in 1977, 2002 and 2012, respectively. Beacons were also lit for the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016.
CONTRIBUTIONS to the public life and health of Tunbridge Wells saw two local figures honoured over the Jubilee period. Gurvinder Sandher, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus, who produces the Mela in Tunbridge Wells and is also the independent vice-chairman of the Kent Police and Crime Panel, received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, published on June 1. Cohesion Plus also performed at the
council’s official Big Jubilee Lunch in Dunorlan Events Field on Friday. Meanwhile, Polly Taylor, co-founder of Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, which offers emotional support to people who have cancer and their families, was named one of 490 Platinum Champions, an award issued by the Royal Voluntary Service. Ms Taylor received a British Empire Medal at the Queen’s last Jubilee, in 2012.
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Royal jewellers look back at their crowning glory
Hotel hosts afternoon tea for Queen Elizabeth
JEWELLER Josh Collins speaking to Clive Myrie about creating crowns
By Victoria Roberts SEVENTY years since the coronation jewels performed their ceremonial function, the BBC called on Tunbridge Wells royal jewellers to bring them back into the limelight. In an hour-long documentary aired last Friday [June 3], Harry and Josh Collins of G. Collins & Sons demonstrated diamonds and the process of how the crown jewels were created and recreated over the centuries. In 2012, the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Collins family recreated the lost crown of Henry VIII, which was broken up and melted down in 1649, after the English Civil War. “In 1649, the stones were popped out of the settings. And then the crowns were broken up. They were quite literally melted down,” crown jewels historian Dr Anna Keay told BBC presenter Clive Myrie. The Collins family recreated the lost crown,
using documents and illustrations from the early 16th century. Even using less-valuable materials of silver gilded with gold, spinels rather than rubies, and sapphires of less-than-perfect clarity, the resulting crown still weighed three kilos, compared to the 7lb 6oz original.
Sceptre The Collins business let Clive try out some of the techniques they used in the making of the crown at their workshop in Tunbridge Wells High Street, supervised by Harry Collins and master jeweller Dave Stephens. Proving the level of expertise needed for the job, Clive first managed to snap the wire of a hacksaw while cutting out a solid silver cross, before redeemed himself somewhat by soldering a metal wire to the edges of the cross. Turning to more recent history, the Sovereign’s
Sceptre carried by Queen Elizabeth II in her coronation in June 1953, bears the Cullinan I diamond, the Great Star of Africa, given to Edward VII in 1907 by the Transvaal Colony of South Africa. Showing Clive a stone of just over 10 carats worth £1.5million, Josh Collins explained that the colourless, flawless diamond was the same quality of the Cullinan I diamond in the Sovereign’s Sceptre – but the Cullinan I is over 500 carats. “Ancient diamond traders used a seed, called the carob seed. They’d put a seed and a diamond on the scale. If it weighted the same as the seed, it will be a carat weight,” he explained. Objects continue to be added to the royal collection, and have been looked after by Harry Collins as the Queen’s Jeweller since 2000. He was appointed Crown Jeweller in 2007. ‘The Crown Jewels’ with Clive Myrie is available on the BBC iPlayer.
AS THE world went royalty-mad for the Jubilee, the Queen has been appearing everywhere – even in Royal Tunbridge Wells. With garden parties and street celebrations the order of the day, it seemed only natural for the monarch to ‘take tea’ at One Warwick Park.
Killer Queen In an Instagram post cheekily soundtracked by Queen’s ‘Killer Queen’, a cut-out of Her Majesty ‘arrived’ at the hotel on Friday, in an itinerary designed to bring visitors to the hotel for afternoon tea. In stills from the video shoot, obtained by the Times, which is published by One Media which is run by Elite Leisure Collection owner of One Warwick Park, the hotel’s behind-the-throne protocol work was almost invisible, as they ‘shadowed’ the monarch during her visit and presented her with her tea-cakes and scones.
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Thomas Mansfield Wills & Inheritance Planning
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
A big step forward for helping unpaid carers
Writing a Will does not have to be costly or complicated WALKING CARE: A recent walk at Sissinghurst
By Victoria Roberts
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LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE
A WALKING organisation for unpaid carers is launching its first nationwide event at Bewl Water, after years of organising carers’ walks across Kent and then expanding into different areas of the country. Kent-based Stepping Out With Carers (SOWC) was founded by sports journalist Sue Mott to address the lack of rambling groups for carers, who can very often be isolated.
Respite Depending on a network of volunteers who ‘scope out’ inspiring and, crucially, accessible routes, the group – which became a Community Interest Organisation (CIC) in 2020 – organises walks for carers and those they care for. “Our aim is to provide regular free walks across the UK to carers in beautiful settings. It allows carers and those they care for to meet others in a similar situation, enjoy the respite from day-to-day challenges and build an emotional support network,” explained Sue. There are an estimated 155,000 unpaid carers in Kent, and 10.5million carers in the UK, and the pandemic has increased the number of carers, by 4.5 million, according to statistics from Carers UK. The organisation is now encouraging carers and their supporters everywhere in the UK to do
a ‘Big Step Out’ walk of any length on Wednesday, June 29. The ‘centrepiece’ event of the day will be held at Bewl Water, a free ‘walking festival’ where there are four possible walking routes, from the one-mile ‘accessible’ route which is suitable for people who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues, to a nearly 13-mile route. Sue added: “Since the pandemic most of us can empathise with the sense of isolation that can arise in cut off from regular socialising and activity. In carers, this is a monumental problem and often results in loneliness, anxiety and depression as well as escalate physical health problems. “The Big Step Out is our annual event to help raise awareness of what we do year-round and what carers do every day.” Thanks to Sport England funding from the National Lottery, all SOWC walks are free, and include free lunch and drinks, explained a spokeswoman. However, walkers at Bewl can choose to donate £1 per mile walked. Volunteers from Tonbridge School and Cranbrook School will marshal the event, and Cranbrook School pupils will walk the longest route. The ‘The Big Step Out’ is at Bewl Water, starting at 10am on Wednesday June 29. Bewl Water is run by the Elite Leisure Collection, owner of One Media, publisher of the Times.
Football tournament gets a donation from McDonald’s
A LOCAL McDonald’s franchisee has donated uniforms, equipment, refreshments, and activity books for an all-day children’s football tournament for Kent and Sussex children. The tournament, organised by Pembury Athletic Football Club (PAFC), was held over the last weekend in May, attracting hundreds of child and youth players. McDonald Franchisee Mahbod Mohammadi donated football uniforms, equipment including balls and coach kits, activity books and refreshments. Mr Mohammadi, who owns and operates one restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, said: “We have supplied football kits for Pembury Youth for the last four seasons, along with the Tunbridge Wells Girls team, and really look forward to their summer tournaments when students across Tunbridge Wells come together in high spirits.
Players “It feels great to continue the age-old tradition of fruit slices during half time by providing over 1400 fruit bags to the players.” The event was held at Somerhill School, Tonbridge. McDonald’s has been a Football Association
partner for 18 years and is the longest-standing investor of grassroots football in the UK. As of last year, the McDonald’s Fun Football Programme has provided 2 million hours of ‘fun football’ to children across the UK, and aims to reach over 5 million hours of football for 5-11-year-olds by 2022.
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Businessmen get back in the saddle to help the homeless
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Southborough cycling club hits 90 years old
Left to right: Thomas Hubert, Simon Miller, Nicolas Bouche PEDAL POWER; L-R Steve Clark, Steve Bass, Mark Tyrell and Mark Langley
By Sarah Carter FOUR local businessmen have raised over three times their target after cycling 100 miles for homeless charities. Competing in the Ride London to Essex 100-mile bike ride to raise money for Centrepoint charity, Steve Clark of Langton Green-based Chilstone Garden Ornaments said that homelessness has increased by 30 per cent during the pandemic. Riding with him were local teammates Steve Bass of Bass Engineering, Mark Langley of Fine Wines for All, and Mark Tyrell of Chestnut Products, who completed the ride in under five hours 40 mins, raising over £6,200.
“The guys have been training for the event since February, clocking up thousands of miles,” said Steve Clark, “it is a huge achievement for each of them but most importantly the young people at Centrepoint will benefit.” The Centrepoint homeless charity supports young people with housing, health and other issues, helping them to move on from homelessness and build a future. The cyclists set off from Parliament Square in London and cycled into Essex through the Epping Forest and as far as great Dunmow and Felsted, before coming back to London and finishing on Tower Bridge. The team’s fundraising page is at RideLondon. enthuse.com/pf/TheCPRiders
SOUTHBOROUGH and District Wheelers (SDW) cycling club are on their mettle and on their marks, as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. To mark the club’s 90th celebrations, SDW are working with other local clubs, retailers and the Town Council to launch the Tunbridge Wells Cycling Festival this Saturday (June 11).
Family Held in Calverley Grounds on June 11 from 10am to 4pm, with cycling displays, exhibitions and activities for all, the townwide initiative is a joint venture with other cycling clubs, retailers and the town council, making it a fun day out for the whole family. The festival organisers aim to encourage safe, inclusive, and enjoyable cycling for people of all ages in our local community – but, with the gravity-defying performance of BMX stunt team Savage Skills, there will be thrills alongside the emphasis on safety.
SWD’s celebrations have also taken on an international dimension, with committee member Simon Miller having visited Southborough’s twin town of Lambersart, just outside of Lille, France. There he met Jean-Michel Pannecoucke, Chair of the Lambersart Twinning Association, which is also celebrating 30 years of partnership between Southborough and High Brooms. Simon made a presentation of a 90th anniversary plaque and Southborough cycling cap to the town’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, at the beautiful neo-classical Mairie de Lambersart (City Hall). He also met the secretary of the Cyclo-Club de Lambersart, Claude Kieffer, to discuss opportunities for the two clubs ride together during the 90th anniversary year, and beyond. Find out more about the festival at SDW.org. uk/SDW90. Cycling festival information is at TWCycleFestival.co.uk
PUBLIC NOTICE
Licensing act 2003 An application has been made by: Groombridge Estate Management Ltd for the premises Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest, Groombridge Kent. TN3 9QG. On the date of: 23 May 2022 Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: Showing of plays 09.00hrs to 23.00 Playing of recorded and live music 09.00hrs to 23.00 Supply of Alcohol 09.00hrs to 23.00 We generally open between 10.00 and 18.00 Seasonal opening may vary Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the : Tuesday 21st June 2022 Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5000.
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PM vows to cut taxes as he licks his wounds following no-confidence vote BORIS Johnson has promised to cut taxes and drive down the cost of government after a wounding revolt by Tory MPs put his long-term future in doubt. The Prime Minister thanked Cabinet colleagues for their efforts to support him during the confidence vote process, which saw more than four in ten Tory MPs say they had lost faith in his leadership. In an attempt to address criticism of his economic policies, Mr Johnson said the ‘fundamental Conservative instinct’ was to allow people to decide how to spend their money, urging Cabinet ministers to cut costs. He said ‘delivering tax cuts’ would help deliver ‘considerable growth in employment and economic progress’. Despite Mr Johnson’s attempts to draw a line under questions about his leadership, critics warned that the political crisis was not over after 41 per cent of his MPs said they no longer had confidence in him.
Inequality Tory MPs voted by 211 to 148 in support of the Prime Minister, but the scale of the opposition was greater than that seen in 2018 when Theresa May faced a confidence vote. She was ultimately forced out within months. Opening a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: “We are able now to draw a line under the issues that our opponents want to talk about.” That included focusing on his “levelling up” agenda to address regional inequality, measures to help deal with the rising cost of living and improvements to public services. But he asked ministers to ‘make sure that you’re thinking the whole time about cutting the costs of government, about cutting the costs that business has to face and of course cutting the costs that everybody else faces, families up and down the country’. Reforms to regulations could help cut costs in areas such as energy, transport or housing, Mr Johnson said, telling ministers ‘there is ample scope for us to get out of people’s way and to do things better’. He told ministers: “Over the course of the next few weeks, I’m going to ask everybody to come forward with ways in which we cut costs, drive reform, and make sure that we understand that in the end it is people who have the best feel for how to spend their own
ZELENSKY ‘VERY HAPPY’ THAT ‘TRUE FRIEND’ SURVIVED VOTE VOLODYMYR Zelensky has said he is ‘very happy’ that Boris Johnson is still Prime Minister. The Ukrainian president called Mr Johnson a ‘true friend of Ukraine’ as he spoke over video link at an online event hosted by the Financial Times on Tuesday morning. Mr Zelensky told the newspaper: “I am very happy about this. Boris Johnson is a true friend of Ukraine. “I regard him as our ally, and Great Britain as a great ally.” Speaking through a translator, Mr Zelensky also said: “Boris is supporting us. Boris is very concrete in supporting Ukraine. “I do not know who was responsible for this decision yesterday but I’m glad we have not lost a very important ally. This is great news. That is all I can say.” It comes as Mr Johnson’s leadership was wounded on Monday evening when he survived a confidence vote but 148 Conservative MPs still voted against him.
money rather than the government or the state. And that is our fundamental, Conservative instinct.” Allies have rallied round Mr Johnson, but former Tory leader Lord Hague said “the damage done to his premiership is severe” and he should quit rather than prolong the agony. Mr Johnson’s authority faces further blows with tricky by-elections on June 23 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and Tiverton and Honiton in Devon. But Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab sought to play down the impact of potential losses in the two Tory-held seats, claiming ‘governments of the day often lose by-elections to go on to win them at a general election’. Lord Hague, writing in The Times newspaper, said he would have regarded a situation where
more than a third of MPs voted against his leadership as ‘untenable’. “If, with all the power of the party leadership, all the years of acquaintance with MPs, all the knowledge they have of your abilities and plans, you still cannot crush a vote of no confidence by a commanding margin, then not only is the writing on the wall but it is chiselled in stone and will not wash away,” he said. The Liberal Democrats are pushing for a Commons confidence vote in the Prime Minister as a whole after Mr Johnson survived the Tory process, although there is no date fixed for the move and it is unlikely to be successful. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Every Conservative MP who has a shred of decency must back our motion and finally give Johnson the sack.”
Fuel prices to hit £2 a litre by summer AVERAGE fuel prices will hit £2 per litre this summer, motorists are being warned. The RAC made the prediction in the face of rising oil prices and the weakening of the pound versus the US dollar. Government figures show the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Monday was a record 175.6p, up 6.6p from 169.0p seven days earlier. Average diesel prices increased by 3.7p per litre over the same period, reaching 185.3p. That was the largest weekly increase for both fuels since March.
Demand RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “With analysts predicting that oil will average 135 US dollars a barrel for the rest of this year, drivers need to brace themselves for average fuel prices rocketing to £2 a litre, which would mean a fill-up would rise to an unbelievable £110. “The oil price is rising due to increased demand for fuel across the world as China eases its Covid restrictions and America and Europe go into the peak summer driving season. “All this combined with a weaker pound at 1.2
US dollars means wholesale fuel costs more for retailers to buy. “The wholesale price of diesel is fast approaching 160p a litre which, when you add 7p retailer margin and 20% VAT, would take the pump price over the £2 mark. “We strongly urge the Government to take drastic action to help soften the impact for drivers from these never-before-seen pump prices.” The Treasury cut fuel duty by 5p per litre in March.
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One in five skipping meals as the cost of living crisis bites THE cost of food is a ‘major future concern’ for three quarters of UK consumers and the number using a food bank has jumped from one in 10 to nearly one in six since last year, figures suggest. More than one in five (22 per cent) of those surveyed in March say they skipped a meal or cut down the size of meals because they did not have enough money to buy food, according to research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Some 76 per cent of UK consumers say the cost of food is a major future concern, while the number of people using a food bank or food charity has grown from 9 per cent in March last year to 15 per cent this March, according to the agency.
Storage The FSA said it was working with businesses to ensure that donating their food was as straightforward as possible, and to support those working in food banks and those using them to follow best practice for storage, preparation and cooking. FSA chairwoman Professor Susan Jebb said: “In the face of the immediate pressures on people struggling to buy food, food banks are playing a vital role in our communities.
“We are urgently working with industry and other major donors, and food bank charities, to look at what more we can do together to ensure that food which is safe to eat can be redistributed to people who can benefit from this support.” The FSA, with Defra and waste reduction organisation Wrap, have published best practice surplus food redistribution guidance. Wrap chief executive Marcus Gover said: “We
Watchdog finds JD Sports conspired to fix prices of Rangers football kits
support the FSA’s efforts to address the concerns many of us have around the cost of food. “We estimate that more than 200,000 tonnes of surplus food could still be redistributed each year. “So, by working together we can increase the redistribution of this food, which will also reduce the environmental impact of our food and help achieve a thriving UK food system for all.”
Centrica owner will not appeal the windfall tax BRITISH Gas owner Centrica will not launch a legal bid to challenge the Government’s new windfall tax, its chairman said on Tuesday. But Scott Wheway warned of ‘long-term problems’ if the tax is expanded. He added that the company welcomes the support the Government has announced to support struggling customers. Mr Wheway was asked by shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in Leicester if he would challenge the decision to impose a 25% extra tax on North Sea oil and gas.
RETAILER JD Sports, sporting goods firm Elite Sports and Rangers Football Club have been provisionally found by the UK competition watchdog to have conspired to fix prices of Rangers club clothing merchandise. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) alleges that the two retailers, with help from Rangers, colluded to keep prices of Rangersbranded replica kits high so they could ‘pocket more money for themselves at the expense of fans’.
Products The CMA warned they will face fines if they are found to have broken competition law. It alleges that Elite Sports and JD Sports fixed the retail prices of a number of Rangers-branded replica kits and other clothing products from September 2018 until at least July 2019. It also said that Rangers Football Club took part in the alleged collusion, but only to the extent of fixing the retail price of adult home short-sleeved replica shirts from September 2018 to at least mid-November 2018. All three are alleged to have colluded to ensure that the price of a Rangers shirt was not cheaper at JD Sports than in Elite’s Gers Online store, according to the CMA. The CMA said that at the time, Elite was the manufacturers of Rangers-branded clothing and also sold Rangers-branded products directly through its Gers Online Store, and later in shops across Glasgow and Belfast. JD Sports was the only UK-wide retailer selling those Rangers club clothing items at the time. The CMA claims that Rangers FC became concerned that at the start of the 2018-19
football season, JD Sports was selling the Rangers replica top at a lower price than Elite, which was seen at the time as the club’s so-called retail partner. They then conspired for JD to increase to price of the Rangers adult short-sleeved home replica shirt by nearly 10 per cent, from £55 to £60, to bring it in line with Gers Online prices, according to the CMA. The CMA also believes that Elite and JD – this time without involvement from Rangers – worked together to fix the prices of Rangersbranded clothing – including training wear and replica kit – over a longer period. It said this included the two firms aligning the amount and timing of discounts towards the end of the football season in 2019, to protect their profit margins at the expense of fans. The CMA said Elite and JD have confessed to cartel activity and have since co-operated with the watchdog. Businesses found guilty of breaking competition law can be fined up to 10 per cent of annual turnover.
Working Michael Grenfell, director of enforcement at the CMA, said: “We don’t hesitate to take action when we have concerns that companies may be working together to keep costs up. “Football fans are well-known for their loyalty towards their teams. “We are concerned that, in this case, Elite, JD Sports and, to some extent, Rangers, may have colluded to keep prices high, so that the two retailers could pocket more money for themselves at the expense of fans.”
Forward “We don’t see any scope, or requirement, or necessity for a legal challenge to those things that have been brought forward,” he said. However, he warned that the Treasury could cause problems in the move to decarbonise the UK if it taxes the profits of energy generators more. “We’ve got every empathy with the plight of many customers presently that are facing difficulties in managing their energy bills, and we welcome action to help those customers. “But we also share a lot of concern around choices that may be made to apply taxes to energy production which – although they may derive short-term benefits – could cause medium- and long-term problems. “We know that the industry that we’re in is a very long-term industry and we urge everyone thinking of those things to strike the right balance.” Chancellor Rishi Sunak argues that a second windfall tax on electricity generators could help pay for support for households that are facing runaway energy bills. The companies that would be hit include many early builders of wind farms. Much of the wind power built in the UK since 2015 has been done under the so-called Contracts for Difference scheme (CfD). This guarantees that a wind farm will always be paid a set amount for every megawatt hour of electricity it produces. When the price of electricity is lower, therefore, the wind farm is subsidised, but if the price is higher than the agreed price then the wind farm will pay the difference back to billpayers.
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Charity raises awareness for better mental health Tunbridge Wells-based organisation Mental Health Resource has literally taken to the streets to promote well-being sessions for teenagers. The Times finds out more about this new project... FUN FIT FOR A QUEEN
TOWARDS the end of last month staff from the local charity Mental Health Resource stationed themselves by the Clock Tower in Tunbridge Wells Town Centre in order to promote their ‘Reachout Youth’ project. Mental Health Resource was founded in Tunbridge Wells in 1993 as a response to a lack of mental health services in the area at that time. “The aim of our recent event was to talk to young people about the service, which supports 13-19 year olds, with their mental health and well-being through free and fun sessions,” explains Jen Williams, the charity’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager.
Positivity Sarah Thomas, Mental Health Resource’s Reachout Project Manager, manned the special pop-up along with supporters Anna Skulczuk and Kaya Chew. The team encouraged those who visited it to write a ‘postcard of positivity’ – an encouraging message for those in the community who are struggling with their mental health. The group takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school during term time and offers young people a confidential space to share things that might be affecting them. Participants can take part in fun activities, such as slime making, games and discussions
Volunteers from Mental Health Resource’s Reachout Youth project
with themes including body image and exam stress. Reflecting on the recent event Sarah Thomas said: "It was great to be able to meet people in centre of Tunbridge Wells to raise awareness about how Reachout Youth can support young people who may be struggling. “At a time when many young people are facing
exam pressures, it’s vital for them to be kind to themselves and to look after their mental health.” Ms Thomas added: “Having a stall in the centre of town gave us the opportunity to speak directly with these young people and to remind them they are not alone." More info www.mentalhealthresource.org.uk
At Marlborough House School, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was celebrated in style with the whole school community coming together for a very British tea party. As the maypole ribbons flew, the children proudly paraded around in crowns they had made, before taking part in traditional games for the school’s Jubilee Olympics. The prep school, located in Hawkhurst, also marked the occasion by planting a Field Maple for The Queen’s Green Canopy.
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Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He is currently Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committe.
Why I voted against the PM in this week’s no confidence vote I SAID to my constituents that I would set out my views on the Prime Minister after considering all the available evidence, including the Metropolitan Police investigation and the report from the senior Civil Servant Sue Gray. Both of these investigations have now concluded, and I have read the Gray report. Since then, there has been a vote of confidence called on the leadership of the Conservative Party. This was, as you know, a secret ballot. But I want to be open with my constituents about how I cast my vote - which was against Boris Johnson’s leadership of the Party.
is needed now: to have a government which seeks actively to reduce the stresses and strains that have divided us. The Jubilee celebrations show how much people want to come together in pride in our country.
Opportunity
Decision From my many conversations with constituents and from emails I have received, I know that this will disappoint some and please others, but it was my decision alone and I will set out the reasons for it below. The Metropolitan Police found that the Prime Minister broke the rules on one occasion where a surprise birthday party was organised for him. I have always said that it is a big step to remove a Prime Minister and I do not believe that it would be proportionate to do so for this breach alone - just as it is not enough to remove the Chancellor from office. I would apply the same
ONE OF THE INCRIMINATING PICTURES LEAKED FROM DOWNING ST judgement to the Leader of the Opposition and his Deputy. However, I was dismayed by the findings of the Sue Gray report of a wider culture in Downing Street and in particular shocked by the disrespect shown to staff by some people working there. I always considered it an honour to serve the nation and it should be especially so in Number 10 Downing Street and it is unacceptable to hear
such reports as this. There is a wider context. Although he was not my choice of Leader, Boris Johnson was particularly well placed to bring the country together again after what was a very bruising and divisive period in our national life whilst Brexit was agreed. As Mayor of London, he successfully represented the whole of the capital with energy and skill. I am convinced that such an approach
Now the vote has taken place, I accept the result and will do everything I can to help our country and its Government succeed. Whatever my points of difference, I recognise the successes that have been achieved in the last two and a half years. As Chair of the Science & Technology Committee in the House of Commons I can attest to the bold decisions that were taken to fund research that led to the Covid vaccines being developed and deployed here – the first country in the world to do so. The Furlough Scheme, introduced early in the pandemic, saved many people’s jobs and businesses. And I applaud the robust practical support we are giving to Ukraine, which has been singled out for praise by President Zelenskyy. So I hope the Prime Minister will take the opportunity to lead the Government in a way that will build again the respect of the people whose support it has lost in recent months.
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
NEWS
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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 of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG
Macknade demise is no surprise following store’s ‘prison approach’ It surprises me not at all that the Macknade company has had to close in Hoopers restaurant space. The store erected a metal gate across the main street entrance during lockdown. Fair enough. However, it is still firmly in place and could
Crossing makes me cross When one had to pay at the Dartford Crossing there was the inevitable queue. Now, with pre-payment, this should ensure a much smoother and faster flow you would have thought. No such thing, we still have queues of 30 minutes or more probably, and I’m guessing, because the ANPR – automatic number plate recognition, can’t do it fast enough. The crossing has been fully funded for its entire lifespan for decades, the toll is unnecessary for its upkeep and goes straight to the Treasury anyway, just another tax on drivers. So it’s all very well our MPs grandstanding at the opening of the new emergency unit, seizing a photo opportunity for something they had no part in, why don’t they get together with their
not be less welcoming to passing trade if it tried. I suspect the local food project was sorely let down by the prison-like approach and Hoopers needs to reflect on the message it is sending out to us customers on whom it relies. Tessa Worthington Tunbridge Wells
mates on the other side of the river and do something useful: make the crossing toll-free and get the traffic moving instead of subjecting drivers to this daily grind. And, what about all that exhaust pollution, aren’t we all green now, or is that just more grandstanding, words more than deeds. And, why do we put up with it? James Sommerville Tunbridge Wells Water not for tasting Victor Webb last wrote about The Pantiles and the Chalybeate Springs: ‘will tourists risk a sip’ he asks. Good God! Do people actually drink that stuff? Sam Goodenough Broadwater Down
Naughty step for Calverley I enjoy Calverley’s contribution each week but last week he went straight to the naughty step: “Trashion” for heaven’s sake! Just because some flibberty-jibberty young so-called fashion writer comes up with these conflations – confections (?) – there’s no need to encourage them by repeating the offence, it only encourages them, so stop it! Charlotte Steerpike Tunbridge Wells A century of St John Ambulance 2022 is a very significant year in the long life saving history of St John. Not only are we preparing in communities across the country to support the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John since her accession to the throne, we are also celebrating a remarkable milestone for our young volunteers with the Centenary of our Cadets. Since 1922, young people have, through St John, learned and applied their first aid skills to save lives and support their communities. We regularly hear of volunteers under the age of 18 who have successfully used their first aid knowledge in often difficult situations and their dedication and compassion is a daily inspiration. I would like to pass on my sincere personal thanks through your paper to all of our volunteers and staff, and especially our young volunteers, the next generation of first aiders, wishing them a very successful Centenary year. The actions of all will be celebrated during National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) and Thank You Day on 5 June, as well as at our annual St John’s Day celebrations on 25 June where we look forward to welcoming around 2,000 St John people to St Paul’s Cathedral. I hope that our work highlighting the skills, dedication and compassion of our volunteers around the country through our Ask Me campaign (see www.sja.org.uk) will keep St John in the forefront of your readers’ minds and encourage more to get involved with St John, by volunteering, by taking a first aid course or by supporting our activities with a donation. Michael Messinger Chancellor of the Order of St John
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
REMOTE WORKING is no longer acceptable according to the world’s richest man Elon Musk. He’s told workers at his Tesla electric car company that if they don’t show up for work they’ll lose their jobs: “We will assume you have resigned’ and “the more senior you are the more visible you must be.” Shame we can’t put the South African/American in charge of the civil service.
EUAN BLAIR is probably a decent chap. But does he really qualify for an MBE? True the business he founded six years ago has made him a millionaire at 38. Many others have done the same. Maybe it helps though if your dad is famous as in Sir Tony Blair.
ANOTHER WEEK and another tale about the obscene amounts of money washing around in football. Paul Pogba is leaving Manchester United. His six years at the club cost them just short of £219million which works out at almost £1million for each of the 226 games he played. The world of football has gone mad.
ENERGY REBATE. BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty quizzed Chancellor Rishi about giving the ‘wealthy’ the £400 fuel rebate along with everyone else and suggested he might hand his back. Clearly she will have to do the same. She receives more than £200,000 a year of public money at the Beeb and is thought to be worth around £10million. People in glass houses etc etc…
CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)
PEPPY SAYS... OVERHEARD in a Crowborough café this chat between two ladies. First woman: “How are you doing?” Second woman: “It’s been a lovely week so far, the council put in a new boiler for us and we got some nice food at the food bank.” First woman: “Well, all that would have saved you lots of money.” Second woman: “It did. Mind you we need to save a bit of cash. We’re going to Spain for a couple of weeks next month.” True story. FINAL THOUGHT: The Government and others are pouring billions of pounds into developing cars and buses that drive themselves. Fair enough, but why not add mainline driverless trains to the list. That’ll go down well with the rail unions. Let them go on strike. It might bring the move a step closer. Chin, chin dear reader…
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
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Life&Times
ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • EVENTS • ANTIQUES • TRAVEL • PROPERTY • LIVE MUSIC and MORE...
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Hitting the high notes...
Tonbridge Music Club welcomes Alison Balsom Arts P20
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Arts
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
“We are committed to the enrichment that high quality live music can bring to all members of our community...”
STRINGS ATTACHED: The Van Kuijk String Quartet will perform at Tonbridge Music Club’s concert on Saturday June 11. They will play a wonderful programme of Mozart, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn quartets
Tonbridge Music Club is tuning up for a very special celebration this year. Rachel Davies tells the Times what’s in store for its special Diamond Jubilee and reveals who’s playing at their forthcoming concert this Saturday, June 11
T
ONBRIDGE Music Club (TMC) is getting ready to celebrate 60 years of bringing top-quality musicians to Tonbridge. Every year since the Club was founded in 1962, it has presented a season of concerts featuring world-class artists. Over the years, members and the general public have enjoyed performances of the highest artistic standards by internationally-renowned musicians as well as young, award-winning performers at the start of their careers. All ages and stages of our community are welcome at TMC events! The TMC season comprises a number of formal evening concerts with additional events including relaxed Sunday morning ‘Coffee Concerts’, school-based workshops and performances, family concerts and special events for TMC members. We are committed to the enrichment that high quality live music can bring to all
members of our community and to the educational as well as the entertainment potential of fine performances. When Covid hit in 2020, to supplement our reduced programme for 2020/21 - and to keep musical spirits high when other similar organisations had to close their entire programmes -TMC offered a series of exclusive, monthly online ‘Virtual Events’ for our Benefactor Members.
Artistry From this online series grew ‘Totally Tonbridge’, a unique programme drawing on the richness of the musical calibre of artists living in our local area. Nearby musicians generously contributed their talent in recorded performances, articles and interviews. TMC is very proud of the success of its Totally Tonbridge series which has continued to feature in our 2021/22 Season.
And now, as we prepare to celebrate our special Diamond Jubilee we’d like to tell Times readers about some of the musical delights we have in store over the coming months…
“This weekend we are lucky to welcome the fabulous French ensemble Van Kuijk String Quartet” Our final evening concert of the current season takes place on Saturday, June 11. This features the fabulous Van Kuijk String Quartet. The French ensemble has won numerous prizes both in the UK and at overseas international competitions and were BBC New Generation Artists from 201517. They will perform a wonderful programme of Mozart, Shostakovich and
Mendelssohn quartets. The last event of the 2021/22 season is a relaxed concert specially designed for young ears – Totally Toddler! This takes place on the morning of Friday, June 17 at Tonbridge Baptist Church.
Celebrations After this, the focus shifts to our 60th Anniversary Season. In a real coup, TMC is delighted to announce that its first concert of this new season will feature world-class trumpeter Alison Balsom and will take place on Saturday, October 15 in the Chapel of St Augustine at Tonbridge School. Joining Alison will be Anna Lapwood, the outstanding organist and Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Together, they will perform an innovative and creative programme presented with ultimate artistry and variety. This is a concert absolutely not to be missed!
Arts
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
“To celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, Tonbridge Music Club is delighted to announce that its first concert of the new season will feature world-class trumpeter Alison Balsom and Alison Lapwood” Also on the TMC website from Sunday June 12, will be details of other events in the new season. These include evening concerts by one of Britain’s finest chamber music groups, the Nash Ensemble and the internationally acclaimed guitarist, Sean Shibe, plus a relaxed evening of jazz with the Ben Cox Band. As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, we have also launched the TMC Diamond Music Awards to encourage and support local, young musicians in developing their creative skills. Promoting young, musical talent is central to
WORLD CLASS: Trumpeter Alison Balsom play on October 15 in the Chapel of St Augustine at Tonbridge School
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our charity’s mission and this feels even more important after the past two years when so many opportunities for young people have been severely restricted. The awards, consisting of eight financial grants, are available to any young musician studying in Tonbridge to put towards a variety of musical costs including the purchase of an instrument, instrumental or singing lessons, sheet music, ensemble membership fees or concert tickets. More details about the awards, and how to apply, can be found on the TMC website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events over the coming months. You will receive a very warm welcome. Keep in touch with the Club through our website. Your support will enable us to continue bringing world-class musicians to Tonbridge for another 60 years! You can book tickets for the forthcoming Tonbridge Music Club concerts at www.tmc.org.uk And as of June 12 there will be the opportunity to buy tickets for the 60th anniversary season.
NOTEWORTHY: Outstanding organist and Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, Anna Lapwood will join Alison on stage in October
Books
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
The bookcase… Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley Published in hardback by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £16.99 (ebook £11.89) Nightcrawling might be one of the most horrifying books you’ll ever read, but don’t let that put you off – it’s traumatic, but extremely powerful. It tells the story of 17-year-old Kiara in Oakland – her father’s dead, her mother’s in a halfway house, and her older brother is too busy making music to take care of her. Unable to find a job – and wanting to support both herself and her neglected neighbour, nine-yearold Trevor – she feels forced to make money by selling her body. She falls in with a brutal ring of police officers, who treat her horrifically and often don’t pay her. It’s heartbreaking to see her slowly begin to despise herself for what she’s doing, when all Kiara wants is to survive. It’s hard to say what’s more shocking – the fact that it’s based on a true story, or that Mottley started writing it when she was just 17. It’s a tough read, but there are glimmers of hope – particularly in Kiara’s relationship with Trevor. Mottley’s haunting writing will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Review by Prudence Wade
Either/Or by Elif Batuman
Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). This follow-up to Elif Batuman’s highly acclaimed The Idiot picks up the story of Selin, charting her second year at Harvard, and still trying to come to terms with her life, sexuality and ambitions. A steady few months of literature-dominated university life at the end of 1996 becomes a roller-coaster of parties, alcohol and sex, as Selin seeks to find her true identity – helped and sometimes hindered by friends and acquaintances. She wonders if her life could be turned into a novel – and that’s exactly what Batuman has done. After a slow-ish start, the book becomes increasingly compelling, with witty, hilarious observations on life, ranging from serious issues about whether to live according to ethical or aesthetic principles, to the equally serious challenge of finding a boyfriend. Review by Alan Jones
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9/10
7/10
Endless Forms: The Secret World Of Wasps by Seirian Sumner
London In Black by Jack Lutz
Published in hardback by William Collins, priced £20 (ebook £12.99). Available now
Published in hardback by Puskin Vertigo, priced £12.99 (ebook £2.99) Two years after terrorists unleash a nerve gas at Waterloo station, the unlucky 10% of the population who are genetically vulnerable to suffering an agonising death when exposed still cower in fear of copycat attacks. London In Black – Jack Lutz’s frenetic debut novel – follows one such ‘Vulnerable’, DI Lucy Stone, as she investigates the brutal murder of the scientist seemingly close to a precious antidote. Tortured by her harrowing memories and fuelled by guilt, Stone relies on ‘Boosts’ to protect her from the nerve gas, but they soon start to lose their effectiveness – adding even more tension to a story that rattles along at breakneck speed. At times over-reliant on the tried-and-tested tropes of police procedurals, with substance abuse, endless twists and heavy profanity abundant, London In Black is nevertheless gripping, evocative and will keep you guessing. Review by James Cann
8/10
Heard the one about the zombie cockroach? Seirian Sumner goes where other ecological authors have been disinclined to tread, with her impassioned and often extraordinary defence of the much-maligned wasp. An evolutionary ancestor of the bee that boasts over 100,000 individual species, Sumner patiently lays out her case for this most unloved of insects – showing it’s so much more than just a painful problem at picnics. Consider the Emerald jewel wasp, which manipulates its prey (the much larger American cockroach), by delivering a sting to its brain that effectively enslaves it, enabling the wasp to lead it into its lair. Other remarkable morsels abound, admittedly not all to be devoured on a full stomach. While it’s perhaps a bit heavy on the science, Sumner’s exhaustively researched book ought to be persuasive enough to make you think twice the next time you reach for the swatter. Review by Mark Staniforth
7/10
The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Beast Beyond The Fence by Marcus Rashford and Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Marta Kissi
With A Mind To Kill by Anthony Horowitz
Published by Jonathan Cape, priced With A Mind to Kill is Anthony Horowitz’s third Bond book, and is a fast-paced thriller centred on a dangerous mission even our hero isn’t sure he can complete. It opens with the funeral of M, head of the intelligence service, with Bond in custody accused of his boss’s murder. The plot thickens when Bond goes behind the Iron Curtain to join a group of former Soviet intelligence agents, who want to enrol the British spy into a daring plan that will change the balance of world power. Bond fans are in for a treat as he enters the lion’s den, having to draw on all his powers to overcome the enemy. Readers will love the way Horowitz stays loyal to the winning formula of Bond creator Ian Fleming, confronting an old enemy with new energy. Review by Alan Jones
8/10
Published in paperback by Macmillan Children’s Books, priced £6.99 (ebook £3.99) Everyone loves a good adventure, right? After young Marcus, 12, loses his favourite football over the school wall, he’s invited to join The Breakfast Club Investigators (BCI). Along with Asim, Lise and Stacey, Marcus is ready to brave whatever comes their way in searching for his beloved ball, which was a gift from his cousin Lola. The case takes them on some daring adventures, with the kids working as a team to find the answers they need. A great story of developing young friendships, delving into some of the issues children of this age group may be facing, and helping them find the tools they need to grow with confidence. It’s a brilliant read – you’ll be left wanting to see where their investigations take them next. Review by Karen Sykes
8/10
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Going out
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
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You are set to stand trial at Trinity Theatre show
H
OW would you like to have your accusations hashed out in front of an audience? Take your chance with the improvisational show ‘This is Your Trial’, in which a team of comedians play judge, prosecutor and defender, while someone squirms… Office spoon-stealer or domestic shusher? Arguing out ‘crimes’ like these is one of the joys of life and offices, which has made ‘This is Your Trial’ a ten-year-old and still wildly successful comedic and cathartic formula. Producer David Allison has worked with hundreds of comedians doing over 500 ‘trials’, as well as creating a child-friendly version for CBBC: ‘Monster Court’. “Typically, about a third of the audience will hand in an ‘accusation sheet’ before the show, and we will pick 4-5,” he explained. “We have the ability to choose the ones which sound… specific, or curious. “If it’s ‘my husband snores’, we wouldn’t bother with that. Taking the last biscuit in the
office – is that a crime?” The defence counsel could argue that person is a hero, he joked. Then the comedians set to work, improvising their cross-examinations of the accused, accuser, and any ‘expert witnesses’ to hand. “Comedians love doing the show,” he said. “The set-up is adversarial, but they’re working together, improvising. They get absurd at times – ‘crimes against fashion!’” A law graduate himself, David said: “Solicitors love it. I have done them for a big construction company, and for a zoo. “It has never failed for a corporate booking. In fact, he is so confident of the corporate and co-worker dynamics of ‘This is Your Trial’ that he is offering local companies up to 10 free tickets to the show. If interested they can contact him at: dave@thisisyourlaugh.co.uk ‘This is Your Trial’ is on at Trinity Theatre on Thursday, June 9, 8pm. Starring Trevor Lock (Star Stories), Daliso Chaponda (Britain’s Got Talent and QI), and Vix Leyton (The Comedy Arcade).
TRINITY THEATRE presents improvisational production ‘This is Your Trial’ this Thursday (June 9) at 8pm [see main feature, above]. A group of ‘Impro Chums’ assembled by comedy circuit star Paul Merton is coming to The Assembly Hall this Friday [June 10]. See Paul, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton live at 7:30pm. The age guide is 14 and older, due to possible swearing and adult themes. Ralph Fiennes plays Robert Moses, master of the New York map, going ‘Straight Line Crazy’ (12A) in this David Hare play, filmed live at the Bridge Theatre in London. E.M. Forster Theatre (Tonbridge JANE LOVELL School) on Thursday, June 9 at 7pm. Groombridge Amateur Dramatic Society presents ‘Mark Twain: Live’, dramatising the life and writings of one of America’s most famous authors, in a one-man show by Joe Mendell. Groombridge Village Hall, Saturday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Entry is free, but they are taking donations in aid of Ukraine via the British Red Cross. The Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival continues, with an Eco Poetry night at Trinity Theatre this Tuesday [June 14] at 8:15. Environmental poet Jane Lovell, winner of the Ginkgo poetry prize 2020, joins Poets for the Planet in leading this open mic event, creating a forum for responses to climate and ecological emergency. Dreams do come true even for aristos, it seems. The Dowager Countess of Grantham inherits a villa in the South of France, and the family troops off to inspect it… ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ (PG) at Trinity Theatre on Saturday (June 11) at 2pm.
THE ‘Imaginary Landscapes’ event serves up poetry and harp music at St John the Baptist (Penshurst) tonight [Wednesday, June 8] at 7:30pm. Poet Chris Tutton will improvise to music by harpist, Anne Denholm, who served as Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales from 2015-2019. Part of the Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival. Cardiff-based band Holding Absence bring their second album, ‘the Greatest Mistake of My Life’ to The Forum this Sunday (June 12) at 7:30pm, in tribute to their own pasts. What does not seem to be a mistake is their rendition of the song of the same name, recorded in the 1930s by Gracie Field, and again in the 1950s by band member Lucas Woodfield’s great uncle. Supported by Superlove and Glass Heart. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult. Up-and-coming Kent and East Sussex bands take to The Forum’s stage as part of the Stable Showcase Summer Session 2022, on IMAGINARY LANDSCAPES throughout the season. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult. Monday night’s (June 13) bands at 7:30pm are Canterbury’s indie pop/ alternative band Danama, moshing Medway boy band Sheena, London/ Kent borders indie rock/ alt rock band Something In The Lake, and Kent-based alt garage rock band with a steampunk twist Theillusivefish. The next night (June 14, 7:30), The Stable showcases the Bowie/ Nirvana/ 1970s Glam Rock/ Punk Rock-influenced Disco Drug Store from Maidstone and Faversham, Brighton-based alt rock trio MY-HI, Option B and indie alt folk/rock The Somber Disco. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra finishes his two-night run at The Assembly Hall tonight [June 9] at 7:30pm. Tea-time jazz and swing at Trinity Theatre on Sunday (12 June) at 2pm, featuring singer Lelia di Domenico and Café Society. No tickets or reservations. Tables are first-come-first-served. Fresh scones and tea for sale at the bar. Celebrate the era of indie at The Forum this Friday (June 10) at 7:30pm, with The Total Stone Roses and Oaysis. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult. Blues guitarist Roger Hubbard plays Live at The Hive (Cranbrook) this Sunday (June 12), at 1-4pm. Free entry. Sharing platters and drinks from the licensed bar available to purchase.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Operatic and Dramatic Society (TWODS) starts its five-night run of the musical ‘Shrek’ this Tuesday [June 14] at THE ASSEMBLY HALL. Based on the blockbuster 2001 film, the musical features many singalong-ers, including ‘I’m a Believer’, along with all-new songs. Showtimes at 7pm (matinées at 2pm on 15 and 18 June). Story Time for preschoolers on Fridays at Trinity 9:30-10-15, with free squash and biscuits for children, thanks to Kent County Council’s ‘Reconnect’ fund. Performed by Out of the Bag Theatre. Rev up your weekend with the Big 7 Scooter Rally at The Hop Farm., featuring vintage scooters, parts markets, live music, food and drink. Camping available at the Hop Farm, but no children permitted in the main venue and theatre-based ‘darkside’ bar after 10pm. The ‘Bob’s Burgers Movie’ SHREK THE MUSICAL (PG) is on at the Odeon, following the Belcher family as they face a summer of ruined business thanks to a gigantic sinkhole in front of the Bob’s Burgers entrance. If you missed Grosvenor & Hilbert Park’s last moth identification and crafts events, get your young naturalists to the Hub this Saturday (June 11) at 10:30-12 to see Dr Ian Beavis identify the moths caught overnight in the Park. Crafts include making seed bombs to encourage pollinators. Free event, HANDLEBARDS suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Tonbridge Lions Club presents its Community Fête and Fun Dog Show at Tonbridge Castle this Sunday [June 12] from noon. Featuring music, tombolas, a coconut shy, “Soak your Dad in the stocks”, tin pan alley and stalls. Tunbridge Wells’ own Sunset Twirlers Majorettes will perform in the main area. Food, drink, ice creams and cream teas available. The Dog Show starts in the Castle Walk area, with entries £2 per class. Stagecoach Performing Arts’ summer show ‘RISE UP’ is on at The Assembly Hall celebrating its students’ song, dance and drama, ‘rising back up after the disruption of the last couple of years’. Featuring students aged 6-18, the show is suitable for the whole family. Saturday, June 11 at 7pm.
Events
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Success is ‘crucial’ say Americana festival organisers as event returns to Eridge Park The award-winning Black Deer festival returns to Eridge Park on June 17-19, but as Richard Williams finds out, the future of the twice-cancelled celebration of Americana, co-founded by Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling in 2018 hinges on a successful return...
A
Photography by Ania Shrimpton
S WITH many events, the 2020 Black Deer festival scheduled for June that year was cancelled due to the pandemic, but organisers of the event received a cruel blow the following year when the festival had to be scrapped at the last minute as restrictions were delayed. The eleventh-hour cancellation saw event organisers Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling take a ‘massive’ financial hit, but the pair hope the return of the festival this month will be successful enough to secure its future.
Dream “It is almost like it is not real that it is finally going to happen,” Deborah tells the Times. “This has been a very long time coming. I can’t explain how difficult this journey has been.” The event started in 2018 to much acclaim, even winning Music Event of the Year and Best New Festival at leading industry awards, but after it was pulled at the eleventh-hour last year while the production team was setting up the stage, Deborah says she had thought their dream of bringing Americana music and culture to the Kent and East Sussex border was over. “There were so many, many moments when we thought that it was over. It has been an absolute roller-coaster. We haven’t had any assistance
ORGANISERS GILL TEE AND DEBORAH SHILLING
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Events
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
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from the government schemes. “So as an independent festival we have relied solely on our investors who have stood by us, and we are so lucky they stuck with us.” Co-founder Gill Tee adds that it has only been possible to plan the return of Black Deer due to the sheer volume of local help. “We have had so much support ,” she says. “People want this festival because it is so different. It stands out from other ones. “Last year we were building the festival when it was taken away from us at the last minute only to see sporting events taking place the next day. “It was beyond cruel. We did everything possible to make it safe and spent a lot of money on that and we took the gamble, but had we not seen what happened when virtually the next day sporting events took place that was heartbreaking for all our team.” to ensure that success,” says Deborah. “We’ve cut no corners with all the incredible
Crucial The pair say after such a torrid time over the last two years, a lot hinges on the success of Black Deer 2022 “It is absolutely crucial that it is a success this year and the effort that has gone into it has been
“People want this festival because it is so different. It stands out from other ones”
venues and stages and amazing content. “Ticket sales have been great. We’re really lucky that people who bought in 2020 and 2021 held onto their tickets. There was a huge retention rate of people doing that.” Gill says they hope to see 20,000 people come to the festival over the long weekend from June 17-19, and the pair have organised some top acts to entertain people. “If you look at our line-up there are more British acts that we normally would have had,” admits Deborah. “But we have a great complement of artists. There are some absolutely amazing acts from the States, Ireland and the UK and we’re really pleased with this line-up. “It’s the best ever. We have James on Friday so the party will be incredible.” “Our booker Bev Burton has done an amazing job as there has been three rollovers so to come up with this line-up is just fab,” adds Gill. “We are in this beautiful private estate. Even though it will be busy it won’t feel like you are caught up in mass of people. There are areas for family and for children to run around and that is the beauty.” Tickets for Black Deer 2022 are on sale at blackdeerfestival.com but people can also pay at the door.
TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READER OFFER We are offering readers 15% off Black Deer Festival tickets. Use BLACKDEER15 at checkout. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.blackdeerfestival.com.
Friday 1st July 2022 7pm – 11pm
The Amelia, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JN
Tickets £45 When the lights go out, let the games begin. It’s time to eat, drink and try your hand at a casino-less-ordinary in the
Night Museum
spectacular surroundings of The Amelia in support of Porridge & Pens Ghana.
at the
DRINKS RECEPTION WITH CANAPÉS LIVE AUCTION AND RAFFLE CHARITY POP UP SHOP CASINO TABLES MUSIC
Ticket sales on:
eventbrite.co.uk/e/night-at-the-museum-tickets-344045147297
SCAN FOR TICKETS
Food & Drink
food & drink
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Georgina Hayden’s store-cupboard essentials for Greek Cypriot cooking If you’re fully stocked with the basics, you can have a delicious dinner in no time
T
HERE’S nothing worse than planning to cook a meal, only to realise there’s nothing in your fridge – it’s a surefire way to make sure you blow your food budget on a takeaway
instead. However, this isn’t a problem for food writer Georgina Hayden, who’s a whizz at creating delicious recipes from storecupboard ingredients, drawing inspiration from her Greek Cypriot roots. While she still loves vegetables and herbs, store-cupboard essentials mean you don’t always have to have fresh produce on hand – and risk it going off before you get to it. In fact, Hayden says her latest cookbook Nistisima is “mostly store-cupboard ingredients” – predominantly things you can get in your local supermarket, but also “a few specialist things, like syrups and molasses”.
Essentials If you want to make sure you’ve got a well-stocked pantry, these are the essentials Hayden suggests everyone should have – particularly if you want to whip up a Greek Cypriot dinner… LENTILS “Lentils are a bit misunderstood. Lentils are great – you don’t need to presoak them, and they actually cook quite quickly.
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Jazz on The Pantiles has returned and we want you to enjoy your Thursday evening to the fullest! Call 01892520587 or email reception@ onewarwickpark.co.uk to make a reservation. Ts&Cs Apply: Only applicable on a Thursday, bookings must be made direct
Food & Drink
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
boring”, but she can’t live without rice. “Rice is such a great staple – you can genuinely have a meal on the table in no time if you’ve always got a bag of rice in your cupboard.” Some of the rice dishes in Hayden’s new book include spanakorizo – a classic Lenten Greek dish of spinach, tomato and lemon rice, and dolmades – stuffed vine leaves. Nistisima: The Secret To Delicious Vegan Cooking From The Mediterranean And Beyond by Georgina Hayden is published by Bloomsbury, priced £26. Photography by Kristin Perers. Available now.
“I always have brown and green lentils in my cupboard – I have red as well, but that’s more for Asian food. In terms of Greek Cypriot, Greek and Middle Eastern food – green and brown lentils.” One of her favourite recipes from her new cookbook is a Lebanese dish called rishta. “It’s green lentils cooked with cumin, coriander, and crushed up tagliatelle,” she explains. “It’s super creamy. It says to use fresh tagliatelle, but that’s obviously quite hard to get hold of if you’re not having eggs [the recipes in Nistisima are all vegan], but you can use dried tagliatelle and just crush it up. “It’s a one-pot dish, and it’s so delicious. And that is proper store cupboard stuff.” CHICKPEAS “I always have jars of chickpeas,” says Hayden – who goes for jars instead of the dried version,
“Dishes in Georgina’s new book include classic Greek fare such as stuffed vine leaves” which “need to be presoaked, and they take a long time to cook – I just cannot be bothered, I don’t have the time. “Jarred ones are much more delicious than tinned ones – just the way they’re preserved and cooked, they’re often more tender. The liquid they’re preserved in is what makes hummus go really mousse-y. While you can splash out on expensive jarred chickpeas, Hayden is perfectly happy with the ones you can get for 69p, saying: “I think they’re wicked.” RICE Hayden admits this one might sound “really
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT – FULL TIME – HYBRID WORKING AVAILABLE Balfour Winery, Staplehurst, Kent About Us:
Balfour Winery is one of England’s leading wine producers and creates award winning wines, beers and ciders in Staplehurst, Kent. The beautiful 400-acre Estate is home to our vineyards, apple orchards and state-of-the-art winery and visitor centre. In addition to the winery and Estate, Balfour Hospitality is an exciting part of the company. A unique independently owned pub company, Balfour Hospitality currently have a portfolio of fantastic food and drink led sites across London, the South East and the Cotswolds. The position is permanent and will provide an opportunity for the right candidate to progress within a fast-growing entrepreneurial company. We also have excellent company benefits including a generous staff discount and company events.
• Monthly accommodation costs including rent, rates and other associated costs Weekly KPI / Sales Reporting to be completed each week showing: • Revenue comparisons, revenue against Budget, salary costs against Budget and Revenue percentage, food gross margin, hotel occupancy key ratios Intercompany recharges and loans management Bank Facilities and Joint Venture • Administration with changes to the organisation’s banking arrangements • Regular liaison with Joint Venture’s Financial Reporting Accountant VAT and Statutory Returns • Quarterly VAT returns
The Job:
An opportunity has arisen for a full time Management Accountant to provide support to the accounts department. The position can be hybrid working with some days based at Balfour Winery in Staplehurst, Kent. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Monthly Management Accounts: • Preparation of the monthly Management Accounts • Producing monthly report packs for all stakeholders • Reviewing with the Financial Controller draft profit and loss account
• Annual, quarterly and monthly Office of National Statistics Forms Supporting the Financial Controller and Stakeholders as and when required including bespoke projects
About you:
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude • Constantly look for a better and more efficient way to complete your tasks • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion
• Explaining variances and key ratios
• System/Software skills preferred: Sage 200 (or Sage 50); Intermediate/Advanced Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
• Balance Sheet review each month
• Part-qualified, CCAB is an advantage
Month end accounting adjustments and trial balance reconciliation:
Salary dependent on experience
• Stock, accruals, prepayments, payroll controls and fixed assets accounting
To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to sarah@balfourwinery.com
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Supports
JAZZ les
i t n a P ON THE
in association with
Participating restaurants
Entrance £5pp . . .
The T. Wells Hotel The Kirthon Indian The Casa Vecchia
Limited Numbers
2nd June 9th June 16th June 23th June 30th June
01892 530501 07592 271151 01892 544700
It’s a bargain, so come in for a drink or dinner.
s t r a t S 7pm
Sue Rivers Quartet Simon Spillett Quartet Liane Carrol Trio Dino and Darby Dave O’Higgins Quartet
Drink
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
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Sizing up quality ciders for summer
In his monthly column for the Times of Tunbridge Wells, Alex Greig from Fuggles cafe and bottle shop on the Camden Road, cherry picks his favourite ciders to enjoy right now
S
UMMER is a great time to get in to cider (or cyder, depending on where you’re from!) We’re lucky enough here at Fuggles to work with some of the best local cider producers, from Ascension with their fruity blends to Nightingale with their crisp and brilliantly made wild ferment cider. We’re also lucky to be able to work with some of best producers from the rest of the country’s best cider producing regions, including The Newt and Pilton down in Somerset. Much like beer, the styles and ranges available are endless and much like malt and hops, different apple varieties will give different flavours and different fermenting and cellaring processes will add to any cider’s individual flavour.
set of straight up, apple only ciders such as ‘Pilot’ but he also produces some really wonderful fruit-infused ciders (and occasionally beetroot, which trust me, really works!) ‘Shimmy’ is a big favourite of ours here, a juicy, pineapple infused cider. Matt is also a hot air balloon pilot in his spare time!
Outstanding
Fresh Locally, we’ve worked with Nightingale, based in Tenterden, for many years. Sam and Olly are making some of the best cider in the UK right now – with a particularly interesting and exciting range of Pet Nat ciders too (of which we’re looking forward to the next vintages of soon!) My pick of their bunch is their ‘Wild Disco’ cider – produced with Kentish Discovery apples it’s really fresh and clean, with that juicy lovely red apple flavour you get from Discovery apples, a hint of rose on the nose and dry finish. Etchingham is home to another favourite of ours locally: Ascension Cider. Matt Billing loves to throw the rule book out when it comes to producing his ciders – he produces a fantastic
SLIDE OVER TO THESE CIDERS (LEFT TO RIGHT): Ascension ‘Pilot’ – 4.8% £3.60, Ascension ‘Shimmy’ - 4% £3.80, The Newt ‘Fine Rose Cyder’ – 7.8%, £13, Nightingale ‘Wild Disco’ – 5.5%, £4.40, Pilton ‘Tamoshanta’ – 4.5%, £4.20
Celebrate your dad and everything he does for you this Father’s Day at Salomons Estate All dads will receive a free beer! Join us on Sunday 19th June 2022, for a delicious lunch, overlooking our 36 acres of gardens. After lunch, enjoy a long stroll around the grounds with your four-legged furry friends, or just the family.
ESTABLISHED
Further afield, The Newt, based down in Somerset, produces some outstanding cyder (as it’s known in that part of the country). It has won numerous awards for its drinks produced on the estate – which also boasts a stunning hotel and restaurant too if you happen to be in the area. Somerset, much like Kent, has the perfect soil and climate for growing apples. The Newt’s approach is to apply wine making techniques to their production on their state of art kit. One of my picks has to be their ‘Fine Rose Cyder’ – produced with Red Love apples giving the cyder it’s pale rose colour and a lovely light flavour of strawberry and cranberry and a well-balanced finish. Finally, there’s Pilton Cider. Another Somerset producer who focus on producing ciders using an artisan method known as ‘Keeving’ - where the cider is naturally sweetened. By stopping the fermentation process before it’s fully finished means the yeast does not finish drying out the cider, leaving it naturally sweeter. ‘Tamoshanta’ is my pick of the bunch – it’s finished in Scotch Whisky barrels which gives this wonderfully fruity cider a touch of vanilla and smoke - utterly delicious!
Book your table now by calling 01892 5 15152 or email receptio n@ salomons-es tate.com
KMJProperty (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd 01892 515188
sales@kmjproperty.co.uk
www.kmjproperty.co.uk
n o t a e h e h t Turn up t n u h y t r e p your pro h t i w r e m m this su y t r e p o r P J KM
SOUTHBOROUGH OIRO £650,000 This exceptionally well presented and tastefully decorated, substantial 5 double -bedroom home has been refurbished and extended to an extremely high standard and is situated at the end of a quiet, no through road and offers a driveway with parking for several cars and a garage. 15 ft living room, modern kitchen, modern family bathroom and ensuite to the master bedroom. EPC C. Council Tax D
www.company.com
L ANGTON GREEN
OIRO £500,000
Opportunity to create a stunning family home in Langton Green with potential to update and extend STP. This 3 bedroom end of terrace property with driveway and garage is situated in a cul-de-sac location with a pathway straight through to Langton Green Recreation Ground and within walking distance of Langton Green Primary School and also Speldhurst Primary School. EPC F. Council Tax D
CROWBOROUGH
OIRO £625,000
A wonderful opportunity to purchase this immaculately presented (almost show home condition), substantial detached home in the sought-after road of Kingfisher Drive, the property was only built in 2020 and has been cared for and cherished. 4 double bedrooms and family bathroom. The master bedroom boasts fantastic countryside views, and an en-suite. The property also benefits from a tandem style garage and driveway. EPC B. Council Tax F.
Scan here for an idea of what your property could be worth www.kmjproperty.co.uk
01892 515188
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Property
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
property news
Jubilee road names that will set you back up to £2million for a property INSPIRED by the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a property platform has revealed how much it will cost you to buy a house on one of the nation’s Jubileethemed road names. Boomin analysed price paid data records from the Land Registry for homes sold across England and Wales over the last 12 months, looking at the average sold price across some of our most royal road names. If you want to emulate Her Majesty from a property standpoint, well at least where your address is concerned, there’s no better street to live on than Buckingham Palace Road. Doing so would see you living on the
‘Monarch Gardens in Tunbridge Wells, brings an average price of £280,000, while roads containing the word ‘crown’, carry an average of £254,500’ same street as the palace itself but, unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive royal road name in England and Wales, commanding an average house price of £800,000 over the last year alone. The most expensive sale in the past 12 months was a flat which sold for £1.95million. Luckily, you don’t have to have quite such a princely budget to grab your own slice of royalty. Road names containing ‘palace’, such as Palace Road in Liverpool, command a more reasonable average
TWODS Shrek Times of TW Ad 264x160mm + 3mm bleed.indd 1
house price of £454,500, while property values on roads containing the word ‘royal’ have averaged £292,000 in the last year. ‘Monarch’, including Monarch Gardens in Tunbridge Wells, brings an average price of £280,000, while roads containing the word ‘crown’, such as Crown Close in Dewsbury, carry an average of £254,500.
Expensive Elsewhere, ‘Elizabeth’ commands an average house price of £240,000 with the most expensive transaction in the past year being a terraced house on Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Hackney, which sold for £2.15 million. A property on a road with ‘Queen’ in the name will cost you £230,000 on average, but the most expensive price paid in the
last year was a mind-boggling £12.4 million for a flat on Queensway in the City of Westminster. Roads containing ‘jubilee’ have commanded £220,000 over the last 12 months but, in the past year, a terraced house on Jubilee Place in Kensington sold for £4.35 million. ‘Commonwealth’, such as that of Commonwealth Close in Winsford, carries an average price of £220,000, while property values along roads with ‘throne’, such as Throne Crescent in Rowley Regis in Sandwell, average £184,000. Michael Bruce, CEO and Founder of Boomin, said: “The Royal Family is a cornerstone of British culture and they’re woven into the fabric of our nation, influencing the names of everything from transport links, schools, buildings and even our residential road names.”
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Rental accommodation halved across the county
LETTING agents across the UK have seen the number of available rentals halve, according to new research. Industry body Propertymark surveyed more than 440 letting businesses across 4,000 branches and found that on average agents said available rentals have halved from more than 30 to just 15, the BBC reported. It comes after the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) last month said the number of available properties to rent was edging down as demand from renters increased.
Competitive Rics said in early March that 63 per cent of property professionals expect rents to rise in the next three months, the highest proportion since its records started in 1999. And Rightmove said last month that the average monthly rent being advertised across Britain (excluding London) was a record £1,088 in the first quarter of 2022, marking an 11 per cent annual increase. In London, average asking rents have shot up by 14 per cent annually to £2,195 per calendar month. There are also more than triple the number of tenants inquiring as there are rental properties available, making the market highly competitive, according to the website.
08/05/2022 04:50
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Antiques
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
antiques
Pick of the lot from our June sale Auctioneer Joseph Trinder talks about some of the items going under the hammer a hugely attractive and wearable watch, the distinctive aesthetic with blue Bakelite rotating bezel is rather fun – carrying an estimate of £2,500 - £3,500. I also must introduce you to this impressive 20th century life-sized Meissen white glazed model of a Heron after J.J Kandler. Impactful in both size and seemingly untouched condition, this wonderfully modelled example is a rare replica of the even scarcer 18th century original. Although later, It is still expected to fetch in excess of £8,000. A more modern feathered friend featuring in our summer sale line-up includes a very
Joseph Trinder
A
S WE approach the consigning deadline for our June 28 summer fine sale at Gorringe’s – with the typical variety of pieces spanning all departments of the saleroom to be featured – I am delighted to share a sneak-preview of some of my favourite pieces personally, all market-fresh objects which have recently been uncovered in local properties. First of all to the jewellery department, which features the characteristic mixture of pieces spanning the ages, as well as materials and budgets. I was taken with this rather remarkable gold and carved intaglio white stone ring when I spotted it in a house in Tonbridge. Detailing a horse and inscribed ‘Tinker’, the charm and playfulness of its subject matter is matched with the sheer sumptuousness of its composition, in generously chased
high-carat yellow gold. It awaits sale with an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500 but I rather expect international collectors will see Tinker gallop off at a degree more than this…
large and utterly beautiful Swan by the celebrated British Artist Guy Taplin (B.1939), in painted wood and gesso, the piece sits an unusually large 110 cm long, making this quite the statement in any interior. Estimated at £4,000 - £6,000 it reflects the work of an artist whose pieces have leapt in value at auction over recent years – deservedly so if you ask me.
Elusive
Focus From within a wide selection of wristwatches and usual names of course represented to include Rolex, Jaeger LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Longines, Omega and others, I chose to focus on a gentleman’s 1970’s stainless steel Favre Leuba Sea Sky Chronograph manual wind wristwatch - both due to it being something perhaps a tad different from the usual suspects, it is also (certainly in my opinion)
HOUSE CALLS
Of course, I can’t have a round-up of favourites from this sale without mentioning the two Banksy limited edition prints sold with ‘Pest Control’ certification we have to offer – examples titled ‘Because I’m Worthless (155/175) and ‘Toxic Mary’ (354/600) – both wonderfully thoughtprovoking and poignant images from the elusive master of street art, each is estimated to fetch between £30,000 £50,000 – they may well make more – you’ll have to tune in or visit us on June 28th to see!
Alexander Pushkin
FOR JUNE IN YOUR AREA There is no obligation to sell, so call Clive Today to arrange a home visit at no charge and at your convenience. He will advise you personally on your items and absolute discretion is guaranteed.
Clive Attrell is back and available throughout Kent & East Sussex for home antiques valuations (Appointment Only)
Call Clive on 07860 942726
SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR SAFETY
GOLD • SILVER • WATCHES REMEMBER CLIVE IS ALWAYS READY TO MAKE YOU A GENUINE NO OBLIGATION OFFER
During appointments hand sanitiser & masks will be used on arrival. Social distancing will also be observed where possible at all times.
TOP PRICES PAID FOR
• GOLD (in any condition) • SILVER (in any condition) • WATCHES (working or not) • COSTUME JEWELLERY • DIAMONDS • SOVEREIGNS • KRUGERRANDS
• COINS • TOYS • GAMES • POSTCARDS • CHINESE CERAMICS • FIGURINES • OBJECTS OF INTEREST
• MEDALS • SWORDS • MILITARIA • CLOCKS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • PRINTS / BOOKS
K O O B NOW
Clive Attrell is Kent County Council Trading Standards Approved: Reg No 15618
Antiques
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
35
Custard: A history of typical English misunderstanding
Germaine Knowles from the Hoard in The Pantiles explores the history of the dessert dish
I
TRUST everyone had a grand time, celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, and you were able to take advantage of the fine fare on offer. It seems – in typically English style – that one dish in particular was made a centrepiece for the occasion in that “Platinum Pudding” appeared suddenly, assailing us from all angles. It transpired that amidst all the bluster this was actually little more than a good old dollop of trifle – for all its pretensions of lemon curd and amaretti – and, as such, it wouldn’t have had half as much of an impact without the inclusion of lavish amounts of custard.
lines of a flan case – used as a dish in which a variety of comestibles could be served (and which also gave us the word ‘crust’). This included fish stews, meat broth, even hotly-spiced preparations known as ‘curys’, along with sweeter dishes made from sugar, milk, egg and
Lavish Custard, the English people, and their language, have had a somewhat fractious relationship since they were first introduced to each other during the middle ages. The word was derived from ‘croustarde’, which was the French term for a stout pastry construction – along the
elegant form of ‘custard’. Unsurprisingly, back over the channel, where all was elegance and seemliness, polite society had moved on from making edible plates and was, instead, embracing the use of porcelain for the production of ever-more intricate dinner services. These included small, lidded pots with handles which were intended to serve consommé or bouillon – fish or meat stocks presented as soup-like starters – and which were known as ‘pots a jus’. The production of porcelain in England lagged some way behind the French capabilities and, as a result, dinner services were imported to furnish the great and good of our sceptered isle with posh crockery – complete with the mysterious little lidded pots.
Befuddled As the concept of the aforementioned consommé or bouillon utterly befuddled these same English diners, it was necessary to apply
'We have numerous examples of custard cups for sale, both the original, wrongly ascribed French versions, and subsequent English pieces made expressly for custard' vanilla; it was the serving of this particular dessert-style preparation which became far and away the most popular use for ‘croustardes’ on English territory and, within a short time, resistance proved futile and the word became both inextricably linked with this one dish in particular, and brutally morphed in to the far less
some lateral thinking as to what the intended use of these pots might be. It didn’t take long for us to realise – completely wrongly, of course – that there were no specific dishes listed in a French dinner service in which custard could be served, and so the small lidded pots were misappropriated for that very purpose and have been known as custard cups ever since. At least, they have in the realm of English monarchs, where no-one knew any better. At the Pantiles Arcade we have numerous examples of custard cups for sale, both the original, wrongly ascribed French versions, and subsequent English pieces which were made expressly for the purpose. We also have later glass versions, known as syllabub cups, which were used for serving an evolved form of custard mixed with fortified wine – a tentative step on the way to sherry trifle – which Her Majesty would probably have enjoyed far more than any lemony abomination supposedly contrived in her honour…
With a packed trade area, autojumble, live action arena including The Tigers Motorcycle Display Team, the smallest car in the world and much more, together with a funfair, inflatables, come along and join us for a brilliant day jam-packed full of fun for all the family. Free public parking inc. disabled parking
Dogs on leads welcome
www.bromleypageant.co.uk
Advanced tickets: Adult £12, Child (aged 5-15) £5, Under 5’s free, Family (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-15) £28 (booking fee applies) On the gate tickets: Adult £17, Child (aged 5-15) £5, Under 5’s free, Family (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-15) £39 Attractions subject to change
Scan me for tickets
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Wednesday June 8 | 2022
A first look at Iceland’s hottest new super spa - the cool Forest Lagoon... Easily accessible via a new direct flight from the UK to Akureyri, this sizzling new spa destination demands a trip to northern Iceland, says Sarah Marshall
B
ubbling both below and above the surface, volcanic activity has defined Iceland’s landscape. Lava fields tangle from the foot of gas-spewing peaks and steam spurts from cracks in the ground. Naturally, the Earth’s non-stop rumblings have shaped a national culture too. Bathing in hot springs is a tradition stretching back centuries. From dipping in hidden lagoons to pumping heated water into purpose-built pools, Icelanders have harnessed the power of geothermal energy to create one of the country’s biggest national pastimes. The Blue Lagoon in Keflavik, close to Iceland’s main international airport, has been declared a world wonder for it’s therapeutic silica-rich waters. But it’s not the only super spa in the land of fire and ice. Recently opened, the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri is setting a new standard for Icelandic hot springs. Here’s why everyone’s so excited about the new bathing spot in the north… Where is it? Harsh winds prevent trees from growing too tall in Iceland, making forests a rarity. But this nature-driven, purpose-built spa, which opened last month, makes the most of what’s available by occupying one of the few leafy sites in the north. Although perhaps not so much of a novelty for Brits who’ve grown up surrounded ancient oaks,
Travel
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
there is another benefit to the choice of setting. Along with the sweet smell of sap and earthy moss, the natural attraction of the location is its sheltered position – exceptional in a country where winds can gust up to 70mph.
‘A choice of two swim-up bars avoids long queues. Plus it’s open until midnight – later than any other purpose-built lagoon in Iceland’ Is it easy to reach? While many of Iceland’s hot springs are hidden in (almost) inaccessible places, this one is a doddle to find. Overlooking the 60km Eyjafjörður fjord – where humpbacks regularly migrate to feed – it’s across the water from mountain-backed capital of the north, Akureyri.
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at Forest Lagoon it’s simply a mountain spring heated by energy from the Earth’s core. The source was discovered during digging for a new toll tunnel in 2015, now part of Iceland Ring Road Route 1. General manager Tinna Jóhannsdóttir claims the water still contains beauty-boosting minerals collected on its journey through millennia-old basalt rocks. But the main wellbeing benefit is simply the relaxing sensation of bathing in a hot spring. How to plan your trip Discover The World (discover-the-world.com; 01737 214 250) offer a 4-night North Iceland Adventure summer holiday from £1031pp including B&B hotels, car hire and flights with Niceair from London Stansted to Akureyri.
In fact, it’s possible to leave home in the UK and be bathing a few hours later, thanks to a new direct flight from Niceair (niceair.is), launching June 3. (A direct link to Manchester will follow in October.) What’s it like? Cut directly into a mountain, with exposed basalt rock forming a feature wall, the wooden spa building is a natural beauty. Trees from east Iceland have been planted at the entrance – where a bistro serves meals, coffees and drinks – and stone sinks are a striking feature in the changing rooms. The lagoon is divided between two main pools – heated to 39C and 41C. Inside, a wooden glass-fronted sauna looks onto the water, framing a view of snow-dusted mountains and deciduous trees, whose boughs rotate through a seasonal palette of golds, bronzes, silvers and greens. So what else makes it so special? It might sound a bit technical, but having 27
outlets pumping water into the lagoon is a game-changer, allowing water to flow evenly, so there are no annoying cold patches to surprise you. A choice of two swim-up bars avoids long queues. Plus it’s open until midnight – later than any other purpose-built lagoon in Iceland – meaning you can stay out later to watch the midnight sun or catch a glimpse of the northern lights, depending on the time of year. How’s it different to the Blue Lagoon? Although built by the same design team, BASALT Architects, the main difference is… it isn’t blue. While water flowing from lava fields into Keflavik’s world-famous attraction is rich in silica (giving it a distinctive milky blue colour),
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Motoring
Wednesday June 8 | 2022
Motoring News Alfa Romeo introduces Giulia and Stelvio Estrema special editions ALFA ROMEO has introduced a new special edition model to its Giulia and Stelvio line-ups in the UK. Called Estrema, it’s the firm’s first global special series model, and is aimed at bringing more sporty and dynamic driving along with a high specification. Building on the Veloce trim, they add adaptive suspension and a limited-slip differential as standard. The suspension allows the car to switch between more comfort- or sporty-oriented setups on the fly, while the differential improves stability and control, particularly under acceleration.
This week… Alfa’s new Giulia and Stelvio
n
Land Rover launches online hub n Funky Cat n
GWM Ora set to unveil Funky Cat in the UK this year...
Accents Carbon-fibre and dark-painted elements are seen inside and out to give the Estrema a more dynamic appearance. On the outside, there are carbon-fibre mirror caps and front grille, with dark Estrema badging and alloy wheels (19-inch on the Giulia and 21-inch on the Stelvio). In the cabin, the carbon-fibre accents sit alongside Alcantara on the leather seats to elevate its sportiness. Red stitching can be found on the seats and dashboard, steering wheel and gear knob, while a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system builds the specification further. All examples come with an eight-speed
automatic gearbox, with both the Giulia and Stelvio Estrema editions offered with a 276bhp petrol engine, starting at £50,579 and £59,999 respectively. The Stelvio also comes with a 207bhp diesel engine, which costs from £57,999. Sitting at the top of their respective model ranges, the Estrema specifications represent a significant price hike on the lower trims, with
the Giulia starting at £39,929 and the Stelvio at £45,999. Both are also available with high-performance Quadrifoglio variants, though, which boast more than 500bhp and extensive mechanical upgrades to reduce weight and improve handling. These models come in at £73,999 for the Giulia and £78,719 for the Stelvio.
Jaguar Land Rover has launched a ‘Own, Subscribe, Rent’ online hub JAGUAR Land Rover has launched a new, dedicated website ‘hub’ for its Own, Subscribe, Rent services. The web pages on both the Jaguar and Land Rover websites bring together the three ways customers can experience the firms’ models. Alongside this, JLR has also overhauled its
online buying process. JLR launched its fully online purchasing process in 2019, with buyers able to specify their model in detail before buying the car in full or through finance payments. As part of the service’s overhaul, the online build process has been simplified with the price displayed from
the start. The subscription service allows customers a more flexible ownership experience, working more like a phone contract than traditional financing. The single monthly payment covers rental, insurance, tax, servicing and repairs. Multiple membership tiers are available and payments can be put on hold month to month. Every six months, subscribers can swap for another vehicle in the Jaguar Land Rover range.
Delivered For those looking to experience JLR’s cars on a short-term basis, there’s also the Road Trip Rentals service. Customers in London and Manchester (or further afield for an extra fee) can book a car online and have it delivered to their door. The service offers comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, child seats, additional drivers, bike racks and even congestion charges included. Rawdon Glover, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “More luxury goods and experiences are consumed and shared in the digital space than ever before, and consumer expectations are high for both quality and convenience. “We strive to stay at the forefront of the latest innovations through a rigorous digital transformation, and bringing the luxury of choice to our customers is a key part in that journey. “We now have a market-leading online experience that delivers ultimate convenience and confidence in a tailored way for Jaguar and Land Rover customers.”
GWM ORA has confirmed that its Funky Cat electric vehicle will go on sale in the UK this year. The quirky model comes from Chinese firm Great Wall Motors – better known in the UK for its commercial vehicles – and will initially be offered this autumn in a high-specification First Edition trim. Priced from £30,495 after the plug-in car grant, it comes with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there’s wireless phone charging and electric front seats, while the infotainment system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Excited There will be four paint options, with a green or black body coming as standard with a black interior. Two other combinations are offered, with a red exterior and grey interior, or green exterior and grey interior. The Funky Cat has a 48kWh battery that has a 193-mile electric range, with GWM saying this capacity was chosen for its combination of good range and affordable price. Charging from 15-80% takes around 40 minutes at an 80kW fast charger, while charging on a 6.6kW home unit will take up to six hours. Toby Marshall, sales and marketing director at Ora UK, said: “We are really excited to launch the Ora Funky Cat into the UK market. This exciting new EV will set the precedent for the brand, offering customers a premium, technology led experience with a completely unique look and feel.”
Unique Mr Yao Fei, vice-president at Great Wall Motor, said: “The UK is a key launch market for the GWM Ora brand and I look forward to launching our first product, the Ora Funky Cat, later this year. As a new disruptive EV brand, we will offer customers high quality products, with a unique design that will bring a fresh new look to European streets.” Prospective customers can register their interest in the model through the GWM Ora UK website. In June, the firm expects to offer the ability to place a £100 refundable deposit to gain priority access to builds. Following the First Edition this autumn, GWM plans to add further trim level choices in 2023.
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