Times of Tunbridge Wells 8th September 2021 by One Media

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Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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DRIVERS of taxis in Tunbridge Wells are leaving the job because of plummeting trade caused by the pandemic. Despite the lifting of all restrictions, passenger numbers are below 50 per cent of the pre Covid levels and cabbies face a double whammy of increasing regulation making it harder to obtain licences. “The rank outside the station does not move anymore,” said Baraki Shujaullau, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association in the town. “When a train used to pull into the station in the afternoon, around 20 to 30 cars would go from the rank. These days, we are lucky if five or six taxis get taken.”

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Testing times for pupils and parents as it’s return to class By Robert Forrester THOUSANDS of pupils have taken lateral flow tests in preparation for the start of term this week. And they return to the classrooms with parents divided over safety measures. Around 10,000 secondary school pupils across the borough of Tunbridge Wells were tested at schools last week for Covid-19 as they headed back from the summer holiday. The outcome of those tests has not yet been made public. Unlike last term, schools no longer have to keep pupils in year group ‘bubbles’ to reduce mixing and face coverings are no longer advised. Before they returned, secondary school pupils were asked to take two lateral flow tests at school, three to five days apart.

The testing requirements meant hundreds of parents and pupils had to queue outside schools last week as testing got underway at the various schools.

‘Covid-19 has not gone and it is important everyone plays their part to keep safe’ Another change this term is that children do not have to isolate if they come into contact with a positive case of Covid-19. Instead, they will need to get a PCR test and isolate only if positive. Double vaccinated parents of a child who contracts Covid-19 will no longer need to isolate if they test negative.

Schools and colleges are being encouraged to maintain increased hygiene and ventilation, and secondary school and college pupils in England have been asked to continue to test twice weekly at home. Informal soundings taken by the Times show that parents are divided over the more relaxed approach to managing the virus. On one side are those who believe schools should insist masks are worn and classrooms fully ventilated with open windows. Opposing that view are parents who believe that insisting on masks – ‘muzzling our children’ – would breach their human rights.

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this week… Taxi drivers leave due to lack of custom Continued from front page

GOING FOR GOLD: Three local businesswomen are shortlisted for prestigious national awards. P9 A ROARING SUCCESS: How the Dragon Race ended its two decade stint at Bewl triumphantly. P11

He says falling commuter numbers as people work from home has caused the day trade to plummet, while drivers in the night economy are not faring much better. “People are going out to pubs, restaurants and clubs and then getting a lift home. They don’t think taxis are [Covid] safe,” said Mr Baraki. “But all our drivers wear masks, we have hand sanitation, ventilation. Taxis are very Covid safe and secure.” Taxi drivers earn £4.00 for the first mile and around £2.50 for each subsequent mile, but they also have to pay out around £360 a year for a taxi licence and £370 for a badge, along with other required payments such as DVLA and criminal record checks, a MOT every six months, and medical examinations.

Increase Mr Baraki said the effect the fall in trade has had on drivers means that many are quitting because there is not enough work to go around. “Before lockdown I would get around twelve jobs in an afternoon shift. During lockdown this fell to around two,” said Mr Baraki. “We are happy the rank is now at least moving

Rail use sees a slow rise

TOP MARKS: Don’t miss our special eight page pull-out covering all your educational needs. P17 HISTORY LESSONS: Get involved in Heritage Open Days and discover local historical hotspots. P32

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RAIL passenger numbers are beginning to increase, new figures show, although officials are not expecting commuter numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels in the next 12 months. Demand for rail travel reached two-thirds of normal levels last month for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic hit, provisional Department for Transport figures show.

QUIET TIMES Drivers waiting for fares last week

“We can’t get new drivers. They have to wait months for a licence and there has been a large increase in regulations. “Around 20 years ago when I got my licence it took about two months. We now have drivers waiting five, six months – even longer, and in that time, drivers can’t earn money, so they go and do something else.

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but we are now at around 50 per cent of the passenger numbers that we had before. So many drivers are leaving and going off to do something else because they are just not making any money.” He warned that unless people began using taxis again, this exodus of drivers will mean getting a cab in the town would become increasingly difficult. The data reveals the number of journeys made on Britain’s mainline rail network on Monday August 23 was at 66 per cent compared with the equivalent date in 2019.

Optimistically This is up from 56 per cent three weeks earlier. However, John Halsell, southern regional managing director for Network Rail has said that commuter numbers are not likely to return to

“We even have to get a certificate now to show we know how to put a seatbelt on – all drivers know how to fix a seatbelt – yet we have to book a test with a company to get this certificate and these firms have a three-month waiting list.” New drivers are also obliged to take a ‘knowledge test’ by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] before they can be granted a licence. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said there are currently 107 hackney carriage licenses in the borough, but the authority has no record of how many licence holders are currently operating. A spokesperson did add that in normal times the council receives around ten applications from new drivers each year, but so far in 2021 they have received just two. pre-pandemic levels over the next 12 months. He said: “A pessimistic view would be a prediction of around 60 per cent of prepandemic passenger numbers. “More optimistically, we think it will be around 80 per cent. And that’s in part as we think a lot of people will still combine going to the office with working from home. “At the moment, we’re running perhaps at 40 per cent of passenger numbers. So we don’t currently need to put on 100 per cent of the

Concerns as pupils return to classrooms Continued from front page Caught up in the middle are the schools, many of whom have received, aggressive emails on the issue. Teachers have also been given guidance on how to spot any emerging mental health issues. Kent County Council [KCC], which is responsible for all state schools in Tunbridge Wells, has urged headteachers to follow the guidance on Covid safety. Shellina Prendergast, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome back to school to all pupils, teachers and staff across Kent. I hope you all had a relaxing, enjoyable, and healthy summer break and are returning to the classroom refreshed and looking forward to the new school year. “I would also like to thank all staff who gave up part of their summer holiday to deliver catch up lessons or provide other learning opportunities for pupils, or to prepare school buildings for pupils’ safe return. BACK TO SCHOOL Pupils took Covid tests on their return

“Although many restrictions were lifted over the summer, Covid-19 has not gone away and it is important everyone plays their part in keeping themselves, their families, friends, teachers, and support staff safe. “We are encouraging all schools in Kent to follow the latest Government guidance, which includes implementing safety measures such as regular handwashing, cleaning regimes, and keeping spaces well ventilated.

Identified “Secondary school pupils are asked to continue taking regular Covid-19 tests, as they were doing before the summer holidays, to ensure any positive cases are identified as quickly as possible – your school will be able to offer advice on testing if necessary. “I must also thank individuals working in nurseries and early years settings who have worked hard to keep the children and babies in their care safe and well; many of these have

BURST Bubbles are no longer required in classes been open throughout the summer holiday period. “As you return to school, and some of you start at a new school or begin school for the first time, it is only natural that you may have worries or concerns, and that these may be heightened by the presence of the pandemic. “However, my colleagues and I firmly believe that school is the best place for children and young people to be for their educational and social development as well as for their mental and physical well-being. “I really hope that as life slowly begins to return to normal, Kent’s children and young people can focus on the positive things they can enjoy in school now, after missing out on them for so many months, such as socialising with all their friends during lunch and break times rather than only those in their bubble and taking part in more practical lessons and extracurricular activities. “I wish you all an enjoyable, successful, and safe time at school and hopefully, if we all work together and do our bit for our community, we can enjoy a fantastic year.” Meanwhile Dr Susan Hopkins, Covid-19 strategic response director at Public Health England, said: “Parents, young people and teachers should feel reassured the risk for the majority of children remains low.” For more on back to school, see page 6.

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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Witnesses sought after two violent assaults POLICE are appealing for witnesses following two assaults in Tunbridge Wells town centre. On August 15, a man in his 20’s was walking along Mount Pleasant Road when he was approached and verbally abused by three young men at around 11.35pm. He was then followed into Calverley Grounds, where they are reported to have punched and kicked him before going through his pockets and removing a lighter and tobacco. A week later on August 22 at 1.20am, a man walking with a group of friends also on Mount Pleasant Road, was involved in an altercation with another group. The victim, also in his 20s, is said to have fallen to the floor and was then violently assaulted by one of the other group. He was taken to hospital with multiple injuries. Anybody with information on either assault is urged to contact Kent Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Crowborough dog attack A WOMAN from Crowborough has been left with ‘potentially life changing injuries’ after being attacked by her own dog. Last week, Sussex Police were called to a house on September 3 in the evening following reports of a woman being attacked by a dog. Officers attended the property in Hoadleys Lane, Crowborough, at around 8pm and were joined at crews from the South East Coast Ambulance Service. A witness reported to officers that the dog belonged to the woman who was attacked. A police helicopter had to be used to enable officers to trap the dog. A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “The woman was brought to safety and has been taken to hospital with potentially life changing injuries. “The dog was contained in the garden with the support of the National Police Air Service helicopter and was later seized by officers.”

GP surgery appointments JUST over half of all patients in the South East are seeing doctors face to face, health officials have said. GPs have been told they should be seeing patients in their surgeries not over Zoom or the phone, after hundreds of surgeries were identified across the UK that are failing to meet the needs of their local communities. Across the South East, of the 833,000 GP appointments booked last month, just over half [54 per cent] managed to see their doctor in the flesh. According to data from NHS digital, there were around 452,000 face to face appointments in the region last month, but more than 380,000 phone appointments. Just under 4,000 patients were seen over the internet on apps such as Zoom or Skype, while 8,342 patients managed to see their doctor on a home visit. Across the UK, just 57 per cent of GP appointments were face-to-face in July.

AND IN NATIONAL NEWS ... BORIS Johnson has announced a new UK-wide 1.25 per cent health and social care levy based on National Insurance contributions. The PM made the announcement in the Commons yesterday [Tuesday] as he set out plans to overhaul adult social care. The move is counter to his party’s manifesto pledge not to raise the main rates of tax. Full story see National News page 12.

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Ministerial praise for Afghan help as Council hopes to double its pledge By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council [TWBC] has said it is hoping to rehome ten Afghan families fleeing the Taliban, doubling their previous offer of help. The increased level of support to assist stricken refugees who have been airlifted out of Kabul comes as a cabinet minister praised the authority for being ‘one of the earliest’ councils to offer support. The authority was one of 100 of the UK’s 300 local councils to offer immediate assistance to Afghan Refugees as the crisis in Kabul broke last month and immediately pledged to rehome five families. It now wants to rehome ten. As of last week, just a third of local councils have signed up to the Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP). Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government was in Tunbridge Wells last Wednesday [September 1] as part of a tour of constituency regeneration projects. His visit coincided with his department’s announcement that the government earmarked an £8.6billion funding package for affordable homes.

Plight Speaking to the Times about the plight of the Afghan refugees following the evacuation from Kabul, Mr Jenrick, said: “We’re very grateful to Tunbridge Wells Council for participating in our Afghanistan Resettlement Scheme. “The Council was one of the earliest to participate and take part by rehoming interpreters and their families and now they have pledged to take at least five more Afghan families. “It is important we are helping those people that stood shoulder to shoulder with our troops in Helmand and elsewhere, and it is right we support them now. “We will be providing all the support places like Tunbridge Wells need to welcome and rehouse

SIGHTSEEING: Robert Jenrick [second right] at the Amelia Scott cultural hub during a tour with Council Leader Tom Dawlings [left] Greg Clark MP [second left] and Chief Executive William Benson these people as quickly as possible.” He added that the government has set up a portal on its website to allow people to submit offers of support for people arriving from Afghanistan including clothing and toys as well as offers of housing and work. He continued: “The challenge is not only the sheer number of people needing help in a short time, but these are people that typically have larger families, so we are in need of three and four bedroom houses, which in Tunbridge Wells I know are in short supply.” His visit came just as TWBC vowed to try to double its initial pledge of rehoming five families. A spokesperson for the Council said: “We have

A PERSONAL VIEW…

REFUGEE GROUP BEGINS FUNDRAISING DRIVE

Councillor recalls his tour of Afghanistan A TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Councillor and former Army Major has reflected on his time in Afghanistan and the challenges facing the refugees as they flee the Taliban. Speaking to the Times, Cllr James Rands [Culverden, Lib Dem] looked back to his time in the war-torn region and the events of the last few weeks. He said: “My first tour in Afghanistan was as the Adjutant in a UK training team working with the Afghan National Army’s (ANA) officer training school.

Ethical “In that capacity I mentored an ANA Colonel. And he told me how he had had special forces training in both Moscow and the United States. “His story tells us a lot about Afghanistan. He had fought for the Soviet backed regime in the eighties and was pretty highly regarded, but when the tide was changing, he switched sides. And he thrived. “In Afghanistan looking after your family and tribe is the highest ethical purpose. And people respect others for doing so.” He added that he still has friends and acquaintances in the region. “I hope my old friends do what they need to keep themselves and their families safe,” he said, adding that he believes the Taliban still remains a threat. “They are fanatics. The Taliban has changed

made a commitment to finding homes for five families and we have also said we’ll do our best to help a further five if at all possible. “As well as this support for Afghan families we are also fulfilling our ongoing commitment to refugees from other parts of the world and will be helping two other refugee families this year.” The UK has evacuated 17,000 people from Afghanistan since the beginning of April. Of those, 15,000 were taken out between August 15 and the end of the month. The Home Office said 8,000 of those were ARAP claimants. Landlords who would like to help with accommodation should contact the Council’s Housing Team on 01892 526121.

tour Cllr Rands [bottom] in Afghanistan over the last twenty years, but not nearly enough for them to be an acceptable government for anywhere.” For those Afghans fleeing their home country, Cllr Rands say they face challenges of adapting to places such as Tunbridge Wells that are as alien to them as Kabul is to the residents of Kent. “We have a duty to those Afghans who helped us and escaped. We must welcome them and give them practical assistance. There are charities out there who will help them, but for those who can, donating time is more important. “They are coming from a different world. Expect them to be surprised that you need a license, tax and insurance to drive a car for example.” For more on Afrghanistan see page 14.

A COMMUNITY group set up to help refugees has launched an online fundraiser to help Afghanistan families coming to Tunbridge Wells. Hazel Beevers, trustee of Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, told the Times: “We are fundraising rather than doing a clothes or items donation drive, as at this stage we aren’t sure what the Afghan families arriving in Tunbridge Wells will need. “But when the time arrives, we will work with local organisations, the council and charities to ensure the families have everything they need to settle in the area, much like we did - and still do - with the Syrian families.

Support “Our remit is to support and welcome refugees arriving in Tunbridge Wells, so our volunteers also support via mentoring, tutoring, fundraising, practical support and community events.” She added if anyone wants to volunteer they can email trustees@twwelcomesrefugees.org Or donations can be sent via: justgiving.com/campaign/ help-afghan-families-tunbridge-wells

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modernity A drone shot of the hospital taken on its comlpetion in 2011 and [inset] the former Kent & Sussex Hospital

Hospital celebrates a decade of healthcare By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE Wells Hospital is to mark its tenth-year anniversary this month after treating more than 2.8million patients over the last decade. The hospital first opened its doors on September 21, 2011, but it took several years in the planning. The 512-bed site has 10 wards and was financed under a Private Finance Initiative [PFI], which was controversial at the time due to the use of private money to fund NHS buildings. Plans for the hospital were also being drawn up just as the UK experienced the financial crash in 2008. The £225millon hospital was built to serve

around half a million people in West Kent. Construction started in 2008 and took more than three years to complete. The state-of-the-art facility replaced both Pembury County Hospital which stood on the same site – a former Victorian workhouse – and the ageing Kent and Sussex Hospital on Mount Ephraim. At the time of its opening, Tunbridge Wells Hospital was hailed as being one of the most modern and state of the art NHS medical facilities of its kind. All the rooms had en-suite facilities, patientcontrolled temperature systems, solar control glass windows, and flat screen TVs, while most also had views of the Kent countryside.

Groundworks Construction on the Pembury site took three years

Over the last ten years, the hospital has treated nearly 3 million people while and more than 53,000 babies have been born at the Pembury maternity unity. Miles Scott, Chief Executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: “It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since the official opening but we have also achieved so much during this time. “The hospital was the first NHS hospital to provide every inpatient with their own room and this enabled us to transform infection control which has served us extremely well during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maximise “We have brought together our theatres, critical care unit, short stay surgical unit and surgical admissions so they are co-located and working in an integrated way. “This has enabled us to maximise operating capacity to cut waiting times and deliver emergency surgery at the same time. As a result, we have seen one of the fastest recoveries in the NHS from waiting lists built up over the pandemic. “I’m very proud to be leading such a fantastic team and am grateful for the hard work and dedication of all the staff at MTW. We have many exciting plans for the future, including the new medical student accommodation and academic teaching building, to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding care to our patients”. He continued by explaining his hopes for the future of the hospital. He said: “Our dedicated education space is a

Highs and lows of the last 10 years IN THE last ten years of delivering health care, Tunbridge Wells Hospital has treated more than 2.8 million patients. This includes more than 742,000 visitors to the emergency department, more than 142,000 patients undergoing operations as well as 1,874,000 outpatient appointments. Around 53,000 children have been born at the hospital between September 2011, when it opened, and today. Around 2,820 nurses, doctors and other members of staff currently work at the Pembury facility, but the hospital has come under pressure for some of its frontline services in recent years. In 2019, MTW, the Trust that runs the

hospital, was ranked 131 out of 131 NHS trusts in getting patients to start cancer treatment within 62 days of a GP referral.

Target The government target for cancer treatment following a GP referral is 85 per cent of patients, with MTW only achieving 63.3 per cent, ranking it bottom of England and Wales. By April last year, MTW had reversed the situation and announced it had now hit the government’s cancer target 12 months in a row. To celebrate its anniversary, the hospital is seeking former patients, babies born at the hospital and some of the first people to receive

treatment to get in touch as it prepares to celebrate its tenth birthday. A spokesperson for MTW said: “Were you a patient who was there when the hospital opened its doors on 21 September 2011? “Perhaps you were one of the first babies to be born on our delivery suite or one of the first patients to undergo an operation in our theatres at Tunbridge Wells Hospital? Whatever your story, we’d love to hear from you! “Please share your words and any photos and tell us how our amazing staff helped you and the difference it made to your life – you can email us at mtw-tr.communications@nhs. net by September 10.”

huge asset to the Trust and has been successfully used to train a whole new generation of doctors, nurses and health professionals, incorporating the latest education approaches such as simulation rooms. “We are also focusing on our green agenda, such as energy efficient building practice to reduce our carbon emissions, the move towards buying power generated by solar or wind and moving to electric vehicles and reducing journeys taken across the Trust.”

Project was ‘touch and go’ MP recalls TUNBRIDGE Wells MP Greg Clark has spoken of the battle to ensure the Pembury based hospital was given the go-ahead. Mr Clark says the planning of the project coincided with the financial crash of 2008. The hospital was one of the only major projects given the go ahead by the Gordon Brown government at the time following the collapse of the banks. He said: “It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since the opening of the hospital.

Teaching “We are lucky to have a hospital that is still one of the most modern in Britain, and increasingly important as a teaching hospital. “It was touch and go whether we would get the hospital approved. I remember going to see the Health Secretary in his office and describing the wooden huts that were still in use for patients in Pembury and, sadly, the C. difficile infections at the Kent and Sussex. “But the tidal wave of the financial crisis was about to engulf us, that halted many important projects. “When the go-ahead was given to me in the House of Commons on 18 March 2008, Pembury was the very last new hospital to be approved before the shutters came down as the banks closed and Government spending was restricted. “A hospital is more than a building, and the staff have experienced the toughest times of their careers during Covid. They have done a magnificent job, but I am relieved that they were able to do it in a state-of-the-art hospital.”

Editor’s note: Greg Clark must take much of the credit for the development of the hospital. Without his constant campaigning and pressing for a ‘state of the art’ facility it may well not have happened.

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Teachers prepare for a ‘roller coaster’ year As schools return after the summer break we asked, Tunbridge Wells resident and local Lib Dem councillor Ben Chapelard who teaches French at a Kent state school, tells us all about teaching on the frontline during Covid - and what he expects from this year … Mask on. Mask off. Repeat dozens of times. Every day. Try to teach as effectively as possible whilst also keeping a distance. Add in two lateral flow tests per week. Expect the unexpected. This sums up teaching during Covid-19 since the return to school in March after the third lock down. Since I wrote my last article for the Times last October, what has changed in the classroom under Covid? You may recall that cases of the then named “Kent variant” were rapidly rising. I was an early victim as the virus ripped through our school. There were numerous Covid cases and pupils and staff self-isolating that, despite our best efforts, the headteacher had to take the difficult decision to close our school. There were so many teachers off that the safety of students could not be guaranteed!

Remote January brought lockdown three. Unlike the first lock down back in March 2020 when the government cancelled exams, this time students had to be prepared for their summer exams online - not an easy feat. I was looking after about 330 students and trying to meet all their needs via remote teaching which was not always easy. However, we all tried our best to do as much as we could do for our students and didn’t want to let them down. The main difference as far as the teaching was

concerned is that we delivered live lessons rather than lessons where students would do the work set on their own as per the first lockdown. The online technology allowed us to assess students’ progress live with short online questionnaires before moving onto the next stage of their learning.

Physically Teachers spent hours preparing resources for a one hour lesson. With this very different kind of teaching we had to be creative! For the younger students, the frequent appearance of my son’s Pokemon cuddly toy in French and Spanish lessons proved to be very popular. Often my children would make a cameo appearance as well. Occasionally a passing dust cart or barking dog would interrupt proceedings too, such is the reality of teaching from home! I would think that most of my colleagues worked around 70 hours a week online. Returning physically to school felt somewhat like a break, certainly a huge weight had been lifted, only to be replaced with other challenges such as the issuing of thousands of lateral flow testing kits to students. The most challenging aspect continues to be juggling the needs of the students who are physically in front of me, of those who are well at home and self isolating and of those who are off school ill. We have to cater for all of these individuals which is time consuming but necessary.

Covid has undoubtedly impacted negatively on the learning of many students, however, some of our more introverted students do appear to have thrived online. Teachers have been busy adapting schemes of work to address the deficit, offering support with learning outside of lesson times and providing a listening ear to those students struggling mentally with the situation as well. What’s new this September? Many of the sanitary measures will remain in place. Sacrosanct year groups continue. Staggered break and lunchtimes will continue as well. The big change, however, will be that schools will no longer be responsible for tracking and tracing close contacts. Previously our seating plans allowed us to identify closest contacts hour by hour but responsibility will now fall on parents to do regular lateral flow tests. Early indications from schools reopening in Scotland after the summer break is that sadly Covid cases are on the rise again. I am preparing for a roller-coaster 2021-22 academic year. We are hoping for the best but my colleagues and I now have the experience to cope with almost anything the virus throws at us. Once more onto the breach! Wish us luck!

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Pupils to clean their desks and wear masks out of class PUPILS in many private schools will be expected to clean their desks and wear face coverings in corridors as classes resume, a headteacher has said. As children return to school to a relaxation Samantha Price of Covid-19 safety measures, Samantha Price, head at the £13,000 per term Benenden School near Cranbrook who is also president of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), said the sector returns with ‘phased caution’. Mrs Price, said: “We are going to continue with cleaning desks after lessons and asking students to do that because I think that’s reassuring for teachers, but it’s also reassuring for cleaners who are going into those rooms as well. “In our school we are going to ask students to wear masks in corridors and in public areas and obviously there’s still going to be testing,” she added.

Outbreak

virtual Ben Chapelard taking a remote class

In the event of an outbreak, the school could revert to “bubbles” or more physical distancing between teachers and pupils if needed, Mrs Price said. But as she took up her new post as GSA president, she added that measures could be relaxed by the end of September if there is no surge in cases. “I think there’s a degree of caution across all schools while recognising that we want to operate the schools as normally as we can, and it’s a sort of phased caution as well,” Mrs Price said.

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Calls to import drivers as HGV shortage gets serious - and pubs run out of beer By Richard Williams A TUNBRIDGE WELLS road haulage organisation has said the government must hand more than 10,000 EU HGV drivers temporary visas to plug the skills shortage. Logistics UK on St John’s Road made their appeal to government as the pub trade became the latest industry to be hit with driver shortages. Last week, JD Wetherspoon, which runs the Opera House in Tunbridge Wells, The Humphrey Bean in Tonbridge, as well as the Crowborough Cross, had to apologise to its customers after a number of beers ran dry. The hospitality giant said it has seen supplies of Carling and Coors beer hit by the driver shortage that has already affected a range of industries, with some pubs not receiving deliveries. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are experiencing some supply problems with both Carling and Coors, which means that some pubs do not have the products available. “We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. We know that the brewers are trying to resolve the issue.” Molson Coors, the brewer for both brands, admitted it had been hit by the driver shortage but

said the problem was ‘intermittent’. A spokesman added: “Like many in our great British brewing and pub sector we have been hit by the HGV driver shortage. “While overall our availability is good, there are intermittent pockets of pressure in our supply network that are unfortunately affecting a number of Wetherspoons pubs.

‘The EU workers who left the UK ahead of Brexit, were critical to the supply chain’s resilience’ “We’re working around the clock with our customers and third-party logistics partners to ensure we minimise any impact to our customers. “After such a difficult period for our industry, it’s heart-breaking to be letting any customer down and we will continue to do everything in our power to get our much-loved brands back on every Wetherspoons bar.” The lorry driver shortage, which has been attributed to Brexit employment rules and the pandemic, has already impacted supplies at supermarkets and a number of fast food chains. Refuse collections in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have also been heavily affected

Running dry Wetherspoon’s in Tunbridge Wells with garden waste services suspended since July. Logistics UK, which represents hauliers and others in the UK’s freight industry, said there was a shortfall of around 90,000 HGV drivers in the UK, and that 14,000 drivers from Europe left employment in the UK in the year to June 2020. The organisation is now calling on the government to give thousands of EU drivers temporary visas to plug the gap. As Alex Veitch, General Manager of Public Policy at Logistics UK said: “The EU workers who left the UK in the year ending June 2020, ahead of Brexit, were critical to the supply chain’s resilience.

“And we are now starting to see the impact that their departure has had on supplies to businesses, retailers, homes and schools. “The industry is working hard to recruit new drivers, with the implementation of new apprenticeships and other training schemes, and working with DVSA to speed up its testing regime, but these measures will take some time to produce new drivers. “Our industry needs drivers now, and we are urging government to replicate its temporary visa scheme, introduced for agricultural workers, for logistics to keep trucks and vans moving in the short term.”

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Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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Local News

BUSINESS

Tunbridge Wells trio are aiming for business gold By Robert Forrester Three Tunbridge Wells businesswomen have made it through to the finals of a national award that celebrates female entrepreneurs. Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential, Sophie Forrest of Forrest HR and Siobhan Stirling of Sharp Minds Communications have all been nominated for the Best Business Women Awards 2021 (BBWA). Now in its 7th year, the award organisers say the competitors have had to be more tenacious and inventive than normal to bring their businesses successfully through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic – making the judging a harder job than ever. Deborah Richards, who is founder and managing partner of The Pantiles’ estate agents, Maddisons Residential, has made it through to the finals of two categories: Best Business and Best Consumer Business awards. She said: “It’s fantastic to have been selected for not one, but two awards in this year’s BBWA! Our industry was closed overnight by the pandemic restrictions. “We pulled out all the stops to keep our house buyers and sellers in the loop when the industry was shut down, and then to find new ways to showcase houses for our sellers within the ongoing restrictions.

Trust’s bed system nominated for award Shortlisted [L-R] Deboarah Richards, Sophie Forrest and Siobhan Stirling “We also put ourselves at the centre of the Tunbridge Wells community, publishing What’s On guides when traditional media were on hold and organising treasure hunts to help local parents who were desperately trying to find ways to entertain their kids during lockdown and home schooling.

Accolade “It’s great to be recognised for the work that the Maddisons team have put in over the last year.” In the running for the Best Business Services award is Sophie Forrest of Forrest HR, who said: “What a year it has been so far – and I’m honoured to have been selected in the BBWA Awards final for the milestones I

have achieved. I can’t thank my team enough for all the help and support in expanding Forrest HR to meet the ever-increasing needs of our clients at this time.” Siobhan Stirling, director of Sharp Minds Communications, who has been shortlisted for the Best Businesswoman in Marketing and PR, added: “I’m honoured to be in the running for such an accolade – having put so much of my blood, sweat and tears into making sure that Sharp Minds always has the winning edge over our competition. “I’m also delighted to see that Tunbridge Wells’ strong female business community has received the recognition it deserves in this year’s finals – and I wish all of my colleagues the best in October!”

A BED management system that has helped increase turnaround time at Tunbridge Wells Hospital has been shortlisted for a leading health award. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s [MTW] new bed management system has been shortlisted for the Driving Efficiency through Technology award at the HSJ Awards 2021. The new state-of-the-art technology has provided Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) with the ability to manage its patient flow more effectively, significantly improve its bed turnaround times and provide patients with the right care, in the right place, at the right time. MTW is the fourth acute hospital trust in the country to set up a Care Coordination Centre which uses TeleTracking’s bed management system, providing a team of professionals with real-time bed visibility across the two hospitals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This new system ensures no patient has to wait for the care they need and frees up vital clinical staff time.

Since going live in November last year, the Trust has already seen enormous benefits for both staff and patients and has more than halved the time a hospital bed is empty.

Delighted Following an intense and in-depth judging process, MTW was shortlisted ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held on November 18. Miles Scott, Chief Executive Officer for the Trust commented, “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Driving Efficiency through Technology award. “This recognition really does reflect the collaborative efforts and dedication of our colleagues who have worked so hard to successfully deliver the new bed management system. Knowing that there was such stiff competition this year really does make this announcement feel like a wonderful achievement for everyone involved and the nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff at MTW.”

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Community News

NEWS

Final Dragon Boat Race ends with a splash after two decades By Richard Williams FOUR teams took part in the 21st annual Dragon Boat Race at Bewl Water on Saturday [September 4] to raise money for charity. It is set to be the final Dragon Boat Race at the reservoir, organisers say.

RACE TO THE FINISH: One of the Dragon Boats on the water at Bewl

Teaching tools for good mental health at work and at home

Mythology Over the years, the race has raised more than £2.7million for around 400 local, national and international charities. Dragon Boat racing is steeped in mythology and has been around for many thousands of years in China. Saturday’s final race was won by Wadhurst Warriors. A spokesperson for Funraiser who organise the event said: “Well done to all our teams in today’s Funraiser’s Dragon Boat Festival. “This is our last ever Dragon Boat Race Event at Bewl and it ended up with a classic final. “We can all be proud of what has happened, and we would like to thank everyone for their support and involvement over the last two decades.”

LOCAL mental health charity West Kent Mind (WKM) is on a drive to enrich lives by spreading the word on to how to ‘Get Well, Stay Well, Thrive’. Their experienced training team offer a range of accredited and CPD certified Mental Health First Aid training courses and workshops for individuals and groups, as well as bespoke workplace training options for businesses.

Awareness

Christian group takes a hike to raise funds for town’s new youth centre By Sarah Bond A WALKING team raising funds for the new Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ Centre [TWYFC] in Grosvenor Road were full of cheer after completing the 27.5-mile route on Saturday (September 4). The new centre was opened by The Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones, the Bishop of Tonbridge, who contributes regular columns to the Times, who was guest of honour at the official opening ceremony for the new youth centre on August 26. To raise money for the new venue, members of TWYFC walked the 27 miles in less than 12 hours. At the time of going to press, the group had raised £5,603.75 of their £10,000 target, and they hope funds will continue to flow in. TWYFC is a local Christian charity working with young people in the town through after-school drop-in sessions and mentoring at the new Youth Centre, which provides a safe space to empower young people in a Christian way through fun and friendship. RAISING A GLASS FOR CHRIST Members of the TWYFC after their walk

The town centre location means that many secondary pupils may pass it on their way from school, so they can drop into the centre for free drinks and cake at the café, play games, and a chat about life and faith. The charity is also involved in mentoring in local schools as well as supporting church youth workers in their ministry with young people.

Costs The circular route saw the TWYFC team and Trustees pass through several local villages circling the Spa town. The challenge was increased by the hilly nature of the local High Weald landscape. Centre Director Karen Cox said: “Having the premises is a big change for Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ and we are very excited about the opportunities it creates for our ministry to the young people of Tunbridge Wells. “It has also increased our costs, so the team and Trustees walked the Tunbridge Wells circular

walk to raise money for the activities at the centre.” Adding that supporters can still donate, she said: “Please do sponsor the team for taking on this marathon challenge (plus a mile and half) to raise funds to run our new Youth Centre. “Last year’s sponsorship allowed us to fit out the Youth Centre – a massive thank you if you contributed! “Now, as life returns to society, we want to be able to open the centre as much as possible for the young people in the town to use as a place to chat about life, faith and Jesus while making things and playing games and eating cake! “We also need funds to provide mental health support for young people, run courses and social events for youth workers in the town, and to link with other charities to offer mentoring and life skills training to disadvantaged young adults.” If you wish to add a donation, visit: yfc.co.uk/ sponsor/tunbridgewells For more information on TWYFC, visit: tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk

All are designed to teach practical skills and increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of mental health at home, in our communities and in the workplace. Short workshops cost just £40 per person, with the next courses running on September 22 and 29. And for the autumn/winter dates the fully accredited Adult Mental Health First Aid course is being offered to those who live or work in West Kent at the special rate of £150 per person. For more information on bespoke workplace wellbeing and support please send an email to: training@ westkentmind.org.uk

PRAISED: Volunteer Elaine Bolton with Chief Inspector Omid Changizi, the Tunbridge Wells District Commander

Your chance to become a ‘critical friend’ to Kent Police VOLUNTEERS are being sought to join the Independent Police Advisory Group (IPAG), which acts as a critical friend to Kent Police. Residents in the group can help represent diverse communities across the county and assist the force with its work in supporting victims of crime. The group is totally independent of the force and helps improve the services police provide to people from different backgrounds. It includes volunteers who can offer their perspectives surrounding issues such as race, sexual orientation, disability, age and gender. The IPAG also provides an opportunity to engage, consult and discuss the impact of policing on communities. Rachel McNeil, Superintendent for the Kent Police Diversity and Inclusion Academy, said: ‘We welcome applications from anyone with an interest in providing leadership, energy and confidence to provide constructive feedback to the police. “By joining, you can help us to engage with communities, develop plans and review police activity and operations.” If you are interested in joining the IPAG please email: diversityacademy@kent.police.uk

NEWS

National News

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Wednesday September 8 | 2021

PM confirms he will hike National Insurance to pay for social care and the NHS pledge The PM admitted he was breaking a manifesto promise

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BORIS Johnson has abandoned his pledge not to raise the main rates of tax, as he set out plans to overhaul adult social care and deal with the Covid backlog in the NHS. In a Commons statement, the Prime Minister announced a new UK-wide 1.25 per cent health and social care levy based on National Insurance contributions. He said the additional revenue would pay for the biggest catch-up programme in the history of the NHS in England, with £12billion a year to help deal with the backlog of cases built up during the pandemic. It will also cover the reform of the social care system in England, ending what Downing Street described as ‘unpredictable and catastrophic’ care costs faced by many families.

Costs Mr Johnson acknowledged the new health and social care levy breached a Tory election commitment but told MPs “a global pandemic was in no-one’s manifesto”. From October 2023, anyone with assets under £20,000 have their care costs fully covered by the state, while those with between £20,000 and £100,000 will be expected to contribute to their costs but will also receive state support. No-one will have to pay more than £86,000 for care costs in their lifetime.

In addition to the health and social care levy, there will also be a 1.25 per cent increase in the dividend tax – to ensure those who receive their income from shares also contribute. The additionally 1.25 per cent in National Insurance contributions will be paid by all working adults, including those over the state pension age – unlike other National Insurance contributions. Downing Street said that a typical basic rate taxpayer earning £24,100 would pay £180 a year, while a higher rate taxpayer on £67,100 would pay £715 as a result of the new tax. Mr Johnson told MPs he believed the tax hike was ‘reasonable’, but admitted that his party’s pledge not to raise National Insurance had been scrapped. He said: “No Conservative government ever wants to raise taxes and I will be honest with the House – yes, I accept that this breaks a manifesto commitment, which is not something I do lightly. “But a global pandemic was in no one’s manifesto and I think the people of this country understands that in their bones and they can see the enormous steps this Government and the Treasury have taken. “After all the extraordinary actions that have been taken to protect lives and livelihoods over the last 18 months, this is the right, the reasonable and the fair approach.”

Firebreak lockdown ruled out A GOVERNMENT minister said he has seen no plans for an October ‘firebreak’ lockdown if cases rise this autumn. Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said he hopes the virus can be dealt with ‘year in, year out’ without having to take the ‘severe measures’ seen last December. His comments come after the i newspaper reported an unnamed member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) saying a ‘precautionary break’ could be part of ‘contingency plans’. The paper quoted another unnamed source saying that ‘a firebreak lockdown is by no means out of the question’ Such a plan could lead to a two-week school half-term instead of one week, the i said. But Mr Zahawi said he had not seen any such plans. He told BBC Breakfast: “Look, vaccines have given us the ability to reduce infections, to save 100,000 lives. “It is through the booster programme that I hope … we can transition the virus from pandemic to endemic status and deal with it year in, year out. “It is going to be with us for many years – but not have to close down our economy or take the

severe measures we had to sadly take in December of last year.” Asked about the firebreak reports on LBC radio, Mr Zahawi said: “I haven’t seen any plans around this.” He added that he expects 35 million people to receive a booster later this year as part of plans to keep hospital admissions at a manageable level.

Benefits The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is preparing to make a decision on booster jabs for the winter, with no announcement made yet. The UK’s chief medical officers are currently reviewing the wider benefits of vaccinating 12-15 year-oldsafter the JCVI declined to recommend a widespread rollout to the age group on health grounds alone. Schools minister Nick Gibb has said consent from parents of healthy 12 to 15-year-olds will “be sought” if Covid-19 vaccinations are approved for their children. But, speaking to the Education Select Committee on Tuesday, he acknowledged that in some ‘rare’ circumstances, teenagers can consent themselves.

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

National News

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Taliban choose their cabinet including a wanted terrorist

NEWS

Migrants still crossing in record numbers MIGRANTS have continued to cross the English Channel to Kent’s shores, the day after record numbers arrived from France. Between 740 and 750 migrants are believed to have arrived in the UK on Monday after making the journey from France in small boats, which could be record numbers for this year, if confirmed.

Ashore Crossings continued on Tuesday, with eyewitnesses reporting boats arriving in Dover while the RNLI was seen towing another ashore further east in Kingsdown. It comes as Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to discuss the matter with her French counterpart Gerald Darmanin, at the

three-day G7 interior ministers’ meeting in London. Earlier this year they announced an agreement to more than double the number of police patrolling French beaches. It was the second pledge of its kind in a year, in a bid to prevent illegal migration and stop small boats from leaving France. As part of the deal, the Government pledged to give France £54 million to support its efforts to stop small boat crossings. Ms Patel has since told MPs she is prepared to withhold the promised funds unless there is an improvement in the number of migrants intercepted by French authorities, Government sources confirmed. It is understood that none of the money has been paid so far.

Control Taliban fighters raising their flag in Panjshir afetr taking control of the province THE Taliban has announced a caretaker cabinet that is filled with senior officials from the militant group, including the leader of a U.S. designated terrorist organization. Interim prime minister Mullah Hasan Akhund had headed the Taliban government in Kabul during the last years of its rule. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who had led talks with the United States and signed the deal that led to America’s final withdrawal from Afghanistan, will be one of two deputies to Mr Akhund. There is no evidence of non-Taliban members in the lineup, a big demand of the international community. The announcement of cabinet appointments was made by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Sirajuddin Haqqani -- the leader of the Haqqani Network, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization -- will serve as acting interior minister. That may complicate any moves by the U.S. to cooperate with the Taliban, particularly as President Joe Biden urges the Taliban to cut all ties with terrorist groups.

Embassy Earlier, the Taliban fired into the air to disperse protesters and arrested several journalists in the Afghan capital. This is the second time in less than a week the group used heavy-handed tactics to break up a demonstration in Kabul. The demonstrators had gathered outside the Pakistan embassy to accuse Islamabad of aiding the Taliban’s assault on the northern Panjshir province. The Taliban said they seized the province – the

last one not under their control – after their blitz through Afghanistan last month. Afghanistan’s previous government routinely accused Pakistan of aiding the Taliban, a charge Islamabad has denied. Former vice president Amrullah Saleh, one of the leaders of the anti-Taliban forces, has long been an outspoken critic of neighbouring Pakistan. Dozens of women were among the protesters on Tuesday. Some of them carried signs bemoaning the killing of their sons by Taliban fighters they say were aided by Pakistan. One sign read: “I am a mother – when you kill my son you kill a part of me.” On Saturday, Taliban special forces troops in camouflage gear fired their weapons into the air to end a protest march in the capital by Afghan women demanding equal rights from the new rulers. The Taliban again moved quickly and harshly to end Tuesday’s protest when it arrived near the presidential palace. They fired their weapons into the air and arrested several journalists covering the demonstration. In one case, Taliban waving Kalashnikov rifles took a microphone from a journalist and began beating him with it, breaking the microphone. The journalist was later handcuffed and detained for several hours. “This is the third time I have been beaten by the Taliban covering protests,” he told The Associated Press. “I won’t go again to cover a demonstration. It’s too difficult for me.” A journalist from Afghanistan’s popular TOLO News was detained for three hours by the Taliban before being freed along with his equipment and the video of the demonstration still intact.

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Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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.

Afghans are already making a contribution to Tunbridge Wells THE last few weeks have been harrowing for many people in Afghanistan as the Taliban have taken control of the country and swept aside the previous government. Tunbridge Wells may not seem to be home to a significant number of Afghan expatriates but in fact there are many people of Afghan background living quiet and productive lives within our community. Many of them have had experiences of great courage and have fled Afghanistan in the past in conditions of mortal danger. I won’t identify individual people, but some examples illustrate the people we are fortunate to have in our community.

Affected There is a woman who is a former Afghan MP who has stood up for the rights of women and girls to take up positions of leadership. We have several skilled linguists who have bravely supported British troops on operations as translators, making themselves direct targets for reprisals. We have people who have exceptional artistic talents in music and the visual

arts, activities suppressed by the previous Taliban regime. We have people of ethnic minorities within Afghanistan, who fled persecution from the Taliban during the civil war. All of these citizens are making a rich contribution to the life of our community. Doctors working in our hospital; valued and excellent members of our local council’s workforce, people running successful local businesses who are giving employment to others in the town. All of them are consumed with worry and distress about the fate of their family and friends in Afghanistan now the regime has changed. My brilliant small team and I have been working flat out over the last few weeks to try and help constituents who need it. Some were caught up in the terrible scenes at Kabul airport, and have experienced the unimaginable horror of seeing people crushed by the crowds and killed by the cynical terrorist attack at the gate. I held a meeting at the Town Hall last month to meet face to face with affected people – over 30 came, and many more were unable to, not least because some were still stuck in Kabul.

FLEEING Families huddled in a transport plane last month as they left Kabul

‘I am in close contact with very many people in my constituency who are affected by the crisis’ Some, thankfully, we managed to get on the last flights out, and are now finishing their Covid quarantine before coming back to Tunbridge Wells. But many others did not make it out – the evacuation was focused on British citizens and people who themselves worked for the UK forces or the previous

Afghan government, but some in this group are still in Afghanistan. And there are many who, with good reason, fear that even though they are safely in Tunbridge Wells, their families will be subject to attack. Even though western forces are no longer in Afghanistan, our responsibilities do not stop. We must do everything we can to bring people under threat of reprisals safely out of the country. Obviously our approach should be co-ordinated with other liked-minded countries. When the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

came to Tunbridge Wells last week, Tom Dawlings – the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – and I discussed with him how Tunbridge Wells is willing to help. In the recent past we have given a warm welcome to people fleeing persecution in Afghanistan and Syria and we stand ready to do it again. As well as helping people who need to escape from real and present danger we must also continue to stand up for the rights and welfare of the majority of Afghan citizens who will remain in Afghanistan, and help lead an international coalition to do so. At the moment we are constrained by the Taliban’s closing of the country’s border and reports of violent intimidation of people looking to leave the country. It must be a priority for us to put maximum pressure on the regime to stop this. I am in close contact with very many people in my constituency who are affected by the crisis – if you are aware of anyone else that has not been in personal touch with me then please ask them to phone or email so I can offer them the same support.

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Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Letters

NEWS

And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

PARKING WARS Vehicle in Upper Grosvenor Road This picture, taken Saturday in Upper Grosvenor Road, is only unusual because the car is by double yellow lines. The fact as a pedestrian I was forced into the busy road by Grosvenor Bridge would apparently not have bothered the driver, and the many others who use footpaths as parking bays.

Yes, I do drive and sometimes have to park half on the pavement – but all four wheels? No. Many drivers in the town are very courteous, far more so than in the big cities. But some show total no consideration - and fines are no deterrent, in fact a built-in cost for some

Local media shouldn’t censor I am a little bemused by the response to my letter about the ‘woke’ agenda. Mr. Stepto seems to have completely misunderstood my point. A certain local media organisation has, over the past few months, published two full-page articles on controversial subjects of a moral or ethical nature, one by Tim Ramsey and the other by Harry Higginson. I have replied in as level-headed way as is possible, but the media outlet concerned has totally ignored these replies, as it has done on some previous occasions (although letters on other matters have been cheerfully printed). I have also, on more than one occasion, asked the editor to clarify policy on letters of this nature. Again, these enquiries have likewise been ignored. I am quite sure that others will have written in similar vein and have likewise been ignored. The policy does seem to be that nobody is allowed to disagree when controversial opinions on moral matters appear in articles in certain parts of the media. A letters page is always understood to be available to express views that are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and so there should be a right of reply. I am, however, grateful that the Times has allowed this concern to be aired. I hope that this correspondence will be read

wealthy motorists. There is no single solution to poor parking, but how about a regular column in your paper, with residents sending in material on the best and the worst of driving be-haviours? Praise for some, shaming of others? John Elliott Tunbridge Wells

by the editorial staff of any local media outlets that have been guilty of this sort of censorship. John Humphrey, Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: This paper is not guilty.

Good news on bus services I thank Cllr Bob Backhouse for airing his concerns and feedback on local bus services for Sherwood and also Southborough, where we are both town councillors. Like Bob and many other residents, I am disabled and so nowadays dependent on reliable public transport to get around the town and go shopping and visit the library, GP and dental surgery, and Pembury and Tonbridge cottage hospitals. Bob mentions that a bus service connecting Sherwood, St John’s, High Brooms and Southborough would be popular. I have good news and an important update on that front after talking to Sevenoaks-based Go Coach for several months. Unlike Arriva, who were not particularly responsive, Go Coach are looking to launch a regular weekday daytime extension to their existing services which will connect up High Brooms residents with Southborough High Street and the newly opened Civic Centre, with its shops, library, GP etc. I hope to provide an update and more details on timings and the route later on this month. Of course, this will depend on the public getting on board – use or it lose it, as they say. Also on

APEX CARS

Do anti-runway protestors fly? With regards to your article on the second runway at Gatwick, can we safely assume that members of TWAANG who oppose this never fly anywhere for business or pleasure or is it a case of NIMBY? Mrs A Wood Tunbridge Wells

We need houses for Afghans Following my letter here a couple of weeks ago, in which I explained my views on the Afghanistan tragedy and the refugee crisis we now face - firstly I would like to thank those who sent messages of support, it’s heartwarming to see such solidarity.

Secondly, I would like to express my delight, which is shared by colleagues in the Labour Party here in Tunbridge Wells, that the Borough Council will be aiming to house 10 families from Afghanistan this year, rather than the initial five. However, we really need properties to make this happen. So, if you own a property that is currently empty, please get in touch with the Council’s Housing Team on 01892 526121. We also need to pull together as a town to help the families when they arrive here. The fantastic team at ‘Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees’ has set up a Just Giving page for donations, so if you can, please donate. You can find the link on their Facebook page. Mike Tapp Former Military Veteran/Labour Member

Blood and organ donation Calling all secondary school teachers in Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough, young people are now learning about saving lives. Blood, organ and stem cell donation are now on the key stage 3 and 4 curriculum and we have some free online resources to help you teach this important topic to 11 to 16 year olds. Your pupils can be empowered to discuss and decide about donation and we hope they’ll prompt conversations at home too. You can also request a speaker, many of whom have a personal story linked to donation, to attend a school assembly. Visit nhsbt.nhs.uk/teaching-resources to find out more, we have detailed lessons and optional extra activities. Alex Cullen NHS Blood and Transplant

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the 277 Arriva service which Bob mentions, it’s actually been running past 2.30pm on weekdays to Sainsbury’s for some time now fortunately thanks to passenger feedback and increased demand. Your feedback on the Kent Bus Service Improvement Plan so far is telling us that for many people, the most important thing is the bus service itself - when it runs, how frequently and to where, as above. So, we now want to ask if you have any specific ideas about how to improve an existing service or if you think there is a need for new services. We will use your suggestions to help us develop our Bus Improvement Plan and see if they can be funded by government if our bid from Kent County Council for funding is successful. For further info, please sign up to: letstalk. kent.gov.uk/busfuture Dr Alan Bullion Southborough Lib Dem Councillor

FROM A FINE MIND

TO A GOOD HEART

For example, two of the top three winners in the 2021 British Maths Olympiad are Tonbridge boys, whilst our Laptops Appeal saw the school community provide 160 computers to families without access to remote learning during the lockdown. We are a meritocracy, looking for bright boys from whatever life background. Come and see how we forge the connection between the intellectual and the human.

Arrange a visit: admissions@tonbridge-school.org tonbridge-school.co.uk

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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Focus on... EDUCATION Our guide to choosing the right school Key technological advances in the classroom Information on Open Days

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Eight Page Pull-Out worked closely with our architect, Silver Jetty, who proposed an innovative design that not only fits our needs but also makes the best use of the space available. We are also delighted to be working with our building contractor, Baxalls, who have devised a programme of works that ensures everything can be completed with minimum disruption to our pupils’ education. We are proud of our inspection rating of ‘Excellent in all areas’ and these building improvements will create more space, allowing us to maintain the highest possible standards, utilising the latest teaching practices. Whilst there is no intention to increase pupil numbers, there are currently one or two vacancies in some year groups. However, we remain committed to maintaining small class sizes to facilitate the delivery of an excellent education - helping pupils reach their full potential by nurturing a lifelong love of learning, in a small, familyfriendly and child-centred

HILDEN OAKS PREPARATORY SCHOOL Web: www.hildenoaks.co.uk Building on Excellence Hilden Oaks Preparatory School in Tonbridge has started a development project, which will bring significant benefits to the whole school. During the summer holidays, work began on extending

and developing the existing buildings to provide additional teaching space, a purpose-built area for music lessons and rehearsals, an enlarged school hall and upgraded kitchens. Additionally, there will be a new medical room and more space for small group and 1:1 teaching. Headmistress, Mrs Katy Joiner, commented; “We are very much looking forward to being able to use these new facilities, which are due to be completed by Easter next year. We have

environment.” The Hilden Oaks Build Blog is regularly updated on their website. To see how work is progressing please go to: www.hildenoaks.co.uk/ build While the building work continues, Hilden Oaks Prep will be offering personalised tours of the school for prospective parents. To book a tour or for further information, please email registrar@ hildenoaks.co.uk or telephone 01732 353941.

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

BENENDEN SCHOOL Web: www.benenden.school Benenden Looking Forward to New Day Boarders Benenden School, one of the UK’s leading boarding schools, is looking forward to welcoming day boarders for the first time at the start of the new term. Benenden will welcome a small number of day boarders – a standard industry term for a pupil who attends on a daily basis rather than boarding – in Years 9 and 12. Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price said: “We know from families living locally that there is a strong demand for girls to join us as day boarders and we are delighted to be able to welcome some of these girls to Benenden for the first time. “In many ways this is an historic moment for Benenden – and a very exciting one for the School. We have planned this approach very carefully indeed and are confident that our day boarders will integrate seamlessly into our wonderful, happy boarding community.” Mrs Price, who has worked in a wide range of

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different types of independent schools, added: “Benenden has always been a boarding school – and it will continue to be a boarding school, just with a small number of day boarders in addition. “We are confident that our new day boarders will have a positive impact, with even more girls here at weekends making the most of our beautiful 250-acre site and stunning facilities.” The School, which opened in 1923, is based in the village of Benenden, just outside Cranbrook and educates 550 girls aged 11 to 18.

Day boarders will play a very large part in Benenden life. They will be joining existing boarding houses and, along with their boarding peers, will be attending lessons and sports matches on Saturdays as well as major school events on some weekends. They will also be encouraged to participate in some of the 150 cocurricular activities available outside of lesson times, including in the evenings. Parents seeking more information about day boarding can visit www.benenden.school/day

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CLAREMONT PREP SCHOOL Web: www.claremontschool.co.uk Technology makes Progress in Schools David Slattery is Head of STEM at Claremont Prep School: Attempting to predict the future of technology is a great talking point, but is rarely straightforward. Growing up watching ‘Tomorrow’s World’ each week in the 1980s was fascinating and one felt we were heading for a world of domestic ease, with the rise of robots set to dominate the 21st century. Fast forward to 2020 and a team of NASA scientists and engineers create the Perseverance Mars Rover; however we are a long way off being able to purchase a robot butler to make the bed or load the dishwasher at a realistic price. In many areas of work, repeated automated tasks lend themselves to robotic technology. McDonalds is already experimenting with robot chefs in some of their US restaurants, and there are fields where technology can enhance what humans can already do: robot assisted-surgery, for example, helps overcome many limitations associated with invasive surgical procedures. When I ask my pupils where they see technology going in the future,

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Education

their answers often include physical technology like Robotics, but what skills do they need to work in this field? Robot engineers are very clever people (somewhat generalists), with core skills of Computer Programming, Maths, and Engineering. At Claremont we offer opportunities for pupils to take part in clubs to start to put these skills into practice using Lego WeDo and Spike Prime sets. It is always pleasing to see a pupil’s delight when their thinking, planning, building and programming come together to make some Lego move! We have high expectations of our pupils but appreciate they learn in different ways and at different paces. In this respect the EdTech industry sees Artificial Intelligence as a growth area, exploring solutions that replicate the skill of a teacher in identifying pupils’ strengths and gaps in learning. AI tools that teach new material but enable pupils to work at their own pace and only move forward when a concept is understood continue to evolve, and why we will no doubt hear more about software companies like CenturyTech, Pamoja, Kognity and others in the future. The pandemic has taught us that teacher/ pupil relationships drive learning communities forward, but if AI can assist in helping all children make progress, it is time to embrace it.

Education

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL Web: www.isc.co.uk CEO of the Independent Schools Council, Julie Robinson, on parents choosing a school that best meets their child’s needs... For many families, an independent education is the ideal option. The Independent Schools Council brings together seven associations and four affiliated associations to represent over 1,350 independent schools. These schools educate more than half-a-million children. Around half of UK independent schools are ISC schools, educating approximately 80 per cent of all independent schoolchildren. Independent schools provide a broad educational package, including excellent academic standards, learning opportunities outside the classroom and outstanding pastoral care. The sector encompasses single-sex and co-educational schools, day schools and boarding schools, enabling parents to select a learning environment most suited to their child’s needs. There are also preparatory schools for younger children, which prepare them for entry into secondary school. Senior schools educate pupils through both Year 11 and Year 13 exams – typically GCSEs and A-levels. Some schools have their own specialisms – in sports or music, for example – giving young people the opportunity to pursue their passions, develop their talents and grow in confidence. Moreover, ISC schools offer some of the best special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision in the country, providing additional support for over 90,000 pupils. Independent schools have the freedom to follow their own curriculum and, in doing so, continue to support ‘strategically important’ and ‘vulnerable’

subjects such as science, modern languages, classics and music. This also enables schools to innovate and experiment with their academic programmes, enriching pupils’ learning experiences. Another attractive feature of many independent schools is their smaller than average class sizes, with a pupil-teacher ratio of close to 9:1. This gives teachers greater ability to provide individualised support, based on pupils’ strengths and learning requirements. Independent schools offer a variety of qualifications, including GCSEs and A-levels, IGCSEs and IA-levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Regardless of whether a pupil wants to pursue a more academic or vocational pathway, independent schools are well-placed to enable them to access the route that will best meet their needs. While independent schools place great value on their academic excellence, they also offer a wealth of extracurricular activities, ranging from debating and Combined Cadet Force training to band practice and voluntary work. These opportunities encourage pupils to build confidence, meet new people and develop important ‘soft skills’, including those pertaining to leadership and time management. Independent schools place the safety and wellbeing of pupils at the heart of every decision. As such, they have in place clear and robust safeguarding policies, and tough regulation, inspection, training and vetting of staff. School communities have experienced an exceptionally challenging time recently, ensuring classrooms are COVID-secure, supporting national coronavirus testing programmes – not to mention adapting to new assessment processes. The arrival of the pandemic in 2020 also meant that

schools were required to teach pupils remotely, with the exception of children of key workers and vulnerable children. Independent schools achieved great success in establishing effective remote learning programmes in a very short space of time – a level of provision that has been well received by parents and pupils. Schools were able to offer high-quality remote learning to pupils via a number of methods, ranging from online group lessons to virtual one-to-one sessions. Independent schools are committed to providing enriching educational experiences for increasing numbers of young people through cross-sector collaborative work. While the pandemic forced schools to pause much of their partnership activity, independent schools found other ways to support their local state schools and wider communities. Hundreds of schools assisted nearby foodbanks, donated items of personal protective equipment, and manufactured PPE using school facilities. Schools have also shared their remote learning expertise and resources, organised summer holiday programmes and developed ongoing catch-up initiatives. Pupils themselves took part in a number of the activities, and many used their own time and resources to create their own outreach projects – developing their sense of community and civic duty.

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

According to the latest ISC Census, 96 per cent of ISC schools raised money for charities over the last year, and estimates suggest the total amount raised could be as high as £10.5 million. Affordability is of course a concern for schools, and they work hard to remain competitive whilst facing pressures on salaries, pensions, maintenance and utility costs. Despite the financial strain brought about by the pandemic, some schools were able to establish hardship funds for families in need of support, and many extended their bursary provision. This year, a total of £455 million was provided in means-tested fee assistance – an increase of £15 million from last year. Almost 180,000 pupils currently benefit from reduced fees, representing over a third of pupils at ISC schools. Find out more about the breadth of UK independent schools via the ISC website: www. isc.co.uk. To search for ISC schools by location, residency type, age range, fee assistance offered and more, take a look at our ‘Find a School’ search tool: www.isc.co.uk/schools.

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MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL Web: www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk Pre-Senior Baccalaureate: the answer for Years 7 and 8 Eddy Newton, headmaster at Marlborough House School, believes that education is not just about exam results and a 13 year old is more than a series of scores: “Developing the whole child and instilling in them a range of skills and characteristics that will serve them well for life has become the new challenge, and one that we aim to meet at Marlborough House through the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB). “Now that all senior schools are selecting their pupils in Year 6, we can look at how and what the children learn in Years 7 and 8 without being dominated by the demands of a final

exam at the end of Year 8. The PSB aims to cover the same material as Common Entrance but encourage a wider range of skills. Why revise volcanoes again solely in order to turn a B grade into an A – is that really the best use of the last 3 months of Year 8? Instead, why not develop a child’s ability to research and present, far more valuable skills than rote learning for a one-off exam? “The PSB looks at the whole child, assessing their ability in the Performing Arts, Sport and Art as well as in examined academic subjects, while simultaneously encouraging (and assessing) their ability to develop independence and confidence, to collaborate and present. This is a 21st century approach to education and provides each child with a relevant and rounded foundation to build upon – we believe that it is the way forward for prep school children in Years 7 and 8.” Marlborough House School offers Year 7 Entry Scholarships to children who show outstanding ability in one of six disciplines. Applications for current Year 6 pupils open on 20th September 2021. For further details, visit marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk

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MAYFIELD SCHOOL Web: www.mayfieldgirls.org Mayfield is a vibrant, happy and successful independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1872, the School is set within 75 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside within the historic village of Mayfield, just a short drive from Tunbridge Wells. Mayfield is successful in unlocking and developing the unique potential and talent of each girl in an inspiring learning environment. Described by Country Life as 'one of the finest schools in the land', a Mayfield education combines academic excellence, breadth of opportunity and exceptional pastoral care. The School's ethos reflects its Catholic heritage and encourages integrity, generosity, compassion and courage within an inclusive community which welcomes all. Whilst maths and science are amongst our most popular and successful subjects at A-level, we have a first class reputation for creativity and excel in the creative and performing arts.

Education

Academic study is complemented by a rich and diverse variety of activities beyond the classroom and a full programme of sporting opportunities, including cricket and horse riding, with top-class equestrian facilities on campus. Mayfield girls progress to prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge, and increasingly to the US and Europe, to study a wide range of subjects, with a regular stream of engineers, medics, vets, lawyers, economists and architects. Just as important as academic success, girls leave Mayfield with enduring friendships, open minds, strength of character and the lifelong support of a global community. We would be delighted to welcome you to one of our Open Mornings for families - on Saturday 25th September and Tuesday 9th November - where you can find out more about life at Mayfield. And if you would like to find out more about our Sixth Form we are hosting an Information Evening for 2022 applicants on Thursday 30th September at 6.30pm. To book please visit www.mayfieldgirls.org or contact our Registrar, Shirley Coppard, registrar@ mayfieldgirls.org

With expert tutors and a huge range of courses available online, in real time or in one of our centres, the choice is almost unlimited. From Breadmaking and Home Studio Recording to Japanese, Woodwork and many more, with courses available from beginner to advanced. Discover adult learning with a selection of tempting choices. Book your course today. Bringing learning to life

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Education

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Mayﬁeld A N INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDI NG S C H OOL FOR GI RLS AGED 11 TO 18

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flourishing and places for Medicine (eight) and Architecture have also been secured at leading institutions. Boys are encouraged to think widely and play to their strengths and career interests when choosing courses, and this year their selected degree subjects include Arabic, Mechatronics, Urban Planning, Automotive Materials, Sports Coaching and Music Production. Tonbridge’s Upper Sixth cohort was congratulated by the School’s Headmaster, James Priory, on achieving outstanding A-level and Pre-U results, with more than 87 per cent of all grades awarded at A*/A, or their equivalent at Pre-U. “All at Tonbridge are proud of the creativity and commitment boys have shown throughout their Sixth Form studies, especially given the challenging circumstances of the last 18 months. As a year group, they have adapted readily to different forms of learning and worked hard to complete their chosen courses,” he said. Pictured from left: Upper Sixth students Harry, Alex, Pradeep, Jeremy and Toby in the Library Gardens on A-level results day (and pictured below with headmaster James Priory).

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Web: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk Tonbridge boys heading for top universities Boys at Tonbridge have once again had a highly successful summer of outcomes for their university destinations, gaining places at the top universities in the UK and around the world. A total of 22 boys will take up places at Oxford and Cambridge; 29 have gained places at Durham; 25 at the top four London universities, and Exeter will see 17 boys attending. Other high-tariff universities that boys will be attending include Edinburgh, Warwick, St Andrews, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

Over 95 per cent of Tonbridge leavers secured their choice of university course, with the very large majority receiving offers to their firstchoice destination. Boys have done well internationally too, with places won at Cornell, Boulder, Marshall (with a highly sought-after football scholarship) and the University of North Carolina in the US; the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia in Canada; and the top universities in Hong Kong. The breadth of courses is something about which Tonbridge is particularly proud. Engineering and Economics/Business courses top the bill, while Modern Languages, Classics, English, History and Philosophy have a very strong showing. Computer Science is

Education

ROSE HILL SCHOOL Web: www.somerhill.org What are the real benefits of staying at a prep school until 13+? The fact that so many parents send their children to prep schools until 13+ is an indication of their value and the difference they can make to your child’s future. At Rose Hill School we place particular value on the importance of our Years 7 & 8. As such we have a fee structure that enables more children to experience this opportunity. In September 2020 we reduced our fees to £7,995 per year for Years 7 & 8. In addition, we offer Awards to pupils who show promise in various subjects such as Sports, Drama, Art and Music. For children offered a major award the fee for the year will be £3,998. All subjects in Years 7 & 8 are led with specialist teaching staff and our class sizes are lower than that of a senior school. This can be important for all children regardless of academic ability. Rose Hill School is smaller

OPEN MORNING Friday 8th October

ENJOYING TODAY EDUCATING FOR TOMORROW PRE-PREP & PREP | BOYS & GIRLS 2.5-13 YEARS | DAY & FLEXI BOARDING “The school goes far beyond academic results and prides itself on the development of the whole child” THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

Book a private tour Email registrar@marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk Discover more at marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk Marlborough House School, Hawkhurst, Kent, TN18 4PY

Education

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than our senior equivalents and we make sure no child ‘gets lost in a crowd’. During the last two years at Rose Hill School pupils have the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility. Being the top year of a prep school at age 12 or 13 as opposed to being the youngest members of the senior school community encourages maturity and independence. Academically, attending Rose Hill School to 13+ means that your child has access to excellent teachers and a broad, rich and exciting curriculum. Our facilities are fantastic, with enviable sporting amenities and large grounds including outdoor education and space for selfdiscovery. To discuss what Rose Hill School can offer your child or visit our Open Day on 1 October please contact our Admissions Secretary, Sam Chowdhury, admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk, 01892 525591.

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Ask an expert: What are the best ways to save money on uniforms and tech for the new school year?

’m trying to save money on all the things I need to buy my kids for the new school year – what are the best ways to keep my spending as low as possible? Gillean Dooney, managing director at Barclays (barclays.co.uk), says: “Have a look through their wardrobe first. Before you buy any uniform items, see what you can reuse. If they’ve grown out of anything, have a go at making some extra cash and selling them on a free online marketplace or local selling pages instead of throwing them away. “If you can, buy your school essentials after the term has started. Once the back to school rush is over, many supermarkets and clothing stores continue to sell school essentials but at reduced prices to make way for new stock. Take advantage of this and stock up on any essentials you’re missing. “Swap! Why not share in your school chat groups what you have available to swap and what you need? For example, parent A may want to get rid of some sports kit their child no longer needs that you need and you may want to get rid of a lunchbox in good condition that will save them from buying a new one. Swapping with them instead of buying something new will help reduce costs and clean out your cupboards. “Have a look on refurbished or secondhand tech websites. For older kids that may need a new laptop or phone, have a look on trusted, verified sites that sell second-hand or refurbished tech to get devices for a fraction of the price.

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Search for discount codes to save money and have a look at refurbished or second hand websites for tech “You can also have a look on the manufacturers’ websites, as they often sell second-hand models and sometimes you can trade your current device in for a new one, or it can go towards the cost of it. But before doing this, remember to wipe the device back to its original factory settings so you don’t share any personal information. “Search for discount codes to

save money. When shopping online, before you make a purchase, research online for any discount or voucher codes that are available. This is an easy way to save money on the full price of an item. Simply enter in an online search engine the name of the company followed by the words ‘discount’ or ‘voucher code’.”

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

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Property News

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Property Focus

Average UK house price hit record high in August THE average UK property price hit a record high of £262,954 in August, according to a leading banking index. The typical price is more than £23,600 higher than when the housing market was starting to reopen in June 2020, Halifax said. Annual house price inflation slowed to a five-month low of 7.1% last month, Halifax added. Wales remained the strongest performing area, with annual house price inflation at 11.6% and the only doubledigit rise recorded across the UK during August. Houses in the South Easy have risen nearly 7% accorindg to Halifax, with average prices now at £356,742. The South West of England was experiencing even higher growth at 9.6%, probably reflecting the ongoing demand for rural living within the region, the report said.

HOTTING UP August saw a record rise in property prices

Stronger Some areas appear to have headroom for even stronger price growth, Halifax added, with annual house price inflation in the North East of England at 8%. In Northern Ireland, annual house price inflation was at 9.3% in August. In Scotland, house price growth slowed to 8.4%. Property values across the UK were up by 0.7% month on month or £1,789 on average in August, following a 0.4% increase in July. Russell Galley, managing director, Halifax, said: “Given the rapid gains seen over the past 12 months, August’s rise was relatively modest and the annual rate of house price inflation continued to slow, hitting a five-month low of 7.1% (versus 7.6% in July). “However, compared to June 2020, when the housing market began to reopen from the first lockdown, prices remain more than £23,600 higher (or 9.9%). “Much of the impact from the stamp duty holiday has now left the market, as highlighted by the drop in industry

transaction numbers compared to a year ago. “However, while such Government schemes have provided vital stimulus, there have also been other significant drivers of house price inflation. “We believe structural factors have driven record levels of buyer activity – such as the demand for more space amid greater home-working. “These trends look set to persist and the price gains made since the start of the pandemic are unlikely to be reversed once the remaining tax break (in England and Northern Ireland) comes to an end later this month.” Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: “While property prices are still rising, the slightly more modest rate of growth reflects

reduced intensity in the market compared with earlier in the summer. “Then, buyers were desperate to take advantage of the full stamp duty holiday; now there are still moderate savings to be made but there is nothing like the same urgency.” Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent and a former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), said: “These prices are as much to do with stock shortages and cheap mortgage finance as activity.” He added: “Market strength has not run its course and we are finding pent-up demand is alive and well, resulting in plenty of transactions, albeit at a lower level than we saw a few months ago.”

More than 11,000 properties flipped to holiday homes amid staycation boom MORE than 11,000 second-home owners in England have flipped their properties to become holiday lets since the start of the pandemic, to capitalise on soaring demand for staycations. New analysis of government figures by real estate advisers Altus Group showed that the number of holiday homes trading as businesses has jumped by more than a fifth since the pandemic hit. The data shows that there are now 67,578 homes in England classified as holiday homes which have been flipped to become commercial premises, compared with 56,102 properties in March last year. Restrictions on travel to other countries has resulted in a surge in demand for domestic holidays in 2021. Almost 4,000 homes have been flipped in the South West since the start of the pandemic, amid record visitor numbers in Cornwall and Devon. Meanwhile, the South East also saw a significant rise in the number of new holiday retreats, with a 27.2% rise, or 1,458 properties, over the period. Transforming second properties into holiday lets helped secure additional income for owners during the pandemic but could also be beneficial for tax reasons. Holiday homes were also entitled to grants last spring

worth £552.23 million to support various sectors including the accommodation industry. Meanwhile, top-up grants worth a further £256.84 million were made available in January, given the third national lockdown.

Lucrative This year’s Budget also saw further grant funding announced to take total grant support to £1.33 billion since Covid first hit, according to Altus. Robert Hayton, UK president of Altus Group, said: “The grants for second-home owners will have been far more lucrative than ‘business as usual’ for many, especially in the off seasons, whilst there is a pivot towards holiday lets as rental prices boom in hotspots.” About 96% of holiday homes in England are also covered by the small business rate regime, so pay little to no property taxes. However, the Government announced in the March Budget that it plans to legislate to tighten tax rules for second-property owners in England, meaning they will only be able register for business rates relief if their properties are genuine holiday lets.

STAYCATION Brits have been holidaying in the UK driving up demand for holiday homes

Berkeley Homes ‘on track’ after resilient housing market continues HOUSEBUILDER Berkeley Group has said it is on track with its profit guidance for the current year after “resilient market conditions” continued over the past four months. The company said reservations are currently in line with those seen two years prior to the pandemic, after seeing a “gradual firming” of the London market in recent months. Meanwhile, outside of London, the group said the market has “remained robust”. Berkeley said it is set to deliver a pre-tax profit for the current financial year “at or above” the £518 million reported for the year to April 2021.

Profit is expected to be weighted more to the first half of this financial year, with forward sales set to be around £1.7 billion at the half year.

Costs It also told investors on Friday that sales pricing has stayed above business plan levels, offsetting a jump in building material costs. “While the sales market has been resilient, the operating environment remains challenging,” the company added. “As reported in the wider market, and in line

with our year-end results update, we have continued to experience inflationary pressure in build costs during this period, principally through materials, and we are mindful of ongoing issues in the supply chain and labour market resulting from Brexit and the pandemic.” Berkeley added that it started the current financial year with £1.1 billion in cash and plans to continue to invest in its land holdings. Meanwhile, shareholders at the group’s annual general meeting on Friday will also vote on its previously annual plans to return £451 million of share capital back to investors.

Arts & Antiques

arts

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Do you have any hidden assets in your home? Local auction house Gorringe’s recently found a £150,000 oil painting by Italian master Canaletto in a house in Lewes. Here its chief auctioneer Joseph Trinder explains what to look out for…

e all know today’s property market is beyond buoyant, with strong competition to secure homes in areas as desirable as Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding towns and villages. We all tend to consider our home as our greatest asset and I imagine the vast majority of homeowners reading this will have a very good idea of the value of their home, however, the number that might also know the real value of what is to be found beyond their own front door is likely very much lower.

I invite you to pause and consider, do you really know what your art, furniture or antiques are worth? Whether pieces inherited from previous generations or purchases made in the stillness of lockdowns past... Could there be treasure lurking at home, waiting to be discovered?

Discovery The high drama and gasps that accompany valuation reveals on our television screens really do happen - but could it be happening to you next? That painting, vase or piece of silver you remember from childhood could just be the next major discovery

masterpiece The rare Canaletto found in Lewes

made by Gorringe’s. Recent examples of such finds brought to light in routine contents valuations have generated vast interest. Names such as Canaletto – once lost and re-discovered in a local property, a small study in oil on canvas (at just 11 inches high) of a Venetian scene, The Dogana from the Bacino di San Marco is a highlight of our upcoming September 28 Autumn Fine Sale, estimated at £100,000 – £150,000. Another such exciting find (and highlight of my career to date) was discovering an album of previously lost watercolours by the father of the English romantic

GET BACK ONBOARD SAFELY WITH YOUR CONCESSIONARY PASS Whether you’re out and playing with the grandkids or meeting up with old friends, it’s time to get back out there and explore all the places you love safely with your concessionary bus pass. Contact your local council for eligibility information and to claim or renew your concessionary pass.

KEEPING YOU SAFE ONBOARD

Arts & Antiques

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

landscape painter, John Constable R.A. Called in to value furniture, silver and decorative arts, this book of works was sitting patiently in a bookcase, just waiting to be found. It isn’t always the instantly recognisable names which achieve exciting results or surprise their owners though. An embroidered panel purchased by a local gentleman in the 1970s, was hanging over his stairway until recently when it was identified to date from the reign of Charles II and went on to sell for £4,000 - much to the delight of our vendor. Of course, not every valuation enquiry will result in such

‘When you glance at that vase of a grandparent’s, or painting handed down from a distant uncle, do you know what it’s worth?’ discoveries, but yours just could. The fact our valuations are free and without obligation to sell leaves nothing to be risked and just perhaps, a lot to be gained. So, the next time you glance at that vase of a grandparent’s, or look up at the painting handed down from a distant uncle, just ask yourself ‘do we really know what this is worth?’. If the answer is no then I invite you to ask me – we may just have our latest big discovery...

Antique expert plans to put a silver lining on the High Street...

Alexander Pushkin explains why silver is such a good investment:

2. FUNCTIONALITY Antique silver is not just decorative. Silver is hard-wearing and durable and its design is often functional and practical. Tea sets, cutlery, trays, jugs and all sorts of tableware are meant to be used and enjoyed in daily life as well as special ocasions. The idea of owning a piece of history you could also serve dinner on is absolutely fascinating to me! 3. INVESTMENT The antique silver market is constantly growing and expanding. The interest toward fine silver objects and manufacture has now reached a global scale outside Europe, with China and Russia being the new protagonists of this rise. Chinese silver has in fact jumped up considerably in value over the last few years with Indian and Burmese silver following the same trend. 4. RENOWNED SILVERSMITHS As they grow in age, fine antique silver will increase in rarity and therefore in value. Exceptional pieces by some of the most famous silversmiths such as Fabergé, Paul Storr and Maison Odiot are sought after by the biggest international museums and the world's most selective collectors. Antique expert Alexander Pushkin

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Five good reasons to invest in antique silver 1. INTRINSIC VALUE Good quality silver will always maintain an intrinsic value. Despite market oscillations, silver’s value growth has significantly risen over the past two decades. Antiques are not subject to inflation or interest rates variations. They are a stable investment, and one you can enjoy anytime.

By Richard Williams A NEW antiques shop has just opened up in Tunbridge Wells, specialising in antique silver. Pushkins Antiques saw its first customers at 64 High Street on Saturday [September 4], after owner Alexander Pushkin decided to set up in the town during the last lockdown. He said: “Having lived for two years in Tunbridge Wells, during the lockdown we were amazed by the local community spirit and its resilience. “The lockdown made us rethink our core values hence why we decided on making Tunbridge Wells our permanent base. “By opening our shop on the high street we felt we could bring something beautiful and exciting to this historic town.” Mr Pushkin, who also runs an antique store in Gray’s Antiques Centre in Mayfair, London, said the Tunbridge Wells shop will showcase the best in antique silver, luxury interiors and objects of Vertu, which are small objects created from precious minerals.

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Arts

arts

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Discover some historical hotspots on your doorstop The annual Heritage Open Days event is back this year and runs from Friday September 10 until Sunday September 19. Eileen Leahy talks to its co-organiser Caroline Auckland about what people can expect to see during the ten-day festival

ERITAGE Open Days is an England-wide event which celebrates our country’s architectural, social and cultural legacy by offering visitors of all ages free access to a range of events that include interesting properties, guided walks, tours and talks. It has been running for nearly 30 years nationally and in Tunbridge Wells since the mid-90s.

“This is an annual event which celebrates our country’s architectural, social and cultural heritage” “At this time the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society took an active interest in supporting the opening of heritage properties and the late Roger Farthing, Dr Philip Whitbourn and John Cunningham have also been key figures in ensuring a

Amazing Flying Displays! Keeper Talks! 22 Acre Nature Trail! Unique Falconry Experiences!

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Arts

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

start your own garden or consider taking on an allotment,” suggests Caroline. The Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery are also putting on a fascinating exhibition about the 100 plus Chinese missionaries who are buried in Tunbridge Wells Cemetery. “The China Inland Mission (CIM) was started in 1866 by Hudson Taylor and their retirement home was Cornford House, Pembury. The exhibition focuses on their lives in China and will be opened by the Bishop of Guildford who will bless a new planted Ginkgo tree,” says Caroline. A favourite event in the annual Heritage Days calendar is a guided walk of the Victorian Mortuary Garden organised by the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery. Caroline says that visitors will have the opportunity to hear about local traders, clergy, medics, paupers, artists, philanthropists - and also Jane Austen’s brother, the Rev. Henry Austen - who are all buried there.

Heritage wide range of activities and publications are associated with this annual event,” explains local co-organiser Caroline Auckland. Nowadays it is the Civic Society, in conjunction with the National Trust, which helps to co-ordinate events across the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. “It is also run by volunteers who research and promote all the events, sharing the fabulous resources and venues we have in our community.

Fascinating “The Heritage Open Days area stretches from Rusthall, Speldhurst and Tunbridge Wells out to Paddock Wood and the surrounding areas including Capel and Horsmonden so it is quite wide and varied!” Caroline adds there are plenty of Covid compliant outdoor events for this year including archaeological walks around Rusthall and Barnett’s Wood, as well as a chance to see a Georgian and Victorian age corn mill excavation

“We will be offering a circular walk entitled ‘Drinking around St John’s’ to discover more about this particular neighbourhood of the town” site in Southborough. “Every year we try to add new events to pique people’s interest. For this year we have an event called Wild Child Forest School Fun (pictured right) which is organised by The Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons in conjunction with Kent High Weald Partnership. “Four free forest school play sessions are being

offered over the period of the Heritage Days events. The sessions will be set in a woodland environment for families over the weekend of September 11 and 12.” In addition to this, Caroline says that local historian Fiona Woodfield will be offering a circular walk entitled ‘Drinking around St John’s’ to discover more about this particular neighbourhood of the town; its brewery, pubs, dairy, farms and mineral water industry. “There will also be guided walks led by the Commons Warden, Steve Budden,” Caroline continues. “They are available for both Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Common and are suitable for all ages as long as you wear suitable clothing and footwear. It is rumoured that Steve will be bringing his faithful dog Moofy! “Together visitors will explore rocks, ponds and discover all sorts of information about these much loved and popular outdoor areas.” Hawkenbury Allotment will also be open for tours to see the wonderful vegetables, fruit and flowers grown to sustain local individuals and families – especially during lockdown. “This is the perfect place to gain inspiration to

During Heritage Open Days there is a mix of both voluntary and guided tours. They include the Tunbridge Wells Quaker Meeting House, the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Museum and Hoppers at Five Oak Green which was originally a hospital for sick hop pickers. “These open days offer an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique character of the buildings as well as examining pictures and historic records,” states Caroline. There are plenty of old favourites participating in this year’s Heritage Days event such as the display of archive material in Barsleys Department Store, in Paddock Wood. And while you are there why not visit the John Brunt VC pub where visitors can explore memorabilia associated with local WW2 hero John Brunt and his family. Grosvenor & Hilbert Park is offering an

exhibition of the park’s history with additional research on land use, farming practices and how it was used to grow food. The park is also offering a guided walk led by Dr Ian Beavis, Research Curator at The Amelia. “On this walk you will discover how the park’s wetland, flower-rich grassland, and ancient woodland still support a wide range of flowering plants, butterflies, dragonflies, bees and other creatures, some of them nationally scarce,” enthuses Caroline. Who knew there was so much absorbing history to discover on our doorstep? For the most up-to-date information (and booking details where relevant) on Heritage Open Day events visit www.tunbridgewellsheritageopendays.org/

LIFE THROUGH A LENS

This year the local Heritage Open Days team have organised a special photographic competition for local students (in school years 4 to 13). It is based on the Heritage Open Day theme of Edible England and to celebrate this, the Civic Society is inviting students living in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells to enter a free photographic competition, which will reflect this theme. There will be prizes for the winners and runners up of each of two entry groups. Entry details are as follows: • Entry group Years 4 – 6, with first prize of £50 and two runners up prizes of £25. • Entry group Years 7 – 13, with first prize of £100 and two runners up prizes of £50. • The theme of Edible England may be interpreted in any way – e.g. local food shop window, café or restaurant, bug hotels, allotments, bird feeders with birds. • One digital entry per student (landscape or portrait, high resolution jpeg). Include your name, year group, address, school, plus title of photograph submitted. Entries must be student’s original work. • Submit entries to twellsheritage@gmail.com • Closing date for submissions 12 September 2021. • Entry will allow the use of the images on our website, newsletter and social media pages, and future Tunbridge Wells HODs leaflets. Entry permits publication of names in press releases. • The judges’ decision is final. Results of competition to be announced 19 September 2021 on www.tunbridgewellsheritageopendays.org

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. To make an appointment for one of my regular advice surgeries, please call

01892 519854 or email:

greg.clark.mp @parliament.uk

Hildenborough Church

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Food & Drink

food

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Pick of the crops

This coming Saturday and Sunday The Pantiles hosts its annual Harvest Festival foodie weekend. Eileen Leahy chats to organiser Julian Leefe Griffiths about what’s in storefor 2021…

s we slowly start to get back to some semblance of normal life it’s good to know that we can start to attend more sociable events where we can see friends and hang out with family. One events team who have been very busy this summer are Julian Leefe Griffiths and his Tunbridge Wells Hotel colleagues. Not only have they organised the weekly Jazz on The Pantiles to be fun yet Covid compliant since May, they have also worked hard to resurrect some foodie favourite events such as The Pantiles Food Festival and also Gin and Jazz, both of which took place during the summer. Now as we head into autumn the team are having one last hurrah in the shape of their annual Harvest Festival. Happening this weekend (September 11 and 12), Julian says it’s a ‘fantastic’ weekend to enjoy with lots of culinary fun for all the family. “It’s just fantastic to be getting the

A charming family run pub, with six beautiful boutique bedrooms, hidden amongst the woodland of The Common in Tunbridge Wells. Whether you are having a lazy lunch, enjoying a cosy dinner or catching up with friends, we are the perfect place to relax.

“It’s lovely that the Harvest Festival has become a mainstay of our late summer events”

FUN FOR FOODIES: Visitors love all that The Pantiles Food Festival offers show back on the road,” he told the Times last week. “The Pantiles Harvest Food Festival will have over 25 stalls selling all sorts of different bits and pieces.

Gourmet “There’ll be delicious things to take home, or you can just sit back, relax

and enjoy eating on The Pantiles. It’s lots of lovely fun and amazingly the weather looks like it might just be kind to us.” Julian and his team have been running the gourmet food festival for nine years and each year it gets bigger and better. “It’s lovely that it has become a mainstay of our late summer events,

Eat. Drink. Stay. Enjoy. Tel: 01892 618854 Email: hello @themountedgcumbe.com Website: www.themountedgcumbe.com

despite everything,” continues Julian. “It’s great to see The Pantiles bouncing back so well, we’ve been lucky because we have so much outdoor space and a great setting in which to run these events.” As well as lots of epicurean delights to shop and savour at the free Harvest Festival, which runs from 11am to 6pm and is co-run by Sankey’s restaurants,

Over the last year we have adapted to prioritise both our customer and staff’s safety, whilst not compromising on experience. Our spacious heated marquee is perfect for any occasion come rain or shine. Take a look on our website for more details of our rooms, menus and how to book.

Food & Drink

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Julian says there will be lots of live entertainment for visitors to enjoy too. “There will be live music played from the Bandstand as well as the usual entertaining cooking demonstrations. This year as part of our food festival season we are really delighted to continue our work with our main sponsors Matt Sankey from the

Fun “It’s fantastic getting such good support from such prominent local businesses. We look forward to seeing you all down there at the weekend...”

The delicious mini strawberries grown by local fruit farm Hugh Lowe have once again made their way into Waitrose stores and online. And the good news is they can be enjoyed well into winter too...

rom the perfect topping for your breakfast bowl, to the final flourish on a show-stopper masterpiece, Hugh Lowe Farm’s mini berries really are the perfect soft fruit for any occasion. But don’t just take our word for it. The buyers at Waitrose have once again singled out these dinky strawberries as being one of the UK’s top varieties - and as a result they are now stocked both in store and online at the supermarket chain. “We are so excited to have our mini berries in Waitrose again this year,” comments Marion Regan, Managing Director of Hugh Lowe Farms. “These perfect little strawberries give an

Planet organic

Sankey’s fish empire and Steve Fuller the master butcher.

Berry treasures

incredible depth of flavour, with a taste reminiscent of wild strawberries.” Grown on the lush pastures of Hugh Lowe Farms in Mereworth near Tonbridge, these little berries really pack a punch on the immunity boosting front too. High in vitamin C, one handful

This week James Viner raises a glass to the annual event of Organic September. Cheers! (100g) will meet an adult’s recommended daily intake. Hugh Lowe Farms was established over 125 years and produces over 5,000 tonnes of fresh berries a year. “Usually supermarkets, buyers and a lot of customers want the whole bigger the better,” says a spokesperson for the farm. “But this is simply not true as the mini berries are super sweet with a great depth of flavour due to their size. “It’s also worth noting that strawberries generally are often heavily associated with summer, but they are actually in season till much later in the year than people think – usually until around mid-November.”

SUMMER COCKTAILS Come and sample some of the delicious creations on our new cocktail menu at The Blue Anchor this summer. Best enjoyed with friends in our secluded garden!

Get in touch for more information 01892 319299 info@blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk Beacon Road, Crowborough, TN6 1BB

‘ORGANIC September’ is a campaign launched by the Soil Association in 1994. The organisation is the UK’s largest and oldest organic certification body, which is aimed at promoting organic food, drink and other products, plus the brands, farmers and produces making them. Organic-certified wine volume consumption has increased around 9% on average yearly between 2014 and 2019. Today the leading five organic wine markets – France, Germany, Sweden, the UK and the USA – are responsible for over 60% of worldwide consumption. This week I’ve picked four superb wines made from a viticultural regime which eschews synthetic herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers, pesticides and other treatments. Try toasting Mother Nature with this quartet of tip-top organic wines… 1. MUST-TRY ORGANIC OFF-DRY SUPERMARKET BRILLIANT BUBBLY Castellore Organic Prosecco Extra Dry NV, Italy (11.5%, £7.49, Aldi) Another incredible example of the sort of good-value, palate-friendly wine at which Aldi excels, this organic, light-bodied, frothy wine is a great match for panettone and light sponges. Think honeysuckle, orchard fruit, tangerine, sherbet lemon and honeydew melon with a suggestion of spice. Very easy to drink in large draughts, so watch out. Serve well-chilled (and a fraction frostier than Champagne). Now 50p cheaper than last month. 2. JUICY, ORGANIC, VEGAN-FRIENDLY RED FROM SPAIN, A WORLD LEADER IN ORGANIC VITICULTURE 2019 Rafala Organic Tempranillo, Spain (14%, £7, Co-op) Organic certification and organic farming are much easier in warm, dry locations with more predictable weather and lower precipitation. Spanish winemakers have made the most of this advantage, so much so that the country now claims the largest surface area of organic vineyards in the world – over 100,000 ha. Made by the ever-reliable family business of Bodegas Fontana in Castilla-La Mancha this is a cracking, supple, unoaked, smooth, easy-drinking tempranillo packed with ripe strawberry and subtle tobacco flavours. Pair with pink lamb

cutlets chops, chickpea and chorizo soup, or the Sunday roast (it’ll sing with both lamb and pork) ¡Salud! 3. MELLOW, ORGANIC, EXOTICALLY-SCENTED WHITE FROM A FOUNDING MEMBER OF AUSTRALIA’S ‘FIRST FAMILIES OF WINE’ 2020 Yalumba Organic Viognier, South Australia (13.5%, £10, Tesco; £7.49 offer, Waitrose, until 21.9.21) This one from Aussie viognier pioneers and specialists Yalumba (their ‘Virgilius’ Viognier is perhaps Oz’s finest example of this heady variety) throws stone fruit, preserved lemons, green mango, subtle ginger and varied floral aromas and flavours the drinker’s way. Outstandingly, it’s also devoid of the phenolics that regularly mar this finicky grape. This is a substantial mouthful of flavour but don’t wait as it’ll probably never be better than it is now. A wild-fermented wine to enjoy at the table rather than as an aperitif perhaps. One for coronation chicken, tagines, Pad Thai, seared scallops, mild chicken curries, red lentil dhal with spinach, pumpkin ravioli/risotto and grilled lobster. Vegan-friendly, too. 4. GASTRONOMIC, HIGH-ALTITUDE (AROUND 500M ABOVE SEA LEVEL), ORGANIC PERFECT PROVENÇAL PINK 2020, Château Vignelaure, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé, France (13%, £13.50, The Wine Society) Run for around fifteen years by a DanishSwedish couple, Vignelaure makes a very successful range of classy red and rosé wines in the Terroir des Haut Plateaux, the coolest zone of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, in the craggy hills of the north-eastern district of the Var department. I was smitten with this elegant, organic, more-affordable-but-still-premium blend of mainly grenache, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, topped up with 20% vermentino. Dry, silken and fairly pale, it tastes of peaches, grapefruit and summer berries with a faint touch of fennel. Try it with bouillabaisse, camembert, crab, fish and chips, a roast leg of lamb, seafood paella and sushi. A beauty! Follow James and the hashtag #OrganicSeptember on Twitter @QuixoticWine

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

health & wellbeing

Moving herself up the priority list,

TW_FINAL.pdf

wild swimming and trying to be a good listener

Radio and TV presenter Edith Bowman talks about slowing down in the countryside and prioritising her wellbeing to feel a better person

15/06/2021

11:53

DITH Bowman may have made her name on MTV and the BBC Radio 1 airways, discovering new music and covering huge festivals, but the mum-of-two is learning to embrace a slightly slower pace of life these days. Just before the pandemic, the Scottish DJ, who is married to Editors frontman Tom Smith, moved from London (‘where everything is at the end of your fingertips’) to rural Gloucestershire (‘where we have space to go where there’s no one else and get outside to exercise and just exhale’). “It’s made me slow down, rather than going 100 miles an hour,” says Bowman. “Being out here, you have to make more of an effort to go and do things, but I like the way that’s made me go, ‘Well instead of doing four things today, I’ll do two things’. “It’s also allowed me to move myself up the priority list slightly, to think about myself and my

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own wellbeing. “I inherit this from my mum – the opposite of the thing in the plane when they ask you to put the mask on first before helping anybody else – I make sure everyone else is alright before I sort myself out,” adds Bowman, who has two sons – Rudy, 13, and eight-year-old Spike. “So I’ve definitely been appreciating how I need to look after myself,

By putting age on someone there’s a preconception and also an expectation and I like to fight against those ... because that then means I can look after my kids and my work and everything better.” She says being in nature more – a walk in the fresh air or sitting with the sun on her face- is ‘one of the best therapies ever’, and discovering the benefits of wild swimming has also been a boost. “My kids take the p*** out of me all the time, like, ‘Literally, Mum

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would try and wild swim in a puddle if she could’,” Bowman laughs. “I go as often as I can. At different times of the year, it’s a different experience, but I love going in the winter – that’s kind of how I prefer it. I really like the rush and the way it makes your body work, I love feeling the water on my skin,” explains Bowman.

She loves it so much in fact, if she can’t go one day, she’ll have a cold shower or cold bath instead. And she doesn’t wear a wetsuit when she is swimming outside – “just boots and gloves and in winter a woolly hat! People are very quick to go, ‘Its a new fad’, but for me I love how it makes me feel. I’ve got really bad skin, I’ve got bad eczema, and I feel like it

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

really helps that.” She has a real zest for life, now more than ever. “I feel more energised and more ready to take on new projects, go on adventures and do stuff more so now I did in my 30s,” says Bowman, who’s 47 and definitely doesn’t want to talk about age. “I don’t think age is important. By putting an age on [someone] there’s a preconception and an expectation, and I like to fight

against expectations.” It’s a fair point, and women in the public eye are especially weighed down by prejudice as they get older. “There’s an ongoing discussion around equality, and age is one thing that has a very different presence around women than it does around men,” Bowman says. Besides, her career has spanned more than 20 years and isn’t showing

any signs of slowing down. She calls work her ‘absolute saviour’ during the pandemic: she presented the Baftas with Dermot O’Leary earlier this year, she continues to host the popular BMW Play Next podcast, and recently collaborated with the All Points East festival for the launch of a new BMW Play Next stage to help promote upcoming music. Music, of course, has always been a

constant source of happiness for Bowman – and an outlet for other emotions: “If I’m really angry or upset, you have the ability to use music to vent, like therapy in a way.” After the drought of live music through lockdown, she says being in the midst of it again has been emotional; whether that’s been watching a stripped back Lianne La Havas gig last summer, Laura Marling

at the Proms or Celeste at the Baftas. “I cried at all three of those performances,” Bowman admits. “That’s the power of music, a key sequence or a chord sequence or even a note can do something to you physically that’s uncontrollable. “And getting those moments of being amongst like-minded souls, being among their energy – even just the smell of people, I’ve missed human contact! Being in a room with three or four people, or 10 or 15 people, I feed off that, I get energy from that – I take away things I can’t really describe from that.” Like so many of us, Bowman found her own little ways of coping during the pandemic. “The thing I learned really early on was to just encourage myself to exist, to be reactive. For me, it was a case of recognising when you’re having bad days and accepting that, and going, ‘OK, today’s not going to be a great one, tomorrow is a blank canvas’. “That was my mantra to get through it – and not to be hard on myself if I was struggling.” She’s also learned to feel at ease with any stresses and just ‘be’. “If you’re getting stressed, it’s OK, life is stressful. So rather than being upset or annoyed that [I’m] stressed, I always try and breathe through it. “I’m bad at asking for help though,” she admits. “But I like to think I’m a good person to talk to, I really hope I’m a good listener and a good pair or ears.” TV and radio broadcaster Edith Bowman is host of hit music discovery podcast BMW Play Next, designed to showcase ground-breaking music from the next generation of talented artists.

Motoring News

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

Motoring News

This week… n

Crossover Yaris

Electric taxi

n Potholes top concern

Toyota has created a crossover of the Yaris What is it? If you want to sell cars in the UK in 2021, you need small cars and crossovers. Toyota knows this well as its Yaris supermini sits comfortably in the 10 best-selling cars list so far this year. However, it’s planning to further capitalise on its success with a new Yaris-based crossover, imaginatively called Yaris Cross. What’s new? This is an all-new model that has been built with European customers in mind. It’s built on the firm’s latest vehicle platform called TNGA, which gives it access to its hybrid engine, practical cabin options, safety equipment and fun to drive characteristics. The powertrain has been updated to be more efficient, it has an impressive equipment specification, excellent connectivity, a new look and the firm’s latest all-wheel-drive technology. What’s under the bonnet? The engine is a 1.5-litre petrol unit combined with an electric motor to produce 114bhp and 120Nm of torque. It’s been updated for the Yaris Cross, with the battery capable of regenerating twice the energy under braking and supplying 50 per cent more power during acceleration than before. The result is a promised 62mpg, which is decent on its own. What’s it like to drive? Behind the wheel, the Yaris Cross is a curious blend of driving characteristics. You sit high, which makes visibility great, with the steering nicely weighted, which makes slow moving traffic and country roads equally relaxing to drive. It’s comfortable too, with the soft suspension not translating to too much lean when cornering. However, despite this, at low speeds it rather crashes into potholes, which can become frustrating on particularly poor roads. Minor irritations for the most part, but it’s worth noting because rivals such as the Ford Puma are slightly more satisfying to drive.

Better road surfaces and fixed potholes are top priority for motorists in England

MOTORISTS in England want to see improvements to road quality and the upkeep of the road surface, according to a new survey. The news comes as National Highways, recently rebranded from Highways England, prepares its long-term plans for the road network. The survey of 5,600 drivers by independent watchdog Transport Focus found that almost one in five car or van drivers rated the quality of road surfaces on England’s motorways and major A roads as poor.

Accidents

How does it look? Toyota says the Yaris Cross takes styling cues from the regular Yaris and the firm’s RAV4 SUV, and if you look closely you can spot the subtle nods. The combination brings its own unique, stylish appearance that looks great on the road. It’s tall like an SUV but narrow like a supermini, with chunky wheel arches giving it a more robust appearance alongside the sleek headlights and sharp creases in the front fenders and bonnet. At the rear it looks like a chunky off-roader, but also gets modern, narrow tail lights. What’s the spec like? Compared with others at this price point, the Yaris Cross comes very well-equipped, particularly when it comes to safety assistance. For example, it has night-time pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam and more included as standard. Prices start at £22,515 for the Icon trim, but it is Design, which is one step up, that is expected to be the most popular, making up half of all sales. Starting at £24,140, this and the entry-model get

an eight-inch infotainment screen, with the Design adding 17-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, LED rear lights and a digital instrument binnacle. Trims above this get a nine-inch infotainment screen, with the Premiere Edition sitting at the top of the range and expected to be on sale for about a year. Starting at £28,185, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels, black leather seats, a JBL premium sound system, and more. Verdict Toyota says it’s targeting about 18,000 sales next year in the Yaris Cross’s first full year on sale. However, having been behind the wheel, that might be understating the possibilities. Given what a hit the Ford Puma has been, there’s no reason why this Japanese contender can’t push it for sales. It looks great, has decent practicality, is comfortable to drive and has excellent equipment. And if our testing is anything to go by, running costs should be incredibly low. Safe to say Toyota has a winner on its hands here.

Furthermore, almost two thirds placed more importance on maintaining existing roads than building new ones or adding lanes to existing highways. Making road design and upkeep safer was the second priority, followed by the better management of roadworks. Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Road users tell us they want to see England’s major roads improved with better road surfaces and fewer potholes and cracks. “It’s vital that National Highways focuses future investment on these priorities to ensure all road users have smoother, safer journeys.” Transport Focus also shared some of the comments received in response to the survey, with one person writing: “All they seem to do is patch it, say if there’s a pothole or a winter frost. Patch it up, and three weeks later it needs doing again.” Other concerns raised by respondents included better management of unplanned delays such as accidents or breakdowns, as well as improved information about such incidents. Last week, Highways England announced it was rebranding as National Highways, the second time it has changed its name in six years. At the same time, it revealed that Nick Harris has been appointed as the organisation’s new chief executive, having carried out the role on an interim basis since February.

The Mobilize Limo is an electric taxi bought through a subscription service RENAULT-backed project Mobilize has revealed an electric saloon targeted at the taxi and private hire vehicle market. Called Limo, it will be available exclusively through a subscription service that ‘will provide all-inclusive mobility solutions packages’. The saloon is said to fit into the D-segment size of vehicle, putting it on par with the likes of the Tesla Model 3, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Headlights Its design appears to have been made with carrying passengers in mind, as the roofline slopes down into the boot lid quite late, meaning rear passengers will have more headroom. Features include flush door handles that pop out when the vehicle unlocks, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Mobilize branding throughout the vehicle. The cabin gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument display as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the

infotainment functions. Mobilize says the driver’s seat was designed to keep professional drivers comfortable over long periods and has plenty of adjustability, as does the steering wheel to provide the optimum driving position. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom, thanks in part to a flat floor, meaning three adults can travel in the back comfortably. There are two USB slots so passengers can charge electronic devices, and a 411-litre boot to accommodate any luggage. Equipment includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and various driver assistance systems. The powertrain uses a 148bhp electric motor, providing a 0-60mph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 87mph. There are three drive modes that range from eco to sporty driving characteristics, while Mobilize says its 11.2-metre turning circle makes it agile for urban driving. The Mobilize Limo will make its public debut at the Munich motor show next month.

Books

Wednesday September 8 | 2021

The bookcase… Many of us got into reading over the lockdowns. But whether you’re new to it or have read books all your life we hope you enjoy these top reads…

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins Published in hardback by Doubleday, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now

It must be difficult for a writer whose debut thriller was a blockbuster in print and film to follow that act. But The Girl On The Train novelist Paula Hawkins does a fine job in her third thriller, set on a London canal where a man is found stabbed to death in his houseboat. A local community of suspects is quickly introduced: a bunch of misfits including a busybody neighbour, a troubled one-night stand, and exes with a backdrop of tragedy and a reason to kill. Hawkins cleverly racks up the tension without losing sight of her motley crew of characters and their tangled web of secrets, while the slow fire of jealousy, hatred and lust for revenge gradually emerges. Paying huge attention to detail in the light and shadows of the canal and its surroundings, Hawkins’ atmospheric tale may not enjoy the fanfare of The Girl On The Train, but anyone who loves a good page-turning thriller should consider bagging a copy. (Review by Hannah Stephenson)

Let That Be A Lesson: A Teacher’s Life In The Classroom by Ryan Wilson Published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now Following ex-doctor Adam Kay’s This Is Going To Hurt and Blood, Sweat And Tea by ambulance driver Tom Reynolds, the latest entry to the ‘insider diary’ genre is Ryan Wilson’s recollection of his 10 years as an English teacher. It’s very funny, mainly due to the students – from a swaggering self-styled gangster to one who knows the set text better than he does – but also thanks to the mistakes new teachers inevitably make. The anecdotes are

rather superficial, perhaps because it is a recollection, rather than a diary written at the time. Poignancy fills the gap: life’s highs and lows and Wilson’s struggle to accept his sexuality. In this he holds the next generation in awe: one pupil’s casual mention of the fact she is gay and her classmates’ lack of interest, floors him. His reasons for leaving the sector should give all readers pause for thought. (Review by Natalie Bowen)

7/10

The Women Of Troy by Pat Barker

Published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now

8/10

7/10

Times book reviewer

Picking up after The Silence Of The Girls, Pat Barker’s reimagined tale of the aftermath of the Trojan war captures the brutality and horror of this iconic Greek myth in fresh, contemporary detail. Told from the perspective of Briseis – once the war prize of Achilles – Barker immerses us in the lives of the women who survived the siege at Troy as they assume their role as slaves to the Greek men. The second instalment of Barker’s feminist retelling is just as provocative as the first. Though perhaps not as historically accurate, the lesser recorded storyline grants Barker greater creative freedom, giving her women more complex and rounded characters that take an active role the plot. A worthy sequel and fascinating feminist study – the question now lies, will there be a third? (Review by Scarlett Sangster)

INDEPENDENT WOMEN

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

HANNAH KIRSOP

8/10

(Picador, £8.99) Wearing trousers and fishing are not permitted activities for women according to Kirke laws in seventeenth century Norway but Maren, Kirsten and the other women assume the responsibility for all tasks on the island of Vardo after a freak storm kills all the menfolk. As they move from survival to growing independence, Scotsman Absalom Cornet is sent to

the island with his new bride Ursa, commissioned with taming the ‘wild’ women and eradicating the suspected burgeoning witchcraft practices. Through their arrival, we experience the community in different ways - Absalom seeks to identify perceived troublemakers as sides are taken among the women, while Ursa strives for happiness, companionship and love. A gritty, dark and fascinating novel about a group of strong, forthright women and their attempt at independence.

BRILLIANT BIOGRAPHY

One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time by Craig Brown

(Fourth Estate, £9.99) In his biography of Princess Margaret – “Ma’am darling” - Craig Brown skilfully reinvented the art of biography and he does this again with his latest work, a far from conventional retelling of the Beatles story. Part straight biography, part personal reminiscence, part social history, ‘One Two Three Four’ somehow evades categorisation other than as a fantastically interesting, witty and readable book which superbly captures the essence of the band’s characters and the times in which they lived. The underlying story of course is also an incredible one, covering the upbringing and early years of

10/10

Hannah Kirsop grew up in Kent and now lives in Horsmonden with her family. She loves to read and share recommendations and runs Bainden Book Club for a group of local women to discuss interesting fiction and non-fiction in a range of genres. You can find www.baindenbookshelf.com online or on Instagram: @baindenbookshelf

the Beatles up until their split in 1969/70, and you really get a sense of what a rapid rise it was from a provincial teenage skiffle band to the biggest band on the planet. You also forget how young they were (George Harrison was only 19 when they had their first number 1). Highly recommended.

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