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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

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IT WAS supposed to be a party night that would ‘go down in history’. Instead, it turned into a nightmare that saw a Tunbridge Wells venue forced to close just ten days after reopening for the first time in 16 months. Like similar venues across the country, The Pitcher and Piano in Church Road was forced to shut its doors in March last year due to the pandemic. Following the lifting of restrictions last month, when Boris Johnson allowed all UK nightclubs to reopen, The Pitcher and Piano announced a

NIGHT TO REMEMBER The Pitcher has closed after staff were told to isolate [Pictures Facebook/Pitcher and Piano]

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A SURGE in people testing positive for Covid-19 seems to be ending as the number of reported cases in Tunbridge Wells has plummeted. This is despite the easing of restrictions and the fact the number being tested remains high. In the latest data released by Public Health England, in the seven days to July 27 – more than a week after the final lockdown rules were lifted by the government – cases have nearly halved. On July 18, the day before Boris Johnson lifted mandatory mask wearing and the remaining social distancing rules, there were 474 positive cases of coronavirus in Tunbridge Wells. This was an increase on the week before by more than 200, raising fears of a spike in the virus caused by the Delta variant – the strain first identified in India. As reported in the Times last week,

despite this surge in cases, hospital admissions and deaths remained low. Now new figures show incidents of the virus are actually on the wane, with rates falling to 264 cases in seven days – a drop of more than 200 in just a week. The infection rate per 100,000 people

‘Around 4,779 NHS tests are being conducted each week in Tunbridge Wells’ in the Borough now stands at 222.4 – the average rate in England is 305.1. All the 315 local areas in England have seen a week-on-week fall in virus rates. Tonbridge & Malling has seen rates fall from 756 to just 425, with its rate per 100,000 now at 321.6. Wealden’s rates have fallen from 610 to 316, with its rate per 100,000 now at 195.7. Hospital admissions have risen in the

last week, with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which runs the two hospitals in Pembury and Maidstone, admitting around 60 people in the seven days to July 25 compared to around 20 the week before, although this figure is much lower than 230 hospital admissions the Trust was experiencing during the peak of the virus last January. The Trust has also recorded the only two deaths from the virus in July, the first fatalities since March. Despite plunging rates of Covid-19, the number of people undergoing PCR tests has also remained at a constant level, despite a move to home testing kits. Around 4,779 of the NHS lab tests are being conducted each week in Tunbridge Wells, which is lower than the 7,125 peak seen last December, but higher than the levels seen throughout April, May and June when only around 3,000 people a week were being tested.

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this week…

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Police watchdog called in again after woman dies in custody By Richard Williams

PADDOCK WOOD PROTEST Campaigners vow to fight on following latest setback in battle with Town Council over community centre p.10

BOOK WORMS Young Readers Programme hosts a book picnic with local primary schools to encourage a love for reading p.11 SHOWSTOPPER Trinity Theatre announces new Artistic Director Sean Turner who will also put on the theatre’s new Christmas show p.28

SPICE IT UP Prudence Wade joins chefs Claire Thomson and Matt Williamson as they bin the beans for a more appetising campfire menu p.30

INVESTIGATION The police watchdog has KENT Police is being investigated by the visited the custody suite Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a 43-year-old woman arrested in Tunbridge Wells died in the cells at Tonbridge Police Station. It is the second death recorded at the Pembury Road station in the last four years. The woman who died has not been named and was arrested for an undisclosed offence by officers from Kent Police at around 8pm on Friday, July 23. At about 1pm the next day, she appeared to be having trouble breathing and was found unresponsive in her cell. Paramedics were called and despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. DEATH The coroner was informed Carl Maynard died but a post-mortem examination at Tonbridge – investigated Kent that took place on Sunday (July Station in 2017 Police following the 25) was inconclusive as to her death of a 29-year-old cause of death, pending further from Maidstone at tests. A date has yet to be fixed for the Tonbridge Police Station. inquest. Carl Maynard died while he was The force referred itself to the IOPC following having his fingerprints taken at the station on the death, and investigators were sent to the October 13 of that year. Tonbridge Police Station, where they have preliminarily interviewed officers and visited the custody suite. ‘We will examine all the IOPC Regional Director Graham Beesley said: actions and decisions of “My thoughts are with the woman’s next of kin officers and staff involved in and all those affected by her death. “We have made contact with her next of kin her detention’ and explained our role to them. “It is important we fulfil our role to carry out An inquest found he had been killed by acute an independent investigation into all the toxicity after he had swallowed a bag of cocaine circumstances surrounding her contact with the to avoid the drug being detected by officers. police. The IPCC found no evidence of any “We will examine all the actions and decisions wrongdoing by any officer following Mr of officers and staff involved in her detention Maynard’s death, although a coroner did including viewing custody records and CCTV as criticise the force for ‘failing to take Carl directly well as the welfare checks that were made on to hospital’, which he said was a ‘missed her during that period. opportunity’ to save the man’s life. ”Our investigation is in its very early stages.” The force was also placed under investigation In 2017, the Independent Police Complaints by the IOPC last year following the death of Commission [IPCC] – the forerunner to the IOPC

Matthew Mackell in Dunorlan Park. The 17-year-old had ended his own life after calling Kent Police and saying he was ‘going to kill myself’. Despite the plea for help, no officers were despatched to the park, the IOPC found no evidence of any wrongdoing or misconduct by any officer over the incident but did recommend two people at the force conduct extra training. A coroner in that case also ruled there had been a ‘missed opportunity’ by the force after it failed to send an officer to the park. Following the latest incident, a spokesman from Kent Police said: “Kent Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the death of a woman in custody on Saturday, July 24. “South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to Tonbridge Police Station shortly before 1pm after the woman, who was in her 40s, was found unresponsive in her cell during a routine welfare check. “She was pronounced dead at the scene. “Investigators from the IOPC attended the police station and have commenced an independent investigation into the circumstances.”

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard.moore@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk |01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lee.smith@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 01892 779580 advertising@onemediauk.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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DANCEFLOOR Inside The Pitcher during one of their party nights [picture Pitcher & Piano/ Facebook]

Popular nightclub shuts after staff are pinged Continued from front page host of new party nights. Hundreds of revellers returned to the club on Monday, July 19, with an event dubbed by the chain as a night to ‘go down in history’. Last Sunday, July 25, the venue also held summer party ‘Tease’ all afternoon with a DJ and BBQ and started a new regular Thursday night event with a second dancefloor where revellers could dance until 3am.

However, last Thursday, just as the venue was preparing for its next party night, it announced that the nightclub had been forced to close its doors after its staff were pinged by the NHS track and trace app. In a statement on its Facebook page, The Pitcher and Piano, said: “Unfortunately, we have been linked to a case of Covid-19 by NHS Track & Trace and a few members of our team have been instructed to isolate. “Sadly, this means we have closed from today

[July 30] to ensure the safety of our team and guests. We are unsure when we will reopen so please check back here for further updates. “We will be contacting all guests who have a reservation over the next few days via phone or email to rearrange. “Apologies for any inconvenience caused but we look forward to welcoming you back soon.” It’s thought the venue employs between 20 and 30 people. Piper, who own the chain, declined to comment.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF

Trinity Theatre hires a new art director TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ charity run theatre in Church Road has revealed its new artistic director and plans for in-house productions beginning later this year. Sean Turner will oversee artistic output at Trinity Theatre, with his first production set for Christmas. He is replacing former art director Kezia Cole, who stepped down at the beginning of last year. Sean trained at ALRA [Academy of Live & Recorded Arts] and is perhaps best known for presenting the World Premiere production and West End transfer of Arthur Miller’s first play, No Villain. For his first production at the Theatre, Sean will present a staging of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper from December 8. More details on page 28.

Sports field sales TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark has warned the Council not to sell off sports fields as he predicts demand for such facilities will rise post Covid. Writing for the Times, Mr Clark said it should be a ‘firm rule’ that no playing field should be lost ‘without an equal or better facility being provided in its place’. “It should also be a requirement that upgraded facilities at existing venues should be provided as part of any significant new development. For example, all-weather pitches are increasingly in demand to allow sporting events to take place throughout our wet winters,” he said. Full story page 16.

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Festival organisers want charities and good causes to share the stage By Richard Williams TWO events promoters who refunded more than £100,000 to ticket holders last year after festivals had to be cancelled, have bounced back with a new line-up of summer events in Tunbridge Wells. The pair are also inviting other people to make free use of show facilities. Mark Davis, who is originally from Blackpool, has been putting on festivals in the town with his partner Nicky Chanot for more than five years, at both the Hop Farm and Colebrook Park. Last year, due to the virus, his summer calendar had to be cancelled.

Accepted Mark said: “We have spent five years working hard to cement ourselves in Tunbridge Wells and are really passionate about the community – we made sure every supplier and all the people we hired were from within a five-mile area. “All our events are family based and designed specifically for the people here, and over the years we have felt really accepted in the town and felt real love for us and what we do, especially with the charities we support. “When the virus hit it was just unimaginable. We had to refund a six-figure sum, but we knew if we just gave up, we’d lose everything that we have worked for.” Now that restrictions are lifted, the promoters have lined up a raft of new festivals at Colebrook Park, including

BACK IN TOWN Ricky Gervais is to play two nights next week

Air Dome approved AN ‘AIR DOME’ has been given the greenlight at Crowborough Tennis and Squash Club, despite stiff opposition to the scheme. Planners at Wealden District Council approved the PVC dome that will cover two tennis courts in at the club, despite residents’ objections to the plans. Locals said the Air Dome would be unsightly and there were other objections expressing concerns about noise from the equipment to keep the dome inflated, lighting and drainage. But the tennis club, which has been operating at the location on Church Road for over 50 years, were granted permission on the condition the dome is coloured green to blend into the surroundings.

Love Forever (August 13-15), featuring the Stereo MCs and 808 State… Love Hangover (August 22) that features dozens of funk, soul and hip hop acts…plus the electronic music festival Alfresco (Aug 27-29). Mark and Nicky are also working closely with local charities in the town and are putting on Tree of Life (August 18-19) offering artistic, creative and interactive experiences for children and their families – with all proceeds going to Nourish Community Foodbank, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Demelza children’s charity. However, he says when the events are not on, his equipment and sound stage just sit empty. “It is a waste, so we are giving an open invitation to anybody who wants to put on a festival or event in Tunbridge Wells in August to come use our site and equipment when we are

not using them because it will just be sitting there idle.” He said anybody wanting to raise money for good causes with an event can take advantage of their big tent, sound system and other infrastructure.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR FESTIVALS Those interested in using the facilities can contact Mark or Nicky on: chinny@ alfrescofestival.co.uk Tickets for the summer festivals at Colebrook Park and more information is available at websites: lovehangover.co.uk alfrescofestival.co.uk liveforever90s.co.uk

Ricky Gervais vows show will go on despite back trouble By Robert Forrester COMEDIAN Ricky Gervais has said his shows in Tunbridge Wells next week will go ahead despite the funnyman injuring his back. Last week, the Times revealed the star of The Office, Afterlife and Extras is returning to the 1,000-seat venue as part of a warm-up for his sixth stand-up tour, ‘SuperNature’. He last appeared at the Assembly Hall in April 2019, as

part of his ‘Humanity’ tour. The stand-up is set to play two nights in Tunbridge Wells on August 9-10.

Hobbling However, last week, the day before he was due to play the O2 Forum Kentish Town on July 29, he told his Twitter followers he had injured his back, but he vowed that the shows will go on. He said: “I’m hobbling around in a weightlifting belt, taking

pain killers & antiinflammatories, and I’ve arranged for a chair to be on stage tonight in case I have to do the gig sitting down. Stupid ******* Back. Keep ‘em laughing or die trying. #SuperNature” It is understood Gervais, 60, suffered the back injury while out on a run earlier in the week. Tickets for the Assembly Hall shows went on sale at the weekend but were sold out in minutes.

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Dame Kelly joins row over claims of a ‘sexist ban’ on young female footballers By Richard Williams A FOOTBALL league has been criticised by Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes after it held a vote that critics say ‘effectively bans’ girls from playing grassroots football if they are also in a topflight squad. The Kent Girls & Ladies Football League (KGLFL) has more than 60 teams competing in it, including Langton Green CSA, Tunbridge Wells Ladies FC, TW Forresters, Paddock Wood FC, Pembury Athletic Ladies and West Kent Girls FC.

Grassroots Last month, the league voted to implement Football Association rule 18(M), which prevents young players from competing in the KGLFL Sunday league, if they are also in a team that competes in the topflight Junior Premier League [JPL] that play on Saturdays. Critics of the move say it comes despite no similar rules being in force for boys who are free to play in both top flight and leagues. Karlie Ransley, who started an online petition opposing the decision says the move is ‘sexist’

and ‘effectively bans’ girls from grassroots football, and claims the move has resulted in 10 clubs already having been forced to close, affecting 200 girl players. She said: “When the world football governing bodies are desperately trying to encourage girls to get into football, the young girls of Kent are now being forced to decide between playing with their friends or developing their skills further in a different league. “Why should they have to choose, when so many other girls in other leagues and boys too, do not? The rule is sexist, unfair and takes away freedom of choice for young girls in Kent.” Her petition, which has now garnered more than 4,000 signatures, has attracted the attention of Dame Kelly Holmes, the former gold medal Olympic middle-distance runner. After signing the petition, Ms Holmes, who lives in Tonbridge, commented: “These rules are not supportive of talent. At a young age, girls especially should be given more opportunities to grow. “The decline in female sport is increasing because of barriers. If we want future champions, we need to nurture young talent.”

OPINION Dame Kelly says the rule is a ‘barrier’ to girls’ participation

NOT DISCRIMINATORY SAYS LEAGUE The Kent Girls and Ladies Football League (KGLFL) has denied the change is ‘discriminatory’ or constitutes a ‘ban’. A spokesman for the league told the Times: “Rule 18(M) is a standard FA Rule which is already adopted by seven of the eight youth leagues in Kent. “The implementation of this rule is intended to safeguard the grassroots integrity of the League’s competition whilst

ON THE BALL The rules affect female footballers who play for more than one club

also bringing the KGLFL further into line with other youth leagues in the county. “It is important to emphasise that all youth football is mixed, however, the majority of these seven youth leagues cater predominantly for boys.” He added that the rule was voted for by member clubs of the KGLFL following a democratic process and in accordance with FA rules. The spokesman continued that Rule 18(M) did not ‘ban’

girls from playing in the KGLFL. “Boys are allowed and entitled to play for teams in the KGLFL, as indeed are girls in the various ‘Boys’ leagues. “This is an FA Rule. Accordingly, all ‘Boys’ and ‘Girls’ leagues are, in reality, ‘mixed’ youth leagues.” He went on: “As a league, we appreciate the Times giving us the opportunity to provide clarity and balance in this situation, as it hasn’t been shown to us by others.”

Furloughed staff brace themselves as the support scheme winds down By Robert Forrester THE number of people on the Government’s Job Retention Scheme in Tunbridge Wells has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic began, new figures show. Government data indicates that as of July 14, there were 2,900 employees in the Borough still on furlough – around eight per cent of the workforce. This is a drop of 800 compared to the previous month when 3,700 workers were on the scheme. At the height of the crisis in June last year, around 12,400 employees – around a quarter of all workers in Tunbridge Wells – were on furlough. The initiative was set up in the wake of the pandemic to protect jobs and originally paid workers 80 per cent of their salary if their workplace was closed or unable to function due to the virus. Employers have also been able to put workers on ‘flexi furlough’ working some office hours and staying home for others. However, the scheme is being wound down, with the 1,400 male

and 1,500 female workers in Tunbridge Wells still being paid by the Treasury now only eligible to receive 60 per cent of their wages, with employer’s picking up the remaining 20 per cent. Furlough is set to finish at the end on of September, when employers will have to decide to bring their remaining employees back on the payroll or make them redundant.

Peaked It is feared the end of the scheme could see another spike in unemployment, which has been falling slowly since it peaked in May 2020 last year. Back then there were 3,315 people in Tunbridge Wells claiming out of work benefits – the highest levels seen for more than 28 years ago. Recent figures from Office for National Statistics [ONS] show this has now fallen to just 2,590 – the lowest level since March last year, although it could rise much further if businesses decide they cannot afford to pay the 2,900 workers still on furlough.

AND ACROSS THE NATION… The number of employees having to rely on the scheme nationwide has been dropping steadily for the last six months, the government figures show. Across the UK, more than half a million people were removed from the programme in June as more businesses returned to normality following the end of the last lockdown. Official data shows that 1.9 million people on the UK were furloughed by the end of June, a reduction from 2.4 million a month earlier. Despite the reduction in the furlough figures, some businesses are still heavily affected by the pandemic. Data released on Thursday shows that 58% of jobs at UK airlines are still furloughed. Travel agencies and tour operators, photographers and the arts also still have many people on furlough. Young people have been the most likely to be on furlough throughout most of the pandemic, according to the figures, but this changed in June when they moved off the scheme twice as fast as all other age brackets. In total, 600,000 under-25s were either brought back to work or made redundant. Now, staff over 65 have the highest furlough levels of any age group.

SIGINING ON It is feared the end of furlough could see unemployment rise

steak How do you like yours? sTeAk is a new quirky restaurant situated in the charming Chapel Place, just steps away from the thriving Pantiles, where we pride ourselves on bringing you the best mouth-watering steak, cooked to perfection, however you like it. you can expect a warm welcome and exceptional service with a smile. All our steaks come from 30-day dry-aged dexter beef cattle. we are proud to work with southborough Butchers, providing us with flavoursome locally sourced produce. Although we specialise in steak, it is important for us to accommodate our non-meat eaters too so we also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes for you to choose from.

To book your table please go to www.steaktunbridgewells.co.uk or call 01892 552592 we look forward to seeing you.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Each month Thomson Snell & Passmore will be answering frequently asked questions from across the practice. If you have a legal question you would like featured in this monthly Q&A please submit it to info@ts-p.co.uk.

Mask confusion: what should employers do about face masks for employees and customers now? From Monday 19 July, there was no longer a legal requirement for people in England to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces unless medically exempt. Instead, the Government’s latest advice leaves it to individual businesses to implement their own policies on masks, social distancing and check-ins to aid track and trace. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy guidelines for businesses on how to reduce the spread of Covid-19 state that while people will not be legally obliged to wear a face mask, businesses should “encourage and recommend” visitors and staff to do so. The guidelines also state that “the government expects and recommends a gradual return to the workplace over the summer” and employers should “discuss the timing and phasing of a return to the workplace with your workers”. It also removes the rules around social distancing, although it does recommend that employers should provide adequate ventilation, clean workplaces more often and recommend staff and customers use hand sanitiser. With infections on the increase again and 50% of those vaccinated first time awaiting their second jab, the Government or placing responsibility to health and welfare on employers. Covid-19 App “pings” under the track and trace system are causing problems for employers who have to enforce selfisolations to try and stop the spread of new cases. Some employers have had to close teams, departments or their branches. What are the legal ramifications? There is considerable concern from businesses about how to implement and enforce policies on mask wearing going forward. While there is no legal requirement to mandate that employees or clients and consumers wear masks, employers do have a legal requirement to provide a safe working environment for their staff and can impose mask- wearing as a policy. Employers face a choice between controlling work place transmission risks, through social distancing and PPE or homeworking or relying mostly on vaccines and trace and test. It is a difficult to call make. Those employers who have managed to keep infections low with the first measures are less likely to abandon these and resort to the latter, without attracting challenges from worried staff, who might resort to refusing to come to work or leaving their workplace in apprehension or fear of an immediate risk to their health and welfare. As the numbers of 2nd vaccinations climb from 36 million, it is hoped that the tide of rising infections will turn in time for the end of the furlough scheme in September. We understand that there are many issues businesses are grappling with as Government guidance about returning to the workplace is updated. Our annual fixed price employment advice service, covers everything from routine telephone queries to advice on return to advice on developing ‘safe return to work’ policies.

Please get in touch info@ts-p.co.uk to find out more.

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

County Hall asks you what services to cut to plug its £60million Covid black hole By Robert Forrester KENT County Council [KCC] is asking residents what services it should cut and how much to put up Council Tax as it wrestles with a multimillion-pound deficit in its finances due to Covid. County Hall, which is planning its budget for 2022-23 says a shortfall of between £40million and £60million is expected that year. It has already increased Council Tax by the maximum amount [4 per cent] in April last year and is asking taxpayers if they should increase the tax next year as well. The authority was heavily criticised in July last year after its councillors voted through a new members’ allowance scheme during lockdown, which would have county hall Councillors receive a 4.2 per cent rise in their allowances.

KCC later abolished the cut and further reduced allowances following a taxpayer backlash. The authority receives around 70 per cent of the money from Council Tax bills, which it spends on roads, education, social services and other activities.

Reductions KCC says it now wants to hear from residents on how comfortable would they be to see spending reductions on a range of the services it provides. Cllrs also wants to impose a ‘modest rise’ on Council Tax as well as hearing from residents on the most important things County Hall should consider when deciding how to do things differently. KCC Leader, and Sevenoaks Cllr, Roger

Gough said: “We want to be open and honest about the possibility of needing to make spending reductions if we do not get the financial support we need. “We may have to make some difficult decisions, so it is very important that as many people as possible take part in this consultation to let us know what is important to them. “Later in the year we will start to develop our new 5-Year Plan for the county to set out the longer-term outcomes we want to achieve for Kent and the responses from this consultation will help feed into that. “We will also talk to Kent’s residents, businesses and communities about what is important to them and what they want from their county council.” The consultation launched last week and runs until September 19. To take part, visit www.kent.gov.uk/budget

‘IMPACT OF COVID COULD PRESENT KCC WITH ITS TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FOR YEARS’ DEPUTY Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance Peter Oakford, who is also a Tunbridge Wells Cllr, said the impact of Covid presented County Hall with its toughest challenge for years. He said: “We had been anticipating changes to the way the government funds local authorities, which might have benefited Kent, but those changes have been further delayed. “The money we spend on services has to be met from a combination of council tax, a proportion of business rates and government grants, plus income from people and businesses who use some of our chargeable services. “The Covid pandemic has resulted in higher spending, combined with a negative impact on council tax receipts, which make up 46% of our annual income. COST CUTTING County Hall in Maidstone has a £60million black hole

“The government has compensated local authorities to a large extent to help them cope with the financial impact of the pandemic and KCC still has some of that funding in reserve, but we cannot tell at the moment if that will be enough to meet Covid-related costs as the effects of the pandemic continue.

Review “We also do not yet know what funding we will receive from government in our annual settlement because that will come with the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review later this year. “Our planning so far has shown the most likely outcome could be a shortfall of between £40million & £60million between our forecast

spending to maintain existing services and the forecast income, but it is too early to assume this until we have more information from government. “Since 2010, we achieved savings in excess of £777million as we responded to cuts in government funding coupled with an increased demand for services. But the impact of Covid on the economy could present KCC with its toughest financial challenge for many years. “With strong support for doing things differently and more efficiently, we are already exploring how we might share spaces with our partners and deliver services in conjunction with local communities across Kent.” He added: “We now want to explore some of these options further and understand what considerations are the most important to our residents.”

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

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FIELD OF DREAMS How the community centre will look and [left] the Friends of Memorial Field

Protestors hit with another knock back in their bid to stop community centre By Richard Williams A GROUP of campaigners who have spent the last three years fighting their Town Council over a community centre project has failed in their latest attempt to block the plans after asking the Borough Council to intervene. The Friends of Memorial Field claim the £3million community centre earmarked for the field in Paddock Wood will deprive the area of green space and have been battling Paddock Wood Town Council [PWTC] over the location of the facility since 2018. The Town Council have said the town, which is set to nearly double in size over the next 15 years after being earmarked for thousands of homes in the Borough’s local plan, was ‘desperate’ for the centre and that it can’t be placed elsewhere. Over the last three years the campaigners have

raised petitions, held and won a ‘non-binding’ local referendum, and applied to Kent County Council to designate the field a Village Green, a request that the authority refused.

‘We don’t want to deprive the town from having a community centre -but we haven’t had one for 40 years’ Last week, the campaigners presented a petition of 517 signatures to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s [TWBC] Overview and Scrutiny Committee, asking the authority to ‘lobby’ PWTC to change its mind. Jeremy Thompson, who runs the group, told the Times: “We wanted an audience that will

listen to us more than Paddock Wood Town Council has. “We held a parish poll that we know was not legally binding, but the council just ignored it and took no notice anyway, so we decided to air this with the Borough Council.” He continued: “We are trying to highlight that this is not about building a community centre, we welcome a new community centre, but just not on Memorial Field. This is about saving local green space. “We don’t want to deprive the town from having a community centre—but we haven’t had one for 40 years.” Their plea to the Borough Council was rejected, with the authority saying they had no power to act before sending the petition ‘without prejudice’ to PWTC. Mr Thomson said: “On the grand scale of

things we are slightly disappointed, but it has raised the profile of the issue on the committee and some of the members there were quite shocked about what was going on. “We are not giving up. The next stage will be the planning application.” Cllr Meryl Flashman, leader of PWTC, told the Times that the community centre would only be built on the edge of the field, leaving 89 per cent of the site untouched, and there was no where else it can be built.

Dependent “If it is not built on Memorial Field, we have no other plans,” she said, adding that around a third of the £3million cost is coming from developers in the town and is dependent on it being built on Memorial Field. “We are desperate for these facilities in Paddock Wood now, as well as in the future.”. The scheme is due to go before the Borough’s planning committee in August, and if it is approved, construction is set to begin in the autumn with a completion date in spring next year.

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Repair café is back in business AN INITIATIVE that sees people get expert help to fix objects instead of throwing them away, is set to return to Tunbridge Wells. The Repair Café at Trinity Theatre started in March 2020, just before the Government ordered the first national lockdown.

Donation

GALLERY DUO Guy Portelli [left] and Richard Collins at the Old Fire Station

The initiative saw experts fix everyday objects such as electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles and clothes clothing for repair in exchange for a small donation. The Tunbridge Wells Repair Café had over 100 visitors, with its team of experts repairing more than 64 different items. Organiser, Chris Murphy said: “The Repair Café

is aimed at reducing waste and reigniting the do it yourself spirit from years ago. “Customers bring their item along and the team of repairers work with the person to, if possible, repair the item. “There is no charge for the service, but people are welcome to offer a donation to help cover costs.” He added that notable stories from the first repair café were a music box that had belonged to woman’s late mother which had stopped working was able to be repaired, as well as a 94-year-old much loved teddy bear that had its arms and face fixed. The Repair Café takes place once a month at Trinity Theatre, beginning on Saturday September 18, from 10am to 1pm.

Dragon’s Den winner hopes new gallery will set art world alight By Richard Williams A SCULPTOR and former winner of TV show Dragon’s Den has opened a new art gallery at a former fire station in Tonbridge. Guy Portelli raised £80,000 from three investors on the hit BBC show when he appeared on it in 2008. The Tonbridge artist, who is originally from South Africa, has now teamed up with Richard Collins, the new owner of the Old Fire Station in Tonbridge. The pair have turned the station into a coffee shop and gallery to create the Escape Art Centre. The centre plans to bring international artists to the area - it will be socially interactive embracing all art forms including painting, TW_FINAL.pdf 1 15/06/2021 11:53 sculpture, live music, theatre, fashion and

photography, as well as operating as an educational facility and asset for local schools and colleges. Richard said: “I’ve owned the building for five or six years and I could have turned it into a restaurant or a bar, but I thought Tonbridge needed a new cultural hub.

Culture “Tonbridge has always been the poorer sibling of Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks – we’re really hoping to change the culture of the town.” Guy added: “We’re trying to take away that preconception that everything outside of London is rubbish. “We want to put Tonbridge on the map with Paris, Tokyo and New York.”

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MR FIX IT: One of the Repair Café specialists working on furnishings at Trinity Theatre last year

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MP takes short hop to growing Paddock Wood brewing business By Robert Forrester TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark officially opened a new warehouse belonging to a company that provides hop extracts to the brewing industry. The MP who is also chair of the Science and Technology Committee at Westminster, was at Totally Natural Solutions’ [TNS] new warehouse in Paddock Wood. TNS said the business is making a ‘strategic investment’ to support exponential growth of its patented natural hop extract to incorporate an increase in headcount to 30 as well as securing additional premises to further expand. The company provides its innovative hop oil and natural bittering extracts to the brewing industry for replacement of dry hopping.

including taking its turnover to £25million over the next three years and the firm is investing heavily to realise this opportunity. He said: “The new warehouse is the first of many major developments in our ongoing expansion plans for TNS. Some of the team have already moved over to the warehouse as we have

Supplier The first phase of the investment has seen completion of the new warehouse and installation of an automated blend and pack facility to comply with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. At 6,500 square feet, the Paddock Wood warehouse allows for 500 pallet spaces supported by investments in stock control systems. This improvement allows TNS to respond with short lead times to its increasing export sales, in markets such as the USA and Asia. The company was set-up in in 2013 by Colin Wilson, who had previously been operations director with Barth Haas, the world’s largest supplier of hop products and services. Wilson has ambitious growth plans for TNS,

A CUT ABOVE Greg Clark with the TNS team in Paddock Wood

outgrown our current space.” He continued: “Our customer base and technical reputation is growing internationally, and we are working to enhance new and existing relationships with brewers of all sizes across the world. “Innovation and sustainability are core to all that we do at TNS. We are here to support

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brewers and the wider industry in the process of using extracts to reduce water use, beer loss and energy consumption.” Mr Clark spent time with the TNS team on site, learning more about the Company’s growth and expansion plans and shared his thoughts. He said: “It’s fantastic to see this new facility and to hear from the team behind an astonishing breakthrough in the traditions of hop growing and marketing in Kent. “The possibilities of hop oil being used by craft brewers and major brewers is almost infinite and it’s tremendously exciting to know that such a creative and scientifically innovative company is based in my constituency.”

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

New way forward to help NHS nurses understand dementia By Daisy Rich-Overall VOLUNTEERS at the NHS Trust which provides services for Tunbridge Wells Hospital have undertaken a simulation to help them better understand what people with dementia experience in day-to-day life. The training was taken up by Maidstone Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s (MTW) ‘Dementia Champions’ – volunteers who encourage others in the community to make a difference to those who have the condition – and it has proven to be the closest recreation of what living with dementia might be like. By using specially developed equipment, structured tasks and followed by a debrief, participants are able to demonstrate classic dementia behaviours and walk in the shoes of people with dementia.

DEMENTIA SINGING GROUP INVITES NEW MEMBERS

PATIENCE Dementia affects more than 850,000 people in the UK

A SINGING group for people with dementia has invited people who live with the condition across Kent to join their virtual gatherings. ‘Singing for the brain’ offers people the opportunity to sing familiar and new songs, with fun vocal warm-ups. Dementia is the breakdown of memory and thinking skills, usually found in people over 60. The group is available either over the internet using Zoom or over the phone called Ring and Sing. Singing as a group has been proven to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life and mood, which may have affected people with dementia during the lockdown. The group is run by Alzheimer’s Society and could provide help to the more than 23,900 people living in Kent with dementia. People can get involved by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/singingforthebrain

Training The training was provided by Training 2 Care and means that three members of staff at MTW will now be able to deliver the dementia simulation training across the Trust. The simulation includes wearing headphones that make it harder to understand what is being said, glasses that make vision less clear and gloves that make the wearers’ fingers clumsy. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, with more than 850,000 people in the UK currently living with the disease. It is important that hospital staff are trained to provide care in a way that reduces the anxiety

and distress that can be experienced by people with the condition in an unfamiliar environment. Rudi Sison, Dementia Nurse Facilitator, said: “The simulation training provided our dementia champions with the experience of what living with dementia might be like and gave them an understanding of why patients with dementia

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might behave or respond in a certain way. “It helped staff understand what they can do to help dementia patients admitted to our hospitals to maintain their independence by adapting behaviours and ways of communicating and reduce the stress a hospital visit can cause.” Vicky Feria, Junior Sister at MTW who recently

undertook the training course added: “It was a humbling experience, and I found the training really helped me understand dementia behaviour. “I am now really aware of the small things we can all do to help improve the care we provide to our patients suffering with dementia to reduce their fear and anxiety.”

Summer fun is made easier for youngsters through partnership By Millie Sanderson LOCAL organisations have united with Kent County Council (KCC) to offer free bus travel and discounted activities to children and young people. The community-led initiative, dubbed ‘Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People’, was launched by the council in March this year and is designed to support young people’s interests that were put on hold due to the pandemic. It also aims to help children and young people catch up on any missed learning and to start the new school year in September with confidence.

Support The council has committed £10million to the programme as the Times reported on July 9. Now, bus operators and leisure centres have become the latest in a long line of businesses, organisations, and facilities to offer their support to the Reconnect programme. Children in school years 6-13 are being offered free bus passes to use on Stagecoach and Arriva buses. A number of Kent leisure centres are also offering children and young people a six-week pass for £25, or £10 if they are in receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals. Parents or carers can buy the pass for their child or children direct from the

leisure centre they wish to use this summer. Leisure centres participating in the offer include Tunbridge Wells sports centre. As part of the initiative, workshops are being run on mental health, climate change and well-being. Sue Chandler, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said: “I would really like to thank the Kent community for stepping up and uniting under the Reconnect banner to support our children and young people throughout the summer and beyond.

‘Our summer learning offer is not about pupils spending their summer in front of a screen studying’ “I am very pleased that we have been able to work closely with our existing partners, as well as many organisations we have not collaborated with previously, to provide some fantastic offers for children and young people during the school holidays. “The leisure centres and bus companies have really shown their support for Reconnect this summer, ensuring children and young people will be able to travel to activities for free and make use of the different sports and leisure activities at a discounted price, so I would like to offer a special thanks to them.

“We know from speaking to children and young people that getting out and about, trying new things and socialising with friends are some of the things they are most looking forward to doing after the pandemic.

Head Start “We are pleased that by coming together with other members of the Kent community we will be able to help them achieve this.” Shellina Prendergast, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We’ve teamed up with education providers, some of whom are Kentbased, to offer some fun and interesting ways for children and young people to catch up on learning missed or get a head start ready for their return to school in September. “Our summer learning offer is not about KCC saying pupils should spend their whole summer holiday in front of a screen studying. “Reconnect is a programme of choice and our summer learning offer gives children and young people the freedom to choose to spend time brushing up on subjects they might be feeling less confident about or getting a head start on their return to school, and in ways that are both enjoyable and accessible.” For more information on the initiative visit, www.kent.gov.uk/reconnect

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

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Booknic encourages school children to get lost in reading By Lottie Bulmer YOUNG bookworms in Tunbridge Wells have got involved with a reading picnic organised to encourage children to pick up books outside of the classroom. Dubbed the ‘booknic’, the event, which took place last month, was attended by 275 children from St Barnabas CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School and Broadwater Down Primary School. Each child brought along a book of their choice and enjoyed interactive storytelling sessions plus a quiz. The event was organised by Royal Victoria Place in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. It was part of the Young Readers Programme sponsored by RVP’s owner British Land which was launched to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

“It’s a brilliant initiative which we look forward to every year and it’s great to see the children celebrating at our booknic event” British Land will celebrate their 11th year in partnership with the National Literacy Trust in September. Since the programme launched British Land have supported more than 750 schoolchildren and seen more than 2,350 books donated. Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at Royal Victoria Place, said: “Supporting our community is so important to us and the Young Readers Programme plays a massive part in that. “It’s a brilliant initiative which we look forward to every year and it’s great to see the children celebrating at our booknic event.

“Thanks also needs to go to the National Literacy Trust for their hard work on this event and over the years. They’ve helped us to ensure that the additional support and books go to those who need them most.” Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Encouraging children to develop a love of reading from a young age can have a tangible impact on their

“Encouraging children to develop a love of reading from a young age can have a tangible impact on their literacy skills, mental wellbeing and futures”

literacy skills, mental wellbeing and futures. “Yet hundreds of thousands of children across the UK are missing out on these benefits simply because they don’t have a book of their own to read at home. “The Young Readers Programme, with support from British Land, tackles this and we’d like to thank them for all their support over the years.”

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Teenager in court charged with murder of his 15-yearold sister at holiday park How to get the most out of your I.T. Many businesses are shifting towards a hosted desktop setup for their infrastructure, which takes the stress out of the IT side of things for a company. To make the most out of hosted desktop solutions, companies need to ensure that the services are built around their needs. Here are some tips that can help you get the most out of your hosted desktop. Maintain a clear budget Using a hosted desktop can be incredibly cost-effective, as it provides all of the IT infrastructures that a business requires in one single monthly bill. To fully capitalise on hosted desktop solutions, establishing a clear budget is essential. Think about how many employees will be using the hosted desktop at any given time, as well as the amount of storage they will require. Other things to factor into your budget include: • The need for additional security, such as 2-factor authentication • Implementing bespoke business features • Any new hardware investments • There are other considerations too, but this should give you an idea of the things to include in your budget. Understand the infrastructure Hosted desktop services are often provided as a bespoke service that can be tailored to your needs. However, understanding your infrastructure requirements can sometimes be easier said than done. We advise speaking with a specialist, such as a member of our team at Host My Office, who can guide you through the

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infrastructure required for your business. They can help you identify the key software you use and guide you towards the right hosted desktop solution. Consider a managed migration Depending on the type of business that you operate, you may need to consider incorporating older, legacy systems into your hosted desktop service. This is why these types of solutions tend to be bespoke, as many companies rely on older, out-of-use programs and applications to function. Managed migration can take a lot of the stress out of this transition, as specialists will be able to guide it more effectively. This can negate any risks of services being inactive for periods of time, which could jeopardise workflow and ultimately cost the business quite a lot of money. If you would like to know more about making a hosted desktop work better for you, get in touch with our team at Host My Office today.

A 19-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his younger sister at a holiday park in North Wales. Officers were called to a report of a ‘domestic disturbance’ at Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele, on Saturday afternoon in which a 15-year-old girl had died. Matthew Selby, from the Greater Manchester area, was charged with murder on Monday and appeared before magistrates yesterday [Tuesday]. Selby, of Windermere Crescent, Ashton-underLyne, Greater Manchester, is accused of murdering Amanda Selby on July 31 at a caravan in the park. He appeared before District judge Gwyn Jones at Llandudno court who remanded him in

custody until today [Wednesday] where he will appear at Mold Crown Court. Selby, wearing a grey sweatshirt and standing between two guards in the glass-fronted dock, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth and to confirm that he understood the charge.

Shocked Prosecutor James Neary asked for the case to be sent to the crown court and said there was no entitlement to bail. A spokesman for Ty Mawr holiday park, which is part of the Parkdean Resorts brand, said at the weekend it was ‘shocked and saddened’ by the incident which it described as ‘isolated and unprecedented’. APPEAL Chancellor Rishi Sunak wants workers to return to the office

Just one in four government employees back in the office AROUND 25 per cent of staff in a Government department are currently in the office on any one day, a minister has said, just a day after the Chancellor of the Exchequer appealed for workers to get back to work. Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, admitted the statistic on Tuesday morning after being asked how many civil servants have returned to the office. The minister estimated that in the Department for Education the figure is around 20-25 per cent on any one day. Her revelation comes after the Chancellor Rishi Sunak told LinkedIn News on Monday that it was ‘really beneficial’ working in an office environment early in his career. He said he made ‘strong relationships’ at the office and still talks to his early mentors, and doubted if he would have been able to do so if working remotely when starting work. And he encouraged employers to get their workforce,

particularly younger employees, back behind their desks. He said: “That’s why I think, for young people in particular, being able to physically be in an office is valuable.” The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home, and is instead saying that it will leave the decision over returning to the workplace to businesses.

Decisions But Government advice also says it ‘expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer’. Ms Keegan told Times Radio on Tuesday: “I have been in the office four days a week since June last year, as have many of us you know, because obviously we have had to navigate these very difficult decisions during the pandemic. “And many of the civil servants are also back now, more and more are coming back, and quite frankly they are

all excited to come back.” She added: “We have been there all the time as have many civil servants who support us. “Of course, the Government’s advice was to work from home and we have only recently changed that advice to say it is safe to go back to the office.” She said the Government has said “use the summer to sort of reintroduce people coming back”. Asked how many civil servants are back in the office, she said: “In the DfE, I would say probably 20-25 per cent at the moment on any one day, obviously different people are coming in different days.” She added: “I think we have led by example, and I think more and more people will, but we have said ‘use the summer to get people coming back, get people comfortable with coming back’, and you know not everybody will be back all the time, flexible working will be part of our future and we are not telling businesses what to do.”

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Sausage rolls back on the menu as Greggs plans 100 new stores GREGGS has said it plans to open around 100 new stores by the end of the year after it announced a rebound in sales that have helped return it to profit. The bakery chain told investors that its recovery in trade in recent months was ‘stronger than we had anticipated’ as it saw growth in suburban areas and local high streets. The business said it has an opportunity to grow to 3,000 stores as it struck an ambitious tone after withstanding the impact of the pandemic. The group has also targeted growth areas such as delivery and drive-thru sales after the pandemic weighed on some core trade such as its travel sites. Greggs said its like-for-like sales for the four weeks to the end of July were 0.4 per cent above the levels it saw in the same period in 2019, before the pandemic struck. The Newcastle-based business said it now expects full-year profits to be ‘slightly ahead’ of previous predictions as a result. New openings have also helped to buoy its total sales over the half-year to June to £546.2million, to just short of the £546.3million it posted in the same period in 2019.

The group saw like-for-like sales drop 9.2 per cent against 2019 after the impact of the third national lockdown but it was lifted by the opening of 48 new sites. Greggs had 2,115 locations at the start of July and said it is targeting 100 net openings for the current year to continue its strong growth plans. It said this is expected to create around 500 new jobs in the second half of the year.

Expansion However, the business highlighted even more ambitious growth plans as it said it ‘has the opportunity to expand its UK estate to at least 3,000 shops’. Roger Whiteside, the chief executive of Greggs who turned vegan in 2019, said he saw more growth potential through product innovation, such as its vegan sausage rolls. “Greggs once again showed its resilience in a challenging first half, emerging from the lockdown months in a strong position and rebuilding sales as social restrictions were progressively relaxed,” he said, adding the company expects its full-year profit to be slightly ahead of Greggs’ own expectations.

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Belarus activist Drug deaths hit Student killed found dead in a 25-year high after botched ‘fake hanging’ across England drive-by killing A BELARUSIAN activist who ran a group helping his countrymen flee persecution has been found dead in Kiev. Vitaly Shishov, leader of the Kyiv-based Belarusian House in Ukraine, was found hanged in one of the city’s parks not far from his home, police said in a statement. A murder investigation has been launched, with a focus on the death apparently being made to look like suicide, the statement read. Authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko has vowed to continue what he called a ‘mopping-up operation’ against civil society activists, whom he denounced as ‘bandits’.

DEATHS from drugs have risen for the eighth year in a row and remain at their highest level in more than a quarter of a century, figures show. There were 4,561 deaths related to drug poisoning registered in England and Wales in 2020, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This is the highest number since records began in 1993, and up 3.8% from the previous year. Separate figures released last week showed that there were 1,339 drug related deaths registered in Scotland last year, the worst drug death rate in Europe.

SEVEN men have been found guilty of murdering a law student who was mistakenly gunned down in a botched drive-by shooting. Tyre firm boss Feroz Suleman, 40, arranged the execution of a rival businessman in broad daylight but the gunman he hired instead shot dead innocent passer-by Aya Hachem. On Tuesday, a jury at Preston Crown Court took less than four hours to find Suleman, from Blackburn, guilty of murder. Six accomplices were also convicted of killing the businessman. All will be sentenced at a later date.

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

EDUCATION Times

“We have been deeply humbled by our students’ resilience...” The various lockdowns have had enormous implications for our children, of all ages. So how did they cope when they returned to their classrooms? Spokespeople for two of our leading local schools reveal their experience Assistant Head (Student Welfare) Rebecca Hurton, Claremont Senior School, Bodiam The news has been awash with negative terminology describing the impact of the pandemic on teenagers, often referring to them as the ‘lost generation’, and we have seen many of our own students struggle with the isolation of lockdown, particularly during the second wave. Overwhelmingly, we have been deeply humbled by our students’ resilience, with many reporting their anxiety levels alleviated by simply returning to school, but we have also invested in a bespoke pastoral support programme to include ongoing assessments and questionnaires that flag any hidden

vulnerabilities some students may continue to have. That way we are able

to explore and apply strategies that promote positive mental health and wellbeing, as well as keep students on track educationally. We are also lucky to have considerable flexibility in the length of our school day to be able to offer additional support to those students in need, to include weekend workshops and theatre rehearsals to ensure performances match the professional standards we have all come to expect as the norm from our creative departments. As a community, the pandemic has given us cause to reflect on our school values, and the importance of maintaining our culture of Kindness and Inclusion. Our students have been instrumental in driving this culture, and

so we will continue to nurture a safe learning environment where they always feel heard and able to admit when not everything is ok. The students have also taken the lead in establishing an Equality and Diversity commission, completing an initial audit and making recommendations so we can seek to get better at ensuring all the values of the modern world also guide our actions. For Mental Health week earlier in the year, our Heads of School led a series of activities to help keep us

all together from afar. These included group yoga sessions, a family quiz to raise money for Combat Stress and a challenge for the whole school community to collectively travel 40765 km, the distance covered by the famous Phileas Fogg. For some it will be a longer road back to normality, but if we keep talking and remain kind to each other and ourselves, we are more likely to get there together.

Deputy Headmistress, Sharon Wade, Hilden Oaks Preparatory School & Nursery, Tonbridge The vast majority of the Hilden Oaks pupils had a good lockdown, with access to their personal school iPad and a healthy mix of live and recorded lessons - many even thrived without distractions! Assessments told us that the pupils’ learning was in good shape, however, what had been missed most by the children during lockdown, were their friends. Once back at school, the journey of learning together began again. We started to notice that moments of stillness became very important in a busy class environment, which was when our mindfulness curriculum came into its own, providing space for calm reflection in the day. PSHCEE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education) lessons were devoted to building friendships and positive working relationships with each other. Our Year 5 pupils became Anti-Bullying Ambassadors with the Diana Awards and new playground equipment was purchased by our active Friends

Association. This all contributed to a lively yet relaxed atmosphere on the playground, where everyone could have fun whilst re-establishing their friendships. With lockdown lifting further, school trips were booked and the joy on the Year 6 children’s faces, as they climbed into the bus departing for their week-long residential trip to Skern Lodge in Devon, confirmed how much of a morale boost it was to be able to go away together. Other day trips for the rest of the school followed; to wildlife centres, castles and museums, and the thrill of adventuring together once again brought laughter to the halls and corridors in school. So, what has lockdown taught us? That we can adapt when faced with challenges; our relationships are as vital as our learning, and that our School Values such as resilience, perseverance, courage and kindness are not meaningless words on the wall, as you walk through our red door, but the vibrant heartbeat of Hilden Oaks.

www.claremontschool.co.uk

www.hildenoaks.co.uk

GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES

If you have an individual problem which you think I can help with or you would like to have a chat about a more general issue, please do get in touch. I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call:

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Weekly Comment

Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday August 4 | 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.

We need to seize people’s enthusiasm for sport and invest in facilities HOW wonderful to have a summer of sport again. Last year’s curtailed calendar has made this summer’s parade of events even more enjoyable. The heroics of team GB at the Olympics are just the latest pleasures, following the thrilling four weeks of the Euros when England came tantalisingly close to triumph, Wimbledon fortnight and then The Open here in Kent. Test cricket begins today [Wednesday, August 4] and we even have a summer of rugby with the Lions in South Africa. The Premier League starts next week and having renewed my season ticket I am looking forward to another year of ups – and I must admit sometimes downs – of watching Crystal Palace at Selhurst. There a real sense of excitement at local sport coming back with a vengeance. All over my constituency, village cricket teams are enjoying being back on some of the most beautiful greens anywhere. Our local football teams – Tunbridge Wells FC and Rusthall FC – have begun their campaigns already, both this season in the Southern Counties Premier League, with some crunch local derbies to look forward to. Tunbridge Wells RFC begins the new season in just a fortnight. And the Paddock Wood Half Marathon – in aid of the Kent Air Ambulance – is back on September 5. And it’s not all about competition. Three cheers for the return of Parkrun – back on every

Saturday at 9am where runners of all abilities and none are welcomed for a 5km circuit of Dunorlan Park – Tunbridge Wells’ best way to start the weekend. Covid has made us appreciate what we have. The chance to watch or participate in sport reflects the dedication of a legion of community volunteers from coaches to stewards, to the hours spent in front of the computers and on phones organising fixtures and fundraising and keeping clubs running. I’m so grateful to all of the volunteers, who have, over the years, helped my children and countless others enjoy sports in their clubs.

Enthusiast I have been talking to Tom Dawlings, the new Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, about taking this opportunity to boost our sports clubs. He’s a sporting enthusiast and, like me, knows the tremendous commitment and capability of our local clubs. For those clubs who use facilities owned by the Borough Council, I think we should allow them much greater involvement in the running of their grounds – where they want to take it up. Our clubs benefit from people who, in their day jobs, have some of the best and most relevant skills in the country, and we can bring them in more.

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I also think we should make a post-Covid commitment to increase the availability of sporting facilities. Our population is growing healthier and the council should strengthen policies to support it. In my submission to the Borough Council’s consultation on the new local plan consultation, I have proposed that it should be a firm rule that no playing field should be lost – in whole or part – without an equal or better facility being provided in its place. It should also be a requirement that upgraded facilities at existing venues should be provided

as part of any significant new development. For example, all-weather pitches are increasingly in demand to allow sporting events to take place throughout our wet winters. Eighteen months of Covid has stopped much of our sporting life for the longest time since the last war. Now we are released from lockdown, sport is enjoying a re-birth. Participation and spectators alike are relishing competition, and appreciating what we have missed. Let’s seize this enthusiasm and make enhancing our sporting facilities one of the commitments to a better future that we now make.

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

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

Mark Ellis - Lib Dem councillor - makes political capital out of the difficulties with waste collection [Comment, July 28] while we, out here, just want him and his ilk to get on with it and solve the mess: is there no aspect of running (ruining) a modestly-sized town that cannot be politicised? Ordinary people are just fed up with it. So why is the service in difficulties? The Lib Dems claimed a victory when it included glass and plastic to doorstep collections - this spread the resource and increased the load.

The Council decided to burnish its green credentials by adding garden waste too, so the resource was spread ever thinner. Now, like many customer-facing services, with self-isolation from Covid and Europeans returning home, there is a shortage of labour. Politicians see only an opportunity to grandstand, both locally and at Westminster, the rest of us just want a town run properly. Ralph Steerpike, Tunbridge Wells

Tesco rebrand is profiteering Further to ‘Supermarket rebrand’ (Letters, 28

Dirty water business is a problem Southern Water was a public utility whose origins lie in funding by the Public Works Loan Board [PWLB]; this had evolved to fund such ventures as clean water and sewage collection and treatment. Today the PWLB funds vanity projects like the putative new civic centre and theatre. The water industry was privatised when it was clear that it could not afford the considerable capital investment that was needed to bring it up to date and cope with future demands; to sweeten the pill, the government wrote off the industry’s considerable debts. Today, Southern Water is owned by venture capitalists: need I go on? On a turnover in 2019/20 of over £800million it made an operating profit of over £210million. It paid out £64million in dividends. Their history is littered with quality breaches and fines. There is a considerable argument for this industry to be brought back into public ownership; I speak as someone who believes that governments should own and run nothing - they are notoriously bad at it. Not only should Edward Baker (Letters July 21) avoid bathing and oysters, any local seafood seems fraught too - and the company can add the destruction of local fishing to their dirty escutcheon too. John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

PR is a potential PR disaster Richard Lancaster [July 21 letters] argues for Proportional Representation [PR] as an alternative to first-past-the-post general

elections but, despite his cogent argument, has he thought it through? PR would generate a proliferation of new parties which would diffuse the vote further; how do you form a government from six or eight parties – has he never watched ‘Borgen’ (Netflix) and the horse-trading that goes on? He cites the 40 countries that have PR, does he know how many political parties there are in each? Germany has 13 of which 8 have elected members; Italy has 9 parties with elected members and has had 69 governments since the end of WWII. There’s enough voter weariness without asking them to vote every 12 months. When it comes to political parties I think a little bit of Henry Ford is needed: not ‘any colour as long as it’s black’, but black, white, grey, a little bit (not too much) of orange, seems more than enough. Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells

Why no Town Hall fund? Recent articles and letters about the state of the Town Hall’s fabric makes me wonder why the time-honoured system of a sinking fund was not established to cover regular maintenance and refurbishment. Did succeeding councils and administrations think it would take care of itself? James Sommerville Tunbridge Wells

Cinema site’s woes In reading Councillor Dariel Francis’ comments [Letters, July 21] regarding the Cinema site, this

July) here are some percentage increases. Baguette 50p to 60p (20%) Krispies 55p to 80p (45%) Three ready meals were £6.00 for three, £2.00 each. Now, they are two for £5.00, £2.50 each, a 25% increase. Customer service said this is due to the store now being ‘Express prices’ whilst ignoring questions on the percentage increases. Asking in store, nobody has received a salary increase of any percentage. This is nothing more than blatant profiteering at the expense of this pensioner. Nigel Peacock Tunbridge Wells

Let’s follow Weston’s example Does this sound familiar? A stalled development on a city centre site in a genteel tourist destination, with plans for 100 homes, restaurants and a cinema, but one big disadvantage - in this case an electricity substation costing £3million to remove. And what’s the local Council’s solution? To acquire the site itself and build some affordable housing on it. In June 2021 ‘Members welcomed the proposal for the purchase of brownfield sites in the town and the benefit of having control over the delivery of new homes to meet local need, with a focus on quality and affordable housing provision’. It’s Weston super Mare, clearly a million miles from Tunbridge Wells in philosophy; but where the Council is under ‘no overall control’, and the Conservatives are outnumbered by independents, Lib Dems, Labour and the Greens. And the other difference? The Council only waited three years before arriving at this rather obvious solution - not twenty. Come on Tunbridge Wells’ electors, haven’t we had enough of this mess yet? Mrs Dariel Francis High Brooms

PEPPY SAYS...

CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

Lib Dem is grandstanding

hoary-old subject caused our ‘hackles’ once again to rise. Why has our Council been so lax in letting this situation fester for so long? Why cannot we put the ‘skids’ under Elysian and encourage some progress? Passing by this boarded-up site over the past twenty years or so we have a constant reminder of how the centre of our Town has nursed a ‘Grot Spot’ for nigh-on a quarter of a century. It is about time some firm action is taken. On one occasion in the past I seem to remember our then Council imposed a high ‘rate charge’ on the ‘would-be’ developer at the time in the hope that it would prompt them into action. Is this ‘encouragement’ still in force with Elysian and if not what stops them from sitting on this ‘asset’ for a further 20 years? They need to be provoked into action, a ‘cash penalty’ might be the inducement they need. Leaving aside ‘the sums that don’t add-up’ something must be done urgently to this focal site. Perhaps we could construct a temporary pleasant green space from which the Town would benefit more than luxury flats and retail-outlets. We would need a ‘term of tenure’ to make the idea feasible, ideally Elysian would finance it...... Why should Tunbridge Wells suffer whilst they, Elysian, pour their efforts and investment into Berkhamstead and other developments, leaving us to appear, again, as the ‘Berks’? D. Lock and J. Bolitho Tunbridge Wells. Editor’s note: Elysian Residencies are no longer connected with the cinema site having pulled out of the development in September last year. It is owned by Prime Finance who are looking for another developer.

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Homes & Interiors

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Interiors

And so to bed....

How to ensure your slumber space feels and also looks cool this summer Page 22

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6/7 Bedrooms Detached Period Property, Rusthall Road, Rusthall Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8RD Guide Price 1,000,000 – 1.1000.000 This substantial double fronted detached family home sits in an enviable position on the edge of the Common, in the popular village of Rusthall, just a 1.5 mile walk from Tunbridge Wells mainline station and with countryside walks on the doorstep. Substantial Family Home - 3510 sq ft, Double Fronted Detached Period Property, 6/7 Bedrooms, Principal Bedroom with En-Suite, 2 Further Bathrooms, Balcony, Large Kitchen/Dining Room, Sitting Room & Drawing Room, Family Room/Bedroom 7, Courtyard Style Garden.

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Homes & Interiors

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

COOL OFF The White Company’s refreshing collection

ways to do stylish summer bedrooms Sam Wylie-Harris rounds up the freshest bedlinen, accessories and decos for sweet summer dreams.

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Homes & Interiors

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

omehow, getting a good night’s sleep come summertime takes on a whole new meaning. Between the heat, excitement and longer daylight hours, the best summery bedrooms need to beckon you with a sense of wellbeing, comfort and – above all else – sweet dreams. This is especially the case if you’re not jetting off to far-flung locations, with the promise of slipping between freshly laundered sheets and turndown service at the end of an oh-so tiring day. Channelling those holiday highlights at home will have to do. And come those hot August nights, when you’re tossing and turning and longing for an ocean breeze (or air-conditioning), there is comfort to be found with lighter, breathable bedlinen, natural fabrics, and a few little details to remind us of a stylish hotel suite, or villa escape with a splash in the pool first thing, to help you cool off, chill and sleep in style.

ECO WARRIOR Cool the planet and yourself

HERE’S WHAT’S ON OUR BEDROOM BLISS LIST THIS SUMMER… 1. Kara Hemp Collection: Duvet Cover, double from £120; Oxford Pillowcase, from £40; Flat Sheet, double from £100 (other items from a selection), The White Company While some of us can only 4 dream of billowing white muslin and sleeping under the stars, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a heavenly night’s slumber in the comfort of natural hemp bedlinen. Eco, luxuriously soft and breathable, this blend of 52% linen and 48% hemp with a vintage inspired ruffle border combines a modern, boho-chic look with five-star luxury. 2. Black Tea And Sandalwood 3 Wick Candle, £14, Next Even with the windows ajar, there’s nothing lovelier than the soothing, calming woody scent of sandalwood topped with fragrant lavender for feel-good vibes. 3. John Lewis & Partners Washed Cotton Bedspread, £80; Washed Cotton Cushion, Plaster, £30; The Ultimate Collection Silk Standard Pillowcase Caravelle Light Grey, £45; Anyday John Lewis & Partners Velvet Cushion – Olive, £20 (other items from a selection), John Lewis When the temperature soars and you’re ready to ditch the duvet, nothing beats the comfort of good old-fashioned sheets and blankets. Lightweight and soft, think about layering large cotton bedspreads with oversized flat sheets draping to the floor, set against a rattan bed frame for a chilled Mediterranean vibe.

1 wilt, a glass vase of something faux and fabulous looks light, bright and creates a fresh feel. 7. Violet White 100% Linen Bed Linen Collection: Duvet Cover, currently from £130.50 for a single to £202.50 for emperor (was £145-£225); Standard Oxford Pillowcase, from £28.80 (was £32), Secret Linen Store With vintage inspired flair and flirty accents, this laundered-soft bedlinen will feel even more comfy and welcoming with every wash. Dress the bed with pretty embroidered pillow covers aplenty for that romantic French château style, and keep the curtains drawn during a heatwave. 8. Mother of Pearl Organic Silk Eye Masks, £30 each, John Lewis If the summer sun’s flooding your room before it’s time to rise and shine, a sumptuous silk eye mask will ensure you get your beauty sleep.

9. Mother of Pearl Check Linen & Organic Cotton Double Duvet Cover Set – Tan, from 10 £125-£145, John Lewis If you love to mix patchwork quilts and patterns, this reversible bedding, made from a 50/50 blend of cotton and linen, will absorb moisture on those hot, balmy nights, and each set comes with two side fastening standard pillowcases. A decorative detail to work around with fringed throws and windowpane patterns, for a casual country living feel. 10. Bolga Fan – Granada, £28, Lola & Mawu Made from natural straw, this fair trade fan from West Africa not only keeps you cool with the flick of a wrist, but it can double up as decorative wall art. A breeze to mount, it’s available in a range of colourways, from neutrals to brights.

4. Natural Jute Circular Rug, £250, Joe Browns A beautifully textured jute rug is a natural bedfellow with linens and hemp, and will rekindle happy memories of padding around barefoot and carefree. 5. 3D Daisy Pom Pom Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £22-£40 (other items from a selection), Next Fresh as a daisy, who can resist a sweet yellow flower print embellished with pom-poms? This bedlinen loves a sunny situation, and easy-care polycotton means it’s quick-drying – as hassle-free as those much-loved perennials. 6. Artificial Floral In Glass Vase, £30, Next If you’re bedroom happens to be south-facing and your summery white flowers are starting to

11. Blakely Bed Linen Collection: King Duvet Cover – White Blue, £130; King Flat Sheet, £80; Blakely Oxford Pillowcase, from £35 (other items from a selection), The White Company With an attractive chambray border for a washed denim look, this 400-thread count Egyptian cotton percale weave offers ‘the softness of sateen, without the shine’. Absorbent, breathable and luxurious, the coastal inspired colours feel cool before you’ve even pulled back the bedding – and sets the tone for navy trimmings, such as a throw and scatter cushions, styled with a jute rug and beach basket. 12. Knitted Blanket in French Blue, £45, The French Bedroom Company This super soft knitted blanket makes a cosy cover when you take the weight off your feet for a peaceful catnap.

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Spacious 2 double bedroom lower ground floor flat with private entrance & parking. Lounge/diner, 2 double bedrooms, modern fitted kitchen and modern fitted bathroom. A small outdoor seating area, use of the communal garden, gas fired heating and double glazing. EPC D

NEW BUILD - 3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow in the Toad Rock area 3 parking spaces. Open plan living/ dining/kitchen area with bi-fold doors to garden, 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Fenced rear garden with paved patio area and lawn area. NO CHAIN. EPC tbc

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Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Food & Culture

Artistic vision Sean Turner is Trinity’s new Artistic Director

Page 28

Life on the road...

How to feed your family well on your summer holiday Page 30

& h t l a e H g n i e b l l We TURE FEA

Food & Culture

arts

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

“I am really overjoyed to be joining the team at Trinity” Trinity Theatre has announced the appointment of its new Artistic Director Sean Turner as well as details of its first Christmas show in two years…

EAN TURNER has been announced as Trinity Theatre’s new Artistic Director. He replaces Kezia Cole who left the position in early 2019 after only a few months in the job. Ms Cole took over the artistic reigns following John Martin’s departure after a decade at the theatre. According to a Trinity spokesperson Sean’s arrival will provide a ‘fresh focus on in-house productions.’ Sean is best known for uncovering Arthur Miller’s first play, No Villain and presenting its world premiere production and subsequent West End transfer. The Trinity spokesperson said Sean will continue his role as Associate Director on the Play That Goes Wrong, having spearheaded and

directed productions of the show across the world. He will also continue to oversee its West End run at the Duchess Theatre. Commenting on Sean’s appointment Trinity’s CEO Alex Green said: “It was not only Sean’s artistic talent and theatrical experience that shone through but his tenacity and innate ability to develop creative opportunities that resonated most strongly with Trinity’s new direction. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team, excited by his enthusiasm and focus on developing our charitable and community goals through his artistic vision.” Reflecting on his new Artistic Director role Sean told the Times: “I am overjoyed to be joining the team at Trinity as we enter a really exciting

RUNNING THE SHOW Sean Turner is thrilled to join Trinity Theatre

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Food & Culture

period of the theatre’s future. I am looking forward to creating world-class in-house professional productions, putting them front and centre of our programming as well as nurturing relationships with the very best in touring entertainment and building upon our burgeoning youth and outreach programmes. “It’s already clear to me that Trinity holds a special place for so many. I want to spread that feeling throughout our community, grow our reputation nationally and make our astonishing building the beating artistic heart of Tunbridge Wells.”

“It’s already clear to me that Trinity holds a special place for so many” The theatre also announced last Friday that it will be staging Mark Twain’s classic romp of mistaken identity The Prince and the Pauper as its first Christmas production in two years. Sean will direct the show and the aim is ‘to bring Tunbridge Wells’ theatre-loving community together again’. “After the last couple of years, I wanted to do a show that is full of laughter, adventure and wonderful music to bring us all back together in the best way I know how - joyful theatre!”

BRINGING MARK TWAIN TO LIFE As King Henry VIII lays on his death bed, his son Edward is reluctant to face the trials of kingship whilst in Pudding Lane an impoverished Tom Canty dreams of a better life. A chance encounter between the two reveals that they look almost identical. Let the farce begin! Performances run from December 8th. Tickets for this event are available now from www.trinitytheatre.net

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Food & Culture

food

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Who said camping dinners had to just be beans on toast? Chefs Claire Thomson and Matt Williamson talk to Prudence Wade about luxury cookouts around the campfire that spice up their family holidays... FAMILY AFFAIR Claire, Matt and their girls

s we face another summer where overseas travel isn’t particularly easy, many of us will be exploring closer

to home. Chefs Claire Thomson and Matt Williamson are ahead of the curve; long before Covid put a stranglehold on travelling abroad, the duo were gallivanting around the country with their three daughters in a VW camper van – and whipping up delicious meals on the way. Thomson and Williamson are well aware that food on camping holidays often has a pretty dodgy reputation. “People think, ‘Oh, it’s just baked beans and it’s really difficult to cook’,” says Thomson with a groan. “I personally hate baked beans,

“I love the food angle of cooking outside. I love the evenings and the conviviality of meeting new people.”

couldn’t bear to eat them!” Williamson acknowledges there’s a “misconception that everything kind of needs to come out of a jar or out of a packet when you’re camping”. He admits “there’s a place” for easy, quick camping meals, such as instant noodles or Thomson’s dreaded baked beans, but that’s not the kind of food they eat on holiday – and it’s not the meals you’ll find in their latest cookbook, Camper Van Cooking. For Thomson, this is actually the “easiest cookbook” she’s written (previous publications include Home Cookery Year and New Kitchen Basics). “All the other cookbooks are a bit more elaborate, because you’re at home and you’ve got all your ingredients,” she explains. “You’ve got four, five burners on your oven… [Whereas] this is one pot, it’s primal cookery, how to make food really easily with fire, or over a little gas stove.” As a Kiwi, Williamson spent his childhood camping and grew up on fresh, delicious holiday food. “My dad’s a butcher and a lot of his

friends were quite into food, and we’d usually go to areas with a bit of fishing,” he reminisces. “Dinners were great: usually cooked over fire and barbecue.” Thomson didn’t have the same upbringing, admitting she “wasn’t a camper – I only started camping when we got together”. However, she swiftly fell in love with it – particularly with their three children

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Food & Culture

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

KETTLE OF FISH Finding local gems for tea

One Pot Wonders Camper Van Cooking by Claire Thomson & Matt Williamson is published by Quadrille, priced £20. Photography by Sam Folan. Available now.

in tow. If you “go check into a hotel, it’s just a bit stifling for kids”, she says. “It’s much better to have that roaming about, free run existence of camping”. That’s not to say she hasn’t experienced her fair share of hiccups. “I managed to leave all our shoes in a box last year and it rained – like deluged with rain – and we had wet shoes for the rest of the holiday,” she says, with palpable regret. But for both, all the potential pitfalls of camping (Williamson admits it can be “awful” when it rains), are completely forgotten come dinnertime. “Pretty much the first thing we think about going camping, is what we’re going to eat,” says Williamson. Thomson adds: “I love the food angle of cooking outside. I love the evenings and the conviviality of meeting new people. It’s always that nice COMING BACK FOR S’MORE No beans allowed

energy around teatime, when you’re bumping into people on the campsite and the kids make new friends – I like that freedom.” For Thomson, the key to a good campsite meal is coming prepared with store cupboard staples, and looking to what’s on offer in the local area. “By the sea, you might buy some fresh fish, or inland you might

head to the farm shops, or in Cornwall all the little roadside vegetable stalls they have with honesty boxes,” she says. “I’ll cook anything, but we’ll always look to where we are to what we’re cooking.” Getting everything together for a camping holiday might seem daunting: there’s so much you need to think about and remember. Williamson says: “Our backgrounds are in restaurants, and my approach to being in a restaurant is, if you’ve got everything ready, life’s really easy – and cooking is really easy and fun. With camping, everything takes twice as long, so having everything to hand just makes it so much more relaxing.” “In restaurants, it’s called ‘mise en place’,” Thomson chimes in, “when you have all your stuff in place, [ready] to go. And that is camping.” As much as he prizes organisation, Williamson says: “At the same time, if something is missing, you just roll with it. Because who wants to go running off to try find some ingredients? Having a degree of flexibility, along with being organised, is just as important.” After all, this is your holiday – and food is meant to be a joyous experience, not a trial. “It’s part of the evening’s entertainment, cooking the dinner,” says Thomson. “It’s part of the rhythm of the night.” She admits the holidays they do – in a luxurious VW camper van – are “fairly aspirational”, but these recipes suit any type of camping, catering to all levels of equipment and skills. “There’s a romance to camping,” Thomson adds with a longing sigh – no doubt imagining the family’s next adventure.

GO WITH THE FLOW The key to success is flexibilty

Homes & Interiors

Gardening

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Why should I get an allotment? Celebrity gardeners offer the answers... NOT A PATCH ON YOU Chris Collins’ allotment

In the run-up to National Allotments Week, four famous gardeners tell the Times what having their own allotment has meant to them

elebrity gardeners are encouraging aspiring plotters to register for their local community garden during this year’s National Allotments Week. Horticultural charity Garden Organic (gardenorganic.org) is encouraging current and future allotment holders to learn about the benefits of the ‘organic way’ of growing and naturally controlling pests. Experts from the charity are highlighting the wider benefits of allotments, which cover everything from protecting the planet, to saving us money and boosting our physical and mental health. Put your name down now, advises Chris Collins, former Blue Peter gardener and head of organic horticulture at Garden Organic. “Try not to let waiting lists put you off pursuing your allotment dreams. Putting your name down makes your intentions real and also helps councils to manage demand and understand the importance of allotments for communities. “While you’re waiting, improve your knowledge and plan how you’ll develop your plot from scratch. Why plan an organic allotment? 1. To create natural pest control and see wildlife thrive Frances Tophill, TV garden presenter and author of Rewild Your Garden, suggests investing time

Gardening Homes & Interiors

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR Save on organic veg

learning how to create havens for birds and beneficial insects like butterflies and bees is really worthwhile, even if it can be challenging. “On my allotment last year, I had some members moaning about the ragwort I had growing but when I pointed out the wildlife it was attracting, like the cinnabar moth, they were much more receptive to it.” She also recommends not being too tidy on your allotment. “Maintenance-wise, leave seed heads through the winter for wildlife, leave piles of leaves and twigs and piles of pots which all provide great hibernation spots for a myriad creatures. “To look after the soil, don’t dig unnecessarily but, allow the soil to build up its own microsystems. And build a pond as near to the ground as possible to help birds, hedgehogs and many more creatures to find a safe water source.”

‘I love gardening and being on my plot has helped me achieve a great sense of satisfaction, more than I could ever have imagined.’ 2. To learn by doing It yourself Rekha Mistry, gardening writer, blogger and former BBC Allotment Challenge contestant, explains: “My allotment has been organically nurtured from the start. I’ve learned how to make my own compost, how to make my own plant feed out of nettles and comfrey and how to naturally encourage beneficial insects. “At the beginning of my journey I used to cry when there were aphids on my plants, but not now as I realise these aphids and other pests

have attracted so many natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies that everything is getting more in balance for naturally controlling pests in my garden. “It’s also important to grow things that you love. I like to grow unusual varieties from around the world too, using them in my own Asian cooking. For example, I grow pole beans rather than runner beans, giving me first tender young pods, later dried for stews, and Edamame beans rather than broad beans as these go well in my curries. “I love gardening and being on my plot has helped me achieve a great sense of satisfaction, more than I could ever have imagined.”

4. To be free and creative Jack Wallington, garden designer, journalist and author of Wild About Weeds, says: “Growing on an allotment means more to me than a place only for crops and cut flowers, though that is my main reason for having one. Allotments are spaces we can be free and creative, to try something out without fear of it going wrong. “They connect us with the soil, seasons and wildlife and afford anyone, no matter their background or circumstance, a chance to eat food direct from the land. “Allotments encourage equality among people and an understanding of the world you simply can’t find anywhere else. Oh, and the tomatoes and raspberries taste pretty good too.”

3. To save money on your weekly shop and keep mentally and physically fit Chris Collins, former Blue Peter gardener, suggests having an allotment will help your bank balance in the long run. “It’s been three years since I took over a full-sized, overgrown allotment that had been left dormant for five years in Enfield, north London. It’s taken a lot of graft and experimentation but consistently using organic principles I’m now at a point where my allotment produces a shopping bag’s worth of organic food every single day.

Allotment “Organic fruit and veg can be expensive in the supermarket, so growing my own, particularly those items that are the most costly, means I save money and am eating healthily. I am also helping the environment by cutting out damaging air miles caused by imported food. “Working on my allotment is also one of the best ways to keep fit. All those steps, the digging, the lifting, it’s a full body workout! I could spend £70 a month in the gym but instead use the allotment to keep me active. “Spending time outside, learning about and nurturing plants is a great boost to my mental health too”.

National Allotments Week runs from Aug 9-15. For details visit nsalg.org.uk/news-eventscampaigns/national-allotments-week/.

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Food & Culture

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

From boosting confidence to soothing the

health & wellbeing

For explorer Belinda Kirk, adventure has been a ‘therapy’ and a source of purpose and fun. Liz Connor finds out more BETWEEN lockdowns and travel restrictions, most of us have had little opportunity for real, uninhibited adventure out in the wilderness over the past year-and-a-half. While staying home was often necessary during the pandemic of course, the absence of boots-in-the-mud adventure hasn’t just made life boring, it may have impacted our wellbeing too – according to explorer and writer, Belinda Kirk. “When you’re halfway up a mountain, you get this natural high and a feeling of extreme empowerment,” says Kirk. “It’s not just taking part in adventures that’s beneficial, but it’s the gifts you’re equipped with that you bring back to your ordinary life. “You become more brave and confident, and you think, ‘Well if I can climb that mountain, what else can I do?’, and that’s the really powerful part of regularly going on adventures.” Kirk is an explorer who, over the past 25 years, has led numerous personal expeditions, youth development treks, biological research missions, and remote filming trips for the BBC. Her appetite for adventure has taken her across the remote desert of Nicaragua on foot, on the search for camels in China’s ‘Sea of Death’ desert, uncovering ancient rock paintings in Lesotho, and she’s even nabbed a Guinness World Record for rowing unsupported around Britain. Now she’s swapped death-defying feats for deadlines and has written a book – Adventure Revolution – which delves into how exploration is essential to human wellbeing, helping us face our deepest fears, manage anxiety and find self-worth. It was on an expedition to Tanzania to study monkeys, aged 18, that she first discovered adventure’s transformational power. “I went off to Africa and I came back a completely changed person,” Kirk recalls. “Throughout my teens and early-20s, I realised that adventure had been my therapy; It was helping me to flourish, to be confident and to live my best life. “The more expeditions that I led in my 20s, the more I saw it working for other people. I saw them transforming

long-lasting way.” She says the great thing about adventure is that “it can be everyone’s therapy”, and “you don’t have to be at a low point to benefit” either. As well as being a soothing balm for issues like anxiety and depression, she reckons it can also help people who are mentally well to flourish in work and relationships. “It’s such a natural thing to do,” says Kirk, who is also a huge advocate for facing your fears and booking a solo travel trip. “We’ve evolved to be adventurous but we’ve taken it out of our modern lives, and by choosing it and seeking it out, it’s a perfect fit for returning to what we’ve lost.

Adventure Effect FLYING IN THE FACE OF DANGER Belinda Kirk has had plenty of adventures

“We’ve evolved to be adventurous but we’ve taken it out of our modern lives” in front of me, and I was often contacted years later by students whose lives have changed completely.” Nineteen years ago, she recalls standing in the rain outside of the Royal Geographical Society, when a mother of one of her expedition students approached her and gave her a hug. The previous summer, she’d led her 17-year-old daughter Alice and a group of other young people through the Amazon. Shy, with low-self confidence and a history of self-harm, Alice had become a different person after the trip, finding new friends, and even improving her grades at school. “That was a huge turning point,” says Kirk. “It was the moment I knew that it wasn’t just something that worked for me; it could help others in a really impactful and

“If you look at tribes, they have ceremonies and rites of passage,” she adds, concerned that children aren’t growing up with enough adventure in their lives. “We don’t give our kids a way of becoming adults. Before we became so modernised, we’d have these adventurous challenges for young people… There are so many traditions that are about being on your own in the wilderness, and we’ve just really lost that.” So why is it that adventure feels so good, on a basic, human level? “It’s just a natural fit. All the research I packed into the book backed up my initial assumptions about adventure and how [humans] are hardwired to do it.” Then there’s the element of being out in nature. One study by University of East Anglia found that exposure to green space can reduce blood pressure, and another published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found just 20 minutes of immersion in nature can help us feel less stressed. “It’s really gone mainstream, this idea of the ‘nature effect’, which suggests that if you spend time in nature it’s good for your physical and mental wellbeing,” says Kirk. “I reckon there’s the next level though, which I call the ‘adventure effect’. Part of adventuring is being out in nature, but you also get the benefit of exercise, travel, and the actual adrenaline rush of adventure itself.” This, she says, is the magic, soul-stirring ingredient. FROM MOLEHILL TO MOUNTAIN Snowy Tso Moriri Lake in Leh Ladakh India

Food & Culture

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

soul, why adventure is great for our wellbeing A WILD CARD Belinda Kirk shooting in Kenya for the BBC

TAKE A HIKE Belinda Kirk hiking in Scotland

“You’re out there challenging uncertainty, discomfort or adversity. It’s like the holy trinity of all the good things. It impacts everything because it changes who you see yourself as. ” Finding herself in some of the most remote regions on the planet has been a way for Kirk to get to know herself better, and now she wants to encourage others to do the same. “By going away and climbing a mountain or kayaking for days on end, you have time to reflect, and I think we just don’t allow ourselves that in the modern-day. “I always find my best thinking moments are when I’m plodding one foot in front of the other up a mountain. It’s when you can have great ideas creatively too,” she adds. “You just have space, because there’s no social media

notifications or children asking you questions.” Of course, adventure travel and exploring the world have traditionally been expensive endeavours. While we may associate the term with trekking up the Andes or swimming with sharks in the Maldives, adventure doesn’t

ways to invite adventure into our lives, says Kirk. Taking parkour lessons, she says, is another great way to be adventurous in a city. “When we get out and make time for adventure, we’re reminded of how good it feels,” says Kirk. “I think people are realising that after lockdown

“You just have space, because there’s no social media notifications or children asking you questions.” have to mean big costs though, and there are ways to enjoy the benefits on a tight budget. Camping in the garden, going wild swimming in a safe sport nearby, climbing a tree and even just embracing bad weather and getting out for a local hike are a few accessible

– you don’t notice the absence, until you get a little taste of it again and then you think: ‘Ah, this is really what I need’.” Adventure Revolution: The Life-Changing Power Of Choosing Challenge is published by Piaktus on August 5, priced £14.99.

Food & Culture

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Savour the spirit of Dylan Thomas in one of his favourite haunts in Wales Gareth Cotter-Stone stays in the newly-renovated Dylan Coastal Resort

travel

eandering along the winding roads of the Welsh countryside, I can see why over one million tourists come here every year. Beautiful, lush green countryside and quaint villages accompany me all the way to my accommodation in small, historic town Laugharne, which lies elegantly on the estuary of the River Tâf on the south coast of Carmarthenshire. I’m lucky enough to be staying in a magnificent self-catering lodge at the stunning Dylan Coastal Resort, which has recently undergone an impressive £20 million refurbishment. The striking property sits grandly on the hillside, and is the perfect place to relax with a cup of Welsh brew and locally baked Tregroes waffle. WHAT’S IT LIKE? There are a range of lodges in the resort to choose from, featuring immaculate open-plan living areas, modern furnishings, balconies, hot tubs and sweeping views across the estuary. Residents can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art £7 million Milk Wood House Spa, which offers relaxation and recuperation with treatments by marine brand Ishga, a Technogym and infinity pool overlooking the sensational Carmarthen Bay. You’ll also find a world-class mezzanine

TO BEGIN, AT THE BEGINNING Dylan Coastal Resort

Food & Culture

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

KITCHEN FULL OF TIME Milk Wood House Bar

a sumptuous meal and nice bottle of wine for around £45-£50 a head. Be sure to book well in advance and bring cash with you, as some venues don’t accept card. 3. Head to the seaside at Tenby Located around 30 minutes’ drive away in the equally stunning county of Pembrokeshire, Tenby is a bustling seaside town, with plenty of attractive beaches, charming cafes and a number of outstanding restaurants and pubs to choose from. Enjoy a homemade pasty for around £3-4 from the famous Pembrokeshire Pasty & Pie (parcelsofmagic.com) or even a couple of scoops from Tenby’s Ice Cream parlour on a nice sunny day. The town is definitely worth a visit just to see the distinctively colourful houses along the harbour front, with ample opportunities to get that postcard perfect picture.

dining facility called the Milk Wood House Bar and Restaurant on site. The restaurant prides itself on being wellness focused and serves fresh, locally-sourced food, including seafood and pizzas topped with seasonal and sustainable ingredients. WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE AREA? 1. Walk through the life of Dylan Thomas Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas spent most of his working life in Laugharne with his wife Caitlin and their three children. The beautiful Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk gives an introduction to his life and work. Start in town and head for around two miles uphill through the beautiful forest along the estuary. On the way, you’ll get an opportunity to visit Thomas’ quaint boathouse and writing shed, where he produced some of his most famous literature. You can even visit his home near the town

centre, his grave at Saint Martin’s church, as well as his favourite local watering hole at Brown’s Hotel. 2. Visit Laugharne Castle I’d highly recommend exploring inside the Norman Laugharne Castle and uncovering its fascinating history (cadw.gov.wales; entry from £4). It’s possible to walk around the grounds, where there are benches available to sit and enjoy a sandwich from one of the local tea shops if the weather’s nice. The Owl & Pussycat was certainly a treat – a salmon and crab baguette costs £6. If you’re looking for a decent coffee, I’d head to a quirky delicatessen called The Ferryman (theferrymandeli.co.uk). My dinner venue of choice would have to be Dexters Steak House & Grill at Brown’s hotel (browns.wales). The interior is delectable, the staff are extremely welcoming and you can enjoy

How to plan your trip…

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Food & Culture

goingout 7 days of activities

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

FINE ART Miss June by Gavin Mitchell

A PIZZA THIS Salomons

By Lottie Bulmer

IN FULL BLOOM Open Gardens

TRASH OR TREASURE Dustbin Doris

BUZZ IN Café Society SUMMER is flying by – can you believe it’s August already? Children have broken up for the summer holidays and they’re in need of entertainment. At the Times we’ve made a list of things to see and do all over Tunbridge Wells and its local areas to make the most of the Garden of England during the summer holidays... BUZZING FOR THE WEEKEND The Hive Hub in Cranbrook is hosting jazz fusion band, ‘Café Society’ with singer Lelia di Domenico on August 6. The band will play an array of jazz and swing classics from Amy Winehouse to Etta James to transport you back to a melodic paradise. Lelia di Domenico is a cabaret and jazz vocalist known for her stage performances in musical theatre, guaranteeing an evening of top entertainment. The Hive Hub is a new co-working space, which offers spaces to socialise, eat and celebrate. The company has branches in Flimwell Park and Cranbrook and has a variety of events taking place in August. Jazz on Friday runs from 8 to 10pm and is free entry. For more information, visit hivehubs.buzz I LIKE TO RIDE MY BICYCLE Bedgebury Pinetum

A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS Speldhurst Village Hall is the setting for an evening of acrylic painting on August 6. During the evening, you will create your own interpretation of Hokusai’s “The Great Wave of Kanagawa” with Louise Dean. No experience is needed, in the session Louise will teach you how to colour blend, layer and outline. The canvas and paints are all provided, with bubbly and nibbles to help you get creative, making it an evening to remember. Tickets for the event can be found at eventbrite.co.uk if you search for “Paint your own Hokusai Canvas- “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” EXTREME WEATHER WARNING Meet the legendary snooker player Jimmy ‘The Whirlwind’ White for an evening at Paddock Wood Social Club on August 7. Play a frame of snooker or pool with the six-time World Championship finalist and two-time World Senior champion. The evening will also play host to Sky FUNNYMAN Ricky Gervais

TV’s own Jade Slusarczyk, Kent’s under 21s champion Dylan Smith and MC Colin Phillips. The evening will consist of a memorabilia auction and raffle as well as food and refreshments. Tickets are available from Lee on 07796 958 312 and cost £25 (£10 for members)

offering the artist 100 per cent of the revenue. The summer exhibition is on now and runs until September 3 with a diverse selection of work from Gavin Mitchell, Lucie Bennet, and The Connor Brothers. For more information visit arthubgallery.co.uk

RUN FOR FUN The Bedgebury Pinetum Summer 10k and 5k will take place for athletes of all abilities this evening at 7pm (August 4). Off road forest trails provide a scenic route to the race with medals and finish line goodies offered to all finishers. Prizes are awarded to the leading men and ladies and to a variety of age categories for both males and females. To enter the race go to nice-work.org. uk and find The Bedgebury Pinetum Summer 10k & 5K Series - Race 4 on their “Our Races” page. Tickets include vehicle admission and are £15 (5k) and £20 (10k) on the day.

FUNNY GUY Comedy legend, Ricky Gervais returns to stage at Assembly Hall Theatre from August 9-10. Following the success of his Netflix show ‘After Life’ the comedian presents his sixth major stand-up tour ‘SuperNature’. Tickets are in short supply and cost £40 from ticketmaster.co.uk

TRASH TALKING Rhubarb Theatre Company has announced the opening of their new play “Dustbin Doris” as part of the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival on August 5. An afternoon of puppetry, mask, dance and song is sure to be fun. Dustbin Doris tells the tale of waste collectors Max and Olga as they race to finish their bin collections. Their day is stopped short when they meet Doris who refuses to give over the contents of her bin and opens their eyes to tales that can’t be put to waste. For tickets and more information, visit heverfestival.co.uk with tickets starting at £11.25 FOR ART’S SAKE Art Hub Gallery on Mount Ephraim showcases artwork in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, giving residents the opportunity to support artists on a personal level. Gallery owner Iaysha Salih aims to support artists on their journey with selling guidance as well as

NIP IN THE BUD The beauty of the Sussex countryside is showcased at the

Open Gardens in Rotherfield near Crowborough this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday (August 7 and 8) 16 gardens across the village will be open from 11 to 5 pm. Entry costs £8 for one adult all day and children go free, with all proceeds going to St. Denys’ Church. ALFRESCO AUGUST Head down to Salomons with the family on Tuesday for a trip to the Mediterranean. The estate has a wood fire pizza oven to create an authentic Italian taste. Children can amuse themselves with table tennis, woodland treasure trails, table football and lawn games while you relax in the sunshine. Served 4pm – 8pm every Tuesday, to book visit www.salomons-estate. com, email reception@salomonsestate.com or call 01892 515152

Books

Wednesday August 4 | 2021

Food & Culture

FICTION

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

The bookcase…

Published in hardback by Harvill Secker, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now

Over the past year or so more people have had the chance to fall in love with reading again. Here’s our pick of this week’s top reads to enjoy

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Girl (In Real Life) by Tamsin Winter

Published in paperback by Usborne Publishing, priced £7.99 (ebook £3.99). Available now

9/10

Girl (In Real Life) centres around Eva, a 13-year-old girl and star of a YouTube channel her parents set up before she was even born. Over the years, fans have followed her first tantrum, winced at her adolescent spots and giggled at her funny outfits, but it’s all got a bit much. As Eva decides she’s fed up with having zero privacy, she sets about sabotage. What unravels is a story of betrayal, loyalty, love and loss. Encouraging parents and kids to talk to each other about social media, vlogging, right and wrong, this story is everything a kids’ book should be. Brilliantly written, Tamsin Winter’s third novel is genuinely hard to put down, funny and also heartbreakingly sad in places. The storyline tackles modern teenage issues and stirs up a huge amount of emotion, making it a must-have addition to adolescent bookshelves. (Review by Claire Spreadbury)

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

9/10 FAMILY HISTORY

The Northern Line: The History of a Provincial Jewish Family by Judy Simons (published in paperback by Matador Books, priced £9.99)

Originally intended as a record COMIC FUN

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

Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart

(published in paperback by David Fickling Books, priced £8.99) Bunny was living happily in the forest with his friends Weenie the Squirrel and Pig thinking nothing would disturb them until… Monkey, having been launched

In her debut, Rachel Yoder has written a novel unabashedly peculiar and truly unique. In its simplest form, Nightbitch is a whip-smart story of early motherhood – but describing it as such is an enormous injustice to Yoder’s torrent of mindbending prose. Read almost as a stream of consciousness, a nameless ‘Mother’ grapples with losing her sense of self amongst the constant demands of caring for a toddler. In doing so,

of her childhood and 1950s Sheffield for her grandchildren, Judy Simons’ story of, nominally, an ordinary Jewish family is a truly fascinating chronicle of her ancestry from lunatic asylums to dressmakers with hidden weddings and refugee flights across Europe thrown in. The chapter on one family member’s experience in the concentration camps was, quite literally, incredible. As Simons says in her final chapter, she was wrong to assume ‘that the tales in…books were more inspirational than those around me.’ Any reader of this enjoyable, captivating and informative piece of non-fiction will quickly feel the same way - a great read both for the insight into the history of Jews in the North of England but mostly for the fantastic characters whose stories are told with the warmth, sensitivity and perception only a family member could offer. from a lab into space, crashes his rocket into Bunny’s woods. Not realising he never left Earth, Monkey begins his quest to colonise the new planet…and the acrimonious Bunny vs Monkey relationship, the arguments, chaos and adventures begin! Originally published in brilliant children’s comic, The Phoenix,

she turns into a dog known as Nightbitch. This metamorphosis is darkly funny and terrifyingly visceral, yet underscored with piercing truth. Yoder candidly captures the mental, emotional and physical challenges of becoming a mother, along with the unwarranted weight of social expectations. A searing portrayal of art and motherhood, Nightbitch is strange, unsettling and wonderful to read. (Review by Rebecca Wilcock)

9/10

The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell

Published in hardback by Century, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now

7/10

The latest thriller from former chick lit favourite Lisa Jewell tells the stories of 19-year-old Tallulah, who goes missing after a pool party at a country mansion, and author Sophie, who finds herself discovering clues to the teenage mother’s disappearance when she moves to the area more than a year later. As Sophie becomes more entangled in uncovering the truth, we learn that Tallulah’s life wasn’t all it initially seems. Amateur sleuth Sophie seems more of a means to an end than an engaging character, but the urge to find out what has happened to troubled Tallulah is enough to make this a page-turner. The only thing predictable about the ending is how totally unpredictable it is. For fans of the genre, this ticks all the right boxes. (Review by Eleanor Barlow)

ONE YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

9/10

(published in paperback by 4th Estate, priced £8.99) A poor Latin American country hosts an evening to promote foreign trade and everyone there has come in honour of the visit of Mr Hosokawa, a Japanese businessman. Mr Hosokawa, meanwhile, is there for the sole purpose of hearing the celebrated soprano, Roxane Coss, sing. As it turns out, everyone is thwarted when a group of terrorists hijack the gathering – even the rebels themselves, as their target, the President, stayed at home to watch his favourite soap opera. So, the scene is set for an alternative siege as we watch and listen to the hostages and the terrorists as they form unexpected this, the first of three published graphic novels, is a jam-packed compilation of some of their hilarious stories – these are bound to be a hit with children age 6-10ish and will be revisited by them many times over. They will also work wonders with independent reading for reluctant readers.

bonds of friendship and love, and the lines between good and bad blur. With charming characters, this is an unexpected and touching love story, wonderfully tense, passionate and atmospheric.

8/10