Times of Tonbridge 24th January 2018

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

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Have your say on how to improve the area around railway station...

GO WITH THE FLOW Tim Bond and his wife Catherine had their first house on the river

THE public has a final chance to give its opinions on how to improve the area around ­Tonbridge railway station. It is the busiest station in Kent, with around 4.4million ­passengers using it every year. Commuters and schoolchildren throng the site every weekday. However, Kent County Council (KCC) has decided that the immediate vicinity is no longer ‘fit for purpose’ because of the sheer volume of usage, which sees pedestrians, buses, replacement bus services, taxis and drop-off car users bustling around a very small area.

Drop-in County Hall has £500,000 budgeted to be spent on the project during 2018-19 from the West Kent Local Growth Fund allocated by the South-East Enterprise Partnership. Two drop-in events have been organised, in the Council ­Chamber at Tonbridge Castle, on Saturday 27 January from 11am2pm and Thursday 8 February from 3-7pm, where councillors will be on hand to answer questions. There is also an online ­questionnaire at https://­ consultations.kent.gov.uk/ consult.ti/TonbridgeStation RevisedDesign. This will be open until February 12, though you will have to register. Following the improvements made to the High Street, KCC carried out its first consultation on proposals to improve the area around the station late in 2016.

Continued on page 2

PHOTO: Craig Matthews

PAPER

INSIDE A FORCE AWAKENS

Kent Police look for a whole new brand of officer Page 2

BEARING FRUIT

Tree of Hope wants you to cook up a storm Page 12

Return of the river community as Barden boatyard reopens By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Rendezvous Boatyard on Barden Road is set to reopen after it was taken over by an enthusiast who once lived on the river himself. The majority of the narrow boat community known as the ‘Venice of Tonbridge’ were evicted from the site last year after falling out with the owners. But now boats are set to return to the stretch of river they adorned for a quarter of a century when the yard opens its gates again in April. Fourteen people were living in 10 narrow boats when they were told in October 2016 that there would be changes made to their tenancy agreement and they had two weeks to sign up. This meant that they no longer had

access to electricity, drinking water, toilet and washing facilities, shed storage and garden areas, which had been included under their previous agreement. In what became an increasingly bitter

‘We are boaters, so we are sympathetic with the need to keep the yard going’ saga, the owner Brian Mockford secured their eviction in Hastings County Court on March 13 last year. More than 2,000 people signed a petition to stop their enforced removal. But the judge ordered them to vacate the site by June 30, and they were left with £23,000 in legal bills. Residents bemoaned the loss of a his-

toric feature of the town, which also provided affordable housing and permitted an alternative lifestyle. Now Tim Bond of Edenbridge has secured a long-term lease on the Rendezvous and is inviting prospective tenants to apply for a mooring with Tonbridge Boatyard Ltd. “I used to hire boats on the river as a kid with my dad and two brothers in the 1970s,” he told the Times. “I’ve had a soft spot for it for a long time.” “I lived at the boatyard in 2000 with my wife Catherine for about two years. We had a Springer 40 called Steadfast of Tonbridge which we did up. It was our first house. “We are boaters, so we are sympathetic with the need to keep the yard going. It’s

Continued on page 2

GO WITH THE FLOW Exhibition shows how art ‘oozes, cracks, sags’ Page 58

RED MIST DESCENDS TJs make it five wins in a row despite sending-off Page 62

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Local News

East Peckham GP surgery will close at end of March THE Woodlands Medical Practice in East Peckham will close on March 31, forcing more than 1,500 patients to travel to Paddock Wood or further afield in order to see a GP. The doctors’ surgery had been slated for closure in 2015 following a critical report by the Care Quality Commission. The premises failed to meet the minimum standards in a number of areas, such as disability access, patient confidentiality and toilet facilities. Sarah Barker, representing the partners at Woodlands, said: “NHS England have advised us that our East Peckham surgery is not a viable financial proposition as the condition of the building, accessibility and many other standards are not being met. “Woodlands has not obtained quotes for the required work as NHS England have told us we are highly unlikely to receive funding. “Even if we did, they would only fund 66 per cent of the cost.”

‘We pledged £100,000 but this is insufficient as the costs required are in excess of £250,000’ She added: “Our main surgery at Paddock Wood is a purpose-built building and therefore has excellent accessibility.” The village surgery had 1,576 patients registered, who will now have to travel to see another doctor. The village is served by only one bus per hour. The Parish Council had considered options to refurbish the site in Old Road, or opening another facility in the new Methodist Church and Community Centre in the centre of the village. It issued a statement saying it had ‘pledged £100,000 towards a surgery in East Peckham but this is insufficient as the costs required are in excess of £250,000 and neither the CCG or Woodlands Health Centre are able to make a contribution towards those costs’. Field Pharmacy in the village will continue to accept all prescription requests from patients and deliver and collect them from Woodlands Health Centre on a daily basis.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Wednesday January 24 | 2018

‘It’s just a shame that our friends and neighbours had to leave there’ Continued from page 1 Victorian and old fashioned, and we want to keep the charm and the character of it – we are very keen on that.” After the eviction Alan Mockford, the owner’s son, put up signs advertising vacancies for ‘Mockford Moorings’ available from last October. It had been suggested that the family wanted to build on the land, though Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council advised that it was very unlikely that any planning permission would be granted because the area was a flood risk. Mr Bond approached Mr Mockford about having a launch in the yard to sail around the town. “Mr Mockford could not have been more helpful,” he said. “I asked him if he wanted to sell the boatyard and he said ‘no, we will leave it to you to run’. He was very accommodating.” Mr Bond posted a letter to residents in shop

windows in the town describing the work he was undertaking and inviting interest from boaters. “I’ve had so many emails, it’s been fantastic,” he said. “I feel like I’m a local celebrity. It’s a bit weird, people come up and shake my hand. “I have been approached by one of the original tenants. I would be happy to have them back, I’m happy to talk to them.” Lucy Athey of the Barden Residents’ Association commented: “This is very good news in that it will be fantastic to see narrowboats down there again. “It’s just a shame that our friends and neighbours had to leave there unnecessarily. They were members of our Barden community just as much as anyone who lives here. “We’ve even lost our vice-chair of our residents association as he was one of the boaters.” She added: “We’re delighted that the new leaseholder is keen to refurbish it sympathetically. “It’s an important part of Barden and Tonbridge history that needs to be preserved – when so

‘With such a well-used space it is vital the design is the best it can be’ Continued from page 1 Working in partnership with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Network Rail which owns the station and the main local train franchise Southeastern, it looked at ways to provide more room for pedestrians and more capacity for sustainable or ‘green’ transport. The local authority has now decided that a second consultation should be carried out. A KCC spokesman said: “With such a well-used space, shared by many different users, it is vital the design is the best it can be.” The main issue to arise from the initial consultation was the necessity to improve the flow of traffic. Among the current proposals are: ■ Larger pedestrian area in front of the station entrance, with more room for cafe customers – removing the six short-stay drop-off bays. ■ Bus stop outside the front with capacity for one bus – but further away than the current bus lane to allow for new forecourt. ■ A ‘puffin’ crossing will be installed in front of the station entrance and also on all other ‘arms’ of the junction, including across Waterloo Road and where the existing pelican crossing is on the other side of it. These would feature advanced stop signs to help cyclists. A puffin crossing is controlled by sensors mounted on the lights, rather than a timer, which can detect if any pedestrians are on the crossing

CLOGGED UP Commuters, schoolchildren, buses, taxis, rush-hour traffic and drop-offs create a bottleneck

– there is no flashing amber phase. ■ No right turn into or out of Priory Road (left turn only). ■ Extend both northbound and southbound bus stops on both sides of Quarry Hill Parade so there is capacity for three buses on each. ■ Larger pedestrian area in front of Lidl. ■ Three short stay drop-off bays near entrance of Priory Road. The plans contain no changes to the station entrance on Barden Road or the taxi rank on Waterloo Road. KCC’s Senior Schemes Programme Manager, Jamie Watson, addressed a meeting of Tonbridge Forum on December 4, in which members of the community could voice their views. There were concerns about the proposed

WORTH A PUNT The boatyard during the 1930s

many parts of our town are at risk of being replaced by featureless housing.” Mr Bond is clearing up debris and bringing the yard into line with health and safety regulations. “We want to turn it back to what it was,” he added. “It’s a very peaceful place. The idea is to keep it ‘olde worlde’. I’m a traditionalist.” If you are interested in a mooring with Tonbridge Boatyard Ltd, call Tim Bond on 07860 789681 or email tonbridgeboatyardltd@gmail.com location for the ‘kiss and drop’ layby on Priory Road, which was felt to be too away, and residents also wanted the existing bays right outside the entrance to be retained. They also called for disabled parking bays at the station, questioned the status of the shop fronts neighbouring the station, sought more support for the taxi rank, and asked if bus operators could be persuaded to review their routes. Mr Watson said bus services could be looked at as part of a review of the controversial High Street changes, which he told the Forum would also be held this month. He added that disabled parking bays would be provided by Southeastern behind the station, and that the shop fronts were not part of discussions with Network Rail but could be incorporated.

Review of new High Street KCC’s Jamie Watson told the meeting of Tonbridge Forum at the end of last year that there would be a review of the improvements made to the High Street this month. A number of sticking points had been raised by residents, including the bus stop outside Café Nero causing traffic delays and the raised table in the High Street being mistaken for a pedestrian crossing. Mr Watson advised changes would be made so cars would be able to pass buses in both directions along the High Street and a righthand turn would be provided. He said bus operators were satisfied with these measures.

New volunteer police force to fight crime KENT POLICE want to recruit members of the public to help with ‘gathering useful evidence’ about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. Community Policing Volunteers (CPVs) will be trained as part of a pilot scheme in the West Division which includes Tonbridge. They will work as part of a team to reduce crime, respond to the needs of communities and support victims. The CPVs will wear uniforms and have the authority to request names and addresses of people committing anti-social behaviour, control traffic and place traffic signs, and enter premises to save life and prevent serious damage. Recruits will support their local Community Safety Units by providing additional visibility and an extra point of contact for the public, while also improving the communication flow to the police and back to the community. They will serve alongside officers from the Special Constabulary, who also work on a voluntary basis but share the same powers as regular officers. According to Kent Police they will play ‘a vital role in solving local problems and gathering useful evidence about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour’.

The new role has been established following the Policing and Crime Bill 2017, which has given Chief Constables authority to extend certain powers to volunteers. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Blaker said: “We know from talking to many people that there is a strong interest in volunteering to support the police and the community, and this is a fantastic opportunity that we hope will attract people of all ages and backgrounds.

Invaluable “We have a rich tradition of volunteers in Kent Police with a thriving Special Constabulary, a growing Volunteer Cadet Force and a multitude of people who help in support roles throughout the force. “This new role will build on that and provide an invaluable service to both the police and the local community.’ The new role comes at a time when forces are battling to minimise the impact of budget cuts. Kent has 500 fewer officers than it had in 2010. However, a police spokesman dismissed any suggestion the latest initiative has come about because of budget cuts.

He told the Times: “Kent Police, like all other police forces, have been using the skills and experience of its volunteers for many years, and has a rich tradition of encouraging and supporting volunteers. He added: “The introduction of CPVs is a great example of how local people can bring experience and insight from other walks of life to complement and add to the work done by officers, PCSOs and other volunteers. They are not replacing any paid posts.”

Who can become a CPV? The scheme is open to all adults aged 18 or over who can commit to 16 hours a month. Applicants must pass a standard fitness test and have a medical certificate to confirm they are in good health to perform an active role. Recruitment closes this Friday (January 26). Interviews for those shortlisted will take place during February with training starting at the end of April and taking place over five weekends across a 10-week period. For more details, visit www.kent.police.uk/ jobs-recruiting-now

Local News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Victims of Holocaust remembered in town HOLOCAUST Memorial Day will be commemorated at Tunbridge Wells War Memorial from 10.50am on Saturday [January 27]. Town Mayor Julia Soyke will lead the ceremony and is expected to lay white lilies at the memorial in tribute to those who suffered from Nazi persecution and other genocidal regimes. The Royal British Legion will be represented by its President, David Wakefield, and Jennifer Watts, its Secretary, along with other legion members. Attendees will include Tunbridge Wells’ Sea Cadets and their TS Brilliant band.

Awards night boost MORE than 19,000 votes have been cast for those taking part in the SO Lifestyle Awards. Voting closed on Sunday night and the awards ceremony itself takes place at Trinity Theatre on Thursday, February 8. It’s the first year of the awards that are organised by SO Magazine, the sister publication of this newspaper. There are ten categories ranging from the Best Local Product, through to your Foodie Favourite and the most Inspirational Person. For more information about the event visit www.solifestyleawards.co.uk

Rise in bus pass cost YOUNG people aged 16 to 19 have seen their county bus pass rise to £450. Kent County Council announced the 12.5 per cent increase to the ticket, which allows unlimited travel on most services, as part of their Budget announcement. The spending plan, unveiled last week, also saw a controversial consultation into cutting 78 routes across the board dropped. See page 5 for more details.

Bomb scare in town SHOPPERS and retailers were evacuated from Sevenoaks High Street after a wartime bomb was handed into Oxfam. Kent Police sealed off parts of the road around 11am yesterday [January 23] but later said that the device was not a threat to the public. The force tweeted to say there was ‘no cause for concern’ and the several patrol cars that attended the scene had moved on by early afternoon.

Businesses urged to get creative in designing carts for charity race By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

NEED FOR SPEED One of the carts taking part

A WACKY homemade shed on wheels was the centre of attention last week at the launch of the Crazy Jeans charity soapbox derby. Businesses are being urged to sign up for the family day event that will see carts race down pathways at Dunorlan Park on Saturday, May 5. The owner of Jean’s Kitchen & Wine Bar on St John’s Road, Garry Jeffery, is behind the derby. It is expected to attract 10,000 spectators.

Community Teams of between four and six will propel carts down the hill before taking to the lake in pedalos and being sprayed with water as part of a day of fun set to raise raise thousands for Hospice in the Weald and ellenor. Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, who attended the launch at Jean’s Kitchen, said: “I usually see these races on TV and I love them. “I do a lot of charity events but one thing about

Spa planned for old bank site as major retailer looks to relocate By Beth Stephens newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SIGNIFICANT changes are taking place at the heart of Tunbridge Wells with a spa potentially moving into Calverley Road and Argos moving out. Natural Fit Gym is bidding for planning permission to convert the former Barclays site on the road into the town centre’s first swimming pool and wellness clinic. Details of both projects were disclosed this week as the landscape of the town centre continues to change.

Market Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] has received a planning application to create the spa, which will also offer treatment and rehabilitation facilities, aimed at adults aged 35 and over. Planning documents say the spa will be at 73 to

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them is that it’s very hard to raise money for charity, especially with so many of them. “But to get a community coming together for two such great causes is a major success. “There is going to be a real buzz about this, I’m so honoured to be a part of it.” The event follows a time-trial format with the day culminating in the four fastest teams going head to head in a grand finale. A smaller inter-schools competition for 16-18 year olds will be held in the morning. There is also a stage of live music, a super car display and zip wire. Event organiser Nicole Piesse-Turner of event organisers Chatty Hatter said: “The response from the public so far has been phenomenal. “This is set to be one of the most exciting and innovative community events Tunbridge Wells has seen and there really is something for everyone.” Crazy Jeans is sponsored by the insurance company Markerstudy. For more details visit www. crazyjeansevents.com or email hello@chattyhatter.com.

Meanwhile, the retailer Argos has confirmed it will leave its unit under Calverley House at the end of March and move inside the Sainsbury’s superstore situated next to Tunbridge Wells West railway station. This will see the branch become an Argos Digital. A company spokesman was unable to confirm how many jobs could be affected.

75 Calverley Road and will also include a sauna, café and steam room as well as access to massage and therapy. It was not disclosed how much the POOL RESOURCES development will cost. Barclays now The former operates a bank further down at 8 Barclays in Calverley Road. Tunbridge The fate of the spa is set to be Wells decided by TWBC in March with an estimated ten to 15 staff likely to be taken on. The application read: “The facility is aimed especially at people recovering from physical injuries, for those who have lost some elements of functional movement through their life. “But the prime market is those people beyond the age of 35 who wish to increase their range of everyday functional movement into the later years of their life.”

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Local News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Centre promises ‘new brands’ after exodus

Developer says long-running cinema saga could now drag into next year

THE owners of Royal Victoria Place [RVP] are in talks with ‘a range of exciting new brands’ who have expressed an interest in taking space at the shopping centre. Centre Manager Nicky Blanchard made the claim in a statement to the Times in response to repeated requests for comment about the future of the centre where one in four shops are now standing empty. The planned £70million extension programme is on hold pending the reported £100million sale of RVP from Hermes to British Land.

By William Mata

Ms Blanchard said: “The extension will be a positive step and as part of preparation for development work, certain leases have expired. “Some retailers have closed existing stores so they can move to parts of the centre [that are] unaffected by the development. “The original, indoor sections of the centre remain open and are trading well.” She added: “Unfortunately, with regard to the sale we do not comment on market speculation.” Gandys and Yankee Candle are the latest stores to move out, with fashion brand H&M also pulling their kidswear store. Meanwhile, there are no longer any retailers left in Ely Court sub-arcade and just four eateries are open in the Food Court. Ms Blanchard continued: “In light of development plans, we are talking to a range of exciting new brands who have expressed an interest in space.” The brands have not been named.

LONG awaited works to build a cinema and housing on the former ABC site in Tunbridge Wells could be put back until next year. Developer Altitude disclosed this week they are still finalising agreements with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] to build the £80million project, The Belvedere. Seventeen years after the former ABC cinema closed on Mount Pleasant, plans to see at least 99 homes, five shops and nine restaurants being created were welcomed. Everyman cinemas has confirmed plans to run a boutique three-screen venue to replace the original one which closed in 2000. After they secured planning permission in a heated meeting in October, Altitude stated work would begin in 2018 and would take around two and a half years.

Discussions However, Altitude Director Stephen Tillman told the Times this week that discussions are continuing. He said: “In terms of overall programme we are on track to see building works commence hopefully towards the end of this year or early next year [2019].” The site has long been considered a town grot spot and planning committee member Councillor

PLAN Altitude Director Stephen Tillman

PHOTO: Beth Stephens

Development

GROT SPOT The site today

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Don Sloan previously said he felt ‘positive’ work was being completed. It appears that behind the scenes talks between Altitude and TWBC over a financial agreement is slowing the process. Known as section 106 agreements, this is an obligation for a developer to mitigate the impact of a development by making a financial contribution to local authorities.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The old ABC cinema

Local News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

COMING SOON? The new development

Planning documents released when planning permission was granted stated that Altitude is set to pay around £500,000. This is likely to be divided between local schools, community groups and green space projects. Mr Tillman said: “Whilst we have received resolution to grant permission for The Belvedere, we are currently finalising the section 106 agreement with TWBC.

‘We are on track to see building works commence hopefully towards the end of this year or early next year’ “This means formal permission can be issued before we start to commence on the detailed design. “While all these legal progresses continue their normal course we hope to commence further site investigations shortly, so the public may see a

borehole rig on site carrying out these works.” He added: “In addition to this we have been progressing the footpath stopping up order and diversion along with the new proposed walkway agreement which will ensure the public have access across the scheme.” One aspect of the project yet to be decided is whether a medical centre or an extra nine properties will be built on the site. If the surgery is chosen as the preferred option, Altitude will pay a markedly reduced amount for the section 106 agreement of £502,697 against £601,305. Mr Tillman continued: “Discussions continue with the medical centre and we hope to be able to secure this use on the site.” A contentious point of the proposal is that none of the one, two or three bed properties on offer would be classified as ‘affordable housing’ – nor would there be enough parking spaces to match the number of residents. Planning committee member Councillor Linda Hall, who voted against The Belvedere, said:

“There was no affordable housing, which I think was very unfair. “There is very little room for parking space and some people have to have cars as, although the development is near the railway, not everywhere has a station.” A spokesperson for TWBC said: “Our understanding is that work on the site was due to commence at the end of this year and we are not aware of any changes to this.”

VISION The Belvedere

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Decision to name bus routes facing axe was ‘correct’, argues councillor THE county councillor previously in charge of transport has defended his policy on buses after being sacked. Last week Kent County Council [KCC] made a last minute u-turn on holding a consultation into plans to end subsidies for 78 bus services. Cllr Matthew Balfour put forward the plan in the autumn as Cabinet Member for Transport. It could have seen a combined 23 services lost in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge axed, to save £2.25million a year. But in Budget plans last week, the consultation was dropped. Council Leader Paul Carter previously apologised that the list of potential routes facing a subsidy cut was released ‘prematurely’. He then sacked the Malling representative.

Disappointed Cllr Balfour said: “I am disappointed and I miss working with the remarkable officers at Kent County Council. “If you wanted a reason why [I have been moved on] you will have to ask Paul Carter, it was his decision.” “I don’t feel I have been dealt with unfairly,” he added. KCC declined to comment on why he had lost the role. Cllr Balfour believes he was within his rights to release the list. “If it was announced there are routes being looked at the press would have put in Freedom of Information Requests in a matter of seconds to find out which ones.”

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Local News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Green space non-profit turns to crowdfunding after thieves strike By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk NON-PROFIT conservation group High Weald Partnership [HWP] has launched an online appeal after thieves stole their main van along with tools. They need to raise £4,000. The organisation preserves green spaces in Tunbridge Wells, including Grosvenor & Hilbert Park and Southborough Common, helping plant and coppice. But since the £10,000 Mitsubishi L200 pick-up was stolen, when criminals raided their office at Bedgebury Forest and stole the key, the group has been deprived of its most important asset. Partnership Officer Cally Fiddimore said the loss of their primary van has left HWP’s eight staff using their own cars to attend jobs and carry tools.

also taken. Burglars were thought to have taken these from inside the office and then put them inside the L200 before driving off. The total loss is estimated to be £15,000 to £20,000 but their insurance company would only pay £6,000 towards the £10,000 for the van. HWP is looking to raise the remaining £4,000 through an appeal on Spacehive website before February 12. The organisation works in partnership with Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Mrs Fiddimore continued: “We realised we weren’t going to get enough to replace the truck so we were looking at other ways to raise the

Stroke unit could be boosted if hospital is chosen for upgrade By Beth Stephens THE hospital in Pembury could see its acute stroke unit upgraded in a move which experts say could save lives. Kent and Medway NHS is currently deciding where to install three new hyper acute units. Tunbridge Wells Hospital is one of five being considered with a full public consultation set to start in February. Dr David Hargroves, Kent and Medway NHS Clinical Lead for Stroke Review, said that although stroke services are available there are no hyper acute units which allow patients to receive the highest care possible.

Dedicated

Community “Discovering the break-in was a total shock,” she said. “Everyone was upset and we had to cancel our volunteer day [which usually sees around 15-20 people take part in a preservation activity]. “The loss has restricted some of the things we can do and the insurance claim will cost us.” Mrs Fiddimore said the van was also useful for support in flooding or in cutting down trees and in providing transportation for education sessions. HWP has a smaller Volkswagen Caddy but this cannot meet their needs. “The break-in must have been completed by someone who scoped the site out,” she added. “We reported it straight away but the police don’t know who did it.” Four chainsaws, their stove and camera were

money and crowd funding online seemed to be a good way of doing that. “It has been very positive, we have had a lot of responses and people have shared the message. We have a lot of supporters in the community.” Spacehive operates an unusual policy where donators make a pledge and no money is taken until the fundraising time limit finishes. If the target amount is not reached then no money is exchanged. Since the appeal began last week, 21 people have made a pledge and, at the time of writing, £435 had been ‘raised’ – around 10 per cent of their goal. To pledge, visit www.spacehive.com and search ‘stuck without a truck’. To report information of the burglary call Kent Police on 101 and cite the crime reference number: 13/0184.

ROAD TO NOWHERE High Weald Partnership has been without a van for a month

“Currently, although stroke staff do their very best,” he said, “the way services are organised means that some people do not get the right treatment fast enough. “Centralising urgent stroke care in three excellent hyper acute stroke units would change all that. “Our dedicated staff would then be able to ensure the 3,000 people treated in Kent and Medway for a stroke every year get care which is right up there with the best in the country.” The NHS is considering five options for which three hospitals should receive the unit, which would ensure 98 per cent of the population could get to one within one hour. The others being considered are Darent Valley Hospital, Medway Maritime Hospital, William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and Maidstone Hospital. To participate in the consultation visit www.kmpt.nhs.uk from next month.

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Local Business News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

It’s not all about the money for a new generation of professionals By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk YOUNG professionals are helping drive a shift in the business mind-set from making a profit to making a difference to the world. That is the view of Catherine Gallagher, founder of Tunbridge Wells-based agency The Beyond Travel Company, who has started a series of ethical networking events. The 40 year old is offering entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to share ideas on how companies can make their own small difference by starting initiatives. She said: “I have done lots of networking in the past and they were all good for different reasons, but I felt a need for something less sales-focused and more about connection. “It is my belief more and more companies are looking at how they can make a difference. It is ethical entrepreneurship with a focus on how business can be used for good.”

Impact The first Tunbridge Wells Entrepreneur Social being is held today, from 12noon at Scallywag Café on Mount Ephraim. As well as offering attendees lunch and the chance to discuss initiatives, there will also be a TED-style talk from Brad Frankel, founder of travel brand Flooglebinder, to promote ‘ideas worth doing’. Ms Gallagher has already successfully held an ethical networking event in Penshurst, and will continue the series in Tunbridge Wells with the next event to be held on Wednesday, February 28.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Last chance to enter for business awards FIRMS throughout the county have one last opportunity to enter the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce awards. Nominations can be made for the Chamber Business Awards until the end of Friday [January 26]. The competition offer firms from across the county the chance to enter in a number of categories, with the winners to be announced during a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on March 22. See: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Competition launched

VENUE Scallywag Café She continued: “I am looking for people to combine their natural talent for business with a desire to make a positive impact. “There is an opportunity to ask about what changes can be made to businesses. We encourage people to think global and act local. “With the

help of these events, I am giving people the forum to learn and grow. Global networking initiative Entrepreneurs Institute has provided support, but it is Ms Gallagher who has launched the event in Tunbridge Wells. She added: “Tunbridge Wells is not the sleepy town people used to think of. It is finally moving with the times.” To find out more about today’s event, visit: www.geniusu.com/ mentor_circles/232/ Catherine Gallagher events/265

NEW firms have the chance to join a £500-a-year networking group by entering a competition. Last week, the Wealden Business Group invited entrants for The Business Edge competition, with the winner to be given the opportunity to join them. The group offers mentoring and advice sessions alongside events. To submit a 100-word application, email: edge@wealdenbusinessgroup.co.uk before Wednesday, February 28.

Café brand sales fall OWNERS of coffee shop giant Costa have put a fall in sales down to reduced high street footfall. The Whitbread Group have reported a 0.1 per cent decline in the chain’s like-for-like sales in their latest report. A group spokesman told reporters: “Sales are likely to be subdued in the near-term.” Costa has three branches in the Tunbridge Wells area.

Local Business News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

ADVERTORIAL

High Street move for insurers NFU Mutual look forward to welcoming customers when their new office opens in Tunbridge Wells on January 29 THE Mayor of Tunbridge Wells is cutting the ribbon of the new NFU Mutual office – opening in the town on 29 January. The new office hopes to play an integral part in the local community, providing personal and business insurance to locals. Partners, Martin Webber, Patrick Bowring and Shaun Joubert will offer an expert, personal service to their customers whose needs range from motor, farming, home, valuables and commercial to name a few. Shaun comments, “When it comes to protecting what

PARTNERS Martin Webber, Patrick Bowring and Shaun Joubert

matters, we find our customers prefer to have a real conversation with a real person, rather than using a comparison website. Take, for example fine art or expensive jewellery. It’s the personal and expert approach we take that matters to our customers.” Mayor Councillor Julia Soyke is cutting the ribbon at the new office on the High Street at 1.30 pm on 29th. “It really is an exciting opportunity for us,” says Shaun. “We have been wanting to open an office in Tunbridge Wells for

some time and we’re looking forward to being part of the thriving high street alongside many distinguished businesses; we have a jewellers, an art gallery, many bespoke shops, bistros and restaurants along the road from us. “ The partners are keen to establish this office as a leading provider of personal and business insurance. Shaun says “For years now we have been looking after many clients but all through our offices in Flimwell and Marden and now, we look forward to supporting the residents of Tunbridge Wells. The team at Marden are moving into our Flimwell office at the same time, so we’re delighted to be able to have two local offices serving customers in the Kent and East Sussex areas.” “We are a Mutual company, which runs for the benefit of our members rather than shareholders.” You are invited to attend one of two launch events on 29 January 12.30 – 14.30 or 30 January 17.15 – 19.30. Please let us know you’re coming by emailing or calling Tonya Williams at Tonya_Williams@nfumutual.co. uk or on 01892 599720.

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Community News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

to help the A host of dining experiences Quiz homeless through to bear fruit for Tree of Hope The Bridge Trust TREE OF HOPE launched their most ambitious fundraiser yet, Dine and Donate, at Tonbridge Old Fire Station last week. The Tonbridge children’s charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is calling on supporters to host an eating event of any kind from lunches and dinners to afternoon tea, or even a cocktails and canapé party. Great British Bake Off finalist Jane Beedle did a

baking demonstration and donated a bespoke cake which was iced in the Tree of Hope colours. She also judged a Great British Icing Challenge, which was won by Dawn Prebble. Guests included the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Cllr Roger Dalton, and everyone was treated to hot mulled cider donated by Turners Cider. John McMahon, Managing Director of MCM Net Ltd and a keen supporter, said: “The energy and dedication of the team at Tree of Hope is highly contagious. I challenge anyone to meet them and not come away wanting to do everything possible to support them.

“This will raise vital funds to enable us to support an ever-increasing number of families with disabled or seriously ill children to fundraise for specialist equipment, treatment and therapies that otherwise would be unavailable to them.” The charity’s website features recipes donated by Tree of Hope’s celebrity supporters. To find out more, visit www.dineanddonate.uk

‘They are passionate about helping the children and families they work with’ “They are passionate about helping the children and families they work with, and when they came to us with the idea of Dine and Donate they had us hooked from the start.” Tree of Hope helps children with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the money they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available on the NHS. Gill Gibb, its Chief Executive, said: “We are encouraging people to have fun with this initiative and to invite friends, families, neighbours or colleagues to get together for a whole host of foodrelated activities – anything from afternoon teas, brunches, curry nights and murder mystery evenings to informal kitchen suppers. “We hope they will then challenge their guests to get involved and host their very own event.

THE BRIDGE TRUST is holding a quiz night at the Mercure Hotel in Pembury, which has chosen the homeless organisation as its charity of the year. Teams can be between four and eight people, but those who cannot make the numbers are welcome to join other teams. The event will be held on February 2 from 7pm and tickets cost £15 per person, including food. The hotel will donate a percentage of the takings at the bar to the Trust and there will be a raffle. The Bridge Trust, based in Tonbridge, provides good quality accommodation and support services for single homeless adults in West Kent.

Difficult

SLICE OF THE ACTION Gill Gibb (left) with Great British Bake Off finalist Jane Beedle and her bespoke Tree of Hope cake

It received a significant donation from the Tonbridge Lions at the end of last year which made it possible for staff to take the residents on a Christmas outing. Fundraising Officer Becky Butterwick said: “Bowling is chosen each year as it is a fun social event that all ages and abilities can take part in. Thus ensued the usual matches. “The main goal was to prevent Adrian Hill of our support staff from keeping his crown as bowling champion from the previous year.” She added: “Christmas can be a difficult time for residents and sharing a festive time together can make all the difference. “Both staff and residents benefit from this as it creates another dimension to working relationships and provides the chance to leave problems behind and enjoy something together.” For tickets to the quiz, call 01732 368363 or email bbutterwick@thebridgetrust.org.uk To donate, visit www.thebridgetrust.org.uk

Community News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Childrensalon seek stationery to offer refugee children hope andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk CLOTHING company Childrensalon is calling on local businesses to donate any unused children’s stationery to give to the Hope Café in Athens. The idea behind the appeal is that every child who goes into the Greek café will receive a pencil case containing colouring pens or pencils, rubbers, sharpener and a notepad or colouring book. The stationery will be sent out on February 2, so donors are requested to bring any items to Childrensalon’s headquarters in Decimus Park. The café was set up by a British woman, Kerrie Moor, who was moved by the plight of refugees in Greece and originally went on a month-long trip to Lesbos to help out. She opened the venue in February last year to provide a safe space for refugees who have come to Greece to meet and relax – and make connections with the local community. It supports vulnerable refugees, offers a variety of workshops and provides free clothing and

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Debt advice service given boost by Tonbridge Lions

HOME OF HOPE Kerrie Moor with refugees in Athens’ Hope Café

By Andy Tong

NEWS

food parcels, including baby milk and nappies. Denise Hamilton, Director of the People Team at Childrensalon said: “We could provide much needed distractions and avenues for selfexpression to help the children with the trauma that many of them have been through. “Childrensalon do a lot of work in Kent with refugees and we heard about the Hope Café through our partner charity Bear Necessities, who collect teddy bears for refugee children. We were really touched and wanted to get involved.

TONBRIDGE LIONS have contributed £2,100 towards upgrading computers and other equipment at the Kent hub of West Kent Debt Advice [WKDA] in the town’s Baptist Church in Darenth Avenue. The club’s President, Gordon Hill, paid a visit to the officers and said: “The Lions are pleased to support the WKDA, which is doing such a worthwhile and professional job in giving free advice local people with serious debt problems.” He added: “In many cases, the root of the problem was the easy availability of credit, especially through plastic cards.” WKDA started locally as the Tonbridge Debt Advice Centre in 2004. It has since changed its name as other branches opened throughout the region. WKDA then merged with another free debt advice charity of a similar size and ethos and is now operating under the umbrella name of Crosslight.

Healer “The idea of pencil cases has come from the Hope Café directly, as they feel that drawing and art is a great healer with the children.” She added: “We support the seven families who were brought to Kent under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, with Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. “We provide financial support and also act in a mentoring capacity through our Arabic speakers, and we also help them with translation.”

HELP AT HAND: (L-R) Sharon Starling dispenses advice while Lions President Gordon Hill talks to WKDA Manager David Trice and Trustee and Founder Graeme Connell

An independent, community-focused charity, it works to alleviate poverty caused by debt. WKDA plays a key role in the combined operation, providing funding, local accountability and strategic oversight, as well as finding and training the 70 volunteers advisors needed to support the work in Kent. The combined operation now has seven branches with 120 staff, of which more than 90 per cent are unpaid volunteers. For more details, visit www.crosslightadvice.org

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People

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

How I bounced back from a colossal heart attack, a quintuple bypass op and a close encounter with aliens… Businessman Trevor Smith-Foreman, a well known figure around town, has started the year counting his blessings after suffering a near-death experience. He tells Eileen Leahy what happened…

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HEN you were thinking of what goals you’d like to achieve for 2018, the chances are they were along the lines of eating and drinking less and doing more exercise. For Trevor Smith-Foreman, however, things were a little different. The Creative Director and CEO of Tunbridge Wells design agency gingermonkeys, which counts Marks & Spencer and Debenhams among its key clients, was – quite simply – just glad to be alive. Just over a year ago, on December 12, 2016, to be precise, Trevor suffered a near fatal heart attack which resulted in him being in intensive care for weeks, undergoing quintuple bypass surgery and learning to walk again. The fact that Trevor, who has worked in the creative industry for the past four decades, managed to survive such a colossal heart attack still eludes him. “I honestly don’t know how I survived it,” he says as we sit down to talk about this life-changing experience in his uber opulent office, which resembles more a 17th-century dandy’s pad than a workspace – think lavish flock paper on the walls, Palace of Versailles-style gilded furniture and button-back glossy leather padded doors. Bland and boring it’s certainly not, but then neither is Trevor who, for a man in his 60s – he won’t reveal his exact age – dresses like he has just come off the Jean-Paul Gaultier or Vivienne Westwood catwalk. “We are very passionate about what we do here,” he explains. “I get a little bit fed up with so many creative agencies following the herd and doing the same thing, but we aim to be different. “Take our premises, for example. I’m sure people expect white walls, glass boxes, or a bit of bare brick work and a bike hanging on the wall, but when you come inside gingermonkeys it makes you stop and think.” That was certainly the case for me as I entered and found my hand sliding up an animal hide covered bannister before walking past a brass-riveted metallic bank vault door into Trevor’s top floor office, which overlooks the centre of Tunbridge Wells. “Working here you’re in your own little world. It’s inspiring, and I want the staff to look forward to coming into a creative environment which results in a creative output. Everything I do I want to do it differently to everyone else,” he says. However, all of that sharp aesthetic focus was suddenly and dramatically skewed when Trevor was admitted to A&E suffering that huge heart attack, not that he can recall much from that time. “There’s such a lot I still have to

BACK IN THE GAME Trevor at work, with wife Lizzie

‘You feel like something has been cut out of you… You feel your soul isn’t there any more’ keep questioning, there’s so much I cannot remember,” he says, explaining that’s the reason that his wife Lizzie is sitting in on our conversation. Lizzie then picks up the story: “Trevor said he had been experiencing pain in his upper torso. It was actually more in his left arm, but he didn’t share that with me…” As a result, the couple made an appointment to go to the doctor just a couple of weeks into December, but they could only be seen by a locum instead of Trevor’s usual GP. “He told me not to worry about it. He said he’d SEALED WITH A TWIST The office is full of character

seen lots of heart attacks and what I was experiencing were not the symptoms of one. “It was a kind of slap on the back ‘and you’ll feel better tomorrow’ type attitude. I was completely dismissed, and distinctly remember him saying: ‘I’m not going to give you an ECG as it’s a waste of time’.” Fast forward a few days, and Trevor found himself in an ambulance being rushed to A&E. “They were absolutely superb. I remember the first thing the paramedics said was: ‘We must give you an ECG, you’re having a heart attack’.” Trevor was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford as Pembury was full up, and was then transferred to London Bridge Hospital, where he underwent a quintuple bypass. “We thought, naïvely, that Trevor would be home a few days later and that he would only be in intensive care for 24 hours, but it wasn’t like that at all,”continues Lizzie. “There were lots of complications, including renal failure, blood clotting and a partly collapsed lung. “Trevor was on a ventilator and in intensive care for two weeks. Every day there seemed to be another complication.” “Meanwhile, I really thought…” Trevor pauses, “that I’d been taken by aliens. I’m being serious. I thought they were experimenting on me. “I was trying to beg Lizzie to get me out, but I had all these tubes in my mouth as I was on a ventilator and taking morphine.” Lizzie goes on to say that despite all the trauma, there were days when Trevor seemed ‘alert and coherent’, and although he couldn’t speak, he was able to communicate using his eyes. Yet once he had come off the drugs, she says he had ‘absolutely no recollection and no idea of the time period that had passed’. Trevor was back home by the end of last January after recovering from his intensive surgery and learning to walk again. He then returned gradually to work from Easter onwards, albeit on a part-time basis. Would it be fair to say that Lizzie and the four children they have between them – Hayley, 36, and Ashley , 39, from Trevor’s first marriage and Lizzie’s Will, 19, and Maddie, 15 – absorbed a lot of the trauma, too? “Oh yes, for them it is much worse,” Trevor

People

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

GRAND DESIGNS gingermonkeys’ opulent office says. “It’s not until you get home that the penny drops and you realise how bad that situation was for Lizzie and the children. It’s worse because they can see it and are living with it day in and day out – I was out of it. “The worst thing for me was if I’d passed away I wouldn’t have had the chance to say goodbye. I still think about that now and it really upsets me that I might not have been able to say the things I wanted to. It’s a really horrible situation.” Despite the terrifying place they found themselves in, and the black thoughts Trevor admits still cloud his thoughts, he’s acutely aware of the myriad positives to focus on, too. Firstly, he survived and is here to tell the tale, and despite having to learn to walk again after the severe muscle loss he suffered from being in intensive care for so long, Trevor is now back working full-time and rocking his idiosyncratic sartorial look and passion for all things design. “Trevor is an incredibly determined man,” Lizzie states. “And that was the thing I had in my mind the whole time; that he wouldn’t go without a fight, and he really did fight. “Despite all the odds being against him, he did not let go.” Is his approach to life, both personally and professionally, now different? “Well, I’ve never smoked and don’t drink, so my consultant said that the heart attack was driven by stress. I’ve been going to the gym more and I’ve now got a personal trainer. “We do a lot more together as a family, but I think the nature of running my business means that I am still always thinking of other people. “I’m a designer, I care, and I don’t want to compromise the quality of my work.”

Trevor has already taken on more help with the business courtesy of his eldest daughter, Hayley, who now assists in running HR and day-to-day things, which he says has definitely taken away ‘another layer of stress’. He says he still gets a lot of nightmares, – a common post-traumatic stress side affect – which is always the same scenario: Him in intensive care. “I always remember an intensely lit room with what looks like aliens, but they are people, and I am begging them not to touch me.” And although Trevor says he was a ‘bit emotionally wobbly’ on the anniversary of the attack last month, he knows he has to look forwards and not backwards. “When I went to see my surgeon, Max Baghai, 12 weeks after the operation, it was brilliant because he saved my life. I have now seen Mr Bhatai at The Spire in Fordecombe for two check-ups in the last six months and he is very happy, too. “But one thing I have to say after all this is that you feel like something has been cut out of you and discarded. You feel your soul isn’t there any more. It’s really weird, it’s as if a stranger has gone inside of you and taken an organ out: You don’t feel whole. It’s still the same feeling now, but you learn to live with it.” And what about Trevor’s ultimate goal for 2018? “I want to stay healthy, to love my family more and more, and for my business to be successful. This thing that has happened to me hasn’t just affected me, it’s touched my family and staff, and you have to remember them. “But they have all been loyal and stayed with me, and I really do appreciate that.” CREATIVE THINKING Trevor likes to ‘be different’

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National News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

‘Crisis’ at NHS: British talent is recognised one nurse for among Oscar nominations every 400 jobs THE number of vacant nursing posts reached a new high of 34,260 last year, with some areas only recruiting one nurse for every 400 jobs advertised – revealing a staffing ‘crisis’. Official figures showed there were almost 88,000 vacancies across the NHS in England in the quarter to September, with 28,242 in September alone. The Royal College of Nursing said the statistics, from NHS Digital, revealed that the number of vacant nursing and midwifery posts reached a new high of 34,260 in the three months to September, an increase of 2,600 on the previous quarter. The college said the data shows that the NHS filled one nurse job for every seven posts advertised. The Thames Valley area, home to the Prime Minister Theresa May’s constituency, hired only five nurses for almost 2,000 advertised posts. General secretary Janet Davies commented: “These figures pull back the curtain to reveal an NHS desperately short of nurses. “The Government can no longer deny the staffing crisis.” She added: “The next generation of British nurses has been deterred by the current w ­ hirlwind tearing WHIRLWIND through the NHS – Pressure on record pressure, nurses adds lack of funding and to poor pay poor pay for staff.”

A CAST of Britons have been nominated for the Oscars with Gary Oldman, Daniel Day-Lewis and Daniel Kaluuya battling it out for leading actor. The Shape Of Water’s Sally Hawkins was shortlisted for leading actress, as was Ireland’s Saoirse Ronan for her role in Lady Bird. Lesley Manville was nominated for supporting actress for her role opposite Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread.

NO TRAINS: Charing Cross station was evacuated

Stations closed after gas leak in central London

Three Oscars Christopher Nolan is in the running for best director for Dunkirk, which is also up for best picture. The war film faces Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri by Martin McDonagh, who also got a nod for original screenplay. Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape Of Water was the most nominated film, with 13, ahead of Dunkirk with eight. The rest of the best picture nominations went to Call Me By Your Name, Get Out, Lady Bird, Phantom Thread, The Post and The Shape Of Water. Oldman is nominated hot on the heels of his success at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild awards TAKE THE LEAD for his portrayal of Sally Hawkins and Winston Churchill in Daniel Kaluuya (above) Darkest Hour. are both nominated Get Out’s Kaluuya is a first-time nominee

unlike Day-Lewis, who has already won three Oscars. The Britons are up against Hollywood heavyweight Denzel Washington for Roman J Israel, Esq and newcomer Timothee Chalamet with Call Me By Your Name. Christopher Plummer was nominated for supporting actor for his role in Sir Ridley Scott’s All The Money In The World. He replaced disgraced actor Kevin Spacey when the latter was removed from the finished film. Hawkins and Ronan face The Post’s Meryl Streep, I, Tonya’s Margot Robbie and Three Billboard’s Frances McDormand.

A MAJOR road in central London has reopened after a gas leak led to the closure of two major railway stations and the evacuation of 1,450 people. Heaven nightclub was cleared and guests at the nearby Amba hotel were moved into emergency accommodation after the alarm was raised in the Strand at around 2am yesterday (January 23).

Diverted Engineers located the gas escape at the junction of Craven Street with Corner House Street, and had to check nearby buildings for gas before the area was reopened just after midday. Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations were shut, with services diverted into Victoria, Cannon Street and Blackfriars. National Rail said services were affected until 3pm. Brett Loft, London Fire Brigade spokesman and station manager at Chelsea, said: “It has ­happened a few times recently. “With the ageing pipes in London, there is an ongoing programme at the moment to replace all the pipework,” he added. “It’s just one of those things. It happens.”

National News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

MAYDAY CALL Prince Harry and Megan Markle will marry in Windsor

Art sold after Civil War returns for exhibition PAINTINGS from Charles I’s art collection, sold across Europe after his execution, have been reunited at the Royal Academy. A collection described as one of the most ‘extraordinary ever assembled’ includes over 90 works lent by the Queen. The works were dismantled by Oliver Cromwell after the king’s death in 1649. Items were sold off for as little as six shillings in the Commonwealth sale.

Jewellery thief guilty A MAN has been found guilty of stealing more than £2million of jewellery from the home of the stepson of billionaire ­businessman Sir Philip Green. A jury at Harrow Crown Court ­unanimously found Robert Lewis, 41, guilty of burglary and robbery. It heard that he broke into the house of Brett Palos and his wife Magda, who was was ordered to hand over all her valuables while she was wearing only a towel.

Time to say bye bye TRIBUTES have been paid to actor Simon Shelton, who was best known for playing purple Teletubby Tinky Winky, following his death at the age of 52. Actress Emily Atack said her ‘wonderful uncle’ had been ‘taken so suddenly’ and was ‘the kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet’. Shelton took over the role of handbag-carrying Tinky Winky after original actor Dave Thompson was sacked in 1997. The original Teletubbies ran on the BBC from 1997 to 2001.

Tory councillors resign over royal wedding beggar furore TWO Conservative councillors caught up in a row over rough sleepers and the royal wedding have quit the party group in protest. Windsor & Maidenhead Council has been beset by criticism since leader Simon Dudley suggested beggars should be cleared from Windsor before Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in May.

Dissenting He survived a no-confidence vote held by the council’s Conservative group on Monday night, prompting Paul Brimacombe and Asghar Majeed to stand down. They will stand as independents. The Royal Borough’s Conservative-controlled council issued a statement saying: “Immediately following the announcement of the result of the no-confidence vote, Councillor Majeed and Councillor Brimacombe resigned from the Conservative group and departed the meeting.

“It was not considered appropriate by them to wholeheartedly disagree with the will of the group on this fundamental issue and yet to remain within the group. “With the departure of the last of the few dissenting voices within the Conservative group, possibly an even more cohesive and purposeful Conservative group will emerge. Controversy erupted when Mr Dudley said beggars could present the town in a ‘sadly unfavourable light’. In a letter to police, he complained about ‘aggressive begging and intimidation’, and ‘bags and detritus’ on the streets. A petition to stop rough sleepers being taken off the streets was signed by tens of thousands. Mr Dudley later apologised for his comments and said he was not referring to genuine homeless people, and that he regretted referring to Harry and Ms Markle’s wedding at the time.

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Council workers reject pay offer LEADERS of the biggest local government workers’ union have rejected a two-year pay offer and will now consult members on the next step. Unison officials narrowly voted against a proposed deal of a 2 per cent rise for most council and support staff from April and a further 2 per cent in 2019. Lower paid staff were offered a higher wage rise of up to 16 per cent over the two years. Unison’s head of local government, Heather Wakefield, said: “The union will now begin to consult with its members across local government in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to seek their views.” Sian Timoney, Chair of the National Employers Side of the National Joint Council for Local Government, said: “The employers are extremely disappointed Unison will be advising its members to reject the pay offer. The employers have been very clear that the pay offer is a final offer.”

Republican terrorists announce ceasefire A DISSIDENT republican group behind dozens of gun and bomb attacks on security forces in Northern Ireland has declared a ceasefire. Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH), which at one point tried to blow up the Co Down-based headquarters of MI5, has said it is ending its campaign of violence because the environment is not right for armed conflict. A statement from the group said: “While ONH accept that the right of the Irish people to use armed disciplined force to end the violation of Irish national sovereignty is unquestionable, our review has concluded that, at this time, the environment is not conducive to armed conflict.”

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Supporting Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Sainsbury’s reshuffle puts thousands of jobs at risk SAINSBURY’S has announced a management shake-up at its supermarkets, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The retailer is consulting with staff over plans that will see the number of senior in-store posts slimmed down and replaced with fewer management roles. Affected staff, thought to run into the thousands, will be given the choice of applying for new roles, accepting a more junior position or facing redundancy consultation. Sainsbury’s said the changes at both its supermarkets and convenience stores are ‘designed to meet the challenges of today’s retail environment’ and will result in more ‘efficient’ structure. Simon Roberts, Retail and Operations Director of Sainsbury’s, insisted that the ‘intention is not to reduce overall headcount’. He added: “We’re proposing a store management

SAVINGS Sainsbury’s will be cutting management

structure that will deliver best-in-class leadership and, in many cases, will offer an improved reward package for new management roles. “The proposals will introduce a more efficient and effective structure, designed to meet the challenges of today’s retail environment.

Struggles “They will deliver cost savings to be invested in our customer offer and in our colleagues as they continue to provide the very best service for our customers.” The news comes just a day after rival Tesco said it would axe 1,700 shop floor jobs as part of a cost-cutting drive. Asda, another Big Four player, has also announced swingeing cuts. Sainsbury’s is undergoing a major cost-cutting drive as it struggles amid a brutal price war that

has engulfed a sector also reeling under inflationary pressures and diminished consumer spending power. Late last year it announced that it was axing 2,000 jobs, mainly from human resources and payroll staff, adding to 1,000 head office job cuts in August, as part of efforts to cut another £500million of costs. Earlier this month Sainsbury’s warned of a challenging market amid weaker sales at Argos, which it acquired in 2016.

Sky takeover not in the public interest, watchdog finds RUPERT MURDOCH’S £11.7billion takeover bid for Sky has been provisionally blocked by the ­competition watchdog due to fears it would hand the media mogul too much control over UK media.

Influence POLITICAL AGENDA Rupert Murdoch

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said 21st Century Fox’s deal to buy out the remaining 61 per cent of Sky it does not already own was ‘not in the public interest’.

The CMA found that if the deal went ahead, it would hand the Murdoch Family Trust – which controls Fox and News Corp, the publisher of the Sun and the Times – ‘too much control over news providers in the UK across all media platforms... and therefore too much influence over public opinion and the political agenda’. It cleared the deal on the grounds of Fox’s commitment to broadcasting standards despite the phone-­ hacking scandal at the News of the World and allegations of sexual

harassment at Fox News in the US. But the watchdog said that its concerns over the impact on media plurality in Britain meant that overall it believed the deal was against the public interest. The provisional decision could thwart Mr Murdoch’s plans to take full ownership of Sky for the second time, after the first attempt was abandoned following the phone-hacking saga that led to the closure of the News of the World seven years ago.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kimberly-Clark sheds up to 5,500 employees AROUND 1,600 UK jobs could be lost after Kimberly-Clark, owner of Andrex toilet tissue and Huggies nappies, unveiled a cost-cutting drive. The firm, which has an office in West Malling, plans to cut up to 5,500 of its 43,000-strong global workforce. The Texas-based personal care giant has three UK manufacturing sites in Barrowin-Furness, Flint and Northfleet, as well as offices in Reigate and Brighton. Ten manufacturing plants have been earmarked for sale or closure.

EasyJet revenue soars BUDGET airline EasyJet has recorded a jump in revenue following an increase in passenger numbers. In Johan Lundgren’s first trading update since becoming Chief Executive, the Luton-based carrier reported that total revenue in the first quarter rose by 14.4 per cent to £1.1billion. Passenger numbers grew by 8 per cent to 18.8million over the same period.

Twitter boss leaves TWITTER’S Chief Operating Officer is leaving the social media giant to lead another company. Anthony Noto joined Twitter in July 2014 after a stint at Goldman Sachs. He has also served as chief financial officer at Twitter. The San Francisco company said other executives will take over Mr Noto’s duties. Mr Noto will now be joining Social Finance Inc, an online lender, as Chief Executive and a director.

World News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

Semi-finalist Edmund is ‘just trying to enjoy it’ KYLE EDMUND is making sure he soaks up the enormity of his shock victory over third seed Grigor Dimitrov to reach his first grand slam semi-final. Having beaten a top-10 player for the first time in Melbourne, said: “I am loving it right now, just the way I’m playing… First time I played on one of the biggest courts in the world. To beat a quality of player like Grigor. They’re great feelings. “I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible. I knew I was in a good place.” In the last four he faces Marin Cilic, who pushed Rafael Nadal to five sets before the world No 1 withdrew with a hip problem.

Sinckler and Biggar out ENGLAND prop Kyle Sinckler has left the training camp in Portugal with a suspected hamstring problem. The Harlequins forward, Dan Cole’s deputy, is replaced by Henry Thomas of Bath ahead of the Six Nations opener against Italy on Sunday week. Wales fly-half Dan Biggar will miss the three matches due to a shoulder injury while fellow No 10 Rhys Priestland is also ruled out of the majority of the tournament with a hamstring problem.

Inter in Sturridge loan INTER MILAN are said to have offered a big loan fee for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge. The 28-year-old England striker has started only five games for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season. The Italian club would pay his wages and may make the move permanent at the end of this season.

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Attorney General grilled in Russian investigation US ATTORNEY General Jeff Sessions was interviewed for hours last week in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, the US Justice Department has confirmed. Mr Mueller is investigating whether President Donald Trump’s actions in office, including the firing of FBI director James Comey, constituted obstruction of justice.

Witness He is also investigating contacts between Mr Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Mr Sessions is seen as a potentially important witness given that Mr Trump initially said he fired Mr Comey last THE Philippines’ most active volcano spewed geysers of red-hot lava and massive ash plumes in a dazzling but dangerous new eruption yesterday (January 23) that put to flight 56,000 villagers. Lava fountains gushed up 2,300ft (700m) above Mount Mayon’s crater and ash plumes rose up to 1.9 miles (3km).

May at the recommendation of the Justice Department. Meanwhile China and South Korea have vowed to defend their interests after the US imposed new tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels. The tariffs of up to 50 per cent will affect the two Asian countries more than any other. They are part of US President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ trade policy. South Korea said it would complain to the World Trade Organization while China, which is the world’s biggest solar panel producer, described the move as an ‘overreaction’ and pledged to TOP LAWYER ‘work with other WTO members to resolutely defend its Jeff Sessions legitimate interests’.

INFLUENCE FOR GOOD: Dolores O’Riordan’s mother Eileen at the funeral

Moving tribute at funeral of singer Dolores THE Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan had a loving heart, a voice of gold and starred in the gig of life itself, mourners at her funeral have heard. Hundreds who packed into a small church in rural Co Limerick to say farewell to the musician were told she is now singing in a heavenly choir. O’Riordan’s distinctive voice, described during the mass as unique, far reaching and distinctly Irish, filled the Church of Saint Ailbe in Ballybricken at the outset, as her duet of Ave Maria with Luciano Pavarotti was played. The 46-year-old was found dead in a London hotel room last week. In his homily, family friend Canon Liam McNamara said O’Riordan’s voice was worth its weight in gold. “Her kind personality and beautiful singing voice earned her numerous admirers,” he said. “It must be added that the numbers she rescued from the darkness of depression are impossible to count. “No words are adequate to describe Dolores or to accurately state the influence for good she has been over the years.”

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

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 newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

SITE FOR SORE EYES The old ABC Cinema closed in 1999

No desire to visit ghost town – it’s a haunting spectacle We don’t live in Tunbridge Wells, but used to visit fortnightly; then that became monthly – and now I’m not sure we will bother. Why? The simple answer is that Tunbridge Wells is dying fast as retailers desert the town and shopping centre. For many it started with the loss of the Nutmeg Tree and BHS, but there are now so many empty units that the centre is beginning to feel like a ghost mall. There is also the land opposite the Town Hall which still lies empty. Why no development?

Bowling alley, shops, theatre, cinema – surely anything is better than the wasteland that has been there for years? I don’t understand why the council does not do something. Likewise, I don’t understand why Disgruntled of Tunbridge Wells does not rise up and have its say and stop the town from being destroyed. It could be a while before we bother to visit again, which is disappointing. Chris Smyth Via email Ed: See pages 4-5 for update on cinema site

Why Waitrose isn’t coming

Make song and dance about it

Given the current state of the retail trade in Tunbridge Wells, which is a reflection of the national trend, it should come as no surprise to discover that Waitrose will not, as strongly rumoured, be opening a branch in this town. Indeed, why should they when they already have a very well equipped store complete with cafeteria in Tonbridge, where the parking arrangements are more motorist friendly? Does the closure of the Strada restaurant on Mount Pleasant, following in the footsteps of Jamie Oliver and Rosemary Shrager and others in quitting units in the town, signal a decline in the local catering trade? Even if it is not, every town needs a variety of retail outlets. To paraphrase the good book, man cannot live on bread rolls alone. High rents and business rates are the main reasons why long-established local firms are struggling to survive. It also poses the question of whether the owners of the new building on the old cinema site – an eyesore still after almost two decades – will be able to fill its retail units, or will it become as shabby and run down as the Calverley Road shopping precinct, with its uneven paving, missing slabs badly filled with tarmac and overgrown trees? All of which will be of no concern to our councillors, who believe because the Council Leader has said so, that the new 1,200-seat theatre will be packed night after night with the hordes of people who have swarmed into Tunbridge Wells on the already overfilled commuter trains. Victor Bethell Tunbridge Wells

Great to see The Forum featured on your front page [January 17]. This is an iconic venue that all too often does not get the recognition it deserves – at least at a local level. Perhaps now that it is celebrating being around for 25 years, residents will get to accept it and stop harking back to the days when the building was a public loo. In music terms, The Forum has placed Tunbridge Wells on the national/international map, having featured people like Adele, Tom Chaplin, Oasis and Slaves. Most towns would have erected a monument to such a venue by now. So, how about placing something at the new Civic Complex to mark The Forum and its contribution to the town? Roger Faulkner Via email

Clark looks at bigger picture Ben Chapelard, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Tunbridge Wells, seems to believe Brexit is a disaster [January 17] but doesn’t say why. I can’t understand what a disaster is in his judgement. Or is he looking through rose-tinted glasses? To me, if you look at the EU employment figures they are a disaster: France nearly ten per cent, Italy 12 per cent, Spain 24 per cent, Belgium 7 per cent, Portugal 9 per cent, Greece 21 per cent; if you look at the youth unemployment figures they are substantially worse, going from 22 per cent in Belgium, France 23 per cent, Italy 35 per cent, Spain 38 per cent, and Greece the worst at 43 per cent. Personally, I think that is a disaster, and there are many other reasons why it isn’t good being in the EU and why Brexit is not a disaster.

Is Mr Chapelard happy with so many not employed? I assume this is what he would like to see in the UK by staying in the EU. Then how much does he think the UK should pay to be in the club when the views of one of its main net contributors are ignored? Any MP should look at what the public voted for nationally, as every area is affected in different ways, so Greg Clark [MP] must be trying to look at a bigger picture than just Tunbridge Wells. How can he [Mr Chapelard] say that it’s an extreme version of Brexit when the final decision has not been taken of what is acceptable to Parliament? D Presston Via email

Time for a new-look NHS Your editorial about the NHS [January 17] identified remedies for financial relief, but these are mere tinkerings at the edge. Still, one has to start somewhere. What is needed is a fundamental restructuring. The model no longer meets the needs of the 21st century; it was founded just after the war and has just growed and growed like Topsy. What cannot be allowed to happen is to throw more money at the existing structure. That more is needed is beyond doubt, and where that money comes from is a nettle that must be grasped: A hybrid model of private insurance and social provision cannot be ruled out, nor can private involvement in services’ provision. Further, the NHS must stop being a provider of everything and rule out those things that it cannot and shouldn’t do. Political parties, too, must stop treating it as a football and an opportunity to score points off each other. That they do this is a measure of the contempt with which they treat us: Party politics before the nation’s health. One party in particular must stop treating it as their own baby – something to be suckled and protected in its current form, and think nothing ill of. Its founding father may well have been a socialist, but the NHS came about from cross-party consensus. Like Pavlov’s dogs, I expect this letter to produce the same conditioned response, the same knee-jerk reactions, which would be a pity as it denies proper discussion and divides us by politics – again. Hugh Masters Pembury

Efficiencies, not job losses Commenting on the fall in public sector jobs [January 17], a GMB spokesman made the mistake of assuming all the cuts came from ‘front-line services’. They may not have been, the cuts could have come from efficiencies like sharing services with other authorities; investing in technology; cutting out waste; reducing absenteeism – in fact there could be any number of reasons. The unions of course don’t really give a fig for public finances, they just want to see their members employed; they have become a reincarnation of the Luddites. Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

DIFFICULT to keep up with the changing times. Take the other day, when Calverley just happened to be perched on a bar stool and overheard the following conversation between a regular and a member of the staff. Customer: “So how did you get on with the rugby at the weekend, did you win?” Bar staff: “Yes, but it was a tough match and I had a real problem with my nails.” Customer: “What do you mean?” Staff: “Well, I had on long false nails (flashes long false nails painted black) and they kept tearing into the skin of the other guys, even though I was wearing gloves. Now I’ve been told to get rid of the nails.” The staff person was, of course, a young lady.

HOW embarrassing. Off to one of those luvvie dinner parties that most people hate but can’t resist. Anyway, this couple arrive and the wife is wearing a really distinctive ‘frock’ (think red, off the shoulder) that attracted much attention, but for all the wrong reasons. Whispers quickly spread, drawing attention to the fact that the host had actually donated the very same dress to a local charity shop a couple of weeks before. What a cruel world. AND the cruelty continued at the same dinner party, where Calverley was seated between two ladies who obviously had history. The wine flowed and the caustic remarks came thick and fast between the courses. When the table chatter later turned to diets (why does that happen at dinner parties?) one of the ladies leaned across and in a loud voice said to her ‘opponent’: “You’re so lucky you have the sort of figure that can carry the extra weight.” Ouch.

INTERESTING insight last week into the world of online dating when Calverley has coffee with a newly divorced colleague. Purely platonic, of course. She regales him with the tale of going online to look for some spice in her life, and the first picture that appears on her screen is… her ex. Mind you, he’d shaved several years of his age and had donned a fire officer’s uniform. Whatever works for you.

Chin Chin, readers

Education News

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

NEWS

21

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

A clued-up support service for students Pupils from Beacon Academy are celebrating four decades of working with Clued-Up, a drop-in centre for young people. Eileen Leahy finds out more… CLUED-UP originally started as a Youth Service at Beacon Academy in the 1970s. Over the years it has developed into something much bigger, moving to its own premises, where it is also helping the wider community in Crowborough. Now established as a charity, Clued-Up offers free advice and resource services to young people, providing them with useful information and guidance on everything from mental health issues to money management.

Wellbeing “Clued-Up come in and counsel our young people who are struggling to cope,” explains Jane Prowse, the academy’s Behaviour, Safeguarding & Welfare Manager. “They offer us a twiceweekly drop in session to support our students’ emotional wellbeing, which in turn helps support students to remain in school. “In these times of austerity and the ongoing lack of services for young people, it is a fantastic

support for the students, not just those in need of support but those that just want somewhere to go and chat to others. “Clued-Up rely solely on funding from the council and charity donations, so we want to do all we can to support them.” The Youth Service, as it was first known, was set up by youth workers Lorna Watson and Adrian Parker and health visitors Eleanor McGregor and Claire Istead, with funding from the Town Council Youth Service, the Police, Careers Service and the NHS. In 2002, it became apparent an independent premises was required, so they are now based on The Broadway in the heart of the town, with three paid workers and three volunteers. Since it was established, the charity has gone on to help hundreds of young people, not just at Beacon Academy but also in the Crowborough community. They work with people aged 11 to 25, so all students can make use of their services. Lorna Watson says Clued-Up has become so

TEAMWORK: Jane Prowse and Lorna Watson (centre) and Senior Assistant Headteacher Keith Slattery (rear) with Academy Council members Kim, Isabelle, William, Jack, Ben, Hannah and Victoria popular that they now get referrals from GPs. “Our profile has gone up over the years, but we always want to remain proactive rather than reactive. We offer young people access to a quiet space to study or relax and socialise. Some may not have access to this kind of environment at home, but students all backgrounds use Clued-Up. “Students can meet at Clued-Up’s premises after school, have a drink, a chat or do their homework if they need a space. “There’s a Clued-Up Youth Council and daily surveys are carried out, to see if there are any additional needs that need to be met.” The service can act as mediators between par-

ents and teachers, too. Their next aim, Jane says, is to ‘forge links between the Clued-Up Youth Council and the Beacon Student Council moving forward’. They will do this by setting up meetings to discuss issues affecting young people at the school and in the town. “We are delighted to have a really good working relationship with Beacon Academy,” adds Lorna. “And we are really grateful for their support, and the continued support of the community as we could not operate without it. I hope that we will be able to continue to support the emotional wellbeing of our young people.”

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Martin Betts Labour Party local campaign co-ordinator

Labour Party member Martin Betts lives in Southborough and has long been active in local politics. He retired after a long career in the Civil Service, where his last job at the Department for Work and Pensions was in communications. He qualified at Leicester University in human resources and training and development. The Times also publishes regular opinions from Conservatives and Lib Dems and members of the Green Party

Why this winter crisis is the last cut-back the NHS should suffer IT IS the start of the NHS’s 70th birthday and patients and staff are both currently experiencing the worst winter crisis on record. So far, up to 100,000 patients have waited to be seen for more than 30 minutes in the back of ambulances or in parts of hospitals – including corridors. Bed occupancy has averaged a staggering 93.5 per cent when the NHS target level is 85 per cent. This month, NHS England took the unprecedented decision of deferring non-urgent operations until the end of January.

‘This is a sure sign that the health service has been left ill-prepared for the additional strain’ This is a sure sign that the health service has been left ill-prepared for the additional, yet predictable, strain on services as temperatures drop. Officials estimate that up to 55,000 procedures will be affected, with likely knock-on effects into February. Yet all Theresa May has offered in response is a half-hearted apology and an entirely unfounded claim that the NHS is ‘better prepared’ for winter than ever before. The heads of more than 60 Accident and Emergency [A&E] units recently wrote to the

Prime Minister saying that 120 patients a day were being managed in some hospital corridors with ‘some dying prematurely’. They said this was because the NHS is ‘chronically underfunded’, unprepared for winter and dangerously short-staffed. Leading doctors and healthcare practitioners have also been speaking out about the extent of the winter crisis. An A&E consultant at the Royal Stoke Hospital Tweeted an apology for the ‘third world conditions’ of the department due to overcrowding. Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “In 34 years I’ve never seen anything like this.” Even Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston, a practising GP and Chair of the Health Select Committee, warned that Theresa May must ‘get a better grip’. Pressures on staff can be seen in the latest statistics. Monthly figures from NHS England show that in December only 77.3 per cent of patients attending major A&E units were seen within four hours, against a target of 95 per cent. This is the worst record since records began. At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, the figure was 82.6 per cent, still significantly below the national target. In Kent over Christmas week, 25 per cent of patients arriving at hospital by ambulance waited more than 30 minutes to be seen. In England as a whole, the figure was 12 per cent.

WINTER WOES Tunbridge Wells Hospital

With the flu season now underway, pressures on intensive care units are only set to increase. For the NHS, the winter has only just started. Labour has warned repeatedly that the NHS funding squeeze imposed by the Government is damaging standards of patient care. It is why we offered record levels of funding for the NHS in our manifesto and guaranteed the main four-hour A&E target would finally be met again consistently.

The simple truth is that the Prime Minister failed to allocate sufficient winter funding to tackle the expected spike in demand during the coldest period of the year. Theresa May must finally give the NHS the support and resources it urgently needs and explain what she’s going to do to make sure patients and their families never suffer a winter crisis like this again.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

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24

PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations

MILL STREAM PLACE TONBRIDGE GUIDE PRICE

£550,000£575,000

Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774781

Alternatively, you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways: Call 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

f facebook.com/timeslocalnews k twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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n Good size lounge

GUIDE PRICE

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£225,000-£245,000

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£300,000-£320,000

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n Leasehold (approx from 1997) n Purpose built second-floor apartment

L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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To suit your budget

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

PROPERTY

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UNDER £700,000 LIME TREE HOUSE, HADLOW

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n Courtyard garden CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £600,000

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n 4 double bedrooms n 4 bathrooms n Double garage n 3,173 sq ft CONTACT Firefly Properties Paddock Wood 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

The Bennetts

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

PROPERTY

31

AT A GLANCE

THE BENNETTS CULVERDEN DOWN TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Reception room with balcony n Dining room/playroom n Kitchen/breakfast room n 7 bedrooms (including master suite) n 4 bathrooms n Additional annexe n Garden n Garage n Heated swimming pool

The property is approached by a gated driveway with intercom access and has a double garage

TO LET £922 weekly

+ fees (unfurnished) Available through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507050 www.savills.com

Five-bedroom family home near schools with heated outdoor pool and annexe

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

The Little House

Stunning character home with exceptional garden close to Calverley Park and town centre

PROPERTY

AT A GLANCE THE LITTLE HOUSE CALVERLEY ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n 3 reception rooms n Fireplace in living room n Kitchen n Cloakroom n Master bedroom n En-suite bath/shower room n 3 further double bedrooms n Family bathroom n Roof terrace n Garden n Summerhouse n Storeroom n Garage n Off-street parking n About 0.32 acres

TO LET £750 weekly + fees (unfurnished)

Available through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507050 www.savills.com

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44

FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Spread the love of homemade marmalade It may be cold outside, but inside you can create a sunnier disposition courtesy of making some marmalade with Seville Spanish oranges – which are now in season. Times food writer Bruce McMichael shows you how…

F

OR many people, buying Seville oranges – marmalade’s main ingredient – is a ritual closely associated with New Year. The Spanish fruit have a short growing season and are usually found in British shops in January and February, and while they may be too sharp to eat raw, by simply adding sugar (and for some lemon) and some heat, they are cleverly transformed into a timeless British breakfast table classic. Making your own marmalade is as much a science as an art because using the same ingredients and methods year after year does not guarantee you’ll get the same flavour or taste again and again. And remember that keeping a close eye on the time and temperature of the boiling, bubbling pot is absolutely key to making the best marmalade you can. Mike Goode a locally-based designer, became a keen marmalade maker after finding shop-bought products too sugary. “Most commercial brands are too sweet for my palate so I prefer to make my own. It’s an annual ritual in our house and something we really look forward to,” he says. Jane Hasell-McCosh, owner of Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria, where she founded the annual World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival, says: “Marmalade is part of our culture, and is something that has always been popular to make at home. It is a very sophisticated food with a fascinating range of ways of using it – marmalade is not just for toast!” Artisan marmalades and preserves are often found at farmers’ markets across West Kent, including those at Penshurst, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Local producers include Potash Farm, who add Kentish Cobnuts to their products, Tonbridge-based Great Preservations and mother and daughter team Edna and Anna Redman of Sugar and Spice. The latter are regulars at Penshurst where their use of seasonal

produce is popular with customers who yearn for that homemade taste and flavour but just don’t have the time to make their own. As a result of such a buoyant local offering, Tonbridge farmers’ market is hosting Marmalade Month in March. Manager Steve Wood says: “We have some great marmalades on offer at the market, and there’s always lots of interest from our shoppers at this time of year in the new batch of Seville orange marmalade. We’ll have lots of sales and cooking demos showing how versatile a product it is.”

Advice If you’re thinking of making your own you’re bound to get plenty of advice. Matthew Kearsey-Lawson is an award-winning chef at Kent Fine Foods. His top tips are to freeze the oranges first, to cut the peel thickly, and to watch the heat and time very closely. Matthew says: “Everyone has their own rules about making marmalade. But in truth there are no rules… except these three!” Enthusiastic marmalade maker and local food writer and author Mary Gywnn, who wrote the bestselling Back In Time For Dinner and The WI Cookbook – The First 100 Years, prefers to boil the whole fruit before squeezing her Sevilles and then shredding the peel by hand. Championship organiser Jane advises the following: “Make sure that you get fresh fruit, ensure that your peel is well cooked before you add your sugar, and fill your jar right to the top to avoid mould!” But whatever marmalade method you decide to adopt, now is the time to stock up on Seville oranges, settle into your kitchen, switch the radio on and get stuck into making your very own creation. And who knows, you may well end up entering it into the World Championships!

Food & Drink

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

HOW TO CREATE AWARD WINNING MARMALADE This recipe is how Pam ‘The Jam’ Corbin, Head Judge at the World’s Original Marmalade Championships, makes hers… INGREDIENTS n 1kg Seville oranges n Juice of 2 lemons (100mls) n 2kg golden granulated sugar

METHOD

1. Scrub the oranges, remove the buttons at the top of the fruit, then cut in half around their circumference. Squeeze out the juice and keep to one side. 2. Slice the fruits into the size pieces you prefer, removing any marked skin and any thick pieces of the white inner pith. Save these – the pith is where the most pectin is. Tie these off-cuts in a square of muslin. 3. Place the sliced peel, orange juice and pith bag in a large bowl and cover with 2 litres of water. Cover and leave to soak overnight or for up to 24 hours – this helps to soften the peel and release the pectin. 4. Transfer the whole mixture to a large heavy based pan or preserving pan. Cover and bring to the boil, then simmer for about 2 hours (Seville’s have tough old skins) or until the

peel is tender and breaks when gently pulled – the contents of the pan will have reduced by approximately one- third. Remove the pith bag, first squeezing it firmly against the side of the pan to remove all its gummy goodness. 5. Add the lemon juice and the sugar. Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Boil rapidly until setting point is reached –this should take approximately 15 minutes at a full rolling boil but will depend on the size of pan you use and how hard the boil is. The marmalade is done when the mass of foamy bubbles on the surface has disappeared and the mixture appears to be thick and glossy. 6. Test for setting point by dropping the mixture on to a very cold plate or a large stainless steel spoon – after a minute or so it should form a slight skin on the surface. Avoid overcooking, which results in a stiff, overlysweet marmalade. 7. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for several minutes to allow the peel to evenly distribute – if you pour when the marmalade is too hot the peel will float to the top of the jar. 8. Pour (to within 3 mm of the top) into sterilised jars and seal immediately.

FEATURES

45

Whisky a go go If you’re celebrating Burns Night this week then here are James Viner’s recommended wee drams

E

ACH year, all around the world, people celebrate the memory of Scotland’s most famous bard, Robert Burns, by holding Burns Night suppers on and around his birthday tomorrow (January 25]. Here are two tasty tipples to toast the poet who wrote: “O Whisky! soul o’ plays an’ pranks! Accept a Bardie’s gratefu’ thanks!” – Robert Burns (1759-1796) Slàinte mhath!

PLUMP, RICH & VEGAN-FRIENDLY SUPERMARKET HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT…

12-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Whisky (£20 offer until 13 Feb, then back to £23.49, Co-op) This is a top-quality single malt that should grace any Burns Night supper. The sherry-cask influence is apparent from the start, along with butterscotch, marzipan, ginger biscuit-spice, candied orange peel, almonds and chocolate. Your haggis, neeps and tatties merit nothing less. Sure to appeal to fans of the Dalmore 12 year old who want to save some cash. Raise a dram to Rabbie and join the party. Alc 40%

BARGAIN BASEMENT, MEDAL-WINNING, SUB-£20 SINGLE MALT SUPERMARKET SPLENDOUR… Glen Marnoch Limited Release Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£17.49, Aldi) Squeezed between Aberdeen in the east and Inverness to the west, Speyside is to whisky what Bordeaux is to red wine. This bottle is all warming, silky, spicy cinnamon, toffee, butterscotch, heather and marmalade, with a gentle note of vanilla spice and dark chocolate. Great value for money. Alc 40%

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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FEATURES

Travel

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Bali’s volcanoes may still be smouldering but cruising to the islands is plain sailing You don’t have to miss out on the beauty of Bali when Mount Agung is bubbling – there’s a way to view the paradise isle from outside the exclusion zone, says Chris Wiltshire

WE ARE SAILING… Chris and Carole

M

Y OLD nautical namesake Christopher Columbus would have cheerfully sent me down the gangplank had he seen my first feeble attempt at seamanship. I’m a little over half-way up to reaching the first of two crow’s nests on the majestic Star Clipper sailing ship, some 40 feet from the gleaming, polished deck, when vertigo suddenly takes hold. I cling on to the ladder as sweat seeps from my forehead into my eyes, and my legs start to tremble on the ropes while the ship gently sways from side-to-side off the Bali coastline. Like a fool, I peer upwards and see the flag of Indonesia fluttering against the cloudless sky, a mass of ropes cascading down from one of the tallest tall ship masts in the world at 213 feet, and then down to the sea of faces of fellow guests peering up at me. What made me want to attempt such a challenge on my first voyage on the Clipper – a larger version of the ship that Columbus sailed on to discover far-off lands – is beyond me. Perhaps it’s because I am caught up in the spirit of the week-long adventure that has drawn passengers from all corners of the earth to visit these Indonesian islands. It brings a whole new meaning to Bali Ha’i, the

‘I’m half-way up to the first of two crow’s nests, 40 feet from the deck, when vertigo takes hold…’

Rodgers and Hammerstein song from the 1950s film classic South Pacific that helped bring the region to the world’s attention. I gingerly make my way down the ladder and am greeted with a comforting smile from my wife, Carole. But the wind is swiftly taken out of my sails when a sprightly 84 year old slips into the harness and makes her way fully up to the crow’s nest, from where she waves to her party of fellow Americans and is royally cheered. Marilyn Franey seems to encapsulate the friendly, can-do attitude that is prevalent among the 102 guests and 75-strong crew.

Hotspot Many are regular cruisers who love the intimacy of the three-strong tall ship Clipper fleet, the relaxed attitude to dressing up at meal times and the chance to visit small, uncrowded islands – on this occasion the palm-fringed Gili islands, plus neighbouring East Madura, Java and Lombok. It’s a relatively harmless way to sample the delights of volcanic hotspot Bali, whose tourism numbers have been severely depleted since Mount Agung erupted in November last year. Three months on, dark volcanic ash continues to spew from its crater, but it’s anyone’s guess if a major eruption will occur, and a 6.5-mile safety exclusion zone remains in place. At dinner, excited chatter swiftly turns to the evening sailaway. All the guests on our table of eight have already experienced it on one of our sister ships, the Royal Clipper or the Star Flyer, and all confess to shedding an emotional tear. “If you don’t get a lump in your throat when those sails go up and that music starts, you have no romance in your heart,” says a weathered Aussie. “This is proper sailing – it’s a beaut.”

EMOTIONAL SAILAWAY… The mix of sails and music brings tears to the passengers’ eyes

Travel

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

CREW’S SHIP What a home to have

manner and charm of the Polish skipper, who tells guests at the introduction meeting how he had safely navigated the Clipper in 60-knot winds and found the vessel easily up the task. “I’d love to show you what it’s like when the ship is tilted right over,” he says with a glint in his eye. “But the waters are very calm here, so it won’t be happening this week.” After a full day’s sailing, we stop off at Giligenteng Island, one of a number of specks of palm-fringed islands, for a spot of snorkelling over the coral reefs and some water-skiing. More culture-driven types head for East Madura (excursion, £51) to visit the Kraton Sumenep Palace and an ancient mosque.

FEATURES

BALI HA’I Attempting to reach the crow’s nest

Lava

With cool beer in hand, I make my way up to the top deck via the mahogany and polished brass staircase, where I am greeted by a warm breeze and star-filled sky. Smartly turned-out deckhands busy themselves around the four towering masts and wait for commands from Polish skipper Mariusz Szalek. Then the drama begins. “Main sail, release!” comes the command. “Released, captain,” replies the deckhand. Rope holding some of the 36,000 square feet of sails is loosened and slowly the mainsail rises. As it does, the haunting sounds of Vangelis’ Conquest Of Paradise – music written to commemorate Columbus’s voyage to the New World in 1492 – breaks out from speakers dotted along the deck. Other sails swiftly follow up into the night sky and I’m hit by a wave of warm sea air as the huge ship suddenly takes off. It’s a breathtaking scene and I, too, am feeling slightly emotional.

Admittedly, sleeping on a proper sailing ship takes a little getting used to – even in the calm waters of the South Pacific – and Carole is spooked when a small wave hits our porthole as she opens the curtains one morning. But after a few days, I relax – and even start hoping for bigger waves, to see how the ship really performs. My confidence stems from the calm, easygoing

There are other trips to Probolinggo, Java Island (a fishing port), Lovina Beach on Bali (a black, sandy beach resort), Senggigi Beach, Lombok Island (a bustling beach resort with a great vibe) and Gili Sudak on Lombok Island (a private resort on a beautiful sandy beach lapped by turquoise waters). The highlight of the week is an excursion to Mount Bromo on Java (£146), home of the Gunung Bromo volcano – named after Brahma, the Hindu creator and part of the Tengger Semeru National Park. After a two-hour journey by motor coach, jeep and then pony, we wind our way up the 250 concrete steps to the edge of the crater and are overwhelmed by the nauseous, pungent smell from the sulphurous smoke and unnerving loud noise from the volcano’s lava. We feel like we’re in the eye of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, named after the volcanic belt covering 25,000 miles of seismic activity. It’s a relief to be able to return to the safety of the ship’s tropical bar for a deserved sundowner, and to share our experiences with new-found friends. That evening, my wish for a bigger sea is granted and I am quickly rocked to sleep. Being on board is, perhaps, the safest place to be after all…

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HOW TO GET THERE From May-November 2018, Star Clipper will be in Bali, sailing westbound and eastbound, with seven-night itineraries from Benoa, visiting the Gili Islands, Komodo National Park, Pink Beach and Probolinggo. To book, call 0808 231 4798 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk

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FEATURES

Gardening

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

GREEN FINGERS Monty Don

Monty Don on why gardening is his ideal therapy for body and mind While New Year diet and fitness fads will come and go, gardening remains a constant for healthy living, says Monty Don

A

S someone who has suffered bouts of depression and had a stroke almost a decade ago, Monty Don knows the importance of his garden only too well. “Gardening has helped my wellbeing immeasurably on a number of levels,” he reflects. “In terms of physical activity, it is increasingly shown as one of the best and most healthy things that anybody can do.” The Gardeners’ World presenter, who has just finished filming Paradise Gardens, a two-part BBC2 series visiting some of the world’s most stunning Islamic gardens, has no thoughts of retirement. “There are people in their 90s who are gardening well because you have to bend, stoop, lift, twist, turn, walk, reach. It’s a full range of movement. Increasingly, people are realising its importance in terms of physical mobility and core strength.”

BEING OUTSIDE HELPS He has said he uses a light box to replicate sunlight in the winter, but getting out into the garden also helps. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, if it’s a howling gale or rain, being outside in the light and in the air is intrinsically very good for your health, particularly if you are moving around.” GROWING PLANTS MAKES YOU POSITIVE “In terms of your mental health, because you are growing something, you’re doing something positive, even if it’s just tidying up. “Lots of tests have shown that it’s really good to spur you on if you’re feeling down, will calm you down if you are feeling agitated and make you feel rested and balanced if your mind is jumbled and all over the place - it’s a really good leveller for your mind.”

Gardening

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

GARDENING BURNS CALORIES

GLOVES OFF Monty doesn’t wear gardening gloves

Someone weighing around nine stone will burn

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CALORIES

GARDENING HELPED MONTY RECOVER FROM HIS STROKE When Monty, 62, suffered a minor stroke in 2008, he took a three-year break from Gardeners’ World, returning on condition that the series would be filmed at Longmeadow, his two-acre garden in Herefordshire. Pottering in the garden helped him recover, he reflects. “I find pruning during the middle of winter therapeutic. The thing about gardening is it’s something that takes a lot of your attention but you don’t have to think too much about it. “You have to concentrate but you don’t have to worry about the detail of how you’re doing it. There’s that really good balance between absorbing

you and, at the same time, not stressing you.” His latest book, Down to Earth, contains a wealth of information about many aspects of gardening, from growing and planting, to pruning, composting and mulching. Its main message is that gardening is the secret to living well. BUT EVEN NOW, HE HAS TO FIT HIS GARDENING AROUND HIS WORK. “If it’s a writing day, I try to write in the morning and garden in the afternoon. If it’s a filming day, I start filming at 7.30 and finish at 6, and very often carry on

In half an hour of digging

150 CALORIES

While non-motorised mowing burns around

CALORIES

per 30 minutes

Raking the lawn for 30 minutes burns around

HALF AN HOUR of splitting wood burns the same amount of calories as half an hour of vigorous weight-lifting

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better. I can’t run at all now. Any jolting of my knee is bad, and kneeling is not much fun. But I just keep going. I’m still strong and can lift anything.” KEEPING THE GLOVES OFF IS HEALING He doesn’t wear gardening gloves if he can help it. “I can’t imagine why anyone would. I like to feel the soil. I find gloves just make everything very clumsy. I might wear them if I’m pruning a very prickly rose.” Physical contact with the earth is healing, he believes. “You plant something and it has a future. It needs you. You’re investing in a glimmer of hope.”

Those who squat while they are weeding or planting use a mass of muscles in the process. If you stand on one leg while pruning, digging or clipping, it will stretch you and increase suppleness

gardening until about 8. At a weekend, I might garden for 12 to 15 hours. BUT THERE MAY BE SOME INJURIES While his overall mental and physical health has undoubtedly benefited from being in the garden, he has sustained a number of physical injuries over the years. “I took the top of my finger off with a pair of secateurs once. I’ve always got cuts and scratches. My bad knees are a result of gardening. I’ve worn away the cartilage. “If I dig at all, I pay for it with a sleepless night. Sometimes I can hardly walk, but it gets

Down To Earth by Monty Don is published by DK, priced £17.99. Available now.

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

It promises to be the ultimate pocket rocket – but can the Toyota Yaris GRMN deliver? Ryan Hirons heads to Barcelona to find out

FIRST DRIVE:

Toyota Yaris GRMN WHAT IS IT? Created in 2015 to encompass its global racing activities (including entries in the Le Mans 24 Hours, World Rally Championship and VLN Endurance Series), Gazoo Racing – Toyota’s motorsport arm – is now also responsible for some high-performance versions of the Japanese manufacturer’s vehicles. The Yaris GRMN (that stands for Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nurburgring, referring to the brand’s success in VLN), is the first to make it to Europe. Based on the three-door Yaris hatchback, the ultra-limited GRMN takes inspiration from the car used by Gazoo in the World Rally Championship [WRC] and just 600 units will be produced – 400 for Europe and 200 for Japan.

WHAT’S NEW? Take one look the Yaris GRMN and you instantly know you’re dealing with a very different animal to the standard car. Easy-to-spot visual changes include the addition of more aggressive-looking bodywork, a centre-mounted exhaust, 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and an eye-catching decal set. Underneath the fairly recognisable body is a setup also unlike anything else in the Yaris range. From the 1.8-litre supercharged engine to the Torsen differential, modified suspension and larger brakes, there are a lot of new mechanical features for the nameplate.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Powering the Yaris is a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a modified version of the unit found in the current Lotus Elise. It develops 209bhp and 250Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 143mph. As for efficiency, Toyota claims 37.7mpg on a

combined cycle, with emissions of 170g/km, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to the supercharger, the engine delivers consistent performance across a wide power band, resulting in a smooth drive with fewer gear changes required than you might expect. Although short gearing lends itself well to performance driving, it does mean motorway speeds in sixth gear are done at quite high revs.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The car’s wild looks and raspy exhaust note don’t quite match the driving experience, but it’s still an extremely capable and quick machine. Thanks to the addition of a Torsen differential and Sachs performance suspension, the frontwheel drive hatch remains well balanced through corners, and is actually pretty easy to drive fast – although the experience is a little let down by light steering under hard cornering. Despite its city car origins, this isn’t a vehicle built for the town. Sure, it still has the space and visibility you would expect from a three-door hatch, but it’s loud, harsh-riding and gulps fuel in no time.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? … like a serious piece of kit. It features a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a spoiler to create a more aggressive look. The racer appearance is finished off with a centre-mounted exhaust and a decal set – both a nod to the Yaris WRC rally car. It’s certainly far from traditionally beautiful, but if you’re in the market for a car that screams for attention, then the GRMN might just be for you. Sadly, it’s only available in a white base colour with the decals optional – we’d like to have seen Toyota offer at least a red and black option to fit the Gazoo Racing theme.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The interior of the car is something of a contrast to the exterior. It’s mostly from the current Yaris range, albeit with a few changes, including the addition of Ultrasuede-finished bucket seats up front with Gazoo Racing badging, and a steering wheel derived from the GT86 coupé. This isn’t exactly a bad thing, as it’s well-built, but it does result in some scratchy plastics being present and may come across as dull to those hoping the inside would match the shouty exterior. But the driving position is a little awkward for taller drivers – a problem carried over by the limitations of the base Yaris.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Standard equipment on GRMN models includes the bucket seats, an all-black interior with leather trim, an information display in the gauge cluster, aluminum sports pedals, a GR-badged starter button, dual-zone climate control, and an infotainment display taken from the current Yaris range. With it being a performance-focused

car, most customers may not be looking at the list of added comfort extras. But at a price of £26,295, it’s hard to justify the cost over similarly priced rivals like the Fiesta ST and Polo GTI, which have performance figures to match the GRMN, too.

VERDICT In its own right, the Yaris GRMN is a fantastic and very capable performance machine with an endless ability to put a smile on your face. Compare it with rivals such as the Fiesta ST and Polo GTI, though, and it’s difficult to justify. Sure, it may beat them slightly on performance, but the extra cost alone would make it a hard sell in comparison – you’re almost looking at Honda Civic Type R money. It doesn’t offer the urban friendliness of those two, either. You’d have to seriously desire the GRMN over anything else to snub its rivals, but should you do that, you’ll have one of the most capable machines to accelerate out of the Toyota stable in a long time.

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Toyota Yaris GRMN ENGINE: 1.8-litre petrol supercharged POWER: 209bhp TORQUE: 250Nm MAX SPEED: 143mph 0-60MPH: 6.4 seconds MPG: 37.7 (combined) EMISSIONS: 170g/km PRICE AS TESTED: £26,295

‘A performance machine with an endless ability to put a smile on your face’

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FEATURES

Drive News: A round-up of the latest news from the world of motoring…

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

New 50th anniversary edition of McQueen’s Mustang Bullitt A 50TH anniversary edition of the Bullitt Mustang was Ford’s surprise reveal at its recent conference. They kicked off the North American International Auto Show with the car designed to honour its predecessor, made famous by Steve McQueen in the film of the same name, with its characteristic Highland Green paint. McQueen’s actress granddaughter, Molly, introduced the new Mustang Bullitt to the crowds – joined on stage by the original car, one of only two Bullit Mustangs from 1968. To meet the performance credentials expected of a big-screen star, the new car is equipped with a retuned version

of the standard car’s 5.0-litre V8 engine, that will deliver at least 468bhp and 650Nm of torque. This makes it even more powerful than the latest Mustang GT by 14bhp, while its top speed is 8mph higher, too.

Raucous Featuring a manual transmission with a white cue ball shift knob as a nod to the original, it’s as raucous as a modern Mustang can be thanks to an active valve performance exhaust system, modified to give the car a signature sound. A nod to other design features of McQueen’s car have also been included,

but with some modern luxuries, such as a heated leather steering wheel and a 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster. The latter has a Bullitt welcome screen that starts in green with an image of the car. And the front end has been debadged, removing the silver Mustang. Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer said: “This new Bullitt is, as Steve McQueen was, effortlessly cool. “As a designer, it’s my favourite Mustang – devoid of stripes, spoilers and badges. It doesn’t need to scream about anything – it’s just cool.” It’s unknown if any Mustang Bullitts will be allocated to the UK or how many of the special edition car will be produced. COOL REVIVAL The new Mustang

IGNORANCE Many drivers risk prosecution

Nearly half of British motorists admit to being middle lane hoggers LESS than a quarter of UK drivers stick to the inside lane of a motorway, despite the Highway Code stating they should when there is no traffic ahead, it has been revealed. Data collected by insurance firm Direct Line, which analysed more than 70 hours of motorway footage, found that drivers ‘blatantly’ ignored the code, which states: “You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear.”

Punishable A poll by the car insurance firm found that just 23% of motorists said they followed the rule, and 43% admitted to driving in the middle lane despite the inside lane being free. Meanwhile, nearly half of the 2,004 people polled (49%) said they weren’t even aware that they could be prosecuted for the offence. Careless driving is punishable by a

£100 on-the-spot fine by the police. In the most extreme cases, drivers can also be prosecuted, which could result in between three and nine points on their driving licence and a fine of up to 175% of their weekly income. Direct Line Director of Car Insurance Rob Miles said: “Millions of drivers risk prosecution. Many motorists claim they want to avoid changing lanes to overtake, but this is a crucial skill. Academics also believe middle-lane hogging can increase congestion.” The news comes as it was revealed that, where data was available, just over 2,000 drivers were fined for careless driving in 2016. Research by Confused.com found motorists weren’t being stopped by police for committing the offence. Amanda Stretton, Motoring Editor at Confused.com, said: “It’s a difficult crime to catch in the act, and so-called ‘smart’ motorways have yet to address the issue.”

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Advertising

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Puzzles

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

7 2 8 6

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

24 12

8

4 3 8

1

6

5 8 3 8 2 4 5 9 6

4

CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

3

2 5 4 9 1 7 2 3 5 8 4 9 5 7 2 1 5 1 4

2 5

20 13

9

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

3

4 1

8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

2

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

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S

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

S C A F F O L D R A J A

A S H I N I B O N GO L A N M A R A N Z L E E E A DWA V N COMM I T C E P A R T M D A I P O P L E X

I Q U I T Y U N A A B H O R C A N I K E L Y E I R F D I D I E G H A N A A D L A R T I N I O E S Y P U T T

Sudoku:

4 2 9 3 7 5 1 8 6

8 5 1 4 6 9 2 7 3

3 6 7 1 2 8 4 9 5

7 9 3 2 4 1 6 5 8

2 8 5 6 9 7 3 1 4

6 1 4 5 8 3 9 2 7

5 4 6 7 1 2 8 3 9

1 2 7 3 8 4 9 6 5

3 5 4 8 2 1 7 9 6

4 9 6 7 1 2 8 5 3

1 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 2

9 3 2 8 5 6 7 4 1

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 4 9 5 3 7 2 1 8

2 3 1 4 6 8 5 7 9

5 8 2 6 7 9 3 4 1

7 1 8 9 5 6 4 3 2

8 7 3 1 9 5 6 2 4

9 6 5 2 4 3 1 8 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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55

Recruitment

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

NEWS

57

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

Going with the flow… On Friday, the OBS Gallery at Tonbridge School launches its latest show, Flow, which runs until March. Curator and artist Emily Glass tells Eileen Leahy all about it THERE was a time when if you wanted to see a show brimming with thought-provoking contemporary art, you’d have to travel up to the capital. Thankfully, though, we now have plenty of galleries and smaller spaces in our area committed to exhibiting groundbreaking and exciting work by both established and up-andcoming painters and sculptors. One such place is the Old Big School Gallery, known as OBS, at Tonbridge School, which launches its latest exhibition this Friday (January 26).

Entitled Flow, it explores the ways in which the ‘physical materials that artists choose and use to create work, influence and direct the final outcome’. The exhibition, which runs until March 4, features sculptures, paintings, photographs, film, ceramics and installation work, which – according to the show’s curator Emily Glass – all boast a common theme: That of matter ‘oozing, pouring, cracking or sagging’, which in turn influences the final work’s form and scale.

Manipulation

CURATOR Emily Glass (right) and one of her creations above

So what gave Emily the idea to curate a show like this? “The starting point was seeing Solveig’s Settemsdal film Singularity, which won the prestigious Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2016. “It got me thinking about the extraordinary materials that artists work with, and the ways in which for some their making process involves planning and a controlled manipulation of materials, but may also incorporate elements that happen by chance.” In total there are six artists exhibiting, and they include painters Clare Price and Alexis Harding, Jonathan Keep, who specialises in making porcelain pieces using a 3-D

STRIKING A work by Harriet Hill

Arts & Culture

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

printer, Harriet Hill, who is making an installation especially for the exhibition, Emily herself, who is a sculptor, and also her initial inspiration, Solveig Settemsdal, who is showing a film and photographs. How were they selected to exhibit in the show? “I wanted artists who used chance and accident in their work, and looked for this link between otherwise very different pieces,” explains Emily, who runs OBS and teaches at Tonbridge School. “I had seen all of their work previously in exhibitions, or they were suggested by other artists who knew what I was looking for.” In terms of what visitors will enjoy about this exhibition, Emily says it’s predominantly the ‘extraordinary use of materials’ – but there is lots more to aesthetically appreciate here, too.

“The variety of artworks, the playful approach to making, and the different meanings that come from this. “For example, some of the work can be seen to represent emotional or bodily states, whereas other works might seem architectural, or performative, but they all share a kind of tension… a balance between intention and accident.” Emily also says that OBS is well worth a visit anyway because it’s a beautiful space. “The quality of the gallery has enabled us to show international and local artists. We’ve been able to develop an exciting and contemporary exhibiting programme that keeps art education at Tonbridge rooted in professional art practice and debates.” Emily’s personal contribution is a series of sculptures ‘that evoke something bodily’. Whether this is human or animal she says is ‘totally up to the viewer’. “I like the idea of things which might be vessels, containers, but then might suddenly wriggle into life… there’s a

struggle between inertia and energy, control and collapse that evolves as I make them, and the exciting part is not knowing everything about what I’m going to end up with.” Emily says in combining her artwork with her roles at Tonbridge they ‘feed into each other’ and help to motivate her. She cites Louise Bourgeois, Robert Gober and Eva Hesse as artists who inspire her. “There’s something necessary about being able to express things which are not really possible to articulate any other way than working with materials and discovering new possibilities.” Flow is on at the OBS Gallery at Tonbridge School, from January 27 to March 4 every weekend from 12noon until 4pm. Entrance is free. For more information, and details on artist talks during the show, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk

SINGULARITY By Solveig Settemsdal

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ARTISTIC FOCUS ON HARRIET HILL language and I seem to have something that I want to say. Do you exhibit regularly? Yes, and this is increasing as I spend more time on my work. Can you briefly describe the piece you will be exhibiting at Flow? Using red elastic, I will create a three-dimensional drawing across the space, tying together elements of what is there in the gallery; a moveable wall, a fixed wall, the floor, etc. The work is site specific and will be made in the gallery a couple of days before the exhibition opens. Therefore, until I have created the work I only have ideas about what it will be. You will have to visit the exhibition to see the final piece. Are you a full-time artist or is it something you do in your spare time? I have supported my practice for years working as a prop maker and sculptor working for other artists. I am currently becoming more of a full-time artist.

ICEBERG By Jonathan Keep

FEATURES

What motivates your work? Art is like a universal

What do you like about the OBS gallery? The gallery’s curator, Emily Glass, does a great job of putting on a wide variety of exhibitions, often showcasing cutting-edge art that appeals to the school’s students and local public. Which other artists do you admire, and why? Recently I have been looking again at the work of Brazilian Neo-Concretist artists such as Hélio Oiticica and Lygia Pape, whose works combine minimalist abstraction with performativity and public interaction. What are your plans for the rest of 2018? I will be giving a talk about my practice at the OBS gallery on February 5, and exhibiting with the M2 gallery in London this May. And I have plans to create a word costume as an art piece to be walked about in.

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

SEVEN DAYS OF ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON

Eileen Leahy

WITH THE

Local events courtesy of his lavish circus. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle and can be booked at www. moonlightcinema.com

>> FRIDAY

LOST IN PARIS At Trinity Theatre >> WEDNESDAY

The Oast Theatre continues its run of Brontë this evening. On until January 27, it is written by Polly Teale and directed by Barbara Smith, it is a fictional piece focusing on the lives of the famous three Brontë sisters who each acclaimed literary success despite their solitary existence on the Yorkshire Moors. Tickets cost £10 or £7.50 for members and are availble at www. theoasttheatre.com Lost in Paris, a comedy about three characters who find themselves adrift in France’s capital, is on at Trinity Theatre this evening at 8pm and tickets cost £11 per person. For more details, see www.trinitytheatre.net

This month’s free arts and crafts session at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery is entitled Dolls, and is perfect for pre-schoolers and toddlers. As well as having the chance to paint, draw and create your own doll design, there will be storytelling during the 10.30am-11.30am session. For more information, see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org It’s also the final weekend to catch the Hayward Touring exhibition of screen prints by Eduardo Paolozzi at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery. Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK.

>> SATURDAY

The Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market returns to the town centre today, so if you need to stock up on any specialist products, store cupboard basics or local epicurean treats, make sure you get down

>> THURSDAY There’s been much hype about Hugh Jackman in the celluloid offering The Greatest Showman, and tonight’s your last chance to catch it at the Moonlight Drive-in Cinema located at the Hop Farm. Co-starring Michelle Williams and Zac Efron, it tells the legendary story of PT Barnum (played by Jackman) who is credited with inventing showbusiness

PHOTOGRAPHY WALK Improve your picture skills on Sunday

WATCH THE BIRDIE! Join the Big Garden birdwatch at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

to the Town Hall where it’s on from 9am until 2pm. The OBS gallery at Tonbridge School launches its latest exhibition, Flow, with a private view from today. Running until March, the show features work from a variety of artists and explores the ways in which the physical materials that artists choose and use to create work influence and direct the final outcome. See our exclusive interview with two of the artists on P58-59. For another cultural dose, head to the Odeon cinema this evening to see the Met Opera’s interpretation of Puccini’s classic opera Tosca. This tale of love, terror, the abuse of power and the desire for freedom starts at 5.55pm. Tickets are priced at £25.75 and are available from www.odeon.co.uk UPLIFTING Join the Happiness Workshop in Hadlow

>> SUNDAY Join the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park for a photography walk this morning from 10.30am until 12.30pm. It’s led by designer and photographer Rosie Harris, and you’ll discover tips on how to take pictures of the outdoors, whatever the weather and from all sorts of angles. Meet at the café in the Hub, bring your own camera and wear suitable clothing. The event is free to attend. Laura Lamn will be hosting a Happiness Workshop happening today in Hadlow’s Old School Hall, which will cover meditation, breathing, movement and more. Too book your slot which costs £20 (and £10 concessions,) please email hello@lauralamn.com Trinity Theatre is screening the recently acclaimed coming of age movie Call Me By Your Name this evening at 5pm. Set in Italy in 1983, it depicts the sexual awakening of a young teen called Elio. Tickets cost £11 and are available from www.trinitytheatre.net Meanwhile, over at the film club at St John’s

Yard, the horror movie IT is being screened from 7.30pm. See the venue’s Facebook page for more details.

>> MONDAY

Come along at 10am to join in with a Big Garden Birdwatch walk at the Grosvenor and Hilbert park, where you’ll have the chance to learn how to identify the park’s birds from their sight and sound. Meet at the Hub at 10am for this free event and make sure you bring your binoculars and cosy clothing.

>> TUESDAY This week is National Storytelling week, so to celebrate it why not go along to the Hub at Grosvenor and Hilbert park today where there will be a series of special Storysock reading events happening at 9.30am, 10.15am, and 11am as well as after school at 3.45pm. Suitable for all ages, and no booking required, but a donation of £1 per

OFF TO MARKET At the Town Hall

What’s On

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

child is suggested. TELLING STORIES: Celebrate National Storytelling Week

FEATURES

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THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

Paul Dunton Live music

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

Will Whisson

PICK OF THE WEEK: Katherine Ryan

THURSDAY Under 18s Open Mic Night (5pm start) FRIDAY Spring King, Fizzy Blood, Bad Nerves TUESDAY The Stable: Argumentum, Scars Of Sense, JellyFish, Tides of Ire

Church Road, doors open 7pm, Music from 8pm event details and tickets available from www.trinitytheatre.net SATURDAY Local & Live Sessions: Bea Everett, Isabella Coulstock, Hannah Richards

The Assembly Hall welcomes Canadian comedian and Live at the Apollo star Katherine Ryan this evening with her latest show, Glitter Room. The Edinburgh Festival favourite, who The Times describes as ‘one of the stand-out stand-ups of her generation’, is sure to be entertaining thanks to her sharp and witty observational humour. Tickets cost £18.50 and can be booked at ww.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

THE BEDFORD

2 High Street, open all day, free entry, more information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk SATURDAY Sean Fennessey & Friends SUNDAY Acoustic Atlas THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY Dave ‘Shep’ Shepherd, Jessica Johansson, Cracks In The Land THURSDAY Italian Night with The Volare Trio FRIDAY Salsa DJ SATURDAY MK & The Misters SUNDAY Guy Sharpe, Paul Wheeler, The Harry Whitty Quartet TUESDAY Gronk, Issey, Peter Taylor, Heyzeus THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk WEDNESDAY The Stable: Fish Head, Five Kites, Placid, Ununpentium

THE DUKE OF YORK

The Pantiles, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late MONDAY Open Mic Night

TRINITY THEATRE

January 25, 8pm, The Assembly Hall

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late FRIDAY Soul Night SATURDAY Sophie Mullan

Spring King

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

Crescent Road, details of all events and tickets available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk SATURDAY ‘Get Ready’ tribute to Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY Will Whisson THE SPA HOTEL

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm, booking for dining recommended on 01892 520331 FRIDAY Local & Live presents: Fred Clark THE TRADING POST

5 Culverden Down, open all day, free entry music from 8pm TUESDAY Open Mic Night with Gez Gold SCALLYWAG CAFÉ

45 Mount Ephraim, open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm WEDNESDAY Cabaret Open Mic FRIDAY Ed Watts Jazz Piano THE GEORGE

29 Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry music from 8pm MONDAY TWUNTS Ukulele Jam session

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US: Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Ashmore and Tout ensure run continues despite sending-off

crossed early on the left for the first try, which was not converted. The visitors were soon into the stride, however, and their scrum started to impose itself while the backs made inroads with Finlay Coxon-Smith marauding down the left. TJs could not break through for a try but Liam Prescott slotted three penalties to give them a 5-9 lead at the interval. The only dampener on proceedings was a red card just before half-time for prop Reece Conlon, who had scored a late winner last week. A man down with the game very much in the balance, TJs came out firing in the second half and were soon camped in the Irish 22.

London Irish Wild Geese 12 Tonbridge Juddians 28 TJs put on a determined show against the Wild Geese, who have always been something of a bogey side – and indeed had won at The Slade earlier in the campaign. Handling would prove tricky in the cold, damp conditions but Irish made the ball stick as they

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS made it five wins

in a row in National Two South after a convincing victory against London Irish at their impressive H ­ azelwood facility.

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Drives

PASS MASTER Charlie Edwards releases the ball behind a dominant TJ pack

Another series of drives took TJs to the Irish line where skipper Mike O’Sullivan snuck over for a try, Prescott adding the extras. Irish then had their first open attack of the game as their full-back did the damage. With the conversion they had clawed their way back to 12-16 with 10 minutes to go. A series of scrum penalties on the Irish line ensued and Ben Ashmore controlled the ball at the base to go over, Prescott converting. A tiring Irish defence were then caught napping as TJs secured another penalty. Everyone looked to the corner but Prescott tapped and looked right, where he found Duncan Tout. He shrugged off the defence and stepped through to score. Prescott added the conversion to complete TJs’ late charge to victory. The win finally saw Tonbridge moving up the table to eighth place. They hit the road again at third-placed Redingensians next Saturday (January 27, kick-off 2pm). The following week sees ­second-placed Chinnor come to The Slade.

Doherty picks up a hat-trick in exhibition of pack power Towcestrians 5 Tunbridge Wells 41 RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS travelled to Towcestrians near Northampton for the first time but home advantage counted for nothing as the score proved almost a mirror image of Wells’ 41-7 victory at St Marks earlier in the season. Constant rain and snow flurries made a wet pitch even heavier and the power of the Wells pack was to prove decisive with new signing Josh Pankhurst in dominant form in the front row. A strong rolling maul that covered 20 metres pushed Towcestrians back after eight minutes and inside-centre Shaydn Osgood scored under the posts, Frank Reynolds converting.

Purley Walcountians 2 Tunbridge Wells Men 8 By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS overwhelmed their struggling hosts Purley Walcountians in dire conditions, pummeling them with eight goals to underline their position at the top of South Premier League Division Two. An early surging run from Sam George resulting in a Wells penalty corner, which Ben Allberry slotted into the top left-hand corner. Recent signing Harry Roberts rounded the goalkeeper and finished coolly despite intense pressure from the defence. Wells dropped their level slightly, allowing Purley to pull back a goal. But Chris Pelmore fired a flick into the bottom corner to restore Wells’ two-goal lead going into half-time.

Creativity Wells’ second-half performance was on a higher level, with Kyle Mathieson providing the creativity to break lines and open up the midfield. Roberts and Allberry combined again and a fine finish from the latter made it 4-1. Ben Brandt then converted at the back post following a good build-up initiated from deep by Simon Hare. Roberts scored two more goals to complete his hat-trick. Then George stole the ball and ­counter-attacked the full length of the field with Allberry, allowing the latter to complete his hat-trick too. A late consolation goal for the home side did not lessen the impact of Wells’ performance and they remain three points clear at the top of the table. A sterner test awaits as Wells host ­Blackheath – who dumped a weakened side out of the EH Cup before Christmas – at Kent College on Saturday (January 27, 1.30pm start).

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1 East London 0 By Francis Bridgeman

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

Wells stretched their lead five minutes later. A huge Osgood tackle dislodged the ball and Blaise Salle then made a break for it. Skipper Chaz Spence kicked the ball through for the chasing Matt Spicer to dot down out wide, though this time Reynolds missed the extras. At the restart the captain was on the receiving end of a heavy late tackle as he kicked and had to leave the field for the duration. Towcestrians had a defensive scrum 30 metres out but a huge Wells push stole the ball. Nick Doherty expertly drew the final man and passed to Max Douch to score on 23 minutes. Again the conversion went astray. Doherty then stole a home line-out before setting off on a 40-metre run, beating three defenders for a spectacular individual try, Reynolds converting, and the try bonus point was in the bag after 36 minutes.

Out for the count as Allberry and Roberts run riot

Glubb decides tough contest

By Graham Withers

Spectacular

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

GLORIOUS MUD Frank Reynolds gets to grips with the Midlanders On the stroke of half-time another powerful scrum saw a pushover try for Doherty, and the visitors went in at half-time 29-0 ahead. Doherty’s hat-trick came on 49 minutes with another pushover try, converted by Reynolds. From the ensuing kick-off, an apparent late tackle on Reynolds infuriated the visiting side. The referee yellow-carded both the Towcestrians’ No 8 for the tackle and Osgood for his involvement in the subsequent scuffling. This seemed to unsettle Wells and they conceded a procession of penalties, allowing the home side to dominate territory and possession for 20 minutes. On 70 minutes Spicer was also yellow-carded

for a deliberate knock-on but the home side still could not cross the line. Wells got back on track at the scrum and the Doherty brothers combined with Nick putting in older brother Mike for Wells’ seventh try with three minutes left. Nine minutes of injury time was to prove frustrating for Wells as the home side finally scored a try from a forward drive and then Osgood received a second yellow card for a tackle offence. Yet a superb team performance sees Wells remain in sixth position in the London and South-East Premier Division. Next they host Sutton & Epsom at St Marks on Saturday (January 27, kick-off 2pm).

HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies ground out a win in a tough game against East London at Hawkenbury to gain revenge for their defeat in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season. Through wind and rain the girls went on the attack and broke down their defence regularly. A quick 16 from Amy Hare was followed by a strong drive up the middle of the pitch by the captain Jen Hunt. She slipped the ball through the visiting defence to find Bertie Organ, who in turn found Anna Glubb on the far post to sweep the ball past the keeper. The second half was to require largely a defensive rearguard by Wells with East London having most of the possession, and they showed great resilience. It was a satisfying display, as the side ­successfully transferred their skills and ­organisation during a defence-focused training session in midweek. Ali Playle was active in goal saving several shots and she was deservingly named player of the match. Wells remain third in the East Region Division One South and now travel to Bishops Stortford on Saturday (January 27, 1.30pm start).

Sporting Times

Wednesday January 24 | 2018

NEWS

63

Dylan puts himself in frame for bright future at age of 10 SNOOKER: A YOUNG snooker player from Tunbridge Wells is busy making a name for himself on the baize and is seeking sponsors to help him compete on the amateur circuit. Ten-year-old Dylan Smith started playing last year while on holiday in Suffolk with his father Lee, who is Head of Design at the Times. Lee, a keen snooker player who is Chairman of the Hurst Green Snooker and Billiards League, says: “Dylan asked if he could play on the full-size snooker table at our hotel. “I agreed, and being a snooker player for many years myself I noticed that for a nine-year-old what a straight cue action he had, kept his head still on the shot and followed all the classic signs on how the play the game properly.

RIGHT ON CUE: Dylan Smith with Jimmy Robertson, ranked 37 in the world

‘He pulled off some difficult shots, although he couldn’t even reach the table properly’ STAR-STUDDED: Players mix with Payne family members: (back row, l-r) Alison Waters, Ben Coleman, Brenda Rae, Richie Fallows, Claire Payne; (front row) Alice Payne, Charlotte Payne, Elise Lazarus

Fallows defends crown by edging thrilling final SQUASH: PLAYERS from as far afield as Brazil came to take part in the fourth Colin Payne Professional Squash Association (PSA) Open Tournament, which this year featured an equal prize fund of £2,000 for men and women. The tournament was renamed in memory of Colin Payne, who died in 2016. A former professional on the PSA World Tour, he brought the first Open to Tunbridge Wells in 2014.

Titanic The men’s draw saw two local club players join the tournament. The England Under-17s Top 20 player Luke Credland acquitted himself well against the No 2 seed Ben Coleman, who is currently 52nd in the world rankings. Tunbridge Wells’ first-team player Jonny Powell nearly caused a first-round upset, pushing the No 4 seed Ondrej Uherkha from the Czech Republic to five games before narrowly losing in the decider. Alison Waters, ranked 10th in the world, booked her place in the final by winning 3-0 against Alicia Mead, who has just returned to

action on the professional circuit after suffering a fractured back. Last year’s finalist Elise Lazarus, only 17 years old and already the British Under-23 Champion, won a hard-fought match against world No 89 Kace Bartley 3-2. In the men’s semi-finals, last year’s winner Richie Fallows (No 60) took 40 minutes to overcome the popular Rui Soares of Portugal. Coleman finally prevailed in a titanic battle with Jamie Haycocks of Crowborough Squash Club, winning 3-2, 11-8 in the fifth game. The women’s final was cut short as Elise Lazarus was forced to withdraw at the end of the second game due to injury, leaving Alison Waters as the victor. The men’s final was a hard-fought and thrilling contest from beginning to end, but No 1 seed Fallows eventually overcame Coleman 3-2, 12-10 in the fifth game to hold on to his title. This year’s competition was sponsored by JVIP, Sankey’s, The Spa Hotel, Harveys of Lewes, Ballard’s, MyCourts, Risebridge Health & Sports Club in Groombridge and The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic.

“He also pulled off some very difficult shots, even for a club player, although he couldn’t even reach the table properly.” As Dylan continued to show promise in the sport, his father decided to obtain some professional coaching for him. Eventually they secured the services of World Tour player Leo Fernandez, who also has a passion for coaching. They also found an ideal practice player in Ben Sizer, five-times Kent Under-21 champion. Now Dylan is trying to raise £2,000 in sponsorship to allow him to play on the amateur circuit and cover the cost of travel, accommodation, entry fees and expenses. His mentor Leo says: “Dylan has a fantastic

opportunity now that he can surround himself with local pros like Mark Davis, Jimmy Robertson and myself. “Jimmy commented on how good Dylan looks technically. If he can secure suitable sponsorship to enable him to compete on the amateur stage, he’ll have a very bright future.” Ben added: “It’s a pleasure to be part of Dylan’s behind-the-scenes team and I think if he continues the way he is progressing he will be a great amateur player and should progress to the professional stage.”