Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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Boundary changes mean communities would be ‘severed’ says council chief THE Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] has reacted with dismay to the proposed boundary changes to the Parliamentary constituency because of the way they break up long-established communities. The plan, which will reduce the number of MPs, is awaiting clearance for a vote in the House of Commons. As it stands, Kings Hill – where the council’s offices are located – and both East and West Malling would now be located in the new ‘Chatham & Malling’ area. ‘Tonbridge’ constituency, as it would be known, takes over large swathes of what was formerly in Tunbridge Wells, including Southborough, Pembury, Speldhurst and Langton Green.
Best interests Nicolas Heslop, the council Leader, told the Times: “When council members considered the initial proposals of the Boundary Commission, we expressed concern that they did not reflect the best interests of residents as longstanding associations between communities were severed. “There was a strong feeling that communities that were affiliated with each other should continue to be linked and in the same Parliamentary constituency.” He added: “We said the needs and expectations of residents in neighbouring communities differed greatly from those in Tonbridge & Malling, due in part to different economic needs of communities and local demographics.”
Full story, see page 5
ACROSS THE YEARS
Children’s dementia calendar nominated for award Page 2
FOR BOOKWORMS
Alan Titchmarsh talks about his latest novel Page 2
FIGHTING FIT: Dame Kelly Holmes is appointed Honorary Colonel in the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment. Turn to page 2
Home and dry? More protection as £15m is invested in flood defences By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk MORE than £15million worth of upgrades to the flood defences in and around the town have been given the green light. It is anticipated the improvements will finally stop the longstanding issues in places like Hildenborough – and mean there is no repeat of the major flooding in Tonbridge on Christmas Day 2013 when 80 homes were inundated on Barden and Danvers Roads. The proposals were first announced in the Medway Flood Action Plan last December after consultation by a wide range of stakeholders, and planning approval has been granted. They will now go ahead following a £2.35million grant from the Local Growth Fund supported by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership [SELEP]. The total cost of the multi-agency pro-
ject is put at £15.5million, with £10.1million coming from the EA and £2.5million from Kent County Council. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has put in £500,000 and the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Communities contributed £85,000.
‘Since the floods of 2013 we have needed everyone to step up and do their bit’ At the Flood Storage Area in Leigh, the Environment Agency [EA] will increase the reservoir’s water level from 28.05 metres to 29 metres. It will also increase the size of an existing embankment near Hawden Farm in Hildenborough, and install a new control structure and pumping station to prevent water from the River Medway backing up into the village.
These works means a further 275 homes will be protected. When the project is completed in 2023, at least 1,475 homes and 200 businesses will be better off. Much work has already been done with £9.8million spent since the 2013 floods. Almost £2million was spent renovating the Town Lock and Bewley’s Weir as well as carrying out repairs at Leigh. SELEP says 50 jobs will be created or safeguarded by the latest development, and estimates that another 100 jobs will be created through the availability of previously unsuitable commercial sites. The MP for Tonbridge & Malling, Tom Tugendhat, who has campaigned for improvements, welcomed the news. He said: “I’m very pleased this investment in our flood defences at Leigh and Hildenborough is now confirmed. “Since the floods at Christmas 2013 we have needed everyone to step up and do
Continued on page 2
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FLOOD DEFENCES: Continued from page 1 their bit to make sure we’re prepared should it ever happen again.” Mr Tugendhat added: “This money will safeguard hundreds of jobs and create many more, and protect over 1,500 homes and businesses from future flooding. I’m delighted we have achieved this result for our community.” Geoff Miles, Chair of the SELEP Accountability Board, said: “While the current Leigh Flood Storage Area provides some flood protection to Tonbridge and the surrounding area, in the winter of 2013/14 its capacity was breached and the area suffered serious flooding that affected 311 homes and more than 100 local businesses. “This investment will offer greater protection for existing homes and businesses and unlock sites for residential and commercial developments.” Over the next five years the EA will invest £19million in the whole Medway catchment area. Other schemes include property level resilience for homes in Yalding, Collier Street and Laddingford.
Manage risk The government agency will also spend around £1million each year on maintenance of river channels and defences such as flood walls, sluices and weirs in order to ensure they are in good condition. An EA spokesperson said: “The plan is owned by the Medway Flood Partnership and outlines how the members will work with communities to manage the risk of in the Medway catchment, which covers all land draining into the Rivers Medway, Beult, Teise, Bourne and Eden, as well their tributaries.” Tonbridge Flood Warden Carl Lewis was enthusiastic about the funding, saying: “Of course any money that is put towards flood defence for Tonbridge, Hildenborough, and our towns and villages further downstream is to be welcomed.” However, he warned that the public still needed to remain vigilant as the best way to help avoid future catastrophes. “Flood resilience is not just a job for the Government, but something that every resident and business should do by signing up for Environmental Agency flood alerts, and making their own flood plan,” he said. “With the area enduring two storms already in the past week, it is the perfect time to remind people that the weather is unpredictable, and that preparation is key.”
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Dame Kelly appointed by Queen as Army’s first Honorary Colonel By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DAME KELLY HOLMES has added another feather to her cap after she was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment [RACTR]. The Queen approved the appointment earlier this year and a parade was held at the Regiment’s home in Bovington, Dorset to mark the occasion. It was attended by 250 RACTR recruits along with the regiment’s Deputy Commandant, Brigadier Angus Watson, and Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson, who said: “It’s a brilliant recognition of an amazing woman’. The double Olympic gold-winning athlete, who grew up in Hildenborough, joined the Army at the age of 18 initially as an HGV driver, then as a physical training instructor. She rose to the rank of sergeant before leaving to take up a full-time career as a distance runner. Dame Kelly said: “Having had a military career for nearly 10 years, I’m very proud of that. I’m not sure I thought I’d be back here now, in my greens. “To be given the role of Honorary Colonel for a regular unit, it’s the first time it’s ever happened. It was signed off by the Queen, it’s changed Army policy – and it’s me! So I’m very proud.
KELLY’S HEROES: Col Holmes talks to the recruits “Hopefully in this role I can be an inspiration to recruits and secondly, I’m very much into equality, opportunities for women, mental health in the forces and society, so hopefully I can bring that to the plate as well. She added: “I think it’s important that I can lead by example. The army career gave me a lot as a young person – respect, discipline, everything you’d expect from being in the services. “It also helped me in my career as an international athlete, pushing beyond the barriers, believing you can do anything and being the best
you can possibly be.” Dame Kelly was the InterServices champion in both cross-country and track events, and once used up her annual leave to represent Great Britain at the 1993 World Championships. Lt Col James Bishop is keen to have her involved with the regiment as much as possible among her charity and media commitments – and even working behind the counter of her 1809 Café in Hildenborough. “She’s keen to come down as often as possible,” he said. “If I had my way, it would be as much time as possible with the recruits, doing their physical training, doing their mental resilience, and joining in, being there as this inspirational role model.” Mr Williamson said: “Dame Kelly Holmes is the first Honorary Colonel to be appointed to a regular regiment and it is an exceptional honour for an exceptional person. “She has achieved so much through determination, a will to succeed and a desire to show the world what they are made of, and to do it in such extraordinary style, I have no doubt will act as an inspiration to so many in the future.” There was a celebratory mood down at 1809 Café, where manager Richard Manktelow said: “Everybody here, all the staff, are very proud of her – the whole community as well.”
Children’s calendar shortlisted for award THE town has once again received a number of nominations for awards by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance. This year a special calendar designed by children has been recognised in the intergenerational activity category. tmactive, which is part of Tonbridge & Malling Parish Council, is shortlisted among dementia friendly sport and leisure organisations. The town’s Dementia Friendly Community [DFC] is in the running for recognition for the second year in a row. And its founder and Chairman, Chris Parker, is nominated for Outstanding Achievement. Mrs Parker, who is Managing Director of Abbey Funeral Services in the High Street, has also won an Unsung Heroes of Kent Award, which celebrates ‘exceptional people at the heart of Kent’s family businesses’. Taxi company Castle Cars is named among the best businesses in the county. The winners will be announced at The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel on Friday October 5. Children in four age groups from reception to Year 9 were asked to create an original work for the Dementia Art Competition with the theme ‘Living well with dementia’. The calendar is on sale at the offices of Abbey Funeral Services. Mrs Parker said: “We wanted to engage with children and young people because so many will have grandparents with dementia, but also
because they all have the potential to be the dementia carers of tomorrow. “As a mother, grandmother and Sunday school leader, I have some experience with children, and it seemed to me that reaching out through the medium of art might work. And it did. “We do tend this to be an annual event in Tonbridge and other areas are watching.” She added: “Sadly we had no response from children above Year 9 as it was the big exam term, so next year it will end in September – which is World Alzheimer’s Month.”
Moderate activity tmactive has three regular events running each month which are designed to encourage and help people with dementia to achieve 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. There are multi-sport sessions fortnightly at the Angel Centre on the first and third Friday of every month between 2pm and 3.30pm. Activities on offer include table tennis, cycling on a static bike, short tennis, golf putting and boccia – a form of wheelchair bowls. Tonbridge Swimming Pool also has a designated ‘dementia friend’ at the public swim on Fridays from 12.15pm to 1.15pm. Poult Wood golf club provides a round on the nine-hole course and tuition on the driving range on the second Tuesday of every month from 11am.
CREATIVE SPARK: Competition artist Isaac Wheeler
DOG SHOW FOR DEMENTIA COMMUNITY Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has chosen the town’s Dementia Friendly Community as its designated charity for the Dog Show on the Racecourse Sportsground on Sunday [September 30]. Registration starts at 10am with a £1.50 entry fee for each class. There will be a variety of novelty categories, including Beautiful Rescue, Best Trick, Fabulous Family, Cutest Puppy, Best Oldie, Fancy Dress and Waggiest Tail. The event, run in association with Tonbridge Old Fire Station, is organised by the borough’s Dog Warden, Lorraine Baseden, and aims to promote responsible dog ownership.
Titchmarsh turns over new leaf ALAN TITCHMARSH will be paying a visit to the town’s library on Monday [October 1] from 7pm to give a talk and sign his latest book. The TV personality has presented several shows including Gardeners’ World and Ground Force as well as having his own chat show. He has also written more than 40 books about gardening, eight bestselling novels and three volumes of his memoirs. His latest book is a love story set in London and occupied Paris during World War II. A young woman leaves her home in Devon to enter the society whirl of the capital; after the outbreak of war, she joins the Resistance and encounters a dangerous conflict of interest. Tickets to the event cost £8, including
refreshments, and can be purchased at the library – booking is essential. For further information contact Tonbridge Library on 03000 413131 or e-mail tonbridgelibrary@kent.gov.uk
ANY QUESTIONS? AT ST STEPHEN’S The popular BBC Radio 4 current affairs programme Any Questions? hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby is being broadcast live from St Stephen’s Church on Friday, November 2 from 6.30-9pm. The free event is booked out but more tickets may be available nearer the date. Visit ststephens.org.uk
BRANCHING OUT Alan Titchmarsh has written more than 50 books
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF
300 objections sent to oppose Civic Complex HOUSING secretary James Brokenshire has been sent ‘more than 300’ objections to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Calverley Square civic complex and theatre. Tunbridge Wells Alliance has encouraged opponents of the £90million project to write to Mr Brokenshire, who has the power to call for a public inquiry. This is one of the final options the Alliance has remaining now planning permission has been granted.
School crash arrests THREE men have been arrested after a van crashed into the gates of Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells. The incident happened on Thursday [September 19] as children were inside the secondary. No students were at the scene. Kent Police said: “Three men were subsequently located and arrested in connection with cultivation of cannabis.”
The ships of mercy THE work of the international charity Mercy Ships, that operates the largest nongovernmental hospital ship in the world, will be the subject of a talk this Sunday [September 30] at Southborough Methodist Church in Vale Road at 10.30am.
Outdoor pool closure SWIMMERS have only a few more days to use the outdoor pool in Tonbridge, which is set to close for the season this weekend. The lido will close 8pm Sunday [September 30].
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Teen singer has the X Factor but can she go all the way on series? By William Mata A TEENAGE singer who was given a chance to take to the stage at One Warwick Park Hotel is now impressing millions on The X Factor. Bella Penfold, 19, started as a waitress at the Tunbridge Wells venue and is now living her dream on the ITV series after advancing to the third stage, this weekend’s Six Chair Challenge. From the 85,000 who entered the audition process, Bella has made it to the final 36 acts and has impressed judge Simon Cowell along the way. “I have always wanted to be a singer,” said Bella, who grew up locally, attending The Mead School and St Gregory’s Catholic School. “This has been a chance to do something that I love. I was a waitress but I started to perform as a singer. Lots of people came up to me and said ‘why don’t you go on The X Factor?’ “I thought ‘if I don’t do it now, when will I?’ because I am at the most adventurous stage of my life. It is hard to describe the experience, there are only a small percentage of people who know what it is like and what we go through. But everything you see on TV is genuine, we are that hyper or we are crying – it is up and down. “It has been an incredible journey and I cannot fault The X Factor team. People disrespect the show, but I have had the most amazing experience.” Bella moved to Brentwood in Essex with her family after leaving school and now studies performing arts at Harlow College, but until her life changed on The X Factor, she travelled down to One Warwick Park Hotel at weekends.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED One Warwick Park Hotel
Having made it through the untelevised producers’ auditions, she received the coveted four yes votes in the judges’ auditions with her performance of Joss Stone’s Fell in Love with a Boy. Friends and family are eagerly awaiting the Six Chair Challenge, a brutal elimination process that will see all but six of the female contestants left in the process eliminated. This series all female finalists have been coached by Simon Cowell. “It’s a nerve-wracking process and it feels like we
Station road closed QUARRY HILL Road (B2260) in Tonbridge will be closed from October 1 for up to five nights between 7pm and 5am for resurfacing works. The road will be shut between the A2014 Pembury Road and Vale Road as part of the upgrade to the approach to the station.
Free swim for children FUSION Lifestyle is offering local children a free swim at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre today [Wednesday] until 7pm to celebrate National Fitness Day. It is part of Fusion’s autumn campaign Focus on Fitness, which aims to remind people about the benefits of being fit and active.
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A VOICE TO DINE FOR: Bella Penfold singing in Seventeen restaurant inside One Warwick Park Hotel
are gladiators going into a tournament,” she continued. “There has been a high amount of pressure.
Potential “Simon is such a nice man. He comes across as stern but he gives great advice and wants us to win. He can suggest songs for us to perform, and he told me I had the most potential of anyone he had seen sing that day. “I love performing at One Warwick Park Hotel and I want to come back and sing at their events. I like to perform songs with a message, and to experiment with different styles like rap and jazz. “It would mean the world to me to win but I am over the moon to even be a contender.” The X Factor is watched by around six million and next airs on Saturday at 8.35pm. Harry Spencer, Operations Manager at One Warwick Park Hotel, said: “Bella has been performing regularly for two years, entertaining guests in our restaurant, Seventeen. “We are absolutely delighted she has made the X Factor finals and it’s nothing less than she deserves because Bella is a very talented singer. “We wish her all the best with the next stage and look forward to welcoming her back to the hotel soon.” Since opening its doors in July 2016 the luxury four star hotel has welcomed a variety of celebrities from the screen and stage, but it would now appear One Warwick Park has its own star. For updates on events at One Warwick Park Hotel see www.onewarwickpark.co.uk
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Istanbul provides authentic touch of new Turkish delight
PHOTO: Craig Matthews
A TURKISH restaurant has become the latest to open on a Tunbridge Wells site with a chequered history for dining. Istanbul Mezze & Grill, on Grosvenor Road, offers an authentic range of meat and vegetable dishes that its owners hope will make it a hit. It is the third Turkish in town,
replacing the previous Turkish restaurant Bomonti, which closed last year in the same location. For almost a decade the site was home to Italian restaurant Palio. But after this success, the unit has proved a tricky spot with another eatery Divizia also not trading for more than 18 months. Bomonti’s departure is the
latest in a series of restaurants to leave the town with Strada and Jamie’s Italian also big name casualties. Harun Aslan, manager of Istanbul Mezze & Grill, moved from Cambridge to take over in Tunbridge Wells, which he said was a ‘good market location’ for businesses.
Rain and gain as Food Month is hailed a success and will return CROWDS enjoyed a taste of Tunbridge Wells in a two day event which brought Food Month to a close. Calverley Grounds hosted the second Royal Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival on Saturday and Sunday [September 22-23]. Heavy rain at some points meant visitor numbers were down on previous events, but organiser Steve Wood said thousands still enjoyed the flavour of the weekend. “It was rammed for the first part of Saturday and it got busy on Sunday afternoon. We had 1,500 on day one and 1,000 on day two,” he said. “I was disappointed the weather was so bad, but I was very impressed by the number of people who braved it. They are a very hardy lot when they are supporting our town and everyone was saying how sorry they were.” Food Month has also seen the first Tunbridge Wells Beer Weekend as well as The Pantiles Food Festival and Farmers’ Markets all happening in September. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have both played a role in the running of the events. And Food Month is set to return next year to further cement the town’s status as a great place to eat and drink. Organisers are on the look-out for an alternative venue with Calverley Grounds soon to be built on with the civic complex and theatre taking shape. “We ran a taster menu,” Mr Wood added, “It was £4 a dish, which encouraged customers to buy more. We find that if they pay £8 for one thing, they are not going to buy anything else. The customers loved it.” He continued: “It is definitely going up as a good place to eat and drink.”
PHOTOS: Sarah Bond
By William Mata
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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Borderline row as Tory leaders in dispute over proposed changes to constituencies By William Mata CONSERVATIVE council leaders are opposing Whitehall’s plan to change and expand historic constituency boundaries. Nus Ghani’s Wealden seat would be one of 50 abolished under proposals to cut the number of UK constituencies to 600 in a bid to even up the number of voters per seat. Following a consultation, the Tory Government is planning to move the changes through Parliament next year after Brexit. New boundaries would come into force for the 2022 general election. It has not been decided which existing MPs would take which seats, but it seems likely Greg Clark would become MP of the proposed Tunbridge Wells & Crowborough constituency – which would cover parts of Kent and East Sussex for the first time. This would take in much of the existing Wealden, but see Pembury, Langton Green and Southborough lost to Tom Tugendhat’s revised Tonbridge patch. The Tory-led government has been criticised nationally for looking to
change the boundaries to keep themselves in power, with several Labourheld Welsh seats set to be dissolved. But locally, there’s dissent over the new boundaries appearing at odds with those for borough councils – which critics have said could ‘split the community’. Cllr David Jukes, leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, will share his concerns in a full council meeting tonight [Wednesday, September 26]. He will appeal for members of all parties to support his bid to adopt his motion as the council’s official position. The Conservative’s motion of notice states: “Whilst recognising the motivation driving the boundary review, this council regrets the final proposals have failed to take account of the views of this council and local people. “The proposals fail to recognise natural and historic communities of place, are administratively burdensome and would impact adversely on democratic representation. We urge our local MPs to reject these proposals and to seek revisions that better reflect the views of local people.” Cllr Jukes represents Speldhurst &
WHAT DO THE MPs THEMSELVES THINK? GREG CLARK, MP for Tunbridge Wells, said: “It is only fair that constituencies be of an equal size and the independent Boundary Commission has produced new boundaries to achieve that. “I made representations – along with many others – about the difficulties in splitting the Borough of Tunbridge Wells three ways and dividing a strong community. “I would be sad to say goodbye to towns and villages, constituents and friends, with which I have worked closely over the years. However, there is some way to go as Parliament has not yet scrutinised the proposals.”
BLUE IS THE COLOUR: The current Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Wealden constituencies have been safe Conservative seats Bidborough ward. Both these villages would both be swallowed by Tonbridge under the plan, meaning voters would elect a councillor for Tunbridge Wells Borough but elect a Tonbridge MP. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council leader Nicolas Heslop has also criticised the proposals, which would see Tom Tugendhat’s constituency lose Kings Hill, home to the council’s offices. “As a council, we have concern they do not reflect the best interests of residents as longstanding associations between communities were severed,” said Mr Heslop. “There was a strong feeling that communities that were affiliated with each other should continue to be linked and in the same Parliamentary constituency.” Whitehall had appointed the independent Boundary Commission to draw up the new lines for all constituencies to have between 71,031 and 78,507 voters. Cllr Bob Standley, leader of Wealden District Council, said: “I am generally in favour. It is right to reduce the number of seats from a cost point of view. It also currently takes more votes, statistically, to elect a Conservative MP than a Labour one. “Nus Ghani is a good MP and I hope she stays locally, but I don’t think it is fair to change what has been proposed because of one example.” Bjorn Simpole, Vice Chair of Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “It is quite clear that these plans have been drawn up by people with no understanding of our local communities and residents’ historical ties to the place in which they live. “There were 108 representations by Tunbridge Wells residents in the last stage of the consultation, the vast majority of which were opposed to the proposals, and these have been ignored.”
BORDERS AND HORIZON LINES: These are proposed changes to the boundary lines. Tonbridge would lose Malling while Tunbridge Wells would grow into East Sussex to partly replace Wealden
See letters’ page 26 for more
NUS GHANI, MP for Wealden, said: “Boundary changes take place periodically and the recent proposals tackle a serious point of ensuring that parliamentary constituencies have similar number of voters per constituency, as they vary considerably. “I have been elected twice to represent the Wealden constituency and that is my focus. The proposals make the Wealden constituency evolve into the Tunbridge Wells & Crowborough constituency. This will require a vote in Parliament and will be some time in the future. “My job day to day is to champion Wealden.” Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat would not comment as the government was yet to decide on the proposals.
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Boost for small firms as Auction Hall conversion plan is passed SMALL businesses will be boosted by office space being created by converting the former Auction Hall on Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council believes. Members of the authority’s planning committee voted unanimously last week to convert the building next to The Pantiles into workspaces for around 20 companies. The Auction Hall closed earlier this year after a downturn in trade. The conversion will not see the nearby parking spaces affected. Cllr James Scholes, who represents The Pantiles ward, said: “I welcome this development, it’s important to have more office accommodation – particularly the smaller variety for build-up businesses. “I resided in offices overlooking this for 19 years, and it’s never been particularly thriving. This is the best chance it can get.” Cllr Joy Podbury [Rusthall] added: “I support this too and I’m particularly pleased that parking is remaining.” The motion was swiftly passed towards the end of a long planning meeting.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Support your town by voting in the British High Street Awards
BUILDING IN SIGHT Work has reached the next phase on the Premier Inn
Premier Inn will start to take shape in weeks WORK on the next phase of the contested £7million Premier Inn in Tunbridge Wells is to get underway in the coming weeks. The developer responsible for building the 110-bed budget hotel off London Road has told the Times that groundwork is complete and that the ‘superstructure’ will now start taking more shape. This follows comment on social media that work had stalled on the project, which was passed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s planning committee in April 2017. Opponents, at the time, objected to the proposals which they called ‘over-scaled, over-dominant and grossly under-parked’. They also warned it could add pressure to
existing hotels in Tunbridge Wells. Premier Inn typically partner a developer to build the hotel which the chain then takes a lease for. This means at this stage, the construction programme is being led by Decimus Ltd, rather than Premier Inn, whose management have stressed there is no delay. Richard Williams, of Decimus, said: “We are making good progress with construction. “The groundworks are now complete and we are moving into the main build phase. The superstructure should start appearing within the next two or three weeks as the development really begins to take shape.” The opening date has not been confirmed.
TUNBRIDGE Wells has been shortlisted for a Great British High Street Award and it needs your vote for a chance to win. The Pantiles, Chapel Place and High Street is one of 26 areas in the running in the ‘Champion’ category. Business group Royal Tunbridge Wells Together submitted the town for the award, which is sponsored by Visa. They could win £15,000 towards improving the district if it is crowned Champion in the awards ceremony in London on November 15.
Appreciation The Pantiles, Chapel Place and High Street were selected by an independent judging panel. The winner from the 26 on the shortlist will be decided by judges, with 30 per cent of the final scoring to be determined by a public vote. Jake Berry, High Streets Minister, said Tunbridge Wells shoppers now need to show their support and appreciation of the district. “Congratulations to The Pantiles and Chapel Place in Tunbridge Wells on being shortlisted as one of the UK’s best high streets,” he said. “The awards celebrate the great work being done to revivie, adapt and diversify high streets.” For more information, visit thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk Votes must be cast before November 1.
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Car clubs and charging points: The council’s green future plan will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk BOOSTING a car club scheme is one of a number of measures Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] is considering to reduce levels of pollution. The Conservative-led authority has a statutory duty to monitor air quality because exposure to nitrogen dioxide [NO2] is linked to heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease.
DRIVE TIME Cllr Ronen Basu is backing the Co-Wheels Car Club
n Working with taxi, private hire and bus
under which 692 homes will be built every year until 2033. The council has also not ruled out a bike-share scheme. Proposals are likely to be covered by existing budgets or possible grant funding. Liberal Democrat Cllr Mark Ellis, who viewed plans on the council’s communities board, said: “I feel at the moment there needs to be something more tangible – especially considering St John’s Road is the most polluted in the borough and one schoolchildren are using.” Party colleague Cllr Peter Lidstone added: “We welcome the aspirations of the Air Quality Action Plan.
companies to encourage use of low emission vehicles. n Targeting drivers who leave the engine running while stationary with awareness campaigns and possible enforcement. n Providing electric charging points in all strategic development sites. n Building property with fewer parking spaces near to the town centre to encourage walking. A flagship policy is the expansion of the Co-Wheels Car Club, which offers members the use of a car on a pay-as-you-go basis. Since launching in 2014, it has attracted a membership of 250 and six distinct white Nissan cars are currently in operation – with the possibility of soon adding at least two more cars in The Pantiles and in High Brooms. TWBC provided financial help using monies gathered in Section 106 agreements to get Co-Wheels started in the borough. It was the first of its kind in Kent. The scheme has grown organically and now pays for itself. The council estimates that that during the day, on average, two cars are in use at any one time. “We have high usage and need to put more cars in to make them as readily available as possible,” added Cllr Basu. “It has been a huge success considering we had just one car to begin with.” The proposals additionally tie in with other TWBC schemes, including the Local Plan –
“The congestion on the A26 is not only frustrating, it’s damaging to the health and wellbeing of residents and schoolchildren, so recommendations for cleaner buses and taxis, and 20mph in residential roads are all welcomed. “However, we have absolutely missed an opportunity with the A26 cycle route. Over £1million of funding was available, and all that we have to show is some red paint. “Unless the council can provide safe cycling along key routes, and start to tackle congestion, then the plan will never deliver on its promises.” Cllr Basu added: “I think most people are onboard and are willing to engage. “Look at how people have got behind the movement to reduce plastic. If people become aware, they will try. Most people never like change, but when they see the benefits we find they can be willing. “The aim of the consultation is to make people aware we are renewing the action plan and we want people to engage with us and feedback. We welcome all ideas.” The consultation runs until October 28 and can be found by visiting tunbridgewells.gov.uk and searching the consultation tab. The council’s Cabinet is set to discuss the results in February.
support improvements to air quality and enhance health.”
And work is needed to reduce the level of NO2, which exceeds an EU-set objective level on the frequently congested St John’s Road. Town Hall leaders are now consulting with the public on their Air Quality Action Plan [20182023], which contains a number of proposals aimed at reducing pollution. Cllr Ronen Basu, TWBC Cabinet member for Sustainability, said: “We are leading a cautious approach. The plan supports initiatives to alleviate congestion and advocates switching more car journeys to active travel which can
Proposals contained in the plan include:
PHOTO: Anne McCarthy
By William Mata
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Wellbeing
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Rewards for customers of online clothing firm RETAILER Childrensalon has launched a customer reward scheme which they have described as an industry first. The Tunbridge Wells-based company, the internet’s biggest seller of children’s designer clothing, said Childrensalon Rewards allows users to earn one point for every £1 spent. This allows customers to access exclusive rewards, such as complimentary shipping, free gift wrap and early access to sales. Clinton West, the company’s Digital & Marketing Director, said: “We are extremely excited to launch Childrensalon Rewards. It is a vehicle for us to show our gratitude towards our loyal customers.”
Design firm hire planner CREATIVE architecture firm John Bullock Design has appointed Glenda Egerton as a planning consultant. Ms Egerton, a town planner with experience of working with councils, will handle planning applications, statements and appeals for the firm, which is located in Tunbridge Wells.
Skillsfest for youngsters MORE than 1,000 school students aged 14-17 are expected to attend a Skillsfest at The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on October 16, where they will meet 60 employers. The aim is to inspire young people and offer them a chance to engage in the world of work and see a range of employment opportunities.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Thomson Snell & Passmore appoint their first female Chief Executive LAW firm Thomson Snell & Passmore have appointed Sarah Henwood as the first female Chief Executive in the company’s 448-year history. The South East business, with an office in Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, made the appointment this month. Their previous Chief Executive, Simon Slater, left the company in September last year to join London counterpart Pemberton Greenish. The firm has been recruiting since. Ms Henwood was previously Director of Marketing and Business Development at Hong Kong-based Shearman & Sterling.
She has 25 years’ industry experience and has worked all over the world for other firms, including Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters. Thomson Snell & Passmore said Ms Henwood will work closely with Senior Partner James Partridge to secure further sustainable growth during an important period of development, with their 450th anniversary and a major Tunbridge Wells office move on the horizon. Ms Henwood [pictured left] said: “I look forward to embracing the new challenges ahead as I step into the role of CEO of the oldest law firm in operation in the world.”
Win £1,000 for your best image NETWORK RAIL is looking to appeal to younger passengers by offering £1,000 for a picture of Tunbridge Wells that would perform well online. The management body wants to find an ‘Instagram Champion’ to help boost the web publicity campaign of its 16-25 Railcard. This follows their own study, which found 29 per cent of passengers in this age category choose travel destinations based on how good their pictures of it will look when shared online. The research also showed how young people in Tunbridge Wells upload an average of 12 photos to Instagram every week.
SELFIE STARS WANTED To boost railcard’s appeal The winning image will be used on Network Rail’s social media and on the railcard’s website. The winner will be named Instagram Champion.
To enter, local photographers should upload an image to Instagram or Facebook tagging National Rail and using the hashtag #instarail
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Opportunities for workers in South East as demand grows
Grand designs under microscope in search to find the best in Kent By William Mata A HOTEL in Tunbridge Wells is among 34 grand designs shortlisted for an architectural award. Judging is set to commence for this year’s Kent Design and Development Awards, which will champion structures across six categories. One Warwick Park Hotel, which is owned by Markerstudy Group, is the only entry from Tunbridge Wells in with a chance of winning at the ceremony on November 8. The contest is organised by Kent County Council, DHA and Maxim. The judging panel, which includes Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter, will spend three days visiting all 34 on the shortlist. An overall winner will be named
from those to triumph in the six individual categories. These are: Commercial, Industrial and Retail; Conservation; Environmental Performance; Infrastructure and Renewables; Public Buildings – Education and Community; and Residential – Minor and Major. Brian Horton, Chairman of the Judges and residential property expert, said: “The shortlisting was challenging and I’m sure deciding on the category winners will be even harder.” Alex Hicken of DHA, sponsors of the overall Project of the Year award, added: “It is great to see the quality of design that’s delivering new buildings, conserving our past and delivering new infrastructure that is helping to shape communities across Kent.”
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
BLUE SKY THINKING One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells
Royal recognition for logistics firm
FIT FOR A QUEEN [L-R] Barry Broughton and Matt Smith of TPS with Viscount De L’Isle and Deputy Lieutenant Jacques Arnold
TPS Global Logistics has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, following a 33 per cent rise in sales since 2015. The Larkfield-based cargo and e-commerce company was one of four Kent firms to be given the highest honour in business last month. Business leaders received the award from Lord Lieutenant of Kent Viscount De L’Isle at their newly opened warehouse. Matt Smith, Managing Director, said: “We are proud winners of this award. “We have increased our market share of this demanding industry by building on our reputation and increasing the size of our workforce.”
JOBSEEKERS have a greater chance of finding work in the South East than in most other parts of the UK, according to latest research. Last week’s ManpowerGroup Employment Survey found the balance of local employers taking on staff stands at +7 per cent, compared to the national + 4 per cent average. The findings, complied from surveying 2,100 UK employers, also showed there was little sign of Brexit impacting hiring plans. Statistics also showed there was demand for skills across a range of sectors.
Brightest Jason Greaves, Director of Manpower, said: “Employers have been cautious this year about their hiring needs but we’re now seeing a renewed confidence shape their plans. “The end of the year will be the brightest period for job seekers all year. We’re seeing in increasing growth in both permanent and temporary roles. But with increased confidence comes concerns about how to find the people needed. “We’re seeing growing demand from a range of businesses – and those candidates with the right mix of experience and enthusiasm will benefit.” Yorkshire & Humber topped the list with +11 per cent, a three point increase. Mr Greaves added: “Employers need to act fast when there is less talent around and also to think about the wider offer they can present.”
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
All aboard as Channel swimmers meet to recall their world record 50 years ago By Andy Tong A WORLD record-breaking group of children from RTW Monson Swimming Club have got together after 50 years to celebrate their achievement. In 1968, six members of the Tunbridge Wells club swam the Channel as a relay team – with two others in reserve.
The children, who were all aged 12, were aiming to be the youngest team to achieve the feat – and they succeeded, recording a time of 12 hours and 45 minutes. More than 50 members and friends attended the reunion at the Camden Arms in Pembury, and each former swimmer was presented with a memento to mark the occasion – though one of them was detained on business.
John Wrapson also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding services as a coach at the Tunbridge Wells club. It was John’s idea to make an attempt at the record – and he instigated a punishing regime of training. He and fellow coach Dennis Knight made the boys camp on the beach at Dover, Greatstone and Bexhill so they could acclimatise to swimming at night.
Horrendous
DEEP BOND: (L-R) Steven Underdown, Richard Field, John Marsh, Peter Chapman, Kevin Tetmar, Tim Taylor, Peter Burns, Dennis Knight and John Wrapson, who is wearing the same tracksuit he wore on the record-breaking day
“John subjected them to quite horrendous training,” recalled Dennis, who turns 86 this week and now lives in Goudhurst. “One of the comments at the reunion was, ‘I’ve never forgotten the smell of egg and bacon cooking on the beach’ after swimming for two or three hours.” Each team member had to swim for an hour, before handing over to the next boy, so they had to practise overtaking – a manoeuvre during which was forbidden to touch your fellow swimmer. In the event each of the six had to do two hour-long stints, with the first of the group chipping in for the final 45 minutes. Dennis, who coached at Monson for 10 years from 1956, recalled that at one stage during the attempt a passenger ferry decided to take a closer look, sending waves crashing over the boys and the support vessel. He said: “The boy doing the final leg said he could see jellyfish up ahead off the Cap Gris Nez. So I said ‘I’ll jump in and they can attack me’ and three or four of them did. “We started at 10.42am on Sepember 4, 1968 and got back to Dover the next day at 6am, then
CHANNEL YOUR ENERGY: The boys prepare to start their record relay in 1968 went straight back to Tunbridge Wells. They all went to school the next day.” Four of them were at Huntleys School for Boys. He added: “One team has beaten the record. A man from Bristol advertised in the national press for volunteers. “They came from all over the place and beat our record by 12 minutes. But it’s not the same as having all boys from the same club.” One of the quirks of the former swimmers is that every one of them now runs his own business. “They say that the discipline and regime of the group, which was like being in a family, stood them in good stead for the rest of their lives,” said Dennis. “One of them said to me, if I hadn’t done that, I might have gone wrong.”
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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Festival in memory of barber Denny raises £3.5k for Tree of Hope charity Crowborough. Louie, who has quadriplegic THIS year’s Denny’s Fest, the annual fundraiser cerebral palsy, and his family are organised by Denny’s Place barber shop on supported by Tree of Hope. Grosvenor Road, raised £3,500 for local children’s charity Tree of Hope. Storm Walker, who runs the store, said: “It was a great privilege and Based in Tonbridge, Tree of Hope is a honour to meet Louie and his family. To crowdfunding charity that helps see his gorgeous smile really brings children and young people with home why we do all of this.” a disability or illness by Denny’s Place were offering supporting their families half-price haircuts, while the to raise the money they need to pay for Fourteen Arrows studio specialist care that is downstairs provided tattoos not freely available for £30 and the neighbouring Beauty through the NHS. They currently help Rooms were discounting treatments. 850 households There was a host of nationwide. live bands, acoustic The event was SIBLING artists and two attended by SMILES seven-year-old Louie comedians Louie with his performing, along Bishop and his sister sister Evie with a bar, BBQ, Evie, who live in COMMON GROUND A record numbers of artists showed their work
games for children and raffles with prizes donated by local businesses. Storm said: “This event is in memory of my dad Denny Rowe, who passed away five years ago to lung cancer. “He raised almost £75,000 in his lifetime, earning him the title of the world’s fastest barber because of the events he did.” She added: “Our event is based on one my dad started more than 20 years ago, The Castle Street festival, when he was working for what was then Classic the barbers. “We wanted to continue his legacy and I’m so happy we did. I know my dad would be incredibly proud of our festival and what we have done in the last three years.” “Denny’s Fest was bigger and better this year. We are overwhelmed by the amazing support we received from the community. “We are already planning next year’s, this is something that we really look forward to and it’s close to our hearts.”
Southborough Lions make a fine art out of exhibition THE Southborough & District Lions Club held another successful three-day Art and Craft Fair on Southborough Common. The event, which is held outside Meadows School, was established in the 1950s. Many local artists have been showing their work for 20 years. This year it attracted an
unprecedented number of exhibitors. The Southborough Town Council Mayor, Cllr Zulhash Uddin, officially opened the fair. He and Lion President Jacqui Jedrzejewski welcomed each artist and craft stall holder personally and spoke to them about their work.
FUN IN THE SUN Locals enjoy Denny’s Fest on Grosvenor Road
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Consultation on charge for some non-household waste By William Mata A PLAN to charge tip customers £4 - £6 to dispose of non-household waste items has moved a step closer. Kent County Council [KCC] has started a consultation into the proposals which could net them £4million a year but have been labelled by critics as ‘penalising’. Residents have until November 1 to have their say on plans which could affect users of the waste centre at North Farm in Tunbridge Wells. These are likely to see: Soil, rubble and hardcore waste cost £4 per bag and plasterboard cost £6 per bag to leave. The Conservative-led county council is expected to pass the changes early next year. This would follow the lead of East Sussex, Surrey and Bromley councils. KCC Tory Cllr Mike Whiting said: “We need to reduce our annual waste and recycling budget further, while providing residents with an accessible household waste and recycling centre [HWRC]. “KCC has no statutory requirement to accept non-household waste, however, we appreciate
from time to time residents may need to dispose of these materials. “The county council would like to continue to offer a service and proposes a modest charge to offset the cost. Before any decisions are made, we would like to hear your views”. All of Kent’s HWRCs would be impacted. The North Farm tip is likely to come under further pressure following the closures of centres in Wadhurst and Forest Row. The opposition Liberal Democrat group may well vote with the Tories on the matter, having previously stated a need to charge to stop residents coming into Kent from other counties to use facilities. However, the Green Party has stated opposition and fear the change could lead to an increase in fly-tipping. Mark Hood, of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party, said: “This proposal has some merits but could penalise people undertaking DIY projects who wish to dispose of materials safely. It could also lead to an increase in unsafe and antisocial disposal, including fly-tipping.” To take part in the consultation, visit kent.gov. uk/wasteconsultation
Deadline nears for WW1 campaign By Andy Tong SEPTEMBER 30 is the deadline for securing community funding for the There But Not There figures designed by Penshurst artist Martin Barraud. The artwork, which commemorates the fallen in the
First World War, is available through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for anyone wishing to host an event featuring them. The transparent Perspex outlines of soldiers are being made by veterans in Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing
Company, based at Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford. It is hoped to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities on the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Visit therebutnothere.org.uk
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF
MP hits the right note
Swimming pool closed
Water pipe deep clean
Mental health at work
FREE music lessons in East Sussex will continue after a campaign to save the service from being discontinued by the county council. Wealden MP Nus Ghani said she held a meeting with County Hall leaders to keep the service, which offers students the chance to learn an instrument. There was also a petition which was signed by more than 200 respondents. Ms Ghani said: “This is the right decision and will no doubt be welcomed by communities across Wealden, as students at East Sussex schools continue to benefit from the positive, confidence-building impact music has on children from all backgrounds. “Hundreds of my constituents benefit from the invaluable services provided by East Sussex Music, so I am delighted.”
DAMAGED pipework has forced the swimming pool inside the Nuffield Health centre in Longfield Road to close for ten weeks. Major repair work is likely to take until mid-December to complete. The damage was spotted last week. A spokesman said: “During the closure we will be completing a full refurbishment of the pool and spa facilities, installing two new spa pools, new sauna, steam room and a new poolside shower. “All members have been informed of this disruption and have been advised they can freeze their membership. If they wish to continue to access pool facilities, we have extended their multi-club access to all of our 111 clubs with immediate effect.”
RESIDENTS have been advised to expect a reduction in water pressure as a pipe deep clean is completed. South East Water is carrying out the flushing process in Tunbridge Wells this week to clear any sediments that build up over time. Mark Watson, South East Water’s Distribution Manager, said: “The fresh drinking water entering our mains after treatment is extremely high quality, however, over time deposits can build up in the pipes, particularly if the water is slow moving. “Our team of scientists and engineers use information gathered from our customers, from water samples and historical data to develop a programme to ensure we flush the areas that need it most.”
WORKPLACES are being encouraged to focus on mental health in a new campaign led by Kent Police, the Federation of Small Businesses and Kent County Council. Under the strapline: ‘Taking care of mental wellbeing can have positive effects on health and productivity’, firms are being invited to a conference inside County Hall on October 10, which is World Mental Health Day. Kent Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: “There are many issues we need to address, such as stress, anxiety, depression, isolation and other conditions, and it is good to be able to come together to listen and learn. “Mental health and wellbeing is everyone’s business and I’m really pleased.” To find out more, email: Sarah.lilly@fsb.org.uk
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Dog killed by train Westminster Bridge terrorist to be investigated could not understand emotion AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of a dog dragged along a station platform when its lead became trapped in train doors. Disabled 75-year-old Rose Barry was trying to board a Thameslink train at Elstree and Borehamwood station in Hertfordshire with her Shih Tzu, walking frame and luggage. The doors closed with the retired nurse and her dog still on the platform, trapping her hand. She was able to pull herself free but the lead was stuck in the doors and the dog, called Jonty, was dragged off when the train departed. He was found dead in a tunnel near the station. Ms Barry, who has back problems, said: “It was terrible. There is a curve in the platform. Either the driver couldn’t, or failed to, look at the CCTV. “He should have been able to see me standing there, half on the train. Obviously he didn’t because the doors shut and he left immediately. There was no hesitation. I hammered the doors.”
Beluga whale found near Thames barges A RARE beluga whale was found swimming in the River Thames off Coalhouse Fort in Essex yesterday [Tuesday]. Ecologist Dave Andrews said the mammal had been feeding around barges on the river and had not moved more than 200 metres either direction. A spokesperson for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which monitored the situation, said it was a ‘very rare occurrence’ and urged people not to go out in boats to get a close look. Conservationists warned that the beluga, normally found in the High Arctic, was lost and could be in trouble and asked the public to give the whale ‘space and minimise disturbance’.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF
Bike number plates to stop dangerous riding
THE Westminster Bridge killer Khalid Masood was a controlling, arrogant person who believed he was ‘a genius’ with a ‘special relationship’ with God, a psychological profile has suggested. The 52-year-old Muslim convert had a track record of being unable to form long-term relationships, partly due to his inability to empathise with others and understand the nuances of the human condition, the inquests into the deaths of the March 2017 victims has heard. From the age of 13, Masood lived in St James’ Park in Tunbridge Wells and went to school at Huntleys Secondary School for Boys and then Tonbridge College.
CHILDREN will be banned from cycling to and from a secondary school in south London unless they display number plates on their bikes. Stanley Park High in Carshalton is introducing a registration scheme which would enable the public to report irresponsible cycling by pupils. Head teacher Amit Amin said the measure is in response to incidents of children cycling in a way that ‘endangers themselves and others’.
Superficial
A STRIKE on the London Underground line serving Heathrow Airport will go ahead after talks collapsed. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on the Piccadilly Line will launch a 48-hour walkout from 12 noon today [Wednesday] and a five-hour strike from 8.30pm on Friday. Transport for London warned there will be little or no service, including the Night Tube on Friday.
Dr Brock Chisholm told the Old Bailey there was no evidence Masood was suffering from a psychotic illness when he drove a car into crowds on Westminster Bridge, killing four pedestrians, before fatally stabbing PC Keith Palmer. “There is evidence to suggest that from a very early time in his life there was some aggressive and offending behaviour,” said Dr Chisholm. “Masood appeared unable to form meaningful and long-term relationships. This is likely because he had impaired ability to empathise, to understand the emotions of others.” Masood’s relationships were said to be mostly fragile, superficial and short-lived, while his familial bonds often broke down too. Dr Chisholm said he was ‘very strict’ on his children and was insistent they followed his values. He prevented one of his daughters from leaving home. She finally managed to break free, and they had no further contact, the court heard. But Dr Chisholm said converting to Islam had a positive impact, ‘containing the chaos within him’. Masood’s ‘special relationship’ with God was
Tube strike goes ahead
SPECIAL: Khalid Masood thought he was a ‘genius’ underlined after he was cleared of an attempted murder charge which he expected to be found guilty of, while he also credited his faith with protecting his daughter from more serious injury when she was struck by a car in Saudi Arabia. Dr Chisholm added: “Masood believed he was more intelligent than other people. “He enjoyed dominating people and viewed himself as special in the eyes of God, indeed like a genius.” He added: “He believed he was extraordinary and believed this since he was a child. “When this was threatened he behaved in a way that masked that. When he didn’t get into grammar school he blamed his mother for this.”
190 Ryanair flights off RYANAIR has cancelled 190 flights scheduled for Friday because of strikes by cabin crew in Spain, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Italy and Germany. The flights represent 8 per cent of the 2,400 originally scheduled as industrial action continues to affect Ryanair. The budget airline said in a statement that all affected customers have received emails or text messages informing them of the cancellation.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Six previous cases of allergic reactions to Pret’s baguettes PRET A MANGER did not label ‘artisan’ baguettes as containing sesame seeds despite six allergic reaction cases in the year before a teenager’s death, an inquest has heard. In 2016 Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, suffered a fatal reaction to a sandwich from the outlet, which she had not realised NO WARNING contained the Natasha Ednan-Laperouse ingredient. An inquest at West London Coroner’s Court was told that a ‘specific warning’ about the dangers of not signposting the allergen had been given to the food chain the previous year. A complaint log for the company from between July 17, 2015 and June 29, 2016 showed nine cases of sesame-related allergy incidents. Four of these led to customers seeking hospital treatment and another went to a medical centre. Six of the nine cases involved ‘artisan baguettes’. Under EU regulations, food companies are required to warn customers about allergy risks either on signs and packaging or orally, usually meaning they are told to inquire themselves. Pret is supposed to have stickers within fridges telling customers to ask staff for details. But a photo of the branch where Natasha bought her sandwich, taken eight days after her death, appeared to show a fridge without the allergy sticker.
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Carillion redundancies will cost taxpayers £65million REDUNDANCY payments to workers who lost their jobs after the collapse of engineering giant Carillion will cost the taxpayer £65million. The Unite union said the money only covered former Carillion staff, not those working for supply firms. A Freedom of Information request by the union to the Insolvency Service showed that £50million has already been paid out since Carillion went out of business earlier this year. Most of the company’s 19,000 staff were made redundant.
CONSTRUCTIVE Work is set to resume on Royal Liverpool Hospital
Greed Assistant General Secretary Gail Cartmail told the Labour Party conference in Liverpool: “These latest figures demonstrate that the taxpayers have had to pick up the tab for the greed and recklessness which led to Carillion’s collapse. “While the directors and senior executives of Carillion have largely slithered off into lucrative new roles, it is the taxpayers who have been left to pick up the pieces from their mess,” she added. “These revelations further underline why the Government must order a full public inquiry into Carillion’s collapse, to not only understand who was
responsible for the greatest corporate failure in UK history, but also the total cost to the taxpayer. “Additionally, the police need to undertake an immediate criminal investigation into those responsible for Carillion’s collapse. “If no laws were broken then we need better stronger laws to prosecute the guilty.” Dave Prentis, General Secretary of Unison, said: “A mile from here stands the Royal Liverpool Hospital, a shell of a hospital that’s half-built, effectively a £300million building site.
“It’s been abandoned by Carillion, the company that everyone said was too big to fail. “Carillion, a private company that was praised by the Tories and lauded by New Labour, has now left a trail of destruction in its wake. “Workers were unpaid and apprentices were sacked, and this great city has been left without its promised new hospital. An epic monument to failure.” It was later announced that the £335million Royal Liverpool Hospital will be finished with Government money.
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No one should have had to live in Grenfell THE ‘horrendous’ spread of the fire around and inside Grenfell Tower meant nobody should ever have been allowed to live in the high-rise, a senior fire commander said. Deputy assistant commissioner Andrew O’Loughlin said fire crews could never have predicted the way that flames engulfed the outside of the cladded block and tore through its internal compartments. He said people who were in flats that had not yet been reached by smoke or fire should have been protected by staying where they were until escape routes were made safe. From 2.47am residents were encouraged to escape if they could, rather than await rescue. Asked whether he felt this should have happened sooner, he replied: “I think the ‘stay-put’ advice for the conditions we were dealing with... ‘stay-put’ should have stayed, people should have been safe in their flats.
Life expectancy is not increasing in UK GROWTH in life expectancy in the UK has ground to a halt, according to research by the Office for National Statistics [ONS]. A girl born between 2015 and 2017 is expected to live until 82.9 years old – which has not changed from the previous figure for 2014-16. The figure for baby boys born in 2015-17 is also unchanged, at 79.2 years. For males and females in Scotland and Wales it has declined by 0.1 years, while males in Northern Ireland have seen a similar fall. Life expectancy in the UK remains lower than in many other comparable countries internationally, the ONS also found.
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National News
Next boss warns of gridlock at ports if no Brexit deal is agreed THE Chief Executive of Next has warned that gridlock at ports and price hikes await Britain in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Lord Simon Wolfson, a prominent Leave supporter, has called on the Government to give businesses clarity on what measures could be taken to relax customs procedures and border controls. The retail boss said the likelihood of queues and delays at UK and EU ports posed the biggest risk to Next from a no-deal Brexit. “If the ports seize up, it will be a problem,” he said. “In fashion you’re always selling out of the bestsellers. “The ports that will have the biggest problems will be the ones having more EU goods, so basically Dover.” In an unusually detailed document outlining the group’s no-deal contingency plans, Next warned of another sharp fall in the value of the pound. Lord Wolfson added that in the ‘unlikely event’ that free-trade agreements were not put in place, it could send the cost of imported goods soaring by up to £20million.
WHAT’S NEXT? European Union negotiations are ongoing
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Versace still in fashion after £1.6bn sale to Michael Kors
NEWS IN BRIEF
Paltrow brings brand Goop to Notting Hill OSCAR-winner Gwyneth Paltrow has opened a pop-up shop in Notting Hill to promote her Goop lifestyle brand. The temporary shop is a UK first and will promote the company’s health products, fashion, accessories and books. Paltrow, who starred in Shakespeare in Love and The Talented Mr Ripley, founded Goop in 2008 and has seen it grow from a newsletter to friends. Goop now trades mostly online and is reportedly worth £190million.
FASHION brand Michael Kors has announced it has bought Italian house Versace for £1.6billion and changed its name to Capri Holdings. Donatella Versace, the firm’s Artistic Director and sister of late founder Gianni Versace, will remain, as will Manager Jonathan Akeroyd. Capri acquired shoe brand Jimmy Choo last year in a deal worth £896million and will continue to promote Michael Kors as a fashion line. The group has now outlined plans to increase the number of Versace retail stores worldwide from 200 to 300 and push the share of revenues raised from accessories and footwear from 35 to 60 per cent.
Instagram departures THE co-founders of social media site Instagram are both leaving the firm, they have announced. Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger said they wanted to ‘explore their curiosity’ in departing the photo-sharing platform, which was bought by Facebook for £760million in 2012. The pair founded Instagram in 2010 and told Facebook they would leave on Monday, with the announcement made public yesterday [Tuesday].
History John D Idol, Chairman and Chief Executive of Capri, said: “We believe that the strength of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, and the acquisition of Versace, position us to deliver multiple years of revenue and earnings growth.” The sale of Versace marks a turning point in the brand’s history. Founded in 1978, it has been majority-owned by members of the Versace family since its inception. At the time of founder Gianni
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
NEVER OUT OF STYLE Versace was founded in 1978
Versace’s death in 1997, the company had been making plans for a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, but it has remained private ever since. Rumours of an IPO or sale resurfaced in the years following the company’s sale
Premier result for club of a 20 per cent stake to private equity giant Blackstone in 2014. In 2016, former Alexander McQueen boss Mr Akeroyd was named Chief Executive of Versace to oversee ‘the next phase of Versace’s development’.
MANCHESTER UNITED earned £590million in TV rights last year to set a new record. While the football team has dropped behind rivals Manchester City on the pitch, they are proving more than a match for TV revenue and have forecasted they would top £600million next season. Jose Mourinho’s side saw their revenue rise 5.2 per cent in the year up to June after finishing second in the Premier League.
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Plan to hunt grizzly Trump demands world leaders bears is cancelled ‘honour American sovereignty’ A US JUDGE has ordered federal protections to be restored for grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains. Wyoming and Idaho had been on the cusp of allowing hunters to kill up to 23 bears. US District Judge Dana Christensen had twice delayed the hunts, and the latest order blocking them was due to expire later this week. The hunts would have been the first in US outside Alaska since 1991. Judge Christensen wrote in his ruling that the case was ‘not about the ethics of hunting’. Instead it questioned whether federal officials adequately considered threats to the species’ long-term recovery when they lifted protections for more than 700 bears living around Yellowstone National Park.
Murray is made to work hard before retirement
Hat-trick helps Somerset TOM ABELL grabbed a hat-trick as Somerset confirmed their status as Division One runners-up on the second day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. The captain removed Luke Fletcher, Matt Carter and Harry Gurney with consecutive deliveries, all to slip catches, as Notts were bowled out for 133 at tea, leaving them with a first-innings deficit of 330.
Booming
A ‘MASSIVE’ ancient building, featuring a large Roman bath and a chamber which was probably used for religious rituals, has been discovered in the town of Mit Rahina, 12 miles south of Cairo in Egypt – where the historic capital of Memphis was situated around 3100BC.
SPORT IN BRIEF
ANDY MURRAY was given a stern test by Chinese wildcard Zhang Zhizhen before making it through to the second round of the Shenzhen Open when his opponent retired. Playing his first match since losing in the second round of the US Open last month, Murray started well but was pushed to a deciding set by the world No 340. Murray had just secured the first break of the third set when Zhang abruptly retired, handing the Scot a 6-3 6-7 4-2 victory. He will now face top seed David Goffin.
DONALD TRUMP has asserted American sovereignty and rejected ‘global governance, control and domination’ in a key speech to the United Nations General Assembly. The US President told world leaders he honours the right of every nation to pursue its own customs, beliefs and traditions, and the US will never tell other nations how to live, work or worship. However, Mr Trump said the US expects other nations to ‘honour America’s sovereignty in return’. Earlier he unwittingly drew laughter as he highlighted US gains under his watch.
Mr Trump said the American economy is ‘booming like never before’ and his administration has accomplished more in less than two years than almost any other administration, which provoked laughter from scores of heads of state and delegates in the audience. Mr Trump responded by saying: “I didn’t expect that reaction, but that’s okay.” He said the US is a ‘stronger, safer and richer country’ than when he took office in January 2017, adding: “We are standing up for America and for the
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
READY TO RUMBLE Donald Trump waits to address the UN American people, and we are also standing up for the world.” Mr Trump also seized the opportunity to assert American independence from the international body. He was unapologetic about his decisions to engage with the one-time pariah North Korea, remove the US from the Iran nuclear accord and object to UN
Sauber sign up Italian programmes he believes are contrary to American interests. “We reject the ideology of globalism and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism,” he said. He referenced a long list of UN initiatives, from the International Criminal Court to the Human Rights Council, that his administration is working to undermine.
FORMULA ONE team Sauber have announced Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi will complete their new-look racing line-up alongside Kimi Raikkonen. Sauber confirmed earlier this month that Finn Raikkonen would be joining them at the end of the season and Giovinazzi will partner him, becoming F1’s first full-time Italian driver since 2011. The signing of 24-year-old means Marcus Ericsson loses his seat but he has been retained as their third driver.
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NEWS
Letters
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Wednesday September 26 | 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 Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Boundary changes have gone too far – what will happen to our communities? WHERE ARE WE GOING? MPs Tom Tugendhat (left) and Greg Clark could see their constituencies change radically
Soda Alcohol-Free Festival. They sell plenty of alcohol-free quality alternative craft beers, including stouts. The festival always gave away alcohol-free gin. It is very hard to find pubs in Kent that sell a good variety of alcohol-free beers, ciders, etc. The festival was very popular, and it brought in many people from all over the country. It would be great for Tunbridge Wells to have an alcohol-free festival of its own, and I think children of alcoholic parents would drink to that, albeit a milkshake! Eva Charrington West Kent Alcohol Reduction Campaign
Progress is better than posh shops
Residents may be aware that the Boundary Commission issued final proposals this week to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600. What they may be unaware of is that these proposals carve the borough of Tunbridge Wells into three different Parliamentary constituencies, leaving it with no MP to properly represent its interests. The crazy plans include a Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough constituency with less than half of the voters living in Tunbridge Wells’ eight wards. Vast swathes of rural Wealden stretching down to Framfield and across to the outskirts of East Grinstead are included. Residents living in Langton Green, Speldhurst, Southborough and Pembury will be electing a Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, which they have no connection to. Paddock Wood and rural areas will be
If it’s good enough for The Queen… I felt rather uncomfortable about Norma Pinkerton’s complaints about the noise of aircraft over our town and our MP’s inaction [September 12]. My immediate response to her complaint about the noise was a mental picture of our Queen, reading her state papers at her desk in Windsor Castle and noticing if the flights over her castle were on time or not. According to a BBC programme about The Queen’s life in Windsor, she just loves the flights, and she can tell which flight is which just by the noise. She also appreciates how important these flights are to our economy. In fact, we love the flights too. My son and I always look up to the sky from the garden and try to identify which airlines the flights are. We have lots of fun doing that. Also, when I can hear planes starting to fly over our house in the morning, I know that my alarm has not got me up, because I get up before five to work. I am thankful for their help. As for our MP, I met him a few times in Dunorlan for the parkrun. He is a very kind and caring person, encouraging runners to keep going. I also saw him talking to people in front of the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
paired with Tenterden and Maidstone and villages stretching as far as the outskirts of Sittingbourne in a super-sized constituency. It is quite clear that these plans have been drawn up by people with no understanding of our local communities and residents’ historical ties to the place in which they live. There were 108 representations by Tunbridge Wells residents in the last stage of the consultation, the vast majority of which were opposed to the proposals, and these have been ignored. Only Greg Clark and his fellow MPs are in a position now to prevent these changes taking place. We call on him to speak up for Tunbridge Wells on this issue and vote accordingly to reject these ludicrous proposals. Bjorn Simpole Chair, Labour Party Tunbridge Wells Branch His current action against the former owner of BHS in court is something rather thoughtful and righteous, and I think he has been doing a great job for our town. Michelle Scott Via email
What about alcohol-free festivals? So Alex Greig, owner of Fuggles Beer Cafe, hopes that Tunbridge Wells will one day become a boozy ‘beer town’ [September 19]. Of course, being in that industry, he would say that. He may also assume that all feedback is great. Well, many of us kept well away from their Alcohol Fest Weekend. Many people, for example, are teetotal for a variety of reasons, and some don’t want to drink and drive as they don’t want to lose their car and jobs. Some are recovering alcoholics and it is not in their best interest to mix in that environment. I wonder how many children who have alcoholic parents would want Tunbridge Wells to be a ‘beer town’? People in the alcohol industry are not interested in their wellbeing. Coming from a family background of brewing, I know! Some towns have taken more positive action because of the growing interest in alcohol-free alternatives, and have a very popular Club
In response to Martin Dawes [September 19], I would far rather a new theatre than upperclass Hoopers, not that I believe for one minute Hoopers would retreat from Tunbridge Wells because of the theatre. If Mr Dawes dislikes the Tunbridge Wells he lives in, I suggest he moves to some backwater with no traffic, perfect Tarmac pavements and an over-priced high-end fashion store. Far from a vanity project, it is a project to drag Tunbridge Wells into the modern day, albeit kicking and screaming. David Clarke Via email
Council offices, not council houses? What crazy values we have when the Treasury stops councils borrowing to pay for desperately needed social housing but allows a council like Tunbridge Wells to borrow over £90million to pay for a new theatre and Town Hall. John Elliott Via email
Tower owner should pay back funds It’s agreed that the 2008 financial crisis was caused largely by certain greedy, selfish and entitled individuals in the banking industry. So, have attitudes changed? The case of Hadlow Tower makes me wonder [August 29]. In 2016, banker Christian Tym bought the tower for £425,000, substantially below the £1million asking price. He’s now put the property back on the market for £2million! This may be very shrewd, but we should remember that Mr Tym would never have been able to buy it in the first place had it not been restored with £3million of public funds (including £50,000 that was raised by the local community). The funding of the restoration was conditional on two covenants permitting the folly to be open to the public for 28 days a year. Since Mr Tym moved in, no member of the public has visited and he is trying to remove the covenants to improve his chances of selling. Surely the decent thing would be to retain the covenants and use any profit from a sale to reimburse the individuals and charitable organisations whose money returned the Tower to its present state? Paul Stepto Tonbridge
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
TRACTION ENGINES are a sight to behold – when they are chugging round a field. On the road, it’s another question. One of them was spotted steaming along the Frant Road just outside Tunbridge Wells at the head of a three-mile tailback of traffic, and that’s no wonder when you realise they move at about six miles an hour on their way to steam fairs or wherever. Calverley knows all this because he happened to be driving in the opposite direction to the traction engine – a term used, by the way, for all road-going steam engines. The frustration of those motorists creeping along was evident by the look on their faces. Here’s an idea. Why not require all traction engines to travel on the roads only between the hours of midnight and five in the morning – along with all delivery lorries. Look out, postbag! CALVERLEY loves animals as much as the next person, especially dogs. [Side note: Himself was once arrested in the Philippines when filming undercover for an expose on dog eating.] Anyway, He was much taken by the latest idea of pet owners leaving behind toy models made to look like their owners while off on holiday. The thinking is the dogs would not pine away. Obviously, it’s called Woof You Were Here. But why stop at dogs? What about goldfish? Much easier. Grab a carrot, shape it to look like you and drop it in the tank on your way out. Result, happy fish. REGULARS might recall Calverley’s thoughts on so many BBC journalists getting credits (and cash) for their voices being used on the hit TV series Bodyguard. Now comes word on why newsreader Huw Edwards didn’t appear in the BBC drama. “It seemed vulgar to join the 326 colleagues already taking part,” he has apparently said. What a good egg. KIDS can be so cruel without even meaning to be. Talking over a family dinner about bygone summer holidays to the West Country, one of the youngsters turned to Calverley and said: “That was ages ago, when you had brown hair.” For the record, His hair is today an attractive shade of offbrown, bordering on a sort of grey. Chin Chin, readers
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EDUCATION Times WITH THE
Why it’s important to do plenty of homework when selecting your child’s secondary school Last week we guided you through the Open Days process so prospective pupils and their parents can get the most out of them. This week we speak to Roger Gough from Kent County Council about the best way to approach the complicated secondary school application process which is now underway WHAT TO DO AND WHEN:
HAPPY TO LEARN Do your research to ensure your child is happy at school With the new school year up and running it’s time for parents who have children in Year 6 at primary to apply for a place at secondary school. Many can feel daunted by this process given the numerous schools to choose from, not to mention the many forms there are to fill in and deadlines to be met. For example, if you are applying for a place at a faith school you will need additional documentation signed by the affiliated church and most clerics will want to meet you in person to do this. And those parents whose children have recently sat the Kent Test, or the 11+ as it’s more commonly known, may be wondering if they should hang on to find out the results (due on October 11) before they apply. Some schools are totally independent of the government and will therefore have their own particular application criteria so you really do have to do your homework when it comes to selecting the schools you want to apply for. In order to make this as stress free as possible Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education at Kent County Council (KCC) now explains how to make this rather complicated process easier. “Kent residents have a rich and
diverse mix of schools from which to choose across the county and beyond. Families have the right to express a preference for any school, but should remember every school has a fixed number of places so very popular schools become oversubscribed and when this happens, places must be given out in the order of priority, based on each school’s oversubscription criteria.
‘Visit as many schools as you can and ask lots of questions’ “Details about how your preferred schools will prioritise applications can be found on the individual school’s website or on KCC web pages usually referred to as ‘School Admissions Criteria’. It’s important to look at how likely you are to secure a place based on this information, because often the further you live away from a school the less likely you are to secure a place. “Families should also consider how children are going to travel to their preferred schools, if these are outside their local area. Free transport assistance is usually only provided to the nearest secondary school where this is also more than three miles from
home. It is therefore important to remember if you are choosing a school that is not your nearest one you may need to explore whether there is a suitable bus route and whether a Young Persons Travel Card will be a possibility or if you will need to make your own alternative arrangements for your child to access their chosen school. “My best advice is visit as many schools as you can, ask lots of questions of school staff, do not listen to playground gossip or rumour and find out for yourself. We have excellent, well run schools delivering first class education across the county and we remain committed to help children reach their full potential. Of course we cannot guarantee that every child will get their preferred school but the odds of this are improved if parents invest the time to understand how the admission arrangements will work and make sensible, realistic choices when making their online application. “I wish every Kent child a smooth transition into this next chapter of their education and every success in their education career in Kent. I want as many children as possible to secure their preferred school and hope this advice will help them achieve just that.”
1. If your child was born between September 1 2007 and August 31 2008 you must apply for them to start secondary school.* 2. The application process opened on September 3 and will close at midnight on October 31. 3. On the form, which must be completed online at www.kent. gov.uk/secondary admissions, you can name up to four different schools. 4. Before you name each one it’s a good idea to have found out as much as you can about each one to ensure that they boast the right educational criteria and general ethos for your child. 5. Once you have completed the form and submitted it online you will receive an email as confirmation of receipt. If you don’t you will need to contact Kent County Council (KCC) directly. 6. You can log back on at any time to view the information you entered. 7. National Offer Day is March 1 2019 and you will receive an email after 4pm on that day confirming the school where your child has been offered a place. 8. You have between March 2 and March 15 to accept or decline the place you have been offered. If you have not received a place at your preferred school then you have the right to lodge an appeal between March 2 and March 29. *If your child is already at secondary school and you want to move them to a different school you must apply for an in year admission. The closing date for applications to Secondary school is October 31 2018 for entry in September 2019 and Kent residents must make applications through the KCC website http://www.kent. gov.uk/education-and-children/ schools/school-places/ secondary-school-places
Informal Autism Spectrum Disorder drop-in for parents and carers SUNRISE Children’s Centre in Southborough will be hosting a series of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) sessions over the next few months. They are available to children and young adults and they do not need a diagnosis in order to attend the special drop in days.
The monthly meetings will give parents and their children the opportunity to meet professionals including specialist teachers, educational psychologists or a representative from the Kent Autistic Trust who will be able to support families. You will have the chance to ask questions, learn
more about ASD and the type of support and information you can access through a range of services and recommended reading. For more information on timings please call Broomhill Bank Outreach Services: 01892 502466
Education
NEWS
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Weekly Comment
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Nus Ghani
Conservative MP for Wealden
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Nus Ghani was elected MP for Wealden in May 2015 and represents Crowborough, Eridge and Uckfield, among other towns and villages. She also currently serves as Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Department for Transport and is Assistant Government Whip. In 2018, Ms Ghani became the first Muslim woman to speak from the House of Commons Despatch Box. The Times also publishes comment from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties
Modernising funding for farmers WEALDEN countryside is home to beautiful, diverse countryside, from the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs to the splendour of the Ashdown Forest. Protecting our natural beauty is key, and policies to protect the environment including a deposit recycling scheme, minimising plastic bag usage and cleaning protecting vital wildlife like bees have gone a long way to looking after our environment. However, perhaps the most important protectors of our countryside are our farmers. I have worked closely with the Wealden farming community, including as the Parliamentary Representative for the Conservative Rural Affairs Group in Westminster, as well as raising their concerns at the very top of Government. Earlier this month was Back British Farming Day, which I was delighted to support and pay thanks to all of the farmers in Wealden who play such an important role in countryside management, food production, food security and supporting local jobs. The farming community in Wealden is a diverse local powerhouse, from traditional farming to organic community farms and the booming East Sussex sparkling wine industry. I
recently visited Bluebell Vineyard, home of the famous Hindleap brand of sparkling wine, and it’s wonderful to see them go from strength to strength. Supporting our farming industry is why I was pleased to see the introduction of the Agriculture Bill in the House of Commons recently. The Agriculture Bill sets out how farmers and land managers will in future be paid for “public goods”, such as better air and water quality, improved soil health, higher animal welfare standards, public access to the countryside and measures to reduce flooding. This will replace the current subsidy system of Direct Payments, which is ineffective and pays farmers based on the total amount of land farmed. These payments are skewed towards the largest landowners and are not linked to any specific public benefits. The top 10 per cent of recipients currently receive almost 50 per cent of total payments, while the bottom 20 per cent receive just 2 per cent. In its place, a new Environmental Land Management system will start from next year. Under the new system, farmers and land managers who provide the greatest environmental bene-
Mark Ellis
Liberal Democrat Councillor
fits will secure the largest rewards, and I will in combination with bold and world-leading work closely with the Government, interest environmental practices, will protect and maingroups like the National Farmers Union and of tain the beautiful Wealden countryside that we course Wealden farmers to ensure that the sys- treasure so greatly. tem works for our East Sussex farms. I regularly meet with a wide range of Wealden farmers, putting their views across to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. While measures like the Agriculture Bill are a welcome way of improving farming across the country, it is vital that these policies work for our farmers in Wealden, from Crowborough to Hailsham and Forest Row to Uckfield. ANOTHER ONE IN THE BASKET A modern and approNus Ghani supporting farmers priate farming policy,
Mark Ellis is a Liberal Democrat councillor for St John’s in Tunbridge Wells. He is father to two boys, a governor at a local school, and works with local businesses in Kent and Sussex
A Liberal Democrat vision for Tunbridge Wells IT saddens me to see the decline of Tunbridge Wells when compared with other towns like Maidstone, Canterbury and Tonbridge. These towns, relative to Tunbridge Wells, have embraced the changes in the high street initiated by the rise of online shopping and took early strategic decisions on how to adapt to survive. Tunbridge Wells, in my view, was both complacent and slightly arrogant in its perception of being Kent’s retail hub. However, with a combination of sky high rents, business rates, poor planning decisions and the neglect of Royal Victoria Place, you can track the town’s decline from 2009 [when Woolworths closed] until today. The Conservative group in council has taken a strategic decision to build a new civic centre and theatre at significant cost to the town. While this is massively controversial, it is their intent to kick start Tunbridge Wells with a statement to attract new investment. I feel that there are better and more economic ways to solve our high street problems. Get people working in town Tunbridge Wells has a vibrant business environment with a higher proportion of selfemployed people than any other town in Kent. These businesses need space to expand. Harness this and ensure that the town offers plenty of working space to encourage new business to grow in the centre of town closer to
retail shops. If you work near a shop you are more likely to buy from a shop. Fill empty retail units Nobody is attracted to an empty shop, and when the BT pension fund decided to sell Royal Victoria Place, Hermes stopped all redevelop-
ment, at a time when many shops had already been closed. This caused a disaster for many small retailers and restaurants surrounding the commercial centre due to the loss of footfall. It is great that British Land has purchased the centre, however, I expect as in all major rede-
velopments, it will take them at least one or maybe two years to commence with their redevelopment plans. In the meantime I suggest that British Land needs to fill up the empty units, even at discounted rents. Instead of the normal Christmas and charity shops, I would like to see the British Land engage local artists and artisans and convert Ely Court into a themed space, bringing local talent to people. Let local businesses and not the council decide on how to boost the town Business owners normally have a better idea on how to promote a town than most councils do, and this is why I support Tunbridge Wells Together in launching the new Business Improvement District [BID]. Put simply the business rate payers will be voting to add a 1.25 per cent on their business rates to create a fund which is forecast to deliver £2.3million of new investment over the next five years. This money will be spent to create new events, promote our town to a wider audience and to improve accessibility. More than 300 BIDs are already operating in the UK and places like Canterbury have seen a huge improvement in footfall and spending in the town in the last four years. I wish Karen Pengelly, Nicky Blanchard and the rest of the team at Tunbridge Wells Together success in this new venture.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
WITH THE
Move Times
PLUS
6 PAGE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FEAT URE SEE PAGE 55
INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk
Family Affair A six bedroom detached home not to be missed Page 31
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A GORGEOUSLY GRAND DESIGN
30
LIGHT, BRIGHT AND STYLISH
A Rural Idyll
Escape to the country and live the good life Page 31
31
DISCOVER A GRADE II LISTED GEM
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Best for…FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Best property buys for... We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor, which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden or something else. Here we home in on specific aspects that make these particular properties for sale stand out The DINING ROOM…
Berkeley Place Tunbridge Wells
£1,500,000 Contact
Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk An impressive character house dating back to around 1699. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST: n Drawing room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms n Independent LGF accommodation
Musgrove Place Crowborough Prices from
£595,000
Contact
Wood & Pilcher, Crowborough 01892 665666 • woodandpilcher.co.uk A new collection of 5 freehold properties designed by Cubed Homes to suit today’s modern lifestyles and a greener way of living. Each has 4 or 5 bedrooms, gardens and garaging. MAIN POINTS OF KITCHEN INTEREST: n Crown Zeluso cabinets with solid
quartz worktops n Integrated NEFF appliances n Bifold doors to garden Main photograph is from a typical show home
The KITCHEN…
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Best for…
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The VIEW…
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The BATHROOM…
Connaught Way Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE
£1,250,000
Contact
Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
Roughway Cottage
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST:
Roughway, Nr Plaxtol
n Drawing room with adjoining
GUIDE PRICE
n Smallbone kitchen with
library area
£2,250,000 Contact
Savills, Sevenoaks 01732 789 700 • savills.co.uk An imposing 3-bedroom country home with superb far-reaching southerly views over the Bourne Valley.
Chestnut House
£1,500,000 Contact
Savills, Cranbrook 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST:
Aga and larder
n Through reception room to include sitting
n Amdega conservatory
room, snug, living room and a dining room with vaulted ceiling, plus doors to garden
n Master bedroom with balcony
n Kitchen/breakfast room with shaker-style
and en-suite bathroom
units and door to L-shaped garage
n Swimming pool and pool house
n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room
n Garage with office over
n Family Bathroom with checkered tiled floor
n 2-storey, 2-bedroom annexe
and walls, and double-ended bath with ball and claw feet, ornate mixer tap and hair rinser
n Situated in a designated ‘quiet lane’
Smallhythe Road, Tenterden Offers in excess of
Extended 6-bedroom detached home with high-quality fittings, in generous plot.
A Grade II* listed 5-bedroom period house understood to have once been the dower house to the Heronden Estate. On the market for the first time in almost 40 years. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST: n Beamed dining room n Master bedroom with dressing room n Heated swimming pool and pool house
n Gardens with a good degree of privacy
The BEDROOM…
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EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Elm Hill FOR House
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
AT A GLANCE ELM HILL HOUSE HAWKHURST n Refurbished Victorian family home n Reception hall with galleried landing, vaulted ceiling, marble fireplace and wood-burning stove n Drawing room with open fireplace n Dining room with open fireplace n Sitting/family room with fireplace and wood-burning stove n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Cloakroom n 6-room basement, including utility room, wine cellar and games room n Galleried landing with stained glass window and vaulted ceiling n Master bedroom with freestanding Catchpole & Rye bath n 3 further double bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n Gardens with paved barbecue area n Tennis court
Game, set and match elegant home with tennis court in Cranbrook School catchment area
n Driveway with electric gates n Triple garage n Planning permission for extension (contact Savills for details) n In total approximately 1.2 acres GUIDE PRICE
ÂŁ1,500,000
Available for sale through Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 savills.com
Wednesday September 19 | 2018
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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Move with the Times: Commercial Property Broadlands Commercial Property Agent Broadlands are instructed to offer a self-contained office building of 1500sq. ft in Crowborough with parking . Freehold and rarely available this building has been completely refurbished to provide good quality space over three floors. Located on Eridge Road the offices are ready for immediate occupation and priced at £425,000 for the freehold interest with vacant possession. Broadlands are instructed by Hermes Investments to offer good quality office space at Wellington Gate Church Road Tunbridge Wells. This landmark building is arranged over 6 floors with all modern amenities and car parking and located in a central position close to the town centre and mainline station. Part of the 1st floor and the entire 5th floor are available from February 2019. Each floor has approximately 4000sq.ft of open plan space[some partitioned offices also] and available on new FRI leases for a term to be agreed. On behalf of private clients Broadlands are offering 1840sq.ft of office space at Oxford House 15-17 Mount Ephraim Road. A new lease is available at a rent of £37,000pax and ready for immediate occupation. This is an excellent location close to all of the town’s amenities. We have a number of other properties for sale or to let so for further information and appointments to view please contact SHANE RAGGETT at Broadlands Commercial Property Agents Ltd shane.raggett@broadlands.co. uk or on 01892 512422 or 07775 916743
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Lawson Commercial Industrial Unit With Planning For Exercise Studio & Personal Training Ideal for a sports professional who is looking for somewhere to set up a personal training studio Lawson Commercial have just been instructed to market Unit 3 Riverside in Uckfield which already has planning consent for this use. The unit comprises just over 1,000 sq ft of good ground floor area with a cloakroom and is available on a new 5 year lease at a rent of 9,500 pa. Lawson Commercial partner Chris Lawson said: ‘The Riverside units are good smart modern units built in the mid 1990s to an excellent specification. Unusually for many of the small units in Uckfield they each have 5 car parking spaces. They are thus ideal for this type of business.’ For more information and to view contact Lawson Commercial on 01825 764488 or email info@ lawsoncommercial.co.uk. Delightful Shop Available In Mayfield Lawson Commercial now have available an attractive shop in Mayfield High Street. Lawson Commercial partner Chris Lawson said: ‘We have just been instructed to market this Grade II listed character shop which has a wealth of exposed beams inside as well as a delightful bow-fronted shopfront. There is some 345 sq ft of retail area well fitted for the gift trade together with a rear area for storage with a tea station facility. The residue of a 5 year lease is on offer expiring in March 2021 at a rent of £6,500 pa, rising to £6,750 pa in March 2019. The landlords may be prepared to grant a new longer term lease if required. It really is a most attractive shop in this delightful village and is well worth a viewing”. For full details and to view call Lawson Commercial on 01825 764488 or email info@ lawsoncommercial.co.uk.. Substantial Freehold Factory Premises In Hailsham Now available is the opportunity to acquire a spacious freehold factory premises on the
Diplocks Way Estate in Hailsham. The factory is just under 10,000 sq ft plus ground and 1st floor offices of just under 1,700 sq ft together with a very useful yard/parking/loading area of some 6,000 sq ft. There is a lot of property on offer here for the money. The property is in a prominent position with good road access and, being just under 12,500 sq ft in total, is available at offers in the region of £1.25 million. Contact Lawson Commercial for full details and to view on 01825 764488 or email info@lawsoncommercial.co.uk.
Durlings Commercial Agents and Chartered Surveyors
RUNNERS UP Rex Farrant and Hugo Evoli in action
Durlings Commercial Agents and Chartered Surveyors held their annual Tennis Tournament in early September. This event has become a regular feature in their social calendar and the perfect opportunity for friends, clients and local businesses to enjoy lunch whilst watching some great tennis. Six mixed-doubles teams played for The Durlings Cup which was won by Paul Harvey of Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors and Julian Leefe-Griffiths of The Tunbridge Wells Hotel. Rupert Farrant said “We’d like to extend a special thank you to all the players without whom, of course, the tournament would not be possible. Thank you also to the Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club for the use of its excellent facilities, and to our caterers, Aaron Fitzgerald and Anna Peters, for their delicious and beautiful food – for which there were many compliments.” It was also an opportunity for some guests to meet Rupert Cochrane for the first time. Rupert joined Durlings earlier in the year and with over 25 years’ experience he strengthens the development team and will be sourcing, selling and acquiring sites in the South East. Durlings, which is regulated by RICS, offers a range of professional services specific to commercial properties, as well as offering a commercial and residential development consultancy practice. If you wish to speak to Durlings you can contact them on 01892 552 500 or visit www.durlings.co.uk.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN’S IN TOWN
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INCREDIBLE ITALY
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See Lucy Worsley at the Deeds & Words event Page 62
87 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEVER
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
More than words
GROWING HER IDEA Kat Portman Smith
Deeds & Words, a new cultural Festival of Women’s Voices, takes place at Tonbridge School’s EM Forster Theatre next weekend. Here, Eileen Leahy finds out all about it from event co-founder Kat Portman Smith, who is also the popular venue’s theatre manager Please can you give readers a brief synopsis of the forthcoming Deeds & Words event? It’s a new Festival of Women’s Voices which runs next weekend [October 5-7] marking the centenary of suffrage. The festival celebrates 100 years of women making themselves heard across the decades with two days of events designed to inspire, challenge and entertain. We will be bringing together authors, politicians, scientists, campaigners and performers. There are some well-known names, such as historian Lucy Worsley, Radio 4 Woman’s Hour presenter Jenni Murray and MP Rosie Duffield, who will be appearing alongside many local speakers. There have been a lot of different things happening to mark the centenary of the Suffragette movement. Why did you also decide to put something on? As 2018 is the centenary of women getting the
vote, I – along with Amanda Carpenter, who is CEO of Achill Management business consultancy, had been thinking of ways to mark this important anniversary. And with a lot of local support, the idea grew into a full-blown festival. How easy was it to organise and curate the speakers and various events in order to put on Deeds & Words? Once Tonbridge School were on board with the idea, we both started with local personal contacts, women from the arts, politics and literature and business. Lucy Worsley had previously been to the EM Forster Theatre, so we were thrilled when she agreed to come back, and from there everyone we approached was excited to be involved. Tell us briefly what visitors can expect… Firstly, a warm welcome! We are really keen
that people should feel they can pop into the theatre for coffee and a slice of cake from The Bakehouse, also based in Tonbridge, and take a look at the free exhibition of previously unseen suffrage material in the theatre foyer, and see what’s on over the weekend. Many of the workshops and talks are free, or priced £5, so people can take a chance on something new, join some interesting conversations and meet like-minded people. What do you hope to achieve from putting on an event like this? To continue the conversation around equality. This weekend celebrates what has been achieved so far, and continues the debate about how far there is to go. This is a conversation for everyone, whatever age or gender. We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the first Tonbridge Women’s Festival.
INSPIRING WOMEN: SEE WHO’S ON WHERE AND WHAT THEY WILL BE SAYING DURING THE INAUGURAL THREE-DAY FESTIVAL “You have to make more noise than anybody else,” declared Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst 100 years ago, when she was fighting for women to gain the right to have a vote, as well as clear and loud voice in society. A century later, the Deeds & Words festival wants to continue to ensure women are heard across Helen Pankhurst
the political, public and personal arenas. Here are just a few of the key events taking place over the weekend. Each one is designed to inspire, challenge and entertain, bringing together authors, politicians, scientists, campaigners, artists and performers – with well-known names alongside local writers – all being heard and being bold: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 HELEN PANKHURST – DEEDS NOT WORDS: A HISTORY OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE 6.15pm-7pm Free Dr Helen Pankhurst – greatgranddaughter of Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and a leading women’s rights campaigner, reflects on the changes in the UK since the right to a Parliamentary vote was first granted to some women in 1918. Combining historical insight with inspiring argument, Deeds Not
Lucy Worsley
Words reveals how far women have come since the Suffragettes, how far there is still to go, and how we might get there. LUCY WORSLEY – QUEEN VICTORIA: DAUGHTER, WIFE, MOTHER & WIDOW 8-10pm £24 Queen Victoria – a little old lady, spherical in shape, dressed in black, perpetually grumpy. Right? Historian Lucy Worsley wants to make you think again. Meet a complex, contradictory woman, who had a traumatic childhood, who loved dancing, and who suffered calamity and bereavement before coming out the other side as an eccentric, powerful and a rather magnificent old lady. Lucy’s illustrated talk takes you into the life, the palaces, and the rich colourful age of the woman who ruled a quarter of the globe.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 KATE FOX, FRANCES SCOTT, PATRICIA FARA & ROSIE DUFFIELD, MP – SPEAKING OUT: INTRODUCTION AND PANEL DEBATE Stand-up poet Kate Fox is a writer and a performer with comedy, northernness and asking awkward questions running through everything she does. Kate will kick off proceedings, and then introduce a vibrant vocal panel of women who are happy to Speak Out. Chaired by Amanda Carpenter, the panel also includes Patricia Fara – Lecturer at Cambridge Kate Fox
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Award-winning poets Elisabeth Cook and Rebecca Goss share their poems, which are shaped by the landscape around them, by their own experiences and by historical events. Spanning love and loss with humour, resilience and insight, these two poets are moving and entertaining while offering hope and wisdom in equal measure.
University, Frances Scott – founder of 50:50 Parliament, and Rosie Duffield – Labour MP for Canterbury. The panel will debate equality and equal representation now and across the ages, and welcome questions from the audience. PATRICIA FARA – A LAB OF ONE’S OWN: SCIENCE AND SUFFRAGE 3.20pm-4.15pm £5 2018 marks a double centenary: Peace was declared in war-wracked Europe, and British women won the vote after decades of struggle. Patricia Fara discusses her book, A Lab of One’s Own: Science and Suffrage in the First World War, which commemorates both anniversaries by revealing the untold lives of female scientists, doctors and engineers who helped win the war. A fellow of Clare College, Patricia lectures in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at Cambridge University, and is currently President of the British Society for the History of Science. FRANCES SCOTT –#ASKHERTOSTAND WORKSHOP: STANDING FOR PARLIAMENT 3.20pm-4.15pm Free (EMF studio, please book in advance) A workshop providing practical advice on getting into politics and public life. 50:50 Parliament was founded in November 2013 by Frances Scott. At that point, men outnumbered women 3:1 in Parliament. The institution did not look representative or inclusive; it was lacking women’s experience and talent. Frances felt this needed to be addressed and started a petition calling upon Parliament and political party leaders to do something to ensure a better gender balance at Westminster – change.org/5050Parliament JENNIFER NADAL & OLIVIA BUCKLAND – WE WOMEN EVERYWHERE: WE MANIFESTO 4.30pm-5.30pm £5 EMF theatre Journalist Jennifer Nadal, with her close friend actress Gillian Anderson, has created an
Arts & Culture
Pam Mills intensely practical guide for individual healing and change. WE is the road map for life they wish they’d had, and a rallying cry for women to try a different way of living. Combining tools which are practical, psychological and spiritual, WE provides a path for dealing with the fallout from life’s inevitable emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges, and asks that women come together to create a fairer world. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 PAM MILLS – SUFFRAGE IN TONBRIDGE: A GUIDED WALK 10am A guided walk taking in key places of historical interest in the suffrage movement, revealing an insight into the people, the campaigns and the opposition. Meet at Tonbridge Police Station, and the walk will end back at the EM Forster Theatre. ELISABETH COOK & REBECCA GOSS – WITH OUR MINDS & BODIES: WOMEN WRITERS IN THEIR OWN WORDS 1.30pm-2.30pm £5 EMF Theatre
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63 The Femmes
JENNI MURRAY – A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 21 WOMEN 11.45am-1.30pm £15 EMF Theatre The inimitable Jenni Murray celebrates great women from around the world, encompassing artists, politicians, activists, reporters and heads of state from past and present. A History of the World in 21 Women celebrates the lives, struggles and achievements of women who have had a profound impact on the shaping of our world. Jenni Murray has been at the helm of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for over 20 years. She talks about the programme’s 64-year history and her most engaging and
Jenni Murray
most terrifying interviewees, from Barbara Castle to Kaffe Fasset, Monica Lewinsky to Tom Hanks, and Jack Nicholson to Margaret Thatcher through to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES – AN EVENING OF MUSIC FROM WWI THROUGH TO TODAY Vocalist Patricia Hammond and musician Matt Redman will perform form their extensive collection of music from bygone days, telling stories behind the songs. And in the second half, vintage vocal trio The Femmes promise an evening of pure nostalgic entertainment in aid of the Tonbridge Poppy Appeal. Oozing golden age Hollywood glamour The Femmes sing songs dating from the 1940s to today, infusing classic vintage numbers with current hits. You can find the full festival programme at deedsandwordstonbridge.com Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office 01732 304241 or emftheatre.com
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Going Out
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goingout 7 days of activities
By Eileen Leahy
LOST CHILDHOOD Follow Christopher Robin’s grown-up adventures at Trinity
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
production originally played at the Chichester Festival, where it received five-star reviews, before it transferred to the West End for a limited run. So if you can’t make it up to the capital to see it live, then this really is the next best thing. The Shakespeare classic has long been considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written. Not familiar with the plot? Then briefly it involves two ageing fathers – one a king, the other his courtier – who reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends. For ticket details, please visit each venue’s individual website. Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks, is open to visitors this Thursday evening for exclusive tours of the house and garden, or the opportunity to enjoy a stroll around the picturesque grounds. The tours will take place at 5pm and 6pm and bookings can be made on 01732 810378, ext 100.
FRIDAY Join Macmillan and Marks & Spencer for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning today. Your local M&S stores in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge
WEDNESDAY Today at the EM Forster Theatre you can catch a performance of Not About Heroes, Stephen MacDonald’s Fringe First-winning play about the unique friendship between celebrated World War I poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. They met at Craiglockhart Hospital in 1917, and bonded over a mutual hatred of war and love of poetry. Please note this production is suitable for those aged 11 and over. Tickets to see this powerful and poignant play cost £16 (£14 concessions) and can be booked via emtheatre.com Calling all fashion fans to Trinity Theatre, as this evening you can see the much acclaimed celluloid biopic McQueen, which charts both the personal and public life of the famous fashion
designer Alexander McQueen. The visual appeal of this documentary about the East End lad named Lee who became one of the world’s most influential designers is that it mirrors the ‘savage beauty, boldness and vivacity’ of McQueen’s groundbreaking designs. It also intimately and sensitively reveals Lee’s tortured own life, but ultimately celebrates the work and ongoing influence of this incredible style maverick. The screening is suitable for those aged 15 years and over. Tickets cost £11 from trinitytheatre.net
IT’S NOT ABOUT HEROES at The EM Forster Theatre
have been donating ten per cent of their cake, coffee and tea sales throughout September to the cancer charity, and today will have a special selection of delicious treats to buy as well as entertainment. So why not pop along to one of their stores, or any of the participating cafés, for a cuppa and do your bit to help combat cancer? Elio Pace and his live band bring their Billy
IMPORTANT ENGAGEMENT Don’t miss The Wedding Experience at The Hop Farm
THURSDAY The Trinity and at EM Forster Theatres will also be transmitting a live screening of King Lear, starring Ian McKellen, this evening from 7pm. The
An Evening Shared with
JASPER CARROTT & ALISTAIR MCGOWAN Comedy legends Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan split the bill and your sides with a night of comedy stand up and impressions.
Tuesday 6 November Box Office: 01892 530613 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk evening. It will also be their first in 14 years, and celebrates their 40th anniversary as a group. For more information, visit softcell.co.uk
SUNDAY
BOX CLEVER Learn Bird, Bat and Bug Box Building at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park Joel Songbook to Trinity Theatre this evening from 7.30pm. So if you’re a fan of this legendary American musician, whose hits include Piano Man, Always a Woman, Uptown Girl and Just The Way You Are, make sure you book your tickets, which cost £24.50, pronto, at trinitytheatre.net Entertainment of a different kind can be had courtesy of the Out of Bounds Comedy at The Royal Wells Hotel from 8.15pm, starring The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue and more. Tickets cost from £10. Call 01892 511188 or email: richard@outofboundscomedy.co.uk
SATURDAY Join the Kent High Weald Partnership and Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park for a morning of Bird, Bat and Bug Box Building, which runs from 10am, you’ll have the chance to make bat, bird and bug boxes near the café. All tools and gloves are provided, but appropriate clothing for the weather and activity is required. For more information, visit fogh.org.uk Further afield, the Cranbrook Literarture Festival is happening all this
weekend. During the two-day event you can see the likes of Jeremy Vine, Mimi Anderson and Davina McCall chatting about their books and participating in Q&A sessions with the general public. For all details on tickets and timings, visit cranbrookliteraturefestival.com Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends will be waiting to meet everyone at The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, this weekend and next. For timetable and ticket details, visit spavalleyrailway.co.uk This is the final weekend to do Scotney Castle’s Hops and Harvest tour, where you can have a tour of its microbrewery, hop gardens and hop farm. Details of entrance price and timings can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle Comedian and I’m a Celebrity contestant Joel Dommett comes to Trinity Theatre this evening with his new show Work In Progress. The star of Joel & Nish vs The World will also be supported by stand-ups Tom Lucy and Nigel Ng during his act. Tickets cost £15. Meanwhile, you can see Soft Cell’s last ever live show broadcast live from London’s O2 into the Odeon this
Little ones will be enchanted by the talented puppetry team behind the show Hey Diddle Diddle at the EM Forster Theatre today. As its name suggests, it’s based on the classic nursery rhyme and is presented by the Goblin Theatre Company. Showings are at 11am and 2pm and tickets cost from £9. There will be a Wedding Experience at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood today. This is a must-visit for any couples who have recently got engaged or are in need of some last-minute inspiration before they tie the knot. There will be a number of specialist suppliers and etiquette experts on hand to offer advice. For more information, see thehopfarm.co.uk As part of the National Lottery Cinema Day, today at 3.30pm Rusthall Cinema Club will be screening The Greatest Showman in its sing-along format at Sunnyside Community Hall. Entrance is free to all who come with any National Lottery game ticket dated between September 26 and 29. Trinity has a double bill for children today. It starts with a fun production of Goldilocks and Friends at 2.30pm (tickets £7), followed by a screening of the film Christopher Robin at 5pm (tickets £11). Starring Ewan McGregor, the latter is a charming tale of how the young Christopher, of Winnie-the-Pooh fame, used to embark on numerous adventures in Hundred Acre Wood with lovable stuffed animals but has now grown up and lost his way. Will he revert back to his carefree childhood ways or remain hardened to the serious world of adulthood? Go along to find out…
Going Out
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PICK OF THE WEEK: Thrive: Discovery Weekend
September 29-30 The Secret Manor, Mabledon, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0UH
Coming from the team that brought you the hugely successful Health & Wellbeing Live 2017, the Thrive: Discovery Weekend brings together over 100 inspirational workshops, classes, talks, therapies, activities and exhibitors under one roof (and garden!) at the stunning Secret Manor in Tunbridge Wells. Discover positive mental health practices, stress management tools, natural beauty, mindfulness, parenting, yoga, pilates, fitness, craft, cooking, outdoor activities and more. This event is the perfect way to explore different ways to help enhance your family’s lives and thrive. Tickets: £25 each (under-16s go free, and for every child ticket booked, Thrive Events will donate £1.50 to their event charity partner Fegans). For further information, and to book, visit thriveevents.co.uk
MONDAY Trinity Theatre’s new exhibition, entitled Temporary Everythings, features the work of painter RG Jones. It’s an exploration into art as ritual and an act of magic. Open every day from 10am until 10pm until Sunday.
TUESDAY Are you interested in singing with a vibrant, friendly and enthusiastic
group of singers? Paddock Wood Choral Society is looking for new members, particularly male voice singers (tenors and basses) to join them as they prepare for their next concert. They rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood. To find out more, contact the Secretary, Adrienne Bishop, on 01892 833232, or email: secretary@ paddockwood-choral.org.uk
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Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Amber Titchener, Aaric Snook, Isabella Coulstock Friday Fiesta Latina Saturday Closed for a private party Sunday Shep!, Caleb Howard-Almond, Frances Yonge, Son Of Kirk
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
live music With Paul Dunton
F
OR classical music enthusiasts, Marcus Andrews and Ruth Beedham will be performing at King Charles the Martyr Church tonight [Wednesday]. For modern sounds, The Stable returns to The Forum with another stellar line-up of up-and-coming acts including Annie Callahan, Fond Of Rudy, Katie Kittermaster and Meg Lawrenson. Meanwhile, the Grey Lady hosts its regular Wednesday night showcase with Amber Titchener, Aaric Snook and Isabella Coulstock. This Thursday night, the excellent Scartonics headline the final Jazz on The Pantiles, and on Friday you can
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
catch Paul Crisp at The Spa Hotel, and Sean Fennessey & Friends return to headline their monthly residency at The Bedford pub. On Saturday night there are plenty of local acts in action, with Kharma & Devil at The Beau Nash Tavern, Off The Cuff at The Royal Oak pub and Suncharmer at The Bedford. On Sunday, the annual Festival of Hope takes place at The Forum from 12noon, hosted by the Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees charity. Many local bands will take part, including The Orange Circus Band, Dan Sumner, The Create Choir, Bond of Union and The Syrian All Stars.
Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday The Stable: Annie Callahan, Fond Of Rudy, Katie Kittermaster, Meg Lawrenson Friday The Jam’d Sunday 12noon-6pm Festival of Hope Tunbridge Wells with music from Syrian All Stars, Bond of Union, Dan Sumner, The Paul Dunton Orchestra, Orange Circus Band, Create Choir
KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH Nevill Street. All event details at kcmtw.org/music/concerts Wednesday Marcus Andrews (piano) & Ruth Beedham (cello)
JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Music from 8pm-10pm (donations welcomed) Thursday The Scartonics
CASSIDY’S BAR Castle Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Open Jam Session
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry
Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Soul Night Saturday Kharma & The Devil
THE BEDFORD
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
All show details and tickets available at trinitytheatre.net Friday The Billy Joel Songbook performed by Elio Pace
2 High Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Sean Fennessey & Friends Saturday Suncharmer
THE ROYAL OAK
THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT
The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm, all welcome. Hat collection with a suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) More information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday John Molineux
Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Monday Scream Blue Murder, Infirm Of Purpose, Rats Nest and Saramona
THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 7pm-9pm. To book, call 01892 520331 or email: reservations@spahotel.co.uk Friday Paul Crisp
TRINITY THEATRE Church Road The Orange Circus Band
Prospect Road, 0pen all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Off The Cuff
TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB
THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Sam Dunstall, Andy & Derek Trio
THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Upper Street, Rusthall Open all day, free entry, music from 7pm Tuesday James & Black
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Drink in the perfect view Last Thursday saw the official opening of The View, Hush Heath’s new, state-of-the-art winery. Eileen Leahy finds out more about it from founder Richard Balfour-Lynne, and why the launch timing couldn’t be more perfect
G
IVEN the summer of exquisite sunshine and intense heat we’ve enjoyed this year, the English wine industry is in the rare position of expecting a bumper harvest of good grapes to rival that of its European counterparts, who enjoy consistently clement weather. It will also potentially see the highest yields on record, and one of growers expecting a considerable crop this autumn is the Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst. Established in 2002, the idea for creating a vineyard came from Hush Heath’s founder Richard Balfour-Lynne’s wife Leslie, who
suggested buying the 400 acres of land surrounding the family seat of Hush Heath Manor when they were auctioned in 2001. The couple initially began to only plant the classic trio of champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, which resulted in a pink sparkler called Balfour Brut Rosé. “We just wanted to produce a really high-quality pink sparkling wine that we hoped would compare with Laurent Perrier and Billecart Salmon Rosé. That was our strategy,” Richard explains. It worked thanks to it being stocked in Fortnum & Mason and served in First Class on British
Airwarys and on the Orient Express. Since then the business has flourished, and in 2010 Richard and his team opened a winery and added a selection of other sparkling and still wines to their portfolio, bringing it to 15 in total. Now, eight years later, Hush Heath have just opened their much anticipated new winery, The View, which also includes a 200-seater tasting room and eatery. “The tasting room at The View was predominantly designed by my wife, Leslie,” says Richard. “It’s a sensory space with amazing texture and touches of light considered everywhere. We wanted to create a place that invites people to get involved in an English winery experience. After all, wine is entertainment. Wine is not serious. Wine is fun!” Last Thursday saw its grand opening, with many famous faces – including cricketer-turned winemaker Ian Botham and Maidstone MP Helen Grant – present.
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk ON SPARKLING FORM Richard (centre) and Leslie (right) greet guests
The VIP launch party was followed by an open weekend where keen wine enthusiasts were invited to tour around The View and enjoy a series of talks and masterclasses from Richard, winemaker Victoria Ash and Vineyard Manager Catherine Smith. “We want to be generous and inclusive, and so we are inviting people into our home,” continues Richard. “We want people to come to Kent, and people already visit us from around the world. “There is so much interest in wine tourism, which we know from the response to our recent open weekend.” Throughout both days, visitors were also treated to live jazz music, Hush Heath wine tastings and local cheese sampling. The boutique, family-owned company is beginning a new chapter in a journey to explore and share the wonders of wine and tourism in this country, says Richard: “Collaboration is more important than competition. As a member of The Wine Garden of England, we collaborate with six other Kent wineries – all of whom attended our private launch party. It’s wonderful to celebrate English wine tourism together; what a great opportunity for all of us.” The ambitious project has seen the size of
the previous facilities at the estate double, and the development now includes a new shop, an upstairs terrace bar and the opportunity to enjoy special experiences. “Very soon, our Wine Club members will join us in the vineyards to pick fruit – this is where the magic begins,” adds Richard.
Food & Drink
“Then we will head into the winery – now double in size – to press the juice, before we sit down together for a harvest lunch. “At The View, we can welcome more people to take part in this English wine journey. “Our doors remain very much open to welcome visitors from around the world to the Hush Heath Estate. “This is a charming destination for a quick walk or a full guided tour, and we are open seven days a week, complete with complimentary tastings for those who want to find out what English wine is all about.” Over the next year, Hush Heath Estate will increase its planted vineyards to 130 acres, still comprised predominantly of those three sparkling wine grape varieties. It will also increase Hush Heath Estate’s wine production to 500,000 bottles per year. And with this stunning new tasting room in which to enjoy a tipple or two, we’ll certainly drink to that! For more information on Hush Heath Estate or, to book a formal tasting, visit hushheath.co.uk OPEN FOR FIZZINESS Take a tour of the ever-growing winery
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Hush Heath in numbers…
15,000 145,000 Average number of annual visitors
Bottles sold every year
400 acres of perfectly manicured vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands
14 members in the Hush Heath team
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3
generations of viticulturalists at Hush Heath have been working the land
acres of land planted with the classic trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes
new vineyards to be planted this year and next at Hush Heath, taking total acreage to 50 acres
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Hot catwalk make-up trends that
are going to be huge this season As we head into autumn and start to assemble our seasonal style shopping lists, it’s time to switch up our make-up routines, too As MAC make-up artist Mark Carrasquillo explains: “It’s not about recreating a retro look, but getting the energy of the decade’s aesthetic, without applying a lot of make-up.” NYX Face and Body Glitter in Silver, £6
T
HE AW18 shows offered an abundance of inspiration, from bold brights to metallic shimmer, and modern twists on make-up classics. From the hundreds of shows in the four fashion capitals, we’ve distilled five key trends that are set to soar in the next few months, and the products you need to get the look. So, here’s your autumn beauty cheat sheet…
1. SHIMMER AND SHINE Seventies disco sparkle was a major theme for AW18, with glitter sprinkled liberally on models’ foreheads at Preen and all over their faces at Giambattista Valli. Will these looks translate to real life? They will once they’re toned down (a lot), but there was more wearable shimmer by way of jeweltoned eyes at Michael Halpern and metallic lips at Stella Jean.
2. BLACK EYES The one product the backstage pros couldn’t get enough of at the autumn shows? Black eyeliner. From razor-sharp liquid flicks at Molly Goddard and David Koma to smudged and smokey pencil scrawls at Max Mara and Carolina Herrera, the make-up staple was given a new lease of life, and a punky sensibility reigned. Marc Jacobs Magic Marc’er Liquid Eyeliner in Blacquer, £23, Net-a-Porter 3. BRIGHT EYES There was a rebellious spirit, too, in the way colour was used on the eyes, with opaque citrus hues daubed at Kenzo and Palmer Harding, abstract aqua eyeliner used at Jeremy Scott, and neon eyelashes seen at Dries van Noten. “The new way to wear colour is
borderline bad taste, but it still looks beautiful,” explained MAC’s Terry Barber. Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Waterproof Eyeshadow in Matte Orange, £19, Escentual 4. THE NATURAL LOOK Alongside all the glitz and punky glam, AW18 proved that the ‘no make-up make-up’ trend has still got legs, because who doesn’t love a youthful ‘I woke up like this’ glow? The aim here is an ‘uncluttered, invisible’ feel, so the focus is very much on a flawless complexion, enhanced with soft rosy hues on the eyes (as seen at Oscar de la Renta and Shrimps) or flushed cheeks (highlighted at Christopher Kane, Issey Miyake and Missoni). Illamasqua Colour Veil in Tonic, £20 5. RED LIPS Designers spoke about female empowerment a lot at the autumn/ winter shows, and that theme came through in the make-up as well, with a return to the bold ‘power lip’.
From orangey-red at Dolce & Gabbana to blood red at Alexander McQueen and Rochas, and berry hues at Erdem, the shade is up to you – but the texture is non-negotiable: It’s got to be a stamp of rich, matte pigment. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Louise, £26
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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Fashion trends for autumn/winter you’ll need in your wardrobe The summer collections have long since been cleared from shop floors, and the first drops of the new season have arrived, with snuggly sweaters and big leather boots making the prospect of dipping temperatures not quite so depressing after all THAT’S right, there’s plenty to be excited about on the fashion front for autumn/winter, because the catwalks gave us some stunning – and, for once wearable – trends, and now you can shop them to your heart’s content on the high street. But don’t, whatever you do, start spending until you’re up to speed with the season’s style forecast. Here are the five key fashion themes you need to know about for AW18, and how to shop them now… 1. LEATHER An overarching theme of ‘clothes as armour’ emerged from the shows, and leather played a big part in that. The leather dress is one of the key pieces of the season, as seen at Stella McCartney (rouched), Givenchy (belted) and Victoria Beckham (collared). Try the trend: Sosandar Navy Zip Through Leather Look Collared Dress, £69 2. ANIMAL PRINT If you’ve taken even a cursory glance at the high street of late, it can’t have escaped your notice that animal prints are everywhere. That’s because leopard roared back into fashion on the catwalks, seen everywhere from Max Mara to Tom Ford, while zebra was trotted out at Balenciaga and Halpern, and tiger prints growled on the girls at Bottega Veneta. Try the trend: Dorothy Perkins Beige Brushed Leopard Print V-Neck Jumper, currently reduced to £22.50 from £30
3. SEVENTIES The decade most designers plundered this season? It was without doubt the Seventies, specifically the collars, coats and colours. Collars were long and sharp at Louis Vuitton and Chloe. Coats were big and fluffy (Vuitton again) or suede at Tory Burch and Coach. The colours – brown, beige, mustard, chestnut – were everywhere, particularly the cosy layers at Roksanda and Miu Miu. Try the trend: Miss Selfridge Rust Brown Corduroy Baker Boy Hat, £12; Teddy Coat, £65; Rust Tile V-Neck Pinafore Dress, £28; Stripe Wide Neck Ruffle Tee, £20 (shoes, stylist’s own; coat and tee available later in September) 4. PLEATS A knee-length pleated skirt has become a summer staple in recent years, but now designers are making the case for wearing a longer length in winter. From the elegant evening styles at Emilia Wickstead and Lanvin, to the cream creations at JW Anderson and Victoria Beckham, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re delightfully swishy. Try the trend: Topshop Pleated Crepe Skirt, £69 5. TWEED A tweed transformation took place throughout the season, the traditional fabric given a modern spin by designers. At Altuzarra, that meant sharp overcoats, while at Prada it was bright hues, but the most creative example was in London, where Matty Bovan showed deconstructed woven skirt suits with fabulous houndstooth boots. Try the trend: glamorous.com Multi Tweed Button Front Blazer, £42
Good, Feel Good
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Books
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
Published in hardback by Doubleday, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now
Autumn reads… Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your reading…
BOOK OF THE WEEK:
10/10
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £14.99 (ebook £6.99). Available now SALLY Rooney has a lot to live up to. Her 2017 debut novel, Conversations With Friends, was a runaway success, bagging her the illustrious Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year prize. This meant the pressure was on when it came to writing her ‘difficult’ second novel – but Rooney’s fans needn’t worry, as Normal People is a triumph. I gobbled it up in one sitting. The compulsion to read it was too great to exercise an ounce of selfcontrol. The story centres on the high school friendship of Marianne and Connell. It’s a roller-coaster that will break your heart, but also fill it with joy and hope. The lead characters come from the same small Irish town, but have very different backgrounds. They move together to study at Trinity College, learning to navigate each other, society and Dublin with varying degrees of success. It sounds overblown, but we are so lucky that Sally Rooney is writing – her style spare, her approach to dialogue quite exquisite. I can barely wait for her third book. (Review by Frances Wright)
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £12.99 (ebook £6.47). Available now
9/10
IT’S incredibly tough to write stories that tell of unimaginable suffering and pain, of mental and physical torment and anguish, and yet Miriam Toews manages it every time – whether it’s handling suicide in All My Puny Sorrows, or, as in Women Talking, the impact of sexual assault. This short, spare novel imagines a series of conversations among the women of a Mennonite colony in Bolivia as they decide whether to quit or stick with a community that expects them to forgive their attackers. It’s based on the experiences of women of the remote Manitoba Colony, who, over several years during the 2000s, were knocked out with animal anaesthetic and raped by several men in their community. Toews takes these real events and weaves a response, in the form of the minutes of a meeting held in a barn, where the women plait one another’s hair, rage and riot, argue and sob, and try to navigate a way through the constraints of their lives and the suffering forced upon them and their children. The minutes are recorded by a formerly ousted Molotschna Mennonite, August Epp, who records what the women say, for they cannot write themselves, while adding his own comments and efforts to encourage and listen to the group. The women themselves are conflicted and contradictory, and vividly wrought – you become
6/10 Amateur: A True Story About What Makes A Man by Thomas Page McBee Published in hardback by Canongate, priced £14.99 (ebook £11.99). Available now
THIS is the true story of a man who decides to train and fight in a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. Lots of blokes do this, of course, often for charity, perhaps as the ultimate accessory to their hard-working, fast-living Wall Street lifestyle. But McBee is the first trans man to do so. After a slightly confusing and ponderous introduction, the book settles down to more of a straightforward narrative about the build-up to the fight: Training, setbacks, coaches, how McBee’s wife-to-be notices he’s changing. But McBee also uses the book as a lens to explore the dark side of masculinity. He notices that, when perceived by the wider world as a man, people more naturally defer to his voice and his opinions. Even for someone who has passed as a woman for years, it requires special vigilance not to talk over women. He discovers, too, that there is a tenderness at the bone-crunching heart of boxing – that men who have honestly confronted their shadow side, the urge to hurt, are capable of a kind of profound love. When men fight, they are fighting the parts of themselves they hate, as McBee, himself a victim of abuse, discovers. This account, which began as a magazine article, and still feels a bit
8/10
simultaneously attached, furious and frustrated with them all, wanting to pitch in with your own outrage and opinions on what they should do before the men get back from the city. A searing, brutal and quite astounding read, it will hit you devastatingly hard. (Review by Ella Walker)
IN recent years, Kate Atkinson has turned out back-to-back modern classics with Life After Life and A God in Ruins, so Transcription was always going to have a steep hill to climb. Frustratingly, this gentle, post-war-set spy thriller doesn’t quite wheeze its way to the top. Juliet Armstrong’s WWII days as an MI5 operative, in a department that’s arcane, ambiguous and dull (for both Juliet and the reader), are over. It’s 1950 and she’s working for the BBC, except she appears to be being followed. As her war experiences resurface and begin to slip into Juliet’s present-day life, Atkinson explores the tediousness of British fascism, the very male limitations on her heroine’s espionage aspirations, and a very drab London. There’s no sexiness here, instead Transcription proves a tame, meandering tale that leaves you a little unsatisfied. (Review by Ella Walker)
7/10
like (a rather long) one, is interspersed with insights from a wide range of commentators and experts on issues relating to masculinity, race, gender and violence. It all adds up to a gripping and fascinating journey. (Review by Dan Brotzel)
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini and illustrated by Dan Williams
Published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £12.99 (ebook £10.90). Available now THE photo of three-year old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi, who drowned while trying to reach safety in Europe in 2015, touched many people, including author Khaled Hosseini, best known for writing The Kite Runner. Sea Prayer is the words a loving father speaks to his sleeping son, telling how they came to be standing on a beach waiting for a boat that could take them to safety, or to their deaths. Aimed at all ages, it is beautifully illustrated by Dan Williams, who depicts the horrors of civil war as well as the joyous times that came before. The father is trying to reassure his child that all will be well and he will be safe, but the father knows how treacherous the sea can be – and all he can do is pray and hope. Hosseini, a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, is making a plea for people to be kinder to those fleeing war and persecution – it’s a plea that cannot be ignored. (Review by Bridie Pritchard)
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
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travel
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Travel
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The art of savouring Italy
A
S ONE of the most celebrated destinations worldwide, Italy really is the country that has it all. Passion and effortless beauty run rife through its city streets and along its winding country roads. And best of all, it’s well within reach at just a two-hour flight away. Italy is the heart of the Roman Empire, the cradle of the Renaissance and one of gastronomic champions of the world – and that’s just scratching the surface. It’s almost as if it was designed to surprise and delight, and from its iconic cities of art and beautiful landscapes to its irresistible cuisine, it’s undoubtedly a country that does just that.
‘The towns on Lake Como’s shores are sandwiched between towering mountains and glistening emerald waters, making for a better view than most to enjoy alongside your morning espresso’
FABULOUS FLORENCE Loggia dei Lanzi, also called Loggia della Signoria, adjoins the Uffizi Gallery on the corner of Piazza della Signoria
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
TRADITION OF THE ARTS The roll call of artists to have found their muse in Italy is almost innumerable. Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, Da Vinci – just a few of the greats who called this country home. As a result, Italy is littered with famous works of art. Florence’s Uffizi and Accademia galleries are ranked among the world’s best, which is little surprise considering they house Boticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s statue of David [pictured right] respectively. Just a stone’s throw away in Rome, the Sistine Chapel is home to two of the world’s most famous pieces –
FLOWER OF THE NORTH The famous luxury villa Monastero and its beautiful botanical garden in Varenna on Lake Como
Michelangelo’s Giusizio and Universale. And in the north, adorned with marble palaces, Gothic architecture and winding waterways, Venice is a masterpiece in itself. And for those who really want to immerse themselves in the artistic traditions of Italy there’s Verona, home to the annual Arena di Verona Opera Festival and the original setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The twisting lanes of this city practically sing in celebration of the classics. Amble through the heart of the city and you can take in sights such as Juliet’s Balcony and a host of Roman-age bridges. Then spend a balmy evening enjoying a spectacular performance in the city’s world-renowned Roman amphitheatre under a canopy of stars. From late June to early September each
year, the open-air arena bursts into life with performances of Aida, Carmen, La Traviata and more. Or delve into the world of Romeo and Juliet and watch actors bring the tragic love story to life as they dash and dance through the streets and squares of the city, as they would have centuries ago. LYRICAL LANDSCAPES Italy’s rolling and dramatic landscapes have inspired painters for centuries, so those in search of an iconic view are certainly spoilt for choice. From the cliff-clinging towns of the Amalfi Coast to the sun-bleached coastline of Puglia and the endless patchwork vineyards of Tuscany, there’s something different in every corner of the country.
However, to the north is perhaps some of its most beautiful and tranquil scenery. The sparkling Italian lakes decorate the rustic and mountainous northern region. The most spectacular of them all is Lake Como, a popular destination since Roman times and home to grand villas, churches and fortresses. Set in the shadow of the Alps, the towns on Lake Como’s shores are sandwiched between towering mountains and glistening emerald waters, making for a better view than most to enjoy alongside your morning espresso. With 160km of shoreline to explore, you can spend days idly wandering the lake’s famed gardens, relaxing at the beach and paddling in the clear waters, taking to the streets in the maze of lakeside towns, or
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setting sail to explore further afield. If just looking at the view isn’t enough, get a little closer. The panoramic cars of the Bernina Express offer a breathtaking way to experience travelling through the Swiss Alps as the train winds gently through the scenes of alpine landscapes and up to glistening glaciers.
WHEREFORE ART THOU? At Juliet’s balcony and statue in Verona
SIMPLE, YET DELICIOUS In Bologna there’s bolognese; in Parma there’s Parma ham; in Naples there’s thin and crispy pizza. It’s true what they say – there’s no such thing as a bad meal in Italy. From this ‘kitchen of Europe’, homegrown recipes have been adopted into many cultures worldwide. The food is simple, comforting and absolutely delicious – and there’s no better way to sample it than al fresco on a warm evening in the country itself, with a glass of something cold. The food in the north is slightly more robust and hearty than in the south, thanks to the influence of its Swiss neighbours. In Lake Como, lavarello – a fish caught fresh from the lake – is a popular choice. And a fantastic way to get to grips with the local specialities is on a walking food tour. Weave in and out of the twisting lanes of Como to taste popular lakeside
HOME TO THE FINEST HAM Prosciutto di Parma dishes. Cheese, meat, pasta and wine are accompanied by stops at some of the important monuments of the town. Italy wouldn’t be Italy without a large helping of wine (or two) and Tuscany’s aren’t the only vineyards worth visiting. The north is also home to some of the country’s premier wine-growing regions, and Verona is considered one of the principal towns. The highly regarded rolling hills of Valpolicella are a short journey away. Known as the ‘valley of the cellar’, this region is particularly famous for its outstanding red wine production. Enjoy leisurely vineyard wanderings and interesting winery tours followed by a tasting of wines paired with the
samples of the region’s finest cheese. Back in the city, risotto is one of the speciality dishes. Rice is grown in the north and, better yet, the area produces one of the top rice varieties available – valone nano. For an authentic meal in Verona, try ground-pork based risotto al tastasal or risotto all’amarone, which gets its flavour from the region’s most powerful wine. If you’re feeling inspired, Titan’s Arts of Verona holiday includes an evening at the opera and wine tasting in the Valpolicella region. Spend a week on Titan’s Leisurely Lake Como tour, which includes a day on the Bernina Express and a walking food tour. For more information on Titan holidays, please contact Baldwins Travel Group: • Baldwins Travel Tunbridge Wells 01892 511999 • Baldwins Travel Tonbridge 01732 351223 • Baldwins Travel Cranbrook 01580 714411 • Sevenoaks Travel 01732 458255 Or find your local branch online at baldwinstravel.co.uk
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Motoring
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Motoring News European Commission’s emissions systems probe THE European Commission has launched an investigation into the VW Group, BMW and Daimler over suspicions they colluded to limit a roll-out of emissions control systems on their vehicles. It’s alleged the German trio worked to prevent competing with each other in developing and introducing two emissions technologies – selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) and ‘Otto’ particulate filters (OPF), which could have limited consumer choice. SCR reduces the level of harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles, while OPF cuts down particulate matter from petrol-powered machinery.
The ‘in-depth’ investigation will aim to establish if BMW, VW and Daimler breached EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices. It focuses on information that indicates BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche – the latter three of which operate under the VW Group umbrella – took part in meetings where they discussed the development and use of technologies that limit harmful exhaust emissions. Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: “If proven, this collusion may have denied consumers the opportunity to buy lesspolluting cars.”
VW to end production of famous Beetle VOLKSWAGEN has decided to end production of its famous Beetle car. The company’s American unit announced that it would end global production of the third-generation bulbous bug in July next year. In the UK, only 1,598 Beetles were sold from new in 2017 – a tiny fraction of VW’s total sales of 208,462 vehicles here last year. The compact Beetle was introduced in Germany in 1938 during the Nazi era and went to the US 11 years later, where it became a symbol of utilitarian transportation. The last of the original bugs was produced in Mexico in 2003, by which time more than 21 million had been produced globally. Volkswagen revived it in 1998 as a more modern ‘New Beetle’, which attracted mainly female buyers. The
company revamped it in 2012 in an effort to make it appeal to men, giving it a flatter roof, less bulbous shape, bigger boot and a navigation system. US sales rose fivefold to nearly 29,000 in the first year but tailed off. Volkswagen will make two last versions of the Beetle, but neither will be available in the UK. Volkswagen said it had no immediate plans to revive the Beetle again, but the company wouldn’t rule it out. “I would say never say never,” said Hinrich Woebcken, Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group of America. Andy Gregory, PR Manager at Heritage Parts Centre, one of the largest classic VW parts suppliers in the UK, told the Press Association: “It’s run its course and it’s not selling. It’s a little bit of a shame.”
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Audi’s electric SUV impresses
AUDI has revealed its all-electric SUV at a glitzy world premiere in San Francisco. Called the E-tron Quattro, it’s one of the most tech-focused cars on the market, with some truly unique features. Buyers will be impressed with its range of more than 200 miles on a single charge, and those who love high-tech kit will be wowed by its world-first video camera wing mirrors, six touchscreens and stylish LED lights. The cameras make it possible to see a 360° recreation of the vehicle and its surroundings on the main infotainment touchscreen. Plans for the UK car have yet to be completed, but Audi estimates it will have a range of 248 miles. That puts it up against premium electric car rivals the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace for range, however, higher capacity 100D Teslas and Mercedes’s EQC will exceed this. It’s thought UK prices will start at around £70,805 when it goes on sale in November. The electric car is capable of 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds and it can hit a limited top speed of 124mph thanks to its 402bhp (300kW) power output and torque of 664Nm, which is available almost instantly. The E-tron can be charged to 80 per cent in 30 minutes using a fast charger, and sets a new standard with its ability to charge using a high powered 150kW unit. At home, it can charge at 11kW in around eight hours and has the option to charge at 22kW too.
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Recruitment
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
84 Recruitment
Wednesday September 26 | 2018
CODEWORD
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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.
5 4
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
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
A L L OW N E H I NOG A I P F E S T I F F I M D G U MM E R N E Y A N D R E T I J O U S A G E R T C R E V E N T
Q U I C K N D U N N I N T R O L ON E W E N I G E L O H R E U NW I N D A M T G I B O Y L E R G E A G R OW L A Z E I A T E L E X
Sudoku:
9 6 3 8 5 4 2 7 1
5 8 7 1 2 9 6 3 4
2 4 1 7 6 3 5 9 8
7 3 6 2 9 8 1 4 5
8 9 5 4 3 1 7 6 2
1 2 4 5 7 6 9 8 3
3 7 8 9 1 5 4 2 6
3 8 7 5 9 6 1 2 4
8 9 4 2 3 1 6 5 7
4 1 9 7 6 2 5 8 3
4 1 2 6 8 7 3 5 9
6 5 9 3 4 2 8 1 7
Jigsaw Sudoku:
2 5 6 9 1 7 3 4 8
9 7 3 6 2 8 4 1 5
1 6 8 4 5 9 7 3 2
5 4 2 1 7 3 8 9 6
6 2 5 3 8 4 9 7 1
7 3 1 8 4 5 2 6 9
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Wednesday September 26 | 2018
Dulwich Hamlet 3 Tonbridge Angels 1 By James Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS bowed out for the FA Cup in the second qualifying round after a red card in the first half. But the contest was in doubt until three minutes from the end. Dulwich Hamlet were promoted from the Bostik League Premier last season and were always likely to pose a stiff test. The encounter was to prove a typical end-to-end cup tie but the first big chance only came in the 21st minute. Hamlet’s evergreen former Angel Jay May should have done better with his attempted conversion of a Nyren Clunis cross from the right. On 32 minutes a sublime backheel by Angels striker Alex Read found Tommy Whitnell whose well-timed run put him through with just Preston Edwards to beat but the Hamlet keeper saved well. Two minutes later May forced a decent save from Jonny Henly at the expense of a corner. At
the set-piece Nathan Ferguson rose highest to head the ball past Henly for the opener. Three minutes before half-time a Tonbridge free kick was well delivered by Joe Turner and captain Tom Parkinson headed narrowly wide. The Angels were to rue that missed chance as just before the interval another former Angel, Nathan Green, picked up a loose ball in the area and fired home to double the hosts’ lead. There was controversy about the build-up, in which it appeared that James Folkes had been fouled; he went down injured but the referee saw nothing wrong and the goal stood. There followed an altercation between Folkes and the referee which ended with the official showing the player a red card. Two goals and a player down, facing a National South side on their own ground, Tonbridge had a mountain to climb in the second half. But this squad are made of stern stuff and in the 52nd minute Sonny Miles reduced the deficit, converting Turner’s corner to open up the contest once more. With the numerical advantage, Dulwich enjoyed more possession but the Angels were dangerous
PHOTO: David Couldridge
Angels bow out of FA Cup after sending-off setback
BRIGHT SPELL: Sonny Miles fires home Angels’ goal on the break and their defence stood firm. In the 85th minute substitute Jared Small outpaced his marker and delivered a searching low cross that Read was inches away from converting. From the resulting corner Turner’s delivery saw a desperate clearance off the line. With Tonbridge pushing forward Dulwich found gaps and made the game safe in the 87th minute through substitute Dipo Akinyemi.
Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “I was very proud of my players today. Sometimes decisions just don’t go your way and we are out of the FA Cup. We are all disappointed, but I cannot fault the team.” The Tonbridge side, who are top of the Bostik League Premier, now return to league action at home to Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday [September 29, kick-off 3pm].
Rustics show potential against runaway leaders Beckenham Town 3 Rusthall 0 By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL valiantly held their own against Beckenham Town, the early pacesetters in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division this season.
But a flurry of goals towards the end of the Friday night encounter proved their undoing at Eden Park Avenue. The hosts have an impressive 100 per cent record in the new season with seven wins out of seven and they were soon enjoying the lion’s share of possession. But Rusthall were by no means just a bit-part
player and they were also looking to create when they had the ball. In fact the best chances of the first half fell to the Rustics. Callum Ridley went past three Becks players to find himself one-on-one with the keeper but his shot was deflected wide. Just before half-time the visitors should have taken the lead but John Philips contrived to miss from six yards out with the goal unattended.
Pattern In between these chances, Rusthall’s Jake Cornish made a superb save from a shot that looked destined for the top corner. So it was goalless at the interval, and the second half followed the same pattern as the first, with Becks constantly moving the ball from side to side looking for an opening. On 76 minutes the breakthrough finally came
as a low cross fizzed into the box and their left winger Taylor Fisher ghosted in to drill home. This took the wind out of Rusthall’s sails and two more goals quickly followed, from Richard Atkins with ten minutes left and Fisher again two minutes later. The margin of victory was rather flattering to the home side but Rusthall are still waiting to find their first league win since August 7. Joint manager Andrew McKechnie said: “We’ve got to be positive. For 76 minutes we’ve taken Beckenham, who have won every single league game, and we’ve easily matched them and at times taken the game to them. “We’ve got ourselves in some good areas and at times our final ball in the final third wasn’t quite positive enough. I really don’t think we’re that far off being a stable side in this league.” Rusthall now entertain second-placed Chatham Town on Saturday [September 29, kick-off 3pm].
Rickets makes strong impression on Ironman debut in Amsterdam By Kieran Fitzpatrick TRIATHLON: JODIE RICKETS travelled to Amsterdam to represent Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club at Challenge Almere, Europe’s oldest long-distance triathlon. Contested over the Ironman distance, the race started with a two-lap 3.8km swim, starting at the iconic Kunstlinie Theatre on Almere Esplanade. Rickets, who was in confident mood after a consistent training block, exited the water in 1hr 20min and made a swift transition to the bike. The 180km bike route led out to the dyke for spectacular views across the city. The course continued through a wildlife reserve and across a section of reclaimed land below sea level. The long, straight roads were exposed to the elements and athletes had to contend with challenging headwinds. Rickets measured her effort to complete the bike course in 6:47. The six-lap marathon looped through the city centre before returning to the lake with enthusiastic support along the Esplanade. Consistent pacing ensured that Rickets completed the run in 4hr 17min. It marked an impressive debut at the event as her time of 12hr 40min saw her finish fourth in the F30 Age Group.
DAM BUSTER: Jodie Rickets was in confident mood
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Westcliff defence stands firm to hold off Wells Tunbridge Wells 13 Westcliff 19 By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS came unstuck against confident opposition for the second time this season as they were defeated by Westcliff, who have won all their games so far. The Essex side are among the early leaders in London and South-East Premier Division, in second place behind Wimbledon - who also beat Wells and are unbeaten. Wells continued to change their back line with Charlie Rigby back at scrum-half and Frank Taylor returning from injury at No 10.
the score 6-16 to the away team. The half-time team-talk called for more direct tactics and and Wells had pinned Westcliff on their own line within five minutes of the restart. They showed patience with the pick-and-drive, allowing prop Ben Williams to burrow over for a try that was converted by Reynolds to close the gap to three points. Wells now had the impetus but several promising moves were spoilt by inaccurate kicking from hand and lack of patience when driving the narrow channels. They went further behind to yet another simple penalty for McKeith on 47 minutes but continued to dominate possession and position.
The home side found themselves regularly incurring the displeasure of the referee early on, and Westcliff slotted two early penalties as Wells went off their feet in greasy conditions. With both defences looking miserly, after 25 minutes there had still been no tries scored as the sides traded penalties. The next 10 minutes was to decide the result of the game. Westcliff No 8 Jim Smith was yellowcarded and Wells launched themselves at the visitors’ line to take advantage of the extra man yet couldn’t quite get over. Breaking out, however, Westcliff right wing Ross Merrick got over in the corner and Ben McKeith converted from the touchline to make
The hosts were still within one score of winning, and two periods of recycling close to the line should have led to home tries but it was an outstanding defensive performance by Westcliff. Wells could not add to their tally despite a 14-phase close-range attack in the dying moments - though they did collect a losing bonus point. But they can take encouragement from a stable scrum and secure ball from Mike Hathaway and Christian Earle in the lineout from the accurate throwing of Josh Pankhurst. Tunbridge Wells now travel to Guildford on Saturday [September 29, kick-off 3pm].
Robinson kickstarts TJs to victory in close encounter By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS produced their best performance of the season in National Two South to win by the margin of a single score in Oxfordshire. TJs repelled Henley early on and they used the ball wisely in wet conditions, not attempting too many phases in the hands with such a slippery ball to play with. The visitors’ early efforts were rewarded as Will Robinson slotted two penalties to give TJs a six-point lead. Henley tried to force their way through but a strong TJs defence did not give an inch and they were forced to kick – to no avail. Murray Galbraith-Lowe fielded a speculative effort in his own half and dodged through the
first two tacklers to find wing Hugo Watson cutting a fantastic line to the posts, Robinson converting. Another Robinson penalty gave TJs a 16-0 lead and they looked to capitalise further as one of the Henley players was sent to the sinbin. But TJs saw yellow in the attack themselves and Henley got downfield for a penalty try and a second yellow – this time for Charlie Edwards – to give Henley a sniff of a chance at half-time.
Unscathed But the home side could not change the pattern of the game and despite adding a second try, TJs were camped in the Henley half for long spells. Robinson missed a penalty but slotted another to edged TJs into a five-point lead and they were able to see the game out relatively unscathed. The Tonbridge side now play host to Old Albanians for the first time on Saturday [September 29, kick-off 3pm].
PHOTO: Adam Hookway
Henley Hawks 14 Tonbridge Juddians 19
MAKE A BREAK Hugo Watson sprints through for TJs’ try
Hever Castle celebrates decade of fierce competition TRIATHLON: THE 10TH birthday of the Hever Castle Triathlon saw some epic performances as competitors battled the elements at 14 different race distances. There was a party atmosphere as the Royal Navy parachute display team landed with a special anniversary flag, a night swim in the lake was accompanied by jazz musicians. A host of celebrities gave inspirational talks on the stage, which they shared with many bands and a Rock Choir. Team GB triathlete and TV presenter Louise
Minchin said: “I’m so impressed, especially by the young athletes taking part in the Hever Castle Triathlon today in tough conditions. It was a great effort from everyone who raced.” The inaugural night swim was spectacularly illuminated at the Italian loggia and pontoon as 120 participants attempted three distances, 400m, 750m and 1500m, along a course that wound around beautifully lit buoys. There were also five senior triathlons - The Gauntlet Half Iron, Olympic, Sprint-Plus, Super-Sprint and Starter Tri - as well as three
different junior races; a half marathon and 10k run; and three swims, over one mile, 5k and 2.5k. The Gauntlet consisted of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21km run, and was won by Ashley Hurdman in a time of 4hr 52min 43sec; Claire Weller was the leading woman, clocking 5:41.58 The Olympic event – 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10.5km run – was won by Calum Johnson in 2:12.23 with Hannah Munday the first female home in 2:36.00. The world’s largest junior event of its kind saw 1,500 children tackling various distances. DROPPING IN The Royal Navy parachute team descend with an anniversary flag
AGE IS NO BARRIER: The 10-year-olds celebrate 10 years of the Hever event
The children’s triathlon for eight to 10 year olds was 100m swim, 4km bike and 1.3km run, with Finlay Goodman winning in 28min 35sec, with Emma Harding the first girl in 33.21. The 11 to 12 category – 200m, 4km and 1.8km – was won by William Pridden in 36.44 with Trinity St John Cox the leading girl in 46.34. And for the 13 to 15 year olds – 300m, 8km and 2.4km – Kai Boggan won in 33.34 with Christina Durbin finishing in 36.46.