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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
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Brexit Party storm to Euro victory as Greens grab more votes than Tories
HIGH PRAISE: Tonbridge Grammar School’s Motet perform on BBC1’s Songs of Praise Y0ung Choir of the Year. See page 2
Officials ‘shocked’ by Hadlow College – ‘It had completely run out of money’ By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Further Education Commissioner [FEC] said he was ‘genuinely shocked’ by what he found when he went into Hadlow College earlier this year. The agricultural college, which has 2,089 students, was the first college to go into educational administration last week amid concerns about its finances. It has emerged that the college had to be bailed out by the Department for Education to the tune of £2.8million because ‘it would not be able to make the payroll in February’. The principal Paul Hannan and viceprincipal Mark Lumsdon-Taylor have both resigned amid allegations of ‘financial irregularities’. They were also respectively the chief executive and deputy CEO of the
Hadlow Group, which runs the college along with West Kent and Ashford and the Hadlow Rural Community School. Hadlow College had ‘completely run out of money’ and required ‘exceptional financial support’ in order to pay staff including teachers.
‘It became really obvious very quickly that the governors had been failing in their duty’ FEC Richard Atkins revealed that he was about to visit its sister college, West Kent on Brook Street, when he received a tip-off that Hadlow College was in ‘extremely serious’ trouble. He told FE Week: “When we walked through the door the vice-principal, Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, had already
THE results of the elections for members of the European Parliament [MEPs] in Tonbridge & Malling reflected the national surge for the Brexit Party. Nigel Farage’s party came first in the borough with 15,713 votes or 42.2 per cent –though its delegates will only hold their seats until October 31, when Britain leaves the European Union. The Liberal Democrats and Greens – both running on a ticket to hold a second referendum on EU membership – polled 8,264 and 4,810 respectively, or 22.2 per cent and 12.9 per cent. The Greens received 354 more votes than the Conservatives, who traditionally dominate the political landscape across the South-east. This reflected their share of less than 10 per cent nationally.
Delighted
resigned and was on gardening leave. He still lived on the premises. “The principal, Paul Hannan, was not well and he left the college at midday to see a doctor. “He did not return, and I do not think he ever came back from that moment. “I was also told the vice-principal was suffering from ill-health. So when I arrived, I was confronted with both the vice-principal and principal saying they were suffering from ill health. “But I was able to meet with key governors and other senior leaders, and it became really obvious to us very quickly the governors had been failing in their fiduciary duty.” Mr Atkins said senior administrators were opaque in their dealings with him, claiming: “There was a real determination not to receive difficult feedback.”
The Brexit Party took four out of 10 seats across the South-east, while the Lib Dems have three, and the Tories, Labour and Greens one each. Mr Farage claimed a ‘big win’ but his share in the region was 36.07 per cent while the two ‘Remain’ parties had a combined 39.25 per cent. Frani Hoskins, newly returned as a town councillor for the Lib Dems, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we got three seats in the South-east region and 16 nationally. “These were stunning results for the Lib Dems after being written off by the press and so many. “Coming after a wonderful set of local election results, I am glad we stuck with it and plugged away as only Lib Dems can.”
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32 years for murder in West Malling fire AN ARSONIST who targeted a house in West Malling knowing that his mother-in-law was inside has been found guilty of murder and attempted murder. Simon Childs was sentenced to a minimum of 32 years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court. He set fire to a home in CALCULATED: Childs Spitfire Road, resulting in the death of 65-year-old Jacqueline Allen. Childs, 52, broke into the property at around 9pm on November 17 last year. He took petrol containers from a shed and started a fire in a lean-to next to the kitchen. Another person, who cannot be identified, jumped to safety from a first-floor bedroom and suffered injuries including a fractured toe. Childs was already prohibited from visiting the house following a previous conviction for assault against a former partner. The same day he threatened to set alight a caravan belonging to a man he suspected of having a relationship with the former partner. Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Milford said: “Simon Child’s actions were deliberate and calculated. He broke into the property knowing that Jacqueline Allen and another person were inside, before starting a devastating fire which spread rapidly with tragic consequences. “Local residents bravely tried to rescue the occupants from the house, but the fire was just too intense.” Mrs Allen’s family issued a statement saying: “There are no words to express the sadness and loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. “Jackie would have given her last breath for us and she did that night. Our whole world was taken from under us. “We are trying to rebuild our lives together as a family.” BELOVED: Jacqueline Allen
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Motet’s ‘heart and soul’ dazzles Songs of Praise By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Motet choir of Tonbridge Grammar School [TGS] reached the semi-finals of the Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year competition, which was shown on BBC1 on Sunday night [May 26]. Their rendition of the gospel song The Storm Is Passing Over impressed the three judges but the stunning performance was not quite enough to see them through to the final. In the senior section they were up against another Kent grammar, Rochester, whose NChant choir did make the final, alongside Tring Park in Hertfordshire and Francis Holland Senior Chamber Choir. The event in Bolton’s Victoria Hall was hosted by Aled Jones with a judging panel consisting of former JLS star JB Gill, tenor Russell Watson and TV presenter and vocal coach Carrie Grant.
Sisterhood Motet made the final five out of hundreds of choirs from across the country. They are led by Adrian Pitts, TGS assistant headteacher, who started the group 27 years ago. “I’ve been really lucky with this choir,” said Mr Pitts, who is retiring at the end of term. “Young people don’t always get a very positive press. “Choral music is one of those things where it’s a leveller. Anybody can do it – and you have such a fantastic repertoire, you can do all sorts of different things.” Isobel Camburn said their choice of song, written by Charles A Tindley in 1905, ‘has a lot of meaning to me and a lot of other people in the choir because it’s about getting over hardship. “Everyone’s been through hard times but it’s about getting through it together as a community and as a sisterhood.” The choir, which featured soloists Amy Sheldon
HADLOW COLLEGE: Continued from page 1 He added: “There was very poor communication and lack of transparency and we had serious concerns about clerking and about audits. “We could see mission drift, very overly complex subsidiary company arrangements, over-complex relations between the two colleges and governance.” He was referring to the connection between Hadlow College and West Kent in Tonbridge which, while they were separate entities, shared governors on their respective boards. And he ‘struggled to understand’ other strands of the business included a visitor centre and business park in Betteshanger, east Kent, which Hadlow Group is trying to sell for £40million. Mr Lumsdon-Taylor planned to open a Kent Mining Museum on the site, which used to be a colliery, in March but it has been put on hold.
Inevitable Other areas of concern centred on the Cookery School run by chef Rosemary Shrager in The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, which opened in 2013 but has suffered financial difficulties. At the High Court it also emerged that the college has received material financial claims from Heritage Funding and the National Lottery. The latter is calling for the return of £526,000 after it gave the college £1.3million to help develop the mining museum in 2016. Mr Atkins added: “There were also irregularities in additional learning support funding, which we had first begun to identify at
EURO ELECTIONS: Continued from page 1 She added: “I look forward to continued success and hope our MEPs get a full five years to work for the benefit of Britain within the EU.” Mark Hood, one of two Green Party candidates who were elected as councillors in the town
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: The Motet choir at Victoria Hall in Bolton with presenter Josie d’Arby (left) and Leia Watts, did receive some criticism from Mr Gill, who said their clapping was slightly out of time, though he added: “Soul, that’s what this song is all about and you really did deliver.” Mr Watson disagreed with his opinion and said:
PAM RHODES IN HER OWN WORDS PAM RHODES, the presenter of Songs of Praise, will be a guest speaker at Tonbridge Library on June 20, when she will talk about her successful career as an author. The 68-year-old, who was born in Kent, has written more than 20 books. The talk and book-signing starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £6, including refreshments, and booking is essential. Contact Tonbridge Library on 03000 413131 or email tonbridgelibrary@kent.gov.uk
the end of area review.” The Education and Skills Funding Agency [ESFA] had already investigated money that was paid to the group to fund apprenticeships, which the ESFA dispute it was entitled to. He also discovered that the college was still claiming to be ‘outstanding’ for overall effectiveness and leadership based on an Ofsted report from nine years before. He concluded: “Given the combination of running out of money and the very poor governance and leadership at the college in previous years, it was inevitable this college would end up in administration.” West Kent and Ashford College [WKAC] is not affected by the ruling – though the FEC included
“From a performance perspective you were joyous, you were all smiling and engaged.” And Mrs Grant added: “They absolutely shone, I thought this performance had real heart, real soul. I thought you were all completely, universally engaged, which was lovely to watch.” Mr Pitts said afterwards: “They communicated with the audience and that’s what I wanted them to do. “The girls were hugely excited as they had to film an insert at the school for the programme. Our music social media page and Twitter feed have had many fantastic comments from the public and former members. “I was so proud of them. As Carrie Grant said, it was 100 per cent commitment and this really came across well on TV. They sang with such heart and soul.” Emily Lindridge reflected: “It’s so much fun and you’re able to put your soul into it, I think everyone could feel that.” To see Motet’s performance visit BBC iPlayer them in his report – but it has received a ‘financial health notice of concern’. The Skills Minister, Anne Milton, described both as being in a ‘perilous’ state’ and they have been handed ‘supervised college status’. The administrators at Hadlow College have been asked to oversee a possible sale of parts of the Hadlow Group to other educational providers in a 30-mile radius. They will also prepare a report on the conduct of all college governors for the last three years for the business secretary. The Insolvency Service will then decide whether to seek to disqualify any of them – and even impose prison sentences if it is found they have committed a statutory offence.
DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT: HADLOW COLLEGE’S RESPONSE “Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College have implemented a number of recommendations made by the FE Commissioner in his reports and will continue to work to address others. We are determined, with the support of government agencies and administrators, to ensure that disruption for teaching staff and students is minimised so that college life and high-quality provision continues normally. It is pleasing that the dedication and commitment of our staff, in what continues to be a challenging time for them, has been duly recognised by the Commissioner. New chairs of governors have been appointed and the boards of Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College separated.
Issues of governance, clerking and audit raised in the report are being addressed. An interim CFO [Chief Financial Officer] has been appointed and a review into the finances of the organisation is underway. The financial expertise on the Board of Governors has been increased. A new owner for Betteshanger is being sought. The colleges have conducted and co-operated with investigations into the circumstances which led to the financial challenges. We await the outcome of the Structure and Prospects Appraisal and intend to work productively with all stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for the organisations, including the continuation of specialist landbased provision within Kent.”
earlier this month, said: “We are delighted to have beaten the Conservatives in Tonbridge & Malling, many of their voters seem to have deserted them for the Brexit Party – who have no manifesto and no internal democracy. “With seven MEPs nationwide we can now join a much bigger Green group in the EU and push
for meaningful change. These are exciting times to be Green.” In Tunbridge Wells, the only district in Kent to vote Remain in the 2016 referendum, the Brexit Party was also the biggest party with 32 per cent. But the combined Remain vote far outstripped them with 49.4 per cent.
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Firefighters battle blaze at Gaza timber yard FIREFIGHTERS spent more than 18 hours battling a fire at a timber yard near Tonbridge at the weekend. Ten fire engines from Kent, London and Surrey’s fire services attended the blaze at Gaza Timber at the Gaza Trading Estate in Hildenborough, following a call just before 7pm on Sunday. The fire service said there were no injuries, although people living close by were asked to close their windows and doors as a precaution during the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
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Sunshine brings out the crowds to Unfest
New KCC Chairman A NEW Chairman has been selected by Kent County Council. Outgoing Mike Angell handed over the chain of office to his successor Ann Allen in a ceremony at County Hall last Thursday [May 23]. Mrs Allen was first elected to the county council in May 1997. She was named ‘Woman of the Year’ for her services to the community in 1994 and 20 years later was made an MBE. A county council chairman performs a similar civic role to a borough council mayor, such as chairing meetings and acting as the official representative on civic and ceremonial occasions.
Parents MMR reminder PARENTS across Kent are being reminded to get their children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine following five confirmed cases of measles in the county. Public Health England [PHE] has urged parents to check they have two doses of the vaccine, normally given when a child is around 13 months old and again at three years and four months. Dr Rachel Pudney, PHE’s South-East health protection consultant, said: “Measles is not a harmless childhood illness as many think – it is extremely infectious, can strike anyone and sadly in some instances can have very serious long-term and life-changing consequences.”
Peacock on the loose POLICE were called out last week following reports of a peacock disrupting traffic. The male bird was seen in St John’s Rd last Thursday, but had dispersed once officers arrived. It was later spotted near Bishops Down Primary School.
ON THE FRINGE: Revellers enjoy the annual Unfest event in The Pantiles (Photo: Simon Partington)
By Carolyn Gray TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ annual fringe festival, Unfest, took place at the weekend, and was opened by the new Mayor, Cllr James Scholes. Revellers enjoyed a weekend blessed with good weather, and across the town people of all ages enjoyed live music, DJs, theatre, spoken word, poetry and a range of food and drink. This year music was selected from local acts
ranging from teenage band, Gatekeepers, to established acts such as Cyrano, as well as additional bands from outside the area. The Festival continues to be a free event, and after this year’s Unfest co-founder of The Forum, Jason Dormon, said: “To all venues, artists, volunteers and everyone who has supported Unfest, thank you for making the weekend so full of profound riches. The community shines bright. You are all beautiful people.”
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Library closes for cultural hub work THE Library in Tunbridge Wells town centre will be closed at its present site in Mount Pleasant Road from Monday [June 2], so that building work can begin on The Amelia Scott – the town’s new heritage, cultural and learning centre, which is set to open in 2020. There will be no library service available for three weeks until a temporary facility opens on Monday, June 24, in Royal Victoria Place. It will be situated on the lower level of the shopping centre opposite Fenwick department store and will continue to offer a full range of books, access to PCs and WiFi, and information on events and activities. Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, who is also a member of the Cultural and Learning Hub Board, said: “I am delighted that we are able to announce the latest stage of the development plans. “Royal Victoria Place offers the most appropriate solution to keep the library and museum together and available to the town’s residents. “We look forward to seeing construction work on The Amelia Scott begin shortly after the move into Royal Victoria Place.” KCC confirmed that no books or other items borrowed will be due back while the library is closed for three weeks. Extended opening hours will be offered at the Showfields and Southborough libraries.
A rubbish start to new waste collection contract By Richard Williams THE new waste collection service provider in Tunbridge Wells is coming under stiff criticism after it left recycling receptacles strewn across the street. Residents in Silverdale Road were shocked to see their recycling containers scattered over the path following last week’s collection by Urbaser and the pavement littered with leftover recycled waste. Resident Martin Hübscher said: “I have never seen it as bad as this before. “Not only were there scattered trays and recycling everywhere but they had also overlooked my neighbour’s recycling.” Urbaser was awarded an eight-year contract to operate within both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling earlier this year. The new deal, worth around £3million a year, has already proved controversial with planned garden waste collection fees of £52 coming into force in Tunbridge Wells – and £40 in Tonbridge – in September.
For the first time, residents will be offered glass recycling at the same time. However, Urbaser, who took over the collection of waste from Biffa, has now come under fire for the quality of its service. Liberal Democrat Councillor for St John’s, Peter Lidstone, said it was a ‘disappointing start’ to their contract.
Disappointed He added: “We are looking forward to glass being collected at the doorstep from September, but Urbaser will need to work harder than this if they are to reassure residents that they won’t be stepping over broken glass in the morning.” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council apologised for the poor service on Silverdale Road. A spokesperson said: “We apologise to residents for the way these boxes were left. “This is not the standard of service we aim to provide and we are very disappointed that this has happened. “Our contractor is already aware of the issue
MESSED UP Scattered recyling waste receptacles following last week’s collection and is carrying out an investigation into why it occurred. They will be providing further training for crews with the intention of ensuring this does not happen again.”
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
New Leader rejects ‘business as usual’ approach and reaches out to opposition Local Council
Elections
2019 By Richard Williams WITH Tunbridge Wells facing controversial decisions over the planned spend of £90million on Calverley Square, the new Borough Council [TWBC] Leader has unveiled his cabinet team to take the borough forward. Cllr Alan McDermott, 74, a retired foreign exchange banker who served as Deputy Leader under David Jukes, was elected Leader of the controlling Conservative Group last Wednesday. Despite a number of opposition councillors voting against his election, as well as several abstentions including two from his own party, the representative for Brenchley & Horsmonden passed a Full Council vote. There were 25 in favour of him being Leader, 16 against and four abstentions.
‘Lack of opposition made the Conservative Group complacent’ Former cabinet member David Reilly, who resigned last week and wrote an open letter to the Times protesting at the ‘direction’ the council was taking on the Calverley Square development, refused to back Cllr McDermott. Cllr Paul Barrington-King, who stood against Cllr McDermott in last week’s Conservative Group Leader election, also abstained. Opposition Leader Ben Chapelard, the Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’, was absent from the Full Council meeting due to ill health. Despite the fractious start to his tenure as Leader of both the council and Conservative Group, Cllr McDermott, a keen bowls player and golfer, says he has his party’s full backing.
“There were only two abstentions, so I won the election to be Leader quite comfortably,” he told the Times. While the Conservative Group still retain full control of TWBC, the new Leader denies it will just be ‘business as usual’ for the council. “Before the local election, the only opposition was internal to the Conservative Group, and perhaps that made us complacent,” he admitted. “We now have to be more aware of the views of opposition parties and how they would like to improve Tunbridge Wells.” One of the first tasks Cllr McDermott had to perform after his election as Leader last week was to choose his new cabinet, and while he has made a couple of significant changes, there is some familiarity with his predecessor’s team. Firstly, despite being elected Leader, Cllr McDermott will retain his portfolio as head of Planning and Transport – primarily, as detailed in last week’s Times, he has spent the last four years working on the Local Plan, possibly the most important project facing the council. Taking over as Deputy Leader, but staying in her position as Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, Cllr Jane March remains in the cabinet. Cllr March, who is an elected member for Brenchley & Horsmonden, has been a councillor since 2012 and is Chair of the Communities and Economic Development Cabinet Jane March Advisory Board. Under David Jukes, Cllr March was behind a number of key projects, most notably The Amelia Scott, the council’s mixed-use cultural hub that caused a furore earlier in the year over the dropping and then reassigning of the suffragist’s surname from which the centre is named. Another cabinet member from Jukes’s tenure chosen by the new Leader is Cllr Ronen Basu, who remains the Portfolio Holder for Sustainability. The Culverden representative has served on TWBC since 2008, and while it is expected he will step down next year, Ronen Basu he is an experienced
LEADER OF THE PACK Alan McDermott is the new Leader of TWBC
councillor and sits on a number of committees, including the Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board and the Communities and Economic Development Cabinet Advisory Board. Replacing Cllr Reilly, who resigned in protest after Cllr McDermott’s election to Conservative Group Leader, will be Tom Dawlings Cllr Tom Dawlings. The new Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance has represented Benenden & Cranbrook since 2014. While new to the cabinet, he has been Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and sat on the Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board. Cllr Carol Mackonochie is also new to cabinet, and perhaps the most inexperienced councillor chosen by Cllr McDermott. She was elected to represent Capel in 2016 – the site of the proposed new garden village development of 2,600 homes – and has sat as Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, but now replaces Lynne Weatherly, who stood down at the last election, as
Cabinet Member for Communities & Wellbeing. Perhaps the most fundamental change made by Cllr McDermott is removing the position of Portfolio Carol Mackonochie Holder for Economic Development and Communication, the position held by Tracy Moore before she lost her Park Ward seat earlier this month. That cabinet position had been created to help communicate the council’s Calverley Square project, and has now been scrapped in favour of the new post of Cabinet Member for Property and Major Projects, which will be headed by Cllr David Scott. The Culverden councillor will oversee major projects, property and estates, facilities, communications and engagement, and strategic economic David Scott development.
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Cllr McDermott admitted he did not have a majority in the Council Chamber to press on with the development as it is, but said: “If it is shelved, if the people that are against it completely are saying ‘forget it’, then they are saying we should throw away £X million already spent. “I am looking for a compromise solution that everyone will agree to, which is why I will be speaking with other parties over the next two weeks,” he said. However, Tunbridge Wells Alliance, who now hold six seats in the Council Chamber, told the Times there can be no compromise.
IN THE DARK The Council Leader is hoping for a compromise on Calverley Square
Opponents to Civic Centre say they will fight plans to build anything in Calverley Grounds By Richard Williams ANY compromise on building a theatre, civic centre or office space in Calverley Grounds will be blocked by the political party set up to oppose the development. The new Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Cllr Alan McDermott, says he will reach out to other parties to try to break the impasse over the controversial £90million Calverley Square project. He says he is starting with a ‘clean sheet’ but the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, who oppose the project, has said there can be no deals. Cllr McDermott took over the reins as Leader from David Jukes last week, after the latter was ousted in the local elections by Lucy Willis from the Tunbridge Wells Alliance. He admits Calverley Square, which was given an economic clean bill of health by the Planning Inspectorate earlier this month, has become ‘toxic’, which he blames on poor communication by the previous cabinet. “Communications with the public were probably not as good as they could have been,” he admitted. “It has become toxic. It is something that I have to consider. It does not mean the idea is bad, though. He continued: “Calverley Square was David Jukes and Tracy Moore’s project, and also the previous finance director – who for some reason has now resigned over it,” he added. He was taking a swipe at his former cabinet colleague, David Reilly, who resigned after Cllr
McDermott was appointed as the Conservative Group Leader. Mr Jukes, as well as several Conservative councillors, have all mooted the possibility of a scaled-back Calverley Square. So far it is estimated to have cost taxpayers more than £10million before a spade has even gone into the ground. OPPOSITION Ben Chapelard, leader of the Liberal Democrats
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Second bite of the cherry for new Mayor RETURNING New Mayor James Scholes
‘Residents can rest assured that the Liberal Democrats will be a constructive opposition for the good of our town and borough’ A spokesman for the party said: “It is Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s view that the whole Calverley Square project is seriously flawed, and therefore cannot be supported in any form. “We have been told repeatedly that the three elements of the project only work financially and practically when they are combined, and cannot work as separate elements. “Furthermore, even the proposed office block by itself will do serious damage to what is probably the most attractive landscaped and planted part of the park, and would therefore be unacceptable to us.” The other opposition parties are being more conciliatory with both Labour and the Lib Dems open to discussions. The Liberal Democrats, whose Leader, Ben Chapelard, earlier this month called for an ‘extraordinary council meeting’ to discuss Calverley Square on June 17, said they were ‘open to discussions with the new Leader’ but criticised him for ‘mixed messages’. Cllr Chapelard said: “On one hand he says he wants to continue with the new Town Hall complex, whilst on the other he wants to work with other parties to stop the project. “I will meet with Alan McDermott and listen to what he has to say with an open mind.” While Labour said that they campaigned to have the project stopped on cost grounds, Hugo Pound, Labour councillor for Sherwood, said they were up for discussions. “We are pleased that the new Council Leader will be reaching out to other parties, and hope that a more collaborative approach will help us to break the project impasse and enable us to move forward on what is best for our borough,” said Cllr Pound. He added: “Labour has initiated a meeting of opposition parties on June 12 to see if it is possible to agree some common ground on the future of the project.”
TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ new Mayor is the first member of the council to hold the office for a second term since the Second World War. Cllr James Scholes became Mayor last week after replacing Cllr Len Horwood following the end of his 12-month term of office. In a ‘Mayor Making’ ceremony held at last week’s first Full Council meeting of the municipal year, the new Mayor said it was ‘a great honour to be asked to be Mayor for the second time’. Cllr Scholes has served Pantiles and St Mark’s since 1988, but had previously been councillor for the now defunct Pantiles Ward from 1976-86.
Leader Not only did the Conservative councillor previously serve as Mayor between 1991 and 1992, but he was also Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council from 1998 to 2002. Having been born in Oldham, Yorkshire, Cllr Scholes moved to Sheffield and London before settling in Tunbridge Wells with wife Jane in 1970. The new Mayor and Mayoress have a daughter and son who both live locally, and six grandchildren. Cllr Scholes has worked for Barclays as a member of the Stock Exchange, and also as a software house manager. He retired just before 1990 to concentrate on his council duties. Apart from the two years he took off from 1986 to 1988 to concentrate on work, he has served without interruption, making him the longestserving councillor in the chamber. When Cllr Scholes was first elected to serve Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 1976, the original Star Wars had not been released, James Callaghan was Prime Minister, and ABBA were topping the charts.
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Pembury Motor Village faces a planning battle By Richard Williams ‘VILLAGE’ VIEWS Artist impressions of how it might look
A PLANNED ‘Motor Village’ that could help retain and create around 180 jobs in Tunbridge Wells borough may be blocked by a local parish council. Pembury Parish Councillors say they object to the plan for the multi-dealership showroom, which will be situated next to the Tesco Superstore, because of traffic concerns. The parish council argue that the Motor Village will cause ‘inevitable extra traffic congestion along Pembury Road’. They also cite raised emission and parking concerns in the area among their objections. The plans for the regional dealership hub for the Hendy Group were put out to consultation before a planning decision will be made by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. In the objection to the proposals, the Clerk to Pembury Parish Council wrote: “In summary, we urge the Planning Committee to refuse this application, which we feel is wholly inappropriate for the site, and for Pembury. The Parish Council’s position is fully supported by our Borough Councillors and our County Councillor.” A protest against the Hendy Motor Village is
being organised on Saturday June 1 at 11am. It is believed that Hendy took over the lease for the site in February. A spokesman for the car dealership denied it would cause an increase in traffic in Pembury. He said that the motor dealers had undertaken ‘detailed traffic surveys and projections’ for the Motor Village and the planning application includes a ‘detailed transport assessment’. He continued: “It should be noted that when compared to the proposals for an extension to the Tesco Superstore – which has previously received planning consent – and the introduction of a Park and Ride service, our proposals represent a significant saving in traffic during the critical peak periods. “Alterations would be made to the layout of the Tesco car park which currently operates below capacity and which will ensure it retains sufficient spaces to meet projected customer demand. “Our Transport Assessment is being considered by Kent County Council, the Highways Authority, as part of the planning application and we remain in dialogue with them and other stakeholders.”
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Independent retail is boosting high streets
DOUBLE WIN: Justin Marking and Jane Cronwright-Brown of Savills
Savills double award LEADING South East property agent Savills has been named both UK Sales Agency of the Year and Letting Agency of the Year. The awards were given to the agent at the 2019 RESI Awards earlier this month at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. William Peppitt, Savills Head of Residential in South East England, said: “It’s heartening to be part of an award-winning, growing residential agency business which continues to place client care at the centre of everything we do. “In a dynamic market it’s more important than ever to provide a personalised service as well as informed advice to help clients make the best buying and selling decisions.” Justin Marking, Savills Head of Global Residential, added: “These awards are testament to how hard everyone is working in residential sales, residential development sales and lettings throughout the country, and in particular, our commitment to provide the best possible service to clients.”
INDEPENDENT shops are helping to rejuvenate high streets in the South East of England, a new study has found. The research, commissioned by Visa to mark the launch of the government-run Great British High Street Awards 2019, shows that across the UK 34,511 independent high street shops opened for business last year, up 4.5 per cent on 2017. Meanwhile, in the South East of England, it was found that the high street is the favoured destination for retailers to expand their businesses, with four in ten of those surveyed planning on opening another high street store in the next 12 months, and more than a third (35 per cent) intending to employ more staff. Despite recent high-profile retail chain closures, Visa say their research shows an encouraging outlook for the future of high streets in the South East of England, with shoppers in the region saying they preferred shopping in high streets more than shopping centres and online shopping. High Streets Minister Jake Berry, MP, said: “The Government Awards celebrate the dedicated shopkeepers, the committed volunteers and forward-thinking councils who together are creating vibrant and dynamic high streets that are loved by their communities. “Last year more than 200 high streets across the land battled it out in a hotly contested competition to be crowned Britain’s best. “I would encourage communities across the nation to enter, so their high streets and the people working in them gain the recognition they fully deserve.” The Great British High Street Awards 2019 is run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in partnership with Visa.
Capital a sign of ‘confidence’ say Metro Bank METRO BANK has said its recent oversubscribed capital-raising efforts are a sign that ‘confidence’ is returning in the challenger bank. Shares surged in the bank when it announced it had raised £375million of growth capital, more than its planned £350million. Vernon Hill, Chairman and founder at Metro Bank, said: "I am really pleased with the support we have received from both existing and new shareholders, and for their confidence and belief in Metro Bank’s strategy. “The Placing was significantly oversubscribed and as a consequence we raised a total of £375million. Although we’ve faced challenges in the past few months, we remain fully focused
on providing the outstanding service and convenience that our customers expect of us.” The equity raise follows an accounting error in January which left the bank short of the capital it needed to grow. The lender, which has 67 branches in London and the South East, including a branch in Tunbridge Wells town centre, revealed in January that it had under-reported the risk element on some loans by almost £1billion. The bank has also denied reports that its recent troubles will halt any future expansion. “This growth capital will enable us to continue to expand the business and implement our strategic initiatives,” insisted Mr Hill.
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Tomorrow night we find out who has won the 2019 Times Business Awards Times
shops to tailors, MORE than 40 local LOCAL NEWSPAPERS film production businesses from companies and Tunbridge Wells, creative agencies. Tonbridge & The sell-out black Malling and the tie evening, hosted Sevenoaks district by Strictly Come will find out Dancing legend tomorrow if they Anton du Beke, will have been see ten of these successful and won businesses being a 2019 Times named Business Business Award. Awards winner in Tomorrow night front of more than 200 guests. [Thursday] at Salomons Estate Ticket holders to the dinner in Tunbridge Wells, businesses will be treated to a drinks from around the area will reception and a chance to gather to find out who has won network with some of the most and who has missed out. successful and influential Close to 200 businesses put business leaders in the area. themselves forward for the Included in the ticket is a fourth annual business awards, three-course meal, live music with 41 making the shortlist, until midnight and, of course, a ranging from independent
2019
Local events receive first grant funding from BID MORE than £13,000 in grant funding has already been provided to support local events by the Business Improvement District [BID]. Created on April 1, a BID is an area in which businesses contribute a levy payment in order to fund projects to improve the area and boost trade. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together [RTW Together], which was formed by local businesses in 2016 and manages the BID, has now started rolling out its first wave of grant funding for local events, something promised by RTW Together Town Centre Manager, Karen Pengelly at the launch of BID. “Events drive footfall into the town centre and have a positive impact on our local businesses,” she explained. She said so far around £13,000 has been distributed to a number of local
events in the BID area. These include: • Unfest, which is now in its 20th year of bringing fringe events to various locations in the town • Golf Croquet World Championship in Calverley Grounds in July • Spa Valley Railway, the heritage railway, which hosts Peppa Pig family events in August • Heritage Open Days taking place in September • Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, held in various locations around the town in October • Tunbridge Wells Mela, the cultural festival taking place in Calverley Grounds in July These are just the first recipients of BID grant funding, with event organisers able to apply throughout the year to RTW Together.
In total, the BID company will be distributing around £20,000 each year to local events.
‘We are delighted to provide funding to enhance, expand and promote local events’ Karen Pengelly said: “We are delighted to provide the necessary funding to enhance, expand and promote local events. They deliver positive benefits to the town, are enjoyed by many residents and visitors and deserve support. “It’s positive to see how broad the appeal of the events is, with every age and interest covered.”
dance floor, where Essex R&B and funk act, Funk2K will entertain the guests. And everyone has the chance to enjoy the evening, as we will be live tweeting the event on both Twitter and Instagram, and announcing the winners as and when they are declared. You can follow all the action using the hashtag: #TimesBizAwards
SHOUTING OUT LOUD ABOUT TUNBRIDGE WELLS RTW Together has also announced the publication of the first of its quarterly event listing guides that will promote Tunbridge Wells as a destination across the South-East. The guide, which will find its way into hotels, rail stations and other key locations across the South of England, features extensive hotel, restaurant and pub listings as well as information on things to do and see in Tunbridge Wells. RTW Together’s Town Centre Manager, Karen Pengelly, said the guides will help to ‘build footfall’ in Tunbridge Wells, which is a priority for the BID. She continued: “Promoting the town and the events that take place was identified as a key priority for businesses when they were consulted over the creation of a Business Improvement District. “30,000 of these guides will be distributed, throughout the town centre, the rest of the borough and then across the wider South-East region too. “We all know how good our theatres, attractions and events are, it’s always been the case that Royal Tunbridge Wells is a vibrant and lively town to visit with lots to do and see. “This guide is intended to open Royal Tunbridge Wells up to a much wider audience in the future. Encouraging more visitors is a priority for the BID.”
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Find out how you can help YMCA projects for National Volunteer Week
TO THE MANOR BORN Fifty guests enjoy tea and music in the Garden Room
Tonbridge Rotary pensioners enjoy their Country Drive and Cream Tea By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB held its annual outing for local pensioners with a picturesque drive through the countryside followed by afternoon tea at Hadlow Manor. This event usually takes place at a different venue each year, but last year the hotel offered to be hosts. It proved to be such a great success that the club was delighted when Hadlow
Manor extended the invitation again. Along with sandwiches, home-made cakes, scones and a birthday celebration, the 50-strong group was treated to live music by Mike Golding and his band in the Garden Room.
Mingle Giles Thomas, Operations Director of The Manor Collection hotel group, said: “We were delighted to get involved with such a worthy cause and treat the local pensioners to a delicious afternoon tea.
“It’s a great thing the Rotary Club does by getting those who may not see anyone for days on end out of the house for a change of scene and for a chance to mingle with other local residents, all whilst enjoying a cuppa and a scone.” Sonia Williams, the club’s President, said: “The Rotary Club of Tonbridge enjoyed its annual Country Drive and Cream Tea for the elderly. “We are grateful to the Rotarians, and special thanks to Hadlow Manor Hotel for the wonderful afternoon tea they so generously provided.”
YMCA WEST KENT are holding two drop-in sessions in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge next week to offer information about volunteering opportunities. The Christian charity works primarily with young men and women who are facing major issues in their life, regardless of their religious background. Issues they face include homelessness, family breakdown, emotional and mental health difficulties, neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, life after a conviction and exclusion from school. The events coincide with National Volunteer Week, and the organisation is looking to recruit people who want to ‘make a difference to the local community’. Susan Sharp said: “YMCA West Kent recognises the valuable contribution made by volunteers to our organisation and will be participating in Volunteer Week to share the work we do to empower disadvantaged young people to fulfil their potential. “We would be delighted to meet you, introduce you to our team and tell you more about the volunteering
opportunities we have to offer.” She added: You are welcome to browse through the furniture and knick-knacks on sale – you are sure to find a bargain. “Come and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake with us. We look forward to seeing you.” Local YMCA projects include supported housing, vocational training and retail traineeships through its furniture stores in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, as well as bike recycling. The sessions will be held at the West Kent YMCA Furniture Store in Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday June 6 from 10am to 2pm, and at the shop in Tower House, Vale Rise, Tonbridge, on Friday June 7 at the same time. National Volunteers Week is held on June 1-7, with events and celebrations taking place across the country to thank volunteers and to recognise their invaluable and diverse contribution. Find out more at volunteersweek.org For further information about West Kent YMCA, email: fundraising@ westkentymca.org
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Win a Mini car and help to keep Air Ambulance charity flying high THE Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex [AAKSS] is bringing its annual car raffle roadshow to Brookside Garden Centre in Seven Mile Lane near East Peckham. On May 30-31, visitors will have the chance to win a brand new Mini while supporting the charity, which is almost entirely funded by public contributions. The winner will be able to choose from one of five models, supplied by Barretts Mini in Canterbury, with £1,000 for the runner-up and £250 for third prize. The AAKSS fundraising team will be on hand to explain how the raffle is helping to support
DRIVING FORCE Last year’s Mini raffle raised £220,000
life-saving, time-critical emergency care across the region round the clock. In 2018, its crews of pilots, doctors and paramedics flew nearly 2,500 missions out of its two bases in Redhill and Rochester. AAKSS’s operational costs are £11million a year, with 92 per cent coming from donations, legacies and fundraising ventures – the remainder is provided by the NHS. Last year, the raffle raised more than £220,000, which paid for more than 60 missions. Tickets cost £5 each, and the draw will take place on November 20. You can enter the raffle at raffleentry.org.uk/winacar
Paddock Wood Friends Group raises £100,000 for Hospice in the Weald PADDOCK WOOD FRIENDS GROUP has passed an impressive fundraising landmark, raising more than £100,000 for Hospice in the Weald. The group was formed in 2001, and the drive to support the hospice was done under the guidance of Richard Snow, the fundraising manager at the time. Each year the group, chaired initially by Margaret Swaite and in recent years by Jean Saggers, organises a variety of events. These include their own Light Up A Life remembrance services, Voices for Hospice events, coffee and crafts mornings, an annual quiz and street collections. The quiz event alone raises around £1,000 annually. Chiara Creates, the hospice’s Relationship Fundraising Coordinator, said: “We are delighted with the Friends’ notable achievement.
“Everyone involved deserves a big thank you. We are also extremely grateful that the group continues to raise significant funds for the hospice.”
Important Tony Wadsworth, the group’s Treasurer, also manages the collection of boxes across Paddock Wood. He said: “We are so pleased that the Friends Group has raised such a significant sum for the hospice. “We know how important the funds are to the vital work of the hospice. He added: “I think this is not only recognised within the Friends Group but, given the support we receive, within the Paddock Wood community as a whole.”
FUND OF GOODWILL Tony Wadsworth of Paddock Wood Friends (left) with Glen Goodall, Hospice in the Weald ambassador
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‘Apprentice-style’ boardroom task challenges Markerstudy hopefuls EMPLOYEES at Markerstudy face an ‘Apprenticestyle’ challenge as part of the company’s development programme to find new leaders – and raise money for charity. The Shooting Stars boardroom challenge is part of a programme run by the insurance and leisure company to unlock the potential of its employees and identify future leaders.
Potential Now in its eighth year, more than a hundred employees at the company – one of Tunbridge Wells’ largest employers – have been put through the Shooting Stars programme and faced challenges posed to them by Markerstudy CEO Kevin Spencer. The 12-month programme is for members of the company below team leader level who have the potential to be leaders in the future and involves SHOOTING STARS Kevin Spencer with this year’s 15 hopefuls
workshops that help improve presentation and leadership skills and culminates in a final ‘Apprentice-style’ corporate challenge. Valerie Cramb, the programme manager, said: “We run this apprentice-style challenge, set by Kevin, who sits in the boardroom and sets them a challenge, and the next day we get two senior managers to do an Alan Sugar-style boardroom debriefing. “It makes it fun for them and it helps us look at their leadership competences.” In 2019 there are 15 leadership hopefuls who, if they are successful, will achieve a Team Leader and Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification. This year they are being challenged to put on a charity fundraising event to be held at Salomons Estate in October. “This year Kevin wants us to run, sell tickets and execute an event at Salomons,” explained
Lottie Heath, a 24-year-old events coordinator at the company. “Our aim is to raise money for Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells,” added Alex Eichner, a 38-year-old IT developer at Markerstudy.
‘It makes it fun for them and it helps us look at their leadership competences’ He continued: “We are hoping to encourage businesses to donate items that we can auction off for the charity, and hopefully raise as much money for the charity as possible.” Unlike the hit TV series – which stars Lord Sugar in the UK and Donald Trump in the US – if the team are unsuccessful, there will be no ‘you’re
fired’, but the hopefuls are under no illusion as to the benefit of the programme. “It is designed to be a management training programme, for people that want to be – and have the potential to be – future leaders of the company,” said Ms Heath. She added: “The programme is very intensive and there is a lot of competition to enter – only 15 of us have made it through from dozens who entered.” Kevin Spencer said the programme is a win-win for both his employees and Markerstudy. He explained: “We are committed to personal development for all our staff. The Shooting Stars are our management of the future and the more we nurture and train, the greater the reward – for us and them. “I have seen many of the Shooting Stars in the past excel in their chosen careers. I wish them all well and am inspired by their endeavours.”
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National News
Call for Islamophobia probe into Tory party THE Conservative Party should be investigated by a human rights watchdog over allegations of Islamophobia, the Muslim Council of Britain has urged. In a letter to the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Harun Khan, the body’s secretary-general, said he believed there is ‘sufficient evidence’ to suggest there is a ‘prima facie case to answer of systemic unlawful acts’ by the party. He claimed there is a ‘tolerance for Islamophobia at the highest levels’ of the party and an ‘atmosphere of hostility’ towards Muslim members. Mr Khan said around 150 representatives and members of the party have ‘engaged in Islamophobia’. He accused those responsible for handling complaints of demonstrating a ‘callous attitude’ and claimed the party has ‘denied’ there is a problem.
Labour investigated for claims of anti-semitism A FORMAL investigation has been launched into whether the Labour Party ‘unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish’. The Equality and Human Rights Commission [EHRC] said it had contacted Labour after receiving a ‘number of complaints’ about allegations of anti-semitism within the party. The EHRC said it would seek to determine whether ‘unlawful acts have been committed by the party and/or its employees and/or its agents’ and if the party had ‘responded to complaints of unlawful acts in a lawful, efficient and effective manner’. Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson said he had ‘privately and publicly’ warned the party it faced a ‘vortex of shame’ if it failed to deal with anti-semitism.
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Campbell thrown out by Labour for voting Lib Dem in elections TONY BLAIR’S former spin doctor Alastair Campbell has been expelled from the Labour Party after admitting he voted for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections. Mr Campbell, a leading campaigner for a second referendum on Brexit, said he was ‘sad and disappointed’ by the decision. A Labour Party spokesman said: “Support for another political party or candidate is incompatible with party membership”. Mr Campbell, one of the key players in the New Labour era, insisted there was ‘plenty of precedent’ of members voting for other parties or causes and pointed out Jeremy Corbyn’s own rebellious past in Westminster votes during Mr Blair’s premiership. He said he would be appealing the decision, adding that there was a difference in the swift way his situation had been dealt with compared to ‘the way antisemitism cases have been handled’. In a series of posts on Twitter, Mr Campbell said the email informing him of his expulsion came as the Labour leadership ‘finally seems to be moving to the right place on Brexit, not least thanks to tactical voting by party members, including MPs, councillors and peers’ who back a so-called People’s Vote. “I was not intending to publicise this at this stage, but have had calls from friends in the party telling me
it is now widely known and likely to be leaked. “I have been advised by lawyers with expertise in this field I have grounds for appeal against expulsion and shall do so. “I am and always will be Labour. I voted Lib Dem, without advance publicity, to try to persuade Labour to do right thing for country/party.”
Expulsion He added the ‘approach also contrasts with our era’ when Mr Blair was pressed to withdraw the whip from Mr Corbyn for ‘persistently voting against Labour in Parliament’ but said no. Before Mr Campbell’s expulsion, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said he understood why his former aide had voted Lib Dem. Mr Blair said he had voted Labour ‘without any great enthusiasm’ at last week’s European election. Asked on Sky News what he would say to Mr Campbell, Mr Blair said: “I understand why you did what you did. You wouldn’t be the only person I know who has voted Labour all their lives who didn’t vote Labour in this election.”
SAD AND DISAPPOINTED Alastair Campbell
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Strictly judges will now dance with contestants STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that he and his fellow judges will perform routines with the contestants on the upcoming series. He said he had already tried dancing on the Australian version of the show, when he performed with Courtney Act. He told ITV’s This Morning: “They are taking a leaf out of Australia’s book and Dancing With The Stars in America, the judges will be dancing.
TV star hides in a vault REALITY TV personality Spencer Matthews was forced to hide in the vault of a luxury watch shop as armed robbers smashed their way into the store. The former Made in Chelsea star was in The Hour House in Duke Street in London’s West End yesterday [Tuesday] as the gang took sledgehammers to shop cabinets. Around six masked men on four mopeds targeted the shop, with one brandishing a machete at members of the public outside.
Singer cleared of rape FORMER JLS singer Oritse Williams has been cleared of raping a woman in his hotel room following a solo concert. Jurors at Wolverhampton Crown Court deliberated for around two hours before unanimously acquitting the 32-year-old, who told the jury he had consensual sex with the woman in the city in December 2016. A jury of eight women and four men also cleared Williams’ tour manager, Jamien Nagadhana, of two sexual assault charges relating to the same woman.
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National/World News
Get ready for heatwave – with a chance of frost THE UK will bask in scorching heat of up to 30C [86F] this weekend. Forecasters are expecting a balmy start to June, with UK temperatures set to be higher than Ibiza and St Tropez. Summer weather will arrive, but not before a potential frost, according to a Met Office spokesman. Grahame Madge said there remains uncertainty on the range of temperatures as forecasters wait for the warm air to arrive. He said: “The indication is that we could see highs of 28C [82F], isolated highs of around 28C, on Saturday. “And on Sunday we could see highs of 29C [84F], even possibly 30C.” But he warned that parts of England could see a frost in isolated areas over the next few days. There will be a ‘fundamental change’ once the warm front, known as tropical maritime air, starts to draw the warmer air across the UK.
Virus infested computer auctioned for £1million A LAPTOP loaded with some of the world’s most crippling viruses has sold for more than £1million as a work of art at auction. The Persistence of Chaos is running six wellknown pieces of malware, including WannaCry which brought down parts of the NHS in May 2017, disrupting 80 trusts across England alone. The Windows XP machine is isolated and airgapped with internet capabilities and ports disabled to prevent the malware spreading. It was created by internet artist Guo O Dong in collaboration with cybersecurity company Deep Instinct to make the artwork safe. All six viruses are believed to have caused financial damages in the region of £74.4billion.
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Man kills two in attack on group of schoolgirls waiting at bus stop
Special relationship with US ‘bigger than any prime minister’
A MAN carrying a knife in each hand and screaming ‘I will kill you’ has attacked a group of schoolgirls near a school bus stop outside Tokyo, killing two people and injuring at least 17 before killing himself. Most of the victims were students at a Catholic school who were lined up at the bus stop near Noborito Park in the city of Kawasaki when the 51-year-old began slashing them with knives. Police said the suspect was captured but he died from a self-inflicted slash in his neck. “I heard a scream so I stopped and turned around to see what happened. It was not a normal tone of voice,” said witness Yasuko Atsukata.
THE relationship with the United States is ‘bigger than any prime minister’, Downing Street said as Theresa May prepares to host Donald Trump in the week she will quit as Tory leader. The US President will visit the UK from June 3-5, taking part in a series of engagements with the Prime Minister as she prepares to leave Number 10. After months of intense pressure over the failure of her Brexit strategy, Mrs May finally announced that she would quit as Conservative leader on June 7, triggering a leadership contest. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said she was still looking forward to hosting Mr Trump.
‘The colour of their white shirts turned red after they collapsed’ She said she saw one person collapse, and then another. “The colour of their white shirts turned red after they collapsed, then I understood they got stabbed.” Police identified the attacker as Ryuichi Iwasaki, a resident of Kawasaki, who reportedly lived with his elderly uncle and aunt. City official Masami Arai said most of the injured were students at Caritas Gakuen, a Catholic
Closest
FLORAL TRIBUTES: Mourners pay respects near the bus stop in Kawasaki school founded by Soeurs de la Charite de Quebec, an organisation of Catholic nuns in Canada. He said three of the injuries were serious, and Kanagawa prefectural police confirmed 17 people were injured and three others had died, including the attacker. The two other fatalities were 11-year-old Hanako Kuribayashi and Satoshi Oyama, a 39-year-old
government employee who was taking his child to the bus stop. Hospital officials said both had been slashed in the neck and head. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the attack, saying he felt ‘strong anger’. "It is a very harrowing case. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims and hope the injured recover quickly," Mr Abe said.
“The US is our closest ally and she looks forward to taking the opportunity to further the deep and special relationship which we have,” the spokesman said. He acknowledged ‘they will want to have a discussion’ about the announcement on her leadership ‘but, as we have always said, this is a very deep and longstanding relationship between our two countries which is obviously bigger than any prime minister, or indeed president’. Commons Speaker John Bercow said he has not received a request for Mr Trump to address Parliament during his visit. Speaking in Washington, Mr Bercow also said he may have been wrong to invite Chinese president Xi Jinping to address both Houses in 2015.
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Over 200 Boots stores could close next year THE American owner of Boots has placed more than 200 outlets ‘under review’ for possible closure in the latest blow to hit the high streets. Walgreens Boots Alliance [WBA] told Sky News yesterday [Tuesday] that while decisions had yet to be made about the stores under scrutiny, a
significant number were likely to be shut. WBA said in April that it was undertaking a review of its Boots The Chemist estate ‘focusing on low-performing stores and opportunities for consolidation’. It declined to specify then the number that it was considering shutting.
The closures would mean around 10 per cent of the chain’s standalone UK health and beauty outlets would shut. Employing roughly 56,000 people, Boots is one of the largest retailers in Britain and also trades from about 1,100 opticians and hearing-care shops which use its brand. The company joins most other major high street players in examining measures to reorient brick and mortor stores as consumers’ tastes shift to digital channels at a faster rate. Some of the biggest names in retail, including Debenhams, Homebase, Mothercare and New Look, have turned to formal restructuring processes to reduce their footprints.
Gordon Ramsay breaks even TV CHEF Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants broke even last year – just one week after Jamie Oliver’s restaurants fell into administration. According to its recent accounts, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants [GRR] group made a profit before tax of £500,000 in the year to August 31 2018. It marks a recovery on the previous year, when pre-tax losses came to £3.8million after a decline in sales. The collection of restaurants, which includes Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, also reported a 30 per cent increase in underlying earnings to £5.2million. Turnover meanwhile jumped 4.3 per cent to £53.6million. Mr Ramsay said: “Guests do not just expect a good plate of food, we are relentless with our food quality, that is a given. “Our guests want to join us for
all occasions, be it social or business, and then relax in a great environment. “We have to understand our guests, what they want, where they are heading, and we have to head there with them or be left behind.”
EXPANDING Gordon Ramsay
The news comes at a difficult time for the restaurant industry, with rising costs and fierce competition pushing several operators to shut up shop. Last week Mr Oliver’s restaurant empire went into administration, resulting in the immediate closure of 22 of his 25 sites. However Mr Ramsay’s dining empire has said it will continue to expand. The group, which is led by chief executive Andy Wenlock, said it had reviewed its current estate and invested in new concepts such as a private dining room at Heddon Street Kitchen and a lounge at Bread Street Kitchen. GRR’s current portfolio includes 15 restaurants in London and 23 internationally, with a combined total of seven Michelin stars across the business.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Sports Direct sells off its HQ
Flybe boss will resign in July
Two-year jump in mortgages
SPORTS DIRECT, the retail group owned by Mike Ashley, has confirmed a £120million sale of its Derbyshire headquarters in a deal with a Malaysian pension fund. The group has sold the freehold to its Shirebrook logistics centre to Kwasa Logix Sportivo, which is said to be owned by the Malaysian Employees Provident Fund. On completion of the deal, Sports Direct will also take a 15-year lease on the Shirebrook property and continue to operate it as a distribution centre, offices and retail business. The group said it will use the proceeds from the sale of Shirebrook to boost its working capital and put more funds towards its other operations.
THE chief executive of budget airline Flybe is to leave the company following its sale to rival operators for just £2.2million. Christine OurmieresWidener has decided to leave her role with Flybe Limited on July 15, the company said yesterday [Tuesday]. Her departure comes two months after shareholders approved the sale of the business to Connect Airways, a consortium comprising Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and Cyrus Capital, for only 1p per share. Jonathan Peachey, a director of Flybe, commented: “On behalf of the entire Flybe board, I want to extend my gratitude to Christine Ourmieres-Widener for her commitment.”
BRITIAN’S housing market has shown signs of a rebound after figures revealed that high street banks approved the largest number of mortgages for more than two years last month. The trade association UK Finance said banks approved 42,989 mortgages in April – the most since February 2017 – up 6 per cent from 40,564 in March and 11.5 per cent higher than a year earlier, on a seasonally adjusted basis. Remortgaging approvals rose 5 per cent to 31,152 between March and April and were 11 per cent higher year-on-year. But the figures show growth in overall net lending – gross lending less redemptions – slowed to £1.8billion in April from £2.4billion in March.
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And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG I expected more from a Remain town ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE The council has bought flats in Grove Hill House
Use valuable funds for better causes and make town a great place to live The recent election result has highlighted that certain members of the governing Tory party have been completely misguided in their approach to the proposals for a new theatre and council offices. A large majority of the local public do not want such large sums used on this proposal and want money spent on a better infrastructure providing services to the public which are fit for purpose. The council has purchased four flats overlooking the new development so that there was less objection to the proposed Compulsory Purchase Order application in respect of the part of Hoopers car park. Our local MP, Greg Clark, who was canvassing with Tracy Moore before the election, was unaware until I advised him. These are valuable
New Leader should stop poor reputation The new Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council needs business planning skills to develop a new plan. Candidates closely associated with the Civic Complex development should be resisted. The appointment of a strong supporter of the previous scheme will only add to the poor reputation of the council hitherto. John Pickering Via email Please see pages 4-5 for details of the new leader
U-turn shows strength, not weakness Now that a section of Tunbridge Wells residents have delivered a resounding ‘thumbs down’ to the grandiose Civic Centre scheme, perhaps the newly constituted council might turn its attention to the assets which it already has, and which should be maximised and supported to the hilt. The Assembly Hall Theatre is a perfectly serviceable entertainment venue, the attractive Trinity Theatre has carved out an important role, and of course there is the iconic and hugely successful Forum. These are the places which – in the here and now – bring people into the town. There is also a large Town Hall which is closed to the public – for whose service it was built – and which is grossly underused. The councillors might also turn their attention to the dearth of shops in the town. This is indeed a nationwide problem and is not solely a council remit but, nonetheless, they need to be seen to be doing something to resolve this. Above all, they should consider cancelling the Civic Centre project. No doubt appalling amounts of time and money have already been spent on planning, consultations, etc, but in
funds which could go on far better causes. I also take issue with the ex-council Leader, David Jukes, who estimated that some 400,000 new visitors would come to Tunbridge Wells each year as a result of the new theatre, and the Planning Inspectorate, who estimated a huge rise in the town’s income would follow. It’s utter nonsense to estimate such outrageous figures based on very little evidence. This council needs to focus on the priorities and the town’s regeneration of sites which are either empty or derelict for some time, and to enhance the town’s status as a great place to live. And also modernise the sports facilities and create affordable housing for our young people so they can stay in the town. Mark Williams Tunbridge Wells this case a resounding U-turn would be a sign of strength – not weakness. M Gillies Tunbridge Wells
First of all, do we need a theatre? The letters in your May 22 edition succinctly set out the issues the town faces. The time has come to move on from simply stating what shouldn’t happen to deciding what should be done. It would seem an excellent time to pause and reflect on what exactly are the problems which need solving. For example, do we need a theatre? If not, should the Assembly Hall be closed immediately or just allowed to wither away? If we do, what, if anything, is wrong with it? If many deficiencies are identified, could these met by an upgrade or would a new theatre be needed? Only when there is agreement on the answers to such questions should specific solutions be considered. Costs and benefits of the alternatives would play a significant part in decisionmaking. A similar process should be adopted with regard to the Town Hall. Any decision to write off £10million would need careful consideration and should not be taken lightly. However, if this was an integral part of finding the most beneficial solution for the town then it would have to be done. Finally, a plea to every councillor. Please, please explain to residents the rationale behind the answers and solutions you consider. We deserve better than for this just to become mired in party politics. Brian Lippard Chairman Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society
I read details of the council’s Local Plan in your newspaper last week [May 22], and I’m certain we can expect anger and protestations about it anytime soon, just as we have had anger and protestations about the theatre project over the last year or so. I have followed the ongoing story about the Calverley Square development for quite some time. I read with interest as arguments against the development were examined and dismissed by the Planning Inspector. And yet it is clear from the local election results that despite this clean bill of health from an independent body, the people of Tunbridge Wells do not want this theatre. What I find most interesting is why? Of course, the theatre wouldn’t be a problem on the former site of the ABC cinema, or the old car park by the existing theatre, or in any other location. It is only where it is. Somebody’s back yard. I think this town has a severe case of NIMBYism, which I suppose should be expected in any small provincial town, but I expected more from the only place in Kent to vote predominately Remain in the Brexit referendum. Shouldn’t that make us a tolerant and understanding lot, where things such as free movement and immigration and growth and change are welcome? Unless, of course, if it is in our back yard. Is the message we want to give out that people are welcome to come and live in Tunbridge Wells, just so long as we do not have to build infrastructure and homes and commercial space and new developments to accommodate them? I am certainly not disgusted of Tunbridge Wells, but I am slowly becoming disgusted IN Tunbridge Wells. George Atkins Rusthall
Police station could enhance the arts The fact that Tunbridge Wells’ police station is to close and the building sold [May 8] has been known about for years, ever since the new police station was built in Tonbridge. This now brings back the design ideas of developing the Assembly Hall site with the adjacent police station into a superb iconic and futuristic entertainment venue. This could become an integral part of the Tunbridge Wells Arts and Entertainment Centre, combining the Trinity, the old Opera House and the new Arts and Culture centre, all as suggested to the council in September 2013. In the same week it was announced that Aldi are going to open another of their supermarkets in the old Toys R Us store on the Longfield Retail Park, pulling further people away from the town centre. It has also become apparent that since the new A21 dual carriageway opened, the Asda car park is now full on most days for the weekly shop. The popularity of this retail park was predicted many years ago to the detriment of our town centre as a shopping destination. In the same week, the new owners of the old cinema site, Elysian Residences, said of their upmarket apartments, ‘fundamentally, these are for people with disposable income that will spend money in the town’s shops and restaurants’. It is interesting to note that with so many more residential ‘little boxes’ being built in our town, there has been a decrease in footfall figures and you have to travel to the peripheries of the town to carry out the weekly shop. John Albiston Tunbridge Wells
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
APOLOGIES for being AWOL (absent without leave) the last couple of weeks. Such is the state of party politics at both national and local level with Tories imploding that Calverley had to go and lie down in dark room until it went away. The office then called to break the news that our beleaguered PM Theresa May had finally bitten the bullet and resigned. It was inevitable and all the signs were there for those who cared to look. Like the time Mrs May was driving in her limo for a final sit down with her puppet masters in Brussels. The Union Jack proudly flying on the bonnet of the vehicle was actually upside down. Just about said it all. Bring on Boris.
SEEKING solace, Calverley joined a friend for coffee and a chat outside Javabean in downtown Tunbridge Wells when a lorry pulled up nearby and parked (on yellow lines) and a young man climbed out and caught her attention. He was wearing (just) khaki shorts. My guest admired the view and then emitted a most discreet wolf whistle. She is my oldest friend… and aged 91. Way to go. TIMES are tough for people making a living in the hospitality business. Those at the sharp end have to try all sorts of gimmicks to entice customers through the doors. Perhaps this Indian restaurant is trying just a poppadom too far. The front page of the Daily Express pasted on the window is probably not going to do the job. Like the man pictured on the front (ex-PM David Cameron), it’s past its sell-by date. CURIOSITY might have killed the cat but it can also get a dog into hot water. Take the case of the car enthusiast who ordered a paint sample to decide on the colour to respray his ageing Mercedes. When the package dropped through the letter box it attracted the attention of the family’s Yorkie. The terrier ripped open the package, tore the sample apart and then, covered in blue metallic paint, marched down the hall and into the drawing room across the cream carpet. Paw note: Questions are now being asked as to who left the kitchen door open for the dog to get out in the first place. OVERHEARD in Costa. First person: “Did you know they’re going to build houses on that old burial site?” Second person: “They can’t, it’s concentrated ground.” Chin Chin, dear reader
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
A HELPING HAND AT HOME because we know people feel better at home
and respite. Our nursing service is also regulated and inspected by the CQC. Training Centre Rare for any care agency, our Training Centre is endorsed by the UK statutory body, Skills for Care as a ‘Centre of Excellence’. Our award-winning Training Centre can now offer courses to the wider community, as well as our carers. Subject areas include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, diabetes, end of life training and first aid. We can help you Researching and organising the right service for you or your loved one can be overwhelming. Our friendly and experienced New Client Consultants will listen to you very carefully, assess your needs and transfer you to the appropriate Consultus department for further detailed information. The range of care services and our experience
gained over nearly 60 years sets Consultus apart from other care agencies in the UK, and enables us to offer you exactly the right service for you or your family member. For a confidential, no-obligation consultation, please call Consultus on 01732 355231. Alternatively, visit their website to find out more: www.consultuscare.com “After my father passed away in 2005, Consultus cared for my mother for nine years. My parents had been utterly devoted to each other for 57 years, and that care, companionship and support was transformative for my mother. It is my mission to ensure that all of our clients have the same positive experience with Consultus Care & Nursing.” Peter Seldon, Consultus CEO
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Education
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NEWS
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EDUCATION Times Don’t let exam season become a testing time
Counsellor Vicky Bellman, from youth support charity Fegans, offers advice on how pupils can remain stress-free sitting exams AT FEGANS, we work with a lot of young children experiencing stress and anxiety, and it’s particularly heightened at this time of year as they face exams. These performance-related tests can often feel like a test of who they are, so it is not surprising that behaviour can be affected, and they need more emotional support from those around them. Here are our top parenting tips for helping your child to deal with exam-related stress: KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE Yes, of course exams are important. But everyone involved needs to remember
it’s not the end of the world if there’s a hiccup, and that there’s almost always another chance. HELP TO MANAGE THEIR EXPECTATIONS Working every waking minute of the day, or expecting grades significantly higher than their capabilities, could well be detrimental to their emotional and mental wellbeing. ENCOURAGE GOOD WORK HABITS Research has shown that working from between 35-45 minutes at a time is the optimum length of time for
concentration, and then needs to be balanced by a short 10-15-minute break. Stepping away from screens, getting some fresh air, stretching their legs, and having a hydration break will all be useful ways to increase their work efficiency, and general wellbeing. REMEMBER THE BUILDING BLOCKS Again, when it comes to the real basics, our children (and we, too) can forget the vital need for our emotional wellbeing building blocks. Make sure that your child is getting enough good food, enough water, and enough sleep.
AVOID STIMULANTS We often see a rise in the use of energy drinks, caffeine tablets and other stimulants at this time of year. However, this can have a counter-productive effect on studying, as it can interrupt their concentration and energy levels, and also inhibit sleep; not to mention their digestive health (and feeling uncomfortable during revision and exams is definitely not helpful). FREE TIME ISN’T LAZINESS It’s a difficult balancing act, but structured studying has to be balanced with unstructured free time. A useful analogy to share with children is that human beings are basically machines. We need fuel, and we also need to switch our engine off every now and again. Otherwise, we risk overheating! On any long-term journey in a machine, comfort breaks and fuel fill-ups are an accepted and necessary part of the journey. Humans are no different.
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR OWN SELF-CARE You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your children need more from you at this time, for sure, but to be able to give more you need to be able to have more fuel in the tank. CONNECTION IS IMPORTANT When possible, also find ways to invite children into the family social life; perhaps, watching a movie one night with popcorn, or going for a family walk, or a coffee break together. Or how about all going out for dinner? Don’t just save the treats for the results, as this reinforces that they have more value when they achieve more. Let them know that their wellbeing and enjoyment of life is still important when they’re striving for success, as well as when they’re achieving it. More support for young people’s emotional wellbeing, including articles on anxiety and depression, can be found at fegans.org.uk/ headspace
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NEWS
Weekly Comment
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Greg Clark
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
MP for Tunbridge Wells
Pupils with special needs want experience MANY of us will remember our first tentative steps from the familiar environment of school to the adult world of work. For me, as a teenager, I worked Thursday and Friday nights going door-to-door collecting the weekly milk money for my dad’s milk round, and weekends as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool. Both taught me a lot: Talking to customers, working in a team, learning how to do things by picking it up as you go along. Schools today rightfully emphasise the importance of work experience and go to some lengths to help arrange it for their students as they get to the age of 16 or above. But there are some young people for whom that experience can be particularly important, but who struggle to get the chance – people with learning difficulties. This came home to me during a recent visit to Oakley School’s over-16 and college centre in Tonbridge. Oakley is a local school with bases in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells which serves students with a variety of difficulties, including learning difficulties, autism and communication difficulties. The school has recently opened a post-18 college to help students once they leave school. Some of the older students gave a wonderful
presentation to me about how much they hoped they would have a chance to experience work. They yearned to have the chance to show what they could contribute to a team and a business. They videoed role-playing of interview practice to help them secure a hoped-for place. But they expressed their fears that they would not get a chance, because people would think they were different to other members of staff, or would be difficult to find work for.
Shadowing They also said they were anxious that they would make mistakes, or not be as good as the other people at work. I told them that everyone when they start a new job worries about this, and if they don’t, they are probably too conceited. These young people have a point, though. At a time when we have near full employment in this country, only six per cent of people with a learning disability find paid employment once they leave school – even though the vast majority say they would love to work. So I think we need to make a bigger effort to help. For any employer willing to offer a chance of work experience, there is plenty of support available. Oakley and other special schools are able to make it straightforward.
READY AND WILLING Greg Clark with some of the pupils from Oakley School Organisations like Mencap are also there to help. It would make such a difference to their knowledge of the workplace and confidence in finding a job. I take quite a few students for work-shadowing during the year, and I will make sure I include students with learning difficulties. Members of Oakley’s staff told me what a boost
Howard Porter Chair of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party
it is to the morale of all their students to have a chance to work. If anyone reading this thinks they can give a young person with special needs a few days’ work experience, please get in touch. I hope we can make a real difference to some young people who really deserve a break.
Howard Porter has a background as a teacher in further and higher education and in the graphic design and advertising industry, where he was a founding partner in a full service design company for more than 25 years. In addition to his role as Chair of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party, he also chairs Tonbridge Town Team and is a board member of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association
As I say goodbye to Tonbridge, it is time to reflect on what we have all achieved AS I PREPARE to retire to the West Country, now seems like a good time to reflect on my time in Tonbridge. I think the overwhelming memory I will take away is of the amazing community spirit the town has, and how this reflects in the health of the various clubs and other organisations in the town covering all conceivable areas of interest from classical music to model railways and community gardening. Also, the fantastic work undertaken by organisations such as the Lions, Rotary Club and others who support so many activities in the town. As Chair of the Town Team, I have been privileged to work with many people from these and other organisations. I owe them, and all the fantastic volunteers on the Town Team, a huge debt of gratitude for all their contributions. I have learnt a massive amount from people from across the political spectrum and I am grateful to all of them for this. Amongst the Town Team’s proudest achievements have been the Taste of Tonbridge back in 2013, the annual Dragon Boat Races, the Food and Drink Festival, last year’s Civil War re-enactment, the Tonbridge Loyalty Card, What’s On In Tonbridge and Fairtrade
Tonbridge. None of these could have happened without the huge amount of work put in by everybody involved, and it has been an honour to have played my small part. I am also pleased to have helped to set up Tonbridge & Malling Friends of the Earth, the Angel Community Garden and, of course, I am especially pleased to have helped to prepare the ground for Mark Hood and April Clark to be elected by a landslide as our new Green Party Borough Councillors for Judd ward.
Innovations There is still a huge amount that needs to be done: Traffic congestion is getting worse, air pollution is at dangerous levels, and the new TMBC local plan does nothing to address these and many other pressing concerns. Local government is facing a massive financial crisis, with a £52billion shortfall predicted nationally over the next six years, something our council has not responded to adequately. By selling off its assets rather than investing for the future, it has undermined its long-term ability to deliver services. Tonbridge High Street has faired better than
TOWN TEAM: Howard with Sarah Stuart and Sally Pearce of the Town Team, promoting Fairtrade products at the Farmers’ Market
many other parts of the country but continues to face significant challenges. We need to make it easier for people to access the town centre without creating yet more congestion and pollution, and local independent businesses, which I believe will be the future of the High Street, need more support than volunteers such as the Town Team can be expected to deliver alone. An elected Town Council and a Town Centre Manager, supported by the eager volunteers we already have, are two things that will help to provide a strong foundation for taking the town centre forward. There are other innovations that will help to increase the resilience of Tonbridge, but I don’t have space to go into these here. However, I know Mark and April will be working hard for residents while pushing for the council to take the necessary action to protect the borough from the dangers of climate change, and also benefit from the many opportunities offered by the new ways of doing things that effective action will demand. But, for me, it just remains to say thank you to everybody in this remarkable town. I will miss you and wish you all the very best for the future.
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS
INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk
Your own corner of Winnie-the-Pooh country by Ashdown Forest Page 25
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A RARE CHANCE TO BUY SUCH BEAUTY
Perfect to a tee Cute cottage beside Nevill Golf Course Page 33
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NEW RURAL HOMES WITH FARM FEEL
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Best property buys for...
Bachelors Farm
We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…
OFFERS IN EXCESS OF
The OUTLOOK…
Harbourne Lane High Halden
£995,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.com
This delightful, Grade II-listed rural property has parts dating back to the 17th century and is on the market for the first time In 30 years, so is ideal for updating. It comes with a fabulous garden pond that’s more like a lake, as well as useful outbuildings and paddocks. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Drawing room with double doors to garden n Sitting room with wood-burning stove n Dining room with beams, panelling and fireplace n Kitchen/breakfast room with 2-oven oil-fired Aga n Garden room n Pantry, larder and wine cellar n 5 bedrooms, one en suite n Family bathroom and 2 separate shower rooms n Dressing room/study n Landscaped gardens with pond, hexagonal summerhouse, workshop/studio and stores n Former chicken house offering potential for home office, subject to necessary consents n 3 fenced paddocks n Garaging for three cars, plus parking n In total 5.2 acres
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
The POND…
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The PRICE…
Dynevor Road Tunbridge Wells
Offers in excess of
£275,000
CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
A bay-fronted late Victorian semi requiring updating, and priced to reflect its potential. Character features include decorative cast iron fireplaces. Close to High Brooms Station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Bay-fronted sitting room n Dining room with alcove spice cupboard n Kitchen with door to side n 2 bedrooms and a bathroom n Garden with paved area
Northcote
Wrens Warren Chuck Hatch, Hartfield
GUIDE PRICE
£2,250,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk A beautiful country house on a sought-after private estate in the heart of Winnie The Pooh country, with direct access to Ashdown Forest. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Impressive entrance hall n Drawing room featuring fireplace with woodburning stove and doors to terrace n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Music room and study n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room n 5 further bedrooms, 3 with en-suite bathrooms, plus a family bathroom n Garden with terrace, pond, Amdega summerhouse, store and woodland n Long driveway with parking n Attached triple garage with games room above n In all about 2.82 acres
Silverdale Road Tunbridge Wells
Price range
£375,000-£395,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
A Victorian semi with bay window refurbished in recent years, with a spacious open-plan kitchen/dining room. Also convenient for High Brooms Station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Reception room with painted wood fireplace n Dining room, open-plan to: n Fitted kitchen with door to side n 3 bedrooms n Family bathroom n Garden with patio, lawn and small timber shed
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Cottage
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AT A GLANCE WATERDOWN COTTAGE BAYHAM ROAD BELLS YEW GREEN n A detached cottage dating from the mid-1800s that has recently been extended, updated and refurbished. It overlooks Nevill Golf Course at the rear and has far-reaching views over the countryside to the front n Entrance hall n Quadruple-aspect drawing room with deep fireplace containing a wood-burning stove, and French doors to terrace and garden n Sitting room with fireplace and trap door to cellar n Dining room with fireplace n Kitchen/breakfast room with Leisure range cooker and fireplace with wood-burner n Utility room and cloakroom n 2 staircases n Large galleried landing n Principal bedroom with walk-in closet, en-suite shower room and views n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Beautiful landscaped gardens n Attached garage n In total, about 1 acre
Delightful period country house backing on to Nevill Golf Course
GUIDE PRICE
£1,250,000 CONTACT • Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
New Homes
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NEW HOMES
GROVE HOUSE
Wonders in wood
GROVE VIEW MIDDLE GROVE
Grove Farm
Redbrook Street, Woodchurch Nr Tenterden
cladding and zinc roofs and downpipes. Not only are these stunning, energy-efficient homes light and bright amid manicured rural surrounds, but they are as convenient to lock-up and leave as they are to stay and look outwards. With three to choose from, who can resist?
GROVE HOUSE & GROVE VIEW
COMMON POINTS OF INTEREST
£795,000
n Open-plan living with bi-fold doors to terraces and floor to ceiling windows, some with electric controls and rain sensors
MIDDLE GROVE
n Bespoke fitted kitchens with breakfast bars and integrated Bosch appliances
£775,000
CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk You could almost say ‘Wood you believe it?’ on catching sight of this trio of amazing new rural homes imaginatively modelled on Grove Farm’s former agricultural buildings, featuring larch
n Bedrooms/dressing rooms fitted with Hammonds furniture n Bath/shower rooms fitted with contemporary suites by Roca n Gardens with terraces, plus paddocks n Designated parking n Energy efficient, and with TV/USB/ telephone points to all rooms
INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY SPECIFICATIONS GROVE HOUSE n 2 floors linked by an oak and steel staircase with glass balusters
n 4 bedrooms (1 en suite and 2 with bi-fold doors to terrace)
n Master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room
MIDDLE GROVE
n 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite with bi-fold doors to terrace)
n Master bedroom with en-suite, dressing room and bi-fold doors to terrace
GROVE VIEW
n 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite and 1 with bi-fold doors to terrace)
n Single storey
n Contact agent above for further details
n Single storey
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Life&Times
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Meet the talents of the second Tonbridge Art Fair Page 60
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CHEERS TO NATIONAL BBQ WEEK
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BEYOND THE BEACHES IN JAMAICA
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RISE IN CAR BUYING SIGHT UNSEEN
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SHELL LIFE Robert Ketch’s silver skeletal turtle pendant
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Celebrating the art of creativity The Tonbridge Art Fair returns to the town this Saturday. The Times discovers what visitors can expect to find and buy at the riverside event…
F
ollowing its great success last summer, Tonbridge Art Fair returns to the lovely open-air setting of River Walk on Saturday June 1. With the aim of bringing more art to the town, organiser Anne Molineux says: “The fair gives visitors the opportunity to meet local and regional artists in person, talk to them about their work and watch some of them demonstrating their craft.” On show will be paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewellery, glass, ceramics and more. There will be over 20 artists taking part in the exhibition, which is supported by the town’s Artspring Gallery. You can expect to see the likes of ceramist Samantha Webster, glass artist Hilary Shields and jeweller Charlotte Tablor, as well as some creatives from the capital and other parts of the South East. Here’s a taste of some of the other talented people and the work that will be on show…
STREET LIFE: Artist Steve Everest at work in his studio (above), and his exquisite painting of the Town Hall, Roussillon, France (left) is currently in silver but I accept commissions in any metal.”
A GEM OF A JEWELLERY MAKER Robert Ketch owns RK Jewellery Designs, a Tonbridge-based art jewellery business specialising in the unusual. “I have a passion for the natural world and love to recreate organic forms strictly as they occur, as well as more conventional jewellery. Most of my work
JUST PICTURE PERFECT Steve Everest is a local watercolour artist, who exhibits regularly in local art and craft shows. He specialises in mostly architectural commissions that are now hanging in places worldwide. All of his paintings are available as prints. SEE THE WORLD Zsuszanna Pataki’s impressionistic paintings take you to your favourite
places: London, Venice and Barcelona, or to those beloved waterlily ponds you admire all summer. Check out her tent for portraits, too, from photos and live sittings – one of her images would make a perfect present for someone you love. NATURAL SELECTION Camilla West is based in Hildenborough and designs and makes jewellery from her Weald of Kent workshop in Boughton Monchelsea Place, near Maidstone.
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She says the mood and textures of her rural and natural surroundings inspire her designs. There is also a spiritual aspect to her work in celebrating the beauty and mystery of nature and how we can relate to it, and the God who she believes is behind it all. She designs jewellery to evoke nature and organic patterns and textures and to speak to people’s emotions.
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EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY Paul Gurney is a talented illustrator and painter who studied at Norwich School of Art and graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. He works in a variety of media, including digital formats, and also specialises in caricatures and portraits which can be commissioned or booked for weddings or parties. VARIETY: Works by Tonbridge artist Paul Gurney (left and below), who uses a host of different mediums
WORLD OF COLOUR: Colourist Zsuzsanna Pataki demonstrates her skills (left). She finds beauty in unexpected places (above and below)
The Tonbridge Art Fair will be held at River Walk, Tonbridge, on Saturday June 1 from 10am-6pm. It is free to visitors and promises to be an enjoyable day out by the River Medway. Find out more by searching for Tonbridge Art Fair at facebook.com
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Going Out
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goingout 7 days of activities
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
By Jerome Bowman
WEDNESDAY Pashley Manor has a new exhibition in its gardens featuring Sculpture in Particular. In addition to the outdoor sculptures, there will also be indoor displays, including four pieces by Philip Jackson and works by local sculptors REMEMBERING Athena Jane Churchill at Trinity Theatre Gallery
OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS Sculpture by Philip Jackson at Pashley Manor Camilla Le May and Mary Cox. The pieces themselves are made in a wide range of styles, including figurative and abstract pieces, as well as different materials, including stone and copper. Tickets cost £11. For more information, go to pashleymanorgardens.com THURSDAY It’s another Out of Bounds Comedy Night at the Royal Wells Hotel. The show, which starts
at 5.30pm if you fancy steak and chips before the performances, features Tom Taylor, Peter Flanagan and headliner Nathan Caton. Over the last decade, Nathan has established himself as a circuit veteran, so you can be sure he’s quite funny. Tickets are £20 if you would like to eat before the show starts, or £10 if you’re only looking for laughs. To book, go to outofboundscomedy.co.uk
work is an exploration of memory, heritage and myths. Tickets for the talk cost £7, but entry to her exhibition, which is open from 10am every morning until June 1 and from 1.30pm on June 2, is free. To book for the talk, visit trinitytheatre.net
SATURDAY Take the children to see West End actors perform in Peter Pan the Musical at Groombridge Place. With fabulous costumes and a specially created theatre set, the play will be on twice a day until FRIDAY June 2. Pirates and princesses welcome. Installation artist Athena Jane Standard admission fees Churchill will be giving a talk for Groombridge Place about her new exhibition apply, which will include Re:remembering – An access to all of the Offering to Mnemosyne grounds. For more this evening at 6pm at information and to Trinity Theatre, where purchase tickets, go it is being displayed to groombridgeplace. in the Gallery. Inviting com viewers to step into a Now that summer world between the real OUT OF BOUNDS: Nathan Caton is almost here, there and the imagined, her
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Going Out
produce, artisanal crafts and designer clothes from 10am to 4pm. Guest traders, seasonal themes and a changing range of goods ensure you’ll always find something new. If you are interested in pitching your own stall at the market, or for any other enquiries, you can email: markets@thepantilesevents.com See classic cars, get your face painted and enjoy simulated rodent cruelty with a stick at Penshurst Village Fair from 12noon till 4pm. Other attractions include local stalls, live music, a hog roast, Larkins beer, Pimm’s and a Dog Show. Entry is £2, and under-16s enter for free. For more information, telephone Janet Massey on 07743 421 510.
JOG ON Runners get ready in Dunorlan Park
is no better time to give the Tunbridge Wells parkrun a go. The 5k event takes place every Saturday at 9am in Dunorlan Park. After the run you can join the group for a coffee in the Dunorlan Park Café. This is a volunteer-run event and there are no pace requirements or entry fees, but you will need to register by visiting parkrun.org.uk/royaltunbridgewells If you prefer your run to involve old tyres and mud, Honnington Farm in Southborough has set up the award-winning obstacle course The Elements. This is an endurance course with six different options for participation, including a WATCH YOUR STEP On The Elements obstacle course at Honnington Farm
kids run and an infinite run for the masochists. Catering for the die-hard and the newcomers, there are different times for the different courses, so for tickets, which cost £40, and more information, go online to theelementsocr.co.uk As part of their Glorious Gardens Weekend, Penshurst place will be holding a number of workshops and a guided tour of the gardens with the head gardeners. You can learn the art of Bonsai Tree pruning and care and take home a tree of your own. The course is led by an accredited specialist. Tickets for the course, which starts at 11am and ends at 3pm, cost £40 per person and include standard garden entry. To book a place, visit penshurstplace.com SUNDAY Edwardian Life goes on at Hever Castle. The event features traditional Edwardian games for the children, such as Hoopla, Croquet and Angry Birds, a traditional Punch and Judy show and even a Butler School. There will also be an exhibition in the castle on Edwardian inventions and the story of the Astor family, who used to live there. Standard fees apply. For more information and to book, go to hevercastle.co.uk The Pantiles Market will be offering local
MONDAY Join the TWUNTS in The George pub on Mount Ephraim for their relaxed Ukulele Jam at 8pm. All levels of experience, including mistaking the ukelele for a banjo, are welcome. Grab a drink at the bar and join in with the group on a huge variety of songs. Attendance is free. For more information, visit twukulele.com
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SMALLHYTHE PLACE Celebrating Rose Month TUESDAY Roses are red, and also purple, white pink and yellow. Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, is celebrating rose month, with more than 60 varieties on display. There will also be new displays, tours, talks and some top tips for growing your own roses. Admission to the event is included in standard admission fee to Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry’s early 16th-century home. See nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place
PICK OF THE WEEK: Jazz on The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells 7.30pm
How do you know it is summer? Because Jazz on The Pantiles is well under way, and this week will see seven-piece band Soul Calibre taking the stage. Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafés along The Pantiles while enjoying a mixture of soul, funk and pop. Seeing the band comes at no extra cost, though donations are welcomed, so pop down and enjoy the town’s ever-popular summer jazz night.
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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 The Gallerys, Lee Willz, Thoma Friday Fiesta Latina Saturday The Swinging Little Big Band THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Thursday Another Sky
live music With Paul Dunton
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OPULAR local three-piece band The Gallerys headline The Grey Lady Music Lounge tonight [Wednesday] with support from Lee Willz and Thoma. Thursday night sees the excellent Soul Calibre top the bill at Jazz on The Pantiles, and the superb Another Sky headline at The Forum. Friday night has some great shows on offer, including The Violet Jive at The Spa Hotel and the Jayne Snow Duo at The Nelson Arms in Tonbridge. Saturday night is a busy night indeed, with Tailspin at The Beau Nash Tavern, The Swinging Little Big Band at The Grey Lady, The Electric Outfit at The Royal Oak pub and Mixed Feelings at The New Telegraph Club in Tonbridge.
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
The Skatonics headline at The Tonbridge Angels football stadium, and for something more towards the alternative spectrum, Rise & Fall will be rockin’ The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Hero Dies First. Meanwhile, fans of The Rolling Stones can enjoy internationally renowned tribute act The Counterfeit Stones at The Assembly Hall Theatre. Close out the weekend in style this Sunday night with Tom Carradine at Verdigris in Tonbridge. Looking ahead to early next week, Richard Grainger headlines at The Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday evening, and on Tuesday night the fantastic Fate The Juggler return to The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.
JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Music from 7.30pm (donations welcomed) Thursday Soul Calibre MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge To book, telephone 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again. Adult band workshop, all levels welcome. Booking essential. THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Open all day, music from 8pm All event details available at spahotel.co.uk Friday The Violet Jive Live at Zagotas Bar THE NELSON ARMS Cromer Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Friday Jayne Snow Duo
The Counterfeit Stones
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THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB 26 Priory Road, Tonbridge. Members free. Guests £5. Doors open 6.30pm Saturday Mixed Feelings The Swinging Little Big Band THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Soul Night Saturday Tailspin Sunday Open Mic Night THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road All event information and tickets at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Saturday The Counterfeit Stones
HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE Hever Castle Full event details and tickets at heverfestival.co.uk Sunday Streisand: The Music, The Lady, The Legend VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Open all day, music from 6pm Event details available at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday Tom Carradine
THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Saturday The Electric Outfit
PAMOJA HALL Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks Tickets £10 & £5 children Details at thespacesevenoaks.co.uk Sunday The National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain present To Infinity and Beyond
TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Event information at trinitytheatre.net Saturday Showstoppers performed by the Wadhurst Brass Band
THE GEORGE Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session
THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Saturday Rise and Fall, Hero Dies First
TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) Music from 8pm, all welcome More details at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Richard Grainger
TONBRIDGE ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB Longmead Stadium, Tonbridge Tickets on the door £5 For more information, search Facebook for Tonbridge-Angels FC Saturday The Skatonics
THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Fate The Juggler
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All fired up It’s officially National BBQ Week, so it’s time to dust off your outdoor grill, sweep up your patio and get ready to dine al fresco. Here are some smokin’ recipes for you to cook and savour in the sunshine…
ESPITE our unpredictable weather, we Brits love a barbecue. Whether we griddle, smoke, char or roast, there’s something about firing up a feast in the great outdoors that we just can’t seem to resist. According to Brian George, founder of the National BBQ Week campaign, which is now in its 23rd year, this particular foodie market is now worth over £1.3billion, which just proves how popular it has become in the UK.
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The Classic Cheeseburger A British BBQ and is far too important to simply top with a cheese slice. Follow our recipe and give it the flavoursome respect it deserves… Ingredients 1/2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, peeled and diced 500g British beef mince (15% fat) 1 tsp mixed dried herbs 1 egg, beaten
To Serve Primula Original Cheese 4 seeded bread buns Lettuce, torn Red pepper, sliced Tomato, sliced Directions 1) Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and starting to turn golden. Set aside and allow to cool. 2) Place the cooked onion, beef mince, herbs and egg in a bowl. Using your hands, bring the mixture together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly mixed. Season to taste. 3) Using your hands, shape into 4 burgers and refrigerate until ready to cook. 4) Place on the BBQ or skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. 5) Serve on a seeded bun with the lettuce, red pepper and tomato. Squeeze generously with melty Primula Cheese
Mexi-corn “Barbecuing is now an established part of our summer lifestyles,” says Brian. “And whether it’s gastro grilling or just throwing a few bangers on, we all love to get out there and go for the grill.” Although many of us still stick to cooking traditional fare like sausages and burgers on our barbecues, there’s plenty more you can do to upgrade your external eating experience. Here are a few delicious ideas to try out with friends and family this summer – just add sunshine…
Lime juice 2 spring onions, sliced Salt and pepper
Our Mexi-corn tastes un-grill-ievable! No BBQ should be served without these tasty cobs. Ingredients 4 corn on the cob 100g Primula Cheese with Jalapeños
Directions 1) Place the corn on the BBQ, close the cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until kernels are tender. 2) Meanwhile, squeeze Primula Cheese into a microwaveable bowl. Place in the microwave and cook on high for 20
seconds. Remove and stir. 3) Microwave for another 20 seconds and stir. If preparing in advance, add a little water to keep the mixture oozy until serving. 4) Remove the corn from the BBQ and pierce with a kebab stick to serve. Squeeze fresh lime juice and season to taste. Drizzle with the hot cheese sauce and garnish with spring onion. Serve and enjoy.
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
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Hot tips to cook the best steaks 1) Start with the finest grass-fed pedigree Aberdeen Angus Steak – well marbled beef that has taste and texture to amaze. Sirloin, rump or rib-eye, but probably avoid fillet as it normally doesn’t have enough fat to aid perfect cooking results.
5) Always check when booking a glamping holiday if your accommodation has a BBQ, and if you take your own, ask if they are allowed to be used on the site to avoid disappointment. At The Private Hill, each dome has its own wood-fired BBQ fire pit as well as a central BBQ to gather round.
£3.1m spent on beef
2) Light your BBQ early enough – wait until the coals are glowing. Often BBQs are at their best for steak when you’ve finished cooking everything else. If you try and cook too early you’ll spend your entire time dowsing down flames and burning your delicious meat. 3) Don’t bother marinating pedigree Aberdeen Angus – the taste speaks for itself and it doesn’t need to be smothered in marinades more suited to inferior, or cheaper, cuts of beef. 4) Always let your beef rest for 15 minutes after cooking – wrap gently in foil and leave on the warming shelf inside your BBQ.
For more information on National BBQ Week, which runs until June 2, visit nationalbbqweek.co.uk
Recipes and pictures courtesy of National BBQ Week
In the UK, the average amount of meat eaten per person is almost double the world average. The latest stats from the National Beef Association show that Beef is the UK’s favourite red meat, and we eat so much that as a nation we now spend around £3.1million a year on it. But do we really know how to cook it? Here are some top tips from Roddy Hamilton, prize-winning Aberdeen Angus expert and owner of the best UK holiday destination for BBQ lovers, The Private Hill…
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A sizzling BBQ wine selection… Leaving aside those grands vins and à la mode Malbecs, Times Drinks Editor James Viner proposes three delicious sub-£10 wines that would be a perfect match for a multitude of grilled BBQ foods 1) LIP-SMACKING, FRESH ALL ROUNDER BBQ RED Maison Collin-Bourisset 2017 Juliénas, Beaujolais, France (£7.99, Lidl, Alc 13%) Classic succulent bistro stuff from a Beaujolais ‘cru’ named after Caesar and a great option for steak, fish, chicken and veggie grills. This producer has been making wines since 1821. Great mouthfeel, packed with slippery acidity, black cherry, redcurrant, violet, undergrowth and mineral notes. A recent re-taste did not change my mind about this juicy Gamay. Mellifluous. BBQ tuna steaks, salmon, cheese, roast duck and charcuterie, too, s’il vous plaît! Serve lightly chilled for extra tang and juiciness. Top picnic wine, too. A jewel in the crown of Lidl’s Summer ‘Wine Tour’. 2) TOP-TIER QUALITY ROSÉ FOR BBQ SALMON, PORK CHOPS, SEAFOOD & MORE Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rosé 2018, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£8.99, Waitrose/Waitrose Cellar, Alc 13.5%) One of the newer additions to ace South African producer
Remember to chill reds on a hot day as they are best at ‘room temperature’ (13-18°C, 55-65°F). Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine Rustenberg’s wine portfolio, this full-bodied dry rosé made from Petit Verdot unveils stylish flavours of rose water, cranberry, red cherry, watermelon, spice and strawberry. It’s the textbook garnish to a summer’s day BBQ and an absolute steal at the price. Ripe for most chow that has been above the coals, and
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especially good with Asian flavours such as lime, coriander and chilli, plus Middle Eastern spicing. Classy stuff. 3) RED AUSSIE PANACHE FOR CHARRED STEAK & BURGERS Tesco finest GSM [GrenacheShiraz-Mourvedre] 2016, South Australia, produced by d’Arenberg, (£9, Tesco, 25% off 6 bottles+, Alc 14.5%) Among the brightest, most polished and pleasant bargain GSMs I’ve tasted this year. The plush ripe tannins, spicy black/ red fruit flavours and big velvety texture across this full-bodied wine will enthuse many. One for a chargrilled peppered steak, butterflied and garlickly leg of lamb, burgers, sausages or a roast BBQ bird. A steal (£6.75) when you order six or more. Doesn’t get any better for quality sub £10 Aussie red blends. Oh, it’s made by McLaren Vale’s d’Arenberg (of Dead Arm fame!), too, thank you Tesco! Snap up while on offer. A good release.
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Get your body fit for summer The sun brings out the best in us, so it’s important to look our best, too. Here, four Tunbridge Wells health and beauty specialists reveal what they can do for you… BELLA VOU PANTILES CLINIC Get the definition you’ve always wanted this summer with Vaser Hi-Def®. This advanced sculpting technique takes Vaser Lipo® to a whole new level by removing the fat around the muscle groups. Muscles look more defined, giving you a sculpted, athletic appearance. Bella Vou Pantiles Clinic is one of the UK’s first centres to provide their clients with Vaser High Definition treatment. It’s a revolutionary body contouring surgical procedure which sculpts and defines muscles to give your body an athletic look. Vaser High-Def™ treatment is conducted by removing both superficial and deep fat that
Jaime Cooke
‘It’s a revolutionary body contouring surgical procedure which gives your body an athletic look’
ALL ABOUT… SPN Jaime Cooke, Founder of SPN, says: “At SPN, we’re not great believers in just being fit for summer. Instead, we should all be aiming for year-round fitness and good health. We all want stronger, leaner, more flexible bodies, but what’s the perfect mix, and how can you ensure you’re getting the ideal combination? In a perfect world I would recommend three sessions of different exercise a week, and for me it would be a combination of spin, boxing and Pilates. That way you’re getting cardio and
strength training as well as stretching. Regular exercise combined with balanced and nutritious meals will ensure all-round health and fitness. If you’re in need of help and guidance in getting yourself back on track you can join in with one of our programs where you’ll get nutrition and mental health support along with an exercise plan to follow at the studio. It’s a whole body and mind approach which is what we’re all about at SPN! SPN: spn.fit | 01892 541705 | 40A Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PT
BEFORE
2 DAYS
surrounds muscle groups, to enhance the visibility of underlying muscles. It is a method that can be performed on different body areas suitable for both men and women. RECOVERY With Vaser Liposuction there is a minimal risk of injury to the surrounding blood vessels and nerves, because it selectively liquefies the fat cells. As a result, there is less bleeding, bruising and pain than after traditional liposuction. Since Vaser treatment is less intrusive, the recovery time is short. The sensation of pain, bruising, tenderness and swelling tend to disappear within the first week. Wearing elastic garments reduces swelling and bruising as well as skin contracting and tightening, speeding the healing process. THE RESULTS Highly defined and sculpted muscles are usually seen after a couple of weeks. The treatment is often chosen to create stronglooking abdominal flanks, defined upper and lower back, pectorals and defined upper arms, as demonstrated by our pictures below, taken in April, giving Skirmantas the abs he has always wanted. BELLA VOU: To book your complimentary consultation, call 01892 257357 | bellavou.co.uk 45-47 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE
1 MONTH AFTER
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RTWSKIN Body contouring with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) permanently destroys fat cells without harming the surface of the skin, while also combining a skin tightening element to the treatment, unlike any other procedure. During treatment, ultrasound energy is projected through at a depth of 13mm to target and destroy fat cells permanently and deliver uniform, predictable results after one single treatment. HIFU ultrasound energy penetrates through the skin layers and into the targeted fat tissue, creating a powerful thermal effect in the body which destroys fat without damaging the surrounding tissue. At the same time, high-intensity ultrasound can also speed up the body’s metabolism as well as shrink skin fibres, meaning the treatment will also work to tighten and lift the skin. Following your HIFU procedure, you will be able to continue with your day-to-day activities as normal. You will notice an instant lift which will continue to gradually improve over the following nine months. For fat reduction, the results will become apparent over the following two to three months as the fat cells continue to break down over time. rtwskin: Contact the Front of House team on
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01892 222222 for more information or to book your complimentary consultation. rtwskin.co.uk / Cobden House Medical Centre, 25 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DA BORA STUDIO Are you summer body ready? Be prepared for the British summer, come rain or shine, with Bora Studio. Whether you need our morning reformer session to tone your core before a day on the beach, or a cardio TRX workout to refresh after yesterday’s pub garden escapades, Bora Studio has got you covered. Our aerial fitness sessions are the perfect place to hang out in the sunny weather, and they’ll also improve your flexibility while you’re there. If you’re looking for the body of a Wimbledon athlete, without the tennis skills, our Barre classes are the answer. Designed to improve body strength and get you looking lean, Barre is an enjoyable yet challenging workout. Bora Studio classes will keep you fit and active throughout the summer, especially if you purchase our unlimited August classes bundle for just £49.99. We look forward to exercising with you soon. BORA STUDIO: borastudio.co.uk | 07402666847 86 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RT
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Travel
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Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Hot news from the isle of Jamaica –
it’s not all about the beaches… Stretch beyond the sun lounger and discover why there’s more to this Caribbean island than sunbathing and rum punch, says Priya Joshi
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NSIDE The Bob Marley Museum our tour guide sings ‘No Woman,No Cry’. He serenades us with his impressive vocal talents as he shows us around the grand former home and recording studio of the Jamaican musical icon in Hope Road, Kingston (3434 JMD/£20 bobmarleymuseum.com). With his exaggerated patois, his super-chilled vibe, and a tendency to explain everything through Bob Marley’s lyrics, our guide is the
COFFEE BREAK At the Craighton Estate Plantation personification of all the clichés you’ve ever heard about Jamaica. There’s no denying the laid-back attitude of the people and the sense of decadence that comes with lounging under the shadows of the palm trees on the island’s pristine sandy beaches. But there is even more to discover in this country beyond the Jamaica you might think you know… HAPPY HOUR FLOWS WITH THE REAL LIQUID GOLD Jamaica is famous for its rum, but it’s also the home of some of the world’s finest coffee. Hidden away in the Blue Mountains – the longest mountain range in Jamaica running from Kingston to the south and Port Antonio to the north, and a world away from the bustle of the city – you’ll find the the Craighton
Coffee Estate in Irish Town. Introduced to Jamaica in 1728, the red berries of the Arabica coffee bean are highly prized, and coffees certified by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica are considered to be some of the best in the world. Picked by local women, the beans go through an intensive selection process and are medium-roasted and ground on site, while whole beans are also retained for use as the flavour base in Tia Maria. Seventy per cent of the ground beans find their way to Japan, where the coffee is sold for 30 US dollars a cup. Taken with condensed milk, as is the local preference, the rich aroma of the Blue Mountain coffee fills the air and the sweet taste lingers on the tongue. The Craighton Estate Coffee tour costs 3434 JMD/£20.
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Dagan Services Ltd are proud to be VIP sponsors for the 2019 Soapbox Race Tickets on sale at crazyjeansevents.com
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
YOU CAN BOP TO BOB – BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE The Trenchtown Culture Yard is a former 1930s housing project that has been transformed into a makeshift museum housing memorabilia from the early years of the Jamaican music scene. Here, we receive an education in the philosophy of Bob Marley. But while his far-reaching influence can be felt on every street corner, the sounds of Jamaica go beyond the reggae star. At 11pm, under the cloak of darkness, we journey into the depths of the Blue Mountain forests, where reggae beats pulsate from an otherwise unassuming homestead. This is the Kingston Dub Club, a place where time seems to stand still as the music plays and a crowd gathers in a sweet smoke-filled yard, gyrating to infectious rhythms. The sound reflects another aspect of Jamaican spirit, where the motto is seemingly ‘play it loud’. Entry to Trenchtown Culture Yard costs 1552 JMD/£9. Visit ttcultureyard.com Prices for Kingston Dub Club vary depending on the event. Visit kingstondubclub.com BEACHES AREN’T THE ONLY PLACE TO MAKE A SPLASH The sandy beaches are a lure for honeymooners, but the luscious vegetation of Jamaica also presents an unspoilt paradise. Set in the hills above Ocho Rios at Island Gully Falls, a short trek through exotic forest leads you to a cove where enchanted tourists are hypnotically drawn to the crystal waterfalls and enticed to walk through the rushing water, while the more adventurous swing on a rope or leap off the mountain rock into a cold pool. For an adventure on dry land, follow the waterfall trail at Holywell Nature Park, a moderate walk of 1.3km, that only takes an hour and is free to do. Surrounded by 50 varieties of fern, hikers are led to a view of the valley and the Blue Mountains, culminating in a 4.5-metre cascading stream to cool off in. Entry to Holywell Park costs 1374 JMD/£8. Guided tours cost 6870 JMD/£40 for groups of
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1-10. Visit blueandjohncrowmountains.org Entry to Island Gully Falls costs 2060 JMD/£12. Visit islandgullyfallsjamaica.com THERE’S MORE TO A MEAL THAN JERK Jerk chicken with rice and peas is a favourite staple in Jamaica, and while the spicy seasoning is used to flavour many dishes, there are a variety of local delicacies to challenge the palate. Follow in the footsteps of Marilyn Monroe at the luxurious Jamaica Inn at Ocho Rios, where you can experience an authentic island breakfast of ackee and saltfish for £15 as the sun rises over the white sands. Popular with the locals, Triple T’z in Kingston is an eclectic eatery where beer bottles serve as chandeliers. Spicy kidney-bean broth precedes hearty meals of oxtail and goat curry with sweet plantain, while bubble gum-pink oti apple makes for a refreshing juice. Pay 2592 JMD/£15 for a two-course meal with drinks. At the Great House, a former plantation in Yaaman Adventure Park, you can experience a Flavours of Jamaica cooking lesson set in the perfectly pruned ornamental gardens. On the veranda, a hot griddle smokes as we try our hand at cooking jerk chicken and callaloo with crunchy fried dough festivals (a type of dumpling). Meanwhile, Devon House, home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, is famed just as much for its custom-made ice cream as for its grandeur, and it has the distinction of being voted the world’s fourth best ice
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WELCOME TO HIS WORLD Top: Prestigious Pellew Island Below: A Bob Marley statue at the Trenchtown Culture Yard
cream by National Geographic. At I-Scream, you’ll find the creamiest of confections with 27 exotic flavours – such as fruit basket and sour sop – served in waffle cones (550 JMD/£3). A Yaaman Plantation Tour and Cookery Class costs 7986 JMD/£38.50. Visit yaamanadventure.com For I-Scream, visit devonhouseja.com PELLEW: AN ISLAND BEYOND AN ISLAND… Get a glimpse of the palatial holiday homes of the rich and famous with a boat tour around Pellew Island. The boatmen are ready and waiting, so there’s no booking in advance – just pay 5185 JMD/£30 for a 45-minute ride when you rock up. Honeymooners are spotted posing for photos against the vegetation as they float leisurely
along the blue-green fresh and salt waters, through the mineral spring of the Blue Lagoon. Our final stop is Frenchman’s Cove Resort, an exclusive 45-acre private estate in Jamaica. It’s the perfect end to the trip, as we paddle in the refreshing hot and cold water streams, dive into the ocean, and bask in the sun on the soft beach with a new-found skill for chilling – Jamaica style. HOW TO GET THERE A standard king room (based on two sharing) at Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston, starts from 27478 JMD/£160 per night, including breakfast. A balcony suite (based on two sharing) at Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, starts from 47617 JMD/£275 per night (excluding taxes and fees). British Airways fly from London Gatwick to Kingston from £562 return (ba.com). ( For more information and inspiration on travelling to Jamaica, go to visitjamaica.com
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
YOU CAN BOP TO BOB – BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE The Trenchtown Culture Yard is a former 1930s housing project that has been transformed into a makeshift museum housing memorabilia from the early years of the Jamaican music scene. Here, we receive an education in the philosophy of Bob Marley. But while his far-reaching influence can be felt on every street corner, the sounds of Jamaica go beyond the reggae star. At 11pm, under the cloak of darkness, we journey into the depths of the Blue Mountain forests, where reggae beats pulsate from an otherwise unassuming homestead. This is the Kingston Dub Club, a place where time seems to stand still as the music plays and a crowd gathers in a sweet smoke-filled yard, gyrating to infectious rhythms. The sound reflects another aspect of Jamaican spirit, where the motto is seemingly ‘play it loud’. Entry to Trenchtown Culture Yard costs 1552 JMD/£9. Visit ttcultureyard.com Prices for Kingston Dub Club vary depending on the event. Visit kingstondubclub.com BEACHES AREN’T THE ONLY PLACE TO MAKE A SPLASH The sandy beaches are a lure for honeymooners, but the luscious vegetation of Jamaica also presents an unspoilt paradise. Set in the hills above Ocho Rios at Island Gully Falls, a short trek through exotic forest leads you to a cove where enchanted tourists are hypnotically drawn to the crystal waterfalls and enticed to walk through the rushing water, while the more adventurous swing on a rope or leap off the mountain rock into a cold pool. For an adventure on dry land, follow the waterfall trail at Holywell Nature Park, a moderate walk of 1.3km, that only takes an hour and is free to do. Surrounded by 50 varieties of fern, hikers are led to a view of the valley and the Blue Mountains, culminating in a 4.5-metre cascading stream to cool off in. Entry to Holywell Park costs 1374 JMD/£8. Guided tours cost 6870 JMD/£40 for groups of
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Travel
1-10. Visit blueandjohncrowmountains.org Entry to Island Gully Falls costs 2060 JMD/£12. Visit islandgullyfallsjamaica.com THERE’S MORE TO A MEAL THAN JERK Jerk chicken with rice and peas is a favourite staple in Jamaica, and while the spicy seasoning is used to flavour many dishes, there are a variety of local delicacies to challenge the palate. Follow in the footsteps of Marilyn Monroe at the luxurious Jamaica Inn at Ocho Rios, where you can experience an authentic island breakfast of ackee and saltfish for £15 as the sun rises over the white sands. Popular with the locals, Triple T’z in Kingston is an eclectic eatery where beer bottles serve as chandeliers. Spicy kidney-bean broth precedes hearty meals of oxtail and goat curry with sweet plantain, while bubble gum-pink oti apple makes for a refreshing juice. Pay 2592 JMD/£15 for a two-course meal with drinks. At the Great House, a former plantation in Yaaman Adventure Park, you can experience a Flavours of Jamaica cooking lesson set in the perfectly pruned ornamental gardens. On the veranda, a hot griddle smokes as we try our hand at cooking jerk chicken and callaloo with crunchy fried dough festivals (a type of dumpling). Meanwhile, Devon House, home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, is famed just as much for its custom-made ice cream as for its grandeur, and it has the distinction of being voted the world’s fourth best ice
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WELCOME TO HIS WORLD Top: Prestigious Pellew Island Below: A Bob Marley statue at the Trenchtown Culture Yard
cream by National Geographic. At I-Scream, you’ll find the creamiest of confections with 27 exotic flavours – such as fruit basket and sour sop – served in waffle cones (550 JMD/£3). A Yaaman Plantation Tour and Cookery Class costs 7986 JMD/£38.50. Visit yaamanadventure.com For I-Scream, visit devonhouseja.com PELLEW: AN ISLAND BEYOND AN ISLAND… Get a glimpse of the palatial holiday homes of the rich and famous with a boat tour around Pellew Island. The boatmen are ready and waiting, so there’s no booking in advance – just pay 5185 JMD/£30 for a 45-minute ride when you rock up. Honeymooners are spotted posing for photos against the vegetation as they float leisurely
along the blue-green fresh and salt waters, through the mineral spring of the Blue Lagoon. Our final stop is Frenchman’s Cove Resort, an exclusive 45-acre private estate in Jamaica. It’s the perfect end to the trip, as we paddle in the refreshing hot and cold water streams, dive into the ocean, and bask in the sun on the soft beach with a new-found skill for chilling – Jamaica style. HOW TO GET THERE A standard king room (based on two sharing) at Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston, starts from 27478 JMD/£160 per night, including breakfast. A balcony suite (based on two sharing) at Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, starts from 47617 JMD/£275 per night (excluding taxes and fees). British Airways fly from London Gatwick to Kingston from £562 return (ba.com). ( For more information and inspiration on travelling to Jamaica, go to visitjamaica.com
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Books
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The bookcase… This week’s bookcase includes reviews of Cari Mora by Thomas Harris, Conviction by Denise Mina and The Porpoise by Mark Haddon
FICTION
Cari Mora by Thomas Harris
Published in hardback by Cornerstone, priced £20 (ebook £9.99) As fictional villains go, Hannibal Lecter is a hard
7/10
act to follow, even for Thomas Harris, who created the Silence Of The Lambs serial killer and cannibal. It’s been 13 years since the last (poorly received) book featuring Lecter, and In Cari Mora, Harris has turned his back the psychopath. The titular Cari is an aspirational Colombian refugee struggling to make a new life in Miami (now home to Harris), who, though no stranger to violence and death, is on the side of the angels. Harris’s trademark has always been his brilliantly creative psychopathic anti-heroes. This time, there is a new monster, Hans-Peter Schneider, who gets his kicks by mutilating and dissolving victims. Schneider is supplementing a lucrative trade in kidnap, torture and sculpting, and selling live victims and body parts to hunt for gold buried by drugs Lord Pablo Escobar at the Miami mansion now looked after by Cari. She finds herself caught in a deadly struggle between Schneider and the cartel members who are prepared to kill anything in their path to recover the lost treasure. It’s pacy enough, and readers will be rooting for Cari, who has already escaped a brutal childhood, and is deadlier than some of the gangland killers, from the first page. Harris mainly succeeds in ratcheting up the tension, and his grotesque and gruesome trademarks abound, but some characters feel slightly clichéd and lacking in depth. Lecter famously feasted on a victim’s liver, ‘with fava beans and a nice chianti’. The biggest problem with Cari Mora is that it feels more like a starter than a main course, and you’re left hungry for more. (Review by Derek Watson)
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Frankissstein: A Love Story by Jeanette Winterson
Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Winterson is a giant in modern English fiction, best known for her 1985 Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit. Her latest novel, Frankissstein, is set with the backdrop of Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein. The main story takes place in Brexit Britain – the protagonist, a doctor called Ry, has fallen for Victor Stein, a pioneer in the field of AI. The tale also involves the bawdy Ron Lord – who makes hyper-realistic sex dolls – and discussion around preserving human brains through cryonics to eventually upload them to new bodies. The characters in the modern story are all retellings of those in Shelley’s novel, which can feel very laboured. Even though it’s refreshing to read something with a trans person at its centre, Winterson’s portrayal of Ry isn’t convincing. There are interesting ideas around how the future will look, but the way Winterson harks back to the past is quite contrived at times. (Review by Prue Wade)
6/10
What Red Was by Rosie Price
Published in hardback by Harvill Secker, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99) This debut is incredibly wrought, smartly written and very, very timely – however, it is quite a harrowing read. Kate meets Max at university and they spend four years watching films together, their lives interweaving. But Max’s wealthy background is very different to Kate’s, and when one of his relations assaults her at a party, she becomes tangled in silence. Alcoholism, family drama, strained friendship and trauma, as well as the power of storytelling, are all sharply expressed – with author Rosie Price drawing on her own experiences as a rape victim. There is lightness combined with uneasiness here, which is powerful, but can leave you feeling utterly wrung out. (Review by Ella Walker)
7/10
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
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9/10
NON-FICTION
Lowborn by Kerry Hudson
Published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.99) After surviving a chaotic childhood blighted by poverty, Kerry Hudson became a successful writer, receiving critical acclaim for her first novel, Tony Hogan Bought Me An Ice-Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma. She never forgot her ‘lowborn’ roots, although she tried to shut away many of her memories behind a firmly closed door. This explores what happens when Hudson opens that door and revisits the many places she once CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW
No Ballet Shoes In Syria by Catherine Bruton
Published in paperback by Nosy Crow, priced £6.99 (ebook £4.74) Catherine Bruton’s latest YA/ children’s novel beautifully captures the wonder and spirit of ballet. But there’s a deeper purpose to the story: 11-year-old Aya, her mum and baby brother are seeking asylum in England after fleeing war-torn Syria. Joining a local ballet class in Manchester connects Aya with the life she once knew back in Aleppo, before the bombing started. Flashbacks hint at some of the traumas Aya has been through, including losing friends in the war, a terrifying boat journey
Books
called home. This is not poverty tourism. It is a painful process which forces Hudson to confront memories of feeling hungry and unwanted. There are some fairly unsympathetic villains, including the landlady lining her own pockets by ripping off desperate families, but Hudson’s characters are rarely over simplified as just good or evil. She describes difficult relationships with family members fighting losing battles for a better life, while numbing the pain with whatever they can afford. This brave, beautifully written book is a heartbreaking call for those odds to be changed. (Review by Beverley Rouse) and days spent in the back of a lorry to reach England. Bruton handles the topic gently and sensitively, demonstrating how, really, we’re all the same. (Review by Abi Jackson)
8/10
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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Pinch Of Nom by Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone 2. Cari Mora by Thomas Harris 3. Greenfeast: Spring, Summer by Nigel Slater 4. Dead at First Sight by Peter James 5. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney 6. Underland by Robert Macfarlane 7. Normandy ’44:D-Day and the Battle for France by James Holland 8. Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!) by Liz Pichon 9. The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal 10. Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan (Compiled by Waterstones) PAPERBACKS 1. Normal People by Sally Rooney 2. The Way Of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry 3. Malamander: The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea by Thomas Taylor 4. Moneyland by Oliver Bullough 5. The Silence Of The Girls by Pat Barker 6. Circe by Madeleince Miller 7. Transcription by Kate Atkinson 8. 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B Peterson 9. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty 10. Love is Blind by William Boyd (Compiled by Waterstones) EBOOKS 1. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth 2. The Forgotten Village by Lorna Cook 3. The Shape of Lies by Rachel Abbott 4. The Deceiver by Frederick Forsyth 5. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing 6. The Moor by LJ Ross 7. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) by George R. R. Martin 8. Staying at Daisy’s by Jill Mansell 9. Double Crossed by Brian Wood 10. Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose (Compiled by Amazon)
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Motoring
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Motoring News
This week… Faith in web cars The top used cars Sporty new Mazda
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Snazzy limited edition Mazda is unveiled…
Toyota Yaris named most reliable second-hand car
One in ten used cars bought unseen via online retailers
A NEW survey reveals 11% of motorists have bought a car without viewing it first as the rise of online marketplaces with comprehensive listings has improved consumer trust in car dealerships. Classifieds website AA Cars surveyed 19,350 drivers and found that car buyers are ‘willing to put aside previously-held reservations about used dealerships’. Meanwhile, 52% of those who had not bought a car ‘sight unseen’ before said they would be more likely to do so if the car had received an independent pre-sale inspection, indicating that confidence in the history and quality of the car was a key factor in deciding to buy. James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars,
said: “A decade ago, the idea of buying a car without seeing it in person was highly unusual. These days, consumers are much more comfortable with buying valuable products they haven’t seen first – namely due to the sheer volume of listing information and all-angles pictorial evidence that is provided by respected portals online, making a prospective buyer feel like they have practically kicked the tyres themselves.” Fairclough also noted that buyers should be aware that they are protected by the Consumer Rights Act of 2015, which gives them the right to return a car if it develops a fault within the first 30 days of ownership. They can also ask for a repair in the first six months after it was bought.
THE Toyota Yaris has been named the country’s most reliable secondhand car purchase in a survey of owners, scoring a near-perfect reliability rating of 99.1%. Consumer magazine What Car? surveyed 18,000 drivers who owned a vehicle between four and ten years old, with Japanese manufacturers dominating the top ten most reliable vehicles. The Yaris came top with just 9% of owners reporting a fault with their car. Second place went to the Lexus CT. Built from 2011 onwards, the hatchback scored 98.8%, and was followed by the 2011-2018 Audi Q3 diesel at 96.5%. Honda fared well, too, with three of its recent models – the Civic diesel, CR-V and Jazz – in the top ten. The rest of the list included the Mitsubishi ASX, Seat Leon, Lexus RX, and Volkswagen Touareg. However, the survey also revealed the used cars most likely to develop a fault. The least
reliable used car came out as the BMW 1 Series, built between 2004 and 2011, scoring just 40.1%. Nearly a third of owners reported a fault with their car, with battery and engine problems being the most common issues. Repairs for the German hatchback cost up to £1,500. It was followed by the 2008-2012 Ford Kuga, which scored 44.2%, while Nissan was the only Japanese manufacturer to be found near the bottom of the table – its popular Qashqai crossover received a reliability rating of just 55.4%. Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, said: “Reliability is often at the forefront of any vehicle purchase. With nearly eight million used vehicles sold last year, there is huge scope for things to go wrong.” The survey found that across all vehicles, nearly a third of owners had suffered a fault with their car, but 22% said the maker had picked up the repair bill under warranty.
MAZDA has introduced of a new specification for its CX-3 crossover – GT Sport Nav+ – which will be limited to just 500 units. On sale from June 1, it brings a higher level of standard equipment and new design touches. Based on the range-topping Sport Nav+ trim level, the GT Sport Nav+ comes with Mazda’s 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Available with Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic or Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint as standard, the new car comes with a matt silver trim and bright silver wing mirror covers. Jeremy Thomson, MD of Mazda Motors UK, said: “Over 75% of the CX-3s we sell in the UK are Sport Nav+ models, so our customers love the combination of premium quality and style the high-grade versions of this excellent small SUV deliver. The launch of the GT Sport Nav+ adds a standout special edition model, which brings the generous equipment, distinctive looks and enhanced value that discerning crossover buyers are looking for.” The front seats are made from ultra-comfy urethane foam cushions finished in red nappa leather, contrasted by white inserts and soft touch door panels. The driver’s seat features electronic adjustment and memory functions Prices for the Mazda CX-3 GT Sport Nav+ start at £24,095 for the manual and £25,095 for the automatic.
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Recruitment
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WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
Fill your vacancy now in print or online
From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
CODEWORD 4
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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.
Codeword:
3
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
6
15
8 6
8 9
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A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 17
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩
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1 6 2 5 2 8 7
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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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 C Z A E L L S L T U B O MA X U S O L T A A P P N S G E E
C E N T A C P W F I S E S T O T L E N V E L O E I I N E A D J S R I L OQ U Y U N R O V E E P L A S S E K O S H
R E S U T N I A U N P E D I U S T K R O C A O I C S N H E R
Sudoku:
9 8 3 6 2 4 1 5 7
7 4 5 1 8 9 3 2 6
1 6 2 7 3 5 4 8 9
8 2 4 5 6 1 9 7 3
6 5 9 2 7 3 8 1 4
3 7 1 9 4 8 5 6 2
5 9 7 3 1 2 6 4 8
2 1 8 4 9 6 7 3 5
4 3 6 8 5 7 2 9 1
3 7 6 5 1 2 4 8 9
6 4 3 8 9 7 5 1 2
7 9 1 2 3 5 6 4 8
1 8 9 7 4 6 3 2 5
4 5 2 3 8 1 9 6 7
Jigsaw Sudoku:
8 3 7 4 6 9 2 5 1
9 2 5 1 7 4 8 3 6
2 1 8 6 5 3 7 9 4
5 6 4 9 2 8 1 7 3
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Sport
FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk GOLF: THE third Southern Disability Open at Poult Wood saw a new overall winner this year, Andy Jones. A total of 23 competitors took part in the event, which caters for varying degrees of disability – an increase of 10 on the 2018 field. It was hosted by tmactive, part of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, and the Disabled Golf Association.
TEE TIME The competitors line up at Poult Wood
Dedication
Jones is crowned champion of Southern Disability Open
Andy was the winner of the Men’s Handicap 25 and above with 39 Stableford points and replaced Steve Crocker as Open Champion – the latter having won the first two tournaments held at the course near Tonbridge. Alan Baker was the winner of the Men’s Handicap to 24 with 35 Stableford points, while Susie Mews was winner of the Ladies All Handicaps with 36 points.
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
Paul Piercy, the DGA’s chief executive, said: “The Southern Disability Open is now in its third year and the number of participants has continued to increase. “This success is down to the excellent work by tmactive in conjunction with the Disabled Golf Association. “Thanks to tmactive and Poult Wood Golf Course for their continued support. I look forward to an even bigger and better event in 2020.” Martin Guyton, chief executive of tmactive, said: “This year’s competition was a great success. Congratulations to all those who took part. “As a golfer myself it is inspiring to witness the dedication, hard work, skill and competitiveness of our friends at the Disabled Golf Association. “We look forward to hosting the competition again next year.”
Foresters Ladies turn over a new leaf in style By Andy Tong FOOTBALL: THE newly formed Tunbridge Wells Foresters Ladies’ team have started with emphatic wins in their first three friendlies – scoring 20 goals and conceding just one. The women’s team was formed after a mass exodus of 21 players from Tonbridge Angels in March along with their coaches, manager Reece Catt and his assistant Scott Moran. They hope to be allowed to compete in Division One of the South-East Counties Women’s League from the start of next season. They won their first match away to Sevenoaks Town Ladies 6-0. Becky Mackley, whose form at Tonbridge saw her win a place in the county side, scored a hat-trick. Becky Janes was unable to score from the penalty spot but there were further goals for Rona Wignall, Sara Walker and Jodie Coombes. The Foresters’ first home game saw a demolition of Diamond United with the talented Mackley finding the net four more times. The prolific Janes got on the scoresheet twice and there was a hat-trick for Walker and a goal for Lauryn Underhill. The Ladies faced a sterner test at home to Bexhill United. They were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to strikes from Mackley, Karli Povey and Underhill. But the second half was a much
more even affair, with Bexhill hitting back after a spill by goalkeeper Helena Fothergill. But a deflection handed the hosts their fourth and gave them a comfortable cushion to see out the game. Alex Weston, the Foresters centreback, told the Times: “The new team is going extremely well, better than ever really, and things have really fallen into place for us. “We have been very successful over the past few games and this is down to the hard graft put in at training.
‘I noticed a couple of the younger girls come and watch us, all kitted up’ “There has been a massive focus on our fitness and our work on and off the ball. We have concentrated a lot on playing out from the back, moving off the ball, creating triangles and playing the ball on the deck.” She says the players have had a ‘fantastic’ reception since they arrived. “We have big respect and love for our management team, and also the club chairman and the board have been extremely supportive, which we are really grateful for. “We are all really happy with how we have just settled in and how keen and passionate they are about us. The chairman has been to watch all of our
BRANCHING OUT: (Back row, l-r) Scott Moran (assistant manager), Flo Anastasiou, Karli Povey, Rona Wignall, Kelly Moran, Becky Mackley, Courtney Smith, Megan Akehurst, Lauryn Underhill, Reece Catt (manager); (front row) Becky Janes, Leanne Foster, Alex Weston, Helena Fothergill, Hollie Rabbitt, Sara Walker, Charlotte Coulter friendlies, and he is really promoting us to the other players and squads involved at the club. “I noticed a couple of the younger girls come and watch us, all kitted up representing the club. It’s fantastic to see the support for ladies football from all levels. She added: “We are all ex-Tonbridge players but we are always open to
newcomers and encourage anyone to come down and have a couple of trials, it really is a great squad! “We are looking for an experienced goalkeeper, and there have been conversations about a development squad, so we are looking to build up.” Alex says the change of scene has proved hugely beneficial. “I’d say the past few months of
changes and events have made us closer as a group. “The support from fellow players, and our new management team, has been amazing. “We’ve got our spark back, our mojo and our laughter and it’s the best feeling ever stepping onto that pitch with some of your closest friends.” Visit forestersfc.com/teams
MacLeod and Benn too strong for Wells Heart-break for Cowdrey Bexley 232 beat Tunbridge Wells 163 by 69 runs By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS arrived at Manor Way jointly holding the lead in the Kent League Premier Division but were undone by a cohesive all-round effort from hosts Bexley. Callum MacLeod, the Scottish batsman who inflicted a historic defeat on England last year, amassed a century before Jason Benn dismantled the Wells top order. Visiting captain Chris Williams won the toss and inserted the home side. Early inroads were made by returning all-rounder Dave Smith, who captured two wickets in two balls to leave Bexley struggling at 29 for 2 after ten overs.
But MacLeod then joined Matt Cross to lay down a strong foundation, withstanding the fiery Wells attack, then consolidating in a dominant stand worth 118 from 27 overs. The Scot scored 106 from 125 balls with 11 boundaries and Cross, with 46 from 99 balls, proved a staunch ally. Alex Williams (2 for 35) stepped in with two scalps but then the fifth wicket raised a further 50 runs as MacLeod was joined by Adam Ball (28). Smith returned to dismiss both and return figures of 4 for 40, and the innings was brought to an abrupt end as five wickets fell for four runs. Marcus O’Riordan (3 for 43) picked up three victims in the final over with
his spin as Bexley were all out for 232. The reply quickly faltered with Benn grabbing three wickets to leave Wells on 31 for 4. Sam Stickler remained resolute and found some assistance from Alex Williams (20) and Ian McLean (42) but when the sixth wicket fell at 96, he had only the tail for company. Ari Karvelas (31) struck three sixes to offer some hope but the bowlers cleverly rang the changes, and the innings closed on 163 with 33 balls remaining, 69 runs short. Benn was the pick of the Bexley attack with superb figures of 4-14, abetted by Freddie Foster’s 4 for 43 in a trademark gutsy team display. Wells play host to 2018 champions Blackheath on Saturday (June 1).
Bexleyheath 127 beat Cowdrey 126 by 1 run By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: COWDREY lost by just one run at Bexleyheath after a nail-biter on an underprepared pitch. The Tonbridge captain Ryan Addison won the toss and inserted the hosts, who lead Kent League Division Three. Harry Johnson hit Mohammad Jamil on the helmet with the first ball, which flew off a length. But Cowdrey could not take advantage of conditions as Bexleyheath reached 72 for 1. Addison turned the tide, removing the top order with a hostile spell of seam bowling to finish with 4 for 22. And Minhaj Jalill captured the key wicket of Pakistan first-class player
Faisal Naved for 35 during a miserly spell of 2 for 15 off 10 overs. Nick Farr (3 for 27) returned to clean up the tail and Bexleyheath were all out for 127 with 10 overs unused. Cowdrey’s reply started well and reached 54 for 1 but Naved’s spell of 5 for 13 then demolished the top order. At 77 for 8 the game seemed to be up but former skipper Anthony Mills had produced a superb, gritty rearguard action, adding 41 runs with Farr. But Cowdrey’s hearts were broken as a fine slip catch saw Bexleyheath win by one run, with Mills left devastated and undefeated on 36. Cowdrey play Leeds & Broomfield at Swanmead on Saturday (June 1).
Wednesday May 29 | 2019
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Whitby uses local knowledge to be runner-up in Mayfield TRIATHLON: LOCAL resident Pippa Whitby used her local knowledge to secure second place among the women taking part in the Mayfield Triathlon on Sunday (May 26). She also won her F35-39 age group in the process with a time of 2hr 7min 15sec over the standard distance (600m swim, 32km bike, 5.6km run). She came in just 28 seconds behind the eventual winner, and home advantage clearly paid dividends for the Tunbridge Wells Triathlon club member, who trains on the same hills.
Headwind The event has a small field of runners and includes a hilly bike course with a decent headwind on the flat sections and an off-road run. Three other Tunbridge Wells athletes took part, David Bagge (M50-54) coming home first for the club in a time of 1:46.28 – and also second in his age group. He was closely followed by James Sarre (M40-44), who won his age group in 1:51.12, while Dan Cook (M35-39) managed 2:19.00.
Cook secured an impressive eighth place for his swim in a time of 10,49 with Sarre setting down the quickest run of the day and Bagge the second fastest. Neil Couchman (M40-44) won the duathlon (4.2km run, 24km bike, 2.8km run) in an impressive 1hr 57sec, completing the bike section in just 35 minutes. In other events, Grant Ray-Howett (M45-39) topped his age group in the Total Motion Aquathon based at the Tooting Bec Lido, the largest freshwater swimming pool in the UK. He sprinted home in a time of 39.47 after an event featuring an 810-metre swim followed by two loops of Tooting Common totalling 5km. John Kendall (M55-59) was racing in the European duathlon 2020 championship qualifier at Darley Moor motor racing circuit near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The event consisted of a 5km run, 20km bike and final 2.5km run, and was stacked full of quality age group athletes vying for a GB place. Unfortunately he completed an extra lap of the bike course, adding an extra 2km to his race, and finished in 1:09.19, 16th in his age group.
MAKING HAY: Pippa Whitby was second female while David Bagge was first home for the Wells club
Three top-tens for Harriers teams at Beckenham Relays ATHLETICS: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Harriers saw three of their 12 teams manage top-ten finishes at the Beckenham Relays. The long-standing event is for teams of three runners, all completing a lap of 2.6 miles. There were 119 teams participating in the men’s, women’s and mixed team races.
SUPPORT NETWORK Ed Steele is cheered on by Carol Tsang
Alex Jeffreys, Andy Howey and Javier Montoya Montero were the first team home for the Harriers in fifth place in the men’s race. They were followed by James Sarre, Patrick Bareham and Dan Watt in 10th position, while Andy Eames, Cathy Gill and Richard Carter came ninth in the mixed event.
NATIONAL HONOURS Louis Tipper (right) takes on the Dutch
Louis breaks new ground as Tonbridge’s star in the making HOCKEY: LOUIS TIPPER of Tonbridge School is hoping for a senior England cap after making his debut for the national Under-18 team. The 18-year-old, who plays for Sevenoaks Hockey Club, was appointed vice-captain for a three-Test series against hosts Holland. Playing in an attacking midfield role, Louis (pictured) helped England to win a hard-fought victory against one of Europe’s strongest hockey nations. They won the decisive third match 3-2 to square the series
after the opener was drawn 2-2 and the Dutch side edged the second 3-2. Louis, who is deputy head boy at Tonbridge School, is the first pupil of the school to be selected for England Under-18s. Adrian Schweitzer, Tonbridge’s hockey head coach, said: “Louis is a hugely talented player and athlete who fully deserves this national recognition. “He has shown great determination to make it into the England team and it is a wonderful achievement to be featuring alongside some of the best players in the country while he is still at school.” Sevenoaks Hockey Club tweeted its congratulations and described Louis as ‘a top player with a very bright future’.