Local, National and International
Times OF TONBRIDGE
r ur Yo EE pe a FRwsp
All the news that matters
Ne
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
PHOTO: Rose Bainbridge
Seven-month delay before plastic and glass collections
SURGICAL STRIKE: The old Teen and Twenty Club on River Lawn Road is demolished to make way for the new Medical Centre
Village green status will save River Lawn from developers By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Barden Residents’ Association has succeeded in its bid to have River Lawn considered for village green status after the council trying to block the move. Campaigners are hailing the news as a ‘stepping stone’ towards stopping any development from being permitted on the town centre green space. A public consultation runs until March 16, after which Kent County Council [KCC] will make a decision. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s [TMBC] Cabinet voted to sell River Lawn for residential housing in 2017. The decision came after a hard-fought campaign by the protest group Keep River Lawn Green [KRLG] to preserve the half-acre plot for public use.
Now County Hall has accepted the application to register the land as a village green despite the borough council attempting to stop the move on the grounds that the site was affected by ‘development proposals’.
‘It’s very good news to get past this first hurdle. The council are hamstrung’ KRLG’s chair, Mark Hood, said: “It’s very good news to get past this first hurdle. The council are hamstrung, they cannot develop the land or sell it if it’s a village green. “If the area is in a development plan, it doesn’t qualify. So you have to get the application in beforehand, which we did. “We’ve been talking to the Open Spaces
THE contractor appointed to carry out the new refuse collection service across Tonbridge and Malling will not start to deliver the changes for seven months. Urbaser, who take over the operation from March 1, will pick up roadside glass and plastics in Tonbridge for the first time. But this fortnightly collection will come into force on September 30. The introduction of an opt-in garden waste collection will also be delayed. This will cost subscribers £35 a year, rising to £40 when the discount period expires. The reason for the wait is that it will take time for the logistics of the new arrangements to be finalised.
Experience
Society and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, and our solicitor told us to get the application in straightaway.” He explained: “This is part of the problem that the council have got, because they are selling off River Lawn – and a property on River Walk – without planning permission so they aren’t getting the full value of the land from the sale. They’ve shot themselves in the foot.” Sites can be put up for the application ‘by virtue of the use of the land for the purposes of lawful sports and pastimes as of right and without challenge by the landowner for a period of over 20 years’. The Residents’ Association says the First Tonbridge Scouts Group, based at Lamberts Yard, have been using River Lawn at least since the 1920s, playing games and practising putting up tents.
This includes the provision of new trucks and bins, while giving residents an opportunity to sign up for the green waste option. The ‘greatly improved’ recycling contract will also feature a weekly food waste service and kerbsides collection of textiles, small electrical items and batteries. Robert Styles, Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, said: “Experience shows that introducing major changes at the start of a new contract to such a large number of residents can lead to operational problems.” He added: “The contract includes a programmed period of time to provide an ‘as is’ service to enable all the changes to be properly managed.” The joint initiative with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will serve 101,000 homes.
Continued on page 4
Continued on page 4
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
IN THE FRAME: Paper collage artist Karen Stamper
Chance to meet the artists after gallery spreads its wings ARTSPRING Gallery in the High Street is offering a new ‘meet the artists’ event on the first Saturday of each month. The public will be able to come along between 2-4pm and talk to featured exhibitors while enjoying a glass of wine and cake. Among the guest artists who will be showcasing their work are painter Colin Anderson, who lives in the town, and Cambridge-based collage artist Karen Stamper.
Reputation There will be a new guest artist in the gallery every month. Jill Goldsworth said: “ArtSpring’s reputation is growing and we are attracting artists from further afield.” The artists’ cooperative will continue to show its members’ work, with collections changing every two months, and they will now be displayed at an additional venue, Castle Lodge. Mrs Goldsworthy added: “We are always taking the opportunity for more community involvement, so we will now be branching out into this coworking office space.” Castle Lodge, set up by DeskRenter Limited, hires out work stations, office desks and meeting spaces on a short-term basis for business start-ups. The gallery is also offering a prize draw, with the public invited to visit and leave their name and contact details in order to win a £50 voucher to spend in the gallery. The draw takes place on Saturday [February 2].
CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF
CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.
PRINTED BY MORTONS PRINT LTD Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Delays ahead as A21 potholes caused by viaduct’s structure By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE A21 is facing another lengthy period of disruption as engineers make repairs to the Medway Valley Viaduct above Haysden. The work will be carried out to address issues with the structure of the flyover, which has been causing large potholes to appear on the bypass’s road surface for several months. The holes have been causing damage to vehicles but after trying to fill them in, Highways England have discovered the root of the problem. Nick Harris, operations executive director of Highways England, said: “We are aware of the poor road surface across the A21 Medway Viaduct and have recently completed an investigation into the cause of the problem. “We have found that the surface here is breaking up due to problems with the movement joints in the viaduct itself. “Unfortunately simply resurfacing the road will not solve the problem and we need to carry out a more complex repair here.” He added: “We will shortly start designing and carrying out the detailed planning for the repair work needed with the aim of starting construction as soon as possible.” “In the meantime we will continue to inspect the road regularly and, should we find any pot-
BRIDGE OF SIGHS Faulty movement joints are causing large potholes
holes which present a possible risk to road users, we will aim to repair them within 24 hours.” There was widespread congestion on the A21 for more than two years up to September 2017 while a new dualling section was added between south Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Industrial Estate. Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge & Malling, has liaised with Highways England on the issue. He said: “Over the past few months many drivers have noticed the significant potholes which have been developing very quickly on the A21
bridge over the River Medway, by the Leigh Flood Storage Area. It’s resulted in lots of puncture and the costs that go with this. “If you live in Tonbridge or Hildenborough you’ll remember the disruption caused when the dual carriageway to North Farm was being built, so sadly we might have more. “But the potholes develop so quickly, it’s important for Highways England to get to grips with this as soon as possible. Let’s hope they can do so, and minimise disruption at the same time.”
Young woman killed in car crash
RECYCLE CHANGES: Continued from page 1
THE family of a 23-year-old woman who died in a car crash in Tonbridge have paid tribute to their ‘beautiful, cherished and muchloved’ daughter. Lydia Smith was driving a white Ford Fiesta when it was involved in a collision in Tudeley Road at 12.05am on Saturday January 26. Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene, where Miss Smith was pronounced deceased. Ms Smith was from the Tunbridge Wells area and had attended St Gregory’s Catholic School. Her family issued a statement saying: “Our beautiful daughter, Lydia, the light of our lives, was cherished and much-loved.
“She was a ray of sunshine, a beautiful person loved by many, and she will leave an unfillable void in our lives.” Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which took place close to the junction with Postern Lane near the Schools at Somerhill and also involved a white Volkswagen Passat. The driver of the Passat and a passenger were taken to hospital with injuries which have been described as not life-threatening. Witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage of the incident can call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference JG/19/19 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk
CHERISHED Lydia Smith
RIVER LAWN: Continued from page 1 There also used to be a fête there, with scouts ringing a large bell on Lamberts Yard to attract the attention of passers-by on the High Street. “We’re confident we can satisfy the criteria,” said Mr Hood. “As well as the scouts, people eat their lunch there, there are events going on – and with the new Medical Centre next door people will want somewhere where they can sit quietly. “It’s the stepping stone to having the pocket park that we wanted when we applied to have it as an Asset of Community Value – when unfortunately we were priced out of the market.” KRLG persuaded the borough council to designate the site as an Asset of Community Value a matter of weeks before it voted to sell off the land. In principle that gave KRLG an option to buy the site, which has been valued at £2,125,000. Melanie McNeir, KCC’s Public Rights of Way and Commons Registration Officer, wrote to the Barden Residents’ Association saying: “Before the County Council is able to consider any application to register land as a village green, it is required to write to the relevant planning authorities to obtain confirmation that none of the pro-
PHOTO: Rose Bainbridge
NEWS
PHOTO: Suzannah Niklas/Tonbridge Daily
4
THE BOTTOM LINE River Lawn is valued at £2.1million visions set out in Schedule 1A to the Commons Act 2006 apply to the land in question (ie. confirmation that the land in question is not directly affected by any development proposals). “My colleague has made the necessary enquiries and, although Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has suggested that the application should not be considered on the basis that the land is affected by development, the County
Mr Styles said: “The new contractor, Urbaser, will have a few months to settle into the new contract prior to the new and improved service arrangements being introduced in September. “This will allow new bespoke fleet vehicles to be ordered, Information Technology systems to be changed, new bins to be ordered. “And it will also give residents time to sign up for the opt-in garden waste scheme – just a few of the logistics involved in launching the new service. He added: “We want to do everything possible to make the transition of services as smooth as possible for our residents “We fully understand that residents would like to recycle more from home as soon as possible. Tonbridge is one of only three local authorities in the country which do not yet offer plastic collections, along with the Isle of Scilly and Rotherham in Yorkshire. Council’s view (on the basis of legal advice received) is that your application is not affected by any of the provisions set out in Schedule 1A to the Commons Act 2006.” Adrian Stanfield, TMBC’s director of central services, said: “The borough council does not consider that the area of open space at River Lawn Road is capable of registration as a village green. “We shall be making appropriate representations to Kent County Council during the consultation period.” Residents can write to commons.villagegreens @kent.gov.uk quoting reference VGA677
GREEN WITH ENVY: HIGH BROOMS Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was stopped from developing a site in High Brooms in 2013 after it was designated as a village green. It wanted to build six houses on a field adjacent to South View Road and Holmewood Road, but withdrew its planning application. Local residents then convinced KCC to safeguard the land’s future by demonstrating continual free access and a range of recreational uses.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Manslaughter charge brought against Eldred A FATHER-OF-TWO who was arrested shortly after Christmas on suspicion of murdering his older brother during an argument in a taxi in Hadlow is now facing an alternative charge of manslaughter. Carl Eldred, 33, of Langton Green, was due to enter pleas to both charges on Monday [January 28] but the hearing was adjourned at the request of his lawyer as a full pathology report was not available. Eldred is now due to enter his pleas on April 5. He was remanded in custody.
Police collision appeal POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a head-on collision in Lamberhurst that left a 50-year-old female driver of a Vauxhall Corsa dead. The fatal collision on the A21 occurred around 3.45pm on Sunday January 27, close to the junction with Church Road, when the silver Corsa, which was travelling southbound towards Hastings, hit a white Range Rover Evoque travelling in the opposite direction. The Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses and for anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward.
Community grant boost LOCAL community groups could be eligible for a pot of nearly £200,000 as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has announced its grants scheme will continue. Grant funding for the organisations had been due to end in April 2019 because of the reduction in Government funding. But the council announced this week that grants of between £500 and £125,000 will now be made available to existing recipients of community grants.
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
NEWS
5
Popular farmers’ market wins a reprieve By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE WELLS Farmers’ Market has found a new home – albeit a temporary one. The rebranded ‘Independent Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market’ has been allocated a spot on Market Square, outside Royal Victoria Place [RVP]. The news comes at just the right time for stallholders, who held their final market on Civic Way last weekend. The bi-weekly event, which has sold fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and a range of other local produce for the last 20 years on the site, had to be cancelled due to building work at the top of the town. This included the semi-pedestrianisation of Mount Pleasant Road, which began on Monday. At the time, the Borough Council said there was ‘no suitable alternative site’ for the market, leaving the 25 or so traders out in the cold with little or no prospect of seeing it start again. Thanks to discussions involving Lib Dem and Conservative councillors along with the
ALL CHANGE Farmers’ market is set to relocate management at RVP, a solution has been found, and the market is set to return on March 9. Cllr Mark Ellis, who represents St John’s ward for the Liberal Democrats, said it was ‘great to work cross-party’, adding: “We strongly support markets as this is a low-cost way of attracting footfall into our commercial district.” It has not yet been established how long the
market will be able to remain in Market Square, but stallholders are hoping to get a more permanent location on the precinct. Paul Saxby, who runs Arcade Fisheries, said: “We are over the moon, really pleased. RVP have been really great in giving us a home. “We don’t know exactly how long we are there for, but it should be at least five months.”
Emails reveal bullying allegations are being investigated at local BBC offices by Robert Forrester THE BBC office in Tunbridge Wells has become mired in allegations of ‘bullying and harassment’ following leaked emails that suggest the broadcaster has hired corporate lawyers to investigate the claims. According to emails leaked to the media last week, staff at the BBC met with leading employment law specialist Charlotte Hart from
SO Magazine evolves… Your favourite local newspaper is about to get even better. Future editions will now include stand-alone copies of our award-winning sister publication, SO Magazine. For almost 12 years SO has been recognised as a leader in its field. From March it will be distributed monthly inside the Times, reaching 35,000 people. “This is all about evolving the publication and giving both readers and advertisers what they want,” said SO Editor Eileen Leahy. “It’s all very exciting and another ‘first’ in local publishing.”
Local News
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BBC investigation into bullying
Hill Dickinson to discuss the allegations. In addition, a spokesman for the National Union for Journalists [NUJ], whose membership includes those working in broadcast media, yesterday [Tuesday] confirmed to the Times that the union is aware of the situation. The leaked emails suggest the investigation is related to incidents that occurred at the Tunbridge Wells office, based on Mount Pleasant Road, which is the headquarters of
BBC South East and BBC Radio Kent. An email dated November 20, and sent out by the regional head of HR, stated: “You may be aware that a number of concerns have been raised in recent months, both informally and formally, relating to the culture within our teams based in Tunbridge Wells.
Harassment “To date these have been explored in the most appropriate way based on individual wishes. “However, at the end of October, I was made aware of more concerns relating to bullying and harassment. “We take such allegations seriously.” It went on: “I appreciate that some individuals may feel fearful of coming forward and worry about potential repercussions but I would like to reassure you that we will ensure your concerns are handled with sensitivity and respect and that you will not be victimised for coming forward.” A further email sent after Christmas told staff that a report on the matter had now been completed, but it has yet to be made public. Last night, the Times contacted the BBC about the allegations. They declined to comment. An NUJ spokesman said: “I can confirm that the NUJ is aware of the investigation and once the findings are known we would be happy comment further.”
6
NEWS
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Garden ornament theft goes viral and leads to hippo replacement
HAPPY HIPPO Harry the cuddly hippo was sent from California
FOLLOWING the theft of a bronze hippo weighing three-quarters of a tonne, a Tunbridge Wells garden ornament centre has been sent a soft toy replacement, all the way from California. ‘Harry’ the Hippo made international headlines two weeks ago, following the news that the bronze sculpture was stolen, a story broken on the Times Local News website. The giant cast ornament, named after Prince Harry, was stolen from Chilstone in Langton Green with police believing thieves had used a flatbed
bed truck, and most likely some sort of winching device to steal the hippo. The story quickly went viral, leading to a three feet tall cuddly hippo being sent from California website MyHippo.com.
Positivity General Manger of the garden ornament centre, Steve Clark said: “It’s gone viral, which is great because it makes the hippo very hot property. “People have been stopping me in the street and asking me if I’ve found my
hippo yet, it’s bizarre. “It has upset all of our staff and he has been part of the family for a long time, kids loved him.” Mr Clark said the gift would be donated to Pembury Hospital’s children’s ward. “I am pleased that this unexpected gift can be passed on to local children so that some positivity can come from this appalling theft from our show gardens,” added Mr Clark. Last night [Tuesday] there was still no sign of the missing hippo.
Public vote is ignored as community centre finally gets the green light against the parish poll was the threat of losing some of the money earmarked for the project by developers of new housing projects – so called TOWN councillors in Paddock Wood have been Section 106 contributions. criticised for ignoring a public vote that showed “We had the chief executive of Tunbridge Wells residents were not in favour of plans to build a Borough Council, William Benson, come to the community centre on a patch of green land. meeting and he said there was a risk we’d lose The council spent £5,000 on a parish poll to get some of the money if we threw the views of local residents on 21 the dice and looked for January, which returned 409 votes against the development on “We have to be wary. somewhere else. The thing is, we a community centre. I’ve Memorial Field, and 357 in favour. We ignore a public need lived here all my life and we have Following the vote, councillors vote at our peril.” never had one,” said Cllr Moon. were wary about disregarding Cllr Ray Moon Opponents to the scheme were the decision, with Cllr Ray Moon, left furious following the town Vice Chair for Planning and council decision. Environment at Paddock Wood Town Council (PWTC) telling the Times: “We have Cllr Rodney Atkins stormed out of the meeting, taking to Twitter to voice his disgust. “I am to be wary. We ignore a public vote at our peril.” horrified at the town council tonight. I walked But in a meeting held on the Monday after the out along with two other councillors.” vote, PWTC voted in favour of continuing with the project, despite fierce local opposition to the Later, he told the Times: “I am hugely disappointed for the people of Paddock Wood. £2.8million community centre being built on the They were given the chance to have their say – earmarked site. everybody had a chance to vote – and they have “The poll was not dismissed, it was taken into not been listened to.” account,” responded Cllr Ray Moon from PWTC. Campaigners from Friends of Memorial Field, a “It was only consultative and we felt that it was protest group set up to oppose the not conclusive either way as only 13 per cent development, said they were ‘frustrated’ with voted in the community. the town council’s decision but have vowed to “But it was not an easy decision to make.” ‘continue on’. He said the main reason for the decision to go
by Richard Williams
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY? An artist’s impression of the new centre
8
NEWS
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Council’s confusing planning policy left couple facing legal action – until late u-turn By Richard Williams WHEN the old doctor’s surgery in Frant was vacated, its next door neighbours Helen and Simon Marshall saw the opportunity of buying the property as an investment. Before purchasing the former surgery, council planners assured the Marshalls that changing its use from a business to a residential home would be a straightforward matter. Yet due to uncertainties over Wealden District Council’s Local Plan, the couple have been left ‘in limbo’ for eight months. They were also issued with a hefty business rates bill, for which the council even sent a court summons, demanding payment. “We have been passed from pillar to post,” said Mr Marshall, 49. The former London banker said the semidetached property was purchased last April by his wife, following consultation with council planners. “The council gave us positive feedback,” said Mr Marshall. “So we submitted a formal application to change the use of the property as there was nothing standing in the way. We were told it should all be sorted by June.” However, things went awry because of ambiguities over Wealden Council’s Draft Local Plan. The Local Plan, a major planning document setting out the future of development in Wealden, has suffered long delays as the council has been seeking evidence about the impact of any developments on Ashdown Forest. “At first, it was said that because the property was going from a business to residential use, traffic in the area would go down, reducing pollution because people would not be travelling to the doctors,” Mr Marshall said.
“But they kept delaying giving us planning and are now saying that they don’t think the pollution will go down, so have imposed a levy.” He said this levy is taking a long time to be formulated, and in the meantime the property has become subject to business rates, for which the council has issued a summons. A spokesman for Wealden District Council said
“At first, it was said that because the property was going from a business to residential use, traffic in the area would go down, reducing pollution because people would not be travelling to the doctors” that they regret the application was not processed as quickly as they would have liked. “Unfortunately this application has been affected by the introduction of changes made to the Council’s Policy to protect Ashdown Forest. “They were unable to process the application as quickly as it would have liked while the new compensation arrangements were being introduced.” He said this levy is payable because this change of use under the policy changes is deemed to result in a possible increase in commuter traffic across the forest. The Council are yet to finalise the amount of this tariff, leaving the Marshalls hanging on, and the couple were still left with a court summons for unpaid business rates, until intervention by the Times.
The council spokesman had said: “The property in question is currently listed for business rates purposes as determined by the Valuation Office Agency. “Under business rates, if a property is empty it can be awarded a relief of up to six months depending on the type and use of the property. This property has already received the maximum relief.” However, in a further twist, and after approaches by the Times, the Central Valuation Office, ripped up the summons and business rate demand.
Mr Marshall said: “The Valuation Office has now advised us that business rates for the old surgery will be set at nil for the 2018/19 financial year, which is good news. “But we are still waiting to hear from Wealden about the Ashdown Forest mitigation tariff,” Mr Marshall added. Wealden Council said: “We have apologised to the applicants for the delay.” Have you suffered issues with delays to Wealden’s Local Plan? Call the Times 01892 779650 or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
FRUSTRATED Simon and Helen Marshall
10
BUSINESS
Local News
A new look for Baldwins LEADING local travel company Baldwins, which has branches across Kent and Sussex, has rebranded and introduced a bold new logo. Two of its branches, Travelux in Tenterden and Sevenoaks Travel, will now be rebranded under the same umbrella of ‘Baldwins Travel’. Nick Marks, joint Managing Director, said: “Investing in our brand is hugely exciting for us and tells our customers that we are committed to continuing to deliver superb service across all areas of our business, and that we are committed to stay on the high streets of Kent and Sussex.” The Marks family purchased the firm in 1991.
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Metro Bank’s shares take a plunge after admin ‘error’ on risky loans by Richard Williams MORE than a third was wiped off the share value of one of Tunbridge Wells’ most visible banking names last week. Metro Bank, which has a branch on the corner of Calverley Road and Mount Pleasant Road, took a hit in share price after it failed to have enough capital to back some commercial loans. The high street lender also issued a profit warning saying 2018 was a weaker year than expected, further rattling investors. Shares for the bank closed at 2,202.00 GBX the night before last Wednesday’s announcement, but dropped dramatically to 1,423.00 GBX in the morning, wiping 35 per cent off prices overnight.
Challenger Metro entered the market in 2010 as one of the first ‘challenger banks’. It has enjoyed rapid expansion across the UK with 66 branches opening nationwide. This is the first time shares in the bank have fallen below £15 since its inception, and is the bank’s worst single day loss since its launch. Investors have blamed the jump in the lender’s risk-weighted assets, that rose from £7.4billion to £8.9billion, after auditors decided the bank was more exposed to riskier commercial loans than previously thought. Metro has put this down to an administrative error, saying they had been put in the wrong risk band, resulting in insufficient capital to fund them. It also said underlying profits would be £9million lower than the £59million forecast. As the bank recovers from its share slump, it has announced plans to sign up 400,000 new
business customers in a bid to catapult it ahead of its challenger competitors, such as Virgin Money, TSB and Nationwide Building Society. Chief Executive Craig Donaldson blamed the profit warning on competition in the mortgage market that impacted the bank’s revenue growth in the fourth quarter. Tunbridge Wells Investment Management Consultants Brooks Macdonald say last week’s share price fall for the bank has compounded a difficult year for investors in the company. “It continues to expand its high-street footprint
while loan and deposit growth has been strong; however, intense competition is squeezing margins,” said Sam Durnell, Investment Director at the company. “Deposit rates are creeping up, while mortgage rates remain low, and this is putting pressure on net interest margins. Adding to investors’ concerns was the announcement that some loans had been categorised in the wrong risk band, weakening the bank’s capital position and increasing the probability that it could return to the market to raise additional capital.” DOUBLE WHAMMY Metro Bank
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Broadband speeds left lagging behind TUNBRIDGE WELLS has been named as one of the areas suffering from some of the worst broadband speeds in the UK, according to new analysis. Consumer magazine Which? tested customer broadband speeds around the nations using data from its own speed checker, and found the borough was among a number of ‘surprising areas’ that had woeful broadband speeds, along with London’s Westminster and Tower Hamlets, Stroud and Canterbury.
‘While broadband speeds and availability have improved since 2015, there is still much more to do’ More than 277,000 tests were undertaken by the magazine, which uncovered that Allerdale, Argyle, Bute, Orkney and the Shetland Islands were the worst local authority areas overall. Average broadband speeds for the UK sit at around 16Mbps (megabits per second). Orkney’s 3Mbps was described by Which? as ‘pitiful’. Things are not as bad in Tunbridge Wells, with
BROADBAND CAMPAIGNER MP Nus Ghani
the area’s broadband speed averaging between 10Mbps and 12Mbps, but this can make some online services difficult to access, especially if more than one user is accessing the internet on a shared connection. Which? said: “Broadband has become a modern essential and a poor connection can affect your ability to access online banking and cheaper online deals for essential services such as energy.” Slower internet speeds can also mean streaming services, such as Netflix and iPlayer, won’t work
Patisserie keeps doors open THE Tunbridge Wells branch of collapsed bakery Patisserie Valerie is to remain open while administrators KPMG assess what can be done. Patisserie Valerie went into administration last week, putting 3,000 jobs at risk. It was feared the Monson Road outlet would be among 70 concessions that KPMG were to close while they worked out how to save the remaining 121 stores.
KPMG joint administrator Blair Nimmo said: “Our intention is to continue trading across the profitable stores as, collectively, the brands have a strong presence on the high street and have proven very popular with consumers. “However, we have had to take the difficult decision to close 70 stores, resulting in a significant number of redundancies.” He added they were seeking a buyer for the chain.
as they require speeds of up to 5Mbps, depending on quality. The area with the fastest broadband in the UK was the commuter borough of Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, which enjoys a zippy 32.5Mbps. Wealden MP Nus Ghani has been campaigning to improve broadband speeds in the region since she took office in 2015. She said: “While broadband speeds and availability have improved since 2015, there is still much more to do… Broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and with so many people depending on a reliable internet connection for professional purposes, be it in school, business or a farm, this is more important than ever before.” She added that she has pushed Jeremy Wright QC, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, to speed up the rollout of broadband in rural areas, and is continuing to work with him along with service providers to improve access to the internet.
Local News
BUSINESS
NEWS IN BRIEF
Under-investigation travel firm folds A TONBRIDGE travel company which is under investigation by Kent Police, following accusations of defrauding a charity set up to help injured veterans, has collapsed. Black Tip Travel was accused of taking money paid to them for flights to New Zealand by the charity Pilgrim Bandits. Now owner and sole director Dale Whitney has confirmed the company has ceased trading. Kent Police said they are still investigating the complaints.
Awards for insurers PURELY PETS and Geoffrey Insurance, both belonging to the Markerstudy Group of businesses, both received a ‘Highly Commended’ second place at last week’s Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2019. Purely Pets of Portsmouth took second place in the Pet Insurance Provider of the Year category, and the Whitstable-based Geoffrey team also achieved second place for Car Insurance Provider of the Year, having achieved the same award in 2018 and a category win in 2017.
Pet food stockpile THE country’s leading pet food retailer has said it is considering stockpiling products in case of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Pets at Home, which has a store in Fountains Retail Park, Dowding Way, is looking to spend an additional £8million on pet food and other items to ensure families do not run out of food for their dogs and cats.
11
NEWS
Community News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Lions seek readers to record local news for the visually impaired TONBRIDGE LIONS are looking for volunteers to help with their Talking Newspaper operation. The club has been running the service for the visually impaired for 39 years and have never previously experienced a shortage of readers. There are five teams, each consisting of an editor, four readers and a technician. Each team records once every five weeks, on a Friday evening at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital. For one hour from 7.15pm, they read local news from the Times of Tonbridge newspaper, as well as events listed on social media.
‘The service allows people to keep up with the news from the local community which they would otherwise be unable to access’ The news articles are selected by the editor earlier in the day, collated and fixed to sheets of A4 paper for ease of reading. The readings are recorded on to a memory card and then uploaded to the Kent Association for the Blind at Maidstone. The sound file is then copied on to memory sticks and sent to the many recipients in the Tonbridge area.
READ ALL ABOUT IT: (L-R) Rowena Love, Margaret Hawkins, Editor Dixon Hawkins, Tim Hamsell and Betti Price make up one of the five Talking Newspaper teams recording at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital any time for the above schedule they would welcome some help. If you are only able to help occasionally you could become a reserve to cover others at holiday times.” To find out how to join the teams, contact Richard on 01892 653863.
Lions organiser Richard Rose said: “The service allows people to keep up with the news from the local community which they would otherwise be unable to access.” He added: “At present the Lions Club is short of volunteers to man all teams, so if you can spare
Baptist church joins forces with Angels to help heart screening
By Andy Tong TONBRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH has donated more than £500 towards the charity CRY [Cardiac Risk in the Young] as part of an initiative to provide free heart screening. The church, in Darenth Avenue, raised £516. It is located near Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead Stadium where the free screenings are held. More than 1,100 people aged between 14 and 35 have benefitted from the club’s Football Fightback scheme. This was set up four years ago following the sudden death of two young players from previously undetected heart defects.
SAFETY FIRST Fifteen-year-old Ben Greenstock undergoes an echocardiogram at Longmead
PHOTO: David Couldridge
12
Simple In 2015 Junior Dian collapsed on the pitch and died during a game at Whyteleafe, aged 24. Seven years previously, Angels’ Under-18 player Jack Maddams, 17, died in his sleep. Jack’s father Roger, who began the project, said: “I’m delighted to say that the event was fully booked, and ten people were identified as needing further review, so potentially we have saved lives by our action. “That is why we instigated the Football Fightback campaign, to help prevent unnecessary deaths in young people that can be avoided by a relatively simple heart check.” The club and the community have got together and raised more than £35,000 to allow the testing to be carried out. Angels Chairman Dave Netherstreet said: “This is a tremendous gesture from our good friends just up the road, with whom we have such strong links. “This money will allow us to continue with our work in organising and promoting free heart screening for young people in Tonbridge.” The last session, on January 19, was fully booked up several weeks in advance, and the club is already organising another date. CRY helps to facilitate the testing, which would usually cost hundreds of pounds. It is the same procedure as those which have been carried out at Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and the England rugby team. According to CRY, 12 people under the age of 35 die from an undiagnosed cardiac condition every week in the UK.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells is digging deep for Britain in Bloom...
HEAVEN SCENT Calverley Grounds shows its colours
TUNBRIDGE WELLS is once again participating in the finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. The town will compete in the Large Town category against five others this year: Biddulph in Staffordshire, Penrith in Cumbria, Prestatyn on the north coast of Wales, Wilmslow in Cheshire and Yeovil in Somerset. Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom took part in the finals last year and received a Silver Gilt award. The town was put forward for the national competition by South and South East in Bloom. It has won the gold medal at regional level for the past seven years. A total of 71 cities, towns and villages will compete across 12 categories in a competition which has been running for 55 years. The RHS Britain in Bloom judges
will visit the town during judging fortnight, which starts on July 29. The winners of each category will be announced in October. The Chair of the Britain in Bloom judging panel, Darren Share, said: “Britain in Bloom isn’t just about spectacular floral displays and making our villages, towns and cities beautiful to live in and visit. “Many of this year’s finalists are on the front line of tackling some of the UK’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, plastic waste on beaches and declining pollinator populations. “The thousands of volunteers who will compete this year are a barometer for growing trends and the importance and impact of greening our communities.” For more information, visit rhs.org.uk/bloomfinalists
Hospice in the Weald awards gold certificate to NFU Mutual AN INSURANCE company from Tunbridge Wells has been recognised as a Gold Partner of the Hospice in the Weald after raising £1,000 last year. NFU Mutual, which also has a branch in Flimwell, East Sussex, chose the hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2018 and 2019. All 22 employees of the company were involved in the fundraising, which included taking part in the Crazy Jeans soapbox race in a cart they designed themselves, and the 5k Run or Dye event at Penshurst Place. The team also secured donations from their clients. Shaun Joubert, partner at NFU Mutual, said: “It all started with a soapbox race at Dunorlan Park in June. We had a cart built and a client designed and ‘wrapped’ it for us. “It was incredible fun and we just went on from there. “It’s been a wonderful end to a great year. The team have been
DEEP COMMITMENT Tony Saunders (left) and Graeme Kelly
commended by the charity for their outstanding efforts by receiving a Gold Partner Certificate. “We’re all delighted to have been able to make a long-term commitment to the charity and make a real difference to people who really need support.” Ewan Tuohy, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Hospice in the Weald, said: “It has been a delight to work alongside Shaun, Tonya Williams and the rest of the NFU Mutual team. “They have been open and receptive to new fundraising ideas, such as our Money Tree Challenge and Christmas Jumper Week, whilst also coming up with their own. “Thanks to their support, Hospice in the Weald can help patients, families and carers celebrate life and enjoy the precious time that they have together.” To donate, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/nfum-twells
OUTSTANDING EFFORTS Shaun Joubert of NFU Mutual (centre) with Ewan Tuohy and Kimberley Peake of Hospice in the Weald
‘Channel’ swim in the pool raises hundreds for Aspire TWO members of Larkfield Leisure Centre spent a total of 15 hours swimming in the fitness pool as part of the Aspire Channel Swim. Graeme Kelly and Tony Saunders undertook the challenge to swim the equivalent of the English Channel at its narrowest point, 22 miles. They raised £640 for Aspire, a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury. The distance can be covered over a 12-week period, but the pair decided to try to complete it in one day. Both are experienced athletes, though Graeme said: “When I told my family I wanted to do the swim in one day, they thought I was mad!” Between them they swam 84 miles
in training. On the day itself Graeme had to bow out at the 12-hour mark due to a shoulder injury, having completed 18½ miles, but Tony completed the marathon effort. Graeme is determined to complete the challenge next year and is contemplating an open-water version in one of the local lakes. He said: “All the staff were really helpful on the day, it was great. “I wore waterproof headphones and listened to music for most of the swim. “The fundraising went really well, but we also wanted to raise a bit of awareness.” For more information about the Aspire Channel Swim, visit aspire.org.uk/swimming
Community News
NEWS
13
16
NEWS
National News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Malkovich comes to play Lego’s coffee shop in Weinstein in West End London isn’t ‘expensive’ JOHN MALKOVICH is to play a character inspired by Harvey Weinstein in his first West End play in nearly 30 years. He will be Barney Fein, a Hollywood producer and ‘bloated monster’ in Bitter Wheat at the Garrick Theatre from June 7. The play, written and directed by David Mamet, describes Fein as a ‘depraved Hollywood mogul’ who ‘devours the young he has lured to his cave’. Malkovich said Weinstein was the ‘starting point’ for the play. But as the production developed, it came to explore wider questions of power in the entertainment industry.
TWO stars of the new Lego Movie 2, Chris Pratt and Tiffany Haddish, are to serve free coffee at a pop-up cafe made out of the toy bricks. The outlet will be at Observation Point on London’s South Bank from Friday [February 1]. The Coffee Chain, inspired by the cafe featured in the film, was built from 50,000 Lego bricks by six builders over 236 hours. It will include a Lego coffee machine, as well as doughnuts and newspapers made out of the colourful bricks. Instead of paying for ‘expensive coffee’ – as it is called in the film – visitors will be encouraged to donate to Unicef UK to provide clean water, food and vaccines.
HAVING A LAUGH: Comedian Paul Whitehouse (third from left), aka Grandad, joins the cast of the musical version of Only Fools And Horses. It has been created to honour the legacy of John Sullivan, the writer of the BBC show, with songs from the late Chas Hodges. Sullivan’s son Jim partnered Whitehouse to pen Only Fools And Horses The Musical and fulfil his father’s wishes for a stage production. Tom Bennett will play Del Boy with Ryan Hutton as Rodney. The show opens at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket on February 9.
Facebook to pick independent experts to decide on removals FACEBOOK has laid out plans for an independent board it says will consider appeals over the social network’s content removal decisions. In a draft charter, the social media giant said its user base of more than 2billion people means that, in the interests of fairness and transparency, it alone should no longer have the final say on whether or not content is removed from the site. The site, along with wider social media, has been repeatedly criticised for its handling of content removal on the platform and a lack of transparency around its decision-making. The draft charter proposes that the board be used to handle appeals and requests from Facebook users as well as specific cases referred by Facebook ‘that are especially difficult to resolve’, including those which have sparked public debate.
It suggests the creation of a body of around 40 ‘global experts’, with the first members chosen by Facebook from a public list of criteria. They would be on initial three-year terms, with future appointments made by the board itself. The charter proposes that the identity of the members of the body will be made public, as will its decision-making process.
GOOGLE HELPS ELECTIONS Google is giving political organisations in Europe free access to tools that tackle online attacks and disruption ahead of upcoming EU elections in May. The company’s cyber security incubator Jigsaw is making its Project Shield system available to campaigns and candidates. It had previously only being available to news organisations and human rights groups.
Ex-prisoner returns to UK saying ‘I thought this would never end’ A BRITISH woman released from a prison sentence in Egypt has spoken of her relief at returning to the UK. Laura Plummer, 34, from Hull, was sentenced to three years in prison on Boxing Day 2017 for taking 290 Tramadol tablets into the country. The shop worker applied for and was granted early release on Monday after serving a third of her sentence. Breaking down in tears as she arrived at Heathrow Airport yesterday [Tuesday], Ms Plummer said: “I would like to thank everyone for supporting me through this, especially my family. “Words cannot describe how I feel - I thought this would never end.” She was accompanied by her two sisters, who described their reunion as the happiest day of their lives. Ms Plummer was arrested at the airport on October 9 2017 when she flew into the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. She claimed she was taking the tablets - which are legal in the UK but banned in Egypt - for her Egyptian partner Omar Caboo, who suffers from severe back pain, and had no idea what she was doing was wrong. They said she did not try to hide the medicine,
BACK HOME Laura Plummer (centre) is greeted by her sisters Lynda (left) and Rachel which she had been given by a friend, and she thought it was a joke when she was pulled over by officials after arriving for a holiday with her partner. Her mother Roberta Sinclair said her daughter was being held in terrible conditions in a communal cell with no beds, sharing with up to 25 other women.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
No delay for Brexit as MPs’ amendments voted down THE House of Commons voted down the amendment which would have seen Brexit delayed to prevent a no-deal on Tuesday night. The idea had been put forward by former Labour minister Yvette Cooper, who called for an extension to Article 50. She wanted to keep the UK in the EU until the end of the year, but she was defeated by 321 votes to 298, a majority of 23. The amendment would have given Parliament control over the Brexit process if Theresa May failed to secure a deal by February 26. The Labour Party and a number of Remainbacking MPs were supporting Ms Cooper. Labour said it was backing the amendment because the bill it would create could ‘give MPs a temporary window to agree a deal that can bring the country together’. But the party’s leader, Jeremy Corbyn, told the Commons that Labour wanted a shorter window of three months. It was one of seven variations to the Prime Minister’s agreement with the EU.
Mrs May’s original deal was voted down by Parliament in humiliating fashion on January 15. Before the latest round of voting began, Mrs May had said she wanted to re-open negotiations in Brussels, taking with her an ‘emphatic message’ of what MPs want. She had held phone calls with key EU leaders throughout the day ahead of the Commons votes including speaking to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Senior Brexiter rebels indicated they would be willing to back the rest of the UK-EU Brexit deal if Mrs May manages to obtain legal changes to the backstop. The first amendment tabled by Mr Corbyn, calling for a ‘disastrous no-deal’ scenario to be ruled out to allow Parliament to consider other options, was defeated by 296 votes to 327. Among the other amendments, Tory MP Sir Graham Brady called for an ‘alternative’ to the Irish backstop, which Tory MPs have been ordered to back.
Southern in line of fire as passenger satisfaction falls PASSENGER satisfaction with rail services has fallen to a 10-year low after the industry was plagued by a series of issues. The autumn 2018 Transport Focus survey of more than 25,000 passengers found that overall satisfaction was 79 per cent, down 2 per cent year on year. Southern, which runs trains from Tonbridge, recorded the lowest figures for the way train operators dealt with delays at 29 per cent. Poor punctuality, the timetable chaos of last summer and continued disruption due to strikes are cited as the main grievances. Transport Focus’s chief executive Anthony Smith said the anger about poor performance ‘erodes their most basic trust in the industry’. He added that the Government’s Rail Review – being carried out by former British Airways chief executive Keith Williams – must ‘bring about fundamental change’. Jacqueline Starr, managing director of customer experience at industry body the Rail Delivery Group, acknowledged that ‘in too many
places we are not getting it right’ in terms of delivering punctual services. She said there is a ‘long-term plan to rebuild key parts of the network’. Heathrow Express and Chiltern Railways were the only two out of 25 train companies to have significantly improved over the last 12 months. Patrick Verwer, chief executive of Govia Thameslink Railway which runs Southern and Thameslink, said the results for those brands reflect the May timetable disruption which was caused by ‘industry-wide factors’. He added that their performance was now ‘firmly back on track’. Across the UK, 71 per cent of journeys were rated as satisfactory for punctuality and reliability, compared with 74 per cent in 2017. Among commuters, 31 per cent were satisfied with the value for money, down 1 per cent. In London and the South East, the proportion of journeys deemed very or fairly satisfactory fell by two percentage points compared with the previous autumn, to 78 per cent.
MP told to stand down after sentence for driving offence DISGRACED MP Fiona Onasanya has been urged to do the ‘decent thing’ and resign after she was jailed for lying to police over a speeding offence. The Peterborough MP, who was expelled by the Labour Party, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice by claiming someone else was driving her car on July 24 2017. The 35-year-old solicitor has been sent to prison for three months. Her brother Festus Onasanya received a 10-month sentence after he pleaded guilty to three similar offences. The Old Bailey heard how Miss Onasanya’s car was clocked speeding at 41mph in a 30mph zone. Mr Onasanya, 34, sent a prosecution notice back claiming a Russian man was driving, even though he was abroad. At the time, Miss Onasanya’s life as a new MP was ‘chaotic’ and she was coming to terms with being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. But when she was pursued by police, she maintained her brother’s lie out of ‘misguided loyalty’ with ‘disastrous’ consequences. At the time, Mr Onasanya, from Cambridge,
National News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
MISGUIDED LOYALTY Fiona Onasanya already had nine points on his licence as he attempted to launch a career as a singer. A Labour spokesman said she should have resigned when she was convicted in December. He added: “She should do this without delay and not take another penny in salary from the public purse.”
NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF
Yellow warning for snow THE Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings of snow and ice for most of the UK today [Wednesday]. Up to 10cm of snow could fall at higher levels in some areas, with one to 2cm expected on lower ground. Snow showers are predicted to last overnight from Tuesday and there is a risk of further disruptive snow and ice to parts of the country towards the end of the week.
School mum on the run A MOTHER on the school run has been ticketed by police after parking on the exit to a roundabout. West Midlands Police officers from the
Billesley team in Birmingham spotted the woman parked up in the exit which leads to the school on Monday morning. The incident happened at Swanshurst School, a secondary school and sixth form for girls.
The Cut Out Girl wins BART VAN ES has won the Costa Book Of The Year Award for his ‘incredibly important’ account of family bonds and Holocaust trauma, The Cut Out Girl. The Dutch author was joined on stage to receive the award by the subject of his unique biography, Lien, a Jewish girl who escaped persecution in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. She escaped after being taken in by Christian sympathisers, and spent time in the household of Van Es’s grandparents.
17
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
BUSINESS
19
China will ‘firmly defend’ firms after charges against Huawei CHINA has called on Washington to ‘stop the unreasonable crackdown’ on Huawei after the United States stepped up pressure on the tech giant by indicting it on charges of stealing technology and violating sanctions on Iran. Beijing will ‘firmly defend’ its companies, a foreign ministry statement said. It gave no indication that Beijing might retaliate for the charges against Huawei, China’s first global tech brand and the biggest maker of switching gear for phone and internet firms. Huawei Technologies Ltd, which has spent a decade battling American accusations it is a front for Chinese spying, denied committing any
of the violations cited in Monday’s indictment. The foreign ministry complained the US has ‘mobilised state power’ to hurt Chinese firms ‘in an attempt to strangle fair and just operations’. “We strongly urge the United States to stop the unreasonable crackdown on Chinese companies including Huawei,” said the televised statement. It added that Beijing will defend the ‘lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies’ – but gave no details. The charges revealed by the US Justice Department accused Huawei of trying to take a piece of a robot and other technology from a T-Mobile lab that was used to test smartphones. CASHING IN: Harry Potter fans visiting the Warner Bros studio tour in London will soon be able to look around the original set of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. In the attraction’s biggest expansion since it opened in 2012, visitors will have access to the Lestrange vault, filled with props from the films including the Sword of Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, and pass through a gallery of goblins.
Huge gas resource found in North Sea A SIGNIFICANT new gas discovery has been made in the North Sea. It is estimated that there are close to 250million barrels of oil equivalent of recoverable resources at the Glengorm prospect, east of Aberdeen. Total and CNOOC found 37 metres of net gas and condensate in a well drilled to a final depth of 5,056 metres. Further drilling and testing will be carried out to assess resources and the reservoir’s productivity. The latest news comes after Total announced a major gas discovery on the Glendronach prospect on the west of Shetland in September last year. Kevin McLachlan, senior vice president exploration at Total, said: “Following the recent Glendronach discovery, west of Shetland in the UK, Glengorm is another great success for Total in
the North Sea, with results at the top end of expectations and a high condensate yield in addition to the gas. “Our strong position in the region will enable us to leverage existing infrastructures nearby and optimise the development of this discovery. “Glengorm is an achievement that demonstrates our capacity to create value in a mature environment thanks to our in-depth understanding of the basin.” Ross Dornan, Oil & Gas UK’s market intelligence manager, welcomed the news. He said: “This is a major find and a great example of partner companies, CNOOC International, Total E&P and Edison working together to explore and unlock the potential of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ryanair takes full control
Insolvencies on the rise
BUDGET airline Ryanair has taken full control of Laudamotion, an Austrian-based carrier set up by former Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda. Laudamotion said on Tuesday that Ryanair completed the purchase of 100 per cent of the shares in the new airline in late December. It did not give financial details. Ryanair took an initial 24.9 per cent stake in March and later increased that to 75 per cent.
THE number of people going financially insolvent across England and Wales jumped to a seven-year high in 2018. In total, 115,299 people went insolvent during 2018, marking the third year-on-year increase in a row and the highest annual total since 2011. The underlying number of company insolvencies increased to 16,090 last year - the highest level since 2014.
Heavy bills to pay for post Annual leave left behind ROYAL MAIL has warned of a worse-thanexpected fall in addressed letter mailings as business uncertainty takes its toll. The group said addressed letter mailings tumbled 8 per cent over the nine months to December 23 despite its busy Christmas period. It also trimmed the top end of its forecasts for annual earnings to between £500-530million against the earlier forecast of £500-550million.
WORKERS are not taking all their holidays, with an average of seven days left unused. A survey of more than 2,000 adults indicated part-time employees had most days owing at the end of last year, at almost 10 days. Workers in Manchester, Southampton and Norwich were said to be the biggest workaholics – being owed more than eight days of leave, said consultants Lee Hecht Harrison Penna.
20
NEWS
Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG 20mph speed limits are ignored – and drivers don’t bother to signal
the elderly, who have little or no means of protecting themselves against a hungry rodent already living in the house. If the council are choosing to set aside the cost of basic public health protection in favour of a vastly expensive and controversial civic plan, that is not just misguided, it is outrageous and requires urgent remedial action. Public money (our money) should be spent on our demonstrable needs, not in pursuit of someone’s ill-conceived metropolitan vision. Peter Scott Via email
Phoney war is a sign of the times THE WAY AHEAD Speed bumps are the only solution The issue regarding extending 20mph speed limits is a waste of money [January 16]. Why? Where I live, 20mph was introduced and is completely ignored. The police have admitted to me that is it difficult to implement and the only solution would be to introduce speed bumps, which, of course, incur further expense. Regarding accidents involving pedestrians,
Tripping over all these tourists
Your uplifting banner headline ‘Boost to town’s tourism brings £278million to local economy’ [January 16] announced good news indeed. At last something to raise the spirits of the long-suffering citizens of Royal Tunbridge Wells. But with Brexit anxieties dominating the media and fake news all around, are they just too good to be true? I am no economist and have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the widely respected Cambridge Economic Impact Model which was used to arrive at these figures. However, 4.7million trips made to our royal town in 2017? That works out at slightly more than 12,800 individual tourists every day of the year, summer and winter. The equivalent of 246 52-seater coaches. Where, I wonder, have they been parking? Michael Holman Tunbridge Wells
In New Zealand we love libraries
Regarding the cuts to opening hours at Tonbridge library [Times of Tonbridge, January 23], the library is the centre of the community and needs to be treated as such. It’s the place to get reliable information, as well as using computers, the Wi-Fi and borrowing books. One problem in the UK is that you can buy bestsellers in the supermarkets at knockdown prices. Libraries promote literacy, run sessions and community events. Unfortunately, the country has lost the plot and doesn’t know and understand their importance and the services they provide. UK council managers need to come to New Zealand, they will see the importance of
it is not always down to excessive speed but lack of signalling the vehicle’s intended manoeuvre. This is often never given or at the last moment. The pedestrian, especially the elderly or children, are at risk. Motorists should obey the Highway Code and remember ‘more haste, less speed’. John Lindup Tunbridge Wells libraries. We have many open 40-plus hours a week serving populations way under 5,000. These libraries won’t be closing because they are valued so much. Funding isn’t great but they exist and we are also getting new libraries. Nikki Shaw New Zealand
A treasure trove of information
I have reason to be grateful to our library and librarians. After losing my husband I took computer lessons there. Last year tied in with the World War One centenary and I found information on my grandfather’s brothers who we lost at the time. No way could I have got some of this otherwise. York Parade’s librarian was a great help. I would hate to see our libraries disappear. I know some schools don’t even have them now. Sad. Jackie Thake Tonbridge
I smell a rat in council chamber
Shortly before Christmas my wife and I saw a large rat in our garden. When I telephoned the pest control office at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council I was told they no longer operate this service, which involved drain baiting to keep the rat numbers down, but that we should contact a private contractor whom we would pay. The pest controller who arrived told us that we were just one of 14 calls about rats he was having to deal with that day, his firm was being kept extremely busy, and that we were lucky ours was in the garden – most of them are found in houses, some even in lofts. The spread of these disease-carrying pests into domestic dwellings is alarming, and is particularly dangerous for the very young and
Calverley wants suggestions for signs for people oblivious to the world around them because they’re gazing down at their devices and listening to music [January 16]. Really? Won’t this will just encourage them? Should the world give way while they indulge their selfishness and indifference to the rest of us? I’m tired of stepping to one side for these morons, so now I just keep to my route and either they step to one side at the last moment with a muttered apology or a collision occurs. “Must I step aside for you?” I ask. I don’t think they understand what I’m saying. They don’t want signs, a flashing ‘Beware – idiot’ beacon attached to their head should do it. Some countries are setting pedestrian crossing road signs into the pavement. Richard Heath Tunbridge Wells
We’re banking on branch staying
HSBC closed in Paddock Wood months ago and switched customers to central Tunbridge Wells, despite the distance and the lack of parking. HSBC also withdrew their cashpoint. There never was a Lloyds, although the head offices of some businesses insisted on their branches using it. Therefore, NatWest is the last bank in town. NatWest is a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is government-owned. Hopefully, the government will honour their commitments. R A Underhill Via email
Brexit is all about party allegiance
David Lower [January 16] states that Brexit was decided by the referendum result. It was not. Both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn could have ignored it as advisory but instead chose not to do so for purely party reasons. As a result they have plunged this country into its most severe constitutional crisis since the 17th century, and widened the divisions within their own parties as well as intensified social tensions beyond Brexit that have been festering since Margaret Thatcher. God protect us from our own politicians! Incidentally, the 1975 referendum was held under a Labour not Conservative government for much the same party reasons that motivated David Cameron in 2016. James Robertson, Pembury
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
THE idea of a Peoples’ Vote, to decide whether the fiasco that is Brexit should come to a halt, has a fair bit of support in Tunbridge Wells. Here’s a thought, John though. Instead of Bercow spending millions of our money on another referendum, who not take the easy route and simply ask John Bercow what he wants? The Speaker of the House has managed to get his own way so far. Oh, and a message to Mrs May [PM]: We know Speakers are normally handed a peerage as a matter of routine – not this time, please. OUT of the mouths of kids. Enjoying a quiet lunch at Hoopers last week, Calverley happened to overhear a family on the next table talking about transplants. He has no idea how the conversation came about. One of the youngsters, who was probably aged about ten, said he would not mind all his bits and pieces being used to help others, ‘apart from my eyes’. Mum: “But why not your eyes?” Boy: “Because I want to be able to see when I get to heaven.” Bless him.
LOYALTY schemes are a big deal these days, particularly at coffee shops. Calverley regularly pops into Costa at Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, where you get five points when you spend a pound. But have you ever worked out how much you have to hand over before you get that free cup of coffee? No, neither has Himself – he was never top of the class in maths. But those more clever than Himself say you would have to spend £55 to earn a free medium cappuccino. Bet that’s blown the froth away. Where’s that tea bag?
CALLS came thick and fast for Prince Philip (97) to hand over the keys to his car (Land Rover) after his crash. Let’s not be too hasty. Last year 11,245 drivers over the age of 70 were involved in accidents. That’s two out of every 1,000. There are 2.8 million motorists aged 17 to 24 and they were involved in more than four times as many accidents at nine per 1,000. Try and take their licences away. Chin Chin, readers
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
EDUCATION Times THE ONLY WAY IS UP Years 5 and 6 show their dance moves
Fordcombe pupils have taste of good life Healthy Eating Week at primary school enhanced by dance routines in playground By Andy Tong PUPILS at Fordcombe Primary School have been dancing away the winter chill before classes to work up an appetite for their Healthy Eating Week, which took place last week. Every morning the KS2 Dance Club and parent Poppy Wealands were leading the rest of the school a merry dance with the Wake Up, Shake Up sessions in the playground. Teachers and parents also joined in the choreography to go with two songs played over loudspeakers each day before school started. Mrs Wealands said: “There was a teacher at the school called Miss Piper who used to start each day with 20 minutes of dancing in the classroom and it was fabulous. “It improved the kids’ concentration so much. I’ve done quite a bit of research on this and the statistics back it up. “As well as the obvious benefits to your fitness, it gets the endorphins going and the blood pumping. And it means you can all have a smile and a laugh at the absurdity of it all.” She has been impressed by the way the girls in
Year Six took control and they have said they would like to do it every morning – or maybe just play the music and see what happens. “It was brilliant,” said Mrs Wealands. “I know my week at work has been great after starting the day like that. “It would have been better to have more boys involved but a lot of them were just standing around flossing!”
‘The food that the pupils are eating is hot, wholesome and varied’ The week also included Healthy Living assemblies describing the importance of nutritious eating, taking exercise and keeping healthy teeth. Zebedee’s, who provide the school dinners, brought in a nutritionist to talk about the benefits of different food groups. One of the KS2 classes were invited to make healthy pizzas to take home, and there was a
Healthy Eating poster competition. Headteacher Chris Blackburn said: “There has been much in the news recently about the level of sugar that children are eating, with the average child eating double the recommended daily intake. “Pupils undertook an exercise in class around creating a healthy packed lunch, and members of the Pupil Council went into the school hall to give stickers to those children who have made healthy choices.” Parents were also invited to come in and eat lunch with the children free of charge, with a Zebedee’s representation answering questions about the choices on offer. Mr Blackburn said: “In the run-up to Christmas, I was eating fairly regularly in the dining hall. The food that the pupils are eating is hot, wholesome and varied. “Each day, the children were presented with two choices, with vegetables or salad, that I feel is a pretty good meal. “Children being children means that some eat it all, some pick around the veggies, some eat only the plain pasta.”
Education
NEWS
21
22
NEWS
Weekly Comment
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015, and was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017.
A medical practice model for our community LAST week I went to a funeral in Canterbury Cathedral. It was a beautiful service, full of hymns, English music and joyful reminiscences of a father who came to Kent to build a home, a family and a life and found it in our corner of the United Kingdom. There were hundreds of people there. The eulogies gave him different names – father, husband, doctor – but the theme throughout was clear. Here was a man who had touched lives, who had cared. Perhaps that’s not surprising in someone who had devoted his life to medicine, but the turnout spoke of more than that. He was a man who understood the role of medicine in society, the role of doctors in health, and the way general practice can change lives. His example was not lost on others because it was spoken about so widely. Many years before I mourned his loss, I knew about his work. The Whitstable Medical Practice, from which he served, is a model for many in our community. Indeed, I first heard about it as soon as I started looking into the Combined Medical Facility which is planned for Edenbridge, it was held up as one of Kent’s finest. Whitstable Medical Practice has pioneered bringing together treatments that would often have needed a trip to hospital, making many different types of treatment avail-
able in the community. That’s life-changing. Instead of having to drive to a hospital or wait for public transport, people can access specialist care straight from their GP. That’s good for the patient, obviously, but it’s also good for the GP, who can develop new specialism and expand the work available, and for the hospital, who can focus on the most complex cases. But it’s also good for all of us. The innovation Whitstable has shown has helped keep medical costs down.
PRESCRIBED Tonbridge Medical Group premises needed
Innovation That’s not about cost-saving but money stretching. One pound in every seven the government spends goes on health so increasing the budget – as we did with £20billion earlier this year – is hard. We know that already. Instead, we need to listen to those who know how to do better so the NHS can continue to do what it does so well and underwrite the UK economy. It’s also why new premises for Tonbridge Medical Group are important. Anyone on the books, as well as the GPs themselves, will know that the current Pembury Road practice isn’t sustainable in the long term. Enabling better facilities locally so NHS services can provide more facilities is vital here in Tonbridge, too.
The NHS is inspiring to so many of us. Like the Army, where I served for many years, it is part of government but its distinct ethos pushes people further and empowers them to make a difference. In the best hands, like many of the GP practices we see in our community, this has seen innovation and enterprise meet as doctors look at social prescribing as well as traditional cures. What they do every day makes the country health-
ier, safer and stronger. And by taking on so many of the everyday risks we all face, it allows us to grow, try, and succeed for the benefit of all. I wasn’t surprised to see so many people thanking Dr Lakshman ‘David’ Kanagasooriam – he didn’t just build a home and family here in Kent, his work helped us all build our own lives, too. Thank you. And thank you to all those who continue to serve our community.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
WITH THE
Move Times
AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS
INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk
A circle in a spiral…
A crowning glory in Kings Hill Page 27
26
BED INTO A TOP TOWN TERRACE
47
Art of glass
FEEL AT HOME IN THE NEW HOLLOW
48
Architecture trends for 2019 Page 39
GIVE THIS NEW GYM A GO FOR FREE
24
Move
WITH THE
Times
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Best For...
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Best property buys for... We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look… The SITTING ROOM…
Bedford Terrace Tunbridge Wells
Guide price
£850,000 CONTACT • Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk A gorgeous, extensively renovated Grade II-listed Georgian house. Part of one of Tunbridge Wells’ most fabulous terraces, it sits right in the heart of the historic pedestrian lanes near Chapel Place, The Pantiles and the High Street. Bedford Terrace, which still has a wrought-iron gate entrance, is a real jewel in the royal town’s crown! MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Set over four floors n Through sitting room with front bow window n Dining room with open fire, open to: n Smallbone fitted kitchen n 3 bedrooms, 2 with working open fireplaces n Bathroom with pedestal bath and walk-in shower n Sheltered south west-facing courtyard garden n Located in a privately-owned, brick-paved lane
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Best For...
Move
WITH THE
Times 25
The PRICE… The SPIRAL STAIRCASE…
Darwin Drive Tonbridge
£340,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com A semi-detached house ideal for families, being well placed for schools and amenities as well as having woodland walks and playing fields on the doorstep. Plus it offers the potential to extend, subject to consents. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Through living/dining room n Fitted kitchen with access to garden n 3 bedrooms, 2 being doubles n Family bathroom n Garden with patio n Driveway parking and garage
Lindel Court
Kings Hill, West Malling
Guide price
£350,000 CONTACT • Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533367 • kings-estates.co.uk An impressive penthouse apartment with a balcony, a spiral staircase to a mezzanine, and fabulous views over Kings Hill Golf Course. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Entry system n Hallway with feature curved glass brick wall n Superb sitting/dining room with full height vaulted ceiling, mezzanine with 2 Velux windows, double doors to balcony and sliding doors to kitchen n Modern fitted kitchen with part-vaulted ceiling n Master bedroom with en-suite shower n Further double bedroom with access hatch to loft
The Maples
Broadwater Down Tunbridge Wells
Price range
£500,000-£550,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk An elegant period apartment with its own front door and area of garden. It is part of a Victorian villa in this popular tree-lined avenue. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Dual-aspect reception room with feature fireplace and triple-arched sash windows n Kitchen/dining room with larder n Galleried landing with roof lights n 3 bedrooms n Family bathroom with roll-top bath, ‘his and hers’ vanity basins and Velux skylights
n Bathroom
n Own large area of garden
n Secure gated parking and lockable storage space
n Share of freehold
n Allocated parking for 2 cars, plus garage
38
Move
WITH THE
Times
PropertyFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Lighting Centre have an enormous range of lighting and furniture to freshen up your home and outdoor space. With stylish and useful furniture for every room in the house... dining, living, office, bedroom and garden. Free parking and an experienced, friendly sales team results in your one stop home shop. Towns Bathrooms can help you get the bathroom of your dreams. Whether it be modern, contemporary or quirky we have something to suit everyone. Our two story showroom in Tonbridge is a great place to get inspiration and our consultants are happy to help you with any design requirements you have.
Tonbridge TN9 1SW 01732 363583 Tunbridge Wells TN2 3BF 01892 527647 www.lighting-centres.co.uk
www.townsmerchant.co.uk 01732 350911
Rencraft have been designing and manufacturing kitchens and furniture from their workshop in Kent for almost 40 years. They believe the difference is in the detail and their calm, considered approach can turn your dreams into reality. Unit 9, Chart Farm, Sevenoaks & 81 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells www.rencraft.co.uk
Trade2Trade Windows Ltd are a family run business operating in and around London and the South East. We offer high quality products at realistic prices, and offer our customers the best support and advice available. We quite simply are the place for your home improvement needs. Unit 12 Victory Park, Trident Close, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4ER 01732 449093 www.t2twindows.com
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Property
Move
From house Whether you’re taking on an ambitious house building project or simply want to carry out a few finishing touches to your space here are the experts you need in your contacts book
Royal Victoria House, 51-55 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells www.stylemyhome.com
John Bullock Design is a dedicated and awardwinning architectural practice, seeking to create beautiful, unique buildings and spaces which are site specific and each client’s unique brief. No project is too big nor too small. 01892 525732 www.johnbullockdesign.com
marymarycreates@gmail.com 01732 362982
Times 39
to home
Style My Home is an independent interior design studio and colour consultancy located in Tunbridge Wells with clients throughout Kent, Sussex and London. Lead Designer Caroline can help with styling and accessorising as well as space planning for new extensions and refurbishments.
Mary Mary’s dynamic team offer a complete service of design, build and garden management, enabling us to develop gardens as unique and personal as any room within your home. We believe that a professionally designed and tended garden gives years of pleasure, enhancing your quality of life, as well as your property.
WITH THE
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Property Focus
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture
Move
WITH THE
Times 41
John Bullock
Architectural services Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients. johnbullockdesign.com
2019 – home move or home improve? THE ORANGERY A favourite for adding a light room with style
anything to go by, the home renovation trend looks set to continue, and this year will be a busy one despite the general political uncertainly. In terms of design, we are still seeing a desire to create larger open-plan spaces, but we have
seen a slight push-back on complete openplan living, with signs of a return to smaller rooms with a specific function – although the dining room is yet to make a comeback with the majority of home-extenders.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS AROUND HOME RENOVATIONS
F
OR most of us, our home is our biggest asset and can speak volumes about us, whether it’s an uber-modern apartment or a cosy cluttered family residence packed with precious memories. Either way, even though our homes are bricks and mortar they often express our personalities, which is why we become so attached to them. LOOKING BACK AT 2018 It’s no surprise, perhaps, that during 2018 we found a significant number of clients chose to stay put in in their homes, preferring to extend and remodel over moving. Perhaps the unsettled property market surrounding Brexit was also an influence. It would seem to be a nationwide trend, with UK local councils experiencing a third (29%) rise in the number of planning permission requests made by homeowners over the last ten years. In key UK renovation hotspots, one in every 30 or so households made a planning application last year. Also combine this with the high level of costs associated with moving, and a shortage of good family houses available to purchase in
Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding towns and villages, and staying put and doing up seems wise. Looking back at the John Bullock column over the past 12 months, the case studies we’ve covered also demonstrate our clients’ keenness to improve their current homes. Our extensions included orangeries, listed buildings, a contemporary glass box, plus basement and attic conversions. WHAT WILL TREND IN 2019? One of our popular features from last year was a barn conversion, and as the New Year opens we are already fielding enquiries from potential clients who wish to explore and develop their outbuildings in 2019. Perhaps this will be a New Year trend? If so, within the remit of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councils, a barn conversion is still very much a viable option. Within Wealden District Council, the planning policies changed during the course of last year and there is a more stringent set of policy criteria to follow, nevertheless, with the right advice it’s still a possibility. Overall, if the first few weeks of 2019 are
Why do people improve rather than move? 36% Change in personal circumstance 25% Put off by high property prices 13% Put off by stamp duty 8% Put off by Brexit 8% Put off by potential rise in interest rates
How much value do extensions add? 10.8% Loft 11.2% Bedroom 5.7% Bathroom 10.8% Kitchen 6.7% Basement
What are the improvement priorities? 54% Bathroom 51% Kitchen 20% Living space 10% Additional bedrooms 11% Office space
Research taken from: Hiscox Renovations and Extensions Report 2018
THE GLASS BOX A desirable, and functional, contemporary extension
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Stratford
Street
Move
WITH THE
Times 43
AT A GLANCE STRATFORD STREET TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Attractive, deceptively spacious mid-terrace house n Solid wood entrance door n Sitting room with fireplace n Dining room with fireplace and exposed brick surround n Kitchen with painted wood panelling, wood block work surfaces, butlerstyle sink, built-in larder, plus Velux roof window and doors to garden n Distinctive ground floor wet room with Industrial-style door, metro tiled walls, ‘floating’ WC, copper pipe work shower and mosaic tiled flooring n 2 double bedrooms with fireplaces n Bathroom (accessed via one of the bedrooms) with painted wood panelling and roll-top claw-foot bath n Pretty enclosed rear garden with Indian sandstone patio and shed n No onward chain
GUIDE PRICE
£325,000-£350,000 CONTACT • Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533367 • kings-estates.co.uk
A stylish, and affordable, period terraced house close to upgraded Grosvenor and Hilbert Park
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Property Focus
NEW HOMES
Rocks Hollow
London Road, Southborough
GUIDE PRICES: 4-BEDS
£675,000 5-BEDS STARTING FROM
£875,000 6-BEDS
£885,000
CONTACT
• Catriona Hill-Scanlon Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507005 • savills.co.uk A SELECT development of just nine new, traditionally-constructed family homes in a prime location in Southborough. Lying at the top of the hill, near the cricket green and Hand & Sceptre pub, they are close to the countryside yet just a mile from High Brooms Station. The Brookwood Homes plots comprise 4 semi-detached 4 beds, 2 detached 5 beds, and 3 detached 6 beds.
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Natural stone fireplaces, with a wood burner in plots 5-9 n Open-plan kitchen/dining areas with stone work surfaces and Bosch appliances n Bathroom, en suite and WC with vanity units, luxurious white suites by Villeroy & Boch, and Hansgrohe fittings n Gas-fired underfloor heating throughout the ground floor n Private gardens featuring a landscaped front garden, and feature planting and turfing and patio at the rear n Driveways and parking n Garages to selected plots
New Homes
Move
WITH THE
Times 47
A TOUCH OF RURAL APPEAL On the edge of Southborough near the open countryside
48
Move
WITH THE
Times
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Commercial
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Property Focus New instructions for Durlings… COMM ERCIA L PROPERT Y
Speedy new gym says run along to try them for free IN KEEPING with the speed associated with staying fit, Sol Gilbert and Alan McGuinness refitted and launched the new Underground Gym Tunbridge Wells within four weeks of receiving the keys from town commercial property agents Durlings, who completed the letting to the south coast operators. Opening in Longfield Road towards the end of last year, the chain – which also has gyms in Brighton and Newhaven – says the response from the public has been amazing. The gym, a former Gymnastics Centre totalling approximately 17,500 sq ft, has near enough everything you need to have fun and achieve your goals, including a cardio section, a large strength floor with huge leg section, an extensive combat
THE FORMER AUCTION HALL, THE PANTILES Planning consent has been approved for a change of use to offices with a new mezzanine floor providing 4,400 sq ft of air-conditioned space. This building is currently being offered on a pre-let basis.
MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD A new lease is available for the ground and first floors of this refurbished retail space. There is also a basement store area.
PANTILES HOUSE, NEVILL STREET Ground floor open-plan office space of 2,320 sq ft with 4 parking spaces is now available on a new lease.
KNIGHTS WOOD There is one remaining retail space, next to the Skinners’ Academy Primary School, available to purchase on a 999-year lease basis. This shop is at the entrance to Dandara’s development of 500 houses set in 220 acres, and is suitable for a wide variety of uses.
area and a functional area, which includes a new free movement/ninja warrior space. The team also run a full timetable of classes ranging from spin, Pilates and yoga in the studio to energetic HIIT and combat-based classes on the main floor, and want to encourage members to cross-train in a fun but safe environment under the supervision of highly qualified coaches. The gym’s owners would love everyone to try the facility free of charge until the end of September, so if you are free do pop in and speak to the team about achieving and maintaining those fitness goals. For more information, visit underground-gym.com/tunbridge-wells
CONTACT DURLINGS COMMERCIAL AGENTS on 01892 552500, or visit durlings.co.uk
Also successfully negotiated… THE REGENT, CROWBOROUGH The sale of this property, which was originally a cinema, completed recently to a London-based private investor. It was formerly a mix of offices and leisure uses and was sold with planning consent for conversion to 10 apartments, which it is understood will be offered for rent. BAYHAM HOUSE, GROSVENOR ROAD These self-contained offices have been leased to the MAP Group, who planned to occupy once fitout works had been completed. The MAP Group is formed of four companies: MAP Contracts, MAP Environmental, MAP Quality Control and Sourcing and MAP Energy Funding Solutions.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Life&Times
ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...
IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk
56
JERRY WILLIAMS STRIKES A CHORD
58
TOM KERRIDGE RETURNS
62
THE BEST RELAXING HOLIDAYS
Hell’s kitchen?
70
Actress Caroline Langrishe on playing a troubled cook
Page 52
HOCKEY TEAM’S TRIUMPHANT WIN
Life&Times
arts
52
Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Kitchen confidential
The much anticipated production of the play Caroline’s Kitchen comes to the Assembly Hall next week. Eileen Leahy asks its star, actor Caroline Langrishe, why it has all the right ingredients for being the perfect mix of dark drama and laugh-out-loud comedy PRESSURE COOKING Caroline takes refuge in wine in her busy kitchen
Can you tell us what Caroline’s Kitchen is all about? It is about a celebrity personality chef called Caroline Mortimer who is the nation’s favourite cook. She’s a little à la Nigella Lawson mixed with a handful of others, such as Delia Smith. Caroline, like Delia, presents a kitchen programme filmed from her own home which is very popular. The play opens with this TV show, and very quickly we see what goes on backstage – in other words in her real life – and it all unravels in one evening. It is a dark comedy that descends into a farce.
Can you tell us a bit more about Caroline Mortimer’s private life? Caroline is a Home Counties, middle-class woman who appears to have a perfect marriage, perfect kitchen, and a perfect son who has gone to Eton and Cambridge, where he’s just graduated with a First. She is sprightly and at the top of her game – or so she thinks!
What makes this comedy such a special piece to perform? It’s the fact it becomes such a farce. It is fast and furious and we see many sides of Caroline’s personality and her dealing with everything thrown at her, including her
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
THAT SINKING FEELING… When your recipe for life seems to be going horribly wrong
PA, who she constantly spars with, along with her domineering, golf-loving husband. Caroline is a well-observed mother with a university-aged son. If I were to say anything else it will give the game away! How many are in the cast, and how long
have you been rehearsing?
There are six of us and we’ve been rehearsing in total for about five weeks with a hiatus for Christmas, which included my younger daughter’s wedding, so I was spinning plates – quite literally! All good research for the character though…
How long have you been touring the play? We’ve been going for about two weeks now. We opened in Derby on January 24 and are coming to Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from February 5.
Arts & Culture
Life&Times
53
‘As a cast for this play we enjoy the audience’s laughter. It’s what keeps us going… There is no time to get bored or drift off’
How do you adjust to spending a week at a time in a different place? I’m quite good at it and rather like it. We are in a theatre for a week at a time and each one is completely different – some modern, others Victorian. I have never played the Assembly Hall Theatre, so that is quite exciting as I grew up in Kent. It can be unsettling being in a strange bed each week, but I’m good at nesting.
What are the downsides to touring? If you don’t like somewhere it doesn’t matter as you’re
only there for a short time. If you do like somewhere you can get in your car and explore, a bit like a tourist, and see parts of the UK you wouldn’t normally.
What are your favourite things to do in your downtime between performances in new places? I like to go on walks. I’m excited about going to Eastbourne and walking on the cliff tops. I also like finding nice places to eat! Aden Gillett
What have you and the cast enjoyed most about performing Caroline’s Kitchen? As a cast for this play we enjoy the
audience’s laughter. It is what keeps us going. I think they will be constantly surprised by what is going on. There is no time to get bored or drift off.
What’s next for you, personally, after Caroline’s Kitchen? I am going to New York with Caroline’s Kitchen from mid-April until May, so I can’t really think beyond that as there is lots to be done in the meantime! Caroline’s Kitchen stars Caroline Langrishe, Aden Gillett and James Sutton and is on at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Tuesday February 5 until Saturday February 9. Tickets and timings vary, so for more details visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
54
Life&Times
Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
goingout 7 days of activities
WEDNESDAY Every Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm the Angel Indoor Bowls Club in Tonbridge welcomes beginners to their Have a go at bowling evening. There’s even a free drink on offer at the bar afterwards! For more details, visit angelibc.co.uk Entertainment of a different kind can be enjoyed over at the Odeon cinema and Trinity Theatre, where you can catch live screenings of
By Eileen Leahy
the Royal Opera House performing La Traviata. Verdi’s famous opera is set in Paris and centres on Alfredo, who falls in love with the courtesan Violetta, but underneath all this there are dark undercurrents which jeopardise their love affair. This production by Richard Eyre is being touted as a must-see, so what are you waiting for? Tickets and timings can be sourced at trinitytheatre.net and odeon.co.uk
THURSDAY From 10am this morning, the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park will be hosting a swept away event, encouraging people to come along and help them sweep up the park’s surrounding paths and scalloping near the wetlands. Meet by the hub at 10am and dress appropriately for the weather. The event is on until 3pm. Trinity Theatre’s current exhibition is entitled Winter Portraits, by Jurgita Nakos. The artist’s work is inspired by the season between autumn and spring and ‘calls for introspection’. The gallery goes on to ask: “Does looking at a portrait through the prism of winter affect our way of feeling or interpreting its subject? Is our sensory perception of the face or the story behind it affected?” Why not go along and see for yourself? Open daily between 10am and 10pm. Trinity, along with the Odeon, will be screening another live performance from London tonight, this time from the National Theatre. David Hare’s play I’m Not Running is the tale of Pauline Gibson (Siân Brooke), a doctor who’s the inspiring leader of a local health campaign. When she becomes an MP and crosses paths with her old boyfriend, a stalwart loyalist in Labour Party politics, she’s faced with an agonising decision. Should you sacrifice your private life and your piece of mind for something more than a single issue? Does she dare? Go along at 7pm to find out. Tickets are from £20 at trinitytheatre.net and odeon.co.uk
FRIDAY Tonight at 8pm, comedian Hal Cruttenden takes to the stage at Trinity Theatre. The Have I Got News For You and Live at the Apollo star’s new show is called Chubster. His daughters chose the title, so guess what? Hal’s now on a diet. Expect Cruttenden’s usual acerbic witty observations about modern-day life… tickets cost £19.
SATURDAY LA TRAVIATA Live at Trinity Theatre and the Odeon
Keep your New Year fitness resolutions going well beyond January by joining the weekly park runs which happen at both Dunorlan Park and the Castle Street recreation ground in Tonbridge.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
JOIN THE PARADE Through the winter lantern workshop
They’re free to enter, all you have to do is register your details beforehand so you can participate in the 5k circuits, which start at 9am. For more information see parkrun.org.uk Also today, there will be a Lantern Parade workshop happening from 10am until 12.30pm at Church of Christ in Camden Road. It’s in preparation for next Saturday’s Winter Lantern Parade, which will start at Royal Victoria Place at 5.30pm and make its way down Camden Road to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. If you’re looking for an alternative pastime this weekend, then why not pop along to The Pantiles Market, which is on today and tomorrow until
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
4pm? There will be all manner of specialist foodie, interior and vintage stalls for your delectation. Tonight at Tunbridge Wells Football Club’s Culverden Stadium there will be a Comedy Beats event at 8pm. Your compere is Roger Monkhouse, who’ll be introducing four different comedians: Mike Gunn, Christian Reilly and Sean Collins. Tickets cost £10 (or £11 including online booking fee) and can be ordered at comedybeats.com
Mortimer’s turbulent private life off-screen, which is close to boiling point. Caroline Langrishe, Aden Gillett and James Sutton star, and tickets and times can be found at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk See our arts and culture special on pages 52-53 At the EM Forster Theatre, there’s a talk on
PICK OF THE WEEK:
Amazing Astronomy at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park
SUNDAY Keen wannabe comics and fans of stand-up should head over to The Beau Nash Tavern on Mount Ephraim tonight, where there will be an Open Mic night happening. Organisers of the event say that ‘all styles and abilities’ are welcome to attend the evening, which starts at 8pm. Entry is free, but get there early so you can sign yourself up to perform, or to just ensure you have a good seat! There’s another chance to see a live screening of the Royal Opera House’s performance of La Traviata at the Odeon today at 2pm. Tickets cost £23.25 per person. Visit odeon.co.uk And if you pop along to Tonbridge School’s OBS gallery you can see its Babel exhibition – a wonderfully rich selection of ceramics, paintings, installations and photographs. Entrance is free and the show can be viewed every weekend from 12noon until 4pm until March 4. Visit tonbridge-school.co.uk/obsg Over at Trinity Theatre at 2.30pm, you can catch a performance of Aesop’s Fables, brought to you by Cat’s Grin Theatre. Using humorous and colourful POLITICAL ANGST in I’m Not Running
Going Out
Saturday Feb 2, 6 to 9.30pm
The Mid-Kent Astronomical Society invites you along to an evening which shows you how
characterisation, they bring to life many of Aesop’s wise and foolish creatures. With their simple morals based on universal truths, these tales have formed an essential part of childhood lore for over 2,000 years. Tickets cost £7 and the play is suitable for children aged four and over.
MONDAY Today at 11am, in celebration of World Wetlands Day, there will be a pond dipping event at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. All are welcome, but please dress appropriately for the weather.
TUESDAY The comic play Caroline’s Kitchen starts its run at the Assembly Hall this evening. On until Saturday, it focuses on successful TV cook Caroline
Life&Times
55
Shakespeare, Death and Dismemberment by Dr Farah Karim-Cooper, who oversees the Higher Education programme and leads research and scholarship at Shakespeare’s Globe. This is a must for any lover of the Bard’s work. It starts at 7pm and tickets are free but limited. best to appreciate the wonderful sky at night. If you’re into astronomy and stargazing, then this event, which is perfect for all ages, is for you. Meet at the hub and your guides will take it from there… Tickets cost £2 per person and children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential, so if you’d like to go along please email: emma.peters@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
56
Life&Times
Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Alana Hazzard, Ryan Weeks, Biddle Friday Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard and Friends plus special guest Paul Malsom Saturday Closed for a private party Sunday Orfila, Chasing Shadows, Sophie Harmsworth
live music With Paul Dunton
I
F YOU fancy a great midweek outing tonight [Wednesday], head to The Forum’s Stable showcase, with live sets from Kung Fu Slipper, The Dunning-Kruger Group and The Paul Gunn Collective. Meanwhile, local songstress Alana Hazzard headlines The Grey Lady with great support from Ryan Weeks and Biddle. On Thursday night, The Bedford hosts AVP Open Mic night in aid of the Jay Harmer Foundation, and The Forum hosts the Under 18s Open Mic. On Friday evening, fans of old school jazz can catch The Roaring Twenties Orchestra at The Masonic Hall in St John’s Road. Rising star Jerry Williams headlines at The Forum, and there is a rockin’ line-up at The Sussex Arms Basement with
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
Tempest, supported by Dayshift, Centuries and Vichaima. Saturday night sees Wayne Bridle at The Beau Nash Tavern, The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra live at Trinity Theatre performing the music of Ella & Louis, and The Magic of Motown at to The Assembly Hall. Plus charismatic ‘Shep Sheperd’ will be live at The Royal Oak. The Assembly Hall hosts The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra and pianist Aleksandar Djermanovic on Sunday, while popular local acts Orfila, Chasing Shadows and Sophie Harmsworth are at The Grey Lady. For folk fans, Bond of Union are at the Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday, and Pete Webb & Friends return to The Punch & Judy on Tuesday.
THE FORUM Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday The Stable: Kung Fu Slipper, The Dunning-Kruger Group, Paul Gun Thursday Under-18s Open Mic Friday Jerry Williams, Wild Front THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm, more information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Thursday AVP Open Mic Night in aid of the Jay Harmer Foundation Saturday Sleeper THE MASONIC HALL St John’s Road Event information and tickets at twjazzclub. co.uk Friday The Roaring Twenties Orchestra THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event details & tickets available at twforum.co.uk Music from 8.30pm
Paul Gunn Friday Tempest, Dayshift, Centuries, Vichaima TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Tickets at trinitytheatre.net Saturday The Music of Ella & Louis with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra
THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road See assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Saturday Magic of Motown Sunday Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra with pianist Aleksandar Djermanovic Jerry Williams
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Wayne Bridle Sunday Open Mic Night THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Acoustic Night live from The Oak Stage with Shep! TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with a suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) Music from 8pm, all welcome more information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Bond of Union THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Tuesday Pete Webb & Friends
Wednesday January 23 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
57
Life&Times
food
58
Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Get set to party in the park With the news that Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park will transform Dunorlan into a ‘gastro and grooves’ wonderland once again this summer, Eileen Leahy caught up with the Michelin-star chef to see what he’s got cooking for this year’s event
A
FTER the huge success of last year’s Pub in the Park at Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park, mastermind Tom Kerridge clearly can’t wait to get back there judging by how happy he sounds about the prospect when I interview him. The Michelin-star chef, successful author and TV personality brims with excitement as he reminisces about the inaugural event.
“Last year you guys in Tunbridge Wells were just the best,” he smiles. “The people and weather were amazing! Everyone was such great fun and there was a great vibe at Dunorlan. The fantastic weather made it special, and the fact it was the first year there. “But what I also liked was that everyone knew what Pub in the Park was going to be all about. Everyone grabbed it, got and loved it!” And that, is precisely why Tom and his team are really looking
forward to returning again this summer, over the weekend of July 12 to 14, for lots more servings of gastro food, good grooves and everything else in between. The set-up will be the same as last year: There’ll be a raft of famous foodie faces, including Angela Hartnett, Atul Kochhar and the Tanner brothers – who run The Kentish Hare in Bidborough – all cooking up a storm at their individual pop-up restaurants. There will also be a
‘The people and weather were amazing! Everyone was such great fun and there was a great vibe at Dunorlan’
variety of local artisan food and drink producers present, as well as a stellar music line-up: Rick Astley, Soul II Soul Sound System, Basement Jaxx, Will Young and Gabrielle, to name just a few. There are also lots more acts and chefs to be announced, says Tom, so watch this space… Pub in the Park began in 2017 in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where Tom Kerridge runs his two Michelin-star pubs The Hand & Flowers and The Coach.
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
Last year it successfully branched out to three other locations: Knutsford, Bath and Tunbridge Wells, and this year Pub in the Park has also added Chiswick, St Albans, Warwick and Leeds to its touring schedule. But Tom says that although the number of Pub in The Park venues has doubled, they will not be doubling the size of each event or compromising on the quality food and music offerings. “Each one will still be the same size because we don’t want it to be packed, we want it to be personal,” he promises. “That was how we found the vibe at each venue last year, and that was amazing. I was wandering around seeing people eating loads of food, enjoying the sunshine, having a couple of drinks then watching a band. Now, it really doesn’t get better than that, does it?” Will there be any different elements to this year or will it be a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it?
SETTLING INTO THE GROOVE People enjoying last year’s sizzling Pub in the Park
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk “Well, it’s still going to be the same sort of vibe,” explains Tom. “But there will be different dishes and a different slant to things. “Think of it like going to your favourite restaurant and ordering something different from the menu this time. “We’re still growing lots of ideas and thinking along the lines of having more veggie and pudding options as well as more things for kids to do. “There are some really fun ideas buzzing around and it’s good to get involved in something like this so heavily because it has a really good vibe.” Anyone who went to last year’s events will know that’s certainly true. And what makes it such a good ‘vibe’ is that Tom is totally involved in proceedings. If he’s not cooking up some amazing gastronomic fare from his pubs’ pop-ups he’s doing cookery demos, talking to stallholders or donning a high-vis jacket to help keep the traffic flowing. “Yes, I am not averse to putting on a high-vis if it means I can help out with something,” he chuckles. “Every time we do Pub in the Park we learn from it and ask ourselves how we can do things better. But ultimately, if the chefs are all happy then so will everyone else be!” Is there anyone else Tom would love to have on board for this year? “Well not really,” he says. “I have my dream team. I just ask all my friends to do it and most of them say yes! “It gives them a chance to have fun and it’s a great time for everyone involved.” And what about that other essential ingredient – the weather? “Oh my God, it would be amazing if the sun shone again, wouldn’t it?” laughs Tom. Somehow I think that given his Midas touch with successful festivals, Tom might just be able to pre-order some sunshine from the menu…
Food & Drink
Life&Times
59
The fantastic line-up so far for Tunbridge Wells’ Pub in the Park FRIDAY EVENING: RICK ASTLEY KT TUNSTALL SATURDAY AFTERNOON: SOUL II SOUL SOUNDSYSTEM SATURDAY EVENING: BASEMENT JAXX (DJ SET) STEREO MCS SUNDAY AFTERNOON: GABRIELLE NATALIE WILLIAMS AND
THE SOUL FAMILY SUNDAY EVENING: WILL YOUNG THE BLUETONES Here are just a few of the pubs who’ll be stirring up their cooking sensations: The Kentish Hare, Bidborough Indian Essence, Petts Wood The Compasses Inn, Canterbury
The Sportsman, Seasalter The Hand & Flowers, Marlow Berners Tavern, Fitzrovia The Half Moon, Kidford Café Murano, Covent Garden
Will Young
For all the latest information on the Pub in the Park bands playing in Tunbridge Wells, see pubintheparkuk.com/ tunbridge-wells/music
KT Tunstall
The Kentish Hare’s Tanner brothers
Life&Times
travel
62
THERE BE DRAGONS… But only in Komodo
STUNNING The scenery when you go in search of those dragons
Travel
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
The charm of island hopping
and wildlife adventures If you need time to relax, the perfect holiday may just be sailing away to the islands of your dreams, spotting unusual creatures along the way…
M
OST of us look forward to our next holiday adventure and spend months, even years saving and planning for such an important event. Helpful tools like the internet are available to everyone, which means the world really is our oyster. Holidaymakers are so much more informed in comparison to the travellers of yesteryear. With a click of a button we can view maps and navigate locations, distances and see live street images of where our prospective hotel is located, and whether there are decent restaurants or shopping facilities on the doorstep. And, more importantly, we view the sightseeing opportunities and local tours on offer to us. Travellers want to make the most out of their time in their destinations of choice. That said, it’s not uncommon these days for wannabe wanderlusters to visit more
than one destination during their holiday and fully immerse themselves in multiple experiences and locations within a reasonable vicinity.
Exploration For many, island hopping is a dream getaway, and with ocean travel becoming increasingly available to all budgets it is fast becoming the holiday of choice. Exploration and active holidays are also becoming much more of an attraction than the good old sit-round-the-pool package deal. South Africa and the Atlantic Islands have long been a bucket-list destination for many and it’s easy to see why. South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation due to the diverse population, with something for everyone to see. That includes Table Mountain in Cape Town, one of the oldest mountains in the world; the ‘big five’ game you can witness
ALL DECKED OUT Ready to see the world
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Travel
Life&Times
63
MOUNTAIN BARED Table Mountain stands tall aboove the city
ATMOSPHERIC The clouds of Cape Town mask Table Mountain on a safari adventure; and of course the fascinating history of Nelson Mandela, the first black president elected in South Africa. Madagascar is also undoubtedly one of Africa’s most fascinating countries – an island nation surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It also has wildlife that can be found here, such as the charismatic lemurs that call this island home. Madagascar is also the fourth largest island on the planet, so you can be sure there’s lots to explore.
Dragons STANDOUT The baobab trees of Madagascar
Combining wildlife and islandhopping getaways can be done in many parts of the world, and Indonesia is another location sought after by
many travellers looking for their next destination high. And who can blame them, with multiple islands each with their own natural beauty and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Lombok is known for its surf beaches, as are many other islands in this area. Komodo is, of course, renowned for its fierce dragons and stunning landscapes of rusty red volcanic mountains and hills. Or perhaps it is the charm of Weh Island that will captivate you as you snorkel the warm crystal waters admiring the wonderful world below the sea bed, and discovering another secret paradise never to be forgotten. Whatever floats your boat, be sure to make trying new destinations your most important priority for self-growth and enlightenment this year.
Wednesday January 23 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
65
66
Life&Times
Motoring
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Motoring News
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
This week… Supra’s epic sale n Euro driving alert n Car is hot stuff n
Simply Supra – Toyota’s new car goes for £1.6m at auction The new Toyota Supra is again making headlines – with the first example selling at auction in America for 2.1 million dollars (circa £1.6million), and all proceeds from the sale will go to charity. This example of the long-awaited Japanese sports car also has a oneoff specification – a matte grey base colour with bright red mirror caps and interior and black wheels. On top of that, the engine bay has been signed by Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda, while the winning bidders also receive a full race suit worn during the final development laps of the Supra before production was signed off.
The Supra wasn’t the only car to be auctioned off at the sale. The first example of the new Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 went for 1.1 million dollars (circa £850,000), while the Ford GT Heritage Edition number one sold for 2.5 million dollars (circa £1.9million). However, when the Toyota Supra eventually comes to the UK market don’t expect to pay such a price – it’s set to retail from £52,695. The first 24 people to place a deposit have also been offered the chance to purchase the A90 Edition, which brings a unique matte grey paint and black alloy wheels, available from £56,495.
A GREAT PERFORMANCE: Proceeds from the one-off Supra sale go to charity
THE RACE IS ON To buy a used car from the UK
Brexit warning about Euro licences, and boost in searches for used cars
BRITISH ex-pats looking to purchase a car from the UK ahead of Brexit may need to retake their test in order to drive it after March 29. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has issued a warning that a failure to exchange a British licence for one in their country of residence could void it. And European car buyers are looking to the UK for used car bargains in the run-up to Brexit, according to new data. Used car classified advertising site motors.co.uk says searches from the two other right-hand-drive EU markets – Cyprus and Ireland – rose dramatically between November 1, 2018, and January 14, 2019. For the former, searches increased 125% year-on-year, while the latter had a 58% rise. The site also says
year-on-year searches rose by 77% from Spain, 48% from France and 32% from Germany. After Prime Minister Theresa May’s proposed EU Withdrawal Agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs in the House of Commons, European buyers may see this and the increasing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s exit from the EU, as well as a weakening pound, as a chance to grab an affordable car. Dermot Kelleher, Director of Marketing and Business Intelligence for motors.co.uk, said: “With the government losing the crunch vote on Brexit and the continued weakening of the pound against the Euro, some European buyers are taking advantage of the uncertainty caused by Brexit by searching the UK’s dealer stock for possible bargains.”
Café owner cooks a steak on car console AN AUSTRALIAN café owner has shown just how hot vehicle interiors can get in the sun – by cooking a steak on a car centre console. The owner of Mildura Dockside Café in Victoria posted images of the steak before and after it had cooked, centrally placed in a metal tray inside the car. It’s claimed the meat was put there at 11am, taking until 4pm to cook in the sun to a well-done state.
Heatwave A caption alongside the images read: “Yesterday at 11am I put a porterhouse steak in my car which was parked in the shade and left it until 4pm. It was very well done upon my return. “With this heat wave please remember never to leave children, elderly or animals in the car. Always check on elderly neighbours, ensure your pets have a way to keep cool and cool drinking water.” News.com.au reports that Mildura temperatures peaked at 45.8°C around the time of the posting. One commenter on the post shared an image of a pen that had appeared to melt in the same heatwave, adding: “Mildura melts pens I’m sure it could cook a steak”. Not everyone believed the claims were real, however, with another comment saying: “A car left IN THE SUN will get up to about 60 to 70 degrees C inside. In the shade? Nope. Not going to get “well done”. It’s a good message, but don’t take people for fools.” Meanwhile, others saw humour in the situation, with one commenter adding: “Looks tough… should have gone back at 2.”
Wednesday January 23 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Motoring
Life&Times
67
68
Life&Times
Recruitment
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
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
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
U
W
A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 13 12
11
14 13
3 4
13
7
25 14
10
15
15
13
5
3
25
17
13
12
8
17
U
25 9
3
13
10 7
2
5
3
U
12
13
11
26 25
5
2
3 2
10 12
24
17
U
26
26
2
17
U
17
U
25
12
5
13
10
26
6
19
26
11
26
5 11
17
U
3
5
4
14
2
5
15
24
2
12
16
1
7 3
15
19
22 13
23 15
U
11
26
17 7
17
U
18
26 7
11 5
7 26
26 19
10
20
W
10
1 7 3 4 1
6 5 7 9
9 8 1 1 4 8
2 4 9 8 5
7
25
25
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.
4
3 2 5 4
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
9 2 5 1
2
1 21
2
Codeword:
2
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
3
DIFFICULTY RATING:★✩✩✩
2
7
6 6 9 3 9 1
1
3 5
8
2 2
9
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
1
69
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
I S L AM I R E O O F F E R N E A S E V I L L R J E E R E D A V C H I M E K N R S E D A T E O E O N I X O N
C A E G Y W L P L A T E H R A E D I N E R E DWA C M E MB R A A R Z S U S I E N N S H O T G
I S Q A U A A R E R D C E L N G I U N
Sudoku:
5 6 8 1 4 9 2 7 3
1 4 7 3 8 2 6 9 5
3 9 2 7 6 5 4 1 8
4 2 5 8 1 7 9 3 6
6 1 3 5 9 4 7 8 2
8 7 9 2 3 6 1 5 4
7 5 1 6 2 3 8 4 9
2 7 9 4 3 8 1 6 5
4 1 3 7 5 6 8 2 9
5 6 7 9 2 1 3 8 4
9 8 6 4 5 1 3 2 7
2 3 4 9 7 8 5 6 1
Jigsaw Sudoku:
7 8 5 1 9 3 6 4 2
3 9 6 2 1 4 5 7 8
1 5 4 8 6 7 2 9 3
9 3 8 6 4 2 7 5 1
8 2 1 5 7 9 4 3 6
6 4 2 3 8 5 9 1 7
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
70
Life&Times
Sport
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
AFC Croydon 3 Tunbridge Wells 3
former Tunbridge Wells player Joe Nwoko struck a speculative shot that somehow eluded Callum Hampson in the Wells goal. The visitors created several chances but failed to take advantage of them. Then eight minutes into the second half Jordan Greaves put the home side further ahead. It was then that the Wells stepped up their game, and on the hour Tom Pearson hit a drive that flew into the net. Five minutes later Jamie Humphris pulled another goal back. With five minutes remaining, it looked as if the comeback would fall short when the Wells central
By Victor Bethell FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS showed their fighting spirit and determination to secure a thrilling draw having been three goals down after an hour. With both teams seemingly evenly matched, Croydon took the lead halfway through the first half with a strike from outside the penalty area by Dominic Ogun. Their lead increased ten minutes later when the
defender Scott Whibley was sent off – making him the third Wells player in successive games to receive a red card. But in the last minute of ordinary time Jason Thompson made up for his first-half misses with an emphatic shot to equalise. That completed another high-scoring game for the Wells, who also drew 3-3 in the cup last week and saw seven and nine goals in their previous two league encounters. After a weekend off Tunbridge Wells return to action against Hollands & Blair on Tuesday February 5 (kick-off 7.45pm).
Ramadan stuns leaders with spectacular last-minute strike Tonbridge Angels 1 Haringey Borough 0
SEE YOU LATER Steve Camacho skips past his marker
Small’s double sinks Rusthall after mistakes Fisher 3 Rusthall 0
By Jim Rowe
By Joe Croker
PHOTO: David Couldridge
FOOTBALL: A LATE goal from substitute Adem Ramadan secured a third win in succession for the resurgent Tonbridge Angels, who knocked Haringey Borough off the top of the Bostik League Premier. Many had predicted a high-scoring game but the defensive work of both sides was efficient against two lively forward lines. The home side enjoyed the better of the first half and forced Haringey’s keeper Valero Pajetat into making a double save in the 18th minute. On 29 minutes Chinedu McKenzie fed the ball to Alex Read who saw his pile-driver graze the outside of the post. Two minutes later Joe Turner forced a good save from Pajetat. Tonbridge piled on the pressure and Jared Small’s low cross just eluded Read. On the stroke of half time McKenzie set up Small, who could only shoot straight at Pajetat. The second period saw more attacking from the visitors, who were strong down the right flank and enjoyed a good 15-minute spell. Karl Akinwande was asking plenty of questions of the Angels defence and created openings with a number of teasing crosses. Gradually Tonbridge worked themselves back into the game. On 72 minutes D’Sean Theobalds saw his 25-yard effort crash against the crossbar. After Boro squandered an excellent chance to
PHOTO: Joe Croker
Comeback shows Wells’ fighting spirit
LATE SHOW Adem Ramadan (right) celebrates his goal
take the lead, Ramadan stepped up in the 90th minute and unleashed a spectacular 20-yard screamer that gave Pajetat no chance. Ramadan said: “I don’t remember much about the strike. Arthur [Lee] had put a cross in which was only half-cleared and the ball fell to me.
“I was aware of a player close behind me so I hit it – and it flew in. It’s nice to get the winner, of course – but to be honest I’m more pleased about the team getting the three points.” Tonbridge now take on Bognor Regis Town away on Saturday (February 2, kick-off 3pm).
FOOTBALL: ONCE again individual mistakes were to cost Rusthall dearly as Fisher ran out easy winners despite what had been a relatively evenly matched contest. Rusthall, who remain bottom of Southern Counties East League Premier Division, were hampered by having lost both goalkeepers to injury and illness. They are not allowed to play their third keeper because of league rules so striker Callum Strachan had to fill in again between the posts. Rusthall’s best chance came from a cross by Ryan Hinkson which the Fisher goalkeeper could only parry out to Charlie Clover, who shot just wide. It took a mistake to break the deadlock, an attempted clearance by Rusthall hitting a Fisher player who then only had the keeper to beat. He passed it across the box for Tunde Aderonmu to score the easiest of goals. In the 55th minute Trey Small beat his full-back on the wing and curled a beautiful shot passed Strachan into the far corner. In injury time Small scored again from a breakaway, after which Fisher’s Harry Tobin was sent off for an incident off the ball. Rusthall take on Crowborough in a local derby at home on Saturday (February 2, kick-off 3pm).
Magnificent seven for Ladies George secures late winner Tunbridge Wells Ladies 7 after long wait for decision Ashford 2 Winchester 2 Tunbridge Wells Men 3
By Amy Hare
By Ben Brandt
PHOTO: Jo Wilson
HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies produced an outstanding performance to defeat Ashford at Kent College and help their bid to stay in East Region Division One South. Amelia Honovar soon got on the scoresheet with a fine strike from the top of the D but the visitors quickly fought back with a well worked goal. The hosts became more dominant on the ball and regained the lead from a well worked short corner, Lily Loveland beating the keeper. Ashford pushed again for an equaliser, which they duly found when they were awarded a penalty stroke shortly before half-time. In the second half Wells dominated possession and were rewarded with a flurry of goals. Annie Wilson went on a mesmerising run through the defence to score, then supplied a clinical pass for Mia Ryan on the post to slot in. Player of the match Ele Cairns added to a fine individual performance with a well-taken goal
HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS secured a crucial win in their bid to launch a push for promotion in South Premier League Division One. They started poorly with a series of turnovers and sloppy marking. Winchester won a number of short corners and scored with the help of a deflection from the fourth of them.
ON THE RUN Annie Wilson makes a break from the top of the D soon afterwards. Wells extended their lead further with two goals from Sophie Hewitt, from a short corner and a calmly taken penalty stroke. The Ladies face a stern test at second-placed Upminster on Saturday (February 2, 2pm start).
Positive Wells reaction was positive, and great stick work by Sam George on the right wing led to Ben Allberry being brought down in the circle. Allberry himself put away the penalty to level the scores going into half-time. The second half started scrappily and Wells were once again their own worst enemy. Trying to do too much with the ball, Winchester turned
over possession and scored on the break. Finally Wells started to find their shape and pile on the pressure. A neat interchange down the left side between Aaron Leadbeater and George saw a well placed ball across goal that was deflected in by James Lester to level the scores again. With three minutes left on the clock, great vision by Ant Dalrymple found Leadbeater on the left with an excellent crossfield ball. With a quick hit across goal, George nipped in front of the keeper and with a slight deflection found a way to guide the ball past him, on to a defender’s foot and over the line. After a long discussion between the umpires, the goal was allowed to stand and Wells held on to win a dramatic encounter. Tunbridge Wells’ next game is against Banbury at Kent College, Pembury on Saturday (February 2, 2pm start).
Wednesday January 30 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Sport
Big crowd enjoys thrilling final By Alan Thatcher SQUASH: THE Colin Payne Kent Open at Tunbridge Wells Squash Club was won by Jan van den Herrewegen after a punishing, pulsating final against top seed Rui Soares. The Belgian won a highly entertaining match 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5 after 76 minutes of high-quality squash in front of a packed gallery. The score see-sawed throughout until Van den Herrewegen dominated the fifth game. It was a fitting coincidence, since former club member Colin Payne spent two years based in Belgium as a professional. Payne’s daughters Alice and Charlotte wore their late father’s Kent and England shirts for a poignant presentation ceremony. Payne died in a tragic domestic incident in Dartford in November 2016. His long-time friend and Kent team-mate Ben Ford from Bexley had been awarded a wild card
Life&Times
71
TOP SEED Rui Soares with Colin Payne’s daughters Alice (left) and Charlotte
entry into this world-ranking event. Van den Herrewegen said: “It was a great match, very fair, and we were both trying to play the ball at every opportunity. “This is a great tournament, it has a lovely feel to it with all the club members getting involved. They were hanging from the rafters upstairs.” Soares, of Portugal, said: “I keep coming back and maybe one day I will this tournament. As Jan said, this is a great event with so many people working hard in the club to make it happen.” Nick Wall, who was runner-up in the British Junior Open the week before, went out in the quarter-finals to MacGregor after suffering an ankle injury during the third game. The 18-year-old said: “It was my ninth match in nine days and I didn’t want to risk doing any permanent damage.” Before the final, Jasmine Hutton of Sussex won a pulsating Collins Jewel Women’s Challenge against Elise Lazarus of Essex 11-9, 13-11, 11-7.
Mighty Crossilla embodies strong Wells show Brentwood 17 Tunbridge Wells 38 By John Crees
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS achieved a much needed bonus point win as a few of their long-term injured returned to play alongside some young players from the junior section. After the loss to Guildford they knew they had
to win this game to avoid dropping into the relegation zone of the London and South-East Premier Division where Brentwood reside. Wells were soon under a lot of pressure but the hosts were kept out by solid defensive work, conceding only a penalty in the first half-hour. However, on 32 minutes Brentwood’s centre punched through a gap and scored between the posts, the conversion making it 10-0.
DOWN TO EARTH Man of the match Brendan Crossilla scores
Chapman makes sure for TJs Tonbridge Juddians 27 Bury St Edmunds 15 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS held off a spirited effort from Bury St Edmonds to remain in fifth place in National Two South, opening up a 24-point lead over the side in sixth. Bury opened the scoring off the first scrum of the match, a straightforward passing move putting full-back Finlay Sharp in for an unconverted try in the corner after three minutes. For 20 minutes Bury dominated possession and put TJs under great pressure, and a stout defence prevented them from adding to their lead.
Setback Gradually, Bury were pushed backwards and after TJs won the ball in the middle of the field, it was passed out to Murray Galbraith-Lowe on the right wing and he sped round the defender to score an unconverted try in the corner. The home side then lost centre Connor O’Reilly to a yellow card and TJs took the lead with a Will Robinson penalty. On 34 minutes wing Hugo Watson and full-back Toby May broke down the left until Watson was pulled up close to the line. But May found a way through to score and Robinson converted.
The visitors suffered a setback before half-time when captain Mike O’Sullivan left the field with a head injury but they went in 15-5 ahead. A long pass out to Galbraith-Lowe from a penalty took TJs close to the line, and the subsequent maul was driven over the line for lock Matas Jurevicius to score a try which Robinson converted with a fine shot from the touchline. TJs looked comfortable but then the hosts scored from halfway, Sam Bixby crossing for the try which scrum-half Anton Limlei converted. Bury applied pressure again but TJs’ defence held firm and when the hosts were awarded a penalty in front of the posts they opted to kick for goal, Limlei taking them to within seven points. Not choosing to run the penalty allowed TJs to take control from the kick-off and Bury’s fly-half Will Affleck was yellow-carded defending his line. Towards the end TJs were awarded a penalty 10 metres out. They opted to take the scrum and attacked down the blindside, replacement wing Tom Chapman squeezing in for the bonus-point try which went unconverted. TJs now travel to south-west London seeking to avenge their earlier defeat at the hands of Barnes on Saturday (February 2, kick-off 2.30pm).
Wells got back into the match and just before half-time the lively scrum-half Anthony Storkey danced his way over between the posts, Frank Reynolds converting to go into the break at 10-7. The second half started much the same as the first, with Brentwood taking the game to Wells and scoring a converted try. This woke Wells up and strong running from the front row paid off with man of the match Brendan Crossilla crossing the line between the posts, Reynolds adding the extras. Brentwood never got out of their half again with Wells now firing on all cylinders. Another strong driving phase saw Christian Earle power his way over between the posts for Reynolds to convert.
The Wells lineout was working well, and a catch-and-drive saw the returning Josh Pankhurst finish off a rolling maul for the bonus point, Reynolds again converting. Excellent handling and interplay led to Nick Doherty feeding his brother Mike, who scored between the posts for another converted try. Wells will take a lot of positives from this game, particularly their dogged defence after another slow start and conceding an early lead. After a weekend off they face the league leaders Sutton & Epsom at home on Saturday February 9 (kick-off 2.30pm). On Sunday (February 3) St Marks hosts Kent Under-20s against Eastern Counties Under-20s in the County Championship at 2pm.