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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Runway Training is named Family Business of Year at Times awards

ROYAL APPOINTMENT: Carl and Jenny Lewis with the Scots Guards at a tea party held at Buckingham Palace. See page 4

Council Leader steps in to stop plans for new housing at West Kent College By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A PLANNING application to build 53 homes on car parks at West Kent College has been rejected after the intervention of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Leader Nicolas Heslop. The brownfield site was sold to developers Ashill in a bid to raise money for the Hadlow Group, which owns the college but has been beset by financial difficulties. The sale, which was supposed to bring in around £1million, will only be completed when planning is approved. The application was put in last September and was set to be approved by the Area 1 Planning Committee. But it was halted in April because of issues with the height of the development affecting neighbouring properties.

Cllr Heslop was re-elected as Leader – a post he has held since 2012 – on May 20. He told the Times: “My concern with the application was the impact of the proposed dwellings in relation to existing properties on The Spinney.

‘Ashill is very disappointed with the decision. We will take time to consider the reason for refusal’ “So I raised concerns about siting, scale, massing and height relative to the boundary of those properties on The Spinney. I said that they would intrusive and dominant.” Similar problems have already been addressed on houses adjoining Hillside. Remaining objections to the application were mainly focused on the

A COMPANY based in the town has won an award at the Times Business Awards for the second year running. Runway Training was named as Family Business of the Year at the gala ceremony at Salomons Estate in Southborough last Thursday. Last year the firm’s managing director Oliver Trailor was named as Business Person of the Year. Runway Training, which was founded by Mr Trailor in 2008, has helped more than 20,000 adults achieve nationally recognised qualifications in maths and English. These are provided through online courses, the classroom and onsite training. It also runs projects to support people who have mental health issues and unemployed learners.

Strength

lack of available parking at the college – there will be 170 fewer spaces – and the resulting impact of students having to park on surrounding streets. Other concerns are congestion and air quality on Brook Street, which includes The Judd School and Hayesbrook. David Cure, a Conservative councillor of Judd ward where West Kent is situated, succeeded in forcing a fresh site inspection in April before he was voted out in the local elections. Changes were made to the elevations at Hillside, but he was also raising awareness about parking and pollution. The same issues have been put forward by two Green Party councillors who have now been elected to Judd ward, April Clark and Mark Hood. Mrs Clark said: “Mark and I were able to raise a number of concerns, including

Mr Trailor said: “We’re very pleased to be a winner once more. There’s only five of us but we have worked so hard for this. “The business is going from strength to strength.” The company’s ethos is ‘a skilled workforce is vital to our future and improving skills is essential to building sustainable growth and stronger communities’. It is aiming to be recognised as the leading functional skills provider nationally, and offer the largest number of apprenticeships in Kent. The headmaster of Tonbridge School, James Priory, was among the judges for the fourth edition of the annual awards, which celebrate the achievements of local businesses in 10 categories.

Continued on page 4

Turn to page 10

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WEST KENT: Continued from page 1 the height and impact of the development on near neighbours, which was the basis for the rejection of the current version of the application. “While we welcome the idea of more homes being built on brownfield sites rather than Green Belt land, it is important that issues such as traffic congestion and air quality, affordable housing and parking are taken into consideration by developers, to protect existing as well as future residents.” The Hadlow Group decided to sell off parts of the campus to help out West Kent’s financially stricken sister college at Ashford. This year the group has been mired in controversy following the resignations of its principal and chief executive, Paul Hannan, and his deputy Mark Lumsdon-Taylor amid claims of financial irregularities. Hadlow College, which it owns, has become the first UK college to be placed in administration. West Kent and Ashford Colleges have also been handed a ‘financial health notice of concern’. The plan was amended so two houses adjacent to Hillside had their height reduced by 2.7 metres. But the contentious ‘impact’ concerned distances between the new homes and The Spinney.

Acceptable The report by the council’s planning officer Matthew Broome concluded: “I do appreciate that the residents of The Spinney remain concerned with the separation between the rear elevation of their properties and the proposed dwellings. “The members’ site inspections allowed members to see this relationship first-hand, which I still consider to be acceptable.” The developer told the Times: “Ashill is very disappointed with the committee’s decision. “We will take this time to consider the reason for refusal before deciding on our next steps.” Ashill pointed out: “Our plans were significantly improved to respond to feedback from neighbours, including reducing the number of homes from 61 to 53 and the replacement one of the apartment buildings with houses. “In response to comments made at the Planning Committee our design was improved again by reducing the height and size of [two plots].” A spokesperson for West Kent said: “Planning permission was sought by the developer as an independent action. The details relating to the planning application are a matter for the developer and the borough council.”

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

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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 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.

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

On her majesty’s security service By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE town’s Poppy Appeal organiser Carl Lewis visited Buckingham Palace to attend a garden party last week with his wife Jenny. Mr Lewis works as a supervisor for the Corps of Commissionaires, the oldest security company in the world, which operates at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury. Around 40 per cent of its members are made up of former military personnel or members of the police and fire services. The Corps was founded in 1859 to provide jobs for ex-servicemen who were willing and able to work after the Crimean War. Its head has always been the reigning monarch. “The Queen is our boss,” he said. “It was very nice to represent the company, and Tonbridge as well through my work with the British Legion.” There were 8,000 guests from all walks of life at the event, which is held three times a year at the palace and once at Holyroodhouse in Scotland. Attendees are only invited once. “We met all sorts of different people, those who were receiving British Empire Medals, armed forces personnel, members of the clergy.”

He added: “My wife had the best hat – it was the star of the show. No one was commenting on my uniform! “Jenny got very close to the Queen, and I got a nod from Prince Harry, who spotted my uniform. “We congregated on the palace lawns, then went and had a very nice afternoon tea.”

‘My wife had the best hat – it was the star of the show. No one was commenting on my uniform’ They were entertained by the Royal Marines Band from Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Mr Lewis, who is also a volunteer flood warden and ran as a Conservative candidate for Vauxhall ward in the local elections last month, has run the town’s Poppy Appeal for four years. He has broken the record for fundraising for each of the last three years and in 2018 broke the £40,000 mark for the first time. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end the First World War, he and Pam Mills organised a living history weekend, Tonbridge

100, which attracted thousands of visitors. Mrs Lewis has taken over the Poppy Appeal collection in Southborough, and the couple were invited to attend the Centenary of the Armistice service at Westminster Abbey in recognition of their contribution to the charity. This year the campaign will focus on the start of the Second World War, 80 years ago. “Last year was massive,” said Mr Lewis. “I don’t expect to raise as much this time, so I’m looking at it as a clean sheet.” He is keen to gather more support from the corporate sector. “We would like more companies to get involved, having poppies on the front of their vehicles.”

TAKING TEA WITH THE QUEEN Sandwiches: jackfruit, slaw and baby spinach wrap; egg mayonnaise with cress; summer beans with carrot on white bread; gammon, tomato and wholegrain mustard; smoked salmon, black pepper and cream cheese bagel; chicken, tarragon and asparagus wrap. Cakes: Dundee, carrot, passion fruit tart, strawberry choux bun, raspberry shortbread, Victoria sponge, chocolate cherry pistachio slice, scones with blackcurrant jam and cream.

From little acorns: Hilden Oaks is 100 years old teachers, Carol Bottle, during the 1920s. They also demonstrated different dances from down through the decades, as well as traditional maypole and country dances. Mrs Joiner said: “We have had a wonderful week celebrating 100 years of our fantastic school and bringing the whole school community together. “We were thrilled to welcome members of the Keith-Lucas family to share in the celebrations as well as so many former pupils, staff and trustees who enjoyed reuniting with old friends and taking a trip down memory lane. “A wonderful time was had by one and all, and we are very grateful to everyone who contributed to making it such as success.”

BRIGHT SPELLS: Weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas (right) and Mary Benjamin with Form Six pupils HILDEN OAKS School has celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Centenary Tea Party for current and former pupils, staff, parents and trustees. Alys Keith-Lucas started the independent preparatory school, which is on Dry Hill Park Road, in 1919 with three pupils – one of whom was her son Brian. To mark the milestone her great granddaughter Sarah came to take part in the festivities accompanied by her aunt, Mary Benjamin. A special service was held at St Saviour’s Church, with the congregation sharing memories – including those of two former pupils whose

own children now attend the school. Then Ms Keith-Lucas talked to the children and told them about her role as a BBC meteorologist and weather presenter. Two former headmistresses, Jackie Bacon (1988-2005) and Susan Webb (2005-15), joined the present headmistress, Katy Joiner, to cut a special cake at the party the following weekend. More than 500 people attended the event, around half of whom were former pupils and staff after an appeal the school launched last year. The current pupils performed orchestral recitals, which included music written by one of the

SLICE OF LIFE: (L-R) Katy Joiner, Susan Webb and Jackie Bacon cut the birthday cake

Four-year sentence for ‘relentless’ domestic abuse A MAN who subjected his partner to repeated physical and mental abuse has been sentenced to four years in prison. Rik Newton pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship at Maidstone Crown Court. The 24 year old, who lives on Shakespeare Road, carried out a sustained period of abuse, including violent assaults, from 2015-18. As well as various forms of physical violence, he also controlled the victim’s finances, taking money out of her account and at times leaving her unable to pay for food and bills. Newton was arrested last July and pleaded guilty to further charges of assault by beating and two counts of assault occasioning actual

bodily harm. Five more charges lie on file. Detective Constable Adam Ferguson of the West Kent Vulnerable Investigation Team said: “Newton continuously abused and tormented his victim during the vast majority of their relationship.

Message “He subjected her to the most appalling violence, leaving her fearing for her life on a number of occasions. “The victim was also made to endure relentless mental anguish, even after she had tried to end the relationship.” He added: “I hope this sentence sends a strong

message to perpetrators that domestic abuse will not be tolerated. “We have a range of services available through partner agencies to help keep victims safe. “They may be feeling frightened, isolated and ashamed but they APPALLING VIOLENCE: are not to blame for Rik Newton what is happening. “No one should suffer in silence and we encourage them to report offences.”

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Council workers find body on a footpath A CORONER has ordered an investigation into the death of a man who was found dead on an overgrown footpath. The body of Matthew Little, 44, was discovered by council workers as they cut back undergrowth in College Avenue, Tonbridge. A post mortem revealed he had died from hanging. Before adjourning the inquest until August 5, assistant coroner for Mid Kent and Medway, Eileen Sproson, said: “I am satisfied there is reasonable cause to suspect he died in circumstances where investigation is necessary.”

The long road to Rye RESIDENTS in Hawkhurst who wish to visit the coast this summer may have to take an 18-mile diversion as the main road to Rye is to close for nearly three months. Gas works begin next month, which means the A268 Rye Road, which connects Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, will be closed for 11 weeks. A planned diversion will send drivers via the B2244 Junction Road, the B2089 Chitcombe Road, and the A268 Megrims Hill—an additional 18 miles. Gas distribution company SGN said the work will ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas for Hawkhurst and Cranbrook for the next 80 years.

Bus window smashed POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a window was smashed on a bus, injuring a child. The incident happened in High Brooms when the rail replacement bus window, operating on the Hastings line, broke showering passengers with glass. A child was reported to have suffered a minor cut. A Southeastern spokesman said they were aware of the incident, which happened at around 10am and added: “It’s suspected that someone deliberately broke the glass.”

D-day Dakota flyover RESIDENTS in the east of the borough may get a glimpse of 34 wartime Dakotas as they take part in the 75th anniversary celebrations to recall the 1944 D-day landings tomorrow [Thursday] June 6. The C-47 Skytrain Dakotas are due to leave Duxford Aerodrome at 1.40pm and their zig-zag route will take them over West Kent and Eastbourne before they cross the Channel to fly to Le Havre and Caen Carpiquet. More than 800 Douglas C-47 Skytrains were used to drop airborne troops behind enemy lines on D-Day.

Volunteers celebrated TUNBRIDGE WELLS volunteers who donate more than 1,000 hours a month to keep Trinity Theatre going are being celebrated this week. Volunteers Week 2019 is a celebration of more than 200 people who donate their time to the iconic Decimus Burton former church and arts venue on Church Road. A spokesperson for Trinity Theatre said: “A core team of ushers, duty managers, box office, and cinema volunteers enable Trinity to welcome 90,000 people a year to over 600 events, helping to support this community hub in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.”

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Punk band is dropped from Glastonbury over song lyrics By Richard Williams A ‘RAVE PUNK’ band from Tunbridge Wells has had its Glastonbury debut cancelled over a political song that encourages people to ‘Kill Tories’. Killdren, a duo comprising Efa Thomas, 27, and 40-year-old Nick Ronin who describe themselves as a ‘two-bit rave punk band that hail from Tunbridge Wells’, have been pulled from the event over a controversial 2017 song. Entitled ‘Kill Tory Scum (Before They Kill You)’ the lyrics to the song have been called ‘completely abhorrent’ by the Jo Cox foundation. Labour MP Ms Cox was murdered in her Batley and Spen constituency by far-right extremist, Thomas Mair in 2016.

‘That sort of language and the abuse of children and family members should not be tolerated’ Catherine Anderson, chief executive of the foundation, said the song legitimised ‘harmful words and actions’. She said: “We as a foundation cannot help but think of Jo when any public platform is given to an individual or group who are inciting violence. “That sort of language and the abuse of children and family members should not be tolerated.” Killdren, who were due to appear on the Shangri-La stage at the five-day Somerset festival at the end of June, were told earlier this

Fears for £250m KCC pension investment AN INVESTMENT fund that has more than £250million of Kent County Council’s [KCC] pension money has had to freeze trading. KCC had invested £263million in Woodford Equity Income, which is run by renowned fund manager, Neil Woodford. KCC said their investment with Woodford initially performed reasonably well, reaching a £317million peak in January 2017. “Since then, performance has deteriorated and in March 2019, the authority’s Superannuation Fund Committee resolved to reconsider the investment at its June 21 meeting,” said a KCC spokesman. He added following ‘redemptions and further weak performance’ in the fund, the county council decided to ask for all its money back. The redemptions – money requested back by investors – had reached £560million by the time KCC demanded back their cash, by which time Mr Woodford had been forced to stop all investors, from withdrawing money for at least 28 days. Mr Woodford said after ‘an increased level of redemptions’, investors would not be allowed to ‘redeem, purchase or transfer shares’ in the fund. The KCC spokesman said: “The announcement on Monday that trading in the investment fund was suspended was not anticipated. KCC is disappointed that, as a major investor in the fund, we did not receive this prior notification. “The council is committed to seeking the best outcome and could still seek a managed redemption in order to maximise the benefits for the pension fund.” He continued that the money locked into the fund only represented around four per cent of the council’s total pension fund investments. “At this stage there is no loss to the pension fund, and whatever the outcome there will be no impact on the council’s cash reserves or service provision,” he added.

DAFT PUNK: Rave Punk duo, Killdren [Picture Killdren/Facebook] week that they would be no longer welcome. A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly saddened that the attention this booking has received has caused such upset and negativity towards such a peaceful festival we are so proud to be part of. “We in no way condone violence and will not allow this matter to overshadow the incredibly inclusive spirit of Glastonbury, and as a result we have taken the decision to withdraw the booking of this band.” Killdren say the controversial song, which describes ‘Tory genocide’, was ‘satirical’ and intended to question ‘state-sanctioned violence’. On hearing of their cancellation they told their Twitter following: “The song was created in time for the last General Election in 2017 and the

‘killing’ was encouraging people to vote out the Tories. They continued: “People don’t like our s****y music, so they never make it to the end of the video, which makes the above very clear.”

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Business as usual at County Hall puts off ‘climate emergency’ for 20 years library as shopping By Andy Tong DEAD TO THE WORLD andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk centre move delayed Extinction THE PLANNED closure of Tunbridge Wells Library has been delayed as temporary facilities in Royal Victoria Place won’t be ready in time. The library was due to close on Sunday as work is set to begin on the new mixed-use library, museum and cultural hub, The Amelia Scott. However, the new temporary library located in Tunbridge Wells’ shopping centre is not yet up and running, which has meant the council are having to still keep the library open.

Understanding A spokesman for Kent County Council (KCC) said last week: “Tunbridge Wells Library will not close on Sunday, June 2, as previously advertised. “The delay is required because works to prepare the temporary library at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre will take longer than expected, and final details are being looked at in order to start work on the existing building to create the new culture and learning hub.” Mike Hill, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, added: “Our focus is to ensure that we continue to deliver the library service in the best possible location and to minimise any periods where there is no service as we move from one location to the other. “Although at the present time we cannot confirm what the new dates will be, we can assure customers that they will have three weeks’ notice of any closure date.” Mr Hill then added: “KCC and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council are committed to the creation of the new culture and learning hub and we thank all our customers for their understanding.”

PROTESTERS staged a ‘die-in’ on the steps of County Hall in Maidstone amid frustration over Kent County Council’s [KCC] attitude towards climate change, ahead of today’s (Wednesday) World Environment Day. The authority stands accused of failing future generations after a motion for Kent to become carbon-neutral by 2030 was voted down. Carbon neutrality means that as much of the greenhouse gas should be taken out of the atmosphere as is put into it – or net zero emissions. Instead an amendment was put forward by Tonbridge & Malling councillor Michael Payne, and duly approved, to put the date back by two decades to 2050. The debate was part of a call to declare a ‘climate emergency’. Parliament agreed to do so last month, as have more than 100 county, district and city authorities covering 33 million people.

Vulnerable Many Conservative counties, like Oxfordshire, Herefordshire and Wiltshire, have adopted the deadline of 2030 – Cornwall has identified 2025. The national pledge, which was set out by Labour on May 1, is for the later date of 2050. It is not legally binding in terms of taking action. Martin Whybrow, the KCC Green Party councillor for Hythe, proposed the motion for 2030 to the full council on May 23. But Cllr Payne, the Conservative representative for Tonbridge, called for the delay until 2050, and was backed by Matthew Balfour of Malling Rural East. He is also chairman of the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee, with Cllr Payne as his vice-chairman. Cllr Balfour said: “Putting a different date

Rebellion protesters outside County Hall

[instead of 2050] on it is nebulous, attentionseeking and silly.” And Cllr Payne said: “There’s lots to celebrate about the environment. It isn’t all about doom and gloom, it’s not all about scaremongering.” Sean Holden, Tory councillor for Cranbrook, said scientific claims about extinction of mammals by the Worldwide Fund for Nature were exaggerated. “We need to strip away some of the more extravagant language,” he added. Cllr Whybrow responded: “We are heading towards the cliff edge. This amendment waters things down ridiculously, it was so predictable, it is pathetic.” Mark Hood, the newly elected Green Party councillor in Judd ward, was among those who attended the debate. He told the Times: “We are appalled that two of the architects of its failure to set a target of removing carbon emissions are councillors from

our borough. “Michael Payne and Matthew Balfour have demonstrated why they are unfit to speak for families blighted by rising pollution across Tonbridge and Malling. “It reinforces our belief that you can be an environmentalist or a Conservative, you cannot be both.” He added: “KCC continues to invest in fossil fuels as part of its investments. It is part of the problem despite having a coastline which it acknowledges is extremely vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels caused by climate change.” Cllr Whybrow said: “How can KCC not agree a carbon neutral target of 2030 when so many councils across the country are doing so? “The dinosaurs hold sway for now but thank heavens for all of our youngsters across the globe who went on school strike again on Friday – including many here in Kent.”

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Museums to benefit from Amelia Scott town development TUNBRIDGE Wells Museum and Art Gallery has donated a range of fixtures and fittings to a number of local museums as it prepares for work to begin on new The Amelia Scott cultural hub. The council says the museum’s collection is now in storage but rather than scrap items they have been offered to local schools and museums through the Southeast Museums Development Group.

Archives Display cases from the museum have been donated to the Salomons Museum in Tunbridge Wells, Blue Town Heritage Centre in Sheerness, Fort Amherst in Chatham, and the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum in Sittingbourne as well as Burwell Museum and Windmill in Cambridgeshire. The Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, Councillor Jane March said: “I am so pleased that the museum team has been able to rehome many of the display cabinets through the local museums’ network. We all need to make the best use of our resources and this is a great way to do it.’ She added that the museum’s Friends Group has been asked if they wish to arrange to auction off the few remaining display cabinets with any proceeds going to future museum projects. Any cabinets left unsold will be sent for recycling. A spokesperson for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said that the borough archives are in the council’s vaults so people who have research are able to access them if they make an appointment. She added that when the library moves in to its temporary home in Royal Victoria Place it will include Subbuteo and Tunbridge ware displays.

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Plan ‘bee’ needed to protect environment – and Garden of England should lead way By Richard Williams COUNTY HALL needs to add a ‘pollination action plan’ to its environment strategy. That’s the view of Cllr Sean Holden, County and Borough Councillor for Cranbrook who said he wants a review on the use of pesticides, grass-cutting schedules and opportunities for buildings to be more pollinator friendly. He outlined his ideas to Kent County Council’s Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee late last month, and said that his proposals will go before next Full Council meeting in July.

Important After the meeting, he told the Times: “When I first heard about the plight of the bees a few years ago, when their numbers were halved due to poor weather conditions, I thought we could just introduce more bee hives, but it doesn’t work like that. “Having spoken to beekeepers, I learnt that it was all about bees having enough forage, and that their habitat needs to be protected and preserved. “Around half of all the food we eat relies on pollinating of plants, so this has economic and social significance. And without them, foodwise we will be in big trouble.” He said by including bee friendly plants, having a window box to having major plantings of forage can all go some way to help sustain pollinating insect populations. And while declining populations of bees was a national problem, residents in the ‘Garden of England’ should help lead the way.

He continued: “We want to show the people of Kent that maybe they can do something about it.” While the action plan was called ‘Plan Bee’ Cllr Holden said the bees were merely the ‘pin-up girls’ and that other pollinators were just as vital. “We need to learn to love insects, including some that we might not like such as male mosquitoes—which incidentally do not bite, they feed on nectar.”

Paddock Wood county and borough Cllr Sarah Hamilton who was at the meeting, has backed her colleague. She said: “This is probably one of the most important pieces of work we could ever be doing. “We sometimes forget nature is a whole complex system from the microbes in the soil to the highest mammals. “The whole interaction is absolutely vital to our survival. “Other years it’s just crept in that things have happened which haven’t been noticed.” BUZZWORDS Dwindling bee populations have ‘economic and social’ significance

BUSINESS

Times Business Awards

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Gala night awards just keep getting bigger and better “This evening would not be possible without the businesses who STRICTLY star Anton du Beke re- have sponsored the ten categories galed the packed Salomons Thea- and other vital elements, such as tre audience on Thursday with hospitality and welcome drinks,” tales of backstage gossip from the said Richard Moore Editorial Direchit BBC show, including the time he tor of The Times of Tunbridge Wells danced with former Maidstone MP and Times of Tonbridge. He also Ann Widdecombe. compered the evening. Anton, who was brought up in Anton du Beke took a few goodSevenoaks, said he was ‘delighted’ humoured pot shots at several to be back in the area. members of the audience before “It’s wonderful that people are the evening began in earnest, with doing so well. local companies and business indi“I really enjoy these sorts of eve- viduals picking up the ten coveted nings and lovely celebrations of awards. local businesses,” he told the sellIt was second time lucky for tailors out audience at the black-tie gala Hardman & Hemming, who picked up the award event. for Joining AnCreative ‘We have been Business of the ton on stage overwhelmed by the Year, having to present the fourth annual number of quality entries been a runnerup in 2018. Times Busireceived this year’ Business ness Awards Awards’ stalwas Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce CEO warts Loch Associates Group won and Chair of the judging panel Jo the Best Business 1-25 emJames. ployees, which comes on Anton described her as ‘a remark- the back of their 2017 able woman – remarkable in the double win for Outstandfact that she has never watched ing Business of the Year Strictly Come Dancing’. and Best Business Person More than 200 guests enjoyed a of the Year. three-course meal before the cel“Once again, we have ebrations began. been overwhelmed by the They were entertained with a lit- number of quality entries tle sleight of hand and card tricks that we have received this by Sevenoaks magician, Orion. year, making the job of Guests heard from Gavin Tyler, the judging panel very difManaging Partner at Tunbridge ficult indeed,” commented Wells law firm Cripps Pemberton Head Judge Jo James. Greenish, who for the fourth year She continued: “It may were headline sponsors. have been a challenge, but He told the audience: “It is fantas- also it was a pleasure – a pleasure tic to see so many companies come to see how much entrepreneurial actogether and celebrate, and dem- tivity is happening across West Kent. onstrate just what a vibrant busiAs the winners celebrated, and ness community we have.” the runners-up toasted their rivals’ New developers in Tunbridge success, the crowd were entertained Wells, Elysian Residences, who are by Olly Murs’ former band, Funk2K, regenerating the much-maligned who played a raft of old favourites ABC Cinema site with a mixed-use to which the guests danced the rest project, were hospitality sponsors. of the night away.

VIP GUEST Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke

PHOTOS: David Bartholomew Photography

By Richard Williams

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Times Business Awards

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SOCIAL MEDIA: #TIMESBIZAWARDS

Thousands follow Business Awards SOCIAL media was buzzing on the awards night with tweets and posts with a reach of 50,000 users. Hundreds of people retweeted, liked and reposted awards night action, as our very own journalist Sarah Bond live tweeted the event and posted some of the best pictures of the night to both Instagram and Twitter. Some of the most popular tweets were in support of the many companies that took home an award at the event, especially for the debut winners. The Pantiles said: “Huge congrats to @FramptonsTW who won ‘Best in Food & Drink Award’ sponsored by @targetfollow at

@timeslocalnew Awards 2019 last night!” CooperBurnett tweeted: “Huge congratulations to our friends at @StudioSpn #TunbridgeWells for winning Start Up Business of the Year at last night’s #TimesBizAwards @timeslocalnews” While Retail Fire said: “We might not have won our category this year @timeslocalnews Business Awards, however, we did meet @TheAntonDuBeke. Fingers crossed for next year!” And The Picky Fork added: “Huge congrats to @FramptonsTW who won the ‘Best in Food & Drink Award’ sponsored by @targetfollow, at @timeslocalnews Awards 2019 last night!”

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BUSINESS

Times Business Awards

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DANCING TO FUNK2K

TRACY MOORE WITH ANTON DU BEKE

ONCE UPON A WISH EVENTS

HEADLINE SPONSOR Gavin Tyler of Cripps Pemberton Greenish

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

MP PAYROLL

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore MP Payroll Solutions Pipehouse Gin Retail Fire SPN Lifestyle*

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Studio 44 Corker UK ECCE John Bullock Design Hardman & Hemming Bespoke Tailoring*

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Charles Stanley Juliet Haines/Kevin Stanton, Fox Marketing Services Pam Loch, Loch Associates Group Anna Pettinger, Sally Henderson Claire Burroughs, Ansacom*

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Castle Cars Jess Nelson, Once Upon A Wish Events Attila Bogdan, Pasta Verdi Hope Marshall, Support Local Sean Rozen, Duke & Hyde*

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD Sponsored by Handlesbanken Bright Spark Electrical Services HR Revolution Paperstone RTW Skin Archway Automotive*

START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Name of winning business:

Sponsored by Targetfollow The Mount Edgcumbe Pipehouse Gin Soprano & Coco Retro Framptons Café Bar and Kitchen*

SPN Lifestyle Description: Run by Jaime Cooke and Sarah Gorman, SPN provides fitness classes, nutritional programmes and European luxury retreats. SPN came about following Jaime’s car accident and a doctor’s successful recommendation to take up Pilates. With such a high demand for their classes, they moved to larger premises and launched SPN together in Tunbridge Wells in May 2018.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Childrensalon Abbey Funeral Services Archway Automotive Corker UK Fuller’s Farm Shop Runway Training*

Award sponsor: Thomson Snell & Passmore

‘It is amazing to win and it has been such a wonderful evening’

BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES

BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES Sponsored by The Perfume Studio DMP HR Revolution Oaklands Global Page & Page Loch Associates Group*

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Royal Tunbridge Wells Together GingerMay Oaklands Global Fox Marketing Services* * Winners of individual categories shown in bold

The Times Business Awards 2019 winners

BEST IN FOOD AND DRINK

Sponsored by John Bullock Design Castle Cars Fox Marketing Services CT Travel Group*

BUSINESS

Roll of honour:

SHORTLISTS: TIMES BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 FORTY-ONE businesses from around Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and the wider West Kent area were shortlisted for the 2019 Times Business Awards. As well as the headline sponsors, Cripps Pemberton Greenish, hospitality sponsors, Elysian Residences, and drinks sponsor, Unity Wines, ten companies chose to put their name to the category awards:

Times Business Awards

Jamie Cooke, SPN Lifestyle

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Name of winning business:

Hardman & Hemming Bespoke Tailors Description: Hardman & Hemming are tailors specialising in tailored garments for both men and women, but not exclusively suits. Over the years they have made everything from dresses to tapestry waistcoats, shirts to hats, suits for the BAFTAs and Soccer Aid and everything in between. They also offer a full alteration service. Award sponsor: Studio 44

‘We’re over the moon. Everything we do is about creativity, so to be recognised for that means so much’ Stuart Hardman, Hardman & Hemming

BUSINESS

Times Business Awards

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR

Claire Burroughs – Ansacom

Sean Rozen – Duke & Hyde

Description: Claire started Ansacom in 2001 and survived personal and financial turmoil, including a recession, to build her business into the successful and diverse company it is today. Ansacom answers phone calls on behalf of approximately 350 businesses. Award sponsor: Charles Stanley

Description: Duke & Hyde is a premium male grooming brand designed to bring high quality men’s care products to the of men who not only want to look good, but also to feel good. Award sponsor: Castle Cars

‘I cannot believe I’ve won, I really never expected it. It is such good pay back for all the hard years’

‘I’m very pleased. I never thought I’d win. In fact, my mum signed me up. I’m so glad she did’

Claire Burroughs, Ansacom

Sean Rozen, Duke & Hyde

Name of winner:

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD Name of winning business:

Archway Automotive Description: Archway Automotive undertake car and bike repairs, including MOT and diagnostic services. Based in Tunbridge Wells, they work with individual clients and business and fleet contracts. At the heart of their business, their customer service is based on honesty integrity, attention to detail and going the extra mile for their customers. Award sponsor: Handelsbanken

‘We are in our 20th year, but this is the first time we have entered the awards. I’m so very pleased we did’ John Ould, Archway Automotive

BEST IN FOOD AND DRINK Name of winning business:

Framptons Café Bar & Kitchen Description: Based in Tunbridge Wells, Framptons serve the best locallysourced ingredients through their exceptional team. They provide a premium, casual dining experience, delivered with style, with a delicious food menu available throughout the day, from breakfast, brunch and lunch through to dinner. A more intimate dining experience is provided upstairs in the evening, while the downstairs area morphs into a vibrant cocktail and wine bar. Award sponsor: Targetfollow

‘It is fantastic to win, especially as we also won in 2017. It means we must be doing something right in Tunbridge Wells’ Rob Theron, Framptons

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Name of winning business:

Runway Training

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Description: Founded by Oliver Trailor in 2008, Runway Training has helped over 20,000 adults achieve nationally recognised qualifications in Maths and English. They also operate projects to support individuals suffering with mental health conditions. Award sponsor: Childrensalon

‘We’re very pleased to be a winner. There’s only five of us but we have worked so hard for this’

BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES Name of winning business:

CT Travel Group

Description: Loch Associates are experts in developing solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people. The group’s culture is one of support, collaboration and continual improvement, and they encourage all staff to share their thoughts and ideas for how they can improve on what they deliver. Their vision for the next three years is of continued growth for the group, the team, the services they provide and its revenue. Award sponsor: The Perfume Studio

Name of winning business:

‘We are a second time winner, but it is still a Loch Associates Group great reward for the hard work we put in’ Julie Nicholds, Loch Associates Group

BUSINESS

Description: CT Travel Group was founded by Mark Kempster at the age of 19. Thirty years on, and CT Travel now offer authentic worldwide tailor-made holidays, a business travel service, conferences, corporate group travel solutions and International Trade Missions. Award sponsor: John Bullock Design

‘We have 85 employees and this is a great reward for all of them’ Mark Kempster, CT Travel

Oliver Trailor, Runaway Training

BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES

Times Business Awards

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Name of winning business:

Fox Marketing Services

Description: Fox Marketing Services, based in Tunbridge Wells, was founded 18 years ago and has evolved over the years from a litho printer to offer a one-stop shop for the modern businesses’ offline marketing requirements. Fox is developing the business always thinking about ‘tomorrow’, and they are streamlining the business to support the customers of the future. Award sponsor: Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

‘We have won other awards, but it is fantastic to be recognised as outstanding’ Kevin Stanton, Fox Marketing Services

NEWS

Community News

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Broadwater Down Primary gets ready to party with its first family music festival

SAVING LIVES (L-R) Robin Dowling and Kay Nash of THIS with Leigh Westwood of Crowborough CFR

Rapid response by generous donor after public defibrillator vandalised A DAMAGED public access defibrillator in Crowborough has been swiftly replaced thanks to the generosity of local resident Robin Dowling. Leigh Westwood, team leader of Crowborough Community First Responders [CFR], said: “Community spirit and wellbeing should be at the forefront of all Crowborough residents’ minds. “Our town is growing, local businesses expanding and new shops opening, it’s an exciting time. “It was a shame that this was mildly tainted when one of the Public Access Defibrillators was vandalised recently, taking it out of service.”

Robin is the owner of The Health Insurance Specialists [THIS], a private health insurance brokerage based on Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells. “He recognises the importance of AED units and paid for an immediate replacement to be fitted by the Town Hall,” said Leigh.

Scary There are more than 30,000 outof-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. Without rapid treatment the chance of survival decreases by more by ten per cent every minute. “It’s a scary statistic – but one that

can be combatted by having units like these fitted throughout town centres,” said Leigh. “Use of a defibrillator can aid chances of survival. “Whilst we can’t prevent thefts or vandalism like this, it’s vital we raise awareness of the lifesaving work they are able to do. “As a community, we must take pride and control in town safety. Thank you to Robin for helping to make a positive change to our community. Funds that were raised through other local sources in response to the incident have been ring-fenced for future Public Access Defibrillator deployments.

THIS month will see Broadwater Down Primary School hold its inaugural family music festival, named Broadwater Rocks!, to raise funds for much-needed school projects. The event is organised by the PTA, and committee member Ellie-Mae said: “Come rain or shine we’ll be rocking our wellies to the beats of Tunbridge Wells’ finest bands, and serving up delicious local food and drink.” The festival will take place in the school grounds on Saturday June 29 from 4-8pm. Tickets cost £7 if prebooked, or £8 on the day. Children are admitted free of charge. There will be activities for all ages, including games, face painting and glitter, crafts, storytelling, raffle prizes and a bouncy castle.

‘We’re working to fund the development of a wellbeing suite’ Live bands include Kharma and the Devil, Shine, Muse tribute act Musek, and Local & Live trustee Peter Taylor with his new band River Flows, who will also be appearing at the Black Deer festival in Eridge that weekend. PTA Chair Sarah West said: “As a PTA, we’re continually searching for bigger and better ways to bring the local community together and raise important funds for our school.

“We are proud that we’ve been able to support the school by funding new laptops, an online reading platform for all children, school trips and lots more over the last few years.” Headteacher Vicki Lonie said: “We’re working to fund the development of a wellbeing suite, which will become a much-needed, secluded, nurturing and relaxing breakout space for staff to spend time with the children to support all their needs, away from the distractions of the busy school day. “We also need to update the toilet blocks for all the classrooms – a functional but important facility that has long been neglected.” She added: “Built in 1970, the building has evolved a little over the decades to best suit the number of students it supports, but in recent years it’s become apparent that the school building needs this practical attention. “We are very lucky to have such an active PTA, and I hope the local community will support their hard work by rocking up and enjoying the entertainment!” The organisers are keen to hear from local businesses who can help through a range of advertising and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, email broadwaterdownpta@gmail.com or call Sarah on 07712 530170. To find out about the festival, visit broadwaterrocks.co.uk

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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COMMUNITY MINDED Archie Mitchell receives his award from Kent County Council’s Peter Lake

Send in your entries for young heroes to celebrate Try Angle’s 25th birthday NOMINATIONS are open for this year’s Try Angle awards, staged by Kent County Council to reward young people who ‘really try to do their best’. The awards, which are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2019, are run by County Hall’s Early Help & Preventative Services. They are designed to raise the profile of young people who go the extra mile in their community, often with little recognition. Entry is open to anyone across the county aged from 11 to 18 years old – and up to 25 for those with additional needs. The efforts and achievements of young people are divided into eight categories: • Arts: For personal achievement in any form • Music: For personal achievement in any form • Sport or Outdoor Activities: Recognising achievement in any activity, demonstrating fair play and commitment • Community Action: Marking a contribution made to a community, for example through school councils, youth forums, charity work, environmental project and campaigns • Good Friends and Young Carers: Recognising those who spend time being a good friend, mentor or carer to another member of their family or someone in the community • Personal Development: For special achievement in education, training or other activities, making changes to improve • Courage: Recognising acts of courage displayed in coping bravely with illness or other adversity

• Positive Intervention: Where an individual or group has prevented harm, bullying, discrimination or damage Archie Mitchell, 16, from Aylesford, won the Community Action award last year for helping to bring life-saving equipment and training to his community – despite huge challenges he has faced in life. He has raised £8,000 for various charities, and his fundraising has provided a defibrillator in an adapted phone box in Aylesford High Street, which he checks and cleans on a weekly basis. He arranges free training sessions for more than 50 residents and enlisted a team of volunteers who know how to use the life-saving equipment. Archie has also organised more than 70 junior parkruns and helps to run the school library. Eloise Fryett from Langton Green won an award in the Good Friends and Young Carers category. The 16 year old is largely responsible for caring for her mother, who suffers from a condition which causes frequent attacks, resulting in her being unable to breathe properly and requiring immediate medical help. Eloise was nominated by Helen Stringer, a Young Person’s Support Worker with the charity Imago, who witnessed at first hand how Eloise coped when her mum suffered a sudden attack. Anyone can submit a nomination. For more information, call 03000 421406, email: icsbscentral@kent.gov.uk or go to kent.gov.uk/tryangle

Tonbridge model railway thanks town with donation to Tree of Hope charity THE outgoing Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Pam Bates, visited Tonbridge Model Engineering Society in The Slade to accept a cheque for £500 on behalf of Tree of Hope, her chosen charity during her year of office. The society runs a track next to Tonbridge Swimming Pool that can be enjoyed by the public free of charge at weekends during the summer. The first facilities were built there in 1951, and a number of extensions have resulted in a track a third of a mile long that visitors can ride along. There are now over 100 members with around 40 locomotives.

Surplus The society is registered as a non-profit making company and it had no major projects to undertake during the winter, so it found itself with a small surplus. At its AGM, the society decided to make a donation to Tree of Hope, and a cheque was presented to Cllr Bates by Mick Low, the society’s Honorary Chairman. Tree of Hope is a crowdfunding children’s charity based in Tonbridge which helps children and young people with a disability or illness. It supports their families to raise the funds they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available through the UK healthcare system. Mick said: “The society wanted to give something back to the people of Tonbridge who

STAY ON TRACK Mick Low hands over the cheque to Cllr Pam Bates have donated so generously to the maintenance of the track and associated facilities for so many years, and the Mayor’s charity was the ideal way to do this. “The Mayor was given an overview of what the society does, but, in view of the blustery conditions, declined the offer of a ride around the track. She did, however, mention she had brought her children to the track many times in the past.”

Community News

NEWS

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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Soubry leads Change UK after six MPs walk away ANNA SOUBRY has become leader of Change UK after six MPs resigned. The newly formed party split as high-profile figures like Chuka Umunna and former leader Heidi Allen stood down. Along with the former Tory minister, the remaining Change UK MPs are Chris Leslie, Joan Ryan, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. The split comes after the party, originally called the Independent Group, performed poorly in the European Parliament elections. The six MPs who quit Change UK will now sit as independents. Ms Soubry, who quit the Tories in protest at its Brexit stance, said: “I’m deeply disappointed that at such a crucial time in British politics our former colleagues have made this decision.”

Call to terrorism hotline not passed on to police INVESTIGATORS monitoring London Bridge attacker Khuram Butt were not told that his brother-in-law had alerted a counter-terrorism hotline about his behaviour more than 18 months before the atrocity. A senior counter-terrorism police officer known only as Witness M told the inquest into the victims’ deaths that it was ‘very unsatisfactory’ that his team was not informed about the call. Usman Darr contacted the hotline in September 2015 to report a radical change in Butt’s behaviour, as he distributed anti-Western texts and links to jihadi sites, and had become increasingly extreme in his views. Butt and two accomplices killed eight people and injured 48 in a van and knife attack at London Bridge and Borough Market on June 3 2017. Butt was already under investigation by MI5 and the police for potential attack planning in the UK.

National News

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Johnson’s court date to challenge charges

THEN AND NOW: Eric Carter, 94, talks to a Royal Marine after disembarking the MV Bouddica at Poole during a six-day trip for around 250 veterans arranged by the Royal British Legion to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Today (Wednesday) they will attend the national commemorative event in Portsmouth before travelling to Normandy for ceremonies in Bayeux and Arromanches.

Labour targets large homes LABOUR has unveiled plans for taxing homeowners with large properties as part of a range of radical proposals. A report, entitled Land for the Many, has called for council tax to be replaced by a ‘progressive’ charge which would target substantial homes with gardens. The report called for a new levy based on regularly updated property values that would affect the top 40 per cent of property by value. Rates would be set nationally rather than by local councils, meaning regular inspections by state officials. It has also suggested ending the single-person council tax discount – which gives people living on their own 25 per cent off their bill – because it encouraged the 'over-consumption of housing'. Local councils would be able to use

compulsory purchase orders more easily to acquire land needed for building, and buy it more cheaply. They would be able to order plots that have been vacant or derelict for a specified period to be sold at public auction. And the authorities would be able to buy land at prices closer to its current use value, not future residential worth. A ‘community right to buy’ would make it easier for residents to join forces in order to purchase land. In order to ensure poorer families have a voice in the process, the public will face a jury service-style attendance at planning meetings. Among other proposals, companies based abroad who own land in the UK would face a new offshore company property tax.

BORIS JOHNSON’S challenge against a High Court summons over allegations of misconduct in a public office has been set for Friday (June 7). A bid by the Conservative leadership candidate to have a private prosecution against him dismissed will be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court – the same day that Theresa May stands down. Campaigner Marcus Ball is attempting to prosecute him for three offences – including claiming that Britain gave £350million a week to the European Union.

Apple to replace iTunes APPLE has announced plans to replace iTunes, its long-running software which revolutionised the way people buy music, films and TV shows 18 years ago. The company will make the change in its new operating system, Catalina, to ‘simplify and improve the way Mac users discover and enjoy their favourite music, TV shows, movies and podcasts’. iTunes media and content will be handled by three apps instead – Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and the Apple TV app.

Two Tories leave the race TWO Conservative MPs have quit the race to be the next Prime Minister and party leader, leaving 11 contenders. James Cleverly, the MP for Braintree, concluded that it was ‘highly unlikely’ he would be one of the final two candidates. And Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, said there is ‘an appetite for this contest to be over quickly’.

BUSINESS

National News

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NHS ‘not for sale’ after Trump suggests it as bargaining chip

SHOW OF UNITY Donald Trump and Theresa May DONALD TRUMP raised the shackles of politicians across the British spectrum after he included the NHS in comments about future trade deals between the United States and the UK. At a joint press conference with the Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Trump said: “When you’re dealing in trade everything is on the table, so NHS or anything else, a lot more than that, but

everything will be on the table, absolutely.” Mrs May swiftly countered: “The point in making trade deals is, of course, that both sides negotiate and come to an agreement about what should or should not be in that trade deal for the future”. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed ‘Tory leadership contenders’ and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage were ‘lining

Employment falls as construction suffers OUTPUT in Britain’s construction sector contracted in May, as Brexit uncertainty weighed heavily on demand while job numbers fell at their fastest rate since November 2012. The Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) recorded a reading of 48.6 for May, down from 50.5 in April. Economists were expecting a figure of 50.5. A reading above 50 indicates growth. Last month’s reading is the lowest since extreme weather during last year’s Beast from the East prevented construction work from going ahead in March 2018. It is also the third time the sector has contracted in the past four months. The weak environment affected hiring in the sector, with employment numbers

last month falling at their sharpest rate for more than six years. Tim Moore, associate director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: “The soft patch for construction work so far this year has started to impact on staff hiring, with some firms cutting back on expansion plans and others opting to delay the replacement of voluntary leavers.” Firms reported reduced workloads, linking the soft patch to ongoing political and economic uncertainty as the Brexit process rumbles on, making clients more cautious with spending on major projects. New orders contracted for the second month, hitting a 15-month low. Commercial building was worst-hit, with firms reporting the steepest fall since September 2017.

up’ a US trade agreement as part of their plans for a no-deal Brexit. “They all need to understand: our NHS is not for sale,” he said. The trade deal will be negotiated by Mrs May’s successor, and leadership candidates also moved to condemn the President’s comment. Health Secretary Matt Hancock stressed ‘the NHS isn’t on the table’ and ‘never will be’ under him. Dominic Raab said the NHS ‘is not for sale’ and would not be if he were PM. Mr Trump also praised the close relationship between the US and UK as he predicted the two countries would reach agreement over how to deal with Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. He said the two countries would work out any differences and continue to share intelligence. Asked if the US could impose limits on intelligence sharing if the UK used Huawei infrastructure, Mr Trump said: “No because we’re going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we will be able to work out any differences.”

Minister admits errors in state pension sums THERE is a ‘significant problem’ with errors in state pension forecasts, the Pensions Minister has admitted. People with a complex work history may find there is a difference between their online forecast and any paper forecast, Guy Opperman said. However, levels of accuracy are improving and mistakes are corrected before people retire. He made the comments in a letter responding to former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb, who is now director of policy at Royal London. Sir Steve said people have reported receiving online statements about their pension which do not match up with written statements – with the online statements being incorrect. He said the incorrect statements often over-estimated what people will receive. Working with This Is Money website he had found that, in some cases, inaccurate forecasts were £35 per week higher than the accurate amount.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Downturn in takeovers

New rules for peer-to-peer

Shell prepares to share spoils

888 is looking like a good bet

THE number of takeovers involving British companies slumped in the first quarter of the year, figures have revealed. Mergers and acquisitions were down across the board in terms of both the number of deals and their value between January and March 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics. The biggest drop was recorded in the value of foreign companies buying UK firms – was £6.3billion compared with £38.8billion in the prior quarter.

THE Financial Conduct Authority has clamped down on peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders by announcing new rules to protect investors. The crackdown comes a week after the collapse of Lendy, one of the largest lending platforms in the sector, which has more than £160million in outstanding loans and was more than £90 million in default. The watchdog placed a limit on P2P investments for retail customers new to the sector of 10 per cent of investable assets.

ROYAL DUTCH SHELL has revealed plans to hand over £98billion to shareholders over five years. The oil and gas giant wants to make the hand-out from 2021-25 after cashed in £23.6billion from selling non-core businesses. Chief executive Ben van Beurden said: “We have reshaped our company with a focus on value and have demonstrated a clear track record of delivering on our ambitious promises made at our management day in November 2017.”

ONLINE gambling firm 888 Holdings has cheered an ‘encouraging’ start to the year after UK revenues surged by nearly a fifth. It posted an 18 per cent hike in UK like-for-like revenues between January 1 and May 18, with sales largely thanks to an increase in recreational customers. Overall group first-quarter like-for-like revenues rose 6 per cent thanks to more marketing and its new Orbit Casino platform which both boosted new customer numbers by 20 per cent.

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday June 5 | 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, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Criticism comes from within camp, too I hope David Clarke and Mark Casady read Cllr David Reilly’s letter next to theirs [May 22]. Cllr Reilly, who was in David Jukes’s Cabinet with the portfolio for Finance and Governance, highlights the council’s lack of transparency, and the need to listen and be more collaborative. It is not only Tunbridge Wells Alliance who are pointing out issues with the way the council has been run, it is also Conservative councillors who were in the Cabinet – the council’s leadership team. Nick Pope Alliance councillor for Park ward

The opposite of populism is… elitism

GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND The Green Party’s electric bus arrives in Mount Pleasant

Has our town really remained the same? It seems to favour Brexit more now It seems that last week’s paper attempted to rewrite history. Rather than a large swing to parties which supported Remain, the European elections in Tunbridge Wells actually saw a swing to parties which are in favour of some version of Brexit. The Brexit Party, Conservatives, Labour and UKIP received a combined 49.5 per cent of the vote, whilst the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Change UK received 50 per cent. This contrasts with 54.9 per cent voting Remain in the referendum and 45.1 per cent voting Leave. Whilst this is to some extent a pointless

It’s time to deal with the real issues The Tunbridge Wells Green Party is delighted to have come third [in the European elections], within the 50 per cent of voters who clearly want to stay in the EU – the hard Brexit parties only scored 35 per cent. The Greens have surged across Europe, too, being the favoured party for 18-24 year olds, who recognise that EU-wide action is needed to preserve the world they will live in. We need a People’s Vote to put this undeliverable Brexit behind us, so that Parliament can deal with the climate emergency and the real issues people are facing. John Hurst Tunbridge Wells Green Party

Local vote was not a referendum It is a gross over-simplification to say the recent local election results were due to opposition to the Calverley Square development. The election took place against an abysmal national backdrop that left Conservative voters frustrated and disillusioned. This was amply demonstrated by the European elections three weeks later, when the Conservatives received only nine per cent of votes cast, the worst national performance since 1832. Labour didn’t do much better. Voters wanted to send a clear message of disapproval to the two main Westminster parties. The smaller or independent parties benefitted, not only in Tunbridge Wells but elsewhere. In Guildford, a local independent party created only five months earlier won 15 seats, and is now the second largest party. In one ward in Sevenoaks, independent candidates received 80 per cent of votes cast, and in Swale a local party received more than 55 per cent of votes in two areas. These results are comparable – or better – than

exercise, since all of those who voted Labour or Green, for instance, will not have supported the party line on Brexit, I do not see how these results can be extrapolated to suggest that Tunbridge Wells has swung decisively behind Remain. And especially in the light of a 43 per cent turnout, compared to 79 per cent in the 2016 referendum, it seems pointless trying to draw any definitive conclusions from this result at all. Oliver Nottidge Tunbridge Wells those of independent parties or candidates in Tunbridge Wells. So the opponents of Calverley Square should not claim the election result was a referendum on a single local issue. Instead, we need to look at Calverley Square with clear heads and make the best decision for the town and borough. Cllr Matthew Bailey Conservative councillor for Paddock Wood (West)

We must keep the public in the loop As a newly elected councillor, I don’t think anything prepared me for the onslaught of emails and correspondence that keeps coming my way. One thing that keeps occurring is the assertion (both direct and indirect) that Tunbridge Wells Alliance should immediately table a counterproposal for the Calverley Square complex. Given that the electorate, as has often been stated, voted us in to stop the project in its tracks, then surely proposing anything other than returning to the metaphorical drawing board and publicly consulting at each stage would be counter-productive? It is not for us as councillors to pass judgment on what the public wants or needs, although sometimes it is necessary to act on information not publicly available, but it is our duty to consult the very people who elected us at each stage of any major development. Modern means of communication are highly cost-effective, and allow for swift passing of information both ways. Hopefully, all parties and the general public can come together to decide what is best for Tunbridge Wells as a whole. Christian Atwood Alliance councillor for Park ward

In commenting on the local elections, Mark Casady begins his letter with ‘So the tide of populism rises in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, leading to chaos, fear and inevitable paralysis’ [May 22]. What an over-the-top reaction! He uses the word ‘populism’ in a pejorative manner, as is currently fashionable, and probably does not appreciate that its opposite, which he probably espouses, is elitism. What happened in the local elections last month was that the electorate came out to democratically vote against an elitist Conservative-led council and its Calverley Square project. If the new administration wishes to continue in the same elitist manner then they should be warned that the populists will be back in 12 months’ time with renewed vigour. Ian Metcalfe Via email

We need new houses more than jobs With regard to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s proposed 6,000 new homes on green belt land at Paddock Wood and Tudeley – and, indeed, the 480 homes its sister authority in Tonbridge & Malling have earmarked for Haysden Country Park – why are they targeting our precious countryside instead of using up vacant brownfield sites in the urban environment first? There’s one in Tonbridge, the old Colas site in Vale Road, that could accommodate plenty of new housing. It’s been decontaminated so it’s ready to go. You can tell it is, because it is being touted on the open market for a retail and leisure park. No doubt using it for these purposes produces far more revenue for all concerned. But do we really want to entice still more people away from the high street to shops and entertainment spots that are not in the town centre? Why not kill two birds with one stone: Build houses there, and encourage businesses and shops to show more interest in where the community is really based? Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has told us that all their brownfield sites are used up, and the ones that aren’t are designated ‘employment land’. Take the former Aylesford print site, which has room for around 500 new homes. It was turned down on the basis that it would be using up this valuable commodity. With employment at record levels, it seems to me that around here we need more homes rather than more jobs – especially a percentage for affordable housing – and we really don’t need any more discount stores. Brian Miller Tonbridge

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

WHAT a nice man Anton that Anton du Beke. Calverley bumped into the legend from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing at the Times Business Awards last week. Everyone who’s anyone attends the annual bash, don’t you know. He comes across as a really downto-earth father of two. Mind you, he won’t be popular with those who voted for the Alliance candidates at last month’s local council elections, which saw one of the most talented Tory councillors voted out – Tracy Moore. Obviously a man of some insight, Anton suggested those who voted against her were ‘eejits’. Bet you don’t see that on the Alliance Twitter sites. HOLY MOLY. Those keen on playing crazy golf should head over to Rochester Cathedral. The 900-year-old ‘venue’ is, believe it or not, to house its very own version of the game in a bid to swell visitor numbers. One C of E spokesperson said they were ‘very supportive of innovative ways to make buildings accessible to a new audience’. Maybe they should put their faith in God. Oh, and mind those stained glass windows.

WARNING. Motorists venturing into council car parks in Tunbridge Wells, or indeed anywhere else, should be on the lookout for the Parking Bay Police. Calverley incurred their wrath just the other day when he left the Bentley parked with two wheels sticking outside those lines that mark the bay. He was slapped with a £50 ticket (reduced for early payment to £25). Failing to park prettily is apparently against the law, and has been for some time. When Himself raised an eyebrow on sighting the yellow wrapper on the windscreen, those in uniform pointed to the rules posted on the side of the ticket machine. The print was exceedingly small. Calverley is paying the fine by instalments. BANK HOLIDAYS are always a bit contentious at Waitrose. And it’s nothing to do with having to work. It’s about who gets paid what. According to Calverley’s mole, those on older contracts get a bit more in their pay packets than the newcomers. Spot the smiley ones. Chin Chin, dear reader

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EDUCATION Times Benenden girls in cookie world record bid Pupils from Benenden School have created an enormous version of the school’s logo – using more than 3,300 cookies – in an attempt to set a new world record

Education

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar school pupils are future legal eagles Three year 12 pupils at Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School have successfully reached the final of The Legal Apprentice competition. Launched last September by law firm Kingsley Napley LLP in partnership with The Times newspaper, the competition saw 902 teams from 308 schools across the UK compete against each other through a series of heats testing pupils’ drafting, negotiation and interpersonal skills. The final, which is being held at News UK on June 19, will see Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School pupils compete against seven other finalists from Parkstone Grammar School in Dorset, St Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt, Co Londonderry and Rhyl Sixth Form College in Wales. Students in the winning team will each receive £500 and will be interviewed by Kingsley Napley for the ultimate prize of winning a highly coveted legal apprenticeship at the firm following completion of their A-Levels. The winning team’s school will also receive £5000 to put towards any technical advancement of their choice.

Outstanding The second runner-up will receive a paid internship at Kingsley Napley and the remaining student from the winning team will receive one week’s work experience at the firm. In preparation for the final, pupils will attend a one-day masterclass hosted by the firm to hone their legal and debating skills. Stephen Parkinson, senior partner at Kingsley Napley, commented: “The response to our inaugural Legal Apprentice competition has been overwhelming and the calibre of applicants, outstanding. The competition was fierce but our ten finalists performed consistently well across the three heats and stood out for their excellent legal flair.” The competition aims to encourage more students from non-traditional backgrounds who are underrepresented in the profession to pursue a career in law. “Kingsley Napley is keen to spearhead the drive to increase social mobility within the legal profession and I sincerely hope the competition has inspired more pupils to consider a career in the law,” added Mr Parkinson.

TAKING THE BISCUIT The girls with their amazing, edible school logo THE girls at Benenden School are hoping to set a new official Guinness World Record for the longest continuous line of cookies. The current record stands at 1,916 cookies, set last year in Turkey, but last month they laid a line of 3,336 of the biscuits. The 315 metre-long line spelt out the ‘B’ from Benenden’s historic logo. The attempt had to be carried out following strict instructions, and the girls will now submit all their evidence to the judges and keep their fingers crossed until they hear whether their efforts have been ratified and the record is theirs.

‘It would be amazing if we were to become world record holders… we all had a great time and got to enjoy some cookies!’ Head Girl Freddie Flintoff, 17, said: “It was lovely seeing the whole school come together for such a fun event and the atmosphere was fantastic. It would be amazing if we were to become world record holders, but even if our attempt isn’t successful, we won’t be too disappointed because we all had a great time and got to enjoy some cookies!” Prefect Fernanda Wood, 18, led the bid. She said: “We thought that trying to set a world record would be fun, but also would be a real challenge that we could get our teeth into – and this was literally the case with this world record attempt.” As part of the challenge, the girls had to be involved in the creation of the cookies, so across three evenings every girl in Year 7 to 11 had the chance to cut dough into cookie shapes. Once the final few cookies had been laid (on baking parchment), and the relevant

We are the champions

photographs had been taken as part of the world record evidence, the girls were able eat them. The entire event was conceived by the girls and was the culmination of weeks of planning and hard work. It was run by prefects on their so-called Muck-Up Day, a traditional day when the sixth formers who leave Benenden in the summer take charge of the school, excluding lessons. Headmistress Samantha Price said: “When the girls announced that they wanted to break this world record, I think we were all a little apprehensive because it is such a mammoth logistical task, but they have done extremely well to pull it together and I have been incredibly impressed with their organisational skills and their teamwork.” The current record holder for the longest line of cookies is Turkish company Turyag, whose line of 1,916 cookies measured 153.28 metres in May 2018.

Time to Bee inspired TUNBRIDGE WELLS IN BLOOM 2019 are asking school pupils to submit their entries for a special Bee Art competition. The theme this year is Helping the Bees, and winners of the competition will get to visit the Pepenbury apiary. To enter, children should design a poster on the theme on A4 paper using mixed media (paints, collage, pencil, chalk, etc), and add their full name, age and the name of their school written on the back of the artwork. More information can be found at royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk and ideas for bee-themed artwork can be found at cross-pollination.uk and friendsoftheearth.uk/bees

Claremont U13s have been crowned ESFA Small Schools’ Champions 2019 after an impressive 7-0 victory against Boroughbridge High School at West Bromwich Albion FC. “The result rounds off an excellent season for this talented group of players who can now add the much coveted ESFA national title to their League and County Cup wins,” said a spokesperson for the independent prep and senior school based in Bodiam.

Date for your diary St Paul’s Primary School in Rusthall is holiding its summer fair on Saturday June 15. On from 11.30am until 3pm local residents are invited to come along in order to support their local primary school. There will be lots to do for all ages including cake decorating and a garden design competition. There will also be a special games and storytelling area as well as the usual tombola, BBQ, food and drinks stalls.

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Weekly Comment

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Nus Ghani

Conservative MP for Wealden

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Nus Ghani was elected MP for Wealden in May 2015 and represents Crowborough, Eridge and Uckﬁeld, among other towns and villages. She also currently serves as Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Department for Transport and is Assistant Government Whip. In 2018, Ms Ghani became the ﬁrst Muslim woman to speak from the House of Commons Despatch Box. The Times also publishes comment from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties.

The sparkling jewel in the South East’s crown My Husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary in Tunbridge Wells. Eating at The Warren, we drank sparkling wine from the Bluebell Vineyard in East Sussex, and ate wonderful, local produce from the Crowborough Estate. It’s important to me, as Wealden’s MP, writing in a Tunbridge Wells paper to point out the fantastic vineyards we have just down the road! We didn’t have to travel many miles for that meal, and neither did our food and drink. But, we were surrounded by people who had made some very long journeys indeed. The South East is gaining a global reputation for the quality of its still and sparkling wines, and for the hospitality industry surrounding it. This reputation is rightly deserved, and with English Wine Week having just been and gone, it’s important to reflect on how far this sector, which is a major employer in Wealden, has come, and just how far we know it’s going to go. Over the last decade or so, it has been incredibly exciting to hear more and more stories of English wines beating their continental and global competitors in blind taste tests. This success has led to a boom for the sectors, with more and more vineyards starting up. A record number of English wine companies

were launched in 2016. Sixty-four new wine businesses put down roots in England and Wales, up 73 per cent on the previous year. This is a rate that keeps increasing as the public become more and more interested in English wine. UK producers now produce upwards of 5 million bottles a year, and leading the way is the South East.

Championed Just like wine, the sector is something that is only going to improve with age as well. The terroir in East Sussex rivals that of Champagne for the mineral depth and complexity of the soil. The need for expert local knowledge means that vineyards will continue to train, develop, and employ local people’s skills at all stages in the life-cycle of the wine. This is something that we can be as proud of as the French are of Bordeaux, the Italians of Tuscany, and the Spanish of Rioja. The South East, for its wine, and for so many other things, is a region like no other. That’s why I’ve championed the use of English wines by the Department for International Trade and the Foreign Office during receptions. When you’re sending your diplomats out to secure us

Ben Chapelard Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’

the trade deals that will allow us to thrive postBrexit, only the best will do, and, in this vital case, the best is from East Sussex. It’s not just diplomats and trade negotiators

that are getting to try our wines either: thanks to the Government’s new export strategy, which boosts British businesses by supporting and connecting companies so that they can grow, more companies than ever have access to our overseas network, as well as new online tools that the government has made available. The government is helping make sure that these businesses go global. It’s working too: with over £13 billion more in exports this year than last. You can also try them yourselves at events hosted at the vineyards, like one that happened in Wealden this weekend, where The Vineyards of the Sussex Weald put together a 10 wine tasting-day with wood-fired pizzas and Ice Cream for £10. It’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend, amongst friends and family, and out enjoying the beautiful countryside which makes up these businesses. There’s more of them to come this summer, so keep your eyes peeled, and your corkscrews ready! So, I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to our fantastic vineyards: an international success story which provides well-paying jobs for local people: the perfect blend of the proud rural heritage of the South East of England, and modern agricultural know-how.

Ben Chapelard is a Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’ and Leader of the Opposition on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. He is also the Lib Dem MP candidate for Tunbridge Wells constituency at the next general election which is currently scheduled for 2022.

So what’s happening now, Mr Clark? May has been quite a month! The Prime Minister announced her resignation, Mr Farage is back on the scene and the Lib Dems made massive net gains of 704 new councillors and 15 new MEPs nationally. Our European election message: “Stop Brexit, vote Liberal Democrat” resonated with Remain Tunbridge Wells. No less than 32 per cent of local residents backed our clear position. We were second behind the Brexit Party by a mere 481 votes. In 2016 Tunbridge Wells voted decisively to Remain in the European Union. Again, in 2019 the message was the same with an even larger margin when you add up the anti-Brexit parties’ votes together.

Campaigned I am proud to be a member of a party which has consistently argued we are stronger staying in the EU. I have heard your 2016 and 2019 verdicts on Brexit and I will continue to make the case that leaving is not in our national interest. The difference between Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and I could not be clearer. Mr Clark has changed his tune since 2016. Back then we both campaigned for Remain. Now not only does he ignore the express wishes of his Remain constituency, but he also serves in a pro-Brexit government compliantly voting three times to take us out of the EU! This extraordinary

contortion is about to need another transformation as the Brexit plot takes yet another twist with a new Prime Minister just around the corner. The Conservative leadership candidates to become PM are trying to out-Farage each other. Mr Clark is conveniently keeping silent on the future direction of our country. So, Mr Clark, here are five questions that your constituents would like you to answer: 1 Will you serve in a no-deal government? You have said a no-deal would be disastrous. If a hard Brexiter succeeds Mrs May will you continue your ministerial career by serving in their government? Or, will you go back to back benches and do all you can to prevent such a dangerous outcome?

2 Will you vote against a no-deal Brexit? As things stand, the default position is that the UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on the 31st October. If the new Prime Minister is hellbent on running the clock down will you vote against your government in order to prevent a no-deal?

4 What is your solution to get out of the Westminster deadlock? Despite what the Conservative party candidates claim, the EU has clearly declared that it will not renegotiate the withdrawal deal. It looks like it’s no deal or Mrs May’s deal, so we would be back to square one. What is your way forward?

3 Will you vote against a new Conservative PM who supports no deal? The chancellor said senior Conservatives would be prepared to bring down any prime minister backing a no-deal Brexit. Are you one of them? Can we, your Remain constituency, count on you? To stop a no-deal catastrophe, will you support a motion of no confidence in the new PM’s government?

5 Will you support a People’s Vote? As an MP you voted no less than three times for Theresa May’s deal, yet claim that the 2016 referendum was once and final. How about allowing your constituents another vote too, with the option to remain? The Brexit process started with the people and we Liberal Democrats believe that the only fair solution is that the People end it!

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS

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Enjoy tasteful shades of grey

in a handy home with a super-stylish kitchen/dining room Page 27

SAVE VITAL ENERGY IN A PASSIVHAUS

The oast with the most…

and a fabulous barn Page 26

DOORS OPEN ON NEW SHOW HOMES

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Best property buys for...

Tile Barn House

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…

GUIDE PRICE

The BEDROOM…

Standen Street Benenden

£1,190,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.com A delightful, character-filled oast conversion with far-reaching southerly views over farmland, a wonderful garden with two huge greenhouses, and a paddock. On the market for the first time in 45 years, it also comes with a stunning, Grade II-listed period barn – as yet unconverted! MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Features a wealth of oak timbers and beams, plus reclaimed oak joinery and bespoke drop-latch doors n Reception hall n Drawing room with wood-burning stove n Roundel sitting room n Roundel dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Handmade stairs n 4 double bedrooms n Bathroom and separate WC n Attractive grounds approaching a total of 3 acres, including kitchen garden, 2 large greenhouses and a paddock n Superb listed barn, including garaging, workshop, stables, and storerooms n Pebble drive providing off-road parking n Cranbrook School catchment area (2018)

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The KITCHEN…

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The PRICE…

Springhead Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£350,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

A modern terraced house with a garage in the St James’s School catchment area. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Kitchen/breakfast room n Sitting room with electric fire and patio doors to garden n 3 bedrooms and a bathroom n Garden with large deck, artificial lawn and lower level backing on to woodland n Garage en bloc

Herons Way Pembury

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£550,000

CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Pembury • 01892 822880 • bkestateagents.com The stylish kitchen really stands out in this modern, detached family home, which lies in a sought after cul-de-sac and within walking distance of a well-regarded primary school. The house is full of light, well laid out, and has fabulous rural views to the rear. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Wide hallway with wooden flooring n Sitting room with plantation shutters

Woodlands Pembury Road Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£775,000 (share of freehold) CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk

n Sleek kitchen/dining/family room with an island, dining and seating areas and twin double doors to patio

An apartment forming the entire ground floor of a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion.

n Study

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Playroom

n Open-plan kitchen/dining/study area

n Ground floor wet room with WC

n Drawing room with ornate fireplace

n 4 bedrooms with plantation shutters

n Wood conservatory

n Family bathroom

n Master suite with door to conservatory

n Block-paved driveway providing parking

n 2 further bedrooms (1 en-suite)

n Storage for bikes and garden equipment

n Private garden and communal garden

n Garden with sunken play area

n Single garage and allocated parking

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Property Focus ENERGY EXTRA

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James Galpin Architect

Based in Tunbridge Wells, James Galpin has been a Partner at Hazle McCormack Young LLP for ten years and is a member of the PassivHaus Trust, having designed an array of PassivHaus schemes, two of which have now been completed and certified nearby in Sussex, with several more in planning and construction stages in the South East

Curl up in a PassivHaus to keep warm and help win the climate change battle There are currently 150 private dwellings built to the standard in the UK, two of which have been designed by HMY. The standard is getting more deliverable as a result of the reduction in cost of many of the components required, such as the heat exchanger units and the triple glazed windows, and building a PassivHaus now just costs around 10% more than a standard dwelling. This is paid back in the first 10-15 years of use, and while you repay your investment you get to live in the most comfortable conditions you will ever have experienced. Your asset will also be of greater interest and value to the changing demands of the buying public. If you are ahead of the game and want the best possible living conditions for your family whilst playing your part in the delivery of our 2050 target, then consider PassivHaus as a solution for either new build properties or retrofit for your existing home, and please feel free to call us for advice and guidance along the way.

ITH the future of the planet in our thoughts, how would you like to reach 2050 in comfort? The recent announcement by the Committee on Climate Change sets us ambitious but wholly deliverable targets to reduce our carbon emissions to a net zero. The key to delivering this is simple, but drastic. Our fuel needs to be 100% electric, created only with zero carbon technologies, and its use needs to be vastly reduced to enable carbon-free supply to meet demand. Whilst the technology behind carbon-free electricity production, batteries for powering our modes of transport, and energy change within the industrial sector are all in their relative infancy, the method for delivering zero carbon in the building industry has been achieved – through PassivHaus technology. The system works because it obeys simple laws of physics to use and to lose as little energy as possible.

Insulated When we are cold we tend to hug our bodies into a ball to keep warm. This reduces our exposed area and resultant heat loss. The same applies for buildings, with the most efficient form being a sphere, but more realistically something closer to a cube. The building is then extremely well insulated with a thermal break between the air outside, and even the ground below, so that warmth within the building is kept inside, like wrapping yourself in a sleeping bag when camping on a cold night. With such a high performance of insulation, the energy input can be minimal, with the occupants themselves being a large proportion of the warmth generation. The bodies of the average family give out around 500 watts of heat, which is around a third of the peak space heating demand in the winter. Solar energy can bring the rest on a sunny day, and low output electrical heating can be added where a top-up is needed. But well-insulated buildings are only part of the solution. Moisture is an issue, too. When that sleeping bag is unzipped we can see the vapour of our bodies pouring out as the cold air rushes in. Similarly, the average family also

outputs two litres of water into the air each day just by breathing, which is tripled once cooking and washing take place. In traditional houses the moisture escapes through leaky junctions and bad windows, but modern buildings have become more airtight and we have a bad habit of keeping windows closed to prevent the valuable warmth escaping. The result is that moisture builds up, condensing in colder spots of the house, thus becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mould and directly impacting our health. An increase in asthma and respiratory infections has grown in direct correlation to the increase in insulation required by Building Regulations. The solution is an installation of ventilation to each room of the house which delivers fresh air whether the occupant wants to open the windows or not. This air is filtered to remove

allergens and pollen, then warmed to room temperature by the stale or wet air being removed from the house via a heat exchanger. Of course, the windows can be opened when you want to feel that summer air flood in, but the freshness doesn’t disappear when you lock up the house to leave it for the day. By engineering the building to need less energy to warm it up, sealing the fabric to prevent loss of the warmth, and delivering fresh air to every space, we can create the quietest, draught-free, most comfortable buildings ever experienced, which use 5% of the energy used by the average Building Regulations compliant home. It’s only through the adoption of this technology that we can eradicate fuel poverty in low-income homes, reduce demand in energy creation to make carbon-free electricity use viable, and consequently deliver a net-zero carbon world.

WHY CHOOSE A PASSIVHAUS? • Highest level of home comfort achievable • Virtually no fuel bills for space heating • Increased asset value and saleability • Play your part to meet the UK’s 2050 commitment and reduce your own carbon footprint to nil With offices in Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury and Dover, HMY are a multi-awardwinning architecture practice specialising in education, workplace and residential projects. For further information or advice, call James Galpin on 01892 515311, or email: jamesg@hmy.uk.com

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Property Focus

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

BEST IN SHOW The first Hawkenbury show homes open their doors

NEW HOMES

Fields of dreams… Step inside and take a peek TWO years after the building work began, a major 34-acre housing development on the edge of Tunbridge Wells has opened the first of its doors, with three show homes ready for public viewing. Eager to see what it was all about, some 150 people headed to Hawkenbury to take a look at Hollyfields on the recent launch weekend, with seven properties now already sold or reserved. The 235-home collection of apartments and three, four and five-bedroom houses, which is due to be completed by December 2021, has a green and leafy eco-theme, with areas devoted to nature, including trees, grass, hedgerows, walkways ponds to encourage dormice, badgers and other wildlife, as well as outdoor exercise.

Amid this there will be communal open spaces and children’s play areas. The development is also convenient for access to the Hawkenbury recreation grounds, and there are stunning views over farmland from its highest points.

Designer The impressive light, bright three and four-bedroom show homes ready for viewing by prospective purchasers are named The Foxglove, The Orchid and The Primrose in keeping with the nature theme, with high specifications and good standards of energy efficiency. They come with designer touches, gardens and car ports or garages. Prices start at £580,000, rising up to

£1.1million, and Help to Buy is also available on selected properties, with first-time buyers and home movers only needing a deposit of 5%. As it progresses, the development will also include affordable housing. The extensive site is due to include a school – the relocated and expanded St Peter’s Church of England Primary School – however the opening of the school has been delayed another year, until September 2020, due to further surveys being required on the land where it is set to be built. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW, CONTACT THE BERKELEY HOMES MARKETING SUITE ON 01892 888 650, OR VISIT BERKELEYGROUP.CO.UK

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WEST END COMES TO TONBRIDGE

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See Sleeping Beauty at the Assembly Hall Page 53

THE DRIVING FUTURE IS ORANGE

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The special musical event that’s

set to take the castle by storm

On July 7 Tonbridge Castle will host a very special musical event starring West End leading lady Kerry Ellis as part of the Tonbridge Music Weekend. Here its organisers, Oliver Tourle and Hannah Rotchell (left), tell Eileen Leahy all about this sensational show…

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You must have been delighted about Kerry? Yes. We have always hoped that we would work with Kerry. When you watch someone perform and they make you feel a certain way, you want to bottle that up and bring it to your own town so everyone can see it. We feel so lucky in having been able to do that. When Oliver was a boy, he was lucky enough to get work experience on Wicked and was able to meet Kerry, his idol. From that day, he knew he had to work with her at some point in the future. They kept in touch and she kindly asked him to be her PA for two of her biggest performances: At the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium. It only felt right that we could give her something back by having her headline this exciting new venture for us at Tonbridge Castle.

SINGING STARS Pupils at Hillview School

JUST PURRFECT Kerry Ellis in Cats What is Musical Theatre Leading Ladies all about? It’s an evening performance held at Tonbridge Castle as part of Tonbridge Music Weekend, celebrating the very best of musical theatre and all its fabulous leading ladies. Alongside our wonderful headliner Kerry Ellis (Wicked, Les Misérables) we also have a number of other leading ladies performing, as well as a stunning orchestra and 60 talented singers from Tonbridge’s Hillview School. There are so many classic and highly revered show tunes being performed, and to have them sung at Tonbridge Castle is a dream come true. It really will be a night with the stars under the stars! How did you come to create this event, and why do you think it will be good for Tonbridge? Every year we have attended the Tonbridge Music Weekend and have loved the atmosphere. Last year we approached its producer and said we’d be interested in creating a show for the Sunday evening part of the weekend. The support and buzz around this annual event

Arts & Culture

is so exciting, but even more so this year as we have been given the chance to create a stunning showcase of musical theatre from scratch. We wanted Tonbridge Music Weekend to reach a wider audience, and felt that having a Sunday performance like this could do that. Both Oliver and I are really passionate about musicals. Can you give us a bit of background on Kerry Ellis, and how you got involved with her? Kerry is known as ‘musical theatre’s first lady’. Her extensive range of leading roles in the West End and on Broadway has earnt her a huge following. She has such a unique powerful voice and the ability to make any role her own. For years she has been working with Queen’s Brian May recording albums and touring the UK and Europe. Most recently she was a special guest appearing in top musical theatre group Collabro’s Road to The Albert Hall UK Tour. After many emails being exchanged between us, and seeing her excitement for the project, we knew we had to have her as our star guest.

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Can you talk us through the day’s events, please? Well, if the evening event wasn’t enough, we are also producing another one earlier on Sunday called A Princess Picnic at The Castle. It sold out in just two weeks, so we are hoping to bring back this event next year and cater for all those who missed out this time. Our day is going to have to be very well planned in order for both events to run smoothly. We know that it is going to be a very fun-filled day and evening, bursting with wonderful music, first-class entertainment and maybe a touch of Prosecco and strawberries on the castle lawn! What are the challenges for you as producers with putting on a big event like this – especially as it’s going to be outside? Firstly, being young producers and taking a financial risk in something we believe in is daunting, but we are feeling very hopeful that this evening can appeal to so many who share the same love of music as us. We hope people aren’t put off by it being outside, and we understand why they may be cautious. However, Kerry has reassured us that some of the best performances she has given have been in the rain! She says the atmosphere is incredible. So book now, and if it rains you are probably in for one of the best nights of your life… What do you think people will enjoy most about seeing the show? Everything! The venue, the atmosphere, the finest performers right on your doorstep, and the most incredible night of musical theatre. What’s not to love? As new producers, one of the questions we asked Kerry was: “What has been the biggest learning curve about being in the industry?” Her reply was: “Believe and trust in yourself. It’s such a tough industry and there are a lot of ‘no’s.” So you need to be strong, but we always say that when the ‘yes’ comes it’s always worth it! Musical Theatre Leading Ladies is on at Tonbridge Castle on Sunday July 7. To book tickets, visit sundayatthecastle.com/leadingladies

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Going Out

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

goingout 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY Smallhythe Place is celebrating Rose Month, with over 60 varieties on display. There will also be new tours, talks and some top tips for growing your own roses. Admission to the event is included in the standard entrance fee, which can be seen at nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place THURSDAY The Wealden Times Midsummer Fair opens today at Hole Park in Rolvenden, near Tenterden. ‘EVENING DUSK OVER THE LAKE’ Learn to paint like Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela at the Secret Art Party

FAIR PLAY The Wealden Times Midsummer Fair is at Hole Park

By Jerome Bowman

There will be over 250 hand-picked stalls selling homewares, garden accessories, clothes and artisan food and drink. There will also be live bands, talks and workshops. Entrance to the fair costs £9 for adults and £4 for children, and includes entrance to Hole Park Gardens. To book, you can visit wealdentimes.co.uk Quantum Productions are bringing their new adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Trinity Theatre. Probably Shakespeare’s most enduringly loved comedy, the story of magic, love

and intrigue starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19 and can be booked online at trinitytheatre.net What could be better than fish and chips? The answer is, of course, a Fish and Chip Lunch on the Spa Valley Railway. For the perfect combination of deep-fried food and steam locomotion, board the train at 11.45am at Tunbridge Wells West. You will be served a main meal and an ice cream dessert on the return journey. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £15 for children. There are a variety of meals on the menu, so for more information and to book your meal tickets, go online to spavalleyrailway.co.uk This week, jazz singer Trudy Kerr and the Allison Neale Quartet will be performing at Jazz on the Pantiles. Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafés along promenade while listening to one of the UK’s finest jazz vocalists on The Bandstand. The evening event is free, but donations are welcome. FRIDAY Lovers of botanical drinks look no further than the Penshurst Place Gin Tasting Evening. You will have the opportunity to learn from an expert about how your favourite mother’s ruin is made, including the distilling and ingredients, and to taste a selection of local varieties, all in the impressive Baron’s Hall. Tickets are £30 and booking is essential, so for the perfect weekend tonic go to penshurstplace.com SATURDAY King Charles the Martyr Church will be staging a concert at 7.30pm. Entitled Serenade to Music, the musical evening will feature soprano singer

Ellen Smith and pianist Paul Clarke. The duo will play a wide range of English songs, including Vaughan-Williams’ Serenade to Music and songs by Purcell, Quilter, Warlock and more. Tickets cost £15, or £12.50 in advance, and under-18s can enter free. For more information and to book, visit kcmtw.org JAY FOREMAN At the E M Forster Theatre

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

SUNDAY Local music society CODA are hosting a concert featuring Alexandra Lomeiko and Alexandra Vaduva at the Rose Hill School Theatre in Coniston Avenue. Lomeiko, a violinist, and Vaduva, a pianist, will be playing Beethoven’s Sonata in A, Op3, as well as Enescu’s Sonata in F minor among other pieces, from 3pm. Tickets cost £13.50. To see the two up-and-coming musicians, go online to book at codatw.co.uk Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children promises an hour of devilish songs, cheeky poems and comedy. The show, which is at the E M Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, will be performed by the eponymous musical comedian, whose appearances on TV’s The One Show and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival have brought him wide acclaim. Suitable for all ages. Tickets cost £10 via emftheatre.com

VIRTUOSO Violinist Alexandra Lomeiko performs at Rose Hill School Theatre

Going Out

MONDAY At Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst, Rose Week is the perfect time to see a huge number of varieties, including pink, red shrub and red climbing roses, silver Rosa Burgundys and even yellow Rosa Gloire de Dijons. The blend of modern and old-fashioned flowers in the gardens will be complemented by some rose-themed talks and even a rose-themed menu in the café. Tickets to enter cost £11 (and bees enter for free!) The event will be on until June 15. For more information, go to pashleymanorgardens.com TUESDAY Learn how to recreate Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s Lake View with a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Secret Art Parties will be hosting another evening of painting with drinks and bites at The Black Pig from 7pm. A social and relaxed atmosphere is promised for people who want to learn from the greats. Tickets cost £40 per head and include a drink and nibbles. For more information and bookings, call 01892 871684 or visit secretartparties.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

Assembly Hall Theatre Saturday 8 June 12noon & 4pm Sunday 9 June 11am & 3pm

The English National Ballet’s new production will retell the fairy tale of Princess Aurora and her extended lie-in. With an abridged score based on Tchaikovsky’s original, and a narrator to help the young ones follow, the ever popular story makes for a great introduction to the world of ballet. To book tickets, which cost from £17.75, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Will Locke Friday Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends Saturday Into The Blue Sunday Rob Smyth

live music With Paul Dunton

ONIGHT [Wednesday], Blues ’n Twos will be at The Anchor Inn, Sevenoaks and popular local singer-songwriter Will Locke performs at The Grey Lady. Thursday night sees the excellent Trudy Kerr top the bill at Jazz on The Pantiles, accompanied by renowned saxophonist Allison Neale. Another fine option is The Big Moon at The Forum with support from Jeph. Friday night brings The Sorrel Nation Duo at The Bedford, Shaw Thing with Clea Llewellyn at The Nelson Arms in Tonbridge and The Blue Stragglers at The Forum with Beach Riot and Funke & The Two Tone Baby. If you fancy some jazz, then I recommend The Jon Vinten Trio at The Masonic Hall, and folk fans can enjoy the superb Fairport

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

Convention at St Edith Hall, Kemsing. Saturday night has Kharma & The Devil at The Beau Nash Tavern, Into The Blue at The Grey Lady, Juke Junk Box at The Royal Oak and Dolls at The Sussex Arms Basement. Classical music enthusiasts can enjoy Sernade to Music at King Charles The Martyr Church, where Ellen Smith and Paul Clark present a sequence of songs by Purcell, Quilter, Gurney, Ireland, Warlock and the famous ‘Serenade to Music’ by Vaughan-Williams, celebrating the Queen’s official Birthday. Plus Tunbridge Wells Football Club hosts a fundraiser show at Culverden Stadium with live music from local bands Ladybird, Suncharmer, The Varlies, Shot To Bits, The Grey Owls and more.

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Wednesday (Vale Vault) Vox Pop Choir Friday Sorrel Nation Duo Saturday The Badflys THE ANCHOR INN Sevenoaks Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Wednesday Blues with Bottle Presents: Blues ’n Twos THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at twforum.co.uk Thursday The Big Moon, Jeph Friday Blue Stragglers, Beach Riot, Funke and the Two Tone Baby JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Music from 7.30pm (donations welcome) Thursday Trudy Kerr & Allison Neale THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks Full event details at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Thursday The King of Pop: The Legend Continues MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge To book, telephone 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again. Adult band workshop, all levels welcome. Booking essential.

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Dolls

ST EDITH FOLK CLUB Kemsing, Nr Sevenoaks Details available at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Fairport Convention THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Open all day, music from 8pm Details available at spahotel.co.uk Friday The Violet Jive Live at Zagotas Bar THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 7.45pm Friday Milton Hide Saturday Juke Junk Box THE MASONIC HALL St John’s Road Details and tickets available at twjazzclub.co.uk Friday The Jon Vinten Trio THE NELSON ARMS Cromer Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Friday Shaw Thing with Clea Llewellyn Sunday MusicStation Jam Night THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Kharma & The Devil

KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH Nevill Street All event information and tickets available at kcmtw.org Tickets £15 on the door, or £12.50 in advance. Under-18s free. Saturday Concert: Serenade to Music TUNBRIDGE WELLS FOOTBALL CLUB Culverden Stadium Music from 2pm-10.30pm Full event details and tickets at partyonthepitch.info Saturday Party On The Pitch Fundraiser: Ladybird, Suncharmer, The Varlies, Shot To Bits, The Grey Owls, and more THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Saturday Dolls THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Rusthall Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Tuesday Blues with Bottle Presents: Jim Crawford THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Tuesday Snakes & Ladders Sorrel Nation

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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Advertorial

Scaffolding firm to create Tunbridge Wells’ own Tower Bridge over soapbox racetrack Tube Monkeys will be showing off both their scaffolding and their newly modified scaffolding kart at Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race in Dunorlan Park this weekend. We spoke to owner Jay Jones about his plans for the event TOTALLY TUBULAR Last year’s scaffolding kart

firms, organisations and residents going head-tohead at the family race day – in their case in a striking kart made entirely from scaffolding.

Wicked productions star Tom Swift and host TV chef Rosemary Shrager. The talented Tube Monkeys team will also be one of 45 local

the action, so the karts whizz right through the middle. The plan is for Tunbridge Wells to be getting its very own Tower Bridge! “We’ve got two gangs to help make it and it’s going to take a full day in the making – let’s just hope we can pull it off!” Speaking of the Tube Monkeys kart, Jay admits there are a few changes to last year’s creation.

‘We’ve made it a bit lighter and hopefully we can get some speed up’

The all-day extravaganza, which is raising money for two local charities – Pembury’s Hospice in the Weald and Crowborough’s Taylor Made Dreams – will also include a giant kids zone, food and drinks village and a VIP area. Tube Monkeys owner Jay Jones said of his involvement: “Last year we built a commentators’ tower for the kart race, which is such a great event to be involved in, but for 2019 we wanted to put them right over

He said: “Our plan this year is to have lighter drivers and the kart is going on a diet, too. “When we raced it last year, it was so heavy with all the scaffolding it bent the wheels and did all kinds of damage. So we’ve made it a bit lighter and hopefully we can get some speed up. “I don’t know if we’ve got a chance of winning, but we’re definitely going to give it a go.” Tube Monkeys was set up by Jay over ten years ago with just enough scaffolding for just one house, and has since grown from a two-man operation, along with his brother Ben, to a team of ten today. The team, whose grinning monkey logo is a regular face seen about the town – usually halfway up a building – now boast a reputation for providing the very best in scaffolding services across Kent and Sussex. Organiser Nicole Piesse Turner said of the final touches to the soapbox kart race: “We are incredibly lucky to have such support from local businesses and residents in getting this event off the ground. “We can’t wait to see the Tube Monkeys commentators’ bridge over the track, and it adds yet another element of fun to an already hilariously silly day.”

CHEEKY The Tube Monkeys team

For more information, and to get your tickets to Crazy Jean’s Kart Race this Saturday [June 8] in Dunorlan Park, please visit crazyjeansevents.com

Extravaganza

TUNBRIDGE WELLS-based scaffolding firm Tube Monkeys is lending its expertise in the build-up to this Saturday’s Crazy Jean’s Kart Race by constructing an impressive Tower Bridge over the hair-raising racetrack. Racers will shoot out from under the construction, which will straddle the track in Dunorlan Park while doubling as a commentator tower for

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food

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

It might be a big name restaurant but does The Ivy really fit the bill? The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells is one of the area’s most popular places to see – and be seen. Richard Williams went along to discover what it’s all about…

EW restaurants have a reputation as enviable as The Ivy’s. The London restaurant has been the place to go and the place to be seen, pretty much since it opened more than a century ago. Its name brings up images of wining and dining celebrities, plush surroundings, quality, gourmet food – and fancy prices to match. Of course, Tunbridge Wells is not quite Covent Garden, so when Caprice Holdings opened The Ivy in the High Street late last year, I was certainly curious and eager to see what the fuss was about. Not having had much to do with the theatre set of London, being more of a connoisseur of back street Balti houses in Birmingham than the capital’s

fancy restaurant scene, my visit summoned feelings of both trepidation and curiosity. The first thing you notice when you step through the doors is the quality of the décor. Restaurants all too easily get this wrong, either by being too grandiose, which creates an imposing and pretentious atmosphere, or they simply don’t think hard enough and you feel like you might as well have gone and sat in Wetherspoons. This is not the case with The Ivy. The décor is not overdone, nor is it any way imposing, but clearly a lot of thought has gone into the look. It is a very nice place to be. The staff, too, are not the stiff maître d’ that a restaurant with such a formidable reputation conjures. They are welcoming, friendly, but most of all attentive – you don’t need to do any of those little embarrassing waves of the hand to catch a waiter’s eye – they are almost preternatural in knowing you require assistance. Our party of four, which covered nearly all the demographics – a nearing middle-aged man, his partner, her mother, and a food-fussy 12 year old – were not only made to feel welcome, but also made to feel every bit as important as the famous faces that may venture into The Ivy in London. If, like me, the first glance you give to a menu

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

(especially when I am paying) is the prices running along the side, then The Ivy will not have you checking your bank balance between courses. It is not cheap by any means, but there are certainly higher prices to be paid in Tunbridge Wells. The food itself also lacks any pretensions. This isn’t tiny samples of Cordon Bleu arranged to look picturesque on the plate. No, this is good quality (and as my mother would say) wholesome food. We were not too adventurous in our choices. Minute steak for me (£15.95), which comes with a choice of sauces (£2.75) – including green peppercorn and roasted mushroom; fish and chips (£14.50) for my partner’s mother; a vegetarian option of baked butternut squash for my better half (£12.75); and her daughter went for the roast chicken (£16.50), served off the bone. And the chef was only too happy to swap chips for her potatoes. You can order more side dishes to enhance

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk your dinner, such as steamed spinach, with prices starting at £3.50, but we were more than happy with our accompanying vegetables. And we couldn’t fault any of it. Everything was cooked superbly, presented superbly, and seasoned superbly. Wine, too, as you’d expect, was not in short supply, with an abundance of choice for a variety of pocketbooks, and we opted for a very merry New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough called Craggy Range (£39), which seemed to accompany all of our choices well – except for the roast chicken, which was, of course, washed down with just a Coke. Pudding came in the form of ice cream for the near-teen and a couple of chocolate bombes (£8.75 each) for those of us with space. They were rich enough to leave you feeling sated, but not too rich that they caused stuffed groans when we had to get up and leave. We couldn’t fault anything. Great food, great ambience, attentive staff (and apparently the ladies’ loos are a sight to behold! Not that I can vouch for that), and the bill was very reasonable for a restaurant with such a reputation. Yet as we left, with a great time had by all, I couldn’t help but feel that perhaps I’d been expecting a little more. A little more what, I don’t know… The food was wonderful, but if I were to be overly critical, I’d say the menu was perhaps a little safe, a tad unimaginative, uninspired – but I must emphasise the ‘little’. The Ivy is worth a visit, and more than one at that. It won’t blow your socks off, but maybe that is the fault of my perception of what it should have been and not what it is – which is a great addition to Tunbridge Wells’ already burgeoning scene of fantastic restaurants. THE IVY 46-50 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XF 01892 240700 theivytunbridgewells.com

Food & Drink

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Here’s to National Rosé Day... It’s National Rosé Day this Saturday [June 8], but why limit yourself to often ludicrously priced Provençal rosé? Here, Times Drinks Editor James Viner brings you the elite of 2018’s pink crop… 1) MUST-TRY PORTUGUESE ROSÉ SUMMER BARGAIN 2018 Quinta de Cabriz Rosé, Dão, Portugal (Lidl, £5.49, 12.5%) This is one of the most delicious and affordable rosés you can find on the High Street – raspberries, redcurrants and strawberries combining with peach in a tangy, juicy, simple, straightforward and extremely well made pink made from a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. Try it with your next salade niçoise, takeaway Chinese or Indian. One of a half dozen real vinous triumphs on Lidl’s new ‘Wine Tour’. 2) CLASSY EVERYDAY LOIRE ROSÉ 2018 The Exquisite Collection Touraine Rosé, Loire Valley, France (Aldi, £5.99, 12.5%) Nab this cracking value red apple, citrus, rosehip and red forest fruitedged Gamay-led Loire wine while you can. Take a bow, Aldi. One for an aperitif or food – think picnics, shellfish and salads. Bargain-plus. In-store only.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine 3) DREAMY HIGH-ALTITUDE SPANISH REGAL ROSADO 2018 Cillar de Silos Tempranillo Rosado, Ribera del Duero, Spain (Berry Bros & Rudd, £14.95, 13%) This blissful, top-quality pale pink rosado from high-altitude Tempranillo vines aged between 15 and 75 years was a highlight at Berry’s recent Press Tasting. It trips about with strawberry and raspberry, fennel and cream, delighting as it goes. A long and very compelling Spanish beauty.

4) SNAP-IT-UP BIODYNAMIC & ORGANIC CORSICAN SMALL-PARCEL TREAT 2018 Clos Venturi, ‘On the QT’ Bin 17 Sciaccarello Amphora Rosé AOP Corse, Corsica, France (Waitrose Cellar, £19.99, 12.5%) Waitrose Cellar received a revamp last year with the introduction of an ‘On the QT’ selection – tiny parcels of premium wines, chosen by buyer Xenia Irwin MW. Splash out on this vivacious, sappy wine before it sells out and drink with gusto. It’s a wild rosé made on sandstone hills in northern Corsica where the winter temperatures drop as low as -10°C at night. Unfined, fermented in a 10hl sandstone amphora and full of flavour, it smells thickly of garrigue, red fruit, spice and blood orange. Deserves shellfish/grilled fish, tomatobased dishes or sushi. The grape is an old Tuscan variety known in Corsica as Sciaccarello (‘crunchy’). You have the scoop. Just 1,212 bottles made. Magical drinking.

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Books

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The bookcase… This week’s book reviews include Lost And Wanted by Nell Freudenberger and Bitcoin Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Lost And Wanted by Nell Freudenberger

Published in hardback by Penguin, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99) Theoretical physicist Helen Clapp’s best friend Charlie has just died, and her grief is sharpened by guilt over their recent lack of contact. When she receives calls and texts from Charlie’s phone number, she assumes the device has been stolen. But when the messages get increasingly personal, Helen’s certainty that there is no afterlife begins to weaken. Freudenberger’s fourth novel is no spooky ghost story: It’s an elegant study of the impact of loss and mourning, complex family relationships, prejudice and power. The author uses her Harvard experience to ground Helen’s academic world, yet she explores single parenthood, missed romantic chances and sexual harassment with a depth that makes them universal. Even the hard science is explained in terms the reader can convince themselves they understand. It’s fantastic. Freudenberger is at the top of her game. (Review by Natalie Bowen)

9/10

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

The Book Of Science And Antiquities by Thomas Keneally Published in hardback by Sceptre, priced £20 (ebook £9.99) The latest novel from the author of Schindler’s Ark is a fascinating two-hander told from the perspectives of two ageing men separated by 40,000 years. Shelby Apple is a present-day documentary maker with a record of taking his cameras to areas of injustice and conflict. He is fascinated by the discovery of the remains of a 40,000-year-old human, dubbed Learned Man, on the now-dry bed of Lake Learned in New South Wales. For Apple, Learned Man symbolises something essential in the human character, a brother across the ages who has something to teach us that we still haven’t learnt. We enter also the consciousness of Shade, an elder of his people who lives by the bountiful and still-full lake. Shade has a son lost in a hunt, a maverick clansman whom he must punish, and a terrible sacrifice his ancestors call on him alone to make. Apple and Shade relate in parallel the most striking exploits of their respective lives. (Review by Dan Brotzel)

8/10

Salt Slow by Julia Armfield

6/10

Published in hardback by Picador, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99) A schoolgirl literally bugging out at a teenage party; a Frankenstein mash-up with the pizza delivery guy; and a lover returning from the dead to eat microwaved rice – Julia Armfield excels at combining the eerie with the everyday in her debut short story collection, Salt Slow. One standout tale is The Great Awake, which won The White Review Short Story Prize 2018, and describes an insomniac plague sweeping a city as sleep steps out of humans and assumes individual shadowy forms – one ‘demanding mint ice cream’, while others sit on furniture and root through belongings, all while not speaking to their hosts. The playwright and author, who is in her late 20s, has a Masters in Victorian Art and Literature, and the influence of the period shows in her carefully crafted Gothic tales, which focus on transformation, the frailty of the human body and how people respond to outlandish situations. (Review by Laura Paterson)

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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6/10

NON-FICTION

Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story Of Genius, Betrayal And Redemption by Ben Mezrich

Published in hardback by Little, Brown, priced £20 (ebook £10.99) Picking up almost exactly where the author’s 2009 smash-hit The Accidental Billionaires left off, this follows twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss after they (semi) successfully sue Mark Zuckerberg for stealing their idea for Facebook. Thanks to the ensuing film, The Social Network, the public image of the 6ft 5in rowers is largely as TEENAGERS’ BOOK REVIEW

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson

Published in paperback by Egmont, priced £7.99 (ebook £4.07)

Pippa is a straight-A student bound for Oxbridge, but when she uses her school project to re-examine the disappearance of local girl Andie Bell, she ruffles feathers in her small English town. Andie’s boyfriend, Sal, was named as the killer after he took his own life five years previously, but Pippa thinks there is more to the mystery. Debut author Holly Jackson balances dark themes of murder, suicide, drugs and violence with funny dialogue and a convincing

Books

entitled Men of Harvard who deserved to lose their website, but Bitcoin Billionaires re-casts them from duped jocks to tech visionaries, following them as they use the cash to make another fortune by betting big on cryptocurrency before most people had ever heard of it. The story rips along, but given that the writer’s most famous work – Bringing Down The House – was also adapted for the big screen, his distinctive prose-heavy style makes the book feel less like non-fiction and more like the first draft of a screenplay for the sequel. And, like all first drafts, it could do with some work. (Review by Alfie Tolhurst) portrait of a modern teenager. The timing is perfect for this smart Serial-meets-Broadchurch whodunnit, which keeps the reader guessing. (Review by Alys Key)

7/10

Life&Times

BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Pinch Of Nom by Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone 2. The Quite Nice and Fairly Accurate Good Omens Script Book by Neil Gaiman 3. Fing by David Walliams 4. Cari Mora by Thomas Harris 5. Greenfeast: Spring, Summer by Nigel Slater 6. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney 7. Normandy ’44: D-Day and the Battle for France by James Holland 8. Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!) by Liz Pichon 9. Underland by Robert Macfarlane 10. Dead at First Sight by Peter James PAPERBACKS 1. Normal People by Sally Rooney 2. The Way Of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry 3. Malamander: The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea by Thomas Taylor 4. The Silence Of The Girls by Pat Barker 5. Moneyland by Oliver Bullough 6. Work Like a Woman:A Manifesto For Change by Mary Portas 7. Circe by Madeleince Miller 8. Transcription by Kate Atkinson 9. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty 10. A Game of Thrones (Reissue): A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin (Compiled by Waterstones) EBOOKS 1. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth 2. The Forgotten Village by Lorna Cook 3. Staying at Daisy’s by Jill Mansell 4. The Shape of Lies by Rachel Abbott 5. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing 6. The Promise by Teresa Driscoll 7. Beyond the Point by Damien Boyd 8. The Killing Place by Tess Gerritsen 9. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking 10. Thin Air by Lisa Gray (Compiled by Amazon)

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Travel

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travel

THIS OLE HOUSE Visit Folsom, where Johnny Cash famously sang at the jail

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Striking gold in California:

How to plan the ultimate US Route 49 road trip… Once used by prospectors hoping to get rich, this iconic highway is packed with adventure, history and fun, says Jonjo Maudsley

HEN James William Marshall discovered the first nugget of gold at Sutter’s Mill halfway through the 19th century, word spread and sparked the Californian Gold Rush of 1848. Today, remnants of this period can be found throughout the Golden State, and nowhere more so than along Route 49 (which gets its name from the ‘49ers’ – the Gold Rush-era settlers of California who arrived in 1849), running for 300 miles from Vinton to Oakhurst via Sacramento, and connecting travellers to world-renowned sites like Yosemite National Park, Big Trees State Park and Lake Tahoe. Any stretch of Route 49 is worth tackling, but to combine a snapshot of Californian history with some audacious outdoor pursuits, here’s the six-day itinerary I’d recommend…

HITTING THE HEIGHTS Jonjo and friends at Foresthill Bridge in Auburn DAY 1: START YOUR JOURNEY IN CALIFORNIA’S STATE CAPITAL, SACRAMENTO Sacramento owes its origins to the Gold Rush. John Sutter Jr and Samuel Brannan designed the town to cater to travelling gold hunters. Today it is a thriving city of 500,000 people and the state capital, but its Wild West history is alive and well in Old Sacramento. As a travelling companion is on driving duty the next day, I spend my evening at Fanny Ann’s Saloon enjoying a rootin’-tootin’ good time with the locals.

DAY 2: FOLSOM, THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF JOHNNY CASH The next morning, we head for the historic town of Folsom and the start of Route 49. When news of the gold rush spread, Joseph Folsom commissioned a railway connecting the town to Sacramento. Thus it became a gateway for thousands of travellers heading to Gold Country. Today, Folsom is a quiet suburb of Sacramento, but has plenty to offer intrepid travellers. I take a walk through it, absorbing the hazy Western atmosphere, admiring the authentic facades of shops down Sutter Street and following the numbered obelisks around town to learn about its history. Folsom owes much of its popularity to country music sensation Johnny Cash, whose hit single Folsom Prison Blues was based on the federal penitentiary in the centre of town. The recent installation, the Johnny Cash Trail, honours him in the form of a 1.5-mile long cycle route which winds past famous sites such as the Folsom Dam and the Rainbow Bridge. DAY 3: AUBURN, AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE Our next stop is Auburn, a small town with big character, 25 minutes’ drive from Folsom. While the town centre is whimsical

ANOTHER TOWER BRIDGE dominates downtown Sacramento

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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Travel SUTTER CREEK Taste the place where the gold rush began

DAY 6: ANGELS CAMP AND THE OTHER HALF OF CALAVERAS COUNTY In the southern half of Calaveras County, California opens up into feral landscapes, wavy hills and wild greenery – it’s hard to take a bad photo anywhere around here. We start the day with a tour of a gigantic man-made lake. The good people of New Melones Lake Marina (newmeloneslakemarina. com) provide us with a 24ft Bennington sport pontoon (from $187/£148 per hour), which seats 12 passengers and travels up to 40mph across the water. Our final stop is the quaint town of Angels Camp, where photographer Dave Bunnell (underearth.us) offers us a tour of Natural Bridges – although it’s also possible to do the two-mile round trip on your own. This rock cavern is the perfect treat after a week on the road – the trickling water leads to an organically-carved cave that invites us to frolic in the swimming hole and bathe beneath its natural cascades.

and charming with a hipster feel, most of Auburn lies sprawled out across the sweeping green hills of the Placer County countryside. Here we find awe-inspiring sites such as the Foresthill Bridge – the tallest bridge in California and a staggering example of American engineering. Feeling brave, we make our way to Auburn State Recreation Area for a spot of bouldering. If you’re inexperienced and a bit out of shape, like me, you might like to hire Petch of Lover’s Leap Guides. With his expertise, groups of all ages can make short work of the craggy clifffaces in this idyllic little corner of the world. Hire him for half a day at $180/£142 (loversleap.net). DAY 4: COLOMA COUNTY – WHERE THE GOLD RUSH BEGAN No trip through Gold Country would be complete without a stop off at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma County where, in 1848, James William Marshall discovered that first nugget of gold. Back then, people came from all over the world to find their fortune on the American River. But today’s visitors are after a different type of loot – trout. We catch nothing, so to cheer ourselves up, we head to Mother Lode River Center (malode. com) for something more dynamic – white water rafting through the Category 3 rapids on the American River. Up to eight people over eight years old can ride, with prices starting at $109/£86 for a four-hour Express Trip. But be warned: We got absolutely drenched! To warm up, Kary at Lotus Pub introduces me to his selection of local IPAs. I find a personal favourite in the Track 7 Left Eye Right Eye Double IPA from Sacramento, with its buttery, bitter flavour. The food is good, too. Visit thelotuspub.com DAY 5: SEE THE GIANT SEQUOIAS IN CALAVERAS COUNTY Heading in the direction of Calaveras County, our first stop is Big Trees State Park, where we walk through 1.5 miles of California’s world-famous giant sequoias – the largest living things on Earth. Traversing the canopies of these mammoth trees is my personal highlight of the trip. From here we head to Moaning Caverns, a system of limestone caves beneath the Sierra Nevada hills. When miners failed to strike gold, they established these as a tourist destination instead, by installing a spiral staircase to the bottom of a 165ft cavern. Group tours leave every hour and cost $20/£16. Visit moaningcaverns.com

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN? Jonjo in Auburn Recreation Park

GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME E-biking along the Johnny Cash Trail in Folsom

HOW TO GET THERE For more information on the destinations, see visitcalifornia.co.uk You can hire a car through Avis at avis.co.uk

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Motoring

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Motoring News CALL TO SLOW DOWN Rural roads contain many hazards

Drivers ‘don’t feel safe at 60mph’ on country roads ROAD safety campaigners are calling for a review of rural speed limits following a report which found that many drivers don’t feel safe travelling at the current 60mph speed limit. A survey of 1,000 drivers by Direct Line and road safety charity Brake found six in ten wouldn’t feel safe travelling at 60mph on a country road. Fewer than a quarter of those questioned believed that 60mph is a safe speed for a vehicle travelling on a road with horses, bicycles and other potential hazards. According to Department for Transport statistics, nearly half of all deaths on the UK’s highways occur on singlecarriage roads. On average, 17 people are killed or seriously injured on country roads each day.

Brake’s Joshua Harris said: “Drivers have made their views clear – travelling at 60mph on rural roads doesn’t feel safe to them, and the majority would support, or not object to, the limit being reduced. “Looking ahead to the publication of the government’s new road safety action plan, we urge a focus on speed reduction, both in our towns and cities, but also on the country’s many winding and narrow single-carriageway rural roads that are often overlooked, but where so many of our road deaths and serious injuries occur. Simply put, slowing down vehicles save lives.” Just one in five of the people in the report objected to a reduction to the speed limits on single-carriage roads.

This week…  No need for speed  Two new e-cars are on the cards

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Audi to replace TT model with new electric sports

Vauxhall charges ahead with all-electric Corsa-e

VAUXHALL has kicked off its electric vehicle campaign with an all-electric Corsa model – the Corsa-e. It’s built on PSA Group’s CMP platform, which means it shares much of its make-up with the recently revealed Peugeot e-208. It’s the first Vauxhall model to have been created since the British firm was bought by the PSA Group. The brand claims two more allelectric models are set to follow in 2020. Underneath the skin, the Corsa-e features a 50kWh battery linked to an electric motor. The powertrain develops 134bhp and 260Nm, which enables the Corsa-e to go from 0-30mph in around three seconds. It’s also capable of travelling 211 miles on a single charge, and incorporates a regenerative braking system to help recoup lost energy when slowing down. Three driving

modes are included – Normal, Eco and Sport – with the manufacturer claiming that driving in Eco can help increase range by 40% compared with Sport mode. The car’s charging port is located where you would traditionally find the fuel filler, and it can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes via a rapid charger. Inside, there’s a ten-inch colour touchscreen which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems. A range of driver assistance systems have been fitted as standard, too, including adaptive cruise control and automatic traffic sign recognition. Vauxhall hasn’t released any details regarding pricing, but these are likely to be announced closer to the Corsa-e’s release date next year.

AUDI has confirmed that it will replace its TT sports car with a new electric model. Talking about the plan at the firm’s Annual General Meeting, Chairman Bram Schot said: “In a few years we will replace the TT with a new emotive model in the same price range.” He then went on to reference the current range-topping R8 supercar. “Focusing also means leaving out,” he said. “For example, the R8 sports car. Do we need a successor with a combustion engine? Does this fit in with our vision?” This could mean that we see the R8 adopting an electric powertrain in coming years, ditching its powerful V10 engine. Audi is one of many car firms currently pushing towards electrification, with more and more models adopting an electrical powertrain in the quest for lower emissions and better economy. Thanks to the firm’s inclusion in the wider Volkswagen Group, Audi will have a wealth of powertrain options to choose from with the new TT model when it comes. Meanwhile, Volkswagen itself is forging ahead with its I.D. range of electric cars – and it could be from here that Audi finds a new platform for the TT.

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Recruitment

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 10

10 7

3 12

S C

23 25

8 6

4 8

25 10

3 12

18 11

3 26

7 26

C S

11 10

16 25

7 17 3

25 8 11

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.

8 1

5 3 7 9 1 4

8 5

9 2 1

Codeword:

2 7 3

2 3

8 7

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

20 15

9 4

3 15

7 25

26 8

24 19

25 9

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩

3 5 1

8 9 7 3 2 1 2 2 5 4

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

CLASSIFIEDS

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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

P L A S M I D S I R A Q

O P E MA U R S F F L E C K F G I S E R J E U O H T E L I E S T A K E S A O A C E D S H A O U I C K E S

G N A T E S E A O P U F F Y A F A O L T E D T V E X AWL E A R A Z E D X O I T E R N UM S A I T B L U R

Sudoku:

2 7 6 9 8 5 3 1 4

1 5 8 2 3 4 9 6 7

9 4 3 6 1 7 2 5 8

8 9 1 4 7 2 6 3 5

7 6 4 5 9 3 8 2 1

3 2 5 1 6 8 7 4 9

5 8 7 3 4 6 1 9 2

6 1 2 8 5 9 4 7 3

4 3 9 7 2 1 5 8 6

1 9 3 8 5 2 7 6 4

5 7 8 2 6 4 3 1 9

4 3 2 6 7 9 1 8 5

6 1 9 5 3 7 8 4 2

7 2 4 9 1 8 5 3 6

Jigsaw Sudoku:

8 6 7 3 2 5 4 9 1

2 4 1 7 9 3 6 5 8

9 5 6 4 8 1 2 7 3

3 8 5 1 4 6 9 2 7

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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Sport

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Wednesday June 5 | 2019

Twin centuries give Wells powerful win over champions Tunbridge Wells 281 for 5 beat Blackheath 155 by 126 runs By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS made hay in the sunshine at the Nevill against last year’s Kent League Premier Division champions, with two centurions and a comprehensive victory. It was the first time that Wells recorded two hundreds in the same innings since 2012 - in a fixture that was also against Blackheath. But they will hope that it is not a bad omen, since they were relegated later that season. Home captain Chris Williams won the toss and

elected to make first use of a fine batting track. Wells started steadily, but the skipper was the first wicket to fall. That brought Christian Davis in to partner Marcus O’Riordan, and their superb partnership took the game away from Blackheath. Davis continued his fine early-season form while O’Riordan was at his stylish best, and together they put on 197, a club record for the second wicket in the Kent League. Davis compiled 105 from 118 balls with 11 fours, the same number that O’Riordan struck as before he was run out off the final ball of the innings for 113 off 133 deliveries. Four quick wickets fell at the end as the hosts

amassed 281 for 5, Bangladesh Test player Mohammad Ashraful proving to be the most expensive bowler. The reply set off with an explosive assault from George Wells, who unleashed a series of savage blows, and Blackheath reached 50 in just 34 balls.

Momentum But the canny Dave Smith did not falter and had Dipayan Paul well caught, then produced a slower ball that removed Ashraful caught and bowled for a single. Wells was superbly caught for 43 off just 24

Alexander is leading Brit in global under-sevens event By Andy Tong

FLY THE FLAG Alexander Dunmall representing Britain at Longniddry

GOLF: SEVEN year old golf prodigy Alexander

Dunmall continues his meteoric rise with a highly impressive display in the US Kids European Championships in Scotland. Alexander, from Five Oak Green, qualified for the global tournament after a successful competitive debut at St Andrews last year. The competition was held over three days at Longniddry Golf Club in East Lothian, with the young golfers playing three rounds. More than 600 children took part from 57 different countries, ranging from the USA, South Africa, Australia and Thailand.

Cowdrey 254 beat Leeds & Broomfield 243-9 by 11 runs CRICKET: AFTER the heartbreak of losing by one run in their last match, Cowdrey bounced back with a victory but a long last-wicket stand by the visitors kept them fearing the worst again. Visitors Leeds & Broomfield had themselves suffered a narrow defeat by one wicket in Kent League Division Three the previous weekend. Cowdrey’s captain Ryan Addison won the toss and chose to bat first, and openers Xavier Yeats-Brown (38) and Stuart Clarke (26) got the hosts off to a good start. But the introduction of spinners Max Aitken (3 for 32) and Edward Scrivens (3 for 48) put the brakes on as Cowdrey were reduced to 79 for 3. Then a partnership of 129 for the fourth wicket between overseas star Minhaj Jalill and elder statesman Glen Warner tilted the balance decisively in Cowdrey’s favour. Warner eventually departed for a well-made 51 off 59 balls with eight fours and a six, caught in the deep, leading Jalill to increase the tempo.

Direct hit him to drive the ball a long way in comparision to his peers – his personal best is 203 yards. Claire added: “His love for the sport is growing daily and he can’t put the club down. He’s often seen in the playground at school and at Beavers practising his swing. “He is the one completely driving all of this, and we as parents just see it as our job to give

him these opportunities as a child’s talent is nothing without opportunity.” Alexander is in the process of getting his handicap through his club at Kings Hill, where he has been asked to represent the junior team. He is also taking part in the British Junior Golf Tour Series ahead of competing in the US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst in August.

Strong debut for Cadney-Moon in Cranbrook By Adam Dennis TRIATHLON: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Triathlon Club’s Callum Cadney-Moon produced an outstanding debut in his first attempt at a Sprint distance, winning his age category in Cranbrook. Competing in the friendly, rural race in the M25-29 age group he completed the 300m swim, 20m bike ride and 5km run in 1 hour 14 minutes 22 seconds.

Distractions David Bagge (M40-44) finished fourth overall, winning his age group in 1:04.38, and Carol Tsang (F40-44) also had a strong race to finish third in her age category in 1:27.46. Club members also competed in the Ardingly White Bird Triathlon and Duathlon, held at the picturesque Ardingly College with the swim

All-rounder Jalill secures victory despite threat of last-wicket stand By Stuart Clarke

Determination Alexander competed in the under-seven category with 40 other children and secured third place overall – he was the highest ranked British boy in that age category. His mother Claire said: “It was beyond our wildest expectations. At registration Alexander was overwhelmed at the enormity of the event. “He could barely even give his name to the organisers, however once he was able to start playing golf it was business as normal. He took it all in his stride like a pro. “We really saw his determination and drive come out on the last day. Alexander said on the way up to Scotland he wanted to be in the top three and that’s exactly what he did. “He thrives in a competitive environment and really puts everything into practice on the day.” Alexander, who attends Capel Primary School, started playing the game when he was two and began lessons at four years old. His greatest asset is his strength, which allows

balls, and the innings then lost its momentum as the score slid from 56 for 0 to 76 for 5 in a handful of overs. Resistance from Charlie-Sid Speller (31) and Jahid Ahmed (38) brought 70 runs for the sixth wicket, but the timely introduction of O’Riordan’s quicker off-spin (2 for 25) ended any hopes of the chase succeeding. Three wickets fell at 148 and the visitors were dismissed for 155 after 36.4 overs, with Smith picking up 3 for 41 and his opening partner Ari Karvelas taking 3 for 35. The victory propelled Wells back to second place in the table. They now visit local rivals Sevenoaks Vine on Saturday (June 8).

MOON SHINES: (L-R) Callum Cadney-Moon with David Bagge and Carol Tsang in Cranbrook

taking place in the reservoir. Richard Bysouth (M40-44) had an eventful start to the standard distance (1.5km swim, 46km bike, 7.5km run), finding a problem with his bike and having to borrow another from a club-mate who was spectating. Meanwhile John Kendall (M55-59) had packed the wrong footwear and had to complete the race in his walking shoes. Despite these distractions both produced impressive results, Bysouth finishing fourth overall and first in age group in 2:35.54 while Kendall came second in age group in 2:55:44. Rowena Lennox-Howey took the spoils in the Super Sprint distance (200m swim, 23km bike, 2.5km run), finishing first female in 1:29.18. And Amy Pay showed fine form ahead of her European race in Romania, taking the Duathlon (5km run, 23km bike, 2.5km run) title in 1:26:54, almost 15 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

But with a maiden Kent League century in sight the Sri Lankan was run out by a direct hit from the boundary by Clarry McCague. Jalill scored 92 off 94 balls with six sixes and nine, and with his dismissal Cowdrey lost their last six wickets for 18 to be all out for 254 with one over left, Monty McCague picking up 3 for 49. Thom Brown took a wicket with the first ball of Leeds’ reply, hurrying up Fred Roberts. Scrivens then took on both Brown and fellow paceman Harry Johnson and found an able ally in talented skipper Aitken. Cowdrey needed a breakthrough and Addison turned to the spin of Jalill, who produced an excellent caught-and-bowled to remove Aitken. Scrivens continued to attack and it took the reintroduction of Johnson to remove him for 74 off 85 balls with 13 boundaries. Indeed Johnson swung the game back in Cowdrey’s favour with another wicket in the same over to finish with 3 for 53. Jalill returned and, bowling in tandem with 17 year old off-spinner Gautam Juneja, the runs dried up and wickets fell, Jalill returning 3 for 32. With the game seemingly in the bag, frustration grew as Cowdrey could not remove the last pair of Clarry McCague (27 not out) and Philip Morrison (35 not out). The tenth-wicket pair put on an unbroken stand of 65 but were still unable to get their side over the line and ended up 11 runs short on 243 for 9. Cowdrey move up to fourth place and now visit to Gore Court on Saturday (June 8).

Wednesday June 5 | 2019

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Sport

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Rusthall’s Fiesta is massive success FOOTBALL: NINETY teams took part in this year’s Rusthall Fiesta, with Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells Youth and the host club all reaching finals and performing well. A total of 736 players competed in 411 matches, with 674 goals scored and 1,472 spectators attending - and 24 volunteers involved in the organisation of his massive event. The newly installed Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, James Scholes, presented the awards with his wife Jane and newly elected Rusthall councillor Dave Funnell.

Competitive This year also saw the inaugural walking football competition for older players, sponsored by Age UK Tunbridge Wells, which was highly competitive and well received. Rusthall’s chairman Joe Croker said: “The Fiesta was another occasion where competitiveness and sportsmanship combined to create an enjoyable couple of days of football. “Of course, our tournament would be impossible to stage without the support and hard work from our committee and the volunteers that have given us so much time. Huge congratulations to them – and our winners – on another successful Fiesta.”

UP AND COMING: (Clockwise from top left) Under-sevens teams from Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells Foresters, Rusthall and Tunbridge Wells Youth