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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Jump In sets a closure date as no new site has been found
FLOCK TO IT: Last year’s Lambing Weekend attracted 15,000 visitors, raising more than £70,000 for Hadlow College
Lambing event is cancelled as fears grow about coronavirus
By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE hugely popular Lambing Weekend at Hadlow College became the first local gathering to be cancelled because of the coronavirus. The move comes as public anxiety grows about the spread of Covid-19, with shoppers panic-buying and stocking up on supplies in case of self-quarantine periods of up to 14 days. Supermarkets have run out of items such as hand sanitisers, kitchen and toilet rolls - and Lidl has introduced a restriction of one four-pack of toilet paper per customer. So far there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Tonbridge & Malling although at the time of going to press there were five confirmed cases in Kent
and a further two in Medway. A borough council spokesperson told the Times: “In the event of a lockdown we have resilience plans for situations such as this and will endeavour to keep as many services running as possible. “But there is potential for services to be disrupted and our contingency plans
‘Risk of infection is low… But we expect more cases’ Andrew Scott-Clark Director of Public Health aim to keep this to a minimum. “We aren’t aware of any problems with schools, doctors surgeries, public outlets, restaurants or leisure centres at this point.”
JUMP IN Trampoline Park has said it will shut on May 3 as attempts to find alternative premises are proving unsuccessful. The popular venue on Morley Road is having to close after its landlords told the company to leave. Atom, a large drinks company which occupies both neighbouring units, will take over the site. Affected staff have now been given notice of redundancy after it became clear last week that a new site could not be found in time. In total more than 60 employees will lose their jobs. But the company still hopes to find new premises in the town or in Tunbridge Wells.
Goodbye
West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group said the public health team at Kent County Council is handling the situation on a county level. It encouraged residents to follow the guidelines published on the NHS website nhs.uk regarding hygiene and stressed that people should not to go to doctors’ surgeries or hospitals if they think they have symptoms. If that happens, the practice has to consult Public Health England and may have to close rooms to clean. The public is asked instead to use the 111 online service available at 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 The two-day lambing event, which was due to be held this weekend [March 14-15], attracted more than 15,000 visitors last year.
Gavin Lucas, founder and chief executive of Jump In, said: “The team are at risk of redundancy while we continue to search for a new home. “They have been amazing and are committed to delivering the best ‘goodbye for now’ possible to customers.” In a message to customers on social media this week, Jump In’s manager Joanne Marchant said: “Unfortunately we have not found a new home yet, but we are still looking so fingers crossed that we will secure one soon. “Due to this, we will be closing our doors on May 3. This will be our last trading day, but business will carry on like normal until then. So before we close our doors, come
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Jump In to close Continued from page 1
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Lambing event at Hadlow College cancelled NO GO ZONE This is the first time Hadlow has cancelled its lambing event
down, have a jump, say hello or goodbye.” She added: “The team at Tonbridge want to say thank you to all our customers and followers. You have all played a part in bringing happiness to Tonbridge and you will all be missed.” Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Medway Ward representative Cllr James Lark said: “We are very sad to hear that despite strenuous efforts by the officers of Jump In and our efforts to assist in the location of a suitable premises, there has been no success in finding an alternative.
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Popular “Jump In has become an integral part of the offering in the town and promotes healthy activities for all ages whilst providing employment for the fantastic staff. “Unless a last-minute rescue premises is found the company will be closing its doors on May 3. Short term, this may be the end of the line, but investigations continue in the area and we sincerely hope that the business reopens in the not too distant future.” The trampoline park opened four years ago as the third of nine Jump In parks across the UK, and last year it attracted more than 110,000 visitors. It has become a valuable resource for children and young people with disabilities and special needs since the launch of its popular SEN and Rebound Therapy sessions. Jump In say they are still keen to hear from any landlords or property owners in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells area about any available 20,000 to 35,000 sq ft spaces. They are asked to contact hello@gojumpin.com
The move to cancel it will be another blow to the agricultural college, which is beset by financial difficulties and is currently in educational administration. It was revealed to have debts of £40million in November, and is due to be taken over by North Kent College by the end of this month. A statement said: “Having considered guidance relating to the hosting of large public gatherings, Hadlow College has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel its Lambing Weekend. “Although the college has not currently experienced any cases of the virus, this action is being taken as a precautionary measure in light of the current situation, to protect everyone involved.” The college said it would issue full
refunds to those who have already bought tickets. Advance purchases were £7 for adults and £4 for children, or £18 for families. The event has been held for over 20 years and has never been cancelled before – even during the footand-mouth crisis of 2001, when the organisers ‘took the necessary precautions’. It has been consistently successful, with a record attendance of 15,500 in 2016 – and at least 10,000 visiting every year since it began. The college’s interim principal, Graham Morley, said: “Lambing Weekend is one of the college’s largest events and a firm fixture in our calendar. “This has not been a decision we have taken lightly. However, it is the most sensible course of action to ensure we avoid all potential risks to the public, our students and staff.”
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 RSinger@markerstudy.com | 01892 739763 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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MORE CASES ARE EXPECTED… Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said that Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury is ‘running as normal’, though it has set up isolation pods there and at Maidstone. It said: “Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict guidelines. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals and returned home also in isolation. “Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.” James Rowe of Tonbridge Angels Football Club, which regularly attracts crowds of 500-plus for its matches, said the National League has instructed that players and match officials should not do their traditional handshakes before and after matches.
Regarding potential postponements he added: “A fixture has to be postponed to prevent public gatherings, or a club cannot raise a team because coronavirus has spread through the squad.” Kat Portman Smith, manager of the EM Forster theatre in Tonbridge School, said: “We haven’t seen any noticeable effect so far on bookings or no-shows, though we have had a few queries for people about whether events are going ahead.” Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC’s director of public health, said: “The risk continues to be low for the general public but I would ask is people to be very aware of what’s going on. “This is a virus that effects people with general low immunity and what we want to do is to stop the spread. We do expect more cases.”
SYMPTOMS AND WHAT TO DO Symptoms of the coronavirus include high temperatures, coughing and shortness of breath. To reduce the risk of it spreading, you should wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser gel, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, put used tissues in the bin straight away, and self-isolate if you suspect you could have it, calling 111 or contact nhs.uk/covid-19 online.
UNDER THREAT: The Tonbridge Jump In team
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
TESTING TIMES: An isolation pod at Tunbridge Wells hospital
Praise for house fire murder probe SEVEN police officers have received commendations for their professionalism after their investigation into an arson attack in West Malling that left a woman dead. PCs Hayley Keen and Christopher Lane, Sergeant Martin Kennet, Detective Constables Michelle James, Bradley Shingles and Clare Lockwood and Detective Sergeant Murray Tester were all recognised by Kent’s Chief Constable, Alan Pughsley. On 17 November 2018 officers were called to a house fire in Spitfire Road, where 65-year-old Jacqueline Allen lost her life. Enquiries revealed the fire was deliberate and had been started by 51-year-old Simon Child, the ex-partner of the victim’s daughter.
alight a caravan belonging to a man he suspected of having a relationship with the former partner. He was heard threatening to ‘burn the house down’ and was responsible for dozens of abusive messages and phone calls demanding to know where she was. According to a spokesperson, all seven officers ‘played a vital role in securing the scene, gathering evidence and helping to put forward a thorough and compelling case to be presented in court’. Chief Constable Pughsley said: “We have an
incredible team here at Kent Police, full of officers and staff who go the extra mile when putting victims at the heart of what they do, and though the work brings many challenges it is also extremely rewarding. “Being able to present these awards for acts of unbelievable bravery and courage is one of the best parts of my job and right now there has never been a better time to join the Kent Police family as we are recruiting new officers and staff into a variety of roles, all with the aim of providing a first-class service to the people of Kent.”
Bravery Despite protesting his innocence he was unanimously convicted following a three-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court in May last year, and sentenced to a minimum of 32 years’ imprisonment. Childs was found to have taken fuel containers from a shed and started a fire in a lean-to next to the kitchen using petrol. A child was also in the property and managed to escape the blaze by jumping from a first-floor window. She was treated for a leg injury and smoke inhalation. Childs was arrested at a nearby address in Hurricane Close and was later charged with murder and attempted murder. Investigators uncovered evidence that on the day of the fire, Childs had threatened to set
VITAL ROLE DC Clare Lockwood with the High Sheriff of Kent Paul Barrett (left) and Chief Constable Alan Pughsley
NEWS IN BRIEF
Trial for Pembury man over pensioner death A MAN who killed a 70-year-old Tonbridge man after he hit the pedestrian in his Land Rover, is to face a jury for causing the death by dangerous driving. Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court last week, David Smith, of Henwoods Mount, Pembury, admitted killing father-of-two Stephen Hilder by careless driving. But Smith, 55, denied he was driving dangerously when he struck the former Tonbridge marathon runner in Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells on January 4 last year. A trial date has been set for November.
Landslip now repaired A RAIL line damaged following a landslip before Christmas is finally set to reopen. The line between Redhill and Tonbridge was closed on December 22 after heavy rains caused a slip that left the track dangling in mid-air. The 100 metre stretch of track has finally been repaired and the line is to reopen on Monday, March 16.
Gang member jailed A TENTH member of an Albanian criminal gang that supplied more than £4million worth of cocaine throughout Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge has been jailed. Nine members of the gang are currently serving jail sentences totalling 60 years after being found guilty last year of supplying 50 kilos of the class A substance in the town over a six-month period in a network that prosecutors described as ‘Deliveroo or Just Eat for drugs’. Now another member of the gang, Costel Lipou, who fled the country during the initial police investigation, has been captured and sentenced to two years and six months after admitting his part in the criminal gang.
IWD hailed a success AN EVENT held last week at the Tunbridge Wells Forum to celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 raised more than £600 for charity. Organisers of the IWD event, which aims to raise awareness, celebrate achievement and rally for change for a more genderequal world, say around 150 people turned up to the celebration.
Brush with the law POLICE are seeking two men following the theft of more than £900 worth of electric toothbrushes from a Tunbridge Wells store. Officers say the reported theft, believed to be from Boots in Calverley Road, took place on February 4, and believe the men may also have information about the theft of cosmetics worth more than £600 at the same premises on February 25.
Taking a Spa day out PASSENGERS on the Uckfield to London Bridge line were treated to a more serene replacement rail service when a heritage railway stepped in to offer travellers a ride to Tunbridge Wells. The Spa Valley Railway said they were accepting all National Rail tickets when part of the line was closed due to a landslip earlier this month. Shaun King, route director for the heritage railway said: “I think it would have certainly put a smile people’s faces rather than getting on a replacement bus.”
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Council changes its tune with orchestra over ticketing plan “People were extremely worried they would not be able to get tickets any more. This move would disenfranchise a large number of our audience members,” added Mr Clarke. He continued that in a meeting last week of 618 people, a snapshot survey conducted by the
By Richard Williams CHANGES to the way tickets are booked at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells could lose the town’s orchestra its audience, its chairman has warned. Giles Clarke, Chairman of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra (RTWSO), says a large number of its regular audience would not have been able to book tickets for shows at the theatre, if plans went ahead to make the booking system online only. The theatre is the latest in a number of organisations that is planning to move its booking system to the web only, as the UK heads towards becoming a cashless society.
‘Many of the older demographic don’t operate computer systems’ But Mr Clarke, said in a survey of its audience, around a quarter would either not feel comfortable booking online or would be unable to. “Many of our audience members are of the older demographic and either don’t operate computer systems or even resent having to use it to book online,” he said. Up to now, he says many members of the orchestra’s audience buy tickets by post and cheque, which won’t be possible when the system goes fully online.
COMPROMISE RTWSO Chairman, Giles Clarke
RTWSO found that 27 per cent they would be unable to use the online system. But he said a compromise was possibly on the horizon. “We have now had a very constructive meeting with the Assembly Hall to work out how their online booking system could cope with our ticketing requirements,” he continued. He said for those people who can’t book online, the Orchestra will now provide a ‘gateway’ arrangement whereby they will administer the online booking for its audience. He added: “I think it is a great compromise, but we are just waiting for JJ Almond [Assembly Hall Theatre Director] at the Hall to endorse the agreement.” Mr Almond told the Times that the theatre has supported the RTWSO for more than 70 years and will continue to do so. He added: “A number of years ago discussions took place between community groups and the theatre management with the aim of moving the community groups on to our ticketing system. “We use a market leading system and orchestras across the world have used this type of online ticketing and subscription service for many years. “It is now time to move the orchestra’s subscription membership on to our system. We will of course continue to provide support to those members that find the transition difficult, as we do on a daily basis for the 20 per cent of our audience that do not currently book online.”
New roof needed for town’s Opera House By Robert Forrester ONE of Tunbridge Wells most iconic buildings has had to close due to safety issues with its roof. The Opera House in Mount Pleasant Road, home to the town’s Wetherspoons public house, closed more than a week ago after it was discovered that the roof was crumbling and posed a risk to drinkers. The Grade-II listed building was constructed in 1901 and over the years has been a bingo hall and cinema, before being bought by the pub chain in 1996.
Safety The Opera House has proved to be one of Wetherspoon’s grandest-looking hostelries. But the ageing building, which still occasionally plays host to operatic performances, is in need of a new roof, and was forced to close after a safety audit discovered that it posed a risk to people inside the building.
PHOTOS: Holly Stafford
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
While a new roof is being planned, Wetherspoons are to introduce a temporary ‘crash deck’ installed to allow the pub to reopen later this month. Crash decks are commonly used in the construction industry to allow safe working at height and also to shield people below from any potential falling debris. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The pub is closed until March 18 to have a crash deck erected. “This was required after a safety audit was carried out on the roof.” He continued: “The pub will also have a complete new roof put on over the coming months.”
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Hospital research to end pregnancy loss needs help WOMEN who have experienced multiple miscarriages are being asked to take part in ground breaking research at Tunbridge Wells Hospital that aims to uncover and prevent pregnancy loss. Health professionals are as yet unclear as to why ‘recurrent pregnancy loss’ (RPL) happens in some women, and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is embarking on a pilot study with the University of the West of England to find out the cause. Women aged 18 to 51 who have experienced RPL are being asked to take part in the study at either Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Crowborough Birthing Centre or Maidstone Birth Centre.
Despair The aim is to help find effective treatment. Robert Reilly, Blood Transfusion Manager who is leading on the study on behalf of the Trust, said: “For many women, the cause of this loss is unknown but if simple blood markers could be found that show risk of pregnancy loss, perhaps more helpful preventative treatment could be given to help women maintain their pregnancy. “Whilst we cannot promise that taking part in the study will benefit the volunteers personally, they may find it satisfying that they have played a part in much needed clinical research into an area of women’s health that causes considerable despair to a number of women and indeed their partners. “The research may also help medical science develop better understanding of the causes of this type of pregnancy loss for women that struggle to complete pregnancy either by natural or assisted means. It may also inform clinical investigations as well as find new therapies and possibly improve the psychological impact that this sad event has on people’s lives.” For information or to take part in the study, contact Robert Reilly at rreilly@nhs.net or 01622 227124
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Council apologises after taxi fee blunder and offers refunds DIVERSITY TRAINING INTRODUCED
By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has apologised after taking license fees from taxi drivers for important safety tests that were never carried out. The ‘administrative error’ came to light following an objection to new fees that were being introduced at a Licensing Committee meeting at the Town Hall last night [Tuesday]. The Council wants to raise the fees paid by cab drivers in the town to ensure the licensing system for taxis is ‘self-financing’, as part of its five-year review into the service. However, Clayton Berry, who runs Cleggy’s Taxis, says under a Freedom of Information [FOI] request, he found scores of safety inspections for taxis have not taken place, despite drivers having paid the Council for the tests. He told the Times: “Taxis and private hire vehicles [PHV] have to take two tests to ensure the vehicles are road worthy.
Error “These vehicles do around 50,000 miles each year, so this second test is a critical safety test to ensure taxis are safe for members of the public.” He says he discovered that last year, 86 out of the borough’s 256 licensed taxis never underwent the test, which are meant to be arranged by the Council. Mr Berry, a former chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Taxi Association, continued: “We pay £62 from our private license or Hackney carriage license fee, which can cost up to £400 a year for some drivers, which is meant to go to MOT test centres to pay for these tests.
CHALLENGE Taxi driver Clayton Berry
“If the tests are not taking place, where has the money gone?” he said, adding that according to his calculations around £5,000 was unaccounted for from fees from drivers in the last five years. “Local government rules say the Council can’t profit from licensing but they clearly are – this money should be returned to the drivers.” The Council have apologised and blamed an ‘administrative error’. A spokesperson said: “We are sorry about this and we are working with the administrative centre that manages the process for us to look into what has happened to take the necessary steps to ensure it does not continue.” She added that the Council was establishing a process to provide refunds to those affected.
AS PART of their five-yearly review in the town’s taxi service, TWBC are introducing online diversity training for all drivers. The Equality Online training covers various subjects, including disability awareness, spotting county lines drug dealing and child sexual exploitation. The move follows publication of the Jay Report, which looked into the child sex scandal in Rotherham, and found taxi drivers played a prominent role in moving around children who were abused in the town between 1997-2013. More than 1,400 girls between the age of 11 and 16 were said to have been abused during that time, and the report recommended Councils provide the training so that taxi drivers can help agencies spot and report abuse. The introduction of diversity training also follows an investigation in the Times in 2018, which found a number of young women had reported inappropriate sexual advances from taxi drivers in the town, as well as alleged assaults and solicitations for sex. A spokesperson for the Council said: “The Council’s licensing committee is being asked to consider revisions to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy in order to ensure that the Council’s policies remain current and in line with expected changes to national standards. “The revised policy would see all new driver applicants and existing drivers undertake the new Equality Online test on Safeguarding & Disability Awareness/County Lines Education. This change is designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.”
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Heathrow decision could halt Gatwick expansion plans THE decision by the Court of Appeal invalidating the Government’s planning permission for a third runway at Heathrow, could hamper Gatwick’s plans to use its third runway, campaigners say. At the end of last month, the government was told its original decision to give Britain’s busiest airport the go ahead to expand, failed to take into account the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The airport plans to use its current standby runway into a second departure route by the middle of this year. Gatwick say their ‘master plan’ will enable the airport to service 55,000 more passengers each year.
Mitigation Opponents say the move will see departure traffic increase by 36 per cent, leading to more than 100,000 extra flights travelling along the airport’s departure routes, flying east over Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells or west over Surrey. Irene Fairbairn, chair of Tunbridge Wells AntiAircraft Noise Group [TWAANG], says the Heathrow decision had important ramifications for Gatwick, as all major infrastructure projects will now be obliged to take account environmental issues. “Gatwick hopes that the ruling against Heathrow expansion will pave the way for a massive expansion,” she said. “There is too little evidence to date to suggest that Gatwick is realistic in considering the environmental damage the expansion plans contained in its Master Plan would cause, nor offered adequate mitigation for the consequences. “Greater frequency of aircraft produces increased noise and disturbs sleep. If the airport can’t get this right now, what hope is there that it can do so with an increase from 49.1 to 70 million passengers by 2032?”
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Homeowners could be banned from moving into new houses By Richard Williams NEW homeowners could be barred from moving into a Tunbridge Wells village unless there are major infrastructure improvements to the local waste water system, a councillor has warned. Cllr Patrick Thomson, says the sewage and waste water system in Hawkhurst is ‘full to the brim’ and unless things are improved, developers will be barred from allowing anybody from moving in to new developments. A number of housing projects are being planned for the village, including 400 new homes on the current golf course, along with around 300 homes outlined in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Local Plan. But the local waste water system is having to be emptied by tankers ‘on a daily basis’ because it cannot cope with the current population. “We have two sewage systems and they are at full capacity,” Cllr Thomson told the Times. “We have residents that have had woken to find their cellar full of sewage, and it is also leaking into a local stream, which is used by farmers to feed their cattle.”
Upgrades He added that the ‘the system cannot cope’ with the village’s current population let alone the planned 48 per cent increase in residents. Despite lobbying from Greg Clark MP, the waste water utility company, Southern Water, is yet to announce any upgrades to the system. The situation is similar to the problems encountered by the residents in Paddock Wood, which the utility has announced is to get a £2.8million upgrade to the town’s water system.
FULL TO THE BRIM Hawkhurst Cllr Patrick Thomson at the village’s waste water treatment plant But Southern Water is yet to make any announcement as to their plans to upgrade the system in Hawkhurst. “If it is not done in time before these houses are built, I’ve been informed by the Council that people will simply not be allowed to move in,” continued Cllr Thomson. In a meeting before Christmas, head of planning at TWBC Steve Baughen, informed the Cabinet that ‘legislation on the matter was clear’. He said: “The provision of foul drainage is a matter for the relevant infrastructure provider, in this case Southern Water.
“The Council, as Local Planning Authority, liaises with Southern Water on a number of matters, where relevant – i.e. in areas where there is flooding from foul drainage systems.” He continued: “The Council imposes conditions which require that development not be occupied until Southern Water confirms there is sufficient capacity in the system.” Cllr Thomson added: “So what will that mean for these new developments? I can’t see any developer wanting to invest in new homes if people are not allowed to move in.” Southern Water were approached for comment.
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Bumper year as motor dealer counts disposals CAR dealer Inchcape, which runs Cooper BMW in Longfield Road as well as Motorline Audi in Dowding Way, banked £108.8million in 2019. The company, which is headquartered in the West Midlands and operates in 32 countries, puts its soaring profits down to a number of disposals in the last 12 months, including retail operations in China, fleet business in the UK and a number of sites in Australia. As a result of the sell-offs, pre-tax profits jumped 256 per cent to £402million, with revenues also up 1.1 per cent to £9.38billion. But the company admits that if the one-off boosts to its balance sheet was excluded, underlying profits would have been down 6.9 per cent to £326.3million. Chief Executive Stefan Bomhard said: “Our performance in 2019 against the backdrop of challenging dynamics in several markets demonstrates the resilience in Inchcape’s business model.”
FSB coronavirus advice THE FSB [Federation of Small Businesses] has issued advice to small businesses about the current COVID-19 outbreak. Among the advice, FSB South East says local firms should have a have an up-todate business continuity plan, and to check insurance policies cover a business in case of enforced closure. FSB’s South East Chair, David Milham, said: “Being prepared is key. We urge businesses to have a business continuity plan – our research showed that just one in three small businesses have one.”
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Familiar four-legged friend pops into town By Richard Williams ONE of TV’s most beloved canines paid a visit to Tunbridge Wells last week. Digby, the Old English Sheepdog, was at the opening of the new Dulux Decorator Centre in Lamberts Road off Dowding Way. The shaggy pooch has been the famous face of Dulux for more than 50 years, and welcomed visitors to the company’s newest paint store last Wednesday [March 4]. The iconic sheepdog was joined by Tunbridge Wells Mayor Cllr James Scholes. The branch is one of a number set to open during 2020, say Dulux,
which this year celebrates 125 years since founder JP McDougall opened his first paint shop in Manchester. Store Manager Derek MacArthur said: “We were excited to open our new store – an opening day did not disappoint.”
PAWS FOR THOUGHT Digby with Dulux Store Manager Derek MacArthur
Donation To celebrate the opening, he said the company has donated £500 worth of products to the residential care and mental health charity Crossways Community Tunbridge. The Chief Executive of the charity, Christopher Munday, responded: “We are so appreciative of a donation of this nature.”
Rencraft narrowly misses out on top industry award BESPOKE Rencraft’s stunning kitchen design entry
KITCHEN designer and manufacturer Rencraft were proud to have been shortlisted as finalists for a leading industry design award this year. The Director of the Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks-based business, Robert Waite, narrowly missed out on winning Kitchen Designer of the Year at this year’s annual KBB Review Retail & Design Awards. It is the second year that the company has been shortlisted for one of their kitchen designs, with Managing Director John Stephens making the finals in 2018. Now in their 26th year, the awards are widely regarded as the biggest and longest running within the kitchen design industry. This year they took place at a glittering black tie event on the final night of the 2020 KBB Exhibition at
Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Mr Waite said it was a ‘great honour’ to be named as one of this year’s KBB finalists: “I really am chuffed to bits. Especially as this was such an exciting project to work on.
Details “In terms of the design itself, there are loads of little details peppered throughout that make it really special – from bespoke cabinets custom-made to sit within the slanted ceiling, to the raised seating area on the second island.” He continued: “To then be recognised as a finalist for Kitchen Designer of the Year off the back of the project, well, it really is the icing on the cake!”
The Tunbridge Wells Hotel
MOTHER’S DAY Sunday Lunch • March 22 nd 2020
BOOK NOW TO RESERVE A TABLE Starters Carrot & Coriander Soup with Heritage Carrot Crisps Roasted Baby Beets with Hazelnuts, Mustard & Goats Curds Dressing and Dark Rye Croutons Charred Asparagus, Poached Duck Egg, Hollandaise and Spring Pea Crumb Grilled South Coast Mackerel Fillet with Rhubarb & Baby Fennel Salad Guinea Fowl Ballotine, Cep Puree, Charred Baby Corn & Pickled Vegetables
Mains Truffle Gnocchi, Mushroom & Cauliflower Puree and Purple Sprouting Broccoli Brown Butter Baked Haddock, Lambs Leaves, Pea and Herb Parmentier Potatoes Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast, Sweetcorn & Thyme Muffin Roast Rump of Sussex Lamb, Salsa Verde Roast Striploin of Hereford Beef, Yorkshire Pudding (All Roasts are served with Roast Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables)
Desserts
Amaretto Panna Cotta, Pecan Shortbread & Chocolate Meringue Baked Cheesecake with Madagascan Vanilla and Strawberry Curd Gluten Free Cherry & Pistachio Crumble & Cream Anglaise Dark Chocolate Mousse, Salt Caramel & Poached Clementine Selection of English Cheeses with Indian Military Chutney and Biscuits
Adult £32.50
Call 01892 530 501 to make a reservation www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Union’s workplace pension concerns NEARLY a quarter of workers in the South East are still not receiving employer contributions to a workplace pension, eight years after rules changed. New data published by the Office for National Statistics reveals that 862,586 employees in the South East, or 22 per cent of the regional employee workforce, lack a workplace pension. The Trades Union Congress [TUC] say that despite auto-enrolment into workplace pensions, which has been in place since October 2012, millions of workers are still excluded because employers do not have to automatically enrol staff earning less than £10,000 a year, or under the age of 22.
BM senior promotions INVESTMENT management firm Brooks MacDonald [BM] has announced two new senior promotions. Liam Pryce-Jones takes up the new role of Head of South. From his base in the Group’s Hampshire office, he will work closely with the experienced teams in East Anglia and Tunbridge Wells to drive business opportunities in the region. Gary Stirrup has also been promoted, to the new role of Director, Head of UK Distribution. He will be focused on supporting the intermediaries BM works with, and will be instrumental in transforming and enhancing how the group can help financial advisers grow their business. Mr Stirrup said: “I’ve spent the last months building a strong and talented team to support our network of advisers and identify new firms where our services will help them meet their goals.”
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Zero packaging shop with no frills - just veg ORGANIC farm franchise Riverford has launched a packaging-free vegetable box for fans of organic produce in Tunbridge Wells. The zero-packaging box contains a mix of eight seasonal organic veg that is delivered every week. It costs £15.35 and has been launched at the Zero Waste Company in The Pantiles. The veg comes in a cardbard box, which is taken away and reused after delivery.
Perfect Sally Beare, from Riverford Tunbridge Wells, said that the new zero-packaging box was aimed at people who wanted to cut out packaging altogether from their fruit and veg shopping. She added: “The Zero Waste Company is doing the same thing as we are, but from a different direction, so it is the perfect place to launch our packaging-free veg.”
NO WASTE: Sally Beare [right] of Riverford pictured with Charlotte Bowyer of the Zero Waste Company
Lawyers help secure a high-tech takeover By Richard Williams A TUNBRIDGE WELLS law firm has helped a leading electronics manufacturer to complete the sale of a radio frequency specialist that produces circuit boards for 5G mobile phones. Essex-based CML Microsystems, which designs, manufactures and markets semiconductors, primarily for global communication and solid state storage markets, has acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Plextek RFI [PRFI], thanks to advice from Thomson Snell & Passmore. CML Microsystems says the takeover of PRFI,
a boutique microwave chip design business based in Langford, Essex which is active in the 5G mobile phone space, is part of their plan to expand within the communications markets.
Delighted Chris Gurry, CML’s Group Managing Director, says the acquisition was funded from a mixture of existing cash resources and shares. He added: “PRFI’s dedicated and experienced team enhances our strategy for expansion within the communications markets. Their design
expertise expands upon the group’s existing skills and provides a new independent services and consulting income stream for CML.” The company turned to Thomson Snell & Passmore in Tunbridge Wells to help secure the buyout for an undisclosed sum. Joanne Gallagher, Partner at the law firm, said: “We were delighted to advise long-standing client CML on its purchase of PRFI, harnessing our mergers and acquisitions expertise as well as our knowledge of the technology sector. “We look forward to seeing the continued growth of CML in the future.”
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Councils begin to buckle under ‘impossible’ housing demands By Richard Williams THE Council in Tunbridge Wells has fallen short of government house building targets, as authorities across West Kent struggle to meet ‘impossible’ government targets. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] failed its annual ‘Housing Delivery Test’ which is designed to ensure authorities across the UK are meeting Government quotas for building new homes. The authority has been tasked by central government to deliver 14,000 new homes by 2036, more than double its current housebuilding efforts. It is currently finalising its updated draft Local Plan, which has to outline where all these homes are to be built. The plan, which has to be submitted to the Planning Inspector by December, has already outlined an expansion of Paddock Wood as well as a ‘garden village’ in Tudeley in Capel, which has been the subject of protests. But between 2016 and 2019, TWBC fell short of the government’s previous target to build just 1,795 new homes over the three years, reaching 86 per cent with 1,546 homes completed.
Requirement If the Council falls below 85 per cent of its housing target, it will have to add 20 per cent more homes to its five-year housing land supply requirement. Leader, Alan McDermott, who has drafted the Council’s draft Local Plan, said: “The Council delivered 86 per cent of its housing requirement in the three preceding years. It will therefore
CONTROVERSY Campaigners at the Town Hall last year protesting against the Council’s housing plans
have to produce an action plan, as it did following the previous test.” He continued: “As TWBC is seeking to increase its housing supply, the consequences of falling
WHILE IN TONBRIDGE… ONLY Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council seem to have a handle on their housing targets. The Conservative run authority not only passed the recent Housing Delivery Test, building 2,451 homes – 17 per cent more than the required 2,095 – but also its Local Plan, which is now being examined by the Planning Inspector, meets the target of around 7,000 home to be built in the borough by 2031.
below the 85 per cent threshold could be considerable.” He added there wasn’t an issue of ‘land banking’ in Tunbridge Wells, which can falter house building as developers sit in unused sites, but said: “There is always a lag time between planning permission being granted and development being built, as developers finalise buying the land and the legal matters and so on. “Given this, it is the decisions which the Council makes now that will impact on whether there are sufficient houses being built to meet the delivery test in the future, and to avoid the worst of the measures. “This is highly problematic in a constrained borough such as Tunbridge Wells, and it is why
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OTHER COUNCILS ARE ALSO FALLING SHORT TUNBRIDGE WELLS is not the only authority struggling to meet housing targets. Last year, Maidstone Borough Council [MBC] wrote to the government to argue that its housing quotas cannot be met ‘without adversely affecting the residents’. Councillors at the Liberal Democrat controlled authority have requested the Council lobby government to ‘revise the standard methodology’ for calculating housing numbers which, they say will ‘be impossible to deliver’. Two Councils bordering Tunbridge Wells have already had both their draft local plans rejected for failing to include enough homes. Wealden District Council withdrew its Local Plan last month after the Planning Inspector returned it in January after finding the authority had failed to ‘meet the housing needs within its housing market area’. Sevenoaks District Council [SDC] also had its plan returned last year after defying the government’s quota for building 11,312 homes by the year 2035, saying it could only provide 9,410. It too fell short of its recent Housing Delivery Test in January, meeting only 71 per cent of the target and now has to build 20 per cent more homes over the next five years. SDC Council Leader, Peter Fleming, has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, arguing the Council cannot meet the housing quota. He said SDC ‘faced considerable opposition to the proposed release of 220 hectares of Green Belt’. the Council only permits those major development proposals which are in the appropriate locations and of the highest quality. There are many planning applications in unsuitable locations or of poor design which are refused.”
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Local photographer takes the lead as new Pickering cancer charity Chairman WELL-KNOWN local photographer David Bartholomew has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre as it enters a new era. He replaces Richard Moore who is “passing on the baton” after six years in the role. Run entirely by volunteers, Pickering helps around 3,000 people a year whose lives have been touched by cancer. The Monson Road charity provides emotional support for patients and their families, alongside a range of complementary therapies. It is open four days a week and offers reflexology, reiki, healing and massage, along with nutritional advice, yoga and counselling, all free of charge. David first became aware of the centre in 2004 while raising funds to keep the Homeopathic Hospital in Church Road open for one day a week. He said: “It wasn’t until my own family was affected by cancer that I learned the true value of what the charity means to patients and their friends and family. “The support my family received during that time was life-changing. It soon became evident that without the endless hours of care – given freely by volunteers and therapists – the story David would Bartholomew have
been a very different one.” Since then he has been an active supporter of Pickering, and has been involved in many fundraising events. He created the charity’s website in 2014 and continues to maintain it, and freely donates his photographic services. In 2016 he was invited to become a Trustee of the charity and became more actively involved, taking on the role of Deputy Chairman soon after. Pickering achieved one of its major long-term goals, purchasing its Monson Road home, in November last year – completing the purchase from the council in the week of its 15th birthday.
Privileged After successfully guiding the charity to this milestone, it was an appropriate time for Richard Moore, to stand down. David was asked by co-founder, Polly Taylor and Richard to take on the position. David added: “As the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre moves into its next phase, I feel privileged to be working with some incredible people. “I am looking forward to continuing working with this very unique and special charity.” Born and raised in Tunbridge Wells, David has received wide acclaim for his photography and also founded The Tunbridge Wells Project, a community website that focuses on the changing architecture in and around the town. “We are extremely lucky to have someone such as David who shares the views and values of the charity,” said Richard, who remains as a Trustee. “He has given his time and energy to Pickering over the years and played a key role in developing the charity, aside from being its unpaid ‘official’ photographer… This seems a fitting moment to pass on the baton.” For more information, visit pickeringcancercentre.org.uk
Men’s Shed comes to Tonbridge in bid to prevent male isolation By Andy Tong THE organisation Men’s Shed is looking to set up a community site in Tonbridge to support male health and wellbeing and reduce loneliness among the male population. The sheds are designed to offer a place to socialise, while allowing members to learn practical skills and try out do-it-yourself projects. A spokesperson said: “Men typically find it more difficult to build social connections than women, and unlike women of a similar age, less older men have networks of friends and rarely share personal concerns about health and personal worries. “It is not the case for all men, but for some, when retirement comes, it can feel like personal identity and purpose is lost. “Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. “As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow
men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and, in many cases, they save men’s lives.” There is already a well-established Men’s Shed in Sherwood, Tunbridge Wells, which started in 2015 and runs three-hour sessions twice a week, offering a variety of activities. Debi Simpson, a community mental health Occupational Therapist, decided to organise a steering group in Tonbridge after seeing the success of the project. She said: “I visited the Sherwood Men’s Shed and one in Sevenoaks in my work role and I liked what I saw, hence I have IN YOUR BACK YARD The Sherwood Men’s Shed has been highly successful
decided to be part of setting one up in Tonbridge. “Once the steering group is organised we will have a better idea as to what exactly will be on offer, but we hope to offer woodwork, metalwork and more.” Tim Tempest, Chairman of Sherwood Men’s Shed, told the Times: “We plan to go along to the meeting to see how we can help them set up from a legal point of view, as we did in Groombridge and Heathfield.” The meeting will be held at First Tonbridge Scout Group Hut in Lamberts Yard, River Lawn Road on Monday [March 16] at 6pm. For more information, go to menssheds.org.uk
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Local nurse among elite chosen to help New Zealand volcano victims A NURSE from Tonbridge has been chosen to fly out and help treat burns victims of a volcanic eruption in New Zealand. Lucy Hall, Deputy Matron of the Burns Unit at Queen Victoria Hospital [QVH], is one of only four nurses in the UK to be picked to fly to Auckland. She will spend a month assisting the nurses there, who have been working around the clock since the eruption on December 9. The White Island volcano is known to have killed 18 people, while 27 more sustained burns to over 30 per cent of their body – with some of them suffering 90 to 95 per cent burns. The Chief Medical Officer at Middlemore Hospital, Dr Peter Watson, called the disaster ‘extraordinarily challenging’, adding: “We had never experienced multiple serious burns on this scale.” Such is the workload for those taking care of them that the country’s government stepped in and asked for international support. Lucy, who has worked as a specialist burns nurse since 2016, discovered she was chosen to go to Middlemore Hospital’s National Burns Centre after QVH received a call. She said: “I’m a nurse first and foremost and want to be there to help and make a difference. “When the request came through for burns nurses to travel out, I was intrigued to know how they were working with their patients – as a small island there are definitely similarities to the UK. “The nurses have been working flat out with their patients, so much of my role will be to support them and hopefully help relieve some of the pressure.” She added: “Although the cause of their burns from volcanic ash is different from what we treat at
the Queen Victoria Hospital, I know from the experience I have gained here that I have the skills and confidence to help make a difference. “I think there is a lot that I can learn and bring back to my team to benefit our patients and practice.” Jo Thomas, QVH’s Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “We’re delighted that Lucy has been chosen as one of only four nurses from the UK to support our colleagues in New Zealand. “As a specialist burns unit our expertise is often called upon to help respond to emergencies in the UK, so this will be a fantastic opportunity for Lucy to use her skills to really make a difference.”
BURNS SUPPORT Lucy Hall, of Queen Victoria Hospital
ON THE MARCH TS Brilliant’s band performs at the Fasching carnivals
TS Brilliant hits high notes at twin town’s carnival party By Andy Tong IT WAS carnival time for the Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets in the twin town of Wiesbaden – but it was to prove hard work as well as a lot of fun. TS Brilliant took a 48-strong group of marching band musicians to Germany to take part in the Fasching carnivals. Fasching, or fasting, is one of three different types of Lent festivities in the country, depending on the geographical region. The local cadets were hosted by the Red Heralds, a German band and dance group – on the 50th anniversary of the two units forming a bond. In 2018, TS Brilliant hosted 30 Red Heralds members in Tunbridge Wells. Claire O’Neill, who accompanied them as a first aid nurse, said: “They really experienced the vibrant German carnival spirit. They performed more than 20 times and marched over 25 miles.” “The main carnival was attended by more than 350,000 people. The cadets provided outstanding musical performances that were well received by the German public.” They had time to explore the city and met the
Lord Mayor at a drinks reception, where they were presented with a Wiesbaden pin courtesy of the city council. It had been ten years since they last made the journey to Wiesbaden, and the group had to raise £10,000 to put on the trip, holding Christmas fairs, raffles, quizzes, dances and fetes.
Proud The cadets were supported by Holmesdale Lodge, Tunbridge Wells Rotary Club, five Kent County Council borough councillors and the Twinning Association. Claire, who is learning the glockenspiel with a view to joining the band, said: “I couldn’t believe how wonderful the leader volunteers were, and how lovely the children were. I saw how much the children got out of it. It’s such a great thing they are doing there for youngsters. I have been so impressed by the whole thing. “Tunbridge Wells should be so proud to have a group and a band like this – there aren’t many of these sorts of bands around. We are really lucky to have them.”
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National News
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
UK coronavirus PC dragged a mile and left deaths rise to six with ‘unsurvivable’ injuries A MAN in his early 80s has become the sixth person to die from Covid-19 in the UK. A total of 373 people have now tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Health said yesterday [Tuesday]. Health officials say all deaths so far involve people with ‘underlying health conditiuons’. Meanwhile, a number of airlines have cut thousands of flights, including to and from Italy, following the outbreak. Earlier, England’s deputy chief medical officer defended the decision to delay closing schools and introducing other stringent measures. Dr Jenny Harries said experts are assessing new cases on an hourly basis to achieve a ‘balanced response’.
A POLICE officer died when he was dragged for more than a mile by a car along a country lane, the Old Bailey has heard. PC Andrew Harper was killed in ‘truly shocking circumstances’, Prosecutor Brian Altman QC told the court, as the murder trial of the 28-year-old constable continued yesterday [Tuesday]. The jury was told that PC Harper’s uniform was ‘literally ripped and stripped from his body’, and he was ‘swung from side to side like a pendulum’ after he was pulled along behind a car after responding to the reported theft of a quad bike from a home near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire.
Mortgage
Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer, Reading, and two 17-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, all deny murdering the Thames Valley Police officer in August last year. The court heard that the officers were driving along a country lane, Lambdens Hill, on their way to the call when they met a Seat Toledo, driven by Long, coming the other way. One of the 17-year-olds was in the passenger seat, and the other was riding the quad bike which was being towed behind the car with a crane strap that formed a loop. As the cars met, the teenager on the quad bike dismounted, disconnected the strap from the bike and tried unsuccessfully to get into the passenger door of the Seat, as Long began to drive off. As PC Harper tried to stop him, the officer’s feet were encircled in the crane strap, and he was dragged along as Long drove off. “With his ankles caught in a strap that was trailing behind a car being driven at speed along a country lane, he was dragged for over a mile
She told BBC Breakfast new government measures could follow as UK cases begin to rise rapidly over the next two weeks. She added that people with flu-like symptoms will be advised to self-isolate within 10 to 14 days and, at the same time, significant increases in the number of cases are likely to begin. Dr Harries said cancelling big outdoor events like football matches would not necessarily be a decision supported by science. “The virus will not survive very long outside,” she said. “Many outdoor events, particularly, are relatively safe.” Bank RBS will allow people affected by the coronavirus outbreak to defer mortgage and loan repayments for up to three months. While TSB and Lloyds said they would also allow a mortgage window, and the banks said savers could close fixed-term savings accounts without charge, to allow people to access cash if they need it as the impact of the virus is felt.
PC ANDREW HARPER
NEWS IN BRIEF
Judge throws gender passport appeal out A CAMPAIGNER has lost a Court of Appeal challenge over gender-neutral passports. Christine Elan-Cane claimed the UK’s passport application process, which requires individuals to indicate whether they are male or female, is ‘inherently discriminatory’. During a hearing in December, lawyers representing Elan-Cane argued that the Government’s current policy on genderneutral passports is ‘unlawful’ and breaches human rights laws. But, in a ruling on Tuesday, three senior judges dismissed the appeal.
Salmond accuser is not ‘cheerleading’
Towed
along the road surface, swung from side to side like a pendulum in an effort to dislodge him, losing items of his police uniform along the way, with the rest of his uniform being quite literally ripped and stripped from his body,” Mr Altman told the jury. He continued: “When, at last, he became disentangled, he was left with the most awful injuries, from which he died there on the road, surrounded by colleagues who tried in vain to save him.” He said Mr Harper was left wearing only his socks and boots and suffered injuries that were ‘unsurvivable’. The case continues.
A FORMER Scottish Government official who has accused Alex Salmond of sexual assault has said no-one was ‘cheerleading’ her to make a complaint against him. The woman, who is the first to give evidence at the former first minister of Scotland’s trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, has spoken about two alleged incidents, including one charge that the 65-year-old tried to rape her in June 2014. She said: “There’s no-one cheerleading me to do this. This isn’t fun, I would rather not be here.”
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
NEWS IN BRIEF
Russia undermining MH17 investigation A DUTCH prosecutor said there are ‘strong indications’ Russia wants to undermine investigations into the downing of Malaysia Flight 17 and told judges at the trial of four suspects that witnesses fear for their safety. Prosecutor Thijs Berger made the statement on the second day of the trial of three Russians and a Ukrainian charged with the murder of 298 passengers, including ten Britons, and crew aft er a missile shot down the Kuala Lumpur bound flight on July 17 2014.
A straight apology A PROFESSIONAL football club in Australia’s A-League has apologised after promoting a singles night at one of their games and stipulating it was for heterosexuals only. The Western Sydney Wanderers on Monday advertised that their April 4 match against Perth Glory would be a singles night, but in an advertisement added: “Please note this is a heterosexual event.” After the advert sparked a fierce reaction on social media, the Wanderers apologised.
Weinstein mercy plea LAWYERS for Harvey Weinstein have argued he deserved mercy because he already has had a ‘historic fall from grace’ and suffers serious health issues. In a letter filed in advance of the disgraced movie mogul’s sentencing today [Wednesday], his defence team asked Judge James Burke to give him to only five years of the potential 29-year maximum term. He said even that term was a ‘de facto life sentence’ because the ailing 67-year-old may still die in prison.
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Italians struggle with lockdown as China edges back to normality DUTCH PM MAKES HANDSHAKE BLUNDER
ITALIANS woke yesterday [Tuesday] to find the coronavirus travel restrictions previously limited to the north were in force around the whole country. Popular tourist locations such as Milan’s shopping galleries, Rome’s Spanish Steps and St Mark’s Square in Venice were all but deserted and panic-buyers were in queues stretching outside supermarkets because of a rule that demands a 3ft gap between people shopping that limits the number of people that can be in a store at once.
DUTCH Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on citizens of the Netherlands to stop shaking hands to prevent spreading Covid-19 – and then shook hands with the head of the country’s infectious diseases department. At a press conference following a crisis meeting of government ministers to discuss the virus, Mr Rutte told reporters: “From this moment on, we stop shaking hands.” As he wrapped up the news conference, the PM shook hands with Jaap van Dissel of the public health institute, who quickly pointed out the prime minister’s error. “Sorry, sorry, we can’t do that anymore! Do it again,” Mr Rutte said as he bumped elbows with Mr van Dissel.
Infected Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s office issued the unprecedented peacetime decree late on Monday, but clarified yesterday that movement outside homes for ‘normal necessities’ such as grocery shopping will be allowed, as well as for work or health reasons. But all public gatherings are now banned, sports events including football matches are suspended, and all movement of the nation’s 60 million population is being severely restricted by the authorities. A number of airlines, including BA and Ryanair, have already cancelled all flights to the country. Some 9,172 people have been infected with Covid-19 in Italy, with 463 deaths, and there is a growing sense that the numbers will only worsen. “We’re only at the beginning,” said Dr Massimo Galli, head of infectious disease at Sacco Hospital in Milan, where people at the city’s main railway station were required to sign forms certifying the necessity of their travel.
DESERTED: St Mark’s Square in Venice following the national lockdown Meanwhile, China’s president visited the city where the coronavirus outbreak started as people across the world braced for the possibility of recession. President Xi Jinping’s trip to Wuhan – his first
since the start of the outbreak – came as parts of China return to normal, and was a sign of the diminishing threat the illness presents in the country as it spreads west. Mr Xi was conspicuously absent from the public eye during the early days of the outbreak and the alarm was not raised until late January. Wuhan and nearby cities have been under lockdown since then, but there are already signs that the lockdown is loosening. Jingzhou, a city in Hubei, has ordered roads and village entrances in low-risk areas to be reopened to restore agricultural production. The move towards normality in China and improving reports from South Korea – where new infections continue to fall - contrasted with a widening problem elsewhere in the world.
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Markets calmer after ‘Black Monday’ rout
STOCK markets were calmer yesterday [Tuesday] following one of the biggest routs since the financial crisis and lows not seen on the London Stock Exchange since the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum. The FTSE 100 was up by around 2% in early trading yesterday, as Asian markets were buoyed by calls from Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe for its central bank to act on the recent falls. Coronavirus and the escalation of an oil trade war between Russia and Saudi Arabia knocked almost 8% off the leading shares index in London on what has been dubbed ‘Black Monday’.
Nervous It capped a two-week period of uncertainty that saw nearly 20% wiped off the value of the companies on the index. The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, already announced an emergency interest rates cut to ease fears, and Mr Abe appeared to make calls for similar measures. He said overnight: “Markets are making nervous movements amid uncertainty over the global economic outlook.”
The next Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, who starts later this month, will be under pressure to cut interest rates in the UK if markets fail to stabilise. Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said: “Investors are licking wounds and there is a stabilisation of the rout, but this looks like a short-term bounce on oversold levels, not a meaningful turn. It smells like a dead cat. “The stimulus is coming, but the situation on the ground gets worse. It seems comments from Donald Trump, and overnight some emollient tones from the Japanese authorities, are helping.”
Asda slashes fuel prices as oil tensions heat up “It will be a welcomed boost, especially to diesel drivers who are seeing some of the lowest fuel prices since 2017.”
Difference
SUPERMARKET Asda has announced a price cut of 2p per litre (ppl) for petrol and diesel amid an oil war between Saudi Arabia and Russia which led to stock markets and oil prices tanking around the world. Motorists filling up at an Asda forecourt will pay no more than 114.7ppl for petrol and 116.7ppl for diesel. Asda said these are its lowest fuel prices since November 2017. The retailer has brought fuel prices down by up to 11ppl since January. Asda senior fuel buyer Dave Tyrer said: “Once again we’re pleased to be passing on wholesale cost reductions to customers.
AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said: “For the past two years, UK drivers have had to endure petrol averaging 125p a litre - 15p a litre higher than during the lows of 2015 and 2016. “Now, at last, some real financial relief will flow from the pumps. “However, there is currently a 6p, soon to be an 8p, gap between the UK average price of petrol and what competitive supermarkets like Asda charge for it. “That’s a more than £4-a-tank difference between forecourts that have their customers’ interests at heart and those that don’t.” As investors already deal with the fallout from coronavirus, Saudi Arbia announced plans to flood markets with extra supply - wiping billions off companies. The Saudis are trying to punish Russia after the two sides failed to agree to supply targets. The price of a barrel of Brent Crude fell to just 36.1 dollars a barrel.
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF
French Connection sales ‘worse than expected’ FRENCH Connection slid to a loss last year as its UK woes continued. The fashion retailer missed its guidance for the year after trading in the second half was ‘considerably worse than expected’ following a poor festive period. It said revenue fell 11.4% to £119.9million for the year to January 31 as it was weighed down by store closures and “the difficult retail trading environment”. Stephen Marks, chairman and chief executive of French Connection, said: “We believe the trading landscape in the UK is unlikely to improve in the short term and this has a potential impact on both the retail and wholesale businesses.”
Uncertainty hits DFS SOFA retailer DFS has said that ‘challenging market conditions’ hit performance in the past half-year and warned that the developing Covid-19 outbreak meant it was unable to give accurate forecasts for the rest of the year.
The company said sales slipped 5.7% to £488million for the year to December 29, as the impact of ‘political uncertainty’ and weaker consumer confidence offset online growth. DFS said that trading for the current halfyear started ‘satisfactorily’ but the business has observed a change in consumer footfall to its showrooms ‘in very recent days’ following the Covid-19 outbreak.
Exhibitions hit by virus THE world’s largest exhibitions organiser has revealed that 128 planned events have been cancelled or postponed. Informa added the changed events, which have been moved due to the ongoing outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, represented revenues worth £425million. The company, which hosts more than 500 events a year, is behind exhibitions including the China Beauty Expo and Monaco Yacht Show, but has suffered as companies and governments start calling off major gatherings to contain the cornonavirus spread. Bosses added that most of the cancellations were larger brands.
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Why separation and divorce can be a civilised affair If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone. ALMOST 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many, it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation, not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids. The truth is there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life. Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive and take the lead and put a stop to the fighting, anger and hurt. Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly both emotionally and financially and you must be prepared to invest to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor, which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future. Our dedicated team at Keene Marsland is hand picked for their experience working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. They are all members of Resolution, which means that they have the legal experience required to give you the best advice, and are committed to solving your problem in a conciliatory way if possible – saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. They understand the emotional pressure
and stress you are going through and they can help ease the pain. We work closely with leading family barristers and other specialists and together we will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you to move on with your life. Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to you. For a limited period, I am offering a
selected number of potential clients an opportunity to meet with one of my family solicitors for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. Due to high demand my team are only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly. Choosing the right legal team is key to
your emotional and financial future so apply today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want. For further information, and to apply for a FREE CONSULTATION, call us at Keene Marsland on 01892 526442 or email us at enquiries@keenemarsland.co.uk today quoting reference KM2020
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Letters
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And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Surgeries must move with times
SELLING OUT Hand sanitisers are hard to get hold of
Shame on opportunists who are cashing in on coronavirus My grandson is a nine-year-old boy battling daily three life-limiting conditions, including renal failure. Each time people visit his home they go through a strict hygiene routine as he has no immune system. The most recent hospital stay was when he was hit by sepsis. The problem is, now people are panic-buying things such as hand sanitiser, he has run out of supplies. Normally the family use Clinell hand gel.
Bring John Martin back to Trinity I was surprised to read that Trinity’s Artistic Director, Kezia Cole, who was only appointed last summer to replace the previous highly regarded Artistic Director, John Martin, had very recently stepped down after the 2019 Christmas show had failed to impress [February 26]. I did not see Trinity’s Christmas production of the Snow Queen, so cannot comment personally. However, I have been involved and associated with the venue as an ardent supporter through Trinity Theatre Club [TTC], formerly Tunbridge Wells Drama Club, for over 40 years. So, as a consequence, as a life member, I am fully acquainted with Trinity’s history, evolution and development over those many years. I have also produced three of my own charity fundraiser shows at Trinity. I have seen many wonderful Christmas shows over the previous years, and even appeared in the 2008 Christmas show Worzel Gummidge – The Musical, directed by the late Caroline Elliott. And a very successful production it was! The 2018 Trinity Christmas show The Wind in the Willows – produced and directed by John Martin – was, I believe, Trinity’s greatest success to date, financially and otherwise. John always knew what would appeal to local audiences. The enormous contribution made by John over his ten years first as Artistic Manager and then Artistic Director of Trinity is, of course, fully acknowledged.
In desperation his mother went online and found them being offered by opportunists at £45 a bottle. The normal price on Amazon would be around £12. My fear is that matters will probably get a lot worse before we turn the corner with this virus. Here’s the message to those cashing in on any shortages that could prove fatal: Shame on you! Peter Watkins Via email He was partly responsible for turning the ailing theatre’s fortunes around. I would like to see John return and take back the reigns as Artistic Director to build on his previous achievements. Brian Bissell Tunbridge Wells
New buildings must be accessible It is wonderful news that High Brooms Station is at long last getting an upgrade that will hopefully provide much better access for all rail passengers [March 4]. Comfortable waiting rooms with toilets on both platforms would also be the next step, as would more direct bus connections between Southborough, High Brooms Station and Knights Wood, and electric vehicle charging points in the car park. It is, however, very sad to see that Shopmobility could close in Royal Victoria Place [February 26], despite all the sterling work done by Chris Jeffery and many local volunteers through organisations such as Mending the Gap. Let us hope that a reprieve can be agreed to keep this vital service open. We must likewise ensure that all new buildings across the borough, such as The Amelia Scott and Hub are fully accessible for all residents right from their first day of opening to the public. Dr Alan Bullion Lib Dem Town Councillor for Southborough North
Regarding the letter about the Tonbridge Medical Centre being a ‘missed opportunity’ [February 26], it seems so easily forgotten that our new surgery building is about creating the space we need to serve our ever-growing list of patients. We currently care for 15,000 people from a former Victorian villa and a converted bungalow. Neither building has enough room. The premises don’t fully meet disability or Care Quality Commission standards and limit the services we are able to offer. The population is growing, so we will need more room to provide appointments and health. Our new building will have a range of consulting and treatment rooms, a minor procedures and treatment suite, a linked pharmacy and an ambulance bay. The centre will be less reliant on fossil fuels than our existing buildings, using solar panels and air-source heat pumps to reduce energy consumption. The scheme has been approved by the NHS and HMRC’s District Valuer Services against strict criteria, and it is an economic reality that the rent paid on ageing, unfit, former residential premises will never be the same as that for a purpose-built medical centre. The project has been a huge joint effort thanks to the support of NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, our developers and contractors, our MP Tom Tugendhat, and the wider Tonbridge community. A pleasant environment for patient care in Tonbridge is the end result we’re all pushing for. Dr Tim Palmer Tonbridge Medical Group
I do want to see council webcasts Cllr Mark Rhodes has wilfully missed the point made by Russell Dean [March 4]. Webcams are now cheap and have more than adequate quality to record what is said. By rejecting access to what is said in council meetings, the council restricts access to democracy. The councillor notes that some business is conducted outside of the council chamber. But if councillors have to be present (another point he makes), then there should be webcams in each room, thus capturing all decisions. It reads as if the Conservative Council has something to hide. Jeremy Webb Tonbridge
Prize potholes for pedestrians Potholes are commonplace, but in Higham Lane, Tonbridge, we have potholes in our zebra crossings. Is this unique? Do we get a special prize for this or – even better – a priority repair? There are two crossings on the road and there are potholes in both of them. They have been there since at least before Christmas, and probably well before that. One crossing is outside Tonbridge Methodist Church, the other is well used by schoolchildren going to and from Woodlands School. Peter Stibbard Tonbridge
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
BUSY BODIES. There’s a beautiful black Labrador that goes out every day with his ‘owner’, who visits offices as a contractor. Sometimes he takes him inside, other times he stays in the van on his blanket for half an hour with the window partly open. That was until last week – when someone took a picture of the dog and the van with the company name on the side. They posted it on social media. Within hours head office had called and told him to leave the dog at home. Well done you. Now the poor animal can stay home alone!
OFF TO Sovereign Harbour to swab down the decks of the yacht and fill up the Bentley with cheap petrol. The cost per litre at the garage outside Asda in Eastbourne was 116p litre. A couple of days later it was 126p in Tunbridge Wells. Yet again, TW folk are being penalised for being ‘affluent’. The average family car takes 55 litres, which means there’s a difference of more than £5 when filling up. How much would it cost to hire a tanker and park it in Calverley Grounds to make a few extra bob?
CHANCES are that most people reading this column are ‘textiles’. That, if you didn’t already know, is the terminology used by naturists to describe ‘non-nudists’. The name emerged as nudists kicked off a campaign to be protected under laws governing hate crimes. Seems they want the right to parade around starkers in public to be recognised as a ‘philosophical belief’. Bit like vegans. Until now Calverley always thought the biggest threat to nudists was sunburn. TALKING about protecting your brand image, film buffs can now easily tell which are the villains in Hollywood movies – they will not be carrying iPhones. A leading director let slip last week that Apple will not allow on-screen baddies to be seen with its product. So that’s why Calverley has been handed an Alba phone! FINAL THOUGHT: No prize for guessing why sales of Corona beer have gone flat? Brewers claim they have already lost £225million in sales since a certain virus emerged. To the rescue, Calverley… Chin Chin, dear reader
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
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EDUCATION Times
Royal Academy tutor leads musical afternoon for local school singers NEARLY 80 secondary school students have been treated to a singing masterclass from an acclaimed vocal tutor at a session organised by Tonbridge Music Club. Pete Churchill, a composer, performer and Head of the Jazz Composition course at London’s Royal Academy of Music, led the students, from five local school choirs, in a mass singing session at The Judd School in Tonbridge. The aims of the afternoon were to develop the pupils’ ability to learn music by ear, building confidence and enthusiasm in their singing. Instead of sheet music, Pete used a combination of hand signals – called Kodály signals – and call-and-response techniques to teach three pieces of music in four-part harmony.
Mimic He hopes that students will be able to use the techniques learned in the session to analyse and learn other pieces of music. “I want them to go away with something – not just the tune, but something they can transfer to other repertoires,” he said. “I’m trying to get them to engage three sorts of memory: Kinetic (movement-related), oral and visual, and also trying to get them to mimic and learn by mimicking, which is the most natural way to learn.” Pete believes musical notation is a ‘necessary evil’, and that avoiding it in rehearsal allows a focus on being more creative with the music. “One of the things that sets high-level musicians of all genres apart from others –
ALL TOGETHER NOW… Pete Churchill conducts a vocal masterclass
people who are on a very high level – is that they’re totally, physically connected with what they’re doing. “Teaching by ear is a chance to make students think ‘What am I doing with my hands? How am I sitting?’ because there’s nowhere to hide. “At some point you have to think about that as a performer.” Over the course of the afternoon, the choir – which came from Judd, Tonbridge, Weald of Kent, Trinity and Radnor House schools – sang pieces written by Curtis Mayfield and Duke Ellington, finishing with Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Long Road to Travel’. It is the first time the Tonbridge Music Club has run a training session like this for schools, in what is part of a wider initiative to drive youth music education and engagement with the club.
Government announces further fine tuning of music in schools IN ORDER to reassess the music education young people benefit from at school, the Department for Education announced last week that it is inviting views from musicians, specialist teachers, young people and their parents about their experiences and what they want to see in the National Plan for Music Education.
The plan will help level up opportunities for children from all backgrounds to take part in musical education, including the chance to learn how to play an instrument, perform in a choir or band, and develop a lifelong love of music. School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “All children, regardless of their background, should
A spokesperson for the club said: “As part of our Enrichment Programme, we are committed to nurturing the talent of local young musicians. “With his innate musicianship and infectious energy and enthusiasm, Pete was ideally suited to work with this group of talented young singers. The room was buzzing. It was a great first session, which the club hopes can be a model for future events.” As for Pete, he believes that this style of rehearsal can help assuage issues of selfconsciousness in young performers today. He commented at the event: “It’s hard at this age to get them to abandon their self-image – actually harder than it was 15 years ago – but I can already see in this room that the kids are quite happy to step outside the box and commit to a task. That’s really good news.” get the opportunity to play musical instruments, learn to sing, and learn how to read and write music in the classroom.”
Horizons The news builds on the recently announced £85million for a further year of current music and arts programmes, including music hubs, and is in addition to the Conservatives’ manifesto commitment to offer an ‘arts premium’ to secondary schools to allow young people to learn creative skills and widen their horizons.
Education
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Dianne Hill
Labour Party councillor at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Dianne Hill is a borough councillor for Southborough and High Brooms and Deputy Mayor of Southborough Town Council. She spent most of her working life with BT.
Collectively, women can bring about change I AM so proud to be a woman Labour Councillor here in Tunbridge Wells representing the ward I live in, Southborough and High Brooms. I am even more proud to have been involved in organising the packed event on Sunday, March 8 at the Tunbridge Wells Forum to celebrate International Women’s Day [IWD]. Across the country only around 38 per cent of Councillors are women, not very equal when women make up 51 per cent of the population and only up 3 per cent since 2014. There are many barriers for women to commit to being a Councillor, with the additional pressures on women and their families. We see the seeming normalisation of abusive social media and threats against many women in the public arena. The House of Commons Library estimates that 86 per cent of reduction in Government spending (austerity) has impacted on women. Last year was the first year more women than men sought support from homeless services, and here in Tunbridge Wells there is a housing waiting of around 900. Alongside this is the worrying level of poverty across our Borough, which was raised by Labour at the last Full Council meeting. For Tunbridge Wells Labour Women’s Forum
this reinforced a call for action to bring women together. The message this year for IWD was ‘Each for Equal’ – striving for a gender-equal world, healthier, wealthier and kinder, which is essential for economies and communities to thrive. The word went out to the women and the response was amazing. Women from all walks of life came forward to offer their help and support to provide a full and varied programme. We are lucky here to have a venue with a social conscience – the Tunbridge Wells Forum – which welcomed our event
CELEBRATION Women celebrating IWD at The Forum on Sunday
Amelia Fun and entertainment underpinned an awareness of local women’s achievement, and the additional challenges and inequalities women and girls face. The day began with Carol, our Women’s Officer, introducing local author Anne Carwardine, reminding us of our proud local history – the first woman Tunbridge Wells Councillor and a suffrage campaigner, Amelia Scott. The event ended with the words of Sarah Grand, the local feminist writer: “We can, we have, and we will continue to surprise
Nicolas Heslop
Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
ourselves,” followed by a rousing ‘This is Me’ for the young women of tomorrow. Stalls included health, climate change, Oxfam books, Zero Waste, face painting and craft activities. Cakes and multiple raffle prizes donated by local businesses, mainly young women entrepreneurs, were a great success, with donations going to Baby2Baby and Beyond and to DAVSS. The day was filled with poetry, readings, music and dance from the many talented local women performers. In telling their stories, the women
panel speakers described additional challenges, personal and professional, where stereotyping and bias come into play. The day demonstrated the impact of women coming together, helped by the young women and their contributions. Collectively, we can make change happen, we can all choose to be #EachforEqual. For starters, we should be demanding 50 per cent or more of our Councillors are women or – at the least – one woman representing every ward. We still have a long way to go!
Nicolas Heslop has been Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council since May 2012, and has represented the Cage Green ward since 1998. His career includes working in Parliament, Whitehall and for campaign groups promoting vocational education and training, such as apprenticeships. He is a regular at the Tonbridge Parkrun, now completing over 200 runs.
Our success does not happen by accident IT’S that time of year when council tax bills start landing on doormats and, not surprisingly, people want to know how their money is being spent. While borough councils such as Tonbridge and Malling are tasked with the job of collecting council tax on behalf of the county council, police, fire service and others, it’s sometimes overlooked that the Borough Council receives only ten pence of every pound collected. My job as Borough Council leader is to make sure every penny of what we keep is spent efficiently, and that Tonbridge continues to prosper and punch above its weight as a great place to live and work. Our river and recreational spaces are a huge asset and an important part of life in Tonbridge. In November, the bridge linking Tonbridge Pool Car Park and the Racecourse Sportsground was repaired. And there are further plans to improve the riverside lighting along the walkways to make them safer for getting into the town centre. In the spring, we will see other improvements to the Racecourse Sportsground, with the replacement of failing sections of the wooden area which protects the river bank from erosion. We are then planning to improve the skate park, outdoor gym and footpaths. Given all the rain we’ve had recently, we know too well how soon the rugby pitches at the
sportsground are flooded. In the autumn, we will be making improvements to the drainage system, working with Tonbridge Juddians so our sports pitches can be protected from flooding as much as possible. I know just how frustrating it is when our Sportsground remains underwater. But I’d rather this than flooding of hundreds of homes, which is the alternative. We will continue to invest in Haysden Country Park, which last year was awarded Country Park Accredited Status by Natural England, adding to a host of other accolades.
GRANTED Cllr Heslop [right] with Chris Langley of Absolute Print Designs, awarded funding to improve his shop frontage
Refurbished To meet the growing number of visitors, we need to improve the sewerage systems and access from the car park. Looking ahead, we are aiming to seek funding for improving the paths, play areas and existing building. Last year, we refurbished the track and improved the lighting at the Tonbridge School athletics track; also home to Tonbridge Athletics Club and its 1,000-plus members. Provisions like this are not widespread, so as a Borough Council we support this, so that first rate facilities are available to local residents too. Crucially, there is also a long-term Community Use Agreement with the school to guarantee
local access for many years to come. Tonbridge High Street is bucking the trend of decline that we are seeing in many town centres, with new independent retailers looking to invest. I’m delighted to see the support we have given to independent retailers with a grant scheme to improve their shopfronts. And now we are extending the scheme – funded from business rates income returned to us by national government – to our local centres and parades, such as York Parade and Martin Hardie Way. We plan further schemes to support the high
street, and have offered support to Sainsbury’s to find a replacement for Beales. The new medical centre in River Lawn Road, due to open in June, is just one example of how in thinking creatively about ways to use councilowned land we are enabling a modern, state-ofthe-art facility that will benefit everyone. Success of this sort doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a long-term strategy to ensure that Tonbridge keeps adapting and doesn’t stand still while the world around us changes. I’m proud of the role Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has played in this.
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A beautiful period property
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with fields and a converted barn Page 23
OPEN THE DOOR TO A HAPPY HOME
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Grand taste of a bygone era in a Victorian villa Page 25
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Best property buys for... We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on some of the aspects that make these properties well worth a look… Willow Bank
UNDER OFFER
Stone Street Road, Ivy Hatch GUIDE PRICE
£1,150,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk This is a great time to look ahead to the summer and for appealing homes with pretty outdoor pools, such as this one near Ightham Mote. It’s even better if they are heated, as is the pool here. The property also offers scope for improvement, subject to required consents. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
■ Updated and remodelled rural property spread over three floors ■ Elegant front door opening to generous reception hall with oak flooring and sliding door to rear terrace ■ Drawing room including feature fireplace with gas fire and sliding doors to terrace ■ Sitting room and study
The HEATED POOL…
■ Kitchen/dining room with electric Aga, butler sink, units by Rencraft, island and sliding door to terrace, Plus utility room with external access ■ Ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower room ■ Lower ground floor games/playroom, plus doors to garage and outside ■ 2 first floor bedrooms with eaves storage and skylight windows ■ Stylish family bathroom ■ Delightful gardens including generous raised terrace, sun awning, greenhouse, summerhouse and cherry tree ■ Heated swimming pool enclosed by fence ■ 2 driveways offering ample parking ■ Integral double garage ■ Scope to develop further, subject to the necessary consents ■ In total about 0.3 of an acre
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The PRICE…
The KITCHEN-BREAKFAST ROOM…
Derwent Drive Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE
£445,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A chalet bungalow with plenty of parking that has been the subject of much refurbishment. n Spacious reception room with doors to: n Conservatory with dwarf brick wall n Newly fitted kitchen with oyster gloss units n Master bedroom with views to the horizon n 2 further bedrooms, one en-suite n Newly fitted family bathroom n Garden with patio, lawn, fruit tree and shed n Brick driveway offering parking
Honeysett Farm
Haffenden Quarter, Nr Smarden GUIDE PRICE
£1,495,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk On the market for the first time in about 24 years, this remodelled and extended 19thcentury farm comes with a superb converted barn, gardens, fields, and woodland.
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST Main House n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Study n 28ft kitchen/breakfast room n 5 bedrooms, two en suite, plus a family bathroom Barn n Sitting room n Open-plan kitchen/dining room n 2 en-suite bedrooms
Penshurst Road Leigh, Nr Tonbridge PRICE
£780,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com An attractive 1930s property that has been extended and enhanced to provide a wellplanned home on the outskirts of the village. n Delightful sitting room with feature fireplace and wide opening to: n Superb extended dining/family room with double bi-fold doors to garden. Open to: n Contemporary kitchen fitted with breakfast bar, wood units and glass worktops, plus utility room n Separate reception room n Modern shower/cloakroom
Outside
n 4 bedrooms
n Grounds with pond and ancient oak trees
n Sumptuous family bathroom
n 2 fenced fields
n Large landscaped garden with terrace, lawn, rose arbour, sheds and workshop
n Double open-bay garage and parking n In total nearly 7 acres
n Brick driveway
bracketts est. 1828
When experience counts...
Tonbridge £925,000 Detached Double Fronted Family House is favoured cul-de-sac about 1 mile from the High Street.Well fitted 21ft kitchen-diner, utility room, study, cloakroom, L shaped lounge, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite), large rear garden, garage and brick paved parking. EPC C
Pembury, Tunbridge Wells £795,000 A well presented Victorian semi-detached town house, with spacious accommodation, situated in desirable residential road in Pembury village. 3 reception rooms, kitchen, cellar, 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms. ORP and a delightful rear garden. EPC: E
Tonbridge Guide Price £439,995 4 Bedroom Town House in a cul-de-sac, convenient for the High Street and close to bus services. Interior inspection highly recommended. 21ft kitchen-diner, utilty room, ground floor shower/cloakroom, living room, 2nd bathroom, integral store. EPC C
Tunbridge Wells £675,000 Tonbridge £800,000 - £850,000 A stylishly presented with good living accommodation in a small Substantial Detached home 5 bedroom familysized house, retaining the charmlocated and features of an cul-de-sac in the St3 James’ area.rooms, 3 reception rooms, contemporary kit/brkfst room, 4 Edwardian home. reception kitchen-breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, store bedrooms, bathroom. garage, rooms, garage, corner Double plot. EPC E gardens envelope 3 sides of the house. EPC: C
Tonbridge Guide Price £450,000 - £475,000 Extended ‘Linked’ Detached Bungalow, on a good sized plot in an established residential area, convenient for local shops, bus service etc., and is being offered ‘Chain Free’. L shaped hall, kitchen-diner, 26ft lounge, 2 bedrooms, CH & Double glazed, attached garage and Parking. EPC D
Tunbridge Wells £1,100 pcm A wonderfully spacious first floor 2 double bedroom apartment with lots of natural light and a huge living room which has a large bay window & is open to the fitted kitchen. Conveniently close to the station, town centre & the highly desired “Village” area. EPC: C
bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk
Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk
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St Martins
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AT A GLANCE
ST MARTINS BROADWATER DOWN TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Improved eight-bedroom villa, on four floors, thought to date from the 1870s with many retained period features n Splendid large reception hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Dining room n Study/playroom and snug n Bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with painted wooden cabinetry, gas-fired four-oven Aga, plus utility room with secondary kitchen and walk-in larder n Gymnasium and shower room n Cloakroom and wine cellar n 2 staircases n Principal bedroom with hand-painted wardrobes and en-suite shower room n 7 further bedrooms, one a bed-sitting room and one en suite
A handsome Broadwater Down villa full of Victorian character
n Bathroom and 2 further shower rooms n Detached coach house including games room, garage and WC n Landscaped gardens with terrace and lawn, plus rear courtyard garden n In all about 0.5 acres
GUIDE PRICE £2,000,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk
HOMES FOR SALE IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX
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KINGS AVENUE , TUNBRID GE WELLS
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egency style semi-detached villa set within a prestigious gated development built by Berkeley Homes and situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.
5 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H R O O M S | 3 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | G A R D E N | G A R A G E | T U N B R I D G E W E L L S S TAT I O N A P P R O X I M AT E LY 0 . 6 M I L E S | EPC B
Guide price £1,150,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
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UPPER CUMBERLAND WALK, TUNBRID GE WELLS
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legant and stylishly presented Arts and Crafts detached house located on this sought-after private road within the town centre. 4 B E D R O O M S | 2 B AT H R O O M S | 4 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | D R I V E WAY | D E TA C H E D G A R A G E | R E A R G A R D E N | E P C E
Guide price £1,950,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk
HOMES FOR SALE IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX
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CABBAGE STALK LANE , TUNBRID GE WELLS
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etached period house set in an enchanting location at the end of Cabbage Stalk lane, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells Common. 6 B E D R O O M S | 2 B AT H R O O M S | 4 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | S U S S E X B A R N S T Y L E D O U B L E G A R A G E A N D S T O R E AT T R A C T I V E G A R D E N S I N A L L A B O U T 0 . 6 5 9 A C R E S | E P C E
Guide price £1,375,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
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BLACKHURST PARK, TUNBRID GE WELLS
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legant portion of a Grade II listed Italianate Villa designed by Decimus Burton with far-reaching views to the south.
4 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H R O O M S | 3 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | P R I VAT E PA R K I N G | S O U T H - FA C I N G T E R R A C E W I T H O R N A M E N TA L P O N D COMMUNAL GARDENS
Guide price £1,350,000 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk
www.hamptons.co.uk
Sold Penshurst | £1,295,000 Situated on the edge of the village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a striking detached house full of superb period character features with fabulous established south-westerly facing landscaped gardens.
Langton Green | £1,250,000 Occupying a privileged position at the end of a small private road close to the village green, shops and schools, a beautifully appointed light and spacious detached family house with secluded established gardens. EPC: D
Penshurst | £1,150,000 Part of the exclusive Swaylands estate, this exceptional apartment with its own private entrance and balcony enjoying sensational far reaching views with allocated parking and garage. No onward chain. EPC: B
Langton Green | £995,000 A spacious detached house situated in Rosecroft Park , an exclusive development of just four properties in a semi-rural position with spacious and well-arranged accommodation, established gardens and a residents tennis court. EPC: D
Frant | £825,000 Set within a private estate close to the centre of the village, this fabulous Edwardian home is presented beautifully throughout with a lovely garden and combines the benefits of village life with easy access to Tunbridge Wells. EPC: E
Tunbridge Wells | £625,000 Set in a convenient location in a cul-de-sac in a popular part of town is this beautifully presented chalet style house. Light and spacious with a flexible layout that can be arranged to suit individual requirements. EPC: C
Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 640374 | tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com
Tunbridge Wells | ÂŁ2,000,000 Within the Conservation Area, on one of the most highly regarded roads in the southern part of Tunbridge Wells, a handsome, Victorian Villa of grandeur and impressive proportions, boasting many period features and set within gardens of approximately half an acre. EPC: E
Wadhurst | ÂŁ1,250,000 Situated on elevated ground an imposing and substantial detached five bedroom Edwardian house with both spacious and versatile accommodation enjoying superb far reaching panoramic views. EPC: E
Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challe nging pe rc e pt io n
4 Bedroom Detached, Birling Park Avenue, Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £985,000
3 Bedroom Barn Conversion, Postern Lane, Tonbridge Guide Price £950,000
5 Bedroom End Terrace, Mill Court, Bidborough Guide Price £875,000
Beautiful 3-bedroom barn conversion with detached studio annex in open countryside setting. This wonderful detached barn conversion is sat proudly within its landscaped gardens occupying an idyllic rural position surrounded by rolling Kent farmland and open countryside.
Substantial stylish 5-bedroom family home in private cul-desac. Set on a quiet private cul-de-sac, this home`s elegant, light filled interior delivers a family friendly contemporary style of living in an idyllic semi-rural setting.
2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, The High Street, Bidborough OIEO £725,000
3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, London Road, Southborough Guide Price £565,000
3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Prospect Road, Southborough Guide Price £529,950
Substantial 4-bedroom family home in sought after cul-de-sac. This fantastic house is perched on an elevated plot at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, on the south side of Tunbridge Wells. It enjoys far reaching views and open countryside on its doorstep.
Unique 2-bedroom converted coach house with spectacular views. Tucked away from the village`s attractive quiet high street is a unique detached home with stunning open countryside views.
3 Bedroom Barn Conversion, Home Farm Close, Leigh Guide Price £485,000
Exceptional contemporary 3-bedroom barn conversion. This highly individual home has been beautifully restored to showcase the character of the original building, which sits on Home Farm, a carefully converted community of 13 fantastic homes.
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Newly extended and renovated 3-bedroom period family home. A smart exterior entices you up to a grand entrance door which gives a nod to the true character and charm of the home that lies behind it.
2 Bedroom Cottage, Holden House Cottages, Southborough Guide Price £475,000
Beautiful period 2/3-bedroom cottage. With an intriguing history dating back to the 1800s, this charming cottage is tucked away and screened from the road by a long leafy drive winding past the neighbouring Georgian manor house.
FLYING FISH Tunbridge Wells twitter.com/flyingfishuk
Beautiful stylish 3-bedroom period family home. This fantastic home is bright and spacious and has been decorated to an impeccable standard with its neutral palette, wooden flooring and cream carpets flowing throughout the property creating a tranquil space.
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Green Way, Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £425,000 Stylish immaculate 4-bedroom house. This bright and spacious home has been cleverly redesigned, extended and remodelled to give a family everything they could possibly desire.
Happiness is,
Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 | flyingfishproperties.co.uk 55 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PB
Selling or Letting, let us put a smile on your face
Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challe nging pe rc e pt io n
2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Park Road, Southborough Guide Price £295,000
Smart semi-detached 2-bedroom house. Arranged over three floors, this unique and deceptively spacious semi-detached house sits on a sought after residential street with first rate schools, commuter links and shops on its doorstep.
3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Harries Road, Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £289,950
Perfectly positioned 3-bedroom house. This deceptively spacious 3-bedroom home is a short walk from High Brooms mainline station, with local shops and superb schools also on its doorstep.
2 Bedroom Apartment, Spring Walk, Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £285,000 Sophisticated and stylish 2-bedroom apartment. Lily Court is truly a unique building that sits majestically at the end of a private cul-de-sac. Its combination of red brick, hung tiles and fresh cream paintwork stretches skywards with its gabled roof points.
How much is your property worth? 1 Bedroom Apartment, Garlinge Road, Southborough Guide Price £189,950
Spacious and bright 1-bedroom period conversion apartment. This fantastic apartment sits on the first floor of its grand Victorian house which has been sensitively converted into six flats, keeping the gracious proportions of the rooms.
If you are curious to find out the value of your home, call today for an honest, accurate and well informed property valuation.
2 Bedroom Apartment, Sandhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £155,000 Bright spacious 2-bedroom retirement apartment with amenities. Set in a neat and contemporary purpose-built block screened from the road by well stocked flower beds and leafy trees, you will be immediately struck by its smart exterior.
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Call 01892 514 189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 55 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0PB
FLYING FISH Tunbridge Wells twitter.com/flyingfishuk
Happiness is,
Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 | flyingfishproperties.co.uk 55 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PB
Selling or Letting, let us put a smile on your face
HADLOW £595,000 JUST AVAILABLE… Attractive detached bungalow on a large plot in village location. Offering lots of potential to extend, update and style into your ideal home. Spacious sitting/dining room, kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom, cloaks & utility. Set back from the road with spacious frontage and large, mature, rear garden. Driveway parking & double length garage. NO CHAIN. EPC: E Apply Tonbridge
PEMBURY £775,000 CHARACTER & CONTEMPORARY. With parts dating back to 1555, this 4 double bed, Grade II Listed, detached house has been renovated and extended with contemporary style. Accommodation: reception hall with inglenook, L-shaped sitting room with woodburner, study, further reception area, stunning kitchen/dining/family room, utility room, boot room, cloakroom wc, 2 spacious double bedrooms and family bathroom with period features. Master bedroom in the modern extension, dressing room, en-suite, bedroom four with en-suite. Lawned garden. Large double open-fronted garage & secure workshop. Driveway parking. NO CHAIN. EPC: D Apply Pembury
TUNBRIDGE WELLS £375,000 STYLISH HOME built in 2017 with thoughtful finishing touches. Accommodation comprises kitchen with space for table and chairs, sitting room, cloakroom wc, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom. Low-maintenance garden and parking for 3 cars. Planning consent for loft conversion to provide double bedroom and en-suite shower room. Close to woodland walks, cinema, gym and primary school. The property is close to A21, is on the Centaur commuter coach route and there is a private shuttle commuter service to Tonbridge station. EPC: B Apply Pembury
Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk
Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestateagents.com
Colebrook House 55 -57 Colebrook Road, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9DP
Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £220,000-£230,000 A beautifully presented one bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £265,000 A wonderful two bedroom with its own private garden and has just been recently renovated throughout.
Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £350,000-£375,000 Stunning two bedroom apartment modernised and presented to a high standard.
Southborough £375,000 A fabulous opportunity to purchase this delightful three bedroom end of terrace.
Southborough Guide Price £600,000-£625,000 An exceptional four bedroom detached family home situated in a no through road at the end of a cul-desac in need of some modernisation.
Speldhurst £3,750pcm A stunning five bedroom detached executive family home built to a high spec throughout.
High Brooms £1,400.00pcm An amazing property that offers flexible accommodation, large rooms and a fabulous garden. This wonderful 4 bedroom house ticks all the boxes.
High Brooms SOLD A stunning 3 double bedroom semi-detached Victorian family home situated within a short walk of High brooms train station and the local primary school.
Pembury SOLD A Grade II Listed two double bedroom cottage with off road parking, a large garden and wonderful views.
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
New Homes
Property Focus NEW H OMES
Move
WITH THE
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ASK ABOUT THE ASSISTED MOVE SCHEME WHEN YOU VISIT
A taste of rural living among the orchards at Willow Grove
DANDARA have recently launched the wonderfully named Willow Grove – an idyllic new countryside development of two, three and four-bedroom homes in between Laddingford and Collier Street, close to Paddock Wood, Marden and Tunbridge Wells. The character properties start from £450,000 and are surrounded by orchards and farmland. For families, there are five Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ schools within a five-mile radius, and nearby St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School is recently came third in The Kent Primary School League in the national Times newspaper. The location is also ideal for commuters, being just five miles from Paddock Wood Station.
Dandara Sales Manager Kyle Fennell comments: “Willow Grove offers homebuyers the unique combination of easy access to local amenities and convenient commuting links in a quiet, rural location. “It will appeal to purchasers seeking a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home with views of open fields and orchards.” The on-site Sales & Marketing Suite is open from 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday. CONTACT • Willow Grove Sales & Marketing Suite Claygate Road, Laddingford ME18 6BB • 01892 730695 • dandara.com
A new show apartment is now open at Church View A NEW two-bedroom show apartment has now opened as part of the latest phase launched at Dandara’s awardwinning Church View development in the heart of the pretty town of Tenterden. Here, the choice of properties ranges from one and twobedroom apartments to two, three, four and five bedroom houses, with apartments starting from £255,000 and houses from £345,000. The stylish apartments have been designed to complement the attractive street scenes at Church View, featuring the traditional Kentish architecture Tenterden is known for. Ideal for first-time homebuyers and downsizers, the apartments include a spacious kitchen/living/dining area and a master bedroom with built-in wardrobe. Plus the benefit of allocated parking. All Dandara homes are designed for low-maintenance
modern living, including high levels of insulation, quality double glazing, energy-efficient heating systems and A-rated kitchen appliances. Dandara Sales Manager Jen Alexander said: “Church View is a charming development, and the response to the launch of the apartments has been fantastic, so we are really excited about the Show Apartment, which looks stunning. Come down and see for yourself!” The Marketing Suite is open from 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday. CONTACT • Church View Sales & Marketing Suite Recreation Ground Road, Tenterden TN30 6RA • 01580 854076 • dandara.com
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Life&Times
IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk
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SAY SLÁINTE TO ST PATRICK
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A life in pictures
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We meet talented artist Bryan Senior Page 46
PAUL MAKES HIS WAY TO THE NEVILL
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Every picture tells a story… Celebrated local artist Bryan Senior is currently exhibiting at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. His show, entitled People, Places & Things, showcases 100 of his paintings dating from 1980 to 2020, and is on until Sunday March 22. This is the final time Bryan will publicly exhibit his art, so the Times profiles the talented painter’s fascinating body of work, a lot which depicts life here in Tunbridge Wells
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OLTON-BORN Bryan Senior, now a long-time resident of Tunbridge Wells, is an acclaimed painter who studied at the renowned Chelsea School of Art and Cambridge University. He has had over 40 solo exhibitions in the UK and overseas, 17 of which have been in London. Therefore, it is very fitting that his final show takes place in the capital at the world famous Mall Galleries, specifically the North Gallery, until Sunday March 22.
“I have remained committed to figurative painting, as I believe that the visible world is the only one we can honestly relate to,” he explains. “Since 1980, compositions with people have been central to my output. A single figure establishes its own field, whereas groups of crowds call for a more complex balance of personalities and placings – linkages which add to the challenge, and to the visual interest.” Bryan goes on to say that although his key themes tend to derive from the
‘During the course of focusing and refining, an element of mystery or drama tends to find a way of creating an extra dimension’ Bryan’s work is mainly figurative and depicts many ‘crowd’-style scenes in London, such as ‘Docklands Landscape’, ‘Figures at the British Museum’ and ‘Queens Walk’. And the talented painter has often put paintbrush to canvas to visualise many scenes borne out of life in Tunbridge Wells. These include ‘On the Common’ and ‘Forsythia, Mount Sion.’ Bryan has also painted other local scenes in places such as Groombridge.
‘everyday’, his aim is to ‘imbue them with a timeless and monumental presence which resonates beyond the original context’. “No conscious narrative is intended, but during the course of focusing and refining, perhaps even as part of it, an element of mystery or drama tends to find a way of creating, as it were, an extra dimension,” he says. For more details on Bryan Senior’s exhibition, visit courtgallery.com
A BRUSH WITH TALENT Acclaimed local artist Bryan Senior at work
PHOTO: Craig Matthews
A DESIGN FOR LIFE: Figures at Groombridge 2002, (top) Quinces and stand, 2016, (left) Great Court with Seven Figures, 2006, (bottom right) Frog Cottage, Tunbridge Wells, 1999, (bottom left)
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
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Arts & Culture
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A noteworthy festival for aspiring young artists The Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival takes place at Kent College Pembury this coming weekend [March 14-15], and is a chance for amateur musicians and actors to showcase their talents. Committee Secretary Jacquie Hawthorn tells Eileen Leahy more about it
GREAT OPPORTUNITY: Performers from the 2018 festival
IN IT TO WIN IT: Trophies lined up at the GEMS 2019 event
EVERY year, budding young violinists, cellists, pianists and actors have the opportunity to take part in the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival, a supportive platform for those who love to perform. This year the festival will see children from an array of local primary and secondary schools, including Kent College Pembury, Matfield & Brenchley Primary, Beechwood Sacred Heart and Marlborough House, getting up on stage at Kent College to showcase their talents. According to Jacquie Hawthorn, the festival’s Committee Secretary, the annual event – which has been going since 1948 – gives participants the chance to perform in front of an audience and panel of professional adjudicators where they receive ‘encouraging verbal and written advice’ from the judging panel. The categories range from piano, strings, woodwind and brass to recitals, speech and drama, and each one reflects each child’s age and grading. There is also a choir element to the two-day festival where schools can enter the children’s, junior, intermediate or senior sections. “All entrants are also awarded a certificate, classified according to merit,” continues Jacquie. “Class winners receive a medal and may be eligible for a trophy, presented at the GEMS concert and prizegiving on the weekend after the festival. We welcome beginners just as warmly as the most accomplished performer.” What does Jacquie think the participants enjoy most? “Performing!” she says. “Being part of the festival also gives them a chance to hone their skills in front of an audience and professional adjudicators who provide valuable feedback on their performance, which they
may use to improve their skills. Many of our performers use our platform to practice before an up and coming exam, too.” The prize-giving ceremony and GEMS concert, so named because the festival’s organisers consider participants to be the ‘jewels in the crown’, will be held at Trinity Theatre on March 22 at 2.30pm, when the Mayor James Scholes will present trophies and awards.
Prestigious Jacquie says most of the participants are from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, with the odd one from further afield. “This year we have nearly 400 competitors, most of whom will be accompanied by family and friends. We also have nine full choirs entering, and over the festival weekend we usually see up to 1,000 people coming along.” Many competitors go on to study at prestigious music colleges, including the Scottish Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music. One such example is Isabel Pearce, who first competed in the festival back in 1956, aged nine. “Isabel entered the festival every year until she was 17, and went off to IT’S study at the Royal SHOWTIME Academy of Music. For talent
Her piano teacher, Grace Sutton, who later became Chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival for a period, invited Isabel to compete along with other pupils from Sevenoaks School. She played many piano duets with Bernard King, who himself has gone on to be an ABRSM examiner after studying at the Scottish Conservatoire, and later played the oboe. “In Isabel’s own words, they were a ‘brilliant pairing’, winning most of the trophies every year.” Jacquie says the duo’s success can be tracked courtesy of the engravings on the numerous trophies awarded every year. “My own daughter has her name inscribed on one that Isabel won many years ago. She, too, has gone on to study music at the Royal College after many years of association with the festival, again entering first when she was nine, as a singer.” Jacquie adds that during a recent conversation with Isabel, now 74, she revealed that at one time Sir Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, journalist Emma Soames, took part in the festival, playing the piano. “Isabel still plays the piano for a ballet school in Sevenoaks, and continues to play in many orchestras. She will be attending our festival on Sunday this year, and looks forward to sharing her very fond memories.” For more information, visit twaf.co.uk
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Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
goingout 7 days of activities
By Jerome Bowman
PARKLIFE Join the 5k Run at Dunorlan Park this Saturday WEDNESDAY Children of the Snowland will be screened at the Queen’s Hall in Cranbrook courtesy of their film society. The documentary follows three children growing up in the Himalayas, who having moved away from their families to study in Kathmandu, are now returning to their homes. The contradictions and conflicts in these poor Nepalese communities are made apparent. To book, you can either purchase tickets as a guest or join the society for the year, so prices vary. For more information, go to cranbrookfilmsociety.org
THURSDAY Join the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society in the Royal Wells Hotel for John Arkell’s talk Industries and Utilities in Tunbridge Wells. Arkell’s stated aim is to give a contrasting portrayal of the town, which is commonly imagined as comprising of The Pantiles, Decimus Burton and retired Indian Army Colonels. If Tunbridge Wells is a graceful swan, Arkell wants to show us its industriously paddling legs hidden beneath the surface. The talk starts at 7.15pm and non-members are welcome. For more details, visit thecivicsociety.org
FRIDAY Self-styled German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn is returning to the Assembly Hall with his new show Get On With It. Henning has lived in Britain for 17 years, and in that time he has become a veteran of the British circuit thanks to his warm charisma and his amusing observations about the UK and his own country. In this show, Henning gives his own take on Brexit, taking pot shots at both sides in what he says is the funniest event in recent history. Tickets cost £26.25 and can be booked online at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Germany, during the Second World War. Torn between his desire to survive and the need to defend his patients from mass executions by the SS, Dr Franz has his complicity challenged when a Roman Catholic Bishop asks him to consider what it means to a be a human being. Tickets for the play cost £11 and can be booked online at oastheatre.com All aboard the Spa Valley Railway for another Murder Mystery Evening with a Fish & Chip Supper. Tonight the play is Shadow Of A Goat, set in February 1943. When a plucky young evacuee’s uncle comes to visit her in Belching-on-Sea, she starts to wonder if he’s a serial killer (like you do!) Join the 368 Theatre Company to try and solve the crime, and maybe win a bottle of bubbly into the bargain. Tickets cost £40. Arrive by 6.15pm for train departure at 7pm. For more information and to book, go online to spavalleyrailway.co.uk
SATURDAY The weekly Park Run is back on at the lovely hour of 9am. This is a 5km run around Dunorlan Park which is perfect for both casual and more experienced runners. There is no entry fee but there is an option for a vest and SUNDAY timing if you are Little ones and their parents will interested. All love The People’s Theatre Company’s are welcome version of There Was An Old Lady Who and there Swallowed A Fly (a diet the WHO could are no pace possibly recommend in future for its requirements. minimal ecological impact!), which For more comes to the EM information on Forster Theatre the route and how in Tonbridge at to register, visit 2.30pm. This classic parkrun.co.uk tale, which features A production of songs such as If You’re Steve Unwin’s play Happy and You Know It All Our Children is and Incy Wincy Spider, uses a debuting at The Oast magical blend of storytelling Theatre tonight at and puppetry. It’s also the 8pm. The play tells show’s 45th anniversary this the story of Dr Victor year, thus making it an extra Franz, the director of special one to see. Tickets cost a clinic for mentally £12 and group deals are available and physically from emftheatre.com POINTING FINGERS handicapped Henning Wehn takes a stab children in MONDAY at Brexit in his new show Winkleheim, Visit Hever Castle today to see their
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
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IT WAS ALL YELLOW See the daffodils at Hever Castle
Going Out
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THE FUTURE See Children of the Snowland at the Cranbrook Film Society
PICK OF THE WEEK
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood IT’S MURDER ON THE TRAIN at Spa Valley Railway on Saturday night
Life&Times
Dazzling Daffodils. 38,000 of these enigmatic yellow creatures have invaded the grounds en masse and some unusual varieties will be on display this year, including the red Decoy variety and the colourful Flower Parade type. You can join Head Gardener Johnny Walker for a tour and a talk in the Pavilion Restaurant, enjoy a solo venture around the grounds, or bring the children for craft activities including cupcake decorating. The event is being held in association with the Marie Curie Foundation, who will be at the Information Centre to raise awareness for the Great Daffodil Appeal. Standard admission fees apply, so for prices and more information go to hevercastle.co.uk TUESDAY The Royal Opera House’s production of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, is being livescreened at the Odeon at 7.15pm. Set during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, the tale sees Leonore dsiguise herself as Fidelio and set out to rescue her imprisoned husband, Florestan. With transcendent music and powerful themes of determined love and cruelty under oppression, much of the music remains iconic. Tickets cost £26.25 and can be booked at odeon.co.uk
Trinity Theatre Tuesday March 17, 11am
Tom Hanks stars in this touching biopic about the friendship between American children’s TV star ‘Mister Rogers’ and journalist Tom Junod. After the jaded Junod is assigned to do a profile of the beloved presenter, he quickly finds his cynicism melted away by Fred Rogers’ empathy and kindness. Tickets for the film cost £9 and can be booked online at trintytheatre.net
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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 Andy Twyman, Aaric Snook, Ryan Weeks Friday Laura & Co Jazz Quartet Saturday Hard Lines Sunday Mark Morriss, Jacob Norris, Paul Crisp
live music With Paul Dunton
T
onight [Wednesday], one-man blues band Andy Twyman headlines at The Grey Lady with support from Aaric Snook and Ryan Weeks. On Thursday night, The Forum hosts its popular U18’s Open Mic night, and Boyzlife headline at The Assembly Hall with support from local singersongwriter Katie Kittermaster. For a rockin’ Friday night, I highly recommend Scowl at The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Isaac Holman (Slaves). Laura & Co make their debut at The Grey Lady, and Bee Gees tribute Jive Talkin’ will be at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks. Plus, Levellers frontman Mark Chadwick is at The Forum with support from King Size Slim. Saturday night offers lots of superb gigs, including Velvet Goldmine at The Royal Oak, acclaimed Phil
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
Collins tribute No Jacket Required at Trinity Theatre, Mainly Madness at The Forum, and Will Whisson at The Sussex Arms Basement. Classical music fans can enjoy esteemed pianist Marcus Andrews at Rose Hill School this Sunday afternoon, and for some fine acoustic pop/rock vibes, Bluetones frontman Mark Morriss headlines at The Grey Lady with support from Jacob Norris and Paul Crisp. On Monday night, folk fans can catch the excellent Steve Turner at The Tonbridge Folk Club, and The Forum host their Stable showcase. On Tuesday, Snakes & Ladders are at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac are at The Assembly Hall, and if you want to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style, I recommend local soloist Dave La at The Blue Anchor in Crowborough.
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common, London Road Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Thursday U18’s Open Mic Friday Mark Chadwick, King Size Slim Saturday Mainly Madness Monday The Stable: Crook, Malpractice, Oskar Vilcrow ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road All event information and tickets at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Thursday Boyzlife, with support from Katie Kittermaster Tuesday Rumours of Fleetwood Mac MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome
Katie Kittermaster
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
ROSE HILL SCHOOL THEATRE All event information and tickets at codatw.co.uk Sunday 3pm Marcus Andrews (piano) TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) Music from 8pm, all welcome. More information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Steve Turner THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Snakes & Ladders
Friday Scowl, Isaac Holman Saturday Will Whisson TRINITY THEATRE Church Road All event information and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Saturday No Jacket Required (Phil Collins tribute)
THE BLUE ANCHOR PUB Beacon Road, Crowborough Free entry, music from 7pm till late Tuesday Dave La
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ARTS FESTIVAL Kent College, Pembury All event information at twaf.co.uk Saturday & Sunday Do you love to sing, play music, recite or act? Then join the 2020 Festival at Kent College. Find out more at the website above.
THE STAG THEATRE London Road, Sevenoaks All event information and tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Friday Jive Talkin’ (Bee Gees tribute)
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm till late Saturday The Paul Dunton Orchestra
THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews All event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk
THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8pm till late Saturday Velvet Goldmine
Mark Chadwick
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Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Espresso martini £8.50
Lemon posset, raspberry coulis and shortbreads £6.75
Shetland mussels marinière or à la crème or tomato and chilli, all served with rustic bread £7.75
Chocolate orange cheesecake £6.75
Lamb steak with roasted vegetables, rosé wine, cranberry and orange jus £18.50
On The Menu…
Smoked goose breast, roasted parsnips, celeriac purée and cranberry sauce £7.75
THE MOUNT EDGCUMBE themountedgcumbe.com
Vegan shepherd’s pie with sweet potato mash and broccoli £12.50
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Food & Drink
Say ‘sláinte’ this St Patrick’s Day From whiskeys to a salty liqueur, raise a glass to the Emerald Isle next Tuesday, March 17 – believed to be the date of the death of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick – and celebrate the saint who supposedly expelled all snakes from the country after they disturbed him while fasting. “May the good St Patrick protect ye, and the devil neglect ye.” Erin go bragh! and fruity 12-year-old single malt whiskey is unbeatably magnificent. With a splash of water, it’s a drink of golden Irish splendour. Lingering finish, with real sophistication. A beautiful – and bargain – balletic blend. It is selling out fast online, but plenty is available in store.
1) BETTER THAN BAILEYS: IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR A-GO-GO Tesco Finest Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur (Tesco, £12, 17 %) Enjoy a creamy, caramel-laced and salty sip over ice for a marvellous yet inexpensive St Patrick’s Day indulgence. With just the right amount of salt and a light whiskey flavour, this is a really delicious drink that’s also great poured over vanilla ice cream. Bang on for exulting the good times. Sláinte! 2) SUPERMARKET WHISKEY-TASTIC! 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (Aldi, £24.99, 40%, in store only) For pure value, this smooth
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3) FLAGSHIP IRISH BLENDED WHISKEY – FROM THE FIRST NEW WHISKEY DISTILLERY TO HAVE OPENED IN DUBLIN IN 125 YEARS Teeling Small Batch Blended Whiskey (Whisky Exchange/Waitrose, £33.75- £39.15, 46%) When the €10million Teeling distillery opened on St Patrick’s Day 2015, it was the first time since 1974 that whiskey had been produced in Dublin. The historic Liberties-based venture is headed by brothers Stephen and Jack Teeling (their remarkable father John founded the Cooley distillery in County Louth in 1987). Ex-rum casks add a spicy lift to this cracking, delicate, smooth, malty and vanilla-infused nonchill filtered whiskey. The distillery is open seven days a week, with tours running every 20 minutes from 10am through to 5.40pm.
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Try this Irish cocktail for two Guinness Martini Tip 50ml dark rum into a carafe along with 25ml cold espresso, 25ml crème de cacao, 25ml vodka, 100-125ml Guinness and some ice. Stir well, then strain into a couple of chilled martini glasses.
COMPETITION TIME
Taste Champagne is the largest showcase of Champagne in the world. It’s a fantastic tasting in which guests are invited to stroll at their own pace between the different houses, growers and cooperatives, with 292 cuvées from 56 producers. Taste Champagne is hosted by Tyson Stelzer, author of the Champagne Guide and International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year. The event takes place at The Royal Horticultural Halls, Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London SW1P 2QW on March 25 from 6-9pm. For your chance to win a pair of tickets to this exclusive Champagne event you must be aged 18 or over and able to answer the following question by March 18: Q: How many different cuvées will be on offer for you to try? Email replies to: competitionttw@ protonmail.com Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine
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Books
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
The bookcase… This week’s reviews include the tome everyone is talking about – The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel – plus Difficult Women by Helen Lewis
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel Published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £25 (ebook £12.99)
9/10
This triumphant conclusion to the gripping Wolf Hall trilogy begins with Anne Boleyn’s end – the blood-sticky stage, her head in red-soaked linen. Richly rewarded by Henry VIII’s favour, Thomas Cromwell is Lord Privy Seal. Whether he’s finding the king a new queen, ridding the country of heretics or closing monasteries, Cromwell still spins plates. The book pulsates with the throb of history muddled with myth: Cromwell reflects on Icarus’s ill-fated journey in the skies and on King Bladud, whose own attempts at flight left him being scraped off the pavement. But in life’s foreshadowing he is unable to recognise the burn on his own back. As he proclaims, he chose wings instead of ladders to achieve his soaring ambitions; and so Mantel charts his magnificent arc into – and out of – glory. This is a long read, but worth it. Characters are complex, descriptions are vivid and the jostling energy of court is masterfully depicted. And, of course, we hear the constant ticking of the historical timebomb: Henry VIII’s ability to turn against those closest to him. (Review by Nicole Whitton)
Here We Are by Graham Swift Published in hardback by Simon & Schuster, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.64)
Compère, performer and ‘Jack-the-lad’ Jack Robinson has snagged his mate, magician Ronnie (stage name Pablo), a gig in the Brighton show he’s compère at for the summer season. A total ladies’ man, Jack can’t help but take an interest in magician’s assistant Evie, all feathers and glitz when she’s sawed in half (stage name Eve). Mellow and nostalgic, Here We
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Are is not full of twists and turns – even though it revolves around a love triangle and a mysterious disappearance. Instead, there’s a gracefulness and ease in its storytelling. Swift muses on wartime childhoods, difficult mothers and absent fathers, looks at how much ageing inexorably changes us, and considers what it feels like to look back on a single summer and rebuild it in your mind. Not a page turner, but a thoughtful, emotive tale, laced with nuance. (Review by Ella Walker)
7/10
English Monsters by James Scudamore
Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99) The dark secrets at the heart of a prestigious boarding school in the English countryside are exposed in the latest novel from journalist and creative writing tutor James Scudamore. It opens in the Eighties, with youngster Max Denyer visiting his beloved grandfather before life as he knows it ends as he enters the school’s cruel regime. English Monsters examines the impact his time there has on him and his friends in the decades after they leave, as the full extent of the abuse suffered begins to emerge. Scudamore is skilled at creating atmosphere, whether of boarding school life with urns of weak milky tea in the steamed-up dining hall, and iron beds in dorms named after battles, or of the fevered atmosphere of 1997 election night in London. And despite its grim focus, English Monsters is no misery memoir, but a gripping meditation on class relations and formative friendships. (Review by Laura Paterson)
6/10
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
NON-FICTION
Difficult Women: A History Of Feminism In 11 Fights by Helen Lewis Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99 (ebook £12.31)
8/10
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK
BOOK CHARTS
Nine Lives Newton by Alice McKinley
HARDBACKS 1. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy 2. Pinch of Nom Everyday Light by Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson 3. False Value by Ben Aaronovitch 4. The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams 5. The Guestlist by Lucy Foley 6. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes 7. Motherwell by Deborah Orr 8. Behind The Mask by Tyson Fury 9. Here We Are by Graham Swift 10. The Changing Mind: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Ageing Well
Published in paperback by Simon & Schuster, priced £6.99
(Compiled by Waterstones and Audible)
PAPERBACKS 1. Supertato: Books Are Rubbish! – World Book Day 2020 by Paul Linnet and Sue Hendra 2. Dog Man: World Book Day 2020 by Dav Pilkey 3. Big Sky by Kate Atkinson 4. Bing’s Splashy Story: World Book Day 2020 5. The Five:The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold 6. Alex Rider Undercover: Four Secret Files by Anthony Horowitz 7. Evie in the Jungle: World Book Day 2020 by Matt Haig 8. My Awesome Guide to Getting Good at Stuff: World Book Day 2020 by Matthew Syed 9. The Case of the Drowned Pearl: World Book Day 2020 by Robin Stevens 10. The Day We Met The Queen: World Book Day 2020 by Onjali Q Rauf AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON FICTION) 1. Skin Deep by Liz Nugent 2. The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney 3. Behind The Mask by Tyson Fury 4. The Idiot Brain by Dean Burnett 5. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes 6. Crusaders by Dan Jones 7. Mr Midshipman Hornblower by CS Forester 8. Mythos by Stephen Fry 9. False Value by Ben Aaronovitch 10. Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle
This a history of modern feminism that reclaims the adjective ‘difficult’ as inspiration for the current generation. Lewis ranges widely across 11 fights, from enfranchisement and education to faking orgasms and the ongoing battles for reproductive autonomy. Most compelling are the lesserknown difficult figures, whose place in the feminist canon Lewis believes has been woefully underrecognised – such as Erin Pizzey, the woman who set up the first refuge for survivors of domestic abuse, and who now aligns with the male rights movement. As we spin through this charged near-past, Lewis deftly weaves her own story of divorce, remarriage and the increasingly urgent ‘internal debate’ about having a baby. Ultimately, it chimes with a resounding clarion call – we are difficult women. Don’t sand our edges away. Celebrate us in all our uneven glory. After all, well-behaved women don’t make history. (Review by Jemma Crew)
Funny in a way that will appeal to both children and adults alike, this picture book is Alice McKinley’s debut, snapped up by publishers at her graduation show. Newton the dog mistakenly thinks he has nine lives, and seems in a hurry to try all his favourite risky things, being as daring as he wants. While Newton is having the time of his life, his cat friend is keeping a watchful eye out for him and suffering some painful consequences. There are some salutary lessons about knowing the full picture and the dangers of recklessness, slyly sneaked into a story that sees Newton just trying to pack in as much fun as he can. The illustrations are a joy, from the expressions on the animals to a cat carefully poised to avoid a crocodile’s teeth, and clever signs that alert you to what might befall Newton. Children will empathise entirely with the idea of finding yourself in trouble when you were just trying to have a good time. Likely to be one of those books that will elicit the familair demand: “Again!” (Review by Bridie Pritchard)
9/10
Books
Life&Times
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travel
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CENTRE PICTURE Art for all at The Hub on Canal Street, which is free to enter
WALKWAY TO WONDER Sunset at Ponce de Leon Inlet at New Smyrna Beach
Travel
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Discover the other Florida in a ‘Happy’ city by the sea There’s more to the sunshine state than Goofy and Mickey Mouse, as Priya Joshi discovers
F
LORIDA instantly conjures up images of Mickey Mouse and deliriously smiley Disney princesses, but if you want to discover the real sunshine state, head east to the peaceful surf city New Smyrna Beach. Away from the madness of Orlando’s famous theme parks, this is a taste of quaint, small-town USA – where kids get around on skateboards, surfers ride the waves, and the Southern charm is infectious. If New Smyrna Beach was a song, it would be Pharrell Williams’ Happy. A former British colony in the 18th century, with a population of 26,470 settled on either side of the expansive Indian River, this is a favourite holiday destination for ‘snowbirds’ – retirees from colder climes who fly south for the winter months to soak up the sun and experience all the beauty of the sea. Thirty miles from Cape Canaveral, and at the heart of the US space programme, the region is undergoing major development. But thanks to its 1,200 miles of stunning coastline, white sandy beaches and abundant sea life, you can wake up to the sight of bottle-nosed dolphins frolicking as the sun rises over the river, dine on local seafood, and tap into a community spirit that makes you feel like you’re one of the family.
EXPERIENCE ARTS AND CULTURE New Smyrna Beach has a vibrant arts scene. A silent movie theatre on Canal Street (the town’s main street) has been converted to create The Hub on Canal, a bustling, interactive arts centre. With a gallery showcasing the work of 70 regional artists (many of whom work on site), the non-profit organisation holds educational workshops and hosts local concerts and film festivals, offering the locals and visitors a place to experience and participate in the arts. Featuring beach landscapes, dramatic black and white photographs of the region, and handicrafts such as handmade moccasins and alpaca shawls, there is much to marvel at, while resident artists are always happy to talk you through the finer details of their work. And admission is free. thehuboncanal.org GO KAYAKING ON THE INDIAN RIVER To really enjoy the area’s wildlife, you can hire a kayak at the Marine Discovery Centre and travel along part of the Indian River – a 160-mile stretch of water from New Smyrna to Miami rich with plant and birdlife. In a two-hour guided session (adults: $40/£31; children aged 6-12: $22/£16), you can paddle along a four-mile-round stretch of intercoastal waterways flanked by luscious black and red mangroves.
WATER WHEELS Bike rides on the beach
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk PARASOL PARADISE at the Marriott SpringHill Suites
Travel to the fruity apricot Pilsner, there’s something for all palates. newsmyrnabeachbrewery.com HEAD FOR THE BEACH As stated at the beginning of this feature, New Smyrna is all about the beach life. Wake up to the soft sound of the ebbing waves from an ocean-front view at SpringHill Suites by Marriott ($159 /£114 per room, per night, including breakfast), and a take a morning
The route is sedate enough for novices, and guides are always within safe distance to offer instruction on paddling technique. Cormorants, white herons and pelicans can all be seen. marinediscoverycenter.org
‘A watering hole where family and friends gather and everybody knows your name’ SAMPLE THE LOCAL FARE You won’t find a commercial restaurant chain anywhere on New Smyrna and
eating out is much like dropping in for dinner with family. Small eateries pride themselves on their locally-sourced fresh produce, and of course fish features heavily on the menus. At The Local Pearl Oyster Shoppe (mains $30/£23pp), you can sample an endless array of fish dishes from the catch of the day to oysters fried in cornmeal. thelocalpearl.com For something less formal, head to JB’s Fish Camp, a shack-style eatery on the waterfront which serves as the setting for some hearty Southern fare. jbsfishcamp.com The Riverpark Terrace (mains $35/£27pp) offers the best of traditional American cuisine from the surroundings of a tropical garden. An
eclectic menu includes buttermilk fried green tomatoes, grilled wild salmon and baked crab mac and cheese. riverparkterrace.com DISCOVER REFRESHING HANGOUTS Run by former school friends, The Florida Local is a trendy hangout where you can catch up with friends over an ice cold coffee. Brewmaster Chris began making beer for his friends in his garage six years ago. floridalocalmarket.com Or try the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company, a local watering hole where family and friends gather at the end of the working day and everybody knows your name. With over 80 home brews – from the intense flagship beer Shark Attack
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walk along Flagler Avenue. springhillsuites.marriott.com You can also hire a bike or a buggy from Salty Rentals, at The Salty Mermaid Hotel (bikes: $10/£7.50 per hour or $35/£27 per 24 hours, buggies: $25/£19 per hour). Seating four, a buggy ride is a great way to cover the vast stretch of sandy coastline, taking in the view and the warm sea breeze, while playing your favourite beach tracks. saltyrentalsnsb.com
SURF’S UP! An aerial view of the waves HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP • For more information on New Smyrna Beach, Florida, see visitnsbfl.com • British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Orlando from £284 return, including taxes/fees/carrier charges. To book, call 0344 493 0124 or visit ba.com/Orlando • Ocean Florida offers package holidays to New Smyrna Beach, departing from London Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow. Prices for a seven-night holiday, staying at SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach, start from £949 per person, including breakfast, car hire and return flights to Orlando with British Airways. Call 020 7939 7775 or visit ocean-florida.co.uk
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Motors
Motoring News
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
This week… A3 upgraded Cost of new Jazz Young insurance
New Audi A3 revealed with sharp new look
AUDI’S updated version of its popular A3 hatchback now sports a sharper, more angular look and much-improved technology. At the front end, the vast difference in styling sees the headlights and side intakes given a more aggressive appearance. A sharp crease along the side of the car makes the wheel arches look wider, while the rear lights are narrower and the lower bumper is more streamlined. Inside, the technology has been hugely improved over the now dated outgoing model. There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen fitted as standard, while a digital instrument binnacle can be upgraded to Audi’s full virtual cockpit. Featuring Audi’s latest operating system, the A3 gets DAB included
as standard, with online radio as an option; navigation that can predict changes in traffic situations along the route; and smartphone integration.
ELECTRIC! The new supermini
Engines There are three engines available at launch – a single 1.5-litre petrol engine making 148bhp and a 2.0-litre diesel with a choice of 114bhp or 148bhp. These will be offered with front-wheel-drive and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with further engine options and allwheel-drive offered at a later date. Order books open this month, with the first deliveries scheduled for May. Early adopters can specify an Edition One trim. NEW LINES The side crease is part of the redesign
Prices for Jazzy new Honda hybrid HONDA has revealed pricing details for its upcoming Jazz, with the supermini arriving in the second quarter of the year priced from £18,980. That price returns a Jazz in the SE grade, which is quoted as able to return up to 62mpg while emitting just 102g/ km CO2. This price rises to £20,180 for mid-level SR grade, £21,380 for EX grade and £23,580 for range-topping Crosstar EX grade. Phil Webb, Head of Car at Honda UK, said: “Following on from the successful introduction of the all-electric Honda e, the electrified Jazz is designed to encourage those who might not be prepared to make the leap to a full electric drivetrain. “The new Jazz is the embodiment of the brand’s commitment to a fullyelectrified range, and is another symbolic step towards our electric vision
for 100% of European sales to be electrified by 2022.” All cars gain a two-motor hybrid powertrain as standard, combining a petrol engine with electric assistance.
Finance The new Jazz will also be available on finance, starting at £255 per month for SE-grade cars based on a 5.9% APR 36-month agreement with 10,000 miles per year agreed and a 20% customer deposit. Crystal Black paint is available as a no-cost option, while an additional £550 will net such premium paint colours as Platinum White, Shining Grey and Midnight Blue Beam. Order books for the new Jazz are open now, with first deliveries expected during the second quarter of the year.
Cost of getting young drivers on road drops EVEN though the cost of getting a young driver out on the road is still more than £6,000, despite prices having fallen consistently since 2012, it has reduced. The combined cost of a new young motorist learning to drive as well as buying, taxing and insuring their first car has fallen by £775 in a year, dropping from £6,846 to £6,071. This is largely attributed to new drivers spending less on their first car – down to £3,562 on average compared with £4,276 in 2018 – as well as the average insurance policy for a 17 year old falling from £1,852 in 2018 to £1,737 in 2019.
Telematics Lee Griffin of GoCompare, the company behind the research, said: “At around £6,000 the cost of getting a new driver on the road is a substantial drain on teenagers’ and their family’s finances.” This includes the high cost of the first car insurance premium. But he added: “The surprising good news is that the cost of insurance for new drivers has fallen substantially since 2012 as the average premium is nearly half what it was eight years ago. “The introduction of telematics or ‘black box’-style insurance, which utilises the latest technology to monitor drivers and reward safer driving, has undoubtedly helped to lower costs.” Analysis of over 2.3 million car insurance quotes generated by young drivers has also revealed that the average lowest car insurance premium has fallen by nearly 50% from £3,392 in 2012 to £1,737 in 2019.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW RESTAURANT
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Orders Welcome!
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Our aim is to provide you with an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine prepared using fresh ingriedients. Our skilled chefs will create for you exquisite dishes. Located centrally in Tonbridge, previously named “Cappadocia” and within an easy walking distance from main line Tonbridge Station with local bus services close at hand for your ease of travel. Owned and operated by new restaurateurs.
Lunch Menu For Just £9.95
Between 12.00 noon – 4.00pm Mon – Fri A Choice of Eight Dishes All Served With One Cold Starter, Salad and A Can Of Drink
For Booking & Telephone Orders call 01732 358056 18A Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TN | www.ferah.co.uk
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Recruitment
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Wednesday March 11 | 2020
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
CODEWORD 4
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A B C D E F G H I J K L MNO P Q R S T U VWX Y Z 20 11
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
4 7 2
Codeword:
3
6 3
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25 20
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9 1 6 7
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
25
3 26
5 15
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
A C B H O X I Y A Z E N T E L I Q U N F A I T R E E L D A D
CO R D S C V A A D E R E L A R W S T I L L R N E J A H U N U K I O L D I N G D E A S ON R A P E I D Y Y E A R
H E D I R P S E P A OOM E S E D A R I P A E C E R E U N S
Sudoku:
7 2 8 5 1 4 6 9 3
6 9 5 3 7 8 2 4 1
1 4 3 9 6 2 7 8 5
2 1 6 4 3 9 5 7 8
3 8 9 7 2 5 1 6 4
5 7 4 6 8 1 9 3 2
4 3 7 1 5 6 8 2 9
2 4 3 8 6 7 9 1 5
6 8 7 1 3 5 2 9 4
9 7 1 6 4 2 8 5 3
8 6 1 2 9 3 4 5 7
9 5 2 8 4 7 3 1 6
Jigsaw Sudoku:
8 6 9 4 7 3 5 2 1
5 1 2 3 8 6 7 4 9
7 5 4 9 2 1 6 3 8
3 9 5 2 1 8 4 7 6
1 2 6 5 9 4 3 8 7
4 3 8 7 5 9 1 6 2
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Sport
FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
Tout at the double as TJs survive fightback By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS clung on after seeing Clifton fight back from 36-10 down to take maximum points and stay on top of the table in National Two South with just five games to go. With The Slade again under water, TJs had to switch the venue to the Vizards 3G artificial pitch at The Judd School again. The home side made the strong wind at their backs count early on with territorial dominance but both sides were soon down to 14 men with two forwards in the sinbin. TJs opened their account with two tries that came from sweeping movements between forwards and backs before Will Robinson sent first Duncan Tout and then Tom White through holes inside the first 12 minutes, Robinson converting one. Clifton set about getting a toehold in the game but could only slot a penalty
initially. However, some slack TJ tackling allowed them to get downfield on 20 minutes and openside flanker Dan Broady went over and fly-half Brad Barnes converted. TJs needed a reaction and they went up a gear from the restart, forcing Clifton back into their own 22. After a few phases of mauling Will Colderick, who had his best game for a while, charged over to score and Robinson converted.
Fightback
PHOTO: Adam Hookway
Tonbridge Juddians 36 Clifton 32
ON THE CHARGE Will Colderick scores for TJs Edwards fed Hugo Watson, who sidestepped and sat down his defender to score. Then Irvine’s gallop down the left was held up inches short of the line but a deft offload to Tout allowed him to score his second. But there was still half an hour remaining and the visitors began their fightback on 53 minutes as TJs fell off a couple of tackles and Finlay Sharp sped through to score.
After TJs kicked deep from a penalty, Dave Irvine climbed to gather and skipper Mike O’Sullivan charged over to score, White converting. The try bonus point was already in the bag as TJs headed into half-time 26-10 ahead but they were cautious, having lost 33-32 at Clifton earlier in the season. After the interval Colderick scampered 40 metres and Charlie
It was the first of three tries for the rapid wing, while replacement Alex Lambert also went over but Barnes was unable to convert any of them from wide positions in the wind. With Finlay Coxon-Smith having been sent to the bin, Clifton mounted another attack out wide but TJs managed to double-tackle a Clifton flier and turned the ball over. The home forwards kept the ball in the middle of the park to run down
the clock and there was great relief among the spectators as they secured a narrow victory. So Tonbridge held on to their two-point lead at the top of the table but with both Taunton Titans in second and third-placed Henley Hawks also securing maximum points, the race for the title continues apace. TJs have a weekend off before travelling to Esher on March 21 (kick-off 3pm).
Webster and Doherty rampant as Wells keep rare clean sheet
HANDS OFF Ben Whale proves hard to bring down
Tunbridge Wells 36 CS Stags 1863 0
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
By Graham Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS returned to action with a comprehensive shut-out of their south-west London opponents Stags in the London and South-East Premier Division. They secured permission to use the all-weather pitch at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys because of continued flooding at St Marks. The contest was held on Friday night under lights - and was itself a rearranged match after the Chiswick side’s previous visit was postponed due to the floods. Wells knew that one more win would see them mathematically safe from the drop and their defence was to prove outstanding all game long.
They were set on their way with a penalty try after five minutes as Stags wheeled the scrum under pressure near their own line. On 18 minutes Richard Webster intercepted a pass and galloped clear from 40 metres to score, though Croft’s conversion slipped wide. In injury time at the end of the first half, a superb delayed pass by Ryan Taylor-Dennehy put Webster clear and he scored again from 20 metres out. The conversion was missed and Wells went in at the interval 17-0 ahead. On 53 minutes the visitors TaylorDennehy gathered a wayward pass and made 40 metres before handing over to the electric Max Hobbs to cover the final 30 metres and score an unconverted try and secure the bonus
point. Two minutes later they scored again when Mike Doherty left the full-back floundering in trademark fashion and crossed under the posts, Ollie Allman converting. On the hour Wells lost Matt Spicer to the sin-bin when an attempted interception was adjudged to have been a deliberate knock-on. Despite being a man down Mike Doherty stepped through the defence again for his second try after 68 minutes, Allman adding the extras. The home side held firm for the last 10 minutes to record their first clean sheet since an 85-0 victory over Dover in April 2017. Wells remain in seventh place, a point behind Sevenoaks. They now host Wimbledon at St Marks on Saturday (March 14, kick-off 3pm).
Ladies Under-18s miss out on final despite brave comeback RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies Under-18s narrowly lost their National Cup regional semifinal after a stirring second-half fightback. The game had been rescheduled after the recent storms had made all the club’s pitches unplayable, and The Skinners’ School stepped in to provide a venue. Sudbury ran hard at the Wells defence, which initially struggled with line speed and tackling, and the visitors enjoyed good territory and opened up gaps. As the first half went on, Wells’ focus improved with some great rucking to keep out scoring opportunities. But, with constant battering, some great offloads and straight attacking runs Sudbury broke through three times. With two conversions they went in at half-time 19-0 ahead. Wells came out fighting in the second half, running hard and driving the away side back, and the momentum had clearly shifted.
Some great running from deep by the forwards allowed Wells to camp on Sudbury’s try line and after some close-quarter battles Hannah Sheehy and Sally Williams scored tries which were converted by Jemma-Jo Linkins. Their third try came after a period of sustained pressure, a combination of plays allowing Lucy Fitzmaurice to break the defence and win a race to the line for another converted try. But Sudbury were able to add another score before the final whistle to keep their noses in front and progress to the final. Head Coach Paul Miles said: “The players are, of course, disappointed, but they still made it to the top 16 teams in the country, following on from a great performance in the league. “So we are all incredibly proud of them all and there’s a lot more to come from this group of talented youth women.” For more information about the Tunbridge Wells Ladies section go to twrfc.com/team/ladies
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
Tunbridge Wells Ladies U-18s 21 Sudbury 26
TALENTED GROUP: (Back row, l-r) Ollie Allman, Ella Johns, Zoe Gardiner, Hannah Sheehy, Lucy Fitzmaurice, Emily Bowyer, Katie Newman, Jemma-Jo Linkins, Elle Nikhwai, Katie Hazelden, Amy Dobson, Thea Miles, Steve Pengelly, Simon Parsons; (front) Paul Miles, Lucy Williams, Phoebe Leach, Millie Rabbitt, Sally Williams, Thea Pengelly, Megan Follows, Catherine Davies, Lauren Ryland
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 11 | 2020
TURN ON THE STYLE Ryan Stiles scores Rusthall’s first
Sport
Kennington 1 Rusthall 2
FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL moved to the top of the table in the Southern Counties East League Division One with a hard-earned victory against the previous leaders, who had held a 100 per cent home record and were on a nine-game unbeaten run. Kennington started the stronger against a nervous-looking Rusthall and deservedly took the lead after eight minutes when leading scorer Gary Lockyer superbly chipped goalkeeper Billy Johnson after finding space just outside the area. Rusthall’s young back three of Jake Hampson, Ryan Styles and skipper Robbie Bissett were in fine form to prevent Kennington from increasing their lead and they had to settle for their single-goal advantage at half-time. The second period proved to be the complete opposite to the first half with Rusthall pressing from the start and Kennington being pinned back, Charlie Clover causing panic in their rearguard. On 56 minutes the visitors’ pressure was
PHOTO: Dean Jacquin
By Rich Smith
rewarded when a corner from the right by Tommy Lawrence was flicked on and Styles volleyed home in fine style from close range. The home side seemed shell-shocked and just five minutes later Rusthall went ahead from another corner which Kennington failed to clear. Bissett hit a sublime left-footed half-volley from a tight angle that flew past England’s six-a-side keeper Joe Mant into the net. The pace of Louis Clark caused problems as soon as the young winger came on and he should have put the result beyond doubt on 81 minutes after being put through by James Miles but he blasted his shot over from the edge of the area. The rise to the summit was made all the sweeter when news came through that promotion rivals Holmesdale had let slip a two-goal lead at Greenways and lost 3-2 to a last-minute strike. There was more good news when Jimmy Anderson was named as manager of the month for February - when the Rustics won all three games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just once. Rusthall are now at home to Forest Hill Park on Saturday (March 14, kick-off 3pm).
Beck strikes not enough as Wells Men face relegation Tunbridge Wells Men 3 Trojans 4 By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS remain perilously mired in a relegation dog-fight in South Premier League Division One after a narrow loss to mid-table Trojans at Tonbridge. Neither side could grasp the upper hand during the first period but Trojans made the better of their chances - as they had done in the reverse fixture - to take a 3-1 lead. James Beck’s short corner strike kept the home side in the game, however, and the second half saw the home side showing the fight they need to drag themselves up the table. They scored two more goals through Beck and Tom Butt but the visitors managed to score again, and after a goal for Wells was disallowed they were left empty-handed. The result leaves the Men in 11th place out of 12, level on points with West Hampstead below them with two matches to go. The bottom club will be relegated but as many as three teams could go down with the side in ninth place facing a play-off, depending on who drops down from the Conference. The defence of their Kent Cup provided a welcome relief as a Wells side including firstteam fringe players and youngsters put in a solid performance to beat hosts Maidstone 6-3. James Huntley scored a fine hat-trick and Mitch Hawksbee scored twice while Beck added his third goal of the weekend. Wells now play Sevenoaks 2nds in the semi-final. In the league they face a tough trip to secondplaced Hampstead & Westminster at Paddington Rec in their penultimate league game on Saturday (March 14, 12pm start).
CLOSE CONTROL George Priestley plays in the cup tie
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Ryder Cup hero Way takes over as course director at The Nevill By Andy Tong
Bissett leads Rusthall to top of table with valiant defence and super goal
Life&Times
GOLF: RYDER CUP winner Paul Way has been appointed course director at The Nevill Golf Club of Tunbridge Wells. He will sit on the club’s management board and be responsible for the golf course, its level of challenge, playability and condition, working closely with head greenkeeper Ian Marden and his team. The 56-year-old former European Tour player, who attended Hugh Christie School in Tonbridge, became a member at The Nevill at the age of 12 in 1975. He turned professional after playing for Great Britain & Ireland against the USA in the 1981 Walker Cup at Cypress Point.
He was be assisted by leading agronomist Greg Evans and fellow honorary member Jamie Spence, a two-time European Tour winner. The club is also looking to make further improvements this year and is set to appoint a new general manager in May.
Impressed Way went on to win the Dutch Open the following year aged 19 and earned Ryder Cup selection in 1983 at Palm Beach, when he won three of his matches and halved another. He took on the US once more in 1985, when Europe won at the Belfry - and again won three matches and halved another. He also won the PGA Championship at Wentworth that year. Having moved back to the Tunbridge Wells area in 2012, Way started to play more regularly at The Nevill and was impressed by the quality of the greens. He said: “Having played some of the best - and worst - courses in the world, I have a keen interest in how a great golf course should look. The Nevill has great potential to become an outstanding golf course in the coming years.” He has now started on a number of improvements to the James Braid-designed course with input from his greens committee.
GREEN KING Paul Way in front of The Nevill clubhouse