Times of Tonbridge 31st July 2019

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Young athletes urged to take tests after death of former Angel

TAKING A STAND: Protestors voice their concerns about planning in Capel and Tudeley see pages 3, 4, 5 and 11

Jobs at risk in takeover plan for Hadlow College and West Kent By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE future of staff at the Hadlow Group and a plethora of businesses connected with it, hangs in the balance after the Further Education Commissioner [FEC] recommended that the group should be split up and handed over to other education providers. A tendering process had been set up for bidders to take on the various strands of the group, which employs 1,400 people and teaches more than 10,000 students overall. The Tonbridge area faces upheaval after the FEC, Richard Atkins, said that Hadlow College and West Kent in Brook Street should be run by North Kent College. Hadlow College, which has 2,089 stu-

SWEEPING CHANGE FE Commissioner Richard Atkins dents, became the first in the country to go into educational administration in May after Mr Atkins found that it had ‘completely run out of money’. The intervention came after the departure and subsequent dismissal of the principal, Paul Hannan and his deputy Mark Lumsdon-Taylor amid an investigation into financial irregularities.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have called for more young players to have heart screenings following the death of former team-mate Charlie Slocombe. A minute’s applause was held in memory of Mr Slocombe before the club’s pre-season friendly with Kingstonian on Saturday [July 27] – the date of his birthday. The 26-year-old defender collapsed while playing in a five-a-side game organised by the Angels at Hayesbrook School in Brook Street on Monday. He was taken to Kings College Hospital in London by air ambulance and put on a life support machine but died the following afternoon.

Screenings

Paul Dubrow, chair of the board governing West Kent and its sister college in Ashford, has also stood down. Three administrators from accountancy firm BDO are probing the accounts while also protecting the students by trying to ensure that the money problems do not affect the provision of courses. West Kent is not subject to the same stringent conditions, but the FEC had already announced a notice of concern for financial health. The group is also being investigated by the Education and Skills Funding Agency [ESFA] over money for apprenticeship schemes which it says the body was not entitled to claim. The Commissioner has called for North Kent College to take over the bulk of Had-

Mr Slocombe, who had been playing for Crowborough Athletic, had previously collapsed while training or working out. He had been fitted with a Reveal heart monitor to look for signs of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). It is understood that no abnormality had been detected. James Folkes, the Angels defender who played with Mr Slocombe, tweeted: “Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear a former team mate @Char_Slocombe passed today after collapsing playing five a side. “As I previously said please all non league ballers get yourself checked out please... don’t need another casualty.” He said: “My heart goes out to him and his family and I seriously urge all players to do it… watching my friend Junior Dian collapse on the pitch was

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HADLOW: Continued from page 1

ANGELS: Continued from page 1

low College’s widespread concerns, including Princess Christian’s Farm in Hildenborough and a site in Greenwich. North Kent College already has a significant presence in the London borough, holding partner status with the University of Greenwich. This includes the Greenwich Maritime Institute and the National Sea Training School. There is also a large campus in Dartford, while Gravesend Technical College is an original element. With around 2,000 students and more than 300 staff, it has an annual turnover of £25million, and the ESFA has described its financial condition as ‘good’. Mr Atkins also recommended that Ashford College and Hadlow’s site in Canterbury, which deals with animal management, should be taken over by the East Kent College [EKC] Group. EKC was created after the merger of East Kent and Canterbury College last year, and employs more than 1,000 people and has an annual income of £55million. The FEC gave Canterbury College a notice of concern for financial health in 2016 before the merger took place. And the Commissioner identified Capel Manor, a land-based college with its main base at Enfield, to take over another of Hadlow College’s animal management sites at Mottingham near Bromley. Last year’s accounts showed that it had an income of £13.5million, more than 250 staff and an ESFA financial health score of ‘outstanding’. The Hadlow Group responded to the FEC’s recommendations with a statement saying: “The Education Administrators in respect to Hadlow College and the West Kent and Ashford College board will now consider these recommendations. “Staff have been informed and will be made aware of relevant decisions and, where appropriate, will be kept informed over the summer.” It added: “The colleges are undertaking a series of staff update sessions around the campuses/sites this week where staff can raise any questions or issues of concern. North Kent College said: “Following a robust process the FE Commissioner has now made his recommendations to help solve the challenges at Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College. “The recommendations follow a procedure which saw a range of providers develop bids for either whole, or constituent parts, of both Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College. “The leadership teams of Capel Manor College, EKC Group and North Kent College will now undertake the due diligence required.”

the worst experience of my life.” Legendary former Angels striker Nathan Elder reiterated: “I can’t stress this enough. Get yourself checked out.” Mick Payne, technical manager of the England amateur team, commented: “Every young player starting out should automatically be heartscreened. “It really should be a requirement when a club signs the player. Databank will then be produced for all clubs.” The Tonbridge club has a special affiliation with a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young, or CRY, which campaigns for young athletes to undergo tests to discover any abnormalities in the heart. It has carried out more than 1,100 heart screenings of young athletes aged between 14 and 35 at its Longmead Stadium over the past four years.

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‘At least 12 young people each week in the UK die of undetected heart issues. Cardiac screening should be routine for all in my opinion’ The Angels’ Football Fightback scheme was set up four years ago following the sudden death of two young players from previously undetected heart defects. In 2015, triallist Junior Dian collapsed on the pitch and died during a game at Whyteleafe, aged 24. Seven years previously, Angels’ Under-18 player Jack Maddams, 17, died in his sleep. Jack’s father Roger told the Times: “I was shocked to hear the news about Charlie. At Tonbridge Angels we feel it is vital that as many

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young people get screened. “By doing so they can either gain some peace of mind or get sufficient early warning where there may be cardiac issues so that steps can be taken to prevent tragedies. He added: “At least 12 young people each week in the UK die of undetected heart issues. Cardiac screening should be routine for all in my opinion. “Presently it is not – hence our efforts in recent years, raising awareness and positively making screening available. I would love to see more clubs take such steps.” The Angels and the town’s residents have raised more than £35,000 to allow the testing to be carried out since 2016. The last session in January was fully booked up weeks in advance. A screening session for 100 people costs £5,000, and Mr Maddams said: “We need to raise another £1,200 to fund our next day. “In the meantime, I commend testmyheart.org. uk to anyone concerned about cardiac issues and the screening process.” The club paid tribute to Mr Slocombe, saying: “Taken from us far too young, Charlie was a popular player at the club who was involved in both the Reserve and 1st team sides. “He made a total of 32 appearances for the 1st team and always showed a willingness to step up and help his team mates when required. “It is known that he had a special affection for Longmead and all connected with the Angels.” “Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with this devastating news.” His father Keith said in a statement: “Everyone who met Chaz could see what a lovely chap he was and how proud he made me as a father. “I’ve no words to say that can sum up what’s happened this last couple of days. RIP my son and best friend.” To make a donation towards the screenings visit justgiving.com/FootballFightback

Patch up relationships with a quilt as Tonbridge Calling embraces tolerance By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE free one-day music festival Tonbridge Calling returns for the fourth year running on Saturday August 10 in the Racecourse Sportsground. The event is designed to bring the community together while raising money for worthy causes, and the organisers have decided to apply for charitable status. Organiser Ted Rogers says: “It’s really important that Tonbridge Calling should remain a free festival so that the whole community can come along. “We are delighted to report that sponsorship and fundraising efforts have ensured that’s a reality.”

‘There were episodes of intolerant behaviour towards our friends and family which we considered to be unacceptable’

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

TAKEN TOO YOUNG Charlie Slocombe was fitted with a heart monitor

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Tonbridge Calling has a particular resonance this year because it originated from the atmosphere surrounding the EU referendum vote. “The ethos goes back to the political climate of 2016,” explained Mr Rogers. “There were episodes of intolerant behaviour towards our friends and family which we considered to be unacceptable. “Along with five Tonbridge friends, we decided to organise an event to demonstrate that the town is not only a tolerant community, but

actually celebrates diversity, and music was the obvious starting point. “Now we’ve grown into a community event without barriers, so please come along, try something new and meet your neighbours from near and far.” A new initiative this year will be Our Patch Quilt Project, led by the local art and theatre group Strangeface, who are returning to Tonbridge Calling for the first time since 2016. Strangeface director Russell Dean said: “Our Patch is an inter-generational project based around the question ‘What does Tonbridge mean to you?’ “Thoughts are transferred onto quilt squares which Strangeface will be stitching together into a wonderful community quilt. “So far, elderly residents and school children have taken part, creating fabulous squares featuring their ideas on Tonbridge and its future. “The finished quilt can be viewed at the festival but the public can create their own squares to add to it, before it goes off on a tour around the town during the autumn.” Also new to the event this year is the Craft’d Bus, where children can decorate a tote bag to take home at a free workshop. As well as an array of local bands, there will also be a Voices Spoken Word Tent with Peppy Scott hosting an open mic event showcasing poetry, ‘flash fiction’ (very short stories), monologues and sketches - as well as talks and workshops. The Field Tent is staging yoga classes taught by Jenna Surtees-Georgiou of Honest Yoga, hula hooping with Sharna Rose and belly dance workshops with Anaconda who will be running their workshops as well as performing. Alongside a wide range of catering options, Fuggles cafe will be attending for the first time,

providing a full bar including a specially brewed Tonbridge Calling pilsner lager. This year’s chosen charity is the Nourish Community Foodbank and Faydra Mitchell said: “We have asked their director to drop off a few donation boxes so please bring along lots of donations to their food banks on the day and let’s really make a tangible difference.” Last year the surplus proceeds from the festival saw Nourish received a donation of £250, while the charity RefugEase received £150.

Weapons surrender ends this weekend A GUN amnesty at the police station ends this Sunday [August 4], with the last chance to surrender firearms and ammunition. During the fortnight of the operation, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender. More than 26 guns were handed in across Kent in the first week. The list of items which can be handed in anonymously includes stun guns and pepper sprays. Superintendent Mick Gardner from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “This surrender is a good opportunity to dispose of unwanted, unlicensed weapons in a safe place. ‘We also want to remind people to hand in stun guns and pepper sprays, as they are available to order online it is highly likely there are a number of people who possess them and are completely unaware that it is a criminal offences to do so.” He added: “Just one firearm handed in is one firearm taken off the streets and unable to get into the wrong hands.”

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Man dies following weekend A21 smash A 38-YEAR-OLD man from Tunbridge Wells died at the weekend when he was involved in a serious crash on the A21. The deceased man, who has not yet been named, died when his black Audi Q7 hit the roadside fencing on the London bound carriageway of the Pembury bypass at around 8am on Saturday [July 27]. Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the incident but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A Kent Police spokesman said: “A black Audi Q7 car was travelling on the Londonbound carriageway of the A21 when it was involved in a collision with roadside fencing.” He added that police were appealing for witnesses to the incident.

A LAMBERHURST man has been charged with burglary after he was found in a Tunbridge Wells ice cream parlour in the early hours of Saturday morning. Nique Allen, 24, of Little Bayham, Lamberhurst was found by police in Creams in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells at 1.30am on Saturday July 27 after police were called to reports of an intruder. He is accused of breaking into the shop and eating ice cream from a counter before stealing a number of chocolate bars. Mr Allen, who has been released on bail, is due to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on September 6, charged with burglary.

Vintage tractor tragedy A MAN died and another was arrested after the vintage tractor they were both travelling in crashed in Groombridge. Police say the two men, aged 55 and 24, and both from Kent, were travelling on a blue Fordson tractor when it crashed at 10.30pm on Tuesday [July 23] in Park Corner Lane, Groombridge. No other vehicle was involved in the incident. The older man died at the scene of the crash while the younger man was treated for minor injuries at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. He was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous or careless driving. Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, who may have dash-cam footage or who saw the tractor being driven prior to the incident.

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Patients to be offered video consultations with hospital doctors

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Ice cream burglary

Local News

By Richard Williams

Villagers march on the town hall in protest against ‘ill-conceived’ plan By Grace Lewis and Thomas Manning AROUND 100 campaigners marched through Tunbridge Wells on Monday in protest against the council’s plans to build approximately 4,000 new homes on Green Belt. Tudeley is to be dramatically expanded with between 2,500 and 2,800 new homes earmarked for the tiny village in the council’s Draft Local Plan. In addition, half of the 4,000 homes planned for neighbouring Paddock Wood also fall in the parish of Capel. Along with the houses, the council has planned for a new primary school in Capel, and if KCC agree to build one, a new secondary school too.

Contradictory Campaigners from Save Capel, led by Tudeley resident, Farah Brooks-Johnson, and chairman of Capel Parish Council, Hugh Patterson, joined Keep Kent Green for the march against the council’s plans on Monday, which began in Calverley Grounds and terminated at the Town Hall where the protestors stood and chanted ‘Save Capel’. The Save Capel organisation has already garnered 2,500 signatures on a petition and is now looking to become a registered charity under the name Capel Green Belt Protection Society to allow for fundraising opportunities. Speaking outside the town hall on Monday, Mrs Brooks-Johnson said: “The council should con-

sider building on more brownfield sites as opposed to the Green Belt of Capel and Tudeley.” She added that she thought the council was ‘weak’ for giving into the government’s demands for 13,500 new houses, and should instead push for a lower target from the Planning Inspectorate. Tudeley resident and Save Capel member, Mark Ginsberg, also said: “Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has now labelled itself a ‘climate change emergency council’ which is a contradictory statement when looking at what they’re planning to do on Green Belt land.” Resident of Capel for 23 years, Dr David Parrish added: “I live in the epicentre of the proposed garden village. I could lose my home if they decide to knock the current houses down or I could become surrounded by a village.” And local protestor Jose Twynam, who has lived in Tudeley for 34 years, told the Times: “I never ever thought this would happen. It’s a totally illconceived plan, everything about it seems wrong.” The group says they are hoping to sit down with local MP Greg Clark to discuss the Local Plan with a proposed meeting set for mid-September. On the edge of Tunbridge Wells borough, Tudeley is famed for its ancient church originating from the 12th and 13th century, with its stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The church is positioned in the centre of the small hamlet. See also pages 4, 5 and 11 for more Local Plan stories and pictures

PATIENTS in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge will soon be able to have medical consultations with a hospital doctor over web-cam thanks to a new video consultation system being trialled. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] is one of only nine in England that have been selected to trial the system after winning an NHS Improvement bid, which is aimed at providing better healthcare options for patients. The video consultation will allow patients to speak to doctors or consultants at hospitals from the comfort of their own home using a similar system to popular web chatting software, Skype. The Trust say the aim is to reduce the need for patients to travel to the hospital and take time off work or school and ‘applicable’ patients will be offered the opportunity over the coming weeks. It will not be available for use with GPs and surgeries. A Trust spokesperson said: “It won’t be for every patient. “Some will still need a face to face consultation, but for those that it is applicable they will be given a choice – they can still come to the surgery and have a face to face consultation or use this service.”

Pilot Currently, the Trust has only run a demonstration, attended by nurses, doctors, GPs, commissioners, IT and procurement, as well as representatives from the local prison service. However, they say they are rolling out a pilot this summer, most likely in the Sexual Health, Specialist Medicine and Emergency Department services. Under the pilot, patients not able or unwilling to travel to hospital can attend appointments virtually using a computer or mobile device. Patients will, however, need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, a reliable internet connection, and access to a webcam and a microphone. The Trust is also being asked to work with clinical commissioning groups and GPs to work out a plan to provide online consultations at each practice in the Trust area by April 2020. They also want to be able to provide video consultations to all patients by April 2021. The system being trialled at MTW is only one of a number of virtual appointment systems NHS England are looking into. GP at Hand, a service that has been rolled out across London and Birmingham earlier this year, offers a GP consultation via a smartphone 24-hours a day, with the promise of a video consultation within two hours of booking.

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New secondary school announced as plans outlined for further 3,000 houses

GREEN FIELDS Spratsbrook Farm, the site of the proposed new Tunbridge Wells secondary school

By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE WELLS is to get a new secondary school, while close to 3,000 more houses will be built around the town and borough as the council unveils further details of its Local Plan. As revealed in the Times in May, the government has insisted the borough double its house building efforts, with the council ordered to find sites for at least 13,500 houses by 2036. This means the borough will have to have around 700 new houses built each year. So far, the council has outlined proposals to create a new garden village in Tudeley in the parish of Capel, as well as more than 4,000 homes surrounding Paddock Wood, which would double the size of the town. Now the council has published its entire Draft Local Plan and revealed its housing and infrastructure plans for the town centre area and many of the surrounding villages. Key among the sites earmarked for development is Pembury, where the council wants to put around 300 houses to the south of the village. Other villages that will also have to

accommodate housing developments include Hawkhurst where the council wish to build an additional 243-293 homes on top of more than 400 homes already scheduled on the golf course, Plans for a new relief road in the area have also been submitted to the council, which would run between the A268 to Flimwell and the A229 to Cranbrook.

‘It has taken a long time to get here and we have reached the step where we put it out to the public’ In the parish of Cranbrook and Sissinghurst, both eponymous villages have been earmarked for housing, with Cranbrook receiving the brunt with 718-803 houses, 64 of which already have planning permission, while more than 100 will be built in Sissinghurst. Around 300 houses have also been proposed for Horsmonden and 60 for the area around Benenden Hospital.

Calverley Square, the police station and town hall are all part of the mix The borough’s planners have had to take into account current planning permissions when developing their Draft Local Plan. This means the plan contains provision for the selling of the existing town hall, as it has been assumed the council will move to their new

offices in Calverley Square, as well as the Assembly Hall Theatre and the police station. The council’s head of planning, Steve Baughen, explained: “As the local planning authority, we have to accept where things stand as they are now. Planning permission has been granted for Calverley Square and the CPO inquiry endorsed that permission. ‘From a planning point of view, it is right to provide allocations for Calverley Square, the theatre and offices because planning permission has been granted. If things change then that allocation may change.’ As revealed in the Times in May, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott wants to sell the police station. Unlike the other two buildings which belong to the council, it belongs to the police estate. While the £2million price tag is too steep for the council to attempt a purchase, the Draft Local Plan sees all three buildings being sold off for ‘mixed use’ development as a single package.

Matfield is expected to take some of the housing burden with between 90-150 dwellings proposed for the village. For Southborough and the unparished area around Tunbridge Wells town centre, a smattering of developments are already in various stages of construction but the only new major house building efforts will be south of the town at Spratsbrook Farm behind Ramslye Road, on the border of East Sussex and the Weald. Along with 270 houses, the area will see the first new secondary school built in the town for several decades. Torrington Car Park in Vale Avenue is also going to be sold off for development with around 100 flats planned for that site. The council has also promised more residents parking for any new house builds and say they will look ‘holistically’ at the A26 main thoroughfare from Tonbridge and the A21 into Tunbridge Wells to find ways to ease congestion. But the council has warned that underused playing pitches in Tunbridge Wells may be sold off for housing development with the emphasis on sporting hubs.

The Draft Local Plan is due to go to a period of consultations, the first will be from September 20 to November 1, where the general public will get a say on the proposals. Council Leader, Alan McDermott, who has spent the last three years working on the Local Plan, said: “It has taken a long time to get here and we have reached the step where we put it out to the public and if it is accepted it goes to the [Planning] Inspector.” He added that the council’s house building quota is more likely to go up rather than down in future, which is why the council has opted to build 14,776 houses, a thousand more than required by the Planning Inspector, to give them a ‘buffer’. The Cllr also said around 40 per cent of green field sites will be ‘affordable housing’ with more than half being classed as social houses – where the rent is 60 per cent of private rents. “We do not have a choice in this. All main political parties are committed to more house building,” he said. He added that the plan has received input and contributions from a ‘working group’ of council members from across the political spectrum.

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Pembury campaigners face battle on two fronts By Robert Forrester MORE than 300 homes have been planned for Pembury in the council’s Draft Local Plan. Most of these will be situated on four sites to the south of the High Street and Hastings Road. Land around the Hospice in the Weald is also being safeguarded for any potential expansion of the hospice, and also for a possible new cemetery and primary school. The village parish council, which went uncontested at the local elections in May, is currently fighting plans submitted by car dealership Hendy for a ‘motor village’. Locals say the dealership plans will only add traffic to the already congested A264, a renowned OUT IN FORCE Pembury campaigners

bottleneck where a dual carriageway is fed by the A21 before becoming a single lane to Tunbridge Wells’ town centre. Sue Nuttall, a former borough councillor, who has been leading a campaign against the Hendy development, says the council’s housing plan is an ‘absolute disaster’. “It is one thing after another,” she said. “Where are all the people going to be coming from?” She said village life will completely change. “When I’ve been out campaigning people have said to me that they love living in Pembury. It is a large village but it is a village with a wonderful community spirit. I think we are just going to end up a suburb of Tunbridge Wells.” She added that she would ‘not rule out’ campaigning against the council’s plans along with opposing the Hendy development. “I will speak to the parish council and the local residents but I cannot rule it out,” she said. The council say congestion fears in the area should be relieved by their proposed ‘Colts Hill Bypass’, a new dual carriageway that will bypass the existing A228 west of the village and will run parallel to the existing road and re-join it at Paddock Wood. Pembury councillor, David Hayward [Alliance], is not convinced it will ease the already congested A264 leading into Tunbridge Wells. “It will do nothing,” he insisted. “I think the people are resigned to the housing in the light of what else is being built in the borough so they see it them getting their fair share. “But it is not just the 300 houses in Pembury, it is the thousands of houses in Tudeley. The A264 needs sorting out. People will just stop coming into Tunbridge Wells. They will shop at Tonbridge or Bluewater,” he warned.

PARK LIFE The entrance to Calverley Grounds

Brownfield status means the Calverley site will be built on WHATEVER happens with Calverley Square, the council’s proposed £90million theatre and civic centre on the edge of Calverley Grounds, the land where it has been proposed may eventually be built on regardless. The site earmarked for Calverley Square is classed as a ‘brownfield site’ and as such is preferred for any building development rather than Green Belt or green field land.

Boundaries In their National Planning Policy Framework, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government tells local authorities that to ‘justify changes to Green Belt boundaries’, councils should ‘give substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes and other identified needs’. As the council’s Local Plan sees developments being built on a number of green field and Green Belt sites, a future Planning Inspector may quiz the council as to why brownfield land at the entrance to Calverley Grounds has been spared,

especially with so much other development going on in the town. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has confirmed the brownfield status of the site and that areas of the site will have to accommodate commercial offices at some point in the future. Head of planning. Steve Baughem, said: “This area contains buildings, such as the Great Hall car park and the Lodge, and areas of hardstanding, including the surface car park on Mount Pleasant Avenue, which are brownfield. “The surface car park is of course currently allocated for approximately 3,200sqm of office floor space in the existing Site Allocations Local Plan [SALP]. The SALP was subject to examination by the Planning Inspectorate in late 2015.” Mr Baughem continued: “Given the 2018 Durlings report on the Town Centre Office Market Review regarding the loss of/lack of good quality office space in the Town Centre, from a planning perspective, it is key that office development is realised on that allocation.”

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Award for London development puts local architects on the map By Richard Williams A LOCAL architectural firm has beat off stiff competition, including the man who designed London’s iconic Shard and the team behind the proposed Calverley Square development in Tunbridge Wells, to win a coveted design award. ARC-ML, which has been based in Tunbridge Wells since 2008, took home the Masterplan and Area Strategies Award at the New London Architectural Awards 2019 earlier this month for their

work on Sugar House Island, a development near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. Representing an entire new town quarter, the ten-acre project on a brownfield site next to the River Lea includes scores of office blocks, more than 1,200 residential units, retail space, gastronomy, a hotel and parkland. Unusually for a project this size, developers Vastint UK chose Tunbridge Wells architects ARC-ML rather than a company based in London or another large European city.

SKYLINE Sugar Island looks out over the Olympic village

SWEET SUCCESS: The Sugar Island development The Chapel Place-based company successfully beat such major competitors as Allies and Morrison, who designed the proposed Calverley Square for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, as well as Renzo Piano, who designed the Shard building at London Bridge, when the winners were announced during a prestigious lunch at the City of London’s Guildhall.

Masterplan

CITY PLANNERS: Michael Lees and the team of Tunbridge Wells architects behind Sugar Island

Michael Lees, who runs ARC-ML, said the team worked on the project from 2010 until the end of 2018, developing a design concept for the site at the beginning, and then getting planning consent for it. “We are quite often ignored because we are based in Tunbridge Wells and not London, but this is a great acknowledgement,” he said. “This award is quite simply an acknowledgement of all the hard work we have put in over the years,” he added. Mr Lees explained that not only did the com-

pany author the ‘Masterplan’ for the entire East London development, they also ‘provided a guiding role’ and got a number of other independent architects involved to build some of the town quarter’s other buildings. He said: “We invited other architects to do some of the buildings because we wanted to enliven the character of the place with a number of different influences. “We believe a single architect shouldn’t just do a project of that size on their own because their ‘signature’ becomes too detectable, or even predictable, in the visual identity of the place.” He added that while the business was originally started in Berlin in 2004, they – rather unusually for an architectural practice – opted not to open their second studio in a major European city. “The fact is Tunbridge Wells is a very attractive town to live in with a good quality of life,” commented Mr Lees. “With a studio in the historic enclave of Chapel Place and interesting projects all over Europe, why go to London – or Berlin, for that matter?”

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Patisserie Valerie’s local lease is regeared THE new owners of Patisserie Valerie in Tunbridge Wells have signed a fresh lease for their Monson Road branch, following a rescue deal earlier this year that secured the entire chain from administration. It was feared in January that the town could lose the patisserie after a £40million black hole was found in the bakery firm’s books, which has subsequently led to a serious fraud squad investigation. Following the collapse, Irish private equity fund Causeway Capital agreed to acquire the café chain, saving about 2,000 jobs and nearly 96 branches. Now, the company is renewing leases, a process known as regearing – taking the previous name off existing leases and contracts and replacing it with the name of the new owners. Retail property consultant Paul Faulkner, from PF Retail, says his company has advised the landlords on the regearing of the Tunbridge Wells branch’s lease. He told the Times: “It means Patisserie Valerie in Tunbridge Wells is staying and the new lease is now under the new owner’s name.”

Top rankings for Cripps A TOP legal guide has ranked a Tunbridge Wells law firm as a national leader for its private wealth work with high net worth clients. The Chambers High Net Worth guide, which launched in 2016, provides in-depth analysis of law firms acting for high net worth individuals and families. Cripps Pemberton Greenish has been recognised as a national leader for its private client expertise, with Chambers saying the team is ‘renowned for handling high-quality private client matters’. Myles McIntosh, the head of the private client team, said: “This is a great result for both the London and Kent teams. “In 2018 we significantly strengthened all of our private client teams through a number of tax, probate and residential property lateral hires, as well as the additional service offering brought about by our recent merger with Chelsea firm Pemberton Greenish. “We will continue to build upon our expertise over the next 12 months, whilst remaining committed to providing our international and domestic private clients with high quality legal and tax advice across a full range of services.”

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Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Wyevale sells garden centre NEW LEAF Wyevale in Tunbridge Wells is to become a Blue Diamond garden centre

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk GARDEN centre owners Wyevale have sold their Tunbridge Wells location to rivals Blue Diamond. The Eridge Road branch is one of six that Wyevale has agreed to sell to Blue Diamond on the back of a further nine sold to the company around a year ago. The other garden centres that have just been sold are based in Canterbury, Worcester, Hereford, Lower Morden and Rake. The sales are expected to be completed by mid-September with no job cuts expected. The Tunbridge Wells outlet in Eridge Road is

expected to soon rebrand as Blue Diamond. Commenting on the purchase, Wyevale’s Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Jones, said: “Blue Diamond’s decision to take on six more sites is testament to both the strength of our garden centres and the level of trust and confidence that has developed between the Wyevale and Blue Diamond teams through this sale process.”

Portfolio He continued: “I would like to say a big thank you to colleagues across these six centres for their passion, expertise and hard work, and wish them the very best for the future under new ownership.”

The addition of the six Wyevale stores to its estate means Blue Diamond’s portfolio increases to 36 garden centres nationwide. “Geographically, all the centres are a perfect fit and enable us to deliver our full Blue Diamond proposition,” said Blue Diamond Managing Director Alan Roper. He added “We look forward to working with our new colleagues across the centres and welcoming them into the Blue Diamond family. “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Anthony and the team at Wyevale Garden Centres who, during all acquisitions, have been supportive, thoughtful and professional throughout.”

L’Oreal tells local stylist she’s worth it By Robert Forrester A YOUNG hairdresser from a Tunbridge Wells salon has won a coveted competition run by one of the country’s leading hair styling names. Rosie Saunders, a senior stylist and colourist at Leigh Roberts salon in Vale Road, beat talented rivals to win a highly-prized position on the L’Oreal ID Artistic Team. The 26 year old will now spend the next two years being developed and mentored by some of the leading professional hair stylists, and will have the opportunity to work on some of the world’s biggest fashion shows and showbiz events as part of her training. The ID Artist programme from L’Oreal is designed to scour the UK to find an elite team of talented individuals who could be the future stars of the hairdressing industry. Rosie, who had to go through a nerve-wracking

audition process before a panel of judges to win her place, said: “It was truly terrifying. Months of hard work depended on that audition, and there

‘It was truly terrifying. Months of hard work depended on that audition, and there was so much riding on it’ was so much riding on it. But I held my nerve and was really happy with my presentation to the judges, who all gave me excellent feedback.

“I must also really thank the fantastic team who helped me. “My model India-Jane, make-up artist David Hynes, Gary Russell for coaching me with my presenting skills, and Leigh Roberts for believing in me and backing me all the way.” Salon owner Leigh Roberts added: “Rosie is such a talented hairdresser with huge potential. “Her preparation was second to none and it really showed on the day of the audition. “She has the right attitude towards her work and will go a really long way in the industry.” She continued: “We are all extremely proud of her and very much look forward to following her progress.” Rosie Saunders

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk SPACE SAVERS Office Tribe’s Julia and Tom Olden at their launch party

Couple provide a solution to the town’s office space woes By Richard Williams A NEW hot desking and co-working office space has opened in Tunbridge Wells to provide startups and home workers a place to get their heads down and work. The brainchild of Tom and Julia Olden, Office Tribe officially launched this month opposite the train station on Mount Pleasant Road. It provides two floors and 2,000 square feet of office space aimed at those not wanting or unable to afford permanent office premises. The centre has space for up to 35 hot desking workers and 30 dedicated desks, plus a meeting room and other facilities. Julia Olden, who came up with the idea with her husband, Tom, explained the reasons for opening the centre. She said: “Tom came up with the idea while he was working for himself in Tunbridge Wells and there wasn’t anywhere he could find to work. “Both of us have used similar office spaces in

London before but there is nothing exactly like it in Tunbridge Wells, and yet there are a lot of people starting businesses here.”

‘The centre provides space for up to 35 hot desking workers and 30 dedicated desks, plus a meeting room and other facilities’ She continued: “We wanted to provide more than just office space. We wanted to create a community feeling where start-ups, or perhaps mums working from home who find they need a quiet space, can come and work with like-minded entrepreneurs.” She added that members of Office Tribe can not only arrange a number of different hot desking and working options, but can also find a network of individuals and businesses that can offer support.

Free allergen awareness and hygiene training for more than 100 local hospitality businesses TOWN centre partnership Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, the delivery company for the Business improvement District [BID], will offer free of charge training to more than 100 businesses this year. The group will be working with Mid-Kent Environment Health, Kent County Council Trading Standards and the nationwide charity Allergy UK. The training will be given to all food and beverage providers in five separate sessions this September and October.

‘Tunbridge Wells has a superb and strong food and beverage sector – we want to keep it that way’ Karen Pengelly, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

The courses will bring businesses up to date on new legislation covering allergens in food and the statutory duties of all businesses regarding awareness and labelling. More than 21 million people in the UK currently suffer from some form of food allergy, with some allergies being extremely dangerous. The courses will also address the food hygiene ratings scheme and tell businesses how to ensure they achieve high ratings and how to keep them.

Karen Pengelly, Town Centre Manager at Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, said: “Businesses face heavy legislative burdens. “Training and helping business is something that the Business Improvement District pledged to do, and this is just one example.” She continued: “These courses will provide up to 100 businesses with the information and guidance they need to ensure that they attain the very best hygiene ratings and sell and serve food safely.” She added: “Tunbridge Wells has a superb and strong food and beverage sector – we want to keep it that way.” The courses will all be held in Grub & Liquor at 9 Nevill Street, and will take place on Wednesday September 18 between 10am and 1pm; Wednesday September 25 between 10am and 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; and Wednesday October 2 from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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‘Once we build on Green Belt land we can never get it back’ From Tudeley to Tunbridge Wells, residents came together and descended on the Town Hall in protest of the council’s plans to turn their sleepy hamlet into a ‘garden village’ that will change their lives

RALLYING THE TROOPS Cllr Hugh Patterson at the march on Monday CAMPAIGN organisation Save Capel joined forces with Keep Kent Green on Monday to oppose the council’s plans of building more than 4,000 homes in the parish of Capel. Spearheading the march,Cllr Hugh Patterson, chairman of Capel Parish Council, said: “We are overwhelmed with enthusiasm from the support of the parishioners and people from elsewhere.” Speaking outside the town hall, he added: “We

are going to make a vigorous campaign to persuade the council to change their mind.” Although not directly affected by the council’s plans, Ann Kelly who lives in High Brooms said: “The plans to build in Capel are about greed and about a way to get rich, it’s not about the community at all. “Once we build on Green Belt land we can never get it back.”

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Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Road High tees as Pantiles Rotary Camden comes together golfers raise £10k for charity to help children from Chernobyl

The sporting action was followed by a lavish luncheon and then an auction commandeered by John Pilcher. The prizes on offer included a week’s stay in a Yorkshire holiday cottage, a round of golf with former professional Paul Way, a trip around a gin distillery, and meals out with a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or vintage Austin Shearline. BSR Bespoke Accountancy of Tunbridge Wells was the event’s main sponsor for the third year in a row, while professional photographer David Bartholomew gave his services free of charge.

THE local branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline held a wellness event at the Truffle Salon on Camden Road on July 14. The hair and beauty salon opened its doors on a Sunday to raise money for young victims of cancer and blood disorders in Eastern Europe. The country Belarus received more than 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the explosion at the nuclear reactor in what was then the Soviet Union in 1986. More than 50,000 children are affected and suffer an increased incidence of thyroid cancer, bone cancer and leukaemia. The charity’s West Kent organiser, Anastasiya Day, is also seeking host families who will welcome the childen into their homes for a four-week period over the summer.

PHOTOS: David Bartholomew

THE annual Pantiles Rotary Charity Golf Day at The Nevill Golf Club proved another great success, raising more than £10,000 for a variety of worthy causes. The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Monson Road is set to benefit by £6,000, with the remainder being contributed to other charities yet to be announced. A total of 92 golfers split into 23 teams of four began with a shotgun start, the groups teeing off simultaneously from different holes after club marshal John Benoy blasted the air horn.

GUIDING LIGHT: John Benoy on the first tee

LEADERBOARD: (L-R) Des Joyner, Polly Taylor of Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, Chris Bennett, Ian Steadman of sponsor BSR Bespoke Accountancy, Pickering’s Gaynor Ratcliffe and John Chapman

Over five years, the occasion has raised £40,000 thanks to the efforts of John Benoy, Mike Tunnel, Chris Bennett and his wife Susan. Last week Chris, the club Treasurer, who has run the golf day for the five years, was presented with the Paul Harris Fellows Award, the highest accolade for a member of Rotary. For more information about the Rotary Club of The Pantiles, visit pantilesrotary.org

HOST OF HELPERS SPN’s Sarah Gorman (left) with Anastasiya Day

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Swift progress in encouraging nesting birds to keep coming back to Tonbridge By Andy Tong

WISHING WELL: Amy Deakin (left) and Truffle owner Sarah Taylor at the salon They benefit from these stays because their immune system has a chance to recover and alleviate their symptoms. The breaks also support parents or carers, who are often siblings. The charity, which was set up in 1992, also seeks to improve conditions for children in the cancer hospital by providing equipment and daily essentials, as well as medicine and clothing in the community. At the event, beauty therapist Amy Deakin was offering manicures, Anastasiya gave holistic Ayurvedic massages, and Hollie O’Callaghan from Hollie’s Little Cakery made cupcakes. Sarah Gorman, Creative Director of the Camden Road fitness and wellbeing centre SPN (Soul Power Nutrition), supported the fundraiser and offered to take children in remission next year. “We have raised money to bring one child next summer, and we have four host families willing to take children in remission, which is lovely,” said Anastasiya. “I’m still looking for people to fundraise for us, and sponsors, too, who would be willing to fundraise for us throughout the year.” The branch has now set up a website where you can find out how you can help by volunteering or acting as a host, at ccllwestkent.co.uk

THE Tonbridge Swift Group has been raising awareness of these increasingly rare migrant birds with suggestions about how to incease their dwindling numbers. It is believed that there are around 40 breeding pairs in the town, and Edward Mayer of Swiftconservation.org gave a talk at the Angel Centre to encourage interest among local people. Several pairs of the birds have been seen nesting in Woodfield Road and St Mary’s Road in the streets around the station, as well as Trench Wood and in the Dry Hill Park area. Martin Garwood of the Tonbridge Swift Group said: “Every year a few pairs of these enigmatic birds return to Tonbridge to nest and raise young. “If cuckoos are the birds of spring, then surely FEATHER THE NEST Edward Mayer talked about conservation

swifts are the birds of high summer as they charge noisily over our rooftops on warm summer evenings.” He added: “They are incredible flying machines, weighing around 40 grams and able to attain speeds of around 70mph.” After wintering in southern Africa, the swifts arrive here at the start of May and leave again in early August, travelling around 6,000 miles on each trip. It is only when nesting that they touch down at all, as they spend the other nine months of the year on the wing eating, sleeping and breeding. Young birds are not ready to breed until their second or third season and will not land at all during that time.

NON-STOP ACTION Swifts are always on the wing until they nest

Biodiversity Swifts are loyal to their traditional nest sites, which is becoming a problem because modern houses are well sealed, and in the renovation of older homes holes and gaps are often sealed up. Once they lose a nest site, the birds find it very difficult to find and adopt a new one, which can mean they do not breed again. Swift numbers are plummeting across the UK, and it is thought that around half of the population has disappeared since the early 1990s. As well as the loss of nest sites, climate change and a dramatic decline in insect numbers is understood to be the cause of this. However, swifts do adopt specially designed nest boxes and their installation has showed that breeding numbers can be maintained. Martin added: “There is also growing awareness of the benefits of installing sparrow and swift bricks on new building developments. “Local councils are being encouraged actively

to look for and take advantage of such opportunities to enhance local biodiversity. “Provision is included in the Tonbridge & Malling Draft Local Plan now under consideration, and in some places developers are already including nest boxes in new builds.” To pass on sightings of the birds, or to get advice on installing nest boxes, email: tonswifts@ btinternet.com or visit @tonswifts on Facebook

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New PM’s Brexit Appeal court ruling over breaks stance blamed for could land NHS with hefty bill a tumbling pound THE pound is heading for its worst month for nearly three years as it continues to tumble following Boris Johnson’s succession to Prime Minister. Mr Johnson’s hard-line stance on Brexit negotiations has seen the pound tumble to a low of 1.212 to the dollar since he took office. Yesterday [Tuesday], the pound was also 0.5 per cent lower against the euro at 1.09. It comes after the pound fell 1 per cent on Monday to its lowest level since March 2017. Experts said sterling was now on track for its worst month since October 2016, having dropped more than 4 per cent since the end of June.

Investors It spells bad news for British holidaymakers heading abroad, with the Brexit-hit pound leading to rock-bottom exchange rates. Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at www.cityindex.co.uk, said: ‘Investors’ main concern remains a hard no-deal Brexit which has the potential to pull the economy into chaos. “Boris Johnson’s new Cabinet did little to alleviate those fears, taking a hard line with Europe on forthcoming negotiations,” she said. The Government sparked concerns over its intentions on Monday after Cabinet minister Michael Gove wrote in the Sunday Times that a “no-deal is now a very real prospect” and the Government is “working on the assumption” of a no-deal Brexit. Mr Johnson has since insisted he will ‘go the extra thousand miles’ to secure a deal, but financial markets remain jittery. However, his words were not enough to stop the pound from tumbling.

RULING: The Court of Appeal was held at the Royal Courts of Justice THE NHS faces having to pay out millions of pounds to junior doctors following a Court of Appeal ruling over rest breaks. In a test case, senior judges concluded that Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's arrangements for monitoring breaks were in breach of trainee medics' contracts and ‘irrational’. The appeal was brought by Dr Sarah Hallett, who underwent training at the Royal Derby Hospital, with the support of the British Medical Association (BMA) after she lost a High Court challenge in April last year. Dr Hallett, deputy chairwoman of the BMA's junior doctor committee, also brought her case on behalf of 20 other doctors who trained with her. The trust could now have to pay Dr Hallett and her fellow trainees a total of £250,000 in extra pay they missed out on over an eight-month period,

but the case has wider ramifications across the entire NHS. Lord Justice Bean, sitting with two other senior judges, said the wider cost to the NHS is ‘potentially substantial’. The judge said lawyers for Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously told the court the financial implications of Dr Hallett's appeal succeeding would be ‘considerable’. Lawyers for Dr Hallett argued patients could be at risk and doctors might quit the profession because trusts were failing to monitor trainee medics and make arrangements for them to take breaks in line with their contracts. They said trusts have a responsibility to make sure trainees take a 30-minute break for every four hours they work, and are contractually bound to pay junior doctors more if they do not comply with the rules.

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police hunt DLR rail hammer attacker DETECTIVES are searching for an attacker who hit a DLR passenger with a hammer and pushed him onto the tracks. The victim, aged in his 30s, managed to run over on to the opposite platform and scramble to safety after the attack at All Saints DLR station at 10.45pm on Monday. He was hit over the head with the tool, suffering a fractured skull, before being shoved onto the rails. On Tuesday British Transport Police released CCTV stills of the suspected attacker. The victim is being treated in hospital, where his injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. Detective Superintendent Nick Sedgemore, of the British Transport Police, said: “Clearly this is a very concerning attack. “Enquiries have been underway since it occurred to locate the suspect and understand his motive.” He continued: “We ask anyone who knows the identity of the man pictured to get in touch.”

CAPTURED A CCTV of the man wanted by police

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Human remains could be a New legal fight for woman missing for 40 years disabled man forcibly removed from home

POLICE say human remains found in a septic tank could be those of a farmer's wife who disappeared nearly 40 years ago. Brenda Venables, 48, was reported missing from the couple's then home in Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, by her husband David in 1982. West Mercia Police launched a murder investigation after the grim find in a septic tank at the address in the Worcestershire village earlier this month. An 86-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. On Tuesday police officers were carrying out searches at the bungalow where Mr Venables, 86, now lives in the village. Three marked cars including a police van and two unmarked cars were outside the detached property in the usually quiet cul-de-sac, where a red estate car could be

BUSINESS

seen parked on the driveway. Officers wearing gloves could also be seen inside the property. Police would not be drawn on activity at the scene other than to say it was ‘a line of investigation’. A force spokesman said detectives were still awaiting DNA results but ‘the general circumstances lead us to believe’ that the remains are likely to be those of Brenda Venables. In May 1982, Mr Venables told local newspapers that he ‘woke up to find that she had gone’. “She has never done anything like this before and I haven't the faintest idea what has happened to her,” he was reported as saying. It is understood the remains were discovered after the tank was drained during routine maintenance on July 12. Police said the formal identification process was likely to take a few weeks.

A DISABLED man who says a High Court judge acted unlawfully when he gave medics permission to take him from home to hospital and authorised the use of force has begun a second legal fight. Aamir Mazhar, 29, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, has taken legal action against the Lord Chancellor, and says an order made by Mr Justice Mostyn, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, infringed on his human rights. A Court of Appeal judge analysed Mr Mazhar’s claim in 2017 and ruled against him. Mr Mazhar on Tuesday challenged that ruling by Sir Ernest Ryder and asked three Court of Appeal judges to consider the case. Sir Terence Etherton, Lord Justice Singh and Lord Justice Baker are overseeing a hearing in London which is due to end on Wednesday. Mr Mazhar argues his rights to liberty and respect for private and family life were breached when he was ‘forcibly removed’ from his home in Birmingham three years ago. He had asked Sir Ernest, a judge in the Court of Appeal, to declare Mr Justice Mostyn’s order “unlawful”. But Sir Ernest said he had no power to make the declaration asked for. He said Mr Justice Mostyn had made the order on a “specific evidential basis”. Bosses at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust had asked Mr Justice Mostyn to make the order at an out-of-hours telephone hearing in April 2016. Judges have heard that Mr Mazhar made a separate damages claim against the Trust, which had been settled. Lawyers representing Mr Mazhar told Sir Ernest there had been ‘no basis’ for the order. They said Mr Mazhar had a degree in software engineering and had the mental capacity to make decisions for himself.

National News

Greggs profit performance due to its new vegan sausage rolls

BAKERY chain Greggs has seen its profits soar in the first half of the year and is putting the strong performance down to its new menu items, which include its vegan sausage rolls. The company says pre-tax profits for the 26 weeks to June 29 rose more than 52 per cent to £36.7million. Underlying profits, which strips out property gains and a £4million restructuring charge, were up 58 per cent to £40.6million. Total sales were up 14.7 per cent to £546million, with strong growth in customer visits as the chain broadened its appeal. Like-for-like sales in companymanaged shops were up 10.5 per cent, moderately slower than the 11.1 per cent unveiled for the first 19 weeks of the year at May's AGM.

Despite the stellar performance, there was no upgrade to full-year expectations, which some investors had been anticipating, as the company said it would reinvest in strategic areas. Chief executive Roger Whiteside said: “Given the strength of our year to date and the outlook, we have decided to increase investment in strategic initiatives in the second half of the year to help to deliver an even stronger customer proposition and further growth in the years ahead. “Our expectations for underlying profits for the year as a whole remain unchanged.” He said the investments will focus on improved service in shops and online, but warned a ‘disorderly exit’ from the EU would have a negative impact on the business.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bankruptcies declared highest since 2014 THE number of people going bankrupt across England and Wales reached its highest level in over four years in the second quarter of 2019, official figures show. Some 4,228 bankruptcies were recorded between April and June - the highest number for any quarter since the last three months of 2014. The Insolvency Service, which released the figures, said bankruptcies remain low compared with 2009 to 2014 levels. In contrast to the rising number of bankruptcies, the number of people using individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and debt relief orders (DROs) fell in the second quarter of 2019 compared with the previous three months. This meant the overall number of personal insolvencies fell for the second quarter in a row, with 30,937 cases recorded.

Nintendo profits dip JAPANESE video game maker Nintendo has reported its first-quarter profit dipped to about half of what it was a year ago despite improved sales as an unfavourable exchange rate eroded earnings. Nintendo said its profit in the April-June quarter totalled 16.6billion yen (£125million), down from 30.6billion yen (£231million) the year before. Quarterly sales rose 2per cent to 172 billion yen (£1.3 billion). Despite this, Nintendo sold more than two million Switch games consoles for the period.

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Letters

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Wednesday July 31 | 2019

And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Town Forum’s objectives and objections have not yet been addressed Cllr Peter Oakford [July 17] quotes selectively from Nick Pope’s March 2016 report to the Town Forum about the civic development in order to question the present attitude of the Alliance. I was Chairman of the Town Forum at the time. This was the first time it had the chance to consider Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s proposals as a whole, and question some of the officers concerned. Contrary to what Mr Oakford said, the reservations of the Friends of Calverley Grounds were by no means resolved in the later development of the scheme. At the same meeting, the Town Forum made its own objectives clear. We said:  The new buildings should offer the town something the present cannot – such as a civic centre, not just offices  The cost should be affordable over time – total, net, income and repayment terms  The planning and environmental impact

should be acceptable  There should be a positive plan for the Town Hall, etc, to preserve them in an appropriate use Development of the council’s plan since 2016 has made it clear how far the scheme falls short of these objectives. The proposed civic offices are just that – offices, with facilities not significantly different from those in the Town Hall. The ‘civic’ building is larger, more intrusive on the park and destructive of the land form, with serious loss of mature trees. The ability of the theatre to stage events other than those currently fashionable is in doubt. Access to the parking is poor and conflicts with the plans for Mount Pleasant. There is no agreed future for the listed Town Hall and Assembly Hall. The scheme cost has more than doubled. Dr Alastair Tod Tunbridge Wells

BIG IDEAS The proposed civic building has grown in size in three years

divided. I believe I have a solution: Partition. In the referendum, just 37 per cent of the electorate, i.e. those entitled to vote, voted to leave the EU. The surface area of the country should therefore be divided into two parts with 37 per cent of it being allocated to leavers. That area would be where leavers are already the thickest (in every sense of the word) and be called Little England, and its inhabitants Little Englanders (or The Leavings). It would, of course, contain not only those ordinary citizens who voted to leave but the whole of the Conservative Party. Plus Jeremy Corbyn and his minders. They would be ruled over by King Boris the Liarheart. When they had all been gathered together and removed to Little England, a great wall that could be named a ‘Trumpery’ would securely divide them off from the remainder of the UK, which could then perhaps be called ‘Heaven’, and no Little Englanders would ever be allowed into Heaven. King Boris would be free to arrange no-deals with any other country that would speak to him so that Little England could grow and prosper (or wither and die) in the fullness of time. Heaven, meanwhile, would continue as part of the EU, welcoming whomsoever they wished to come and work so as to increase demand for goods and services, the provision of which would increase the GDP of the country. Thus everybody would be satisfied and, as in all the best fairy tales, live happily ever after. Alexander Magnus Via email

Greens should blame EU for VAT Whose figures should we believe?

Fragile future for recycling glass

Dr Chris wrote about the success of Tunbridge Wells Alliance [June 17], all very laudable! However, I take issue with his bold claim in the opening paragraph and would like to suggest that he has misled the readers of your paper about the level of response by the borough’s voters to the Calverley Square project. Dr Chris, I respectfully suggest, there is no way on earth that 70 per cent of voters in the May elections in the Tunbridge Wells borough were against the Calverley Square project. Only 37.7 per cent of all the registered voters voted across the borough. The highest percentage in any ward was about 44 per cent. This does rather beg the question as to who is making up the figures. Mine are taken from the published results. So where are the other 32.30 per cent? Patrick Thomson Conservative Councillor for Hawkhurst & Sandhurst

The new recycling system due in September beggars belief! They plan to bring in a new clean black bin for garden waste. Why not continue to use the existing brown bins for this, as they will almost certainly be dirty and will not require to be cleaned out for this recycled waste. The new black bin can then be used for recycled waste. And about that, I can just see what a disaster it will be when we combine glass with the plastic and metal. People will be dropping the glass into the bin which will more than likely break. When this bin is collected even more glass will be broken as it is dumped into the bin lorry. Knowing how these collections happen from experience, it is highly likely that this broken glass will end up scattered over the road. We really need a separate or sectioned box for glass. Tony Smith Pembury

All quiet in the battle of the NIMBYs It was interesting to read Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s Robert Chris [July 17]. Sadly, no mention was made of his vested interest in the apartment block adjacent to the site of the planned new Civic Centre. Nor of the report he wrote supporting the building of a new theatre complex in the town – his recommended location: Dunorlan Park. Your Calverley columnist recently accorded Cllr Pope the title of the town’s Number One NIMBY due to his wife owning a flat in the same block as Dr Chris. It looks like the Alliance councillor is facing some stiff competition from his own party’s Chairman for this dubious accolade. Mark Casady Tunbridge Wells

Prime cuts will bring us lean times Calverley might like to take a break from his rightwing ramblings to consider the consequences of his favourite being Prime Minister. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, a no-deal Brexit, which Johnson has refused to rule out, would shrink the economy by two per cent, increase borrowing by £30billion a year, and push up unemployment above five per cent. No doubt Calverley and his fellow Brexiters will just dismiss this as scaremongering ‘fake news’, though. Alison Hallum Tonbridge

Over the border in Little England… It is perfectly clear that there will never be a reconciliation of views between leavers and remainers and the country will stay forever

Whilst Ms Long makes some good points regarding renewable energy [July 10], I can’t help but chuckle at her indignation that VAT on solar panels is being increased from five per cent to 20 per cent. Maybe she is unaware that the increase is required to comply with laws issued by her beloved EU. The irony of the Green Party campaigning to stay in this corrupt, undemocratic and inefficient organisation whilst simultaneously complaining about the UK government being forced to implement environmentally unfriendly laws issued by it is not lost on me. Perhaps the party should consider a change of policy: Once we are free of EU shackles we can reduce VAT to zero if we wish, along with providing subsidies. And don’t get me started on the environmental damage (and £150million cost) caused by the upheaval of moving the EU Parliament from Brussels to Strasbourg for four days every month – the Greens don’t seem to be worried about that. Dave Sanders Tunbridge Wells

We can’t rely on others to protect us America is self-sufficient in energy and is now a net exporter; France is self-sufficient, relying on nuclear and coal with some hydro; Germany burns coal and Russian gas; and Italy will get Russian gas, too, and has access to north African gas and oil fields. Where does that leave Britain? Hostage to the hazardous Strait of Hormuz, and the whims of Middle-Eastern potentates with whom, under normal circumstances, we would not be seen in the same room. Can we, and should we, expect any of the above to put up their men and money to protect our energy supplies? Self-interest will prevail. We sit on huge reserves of gas and it’s time to put realism before idealism. Let’s get fracking! Richard Heath Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

FOR THE SAKE OF DECENCY… Picture posed by models

HOT summer nights can lead, it seems, to steamy garden scenes. Take one heavily residential road in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. For the last couple of weekends, one pair have found themselves carried away by the moment, provoking a neighbour to comment on social media: “Why would you (again this Saturday) have sex in your 15ft by 15ft garden? I am on the other side having to listen to her.” Really! In quaint old Tunbridge Wells? Where’s that drone? STANDING outside Hoopers in downtown TW, the noise of an outdoor disco travels down the road. The music comes to a halt at the roundabout. It blazes out from a motorbike ridden by a bearded gent in full leathers. On the back of the machine flutters a large flag bearing the skull and crossbones. Calverley thought the days of pirate radio were long gone. Surely these days you can listen to music in your crash helmet? But then you would not be annoying everyone.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR Gig guide essential

TO the Lansdowne Hotel in Eastbourne for a few days’ peace to finish the book: How He Found Fame. (The hotel is the cheaper one next to the five-star Grand.) A huge tour bus pulls up and members of some band fall out. The keyboard player ends up sharing the lift with Calverley, who, knowing what ‘touring’ means, says to him: “Bet you have no idea where you are?” Musician: “Course I do, I’m in the UK.” Calverley: “Very good, but which town?” Musician: “That’s easy, Calais.” Point made.

SITTING on a bar stool in a village pub not a pint’s throw from Tunbridge Wells, Calverley overhears an early doors discussion on who is more famous: Rocker Roger Daltrey or skater Jayne Torvill. Both live nearby. For younger people who know neither: Daltrey is a founding member of The Who, while Jayne won gold at the ’84 Winter Olympics and is now a judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. A nonbinding show-of-hands vote at the bar put Daltrey in first place. Chin Chin, dear reader

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Wednesday July 31 | 2019

EDUCATION

Times

An interactive lesson on classroom connectivity Is a video-based education and blended learning really right for today’s schoolchildren? The Times asks two leading schools for their comments on e-learning and assessment David Slattery Head of Computing at Claremont Prep School There is indeed a movement in education towards classroom connectivity. Electronic textbooks are increasingly used, homework can be submitted online, maths can be learnt via engaging websites and the list of skills (academic or vocational) you can learn via YouTube grows daily. Our children are growing up in a digital world, and are enthusiastic about technology, so it seems logical to try and harness this positivity by using electronic devices to enhance learning. Video explanations of key concepts can often bring learning to life than through textual explanation alone. Good software providers are able to offer e-learning experiences that can be fully differentiated, ensuring children are able to learn at their own pace whilst ensuring the most able remain challenged and motivated to test themselves further. However, as technology embeds itself into every aspect of our lives and children’s education, as teachers we must always ensure children are learning with technology rather than using it merely to present what they have learnt.

Overreliance on technology runs the risk of children losing that moment of inspiration when their interest in a subject is piqued by experiencing learning ‘hands on’. At Claremont Prep, some of the children’s most notable learning derives from projects that can’t be completed as effectively electronically. The many and varied exhibits they create for our annual science fair demonstrate children’s capacity for creativity and what can happen when they are free to indulge in their natural curiosity, direct their own learning and then experience it for real. The effort and care children put into their models of ocean biomes, entries for the Young Art exhibition at the Royal College of Art and cross-curricular, collaborative maths challenges place pupils at the centre of their own learning in a way that is hard to replicate using technology alone. Pressure on budgets in schools, a lack of working technology at home and broadband issues in rural areas also impact the efficacy of classroom connectivity. With technology, it’s all about getting the balance right and making sure that e-learning experiences play to children’s varying strengths and motivations to learn.

Andrew Webster Headmaster, The Mead School In 1901, Wilbur Wright said: “Man will not fly for 50 years.” In 1927, Harry Warner (of Warner Brothers) said: “Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?” And in 1977, Ken Olsen, President of Digital Equipment Corp, said: “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” History is peppered with examples of mankind’s inability to understand the fundamental shifts that are happening beneath our feet and so we repeatedly appear surprised at a future which, in hindsight, seemed so inevitable. The same can be said of education. Most schools now have high speed Wi-Fi, a bank of laptops and iPads and an interactive board in every classroom. Homework can be channelled through online platforms and children are regularly encouraged to present their work digitally. Unfortunately, this is all window dressing against a professional culture still dominated by Victorian attitudes to learning. The teacher remains God in the classroom and didactic, teacher-led learning persists. What’s worse, the digital age is in danger of masking outdated methods. A passive learning experience which may previously have seen children copying from the board into their book now has them copying into a PowerPoint presentation. Equally ineffective but the latter suggests an element of independent thought because the child was able to choose their

own background colour and transition animation! Indeed, the leading question for this article answers itself within its own phraseology. The suggestion is that ‘classroom creativity’ is something additional or different which has an intrinsic value on its own. This is indicative of the culture which permeates. ‘Classroom connectivity’ is not a new type of learning, it is a development in classroom resourcing. This widely held misconception is responsible for the misuse and misunderstanding of the purpose of technology in the classroom. As was the case 20 years ago (or 2,000 for that matter), a teacher’s first consideration should always be: “What do the children need to learn/ understand/be able to do, and how do I enable as many of them as possible to achieve this objective to the largest possible extent?” Invariably, the subsequent activity in any successful lesson will have high levels of challenge and support where children have to explore and develop their thoughts and solve problems to find an answer. The resourcing for the lesson is then chosen by the teacher on this basis. Resourcing should never be the starting point, i.e. I want them to use the iPads so what can we do to justify using them? However the digital age plays out, I’m sure in 20 years’ time there will be some fantastically short-sighted commentary to muse over about what will or will not be happening in classrooms by 2039.

This article first appeared in SO Magazine

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Ben Chapelard Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’ MP candidate for the Tunbridge Wells constituency

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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

An election could be called as early as this October A WEEK ago Mr Johnson got the keys to 10 Downing Street. Worryingly, with this exchange of Prime Ministers comes a new hard right government. Indeed, a Johnsonian administration looks so attractive to the Brexit Party that Mr Farage has said he would consider an electoral pact with the Conservatives - a very scary thought! To top it all off, Johnson has the blessing of Mr Trump and, worryingly, our own Tunbridge Wells MP, Mr Clark, who I had always considered to be more moderate. Mr Johnson also appears to have fired the starting gun for the next general election during his first few days. An election could take place as early as this coming October. Brexit will, of course, feature heavily in the next parliamentary election whether we have left the EU or we are still members. The election will, however, be about more than Brexit. It will be about the very soul of our country. What kind of country do we want to live in? Brexit has exposed the fault lines in our society and two visions of what Great Britain should look like are at loggerheads. Brexit is the symptom of a greater malaise and politicians need to be honest about what is going wrong with our country.

New Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson, who has been in the job 48 hours longer than the Prime Minister, is bringing in a frank and open leadership style to challenge Johnson and Farage and to confront Corbyn on his inaction over Brexit. Jo’s ambition is to build a liberal movement by working cross-party with others. In her acceptance speech she even declared herself to be a credible candidate for PM.

Populism Stranger things have happened, judging by last week’s You Gov poll which listed Remain Tunbridge Wells as a Lib Dem gain - a trend we have seen repeated since May. Maybe, just maybe, Jo Swinson will be able to appeal to the whole country, regardless of how they voted in the EU referendum. In Tunbridge Wells it’s a two horse race between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems and the horses could not be more different! The Conservatives look set to play on nationalism and populism and are promoting a prompt Brexit and playing down the devastation that may be caused if we fail to reach a deal (and yes - a vote for MP Mr Clark is for precisely that vision).

The Liberal Democrats, however, see another way out of the impasse and want to give the people another say on Brexit so that they can make a decision based on facts rather than lies. In contrast to the Conservatives under Mr Johnson, we Liberal Democrats believe in the British values of decency, fairness, and respect. We champion freedom, we value openness and we cherish equality. We Liberals stand neither for the many nor the few but for every individual so they can be free to thrive and lead the life they choose. If you think that our country is heading in the wrong direction, you can help to change its course. The urgency of this moment in our country’s history requires us all to think and act. If you find yourself screaming at the television or shouting at the radio in frustration, (this happens a lot in my household), then why not get involved and make your voice heard. So much is at stake. Be an actor – not a witness. If you want to help build a richer, greener and safer future for future generations, if you want to live in an open, generous and tolerant Britain then why not join us: Libdems.org.uk/joining-us

NEW LIB DEM LEADER Jo Swinson with Vince Cable

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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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 specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

The Owls

Old Lane, Mayfield ASKING PRICE

£900,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk The kitchen, indoor pool and an amazing cinema room are among the unexpected highlights of this outstanding single-storey country home close to the centre of Mayfield village. Having undergone an extensive redesign and refurbishment, this stunning property is imaginative and spacious, with up-to-date Smart Home Technology, too. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Smart home systems, underfloor heating and solar panels

n Entrance hall with automatic LED skirting lighting and Indian Limestone flooring

n 37ft open-plan kitchen/breakfast room with air-conditioning unit, Indian Limestone flooring, bespoke sound system, eight-zone lighting and wide bi-fold doors to garden

n Cinema room featuring a recessed, retractable big screen, and a ‘secret door’

n Principal bedroom with air conditioning, motorised curtains, dressing room, bathroom with twin basins and bi-fold doors to terrace

n 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom n Wonderful indoor swimming pool with Hydrojet and shower/cloakroom

n Gardens of about 1/3 acre, featuring a paved terrace and decked area with pergola, large lawn, floodlit Copper Beech trees and timber garden store

n Brick-paved drive and parking for several vehicles

The KITCHEN…

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

The CONSERVATORY…

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The PRICE…

Newton Road Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

£215,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A stylish first floor apartment in the heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre, overlooking Calverley Road precinct.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST ■ Entrance hall with entryphone system ■ Open-plan reception room/kitchen/ dining room with two large timber sash windows to front ■ A modern, u-shaped kitchen area which includes a breakfast bar that seats four ■ Double bedroom ■ Contemporary shower room

Courtlands Farm Cottage Cowbeech Road Rushlake Green GUIDE PRICE

£699,950

Hollyfields

CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk

PRICES FROM

The conservatory and beamed dining room are just two of the big attractions of this charming character country cottage, which has origins dating back to the late 17th century. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Oak front door and entrance porch ■ Sitting room with inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove, plus kitchen serving hatch

■ Dining room with double doors to garden ■ Kitchen/breakfast room with Britannia electric range (available by separate negotiation)

■ Conservatory with hipped roof ■ Master bedroom with balcony and seating area ■ 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom ■ Garden with paved area, lawn, dovecote and lych gate-style archway leading to parking area

■ Detached double garage with workshop ■ In all about a third of an acre

Hawkenbury

£580,000

HEL P TO BU Y E V EN T y Saturda 0 1 g Au

CONTACT • Berkeley Homes Sales Office • To book an appointment, call 01892 888 650 or visit berkeleygroup.co.uk Berkeley Homes is holding a Help to Buy event between 10am and 6pm on Saturday August 10 at their new Tunbridge Wells development of 3, 4 and 5-bedroom sustainable houses. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Chance to buy a new three-bedroom home with assistance from the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which is open to everyone buying a home of up to £600,000 ■ The scheme is based on just a 5% deposit and allows for an equity loan of up to 20%, interest-free for the first five years ■ Expert advice available from an Independent Financial Advisor

Superb selection of stunning homes at Knights Wood S U R R O U N D E D B Y W O O D L A N D I N A T R U LY U N I Q U E L O C A T I O N I N R O YA L T U N B R I D G E W E L L S , THE KNIGHTS WOOD DEVELOPMENT BY DANDARA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE TOWN’S MOST S O U G H T-A F T E R LO C AT I O N S F O R H O M E B U Y E R S.

The Holly two-bedroom house

Just a short drive from the town centre, and only an hour’s commute from London, this award-winning development features a wide range of homes designed to suit every budget and lifestyle, with Help to Buy available on selected plots. Proving particularly popular with first-time homebuyers and those seeking a more manageable, low-maintenance home, are the superb range of two-bedroom homes and apartments on offer at Knights Wood. Starting at £360,000, the Holly is a superb two-bedroom home with off-road parking. Boasting a modern open-plan kitchen-dining-

living room on the ground floor, with French Doors onto the rear garden, it’s an ideal space for relaxing and entertaining, Upstairs, the Holly has two double-bedrooms. The master bedroom includes fully- fitted wardrobes and the fully-tiled contemporary family bathroom with concealed storage and heated towel rail is both stylish and practical. Perfect for first-time homebuyers, the spacious two-bedroom Park House Apartments include a high specification throughout. With a fully-fitted kitchen complete with integrated appliances, master bedroom featuring fitted wardrobes and

Two-bedroom apartment, Park House

Two-bedroom apartment, Park House

Two-bedroom apartment, Park House

The Admiral three-bedroom house

en-suite shower room, a separate family bathroom plenty of practical storage space, allocated parking space and a private balcony, and prices from £275,000, the Park House Apartments combine style and value. Speaking about the popularity of the two-bedroom homes at Knights Wood, Dandara Sales Manager Kyle Fennell said: “We are really proud of the development and the finish and specification we provide for our customers – once people set eyes on one of these stunning homes, they fall in love! The outstanding selection of schools in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area including the Skinners’ Kent Primary School located at Knights Wood, along with the development’s dedicated

community space, with specially commissioned sculpture and children’s play area, have all added to the development’s appeal as Kyle continues: “In addition to the fabulous range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes available and the stunning natural setting, Knights Wood offers a superb community environment for residents of all ages, so it’s no surprise it’s become such a popular choice with homebuyers, and we look forward to welcome new residents over the coming months.” For more details, please call 01892 800580, visit www.dandara.com or drop in to the Knights Wood Marketing Suite, which is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.

The Admiral three-bedroom house

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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AT A GLANCE

KNOWLE GRANGE WADHURST ROAD, FRANT Main House n Restored and extended 4/5-bedroom country home n Wide reception hall n Living room with inglenook fireplace n Kitchen/dining room with bi-fold doors to garden, plus laundry room, utility room and WC n Study n Ground floor bedroom/family room, plus two en-suite bedrooms n First floor master bedroom with shower room

Stunning country home with outbuildings currently run as health spa and gym business

n Further first floor bedroom, plus family bathroom n Charming part-walled gardens including a Victorian glasshouse with potential and pond n Outdoor heated pool with winter dome n Former grass tennis court n Steel barn, tractor store/workshop n Large parking area n In total approximately 3.54 acres, including paddock Spa/Gymnasium Facilities n Sauna area with Jacuzzi plunge pool n Fully fitted gymnasium and two changing rooms n Folly/treatment room n Detached treatment room and relaxation/yoga room n Log cabin (currently used as hair salon) n Office

GUIDE PRICE

£2,000,000 CONTACT • Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Dorset Road

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AT A GLANCE

DORSET ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n End-of-terrace Victorian townhouse n Spacious entrance hall n Living room with bay window, shutters and fireplace with wood burner n Dining room with oak flooring and understairs storage cupboard n Kitchen with integrated appliances, travertine floor, Velux windows and doors to garden n Office

Extended Victorian home in popular Hawkenbury area

n Cloakroom n Top floor bedroom with Velux windows n 2 further bedrooms (one with built-in wardrobes) n Family bathroom with roll-top bath n Landscaped Indian stone patio garden including remote lighting and a shed n Close to Hawkenbury Recreation Ground, which includes a play area, tennis courts, grass football pitches, a cricket pitch and changing facilities

GUIDE PRICE

£500,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Life&Times

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A taste of summer

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LUNA KIDS AT DUNORLAN PARK

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SEE ALICE AND FRIENDS AT HEVER

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GO ON AN EASTERN ADVENTURE

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AUDI REVEALS ITS NEW SQ7

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Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Movie magic for all the family The Luna Cinema, the UK’s leading open-air cinema company, is coming to Dunorlan Park next week with a special series of children’s films and activities. Eileen Leahy finds out more

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UNA CINEMA has fast become the leading name for outdoor cinema, with pop-up sites now all over the country – including ones in Tonbridge, Dulwich, Knebworth and Edinburgh. The company’s founder, George Wood, says their USP is straightforward: “Our screenings follow one simple formula – a classic film on a big screen in a beautiful or prestigious setting. We use state-of-theart screens, digital projectors and bespoke sound equipment to provide a cinemaquality visual and audio experience.” As well as the original brand, there is also the Luna Cinema Beach, which hosts special screenings in Brighton, and an ever-growing Luna Kids Cinema, which will be pitching up in Dunorlan Park for the first time for five days from next Wednesday [August 7]. Families can choose from a huge variety of films in the inaugural Tunbridge Wells programme, including this year’s biggest children’s releases, from The Lego Movie 2 to Disney’s highly anticipated live-action Peppa Pig

remakes of Dumbo and Aladdin. There will also be screenings of family favourites from Mary Poppins Returns and Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse to classics like The Little Mermaid and Moana. Other highlights include the smash-hit The Incredibles 2, Finding Dory, and sing-along extravaganza The Greatest Showman. Although relatively in their infancy, the Luna Kids Cinema screenings have proved so popular elsewhere in the country, such as at Hampton Court Palace and Tatton Park, that many more new venues, including Dunorlan Park, have been rolled out. These also include Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, Bath’s Kensington Meadows, and Harewood House in Leeds. Returning exclusively to the Luna Kids Cinema’s open-air screen this year will be the multi-award-winning animations based on the books of Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, with screenings of The Gruffalo, newly accompanied by The Highway Rat and the first open-air screenings of the newest edition to the series, Zog. Peppa Pig will also be making her first celluloid al fresco outing in the UK with the open-air screening of Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun, scheduled for Saturday August 10 in Dunorlan Park. “We’re so excited to be bringing back Luna Kids Cinema after such a successful first run last summer,” continues George. “This year has been another incredible year for

family-friendly cinema, with the release of some truly brilliant films. With Disney’s upcoming releases of Dumbo and Aladdin joining the programme, it’s shaping up to be a pretty special summer of outdoor cinema for film fans, no matter their age. “Once again, we’ve chosen some of the most unique settings across the country for the Luna Kids tour, so no matter where you live you should be able to get to a Luna Kids screening this summer.

‘We’ve hopefully thought of all the little touches to make it as much fun as possible for the kids!’ “We know that going to the cinema with babies and children can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, and that is why the Luna Kids Cinema experience is so different. “We’ve hopefully thought of all the little touches to make the experience as hasslefree as possible for the adults and as much fun as possible for the kids!” This includes changing areas, access to microwaves and high chairs and sun canopies. Luna Kids Cinema audiences are welcome to bring along picnics to the screenings. However, all events will have a fantastic selection of healthy food and drink options tailored to all tastes – as well as a Big Kids Bar serving refreshments for older film fans, including wine, beer and Prosecco. Luna Kids cinema has teamed up with Save the Children as its official charity partner, so they will receive a percentage from ticket sales. There will also be Save the Children stalls at selected screenings with fun activities for all the family.

Luna Kids Cinema is on in Dunorlan Park from Wednesday August 7 to Sunday August 11. Tickets start at £13.50 for adults and £8 for children (inclusive of booking fees). For details of screenings, to book tickets, and for more information, please visit lunakidscinema.com

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Arts & Culture

A noteworthy date for your diary The Lydian Orchestra perform in Tonbridge this weekend, after their French tour. Ahead of their concert, the group’s publicity manager, Chris Jutting, explains more about the history of this prestigious THE West Kent-based youth orchestra, The Lydian, will give a homecoming concert this coming Saturday in Tonbridge on their return to the UK after a tour of western France. The performance will be the final act of a fiveconcert tour, with the other four concerts having taken place in France during the preceding week. At the heart of the programme is Hector Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été (Summer Nights), a song cycle

based on poems written by 19th-century French poet Théophile Gautier. Accomplished local singer Isabella Chambers will perform the solo. By the time they return to the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul in Tonbridge for their final concert, the orchestra will have performed in venues including churches and towns in the Charente-Maritime region. This will culminate in a performance at Dol-de-Bretagne cathedral in

Brittany before their return to the UK. The Lydian Orchestra was founded in 1976 by violin teacher June Clements and consists of young musicians between the ages of 14 and 21. It gives three concerts a year in West Kent, and over the years has also toured to Germany, France, Belgium and Scotland, as well as two more recent tours to Wiesbaden – hence the connection with the concert’s conductor,

PHOTOS: Pat Pelmore

‘The Lydian Orchestra was founded in 1976 by violin teacher June Clements and consists of young musicians between the ages of 14 and 21’

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Christoph Nielbock, Director of the Wiesbaden Music and Art School since 1991. Christoph is also the Chairman of the Association of German Music Academies and Conservatories, and has significantly shaped the development of the traditional conservatory into a modern music school. He hosted the Lydian Orchestra on a recent tour to Wiesbaden, which is the twin town of Tunbridge Wells. Members of the twinning committee of Tunbridge Wells and Wiesbaden will be present at Saturday’s concert. The Church of St Peter & St Paul is one of Tonbridge’s hidden gems, and played host to the orchestra’s spring concert in April. The original church was built soon after Tonbridge’s Norman castle on the site of an old Saxon site of worship, with the architecture dating from the 13th century. The Lydian Orchestra, now in its 43rd year, is run with the core aim of giving young musicians the opportunity to experience a broad orchestral repertoire. However, the orchestra’s social side is no less important. Players often form lasting friendships during the week-long music courses, which take place three times per year. The orchestra is a registered charity and is run entirely by volunteers. Saturday promises to be a magical evening, with something in the programme for everyone, and we would love you to come along. Tickets for the concert will be available on the door, priced £12 for adults and £6 for students. Under-18s only pay £1. Lydian accepts new players providing that they are proficient to grade 7-8 standard (strings)/ grade 8 standard (wind and brass). Courses take place in spring, summer and winter and cost £20 per player. Dates at lydian.org.uk – for details, email the orchestra at: play@lydian.org.uk

Follow the latest developments on the Lydian Orchestra Twitter account: @LydianOrchestra

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Going Out

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

STAR-CROSS’D LOVERS See a balletic Romeo and Juliet at Trinity Theatre

WEDNESDAY Let a mysterious tornado take you out of your native Kansas and into Groombridge Place today to see The Wizard of Oz. There will be two live performances every day until August 11, with a West End cast singing, dancing and transporting the children to the land of the classic novel. The characters will also be walking about the grounds in search of their missing vital organs, and access

to all the other attractions of the estate will also be available. Tickets cost £14.95 per adult and £12.95 per child. For more information, visit groombridgeplace.com THURSDAY Québécois folk band Le Vent du Nord will be playing at Trinity Theatre tonight at 8pm. Combining catchy songs with traditional music

from Québec, the award-winning band promise to move your heart and your feet. Tickets cost £19. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net Penshurst Place has plenty to see and do today. The grounds are open all day and include 11 acres of formal gardens and even more parkland to explore. The youngsters are spoilt for choice, with hire bicycles, an adventure playground and a woodland trail. The House and Toy Museum will also be open. Tickets for the House, Gardens and Grounds cost £12 for adults and £6.50 for children. For more information, go to penshurstplace.com FRIDAY You don’t need a taxi tonight because the Spa Valley Railway are putting on another Ales on Rails evening from 7pm. A fine selection of beers will be available during the journey while you sit in a heritage carriage for a countryside trip. The first pint is included in the price of the ticket, so to book, go online to spavalleyrailway.co.uk Bore Place in Chiddingstone are running a Summer Holiday Club today from 9am till 4pm. Get Crafty is suitable for children aged six to 11. They will spend the day learning how to handle simple tools safely, making models from clay, using natural paints and dyes for a flag, and learning how to make seed bombs. To book places, which cost £35 per child, visit boreplace.org

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

BORROWED FREEDOM by Tamara Lawson, at the RTWAS exhibition

SATURDAY If your dog has other skills besides being able to eat a 250-gramme block of butter in one fell swoop, then take them to Castle Canines, which is on today and tomorrow at Hever Castle. There will be a variety of displays and entertainment from therapy dogs and guide dogs to hearing dogs and even huskies from the Siberian Husky Welfare Association. You can also enter your own four-legged friends into competitions and an agility course. FRENCH CANADIAN FOLK Le Vent du Nord are at Trinity Theatre

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DOGS OF WAR! In competition at Hever Castle

Going Out

Art lovers can also stroll a bit further along The Pantiles to the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society [RTWAS] at No 61 to see an exhibition of works by three local artists, Roger Gorringe, Patricia Waters and Tamara Lawson. See a mixture of natural subjects, still life and other subjects painted in acrylic, watercolours and oils. Open daily from 10.30am till 4pm, the exhibition is free to enter. For more information on the society, visit rtwas.org

PICK OF THE WEEK:

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TUESDAY Wherefore art thou, Royal Opera House Live Screening of Romeo and Juliet? At Trinity Theatre this evening from 7.15pm. See perhaps the most famous love story of all time in one The Royal Ballet’s finest productions. This adaptation is known for its romantic pas de deux and vibrant crowd scenes. Tickets cost £20 for a standard ticket or £19 for concessions. To book, go to trinitytheatre.net

For something curiouser and curiouser, join Immersion Theatre for their outdoor production of Alice in Wonderland. The timeless and surreal story of Alice and her encounters with the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the Cheshire Cat make Alice in for a perfect summer afternoon. Just don’t fall asleep under a Wonderland tree or you might be joining her! Thursday August 1, 2.30pm Ticket prices vary, so for more information and to book, go Hever Festival Theatre online to heverfestival.co.uk

Standard admission fees apply and all entries to competitions cost £1. For more information, go to hevercastle.co.uk To mark the end of their French tour, The Lydian Orchestra Summer Concert will be held at St Peter & St Paul Church, Tonbridge, tonight at 7.30pm. Conductor Christoph Nielbock has come from Wiesbaden, Germany – the twin town of neighbouring Tunbridge Wells – to perform a programme including pieces from the tour and Hector Berlioz’s Nuits d’Été. The orchestra is now in its 43rd year of giving young musicians the opportunity to experience orchestral playing and performance. Tickets, which are available on the door, cost £12 for adults, £6 for students, and under-18s can attend for £1. For more information, visit lydian.org.uk The Independent Farmers’ Market is on once again in Market Square from 9am till 4pm. It will feature a range of locally-sourced fresh produce, plants and hot food, as well as

artisanal goods and wines. For more information, you can look them up on Facebook or email: tunbridgewellsfarmersmarket@gmail.com SUNDAY Visit Tonbridge Castle today for a musical performance of Frankenstein. Featuring songs and a fully orchestrated score, Illyria’s production promises to bring a darkly humorous spin to the seminal horror story by Mary Shelley. To see troubled Viktor Frankenstein and his lively experiment, you can book tickets, which cost £15 for adults and £10 for children, at illyria.co.uk MONDAY The Fairfax Gallery’s Summer Exhibition is still open in The Pantiles, featuring new work from gallery favourites as well as new artists. The gallery is open seven days a week and is free to enter. For more information, visit fairfaxgallery.com

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Life&Times

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 Cyrano, Steffan James Band, All The Above (acoustic set) Friday The Bob Bernard Quartet Saturday Project 5, Sophie Harmsworth Sunday Jon Grayson, Elo Quitmann, Catching Mangoes (acoustic set)

live music With Paul Dunton

F

OR a great midweek outing, Blues fans can catch the deeply talented Roland Chadwick at The Anchor Inn on Sevenoaks High Street, while back in Tunbridge Wells popular local rock bands Cyrano, Steffan James and All The Above will be performing at The Grey Lady Music Lounge in The Pantiles. Thursday night sees the excellent Spice Fusion in full flow on the Jazz On The Pantiles bandstand, while another fine option for an outing is the brilliant Le Vent Du Nord, who will be performing at Trinity Theatre. Friday night has some more great shows on offer, including the Fu Fighters Tribute band Faux Fighters UK at the Tunbridge Wells Forum on The Common, the Bob Bernard Quartet at The Grey Lady, and Hart

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

of Elvis returning to The Bedford Pub. Saturday night brings a variety of options for a night out, including Rooster Tail at The Beau Nash Tavern and More T Vicar at The New Telegraph Club in Tonbridge. Plus the Tunbridge Wells Forum hosts Pink Floyd Tribute Any Colour You Like, and Dial will be performing in the stunning grounds of Ightham Mote at Ivy Hatch. Close out the weekend in style with The WestEnders at the Hever Festival Theatre, or see Claire Rossi making her debut at Verdigris, Tonbridge. Meanwhile, Jon Grayson, Elo and Catching Mangoes will all be on the bill at The Grey Lady. Looking ahead to next week, folk fans can enjoy the superb Natasha Norodien at the Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday evening.

THE ANCHOR INN Sevenoaks Free entry, music from 8.30pm All welcome Wednesday Blues with Bottle presents: Roland Chadwick TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Event information at trinitytheatre.net Thursday Le Vent Du Nord JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Donations welcomed Thursday Spice Fusion NEVERWORLD FESTIVAL Hever All event information and tickets at neverworld.co.uk Thursday to Sunday MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Friday Faux Fighters UK

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

SAY HELLO TO ELO! When the singersongwriter appears at The Grey Lady

Saturday Any Colour You Like: A tribute to Pink Floyd THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Friday Hart of Elvis THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Friday Five Point Brewing Company Launch night Live from The Oak Stage Saturday Plastic Royalty & Chasing Skies THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB Priory Road, Tonbridge Doors open 6.30pm, music from 8pm Saturday More T Vicar IGHTHAM MOTE Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Nr Sevenoaks All event information can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote/ whats-on Saturday Music Night with Dial THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Saturday Rooster Tail Sunday Open Mic Night HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge Sunday The WestEnders

FINCHCOCKS Waterdown House, Frant Road Sunday 2.30pm Susanne von Laun: Music from Vienna VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Sunday Claire Rossi TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Music from 8pm Monday Natasha Norodien Cyrano

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food

54

Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Enjoy a taste of a seasonal flavour saviour Lamb is a hugely versatile meat and perfect for your BBQ grill this summer. With Welsh Lamb Day happening tomorrow (Thursday August 1), we celebrate this delicious indigenous food courtesy of popular TV chef and author John Gregory-Smith’s inspiring recipes – a joy to make RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Chef John Gregory-Smith is a regular on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch

www.eatwelshlambandwelshbeef.com

A

UGUST is the official start of the season for PGI Welsh Lamb, which runs until November. During these months lamb is at its most plentiful and absolute best. There are lots of reasons why lamb tastes better at this time of year: Not only is it home-grown, but Welsh lamb has also matured for months and been produced through traditional farming methods dating back centuries. To kick-start the season, chef John Gregory-Smith – who is also a best-selling author, presenter and food and travel writer – has been cultivating the most mouthwatering Welsh lamb recipes for all your barbecue needs this summer. Enthusing about this tastiest of meats, John says: “Much of my career as a chef has been focused on Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. “Lamb is a big part of this and I have always loved cooking with it. “Welsh Lamb, in particular, has proven quality and is an incredibly versatile meat. “Now is perfect season to be cooking with it, and I highly recommend people try it out.”

Summer Welsh lamb and orzo salad Serves 4 Ingredients n 200g orzo n 100g frozen peas n 60g feta, crumbled n 1 courgette, shaved lengthways using a mandolin n ½ a red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped n A handful of finely chopped mint leaves, plus extra for garnish n 1 preserved lemon, deseeded and finely chopped n The juice of a lemon n 4 tbsp olive oil n 8 lamb cutlets (approximately 100g each) n 10g toasted pine nuts n Sea salt and pepper Method 1. Cook the orzo in a large pan of boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, adding the frozen peas for the last 2-3 minutes. Drain, refresh and drain again thoroughly. Tip into a large mixing bowl and add the feta, courgette, chilli and chopped mint. 2. Whisk the preserved lemon, lemon juice, half the olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over orzo and mix well. Transfer to a large serving dish and set to one side. 3. Meanwhile, heat a griddle or BBQ over a high heat. Rub the olive oil all over the lamb and

season both sides of the cutlets with salt and pepper. Cook the lamb for 2-3 minutes each side until charred and tender. Arrange over the orzo. Garnish with the pine nuts and remaining mint. Serve immediately.

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Food & Drink

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Liquid refreshment Beer is the perfect summer drink, and if you enjoy partaking in a pint or two then there’s more of it than ever to choose from. Tickle your taste buds with Times Drinks Editor James Viner’s selection of three cool, delectable, high-quality beers that will hit the spot in the heat…

Zaatar Welsh lamb tacos Serves 4-6 Ingredients  1 tbsp olive oil  1.5kg whole shoulder bone in Welsh Lamb  3 tbsp zaatar  2 red onions, thinly sliced  Juice of 2 lemons  8-12 soft tacos  250g Greek yogurt  A large handful of coriander leaves  50g pomegranate seeds  Sea salt Method 1. Pre-heat oven to 220° fan. Rub the oil all over the lamb and then encrust it with 2 tbsp of the zaatar and plenty of salt. Place into a roasting dish. Pour in 100ml of water and cover with

foil. Pop the meat into the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 160°. Cook for 3 ½-4 hours, or until you can pull the meat apart with two forks. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Place the lamb on to a chopping board and remove and discard the skin. Pull the meat off the bone and shred with two forks. Skim the fat from the roasting juices and return meat to the pan. Mix well and check seasoning, adding salt to taste. 2. Meanwhile, put the red onions into a bowl and add the lemon juice. Add a good pinch of salt and mix well. Leave to macerate for 10 minutes, mixing halfway through until the onions go a beautiful light pink colour. 3. Serve cooked lamb at the table with the onions, tacos, yogurt, coriander.

1) TROPICAL WELSH WONDER Tiny Rebel Clwb Tropicana Tropical IPA, 330ml can (£2-£2.20, Waitrose/ beerhawk.co.uk, Alc 5.5%) In a nod to celebrating the start of the Welsh lamb season I’ve selected this gem. It’s a beer that hollers its joie de vivre from the rooftops and is designed to be drunk in the company of friends and gulped, rather than analysed. Tiny Rebel’s an award-winning brewery from Newport, South Wales, founded in 2012. They’re the youngest and only brewery in Wales to win ‘Champion Beer of Britain’ and to have won gold, silver and bronze in the Champion Beer of Wales competition (in their first year). This juicy fruit salad’s chock-full of American hops and packed full of flavour, with enough peach and tropical fruit notes to make you feel that you’re getting your five-a-day fruit quota. Be sure to visit the eponymous 26-tap bar on Cardiff’s Westgate, too. Lechyd da!

1

2) VEGAN-FRIENDLY ENGLISH CRAFT LAGER FOR PILSNER FANS The Society’s English Lager, Leicestershire, 330ml bottle (£1.95, The Wine Society, Alc 3.8%) From the Leicestershire/ Northamptonshire border

bottom-fermented beer for those witty conversations with friends.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine with love comes this scrumptious riff on the classic Czech beer style, with a crisp and clean mouth feel, measured malt flavours and a dry, hoppy finish that makes you want to start drinking it all over again. It’s the first beer to bear The Wine Society’s name, and was made with German hops and malts by Italian at craft lager specialists Braybrooke Beer Co. using a Hungarian brew kit. Unfiltered and unpasteurised to retain maximum flavour, it’s thirstquenching and very stylish – an ideal

2 3

3) ENERGISING BELGIAN WITBIER Vedett Extra White Witbier, Belgium, 330ml bottle (£1.79-£2.35, drinksupermarket.com/beerhawk.co.uk/ beerwulf.com/beermerchants.com, Alc 4.7%) ‘White beer’ is Belgium’s historically important unfiltered and top-fermented style of wheat beer brewed with an unusual grain bill using spices and fruit – mainly orange peel and coriander – that’s wonderfully revitalising in the midsummer heat. This delicious wit was launched in 2008 and is zesty and crisp with quenching citrus and moderate spice tones; the flavours explode on the tongue, offering both complexity and supreme refreshment. Refreshingly dry and terrifically drinkable. A classy match for salads, goat’s cheese and moules frites.

‘A fine beer may be judged with one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure’ CZECH PROVERB

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travel

56

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Tonbridge’s window on the world Meet the enthusiastic, well-travelled team at Baldwins Travel in Tonbridge High Street and hear about the global adventures they can personally recommend… FULL OF SPARKLE Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

W CRUISING TO A BIG WIN Tonbridge Branch Manager Trevor Ridler collects his CLIA Cruise Master Award at the Park Plaza in London

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ITHOUT fail, the windows of Baldwins Travel in Tonbridge are always filled with exciting ideas on where in the world to travel – and recommendations on how best to get there. Step inside and the office is adorned with colourful brochure racks singing out about all corners of the Earth and the seven seas. Baldwins Travel is a truly independent travel agency, taking immense pride in planning your holiday. The array of travel choices and their personal service is truly unrivalled by anywhere else on the high street. The team are experts in attention to detail, and they will find a holiday to suit you and your budget that will leave with you with wonderful memories to last a lifetime. The travel firm has been in Tonbridge for around 60 years and remains at the top end of the High Street, on the site which was formerly the Red Lion pub. The name Baldwins Travel has actually been in existence since 1895, and next year all eight branches across Kent and Sussex will be celebrating the 125-year anniversary. The company was founded in nearby Tunbridge Wells and is still a family-run business, now owned and managed by the third owner, Chairman Ron Marks, and his two sons, Nick and Chris. As a company, Baldwins Travel

is recognised as one of the leading travel agents in the country, having recently being awarded ‘High Street Agency of the Year’ for the fourth time since 2014 at the prestigious Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards in London. At the same time, they were also awarded ‘Travel Agency of the Year – London & South East’ for a commendable 12th year in succession.

Baldwins Travel is recognised as one of the leading travel agents in the country, having recently being awarded ‘High Street Agency of the Year’ The successes at the glittering ceremony didn’t stop there, as Tonbridge Branch Manager Trevor Ridler was also awarded the National CLIA Cruise Master award. Trevor has been at the helm of the branch since 2013, and has done an excellent job of leading a very productive and knowledgeable team who take a lot of pride in their store and the services they provide. Trevor has also been dedicated to the development of the sales teams across the eight branches through regular cruise training and encouragement, which led to this great accolade. Despite not living in Tonbridge,

Trevor is often also involved in the community, with the many local events including the Tonbridge festivals and the iconic Dragon Boat Race. Look out for his team of superheroes in the race this September. The team at Baldwins Travel, Tonbridge have an immense portfolio of knowledge between them and have been to many captivating places around the world. Here, they talk about their favourite holidays, and where they recommend you to travel to in the coming year… ■ Without a doubt, Manager Trevor would be first to recommend a cruise. As a CLIA Cruise Master, he has reached the pinnacle of industry-recognised cruise training – although he would be the first to admit that the learning never ends with all the new ships continually entering the market. Having worked on cruise ships previously, Trevor has seen over 50 countries by sea and river. He advocates the new breed of cruising – from the new, innovative, all-singing all-dancing cruise ships to the world’s first environmentally-conscious hybrid cruise ship. Even if you haven’t considered cruising before, there is a ship out there for everyone, so why not take the opportunity to book an appointment with Trevor to discuss what you are looking for in a holiday, and he will find you a cruise to match. ■ Assistant Manager Bettina is an intrepid traveller, but her heart lies in the mountains. She is the branch Ski Champion and is never happier than when she is

SEEING RED… Australia’s amazing Ayers Rock

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

THE TONBRIDGE TRAVEL TEAM Ready to greet you

experiencing the thrill of whizzing down a slope. This year she was lucky enough to ski in both the Valmorel area of France and also Ischgl in Austria. Bettina was amazed by both resorts, but it was Ischgl that stole her heart for the lovely mountain restaurants, traditional mountain village atmosphere, and beautiful tree-lined runs.

‘Vietnam is a country of stunning natural beauty; it is exotic and vibrant, loaded with culture and history and super-friendly people’ ■ Jacqui is the newest member of the team but has heaps of travel experience and is very well placed to advise the more adventurous traveller. She likes nothing more than to take off at a moment’s notice to explore another city or country, but it was her trip to Vietnam that remains a firm favourite in her memories. She recalls: “Vietnam is a country of stunning natural beauty; it is exotic and vibrant, loaded with culture and history and super-friendly people. There is so much to see and such

diversity, from the hill tribe villages to the big mega cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, where we hit sensory overload! It was not unusual to see a moped carrying five passengers, a cage of live chickens and a huge bag of laundry!” ■ Donna is a Senior Travel Consultant and has, alongside Trevor, also achieved CLIA Cruise Master status, and loves promoting the world of cruising. As a parent of two teenagers, she is also very conscious of the needs of families when travelling, and recognises the brilliance that travelling by sea can offer a family with many differing interests. The wealth of facilities offered to families on board now is mind blowing – from themes around favourite characters to West End-style shows, racetracks, ice skating rinks, zipwires and all that food! It’s a choice that can keep everyone happy. ■ Linda has been with Baldwins Travel for over 30 years and is very experienced in long-haul travel. Never forgetting her camera, notebook and pen, one of her favourite destinations is Australia – she even went there once for just three days! She says: “Australia is one of the most diverse countries and I have been lucky enough to have visited numerous times. I have ticked off visits

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to every state and experienced the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and its Opera House (including climbing the infamous bridge), Kakadu National Park, Ayers Rock, Tasmania, Perth and the lovely surrounding areas on the western coast.” If you want to plan a bespoke trip Down Under you will definitely benefit from Linda’s advice. ■ Tracey recently transferred from the Sevenoaks team and brings with her a wealth of luxury travel knowledge. She has just returned from an unforgettable trip to the Maldives, but her favourite destination overall is Thailand. Her time there was full of variety, from meeting the local elephants to the historic bridge over the River Kwai, the hustle and bustle of the night markets and trying all the local cuisine. The sights, sounds and aromas of this beautiful country remain with her and she would be delighted to share her experiences with you. ■ Adelle started her career with Baldwins Travel after exploring the world herself, and now as a mother of two teenage sons has travelled

THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI One of the unmissable sights in Thailand

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extensively across Europe with her family. One of their recent holiday highlights was a trip to Mexico, where they spent endless days by the sea. This holiday gave them the opportunity to tick some items off their bucket lists as they took a speedboat trip around the lagoon, went out to release baby turtles, and also swam with dolphins. As you can see, the team are not afraid of the road less travelled and they are eager to share their wanderlust with you. Talking to the teams in any of Baldwins Travel’s branches will give you a unique insight into the world at large. Their spirit of enquiry enables them to share with you their secrets, make the best arrangements for you with their superb range of travel and cruise suppliers, and really go the extra mile to make each and every holiday one to remember. To find out more, be sure to attend Baldwins Travel’s #HolidayInspirations show this September, as they have a five-night stay in Mexico up for grabs – see the advertisement below for more details.

Visit Baldwins Travel at 157 High Street, Tonbridge, Monday-Saturday, or call 01732 351223 to make your enquiry. Opening times and full details for all eight branches can also be found online at baldwinstravel.co.uk

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Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

This week… n A big bump jump n New Audis on way n Peek at the shadow

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Shadowy photo teases a new all-electric Cupra

UK roads now have more than 42,000 speed bumps THE number of speed bumps on UK roads has increased by 5% to 42,000 in the past three years. The speed-calming measures are present on 14,000 roads and cover an estimated 2,000 miles of tarmac. Research conducted on behalf of Citroën looked into official figures from local authorities. It found that investment in traffic calming has increased 5% since 2015, with a further 12,000 traffic calming measures on UK roads, including speed tables, ramps and width restrictions. Several roads in the borough of Tunbridge Wells have speed bumps,

and one London borough – Newham – reported having speed bumps on every single road that it was responsible for maintaining. London boroughs typically had the highest percentage of roads under their care featuring speed bumps.

Origin The origin of the speed bump dates back to the early 1900s in New Jersey, USA, where they were introduced to stop drvers speeding. They made their way to the UK in 1983 under The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations.

A BUMP IN THE ROAD Speed bumps are often hated but necessary

Audi reveals updated SQ7 AUDI has lifted the lid on its updated SQ7 ahead of its going on sale in the UK next month. Powered by a 429bhp turbocharged V8 diesel engine, the SQ7 punches hard with 900Nm of torque and an ability to go from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. Flat-out, it will hit a limited top speed of 155mph. The car utilises a 48V mild-hybrid electrically-boosted compressor, which combines with the two traditional turbochargers to help deliver the torque smoothly at lower speeds. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro system, and all cars receive air suspension as standard. A variety of performance-oriented touches have been applied to help differentiate the SQ7 from the rest of

the range, with features such as quad exhaust pipes, 21-inch cast aluminium wheels and an updated grille helping to give it a sportier look. Inside, the Audi receives leather sports seats and the firm’s latest infotainment system. A launch Vorsprung specification will be available when the car arrives in dealerships, adding HD Matrix LED headlights, a black styling package and 22-inch wheels to the car’s already comprehensive list of standard equipment. All cars also get 400mm brake discs up front and 370mm units at the rear, with callipers finished in black with an ‘S’ logo. These can be painted red as an optional extra. As mentioned, the SQ7 is set to go on sale in August, with prices likely to start around the £76,500 mark.

CUPRA has given a first glimpse of an all-new concept car, set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. From the single image released so far, the car’s crossover silhouette can be seen in a mirrored surface, along with a thin brake light bar broken up by an illuminated Cupra logo. Seat’s spin-off firm says the concept brings ‘the presence of an SUV and the sleekness of a sports coupé’, while also confirming it will be a fully-electric vehicle. Other details are scarce, though Cupra says a diffuser at the back of the car takes the role of exhaust pipes in creating ‘an emotional feeling of performance’. It’s the first car from the Spanish brand to be fully electric and will follow on from the upcoming plug-in hybrid Cupra Formentor – although production hasn’t been confirmed. The latter is set to become the firm’s ‘halo’ model when it hits the market next year. Cupra only produces a high-performance version of the Seat Ateca so far – though it’s set to bring the previously-named Seat Leon Cupra under its wings for the hatchback’s next generation. A variant of the Ibiza supermini is rumoured to be on the horizon, too. All will be revealed on the new Cupra concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

K

F

10

11

12

13

23

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7 6 5

A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 11 16

19

9 11

20 25

7

7

24 24

18

K

3

7

F

1

9

20

7 15

7 4

14

7 11

F

20

16

16

7

23 5

5 16

11 7

26 1

8

9

7 5

F F

K

7

24

5

19

26

26 9

24

F

16

F

17

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26

20

6

5

21

7

4

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7

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9 15

19 7

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2

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9 22

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16 1

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4 20

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5 19

4

9

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24 16

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26 19

11

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14 4

14

17

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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.

7

3 9 1

4 5

3 1 5 4 8

6

Codeword:

1 4

7 4 3

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

7

17 26

8 2

9 5 6

6

8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩

2

8 6 7

4 5

5

1

3

4 3 6

4

9 8 1

8 9 5

2

© 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

P OM P E I A O M P E T R I U I T A D V I S E E J E S T E R E L Z E B R A E L P B R U I S E E F E L I F T S

I E X M M P A P R A R R E Q S T E S T M A C C O R A S R H H E Y AWN

A L T D R I K A E W U A L E H E R O U N T D H I N O N N I N G

Sudoku:

1 6 8 9 2 3 4 7 5

3 5 9 4 7 8 2 1 6

4 2 7 1 5 6 9 3 8

9 1 2 3 8 7 6 5 4

5 3 4 2 6 1 7 8 9

7 8 6 5 4 9 3 2 1

2 4 3 6 1 5 8 9 7

6 7 5 8 9 2 1 4 3

8 9 1 7 3 4 5 6 2

4 3 8 2 5 7 9 1 6

5 2 9 3 8 1 6 7 4

7 6 3 1 9 4 5 2 8

8 9 1 7 6 5 2 4 3

2 5 6 8 4 3 7 9 1

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 1 4 9 7 2 3 8 5

3 8 7 5 1 9 4 6 2

9 4 5 6 2 8 1 3 7

1 7 2 4 3 6 8 5 9

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Sport

FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

Long hard road ahead but Angels are fired up by community spirit PHOTOS: David Couldridge

GOING UP James Folkes is carried by Sonny Miles after the Angels win their super play-off win against Met Police

By Andy Tong FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS return to the giddy heights of the Vanarama National League South this weekend with an opening fixture at Longmead against Dulwich Hamlet. The Angels had to fight hard to gain promotion from the Isthmian League Premier Division in what was their 70th anniversary season. First they had to win two conventional play-off matches, then a new ‘super play-off’ against Metropolitan Police of the Southern League Premier South. They needed an extra time winner in a 3-2 victory at Imber Court to take them back to their highest ever league placing, where they last competed in 2013-14. And they are aware that their first campaign back in the sixth tier of the football pyramid, two levels below League Two, will be a massive challenge. Many of the other clubs in the division can boast a wealthy benefactor to help secure important signings and keep established players in the squad. But Tonbridge’s manager Steve McKimm has been forced to cut players from his first-team squad over the last two years because of budget concerns. And at the end of last season the club’s main sponsor, the Hadlow Group, announced they

would be terminating support after a decade. However, on Monday they announced that their new stadium sponsor would be Halycon Wealth, financial advisers from Tunbridge Wells, on a one-year deal with an extension option. The club have also announced two new shirts sponsors, DS Barden Building Contractors (home) and Jump In Trampoline Parks (away). McKimm took over when they returned to the Isthmian - the same season in which the club was effectively taken over by the fans. The club was privately owned by Garry Pass and Nick Sullivan but the supporters clubbed together to buy out the shareholders. They ran the club for 12 months on behalf of the pair, who then gifted their shares to the board - and it gave them back to the club. So the club is now owned by its members as a ‘community mutual’, which includes the players as stakeholders.

Commendable Steve Churcher was chairman for a decade until last year, has also chaired the Supporters’ Association, and has been involved with the club for half a century. He told the Times how the Angels have learned to live - and flourish - under their financial restraints. Last season the Angels celebrated their 70th season; to what do you attribute the club’s longevity? Ultimately, the club will survive all the time we have supporters who are prepared to step up and run the club, volunteer for various jobs around the ground and generally support the team.

YOUNG PROSPECT: Rian Bray with Steve McKimm

How long have you been associated with the club? How has it changed during that time? I first went to the old Angel Ground in the late 60s. There were some very dark days for the club in the late 70s [when the Angel ground was subject to a compulsory purchase order and the club had to leave its old stadium]. But the determination of a few individuals on the board at that time secured the club’s future at Longmead. I would like to think that the club now has a stable footing compared to 39 years ago but there is still a lot to do!

DREAM TEAM Steve Churcher (left) with Steve McKimm The club has a very strong and commendable community ethos. Why is this an important part of its strategy? As a Sports Club Community Mutual, it is written within our constitution that the purpose of the society is to be conducted for the benefit of the community served by the club and not for profit of its members. Whilst we still have several extremely generous private benefactors, we don’t have a single ‘sugar daddy’ bankrolling the club. We’ve never been blessed with a multi-millionaire like Glen Tampling at Billericay. The club runs a ‘12th Man’ fund which has helped secure new signings from voluntary contributions by fans. What financial pressures are the club under? The club has to work twice as hard to encourage additional funds in order to effectively stand still. Rent, rates, utilities, licenses, insurance, waste disposal and general ground maintenance will eat up in excess of £50,000 a year and that sum continues to rise.

Do you think non-league football clubs generally are struggling to make ends meet? Most non-league clubs are owned by a single individual or a group of business people who all heavily subsidise their club throughout a season. The football ‘pyramid’ should more correctly be described as a ‘funnel’, as all the wealth is in the Premiership with the majority of non-league clubs receiving very little funding by comparison. As a fan-owned club, we now have around two thirds of our average gate being owners - on a one member, one vote basis. Any of our owners can stand for election to the board. The fans always feel they morally own a club anyway, they are a part of it, there’s an affiliation. How does the Sports Club Community Mutual work? Two-thirds of the gate pay an annual fee of £25 minimum, that’s 250 to 280 out of an average gate of 420. Major decisions are voted upon by these members. They also vote in the directors to run the club on the board, with two or three having to stand down each year. How will the Angels be able to survive and thrive for the next 70 years? The board needs additional people to help run the club and drive the club forwards and those people can currently only come from our membership. We are blessed in having an active commercial team and events team, but it can sometimes be extremely hard work, especially when trying to hold down a day job. It doesn’t take a lot to put you off kilter, it’s always been a question of building up reserves to flatten spikes out. In 2017-18 there was something like a 40,000 footfall going through the gates, whether it be for the football, slimming world, beginners to runners, the firework display with the Round Table, the England fan zone at the World Cup. That way you can raise sufficient funds to create a reserve. We have a number of teams playing below the flagship first team and I believe the club need to encourage them to all become owners. They are all obviously proud to wear the club badge and are considered the future lifeblood. If we can encourage them to become members now, they will hopefully become the people running the club in years to come. As I like to say, it’s not what you get out of the club, it’s what you can do for your local football club and the community we all live in.

MCKIMM STRENGTHENS HIS OPTIONS Tommie Hession-Harris comes in from Isthmian Steve McKimm has been able to bolster his League North club Maldon & Tiptree and Rhyle small squad in preparation for the Vanarama Ovenden joins from Whitehawk. National League South campaign. Craig Stone (pictured), 30, has decided to Among the new recruits is Alex Bentley, who move on after playing 75 games as a defensive arrives from AFC Hornchurch where he made midfielder. 288 appearances in the Isthmian League His goal against promotion rivals Carshalton Premier Division. The experienced right-back was voted Supporters Player of Year last Athletic at the end of last season secured the season. Angels’ place in the play-offs. Central defender Rian Bray, 20, has He has been appointed coach of the joined from fellow National League South Under-18s and Under-23s at his old club, club Hampton & Richmond Borough, Gillingham. where he was named Young Player of the And defender Arthur Lee is also heading Year last season. for new pastures. He made 53 appearances Winger Khale da Costa, 25, has signed up and scored the first goal against Met Police after leaving another National in the Super Play-Off. League South team, St Albans Also departing are winger Adem City, while Tommy Brewer, a Ramadan, 21, who has joined central midfielder, has arrived Margate, and 20-year-old central from Kingstonian. defender Callum Adonis-Taylor. To add depth to the midfield, CRAIG STONE

Wednesday July 31 | 2019

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Cricket returns to Paddock Wood’s embattled Memorial Field again By Andy Tong CRICKET: THE Memorial Field in Paddock Wood saw a welcome return when two cricket teams contested a match there for the first time since the early 2000s. Former Kent and England legend Derek Underwood made a surprise appearance, and commented: “This always was the best ground in the area.” The Memorial Ground has become the subject of fierce controversy over plans to build a new community centre on the playing field. The land was bequeathed to Paddock Wood when it was a village by Brenchley Parish Council as a memorial to the soldiers who died in the Second World War. The site was chosen among a dozen possible locations for the project, which is estimated to cost £2.8million, after the town council registered ownership of it in 2017. The deeds had been lost, and all that remains is a stipulation that it should be used for ‘sport and recreational purposes’. But a petition has been signed by more than 500 protesters who argue that the new facilities will take up too much room. The existing cricket pitch would have to be moved to the south football field - meaning that the square will be on the football pitch, which is not viable. The game was the brainchild of John Haffenden, who said: “Cricket has not been played in Paddock Wood for many years. This game was held to spur a renewed interest for the future. “The Memorial Ground is where cricket has been played in the past. With the proposed new community centre being built, there will not be

room for cricket to be played at this venue.” He explained: “Cricket stopped because the council would not give the groundstaff enough time or resources to keep the pitch to league standard. “In the end the league pronounced it unsafe, which ultimately caused a loss of use and interest with players walking away.” John’s family were hugely influential members of Paddock Wood Cricket Club with the late Harry Haffenden, a spin bowler who played from the 1960s, becoming chairman and president. His older son Mike went on to be appointed captain and was renowned as a feared fast bowler with the nickname ‘Killer’. Both brothers took part in the revival match, along with their wives Vicky and Lindsey, while the third brother David was scorer. The match also featured the third generation of the family, with John’s sons Tom and Toby and their cousin Hannah taking to the field. Grandfather Harry, who passed away in 2011

FIELD OF DREAMS: The teams line up on Memorial Field

Jenkins is the best by a distance

PHOTO: Glen Whittington

UNSTOPPABLE Pip Jenkins covered 463 miles in 24 hours

CYCLING: THE Southborough & District Wheelers [SDW] cyclist Phillipa Jenkins was in blistering form at the Mersey Roads National 24-Hour Time Trial Championships. Normally time trials are raced over a distance of 10 or 25 miles, with occasional 100 mile events. The winner of the 24-hour event is claimed by the rider who covers the furthest distance in that time span. Racing on a bespoke Roberts bike, ‘Pip’ broke three records in the same day. The SDW women’s record had stood since Esther Carpenter

aged 82, was on the Kent County Cricket Club committee. He was close friends with Derek Underwood and brought many famous players to the ground for charity matches. John said: “The town council has said that if there is a demonstrated interest for cricket in Paddock Wood, a pitch of league standard would be provided. “They said that a pitch is planned at the Memorial alongside the planned community centre at the site, should it be built.” But he added: “Those attending the match were shown how much of the field will be lost to the proposed structure, which is just short of the existing wicket. “It shocked many and left them in disbelief that such a plan is being considered.” The town’s foodbank Community Storehouse and local pub The Foresters Arms provided refreshments for the match, and £330 was raised for the charity.

achieved 375.240 miles in 1984 - but she broke this at around 19 hours in. Next to go was the men’s (outright) club record, which was set by Tony Peachy in 1979 at a distance of 449.818 miles - Pip broke with around one hour to go. Just minutes before her 24 hours were up she broke the National Time Trial women’s record which had stood for 26 years. She overhauled the previous best of 461.450 miles by C Roberts of Crewe Clarion Wheelers, and her final distance was a remarkable 463.800 miles.

THREE AND EASY: Barnes Wallis receives the Junior Open Trophy from captain Michael Mills

Wallis dominates Junior Open again GOLF: BARNES WALLIS completed a hat-trick of wins in the annual Junior Open at Lamberhurst Golf Club. Wallis, of The Addington Golf Club, carded a 76 gross to reclaim his title with Littlestone’s pair of Lennon Nichols (82) and Edward Clapham (84) coming second and third. Twenty-six golfers took part in the longrunning junior event and Andrew Seale said: “It was fantastic to welcome the boys and girls to Lamberhurst Golf Club. “Entries are up more than 80% from last year.” In the Open Divisional Nett competitions, Division One was won by Benjamin Searle of Sheerness, carding 75, with Chart Hills’ Callum Hanna (77) as runner-up. Lamberhurst’s Jack Barras scored an impressive 69 nett to win Division Two with West Malling’s Josh Shaw three shots back in second. Elle Ridgewell of Langdon Hills won the Best Nett Girl prize with a 73 while Zara Gardam of Shooters Hill took the gross completion honours with a score of 85.