Times of Tunbridge Wells July 26 2023

THE

partial closure of the school, including a number of classrooms. These pupils and their teachers then had to be relocated to Rusthall St Paul’s and Temple Grove schools.

for Education, said: “The speed with which these temporary measures were put in place was impressive.”

St

a

Although disruptive, parents praised the school for its “leadership” and “ongoing care” for their children.

Rory Love, KCC’s cabinet member

KCC has confirmed that work scheduled over the summer holidays would be carried out as quickly as possible and it is hoped that children will be able to return to their usual schools and classrooms by the start of the new academic year in September. Of this final term, St James’ Headteacher, Mr John Tutt, said: “It’s been a hectic one, with the

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EDITOR MICHELLE WOOD

michelle.wood@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 240626

DEPUTY EDITOR

EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 576037

NEWS EDITOR LILLY CROUCHER | 01892 240626 newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk

CHIEF REPORTER VICTORIA ROBERTS | 01892 779615

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Family desperate for SEN place after being ‘failed’ by Council

A TUNBRIDGE Wells mother who has been waiting a year and a half for appropriate school placement for her autistic son believes that the County Council has “given up” on her child.

Jemma Maddock, the mother of five-yearold Arthur Maddock, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has been attempting to enrol her son into a specialist school since March 2022. However, after months of assessments and rejections from three schools, a placement has still not been secured.

Ms Maddock says she feels “angry” after being told by Kent County Council (KCC) that the reason her son was rejected by a specialist school, Cage Green in Tonbridge, was due to “Arthur’s presentation, which they feel would have a potential impact” on the other children with special educational needs.

Angry

She told the Times: “I am so angry, it’s like my child is a hindrance to them despite having never met him, they have just judged him.

“I feel that this reasoning was a cop-out. It is a school for autistic children.”

Ms Maddock said the recent rejection from Cage Green school comes after a 16-month struggle with KCC to have Arthur placed into a specialist school.

She explained the frustration of waiting months for assessments and reviews, having previously waited three-and-a-half years for Arthur’s autism diagnosis. She

was only given an appointment after she spoke to her local MP, Greg Clark. Arthur has an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) and currently attends St James’ CofE Primary School, but after a difficult first year in which he had to repeat reception, she feels the school cannot fulfil his needs.

Ms Maddock said: “I am very grateful he has a place at a mainstream school. St James’ is incredible, and they have always done their best for Arthur, but it is not the best fit for my son.

“Arthur is partially verbal and he wears headphones to muffle the sounds around him and also has a TA [teaching assistant] with whom he has a brilliant relationship.

“I discussed looking at a specialist school

with the school SENCo (special educational needs coordinator) as she agreed that this may be a better option for Arthur, and they would be able to fulfil his needs.”

But after months of chasing emails, changes within the department, and being rejected by three schools, KCC decided that Arthur will attend St James’ in September with further provision.

Feeling let down by the system, Ms Maddock told the Times: “I am at the end of my tether with KCC.

“I have been given so much hope that my son will be in a specialist school, now that has been taken away from me.

“I understand that schools are overrun, especially specialist schools, but I just feel like they have given up on my son.

“I have been fighting for this for nearly a year and a half now and I have got nowhere.

“St James’ and I are worried about his transition to Year 1, [which is more] teacher-led with scheduled lessons, where he could become disruptive,” she said.

“The SENCo has told me that they disagree with the Cage Green assessment. Something definitely needs to change as all these children will be affected in the future.

“I will continue to view other schools, I am not listening to KCC. I will get Arthur into the school he deserves.”

KCC has been approached for comment.

Delays follow start of Pembury Road gas works

THE start of a six-week project to replace gas main pipes on Pembury Road (A264) has begun, resulting in heavier traffic on the A26 and the threat of delays to bin collections and transport to hospital.

The A264 is closed to vehicles between its junction with the A21/A228 and the junction with Blackhurst Lane and Hall’s Hole Road. Cornford Lane, between Hall’s Hole Road and Pembury High Street, is also closed.

The official diversion sends vehicles from the hospital to Tunbridge Wells via Tonbridge using the Pembury Road and the A26. As of Monday morning (July 24), GoogleMaps traffic indicators showed heavy traffic in both directions on the A26. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has warned patients they will need extra time for bus journeys to Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.

Arriva has changed its number 6 service to run from Maidstone to the Hospital at Pembury, adding a separate ‘shuttle’ onwards into Tunbridge Wells town centre, calling at Monson Road and the railway station.

The bus operator’s 277 service will

continue running between the town centre and the hospital at Pembury, via Sherwood and the North Farm area.

Hams Travel has adjusted its 297 service schedule from Tenterden to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, in order to make sure it connects with Arriva’s town centre shuttle bus.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has also warned of possible delays to bin collections owing to lorries having to take the diversion, and also due to being caught in heavier than normal traffic.

‘I have been fighting for this for nearly a year-and-a-half now and I have got nowhere’

Councillor suspended after watching political film

Two teens jailed for murder over stabbing

TWO teenagers and a woman have been jailed after a man was fatally stabbed in Tonbridge last summer.

Thomas Waugh, 20, had been with two friends at Tonbridge Racecourse Park on August 19 2023, when they were approached and threatened by Rocco Mustafa, 18, and Reece Willis, 17. He was fatally stabbed a short while later. Mustafa and Willis were arrested on August 21 and charged with murder as well as two charges of robbery and one of attempted robbery.

Mustafa’s mother, Claire White, 48, was also arrested and charged with assisting an offender.

Mustafa, of Greater London, pled guilty to all charges in January. Willis and White, of Tonbridge, were convicted on April 11.

On July 21, Mustafa was sentenced to 18 years 215 days, Willis to 14 years 33 days and White to three years.

BBC local journalists stage third strike

NATIONAL Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) members across the country went on a 24-hour strike for the third time on Thursday (July 20), over BBC plans to cut jobs and reduce local content by almost half.

There were major disruptions to services on BBC local radio, regional TV and online.

The NUJ reported that some regions were forced to take output from other areas. A bulletin from Tunbridge Wells covered stories from Kings Lynn to Weymouth, via London, Sussex and Surrey.

Traffic backed up to A21 after accident

MOTORISTS attempting to drive into Tunbridge Wells from the A21 found themselves queueing after a woman was hit by a car near an industrial estate.

Kent police were called at 12.54pm on July 25 to a collision between a car and a pedestrian on Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Police officers quickly attended the scene where they found a woman who has been hit by a car.

Paramedics also arrived and treated the woman for her injuries, which were not lifethreatening, and she was taken to a local hospital for further medical attention.

Traffic along Longfield Road moved slowly for several hours, backing onto the slip road exit for the A21.

The traffic was further impacted by the Pembury Road exit being shut for the next six weeks.

A LABOUR councillor has had the whip removed by the local Labour group after he attended the screening of a controversial political film last week.

Cllr Ray Moon, Paddock Wood (West) was suspended from the Tunbridge Wells Labour Party last week by Labour leader Cllr Hugo Pound for a breach of the ECHR report.

The now independent councillor attended a screening of the contentious documentary ‘Oh Jeremy Corbyn… The Big Lie’ at The Forum on Monday, July 17.

On his suspension, Cllr Moon told the Times: “I am no longer a Labour councillor. I am now an independent after Labour removed the whip from me on Monday (July 17) because I supported and sponsored the screening of the film ‘The Big Lie’.”

The film follows the rise and fall of exLabour leader Jeremy Corbyn and ‘explores a dark and murky story of political deceit and outrageous antisemitic smears’.

It also contains contributions from filmmaker Ken Loach and writer Jackie Walker, who have both been expelled from

the Labour Party for alleged antisemitic comments and a refusal to disown those already expelled.

Tickets sold out for the screening in Tunbridge Wells, with £200 generated from the ticket sales, which was presented to the mental health charity, Mind, by Cllr Moon and other supporters.

Cllr Moon affirmed: “I attended the screening as a private individual not as a Labour borough councillor. It was a

personal decision.

“It is freedom of speech and I think people should be able to make up their own mind, that’s democracy.

“What worries me is the control. I always thought that I could express an opinion, but maybe that is not the way now.”

Upsetting

Standing as an independent, Cllr Moon said: “It feels disarming and upsetting, but I think we have a right to our own views.

“I will be appealing the decision, which says I am in breach of the ECHR, and I have the next 14 days to do so.”

On his position within the Borough Partnership, he stated: “It is currently under consultation with the Borough Council, but right now I can still attend committee meetings but as an independent and not as a Labour Borough councillor.”

Labour leader Cllr Hugo Pound told the Times: “The Labour Party does not comment on individual cases, but I can confirm that Councillor Moon is not currently sitting as a member of the Labour Group.”

Looking forward to the summer break

disruptions, but everyone has pulled together and worked super hard.

“Our Year 6 leavers are an amazing group of children. They made the whole school proud; they made me proud. And I know they’re going to make their new schools proud as well. I’m really going to miss them.”

Meanwhile, a Press Association survey conducted earlier this year revealed that although most councils around the country had reported a drop in the number of children being accepted to their first-choice secondary schools, in Kent, record numbers of children had applied for a place at secondary school this year and received their first choice.

The number of those offered a place at their first-preference school sits at 78.21%.

Allocation

The Council said only 873 children had not got into their preferred schools. Any family whose children did not get a desired place in the second-round allocation are advised to contact their preferred school directly to ask to be placed on the waiting list.

It is important to note that only children who took and passed the 11+ test can be placed on a grammar school waiting list.

Only 1.58 per cent of Kent primary school pupils – a total of 269 pupils in Kent – did not get one of their choices and were allocated a place by the local authority.

If your child did not get a place in the second round of offers in June, you can apply directly to primary schools to ask to be placed on the waiting list.

Once the school term begins, you can make an in-year application for your preferred school using an In-Year Admissions Form from kent.gov.uk.

Kate (Year 2) “I’m excited about the summer. I’m going to China [Hong Kong].”

Ellie and Leah (Year 3) “Going into Year 4 is so exciting, but we’re planning lots of playdates after we get back from our family holidays!”

A number of independents and chains around Tunbridge Wells are offering free or discounted kids’ meals this summer. Keep the children happy and full while saving a penny or two at:

One Warwick Park Hotel: Kids eat free from the children’s menus when purchasing one adult meal, until the end of August.

Shuffle House, St John’s Road: Kids under 12 can enjoy a pizza or tapas every Tuesday to Friday (4pm-5.30pm) and all-day Sunday when purchasing an adult meal.

Bill’s, Lime Hill Road: Up to two kids can eat free all day from July 24 to September 1 (excluding weekends) when purchasing one adult main dish.

Dawid (Year 5) “I’m ready for summer, but I’m a bit sad to leave everybody for a month.”

Harry (Year 5) “I’m most excited to go to France this summer.”

Oliver (Year 6) “I’m happy I’m leaving, but at the same time sad.”

M&S Café: Spend £5 in the M&S Café and children can enjoy a main, a snack and a drink from the Kids’ Munch Menu for free. The deal is available every weekday from July 24 to September 1. The Guinea, Calverley Road: Kids eat free throughout the school holidays, Monday to Friday.

The Robin Hood, Sandhurst Road: The pub is offering a meal deal for kids every Monday. For just £1, kids can enjoy a standard meal (or a larger one for £1.50). The children will also receive a free activity sheet to keep them entertained while you enjoy your meal. Crowborough Morrisons Café is offering one free kids meal all day, every day, if you spend £4.49.

Error on traffic ban fine leads to successful appeal

MOTORISTS contravening a bus lane in Tunbridge Wells could see their fines overturned as incorrect wording on the letters has meant the fines are legally defective.

From the traffic ban on Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has issued more than 25,373 penalties since enforcement commenced on March 20, hitting each driver with a £70 fine that is discounted to £35 if paid within a fortnight.

One of those motorists caught using the bus lane was journalist Keith Perry from Sidcup, Kent, who successfully challenged his PCN after noticing an error in his letter.

Mr Perry recounted: “I was visiting Tunbridge Wells for a coronation event with my wife and was following the sat nav when it directed us through the town centre and the bus lane. It wasn’t until we had driven through it and seen the camera sign that I realised it was too late.”

Error

Mr Perry received his PCN on May 11 2023. It said: “A reduced Penalty Charge (discounted to 50 per cent) of £35.00 is payable if it is received within 14 days of the date this notice was served.”

Mr Perry took the fine to motor legal expert Ivan Murray-Smith, who challenges council fines on behalf of drivers. He said that motorists would not have to pay “a penny” due to a regulation error.

He said: “The wording on the PCNs is incorrect and people receiving them won’t have to pay a penny.

“The PCN only gives a 14-day discount period, but the law changed to 21 days in May last year. “That is a procedural impropriety that will win [appeal] on its own.”

According to regulations that changed on May 31 2022, any PCN using CCTV enforcement, like the bus lane, must be given a 21-day notice period, not 14 days.

Mr Perry highlighted this discrepancy in his appeal, which was successful, and his fine was voided. TWBC did not specify the reason this happened.

1,148 successful appeals were made out of 13,168 fines between March 20 and May 7.

Mr Murray-Smith said: “Tunbridge Wells is just one of many councils issuing dodgy paperwork, together with Bristol, Lambeth, the City of London and many others.

“The key takeaway really is that, regardless of the rights and wrongs of what the Council says, you should get legal advice, which is available for free from ftla.uk.”

Since Mr Perry’s case, the wording on the letters has been changed to include the 21-day-period instead of the incorrect 14 days, but motorists should still check their letters if they were issued before July 10.

TWBC has been approached for comment. Also not in compliance with the regulations is the length of time of warning notices issued at the beginning of the scheme. 18,000 warning notices were issued to drivers contravening the bus lane on their first offence, from February 20 to April 1.

However, this 40-day period does not abide by recent traffic laws. According to the Traffic Management Act 2004, local authorities, in this case TWBC, must issue warning notices for a period of six months to help motorists “understand the seriousness of moving traffic contraventions”.

In response, TWBC said: “The PR2 bus gate/lane was in place in 2019/20, before the new arrangements for bus lanes and moving traffic restrictions that commenced in 2022.”

She’s a Barbie girl living in… Tunbridge Wells

A REAL-life Barbie lives closer to town than you might imagine. A local communications manager showed off her bright pink kitchen last week in the run-up to the release of the much-anticipated Barbie movie, which opened last weekend.

Lucy Saxton-Quinn, 39, proudly presented her uniquely-coloured kitchen fitted with flamingo-pink cupboards, rose-gold taps and pastel-pink accessories to match.

The PR lives in her two-bed maisonette in Tunbridge Wells with her husband, Jason, 58, an author and magazine editor (who gives his full approval) and dogs, Bonnie and Clive (not Clyde).

Talking about her love for Barbie and the inspiration for her now-famous kitchen, Lucy told the Times: “As a little girl, I had Barbie dolls and the pink Barbie car.

“It’s such a mad, happy colour and you can’t help but feel alive when surrounded by pink.

“I wear pink at any opportunity, and Jason is a colourful character, embracing anything wild and wacky with his fashion. “I’m planning to see the Barbie movie twice, once with Jason and once on my own for more ideas to add some ‘Barbiecore’ to our home.

“I fell in love with it even more when Jason

was speaking at the Jaipur Literary Festival in India a few years ago. There was orange, pink and bright fuchsia everywhere.

“It inspired our wedding theme of Bollywood-meets-Club Tropicana in Kent in 2019.

Lucy said the reaction from people who have seen her kitchen has been really positive, with friends loving it and visitors being shocked by how bright it is.

Bollywood

She said: “The guy from the kitchen company who came to fit it thought we were joking when we told him it was pink, and when he unboxed the units he was so tickled that he asked if he could FaceTime his wife to show her.

“My friends describe our Tunbridge Wells home as a “cross between a disco and a Bollywood set”.

“The living room needs redecorating so, that’s going to be pink, followed by the outside of the front door,

“Our neighbours comment on the pink kitchen as they can see it when it’s dark and the lights are on, and say how cheerful it is.

“Life can be grey, but we have a happy-golucky attitude and don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

COUNTER VIEW with

AS K

In place of the usual Q&A, the following are some of the support packages that have been made available to help businesses deal with the Coronavirus:

I thought it would be a good idea to run through the standard reports available in most accounting software packages.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: HMRC will reimburse 80% of wages paid to workers who have be laid off due to the coronavirus crisis. This is capped at £2.5k per employee per month.

Profit and Loss Account: This shows income, direct costs, and overheads for a period of time, such as the last month or quarter. The usual default is that items are included at the date of the invoice (accruals reporting) rather than the date of payment (cash reporting). I like to look at month on month reporting for say the year to date or last 6 months to get an idea of trends and spot anomalies. Actual vs budget is also a good way of checking if you are on track.

VAT Deferral: The deferral will apply from 20 March to 30 June 2020. There is a lack of clarity on the Gov. uk website and we are interpreting this as payments due by 30 June rather than quarters ended 30 June. This means that May quarter VAT Returns, where payment is due by 7 July, will still be payable as normal. Any payments deferred will become payable by the end of the tax year (31/3/21 Company or 5/4/21 Unincorporated)

Income Tax Deferral: The self-assessment second payment on account, due by 31 July 2020, will be deferred to 31 January 2021. No penalties or interest will be charged.

Balance Sheet: This is a snapshot of liabilities at a period end. It shows the book value of your fixed assets (equipment, vehicles etc.), current assets such as stock, cash and money owed to you and liabilities such as loans, amounts due to suppliers and PAYE/VAT. A Balance Sheet is not a business valuation but gives a good indication of liquidity (i.e., do I owe more than I am owed).

Aged Debtors (AKA amounts receivable): The balance sheet will contain a total for amounts due to you from clients/customers. This report breaks this down into individual customers and separates the balances into current, 0-30 days, 30-60 days overdue etc. This allows you to quickly see what you need to chase.

Cash Grants: A grant of £10k will automatically be provided to all businesses currently entitled to Small Business Rates Relief. A grant of £25k can be claimed for businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure industry if their rateable value is between £15k and £51K.

Business Rates Holiday: There is a 12-month business rates holiday (April 20 to March 21) for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England.

Aged Creditors (AKA amounts payable): This shows what you owe to your individual suppliers, separated into not due yet and then overdue. It can help you identify what you need to pay now and in the near future.

To rely on the above reports, you and/or your accountant need to have considered what regular adjustments are required to the records such as: stock valuation, depreciation, tax provisions, adjusting for deposits received for future work, providing for known costs not received, etc.

Time to Pay Arrangements: In addition to the deferral schemes noted above, if you have outstanding tax liabilities (Corporation Tax, VAT or Income Tax) due to coronavirus, you may be able to agree a time to pay arrangement. Arrangements will be agreed on a case by case basis. To discuss your options, contact HMRC on 0800 0159 559.

Further info and updates can be found here: https:// www.synergee.org.uk/press-releases/coronavirus-update

Show goes on despite wind destroying theatre

HEVER Festival Theatre suffered a literal blow on Saturday July 15 when a branch from the iconic tulip tree on the theatre lawn broke off, fell on the theatre, and damaged the theatre roof beyond repair.

Theatre Director Ailsa Molyneux says: “We are heartbroken as you can imagine… but we are not giving up.

“On Monday 24 July, we began to build a temporary home on Anne Boleyn’s Walk. We intend to have this stage established, ready for our press night tomorrow (July 27) with ELO Again.

“When it comes to size, the new temporary stage will rival the former one, but will not have the extended roof. This means that there will be no weather cover for the audience at any performance, and the festivalgoers will need to bring their

own seating. But the theatre is closer to the car park. If we can get back into the theatre this season, we will do so.

“Please be assured we are looking forward to setting down our roots next week and to

Canvassers required for 2024 elections

RECRUITMENT has begun for people to help fill the gaps in the electoral register in time for at least two big elections next year.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) issued the call for Electoral Registration

welcoming you to our temporary theatre over the next few weeks.”

The theatre does have a Just Giving page, where the public is welcome to donate to the costs, or simply book to see a show.

Self-storage facility agreed for former MOT centre site

PLANNING Committee councillors last week approved plans to build a self-storage facility in High Brooms, on a site which had been partly used for unlawful parking and vehicle storage for around three years.

The former Tunbridge Wells MOT Centre occupied part of the site between Chapman Way and North Farm Road for 30 years, but two other areas in the same block had also been in use for longer-term vehicle storage. Councillors heard that “[part of] the site

was used for parking and vehicle storage unlawfully from 2019 or 2020, up until June 2023 when that use ceased”.

The site has been empty since June.

Grotty

Proposing approval, Cllr Victoria White (Conservative, Park), said: “It’s pretty grotty, that old MOT building… It looks like a much better solution to sort of tidy up the site.” Committee members voted unanimously to approve the development.

The developers’ plans call for a selfstorage unit built over three storeys, with a further lower-ground floor on part of the site, along with parking and landscaping.

Plans include space for three loading bays at the front of the building, with a refuse and recycling area indoors.

A bike store and 19 parking spaces will be provided – the latter including two disabled spaces and two electric car charging spaces.

Section 106 contributions by the developer were not part of the plan.

Canvassers to work in October and November each year, helping the local authority with the requirement to produce an up-to-date Register of Electors.

Canvassers visit any household that has not returned its form that offers the details of voters who live at the address.

Next year (2024) will see ‘all-out’ local elections, with all councillors having to fight for their seat.

Councillors will also be contesting a smaller number of seats, with the 48-seat council being reduced to 39 seats in 14 wards.

Meanwhile, a general election is widely expected to be held in the autumn.

TWBC is also recruiting poll clerks and counting assistants, who work on the day of an election. Full training will be given, and candidates can apply for more than one role.

To find out more or apply, visit: tunbridgewells.gov.uk/council/voting-andelections/elections-job-vacancies

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Follow the Shaun the Sheep trail in town this summer

TUNBRIDGE Wells will see the arrival of a free augmented reality Shaun the Sheep trail throughout August.

Aardman’s ‘Hide and Sheep’ trail has been brought to town by Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, Royal Victoria Place (RVP) and RTW Together BID. Using a mobile device, participants can take photos with Shaun at each of the locations, as well as visit two selfie stations situated on the lower and upper malls in RVP. There will also be screenings of Shaun the Sheep running on the Upper Mall throughout the month, and on August 31 there are Aardman Model Making Workshops that you can book, located in the pop-up space on the Upper Mall by

Marks and Spencer.

Alison Bundy, Director of Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, says: “We are so excited to be bringing Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep to life in Tunbridge Wells this summer, encouraging children and adults alike to explore and have fun.”

Alex Green, Chief Executive Officer of RTW Together BID, which has provided funding for the project, added: “We are always keen to look for creative ways to increase footfall in the town and this is a really brilliant way to engage families and groups of friends this summer… being able to provide a free activity ensures that everyone and anyone can take part in ‘Hide and Sheep’.”

To find out more or to download a trail map, visit:royalvictoriaplace.com/ ShaunAR and to book tickets for the model workshops visit: twpuppetryfestival.org

It’s back to school for blind podcasting teen

A FIFTEEEN-year-old boy who is blind due to an inoperable tumour, is now heading back to school in September, after getting a specialist place in Tunbridge Wells. Malachi Tyler was signed off school last year, and has been filling his time with his podcast Malavision, and also going to the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre every weekday.

He had been hoping to get funding for a specialist school in Worcester, which would have meant boarding during the week, but his new school will mean he can continue to live at home.

Arrangements

“I’ve got a place starting in September,” he told the Times. “I’m really looking forward to going to Broomhill Bank school.”

He has already visited the school and said: “It felt like family, really homely and so enjoyable.

“They are putting the arrangements in place over the summer, so in September it will hopefully all be ready for me.”

In the meantime, his mental healthfocused podcast – in which he has interviewed a number of celebrities, including Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and chef Rosemary Shrager – will continue.

“The podcast has been coming on in leaps and bounds – every day there’s an improvement. I still hope to get in contact with Holly Willoughby. I was recently in the Daily Mirror, so – hopefully!”

He has no plans to abandon the community of like-minded people he has befriended at the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre.

“In term-time, I won’t be able to go, but hopefully I will continue in the holidays,” he said.

Age with joy at home

Swift station is summer labour of love for local wildlife rescuer

RESCUING summer swifts and other endangered birds has become a labour of love for a local wildlife rescuer whose school-day ramblings in and around Tunbridge Wells left her with a lifelong love for wild creatures.

Carly Ahlen, founder of Gabo Wildlife Centre, operates year-round helping wildlife across Kent, from seals to birds of prey, but this May she formally opened a ‘swift station’ in a secret location, to help endangered seasonal birds.

Migrations

Although she has been working with swifts for a few years, she is now formally committed to her clinic, helping swifts and hirundines (house martins and swallows) during the birds’ migrations from May to August, working with expert Edward Mayor of Swift Conservation.

“I have rescued many swifts from Tunbridge Wells, but I take them from all across Kent, and even London because very few rehabilitate them,” she told the Times

“Someone from Tunbridge Wells even knitted little ‘nests’ for my orphaned swifts and hirundines, which are such a comfort to them in recovery,” she added.

Her local support network also includes those who help with veterinary fees and supplies of insects to feed the birds – even

a local beekeeper who supplies bee drone larvae for the birds’ rehabilitation diet. Even getting the birds to safety in her ‘swift station’ is only part of the battle to save their lives, she stressed.

“Swifts eat on the wing, so you can imagine an adult coming into my Swift Station – wondering what on earth I am doing.

“It’s all completely alien to them. You have to have the most patience and the greatest understanding of their delicate beaks, in order to force feed.”

I'm lucky in that I have such a huge passion. For me, saving wildlife is the best thing in the world.”

Find out more at gabowildlife.com/ swift-station

Local parks and green spaces retain award-winning status

TUNBRIDGE Wells Council (TWBC) has learnt that its award-winning parks and green spaces have retained their Green Flag Award for another year.

These spaces include Calverley Grounds, Dunorlan Park, Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, St John’s Recreation Ground, The Grove and Woodbury Park Cemetery.

Green Flag accreditation – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – is testament to the hard work and dedication of volunteers, Friends groups and the Council team that care for the spaces so everyone can enjoy them.

Dunorlan Park and Grosvenor & Hilbert Park also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for the management of historic features.

Cabinet member Cllr Wendy Fitzsimmons said: “The parks offer a place for all of us, whatever age we are, to relax, to play, to take a quiet moment, and to benefit our mental wellbeing.

“We are all very grateful to the Friends of our beautiful parks and the volunteers who work with such enthusiasm together with the Parks team to ensure these awards are renewed year on year. They can rightly be proud of their achievements.”

Three local businesses on lifestyle awards shortlist

AS the Times went to press yesterday (July 25), three local businesses were waiting to see whether they had won one of 27 Muddy Stilettos lifestyle awards – due to be announced today.

Making the final cut in the ‘Best Family Attraction’ category was Hever Castle & Gardens, the former home of Anne Boleyn and venue of the currently-running

Staff member celebrates 40th anniversary at Brittens Music

KIM Thornewell is celebrating her remarkable 40th anniversary working as a sales consultant at Brittens Music. With her unwavering commitment to customer service and vast knowledge of music and musical instruments, Kim has become an integral part of the musical instrument shop’s success and a beloved figure in the musical community.

Expertise

Kim’s journey at Brittens Music began four decades ago, on July 18 1983, when she joined the team fresh out of Goldsmiths’ College, where she had studied music.

Originally aspiring to become an orchestral librarian, she began her career in retail after her father saw the job advert in the paper. She was successful in clinching the role.

Hever Festival.

Also making visitors welcome from far and wide were five pubs, including the sixteenthcentury The Bell in Ticehurst.

Penshurst-based MyTime Pilates was one of five companies vying to be named ‘Best Yoga or Pilates Studio’.

National winners will be announced today (July 26) at: muddystilettos.co.uk/awards

Since then, Kim has remained at the forefront of the business, guiding customers with her expertise, especially her classical knowledge, and ensuring that they find the perfect instrument to nurture their musical aspirations.

An expert musician herself, Kim has played the trombone for nearly 50 years, and euphonium (similar to a small tuba) for nearly 20 years. She currently plays with the Bacchus Wind Orchestra and Eastbourne Silver Band. Her genuine passion for music shines

through every interaction with her customers. Whether it’s a curious beginner seeking advice on their first guitar or a seasoned musician looking to upgrade their equipment, Kim’s enthusiasm and product knowledge make her a trusted adviser.

Andrew Collins, owner of Brittens Music said: “It is a testament to Kim’s exceptional work ethic and passion that she has remained an integral part of Brittens Music for four decades.

“She is more than an employee and an incredible asset to the business – she is a dear friend.”

NIK KERSHAW * HEAVEN 17 * THE FEELING

STARSA ILOR * MOSTLY AUTUMN * GO WEST

IAN PROWSE * LIFESIGNS * THE TRAVELLING BAND

MILES HUNT * NO JACKET REQU IRED * BRUCE S OORD * KYROS

TALK I N CODE * DAVID FORD * THE HEARTLAND RO OTS BAND Suppor ting local ba nds

THE PAUL DUNTON ORCHESTRA * THE ACKERLEYS

T WO WEEKS IN NASHVILLE * ST EFFAN JAMES BAND

Tonbridge Castle Christmas event to return under new management

Vegetarian café branches out as restaurant and bar

LOCAL lovers of vegetarian cuisine can enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch and now cocktails in the newly-renamed Haven Kitchen & Bar on Camden Road.

Seasonal

The restaurant, previously known as The Plant Base, will continue offering a changing seasonal menu, but is now branching out, founder Geff Stone told the Times.

“We are the only vegetarian restaurant in Tunbridge Wells serving lunch, dinner, cocktails, organic wines – and a brunch

menu on the weekends.”

As The Plant Base, the business has always been adaptable, serving customers from a ‘street food’ stall and running local bar ‘takeovers’ after storm damage to the Camden Road establishment in 2022.

In previous years, it has also joined in with the other hospitality businesses, serving its customers remotely at the Pub in the Park festival. This year it welcomed guests from the Tunbridge Wells Fringe.

That appetite for change has not altered.

“[We are] still a bit of a work in progress, but the idea is to broaden our appeal a bit and get away from the ‘café’ we started seven years ago,” he said.

THE Tonbridge Castle Christmas fair is to return this year, under management by a different and experienced events team.

The organisers of Tonbridge’s successful Oktoberfest event have announced they are to put on the town’s Christmas event at the Castle this year.

This follows the ‘Castlemas’ Christmas fair and event of previous years, which ran into commercial difficulties in 2021 and 2022, and also attracted condemnation from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

Running from November 26 to December

The

23, the new ‘Christmas at the Castle’ event will include a traditional Christmas market, as well as live music and entertainment in the Alpine Bar.

Meanwhile, the ‘Illuminate’ trail will wind around the Castle after dark.

An association agreed with the TN card loyalty scheme, which covers business and service providers across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, is set to draw in Tunbridge Wells traders as well as visitors. For more information about the event, visit: christmasatthecastle.uk

Research shines a light on impact of air pollution on heart health

Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. But while the effects of air pollution on the lungs have been known for more than half a century, researchers are now seeing the range of its impact on heart health.

Dr Mark Miller, a research scientist funded by the British Heart Foundation, said: “A lot of people think that what comes out of a vehicle exhaust is just soot, but it is not, it is actually hundreds of thousands of different chemicals, many of which are likely to be harmful to the body.”

We now know that some of the smallest particles, called ultra-fine particles, can enter the bloodstream and travel around the body, he said.

Thanks to funding from the British Heart Foundation, Dr Miller has focused on how breathed-in particles contribute to cardiovascular disease.

The effects of air pollution can include stopping blood vessels relaxing and contracting, as well as increasing blood pressure, which affects the flow of blood around the body.

Air pollution can also increase the risk of blood clots, alter the rhythm of the heart and make the heart more susceptible to damage from blocked arteries.

Dr Miller stresses that even short exposure to air pollution can cause these to happen in healthy people. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, another pollutant from vehicle emissions, is linked to cardiovascular disease.

According to Dr Miller, there are ways to limit your exposure to air pollution.

If you’re walking or cycling, alter your journey to avoid

busy roads or travel at quieter times if you can, for example.

But the measures individuals can take to avoid polluted air are limited which make reducing

Dr Mark Miller, British Heart Foundation-funded scientist researching the effects of air pollution

the amount of air pollution so important – and that is why the British Heart Foundation supports the expansion of the ULEZ and similar measures.

About the ULEZ expansion

n From 29 August 2023, the ULEZ will be expanded to create one single zone across all London boroughs, to help clear London’s air and improve health.

n 9 out of 10 cars seen driving

in outer London on an average day meet the ULEZ standards, so their drivers will not need to pay the charge.

n But, if you’re one of the few who drive a petrol vehicle over 16 years old or a diesel

vehicle over 6 years old you need to check if you’re affected.

‘Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide is linked to cardiovascular disease’

Climate chaos continues as wildfires sweep the Mediterranean

A FIREFIGHTING plane seeking to keep wildfires under control, crashed on Tuesday, July 25 on the island of Evia, near Athens. At least two people are believed to be on board.

Authorities continue to battle blazes across the country amid a return of 40C-plus temperatures.

The latest evacuation orders were issued on the islands of Corfu and Evia, while a blaze on the island of Rhodes continued to move inland, torching mountainous forest areas.

Repatriation

Thousands of British holidaymakers have been rescued from parts of Rhodes.

Repatriation flights are in place as holiday operators continue to cancel flights and holidays, meaning thousands could be at risk of having their getaway plans scuppered.

However, Michael Gove said he still plans to holiday in Greece, insisting the region is safe for Britons to visit. He told Times Radio: “I’m due to go on holiday, God willing, to Greece in just over a week’s time – not to Rhodes but to another island –and I’m looking forward to going.

“Greece is a wonderful country, a wonderful place to holiday, and we do need to support the Greek government in dealing with the situation in Rhodes.

“My heart goes out to those who are affected but the advice is clear – if you follow the Foreign Office advice it is safe.”

Desperate residents, many with wet

towels around their necks to stave off the heat, used shovels to beat back flames approaching their homes, while firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first light.

The European Union has sent 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles and seven planes from 10 member states, while Turkey, Israel, Egypt and other countries have also sent help.

Contributing nations included Italy, which was dealing with its own fires and extreme weather at home.

On the island of Sicily, Palermo’s international airport temporarily shut down as flames from a wildfire approached.

But in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, a powerful storm caused flooding, power outages and was blamed for the death of a 16-year-old girl at a scout camp.

Fires raging through forests, mountain

villages and towns in northern Algeria have left at least 34 people dead.

Among those killed were 10 soldiers encircled by flames during an evacuation, the Defence Ministry said.

In Athens, authorities resumed afternoon closing hours at the ancient Acropolis as part of broader measures to cope with the high heat.

Tunisia and Croatia have also been affected by fires.

EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the European continent.

Scientists have said that the extreme heat seen across southern Europe would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change. The dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, have allowed the fires to spread at incredible speeds.

Though the UK has not experienced

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extreme heat this summer, the Met Office warns in their upcoming annual report that temperatures over 40C are becoming increasingly likely in Britain due to climate change.

Climate experts have warned that the 40C heat seen last year would not be possible without climate change and that Britain is underprepared for increasingly likely extreme weather events.

Dr Candice Howarth, of the London School of Economics Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, said 2022 was “very significant” for the UK climate after temperatures hit 40C for the first time.

Record

She said: “The 2022 heatwaves would not have been possible without climate change.

“We know that the July heatwave was extremely rare, a one-in-1,000-year event, and was made 10 times more likely due to anthropogenic climate change.”

Dr Howarth also said the UK is not prepared for extreme heat, adding that local authorities, emergency services and utility companies “only just managed to respond” to the record 2022 summer temperatures.

She would like to see “more leadership” from Governments in preparing extreme heat events to minimise the risk of heatrelated deaths and improvements made to “ill-equipped” UK homes and buildings that overheat in hot temperatures.

MPs question The Sun and BBC over coverage of Huw Edwards allegations

THE Government’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) has written to The Sun and BBC over their “widespread coverage” of allegations made against Huw Edwards.

The Sun was the first to report claims that veteran BBC broadcaster Edwards paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

A letter to The Sun Editor, Victoria Newton, asks about editorial procedures and details of the newspaper’s story verification and decision-making processes.

Material

The letter, signed off by CMS Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage, also asks Newton to set out what investigations are taking place into allegations made about former Sun journalist Dan Wootton, who has been accused of offering colleagues money for sexual material.

Last week, Wootton used his self-titled GB News show to brand claims that he used a pseudonym and offered colleagues money for sexual material as ‘simply untrue’ and denied “criminal allegations”.

The committee has also written to BBC Chairwoman Dame Elan Closs Stephens, requesting further details about the reviews into wider BBC processes the corporation is carrying out in light of the allegations and

its plans to publish the findings.

The letter said it believes it is “entirely appropriate” that the BBC’s fact-finding investigation into the claims against Edwards remains a “confidential process” to respect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

However, it asks for the corporation’s two wider reviews to be conducted in a “transparent manner”.

In a letter from Dame Elan to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, it outlined that the BBC is undertaking two pieces of work which will investigate the corporations’ protocols and procedures.

The first will examine if the “red flagging” of complaints made to the BBC can “appropriately identify matters that require referring up within the organisation”.

The second review will assess the effectiveness of current BBC policies and processes in light of the Edwards case.

It is being led by BBC Group Chief Operating Officer Leigh Tavaziva and will be overseen by the board’s Senior Independent Director Sir Nicholas Serota.

On Monday, the BBC described BBC News’ reporting of allegations made against Edwards as “proportionate” following complaints the broadcaster gave the story “too much coverage”.

Charity cuts ties with Barclays over fossil fuel financing

ONE of the UK’s largest development charities has cut ties with Barclays over its financing of fossil fuels projects.

Christian Aid, which had an income of £78.4 million last year, said the decision could further affect the reputation of the UK bank, which benefits from and publicises its relationships with ethical and sustainable clients.

The charity is calling on Barclays to publish a policy to stop extending all types of financing – be it loans or underwriting –to coal, oil and gas clients who are still exploring and developing new projects.

Martin Birch, Christian Aid’s Chief Operating Officer, said:

“Whilst Barclays was able to provide banking services to fragile contexts, their record on fossil fuel finance, and their weak commitment to future improvements in this area meant that we had to seek a more suitable provider”.

Investors and campaigners have increasingly been targeting Barclays over its financing of new oil and gas.

The bank has provided £148 billion in fossil fuel financing, making it the “worst

bank in Europe” and the 7th biggest banking funder, according to a Rainforest Action Network report released earlier this year.

Barclays recently came under fire for its sponsorship deal with Wimbledon, facing accusations of ‘sportswashing’ – the practice of investing in high-profile sporting events or teams to improve an organisation’s image despite harmful activities elsewhere.

Christian Aid said the bank has a lack of coherent policy to achieve its target to reduce real-world emissions by 40% by 2030 while competitors HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest have taken steps to stop direct project financing to new oil and gas. However, the charity warned that banks all need to go much further and address their financing at the client level, through general-purpose loans and underwriting of bonds.

Greg Clark

I am working to reduce the summer traffic chaos

THE six weeks that everyone has been dreading has begun: the closure of the Pembury Road for Southern Gas Networks to replace the major gas main that runs under the road.

During the last four weeks I have spent many hours in meetings with SGN, its local contractors WCB, Kent County Council, the bus companies, the Health and Safety Executive and many residents and businesses.

I am not going to pretend that I am happy with the plans: I believe that 24-hour working would have concentrated the disruption in a shorter period. But I have been able to persuade the authorities –although I have no powers to direct them –to make some commitments that I hope will reduce the pain.

On hours, I and Kent County Council have been told that work will be on an extended hours basis: 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm, and that should the works fall behind schedule at any time, these will be increased further. The Health and Safety Executive has advised me this is permissible.

I have asked Kent Highways to attend the site and to report on progress each week to me and to the Leader of Kent County Council.

I have been very concerned about the disruption to buses coming in and out of Tunbridge Wells via Pembury Road. I am pleased that agreement has been reached to establish a shuttle service between Tunbridge Wells town centre and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury to connect there with the number 6 bus to Pembury, Matfield, Paddock Wood and Maidstone, and the 297 to Pembury, Matfield, Goudhurst and Tenterden. These extra shuttle buses are in addition to the 277

service from Tunbridge Wells to the hospital, and will allow services to run without being disrupted by the road works.

Extra signage has been installed around the town, to warn traffic to stay away from the Pembury Road before they get too close to it.

On the subject of traffic flows, constituents know my strong views about the enforcement cameras in front of the Town Hall – which have triggered £600,000 in fines in the last three months alone. They should be turned off. I have written again to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council asking that this is done for the duration of these SGN works. My fear is that many cars visiting our town will use the A26 rather than the Pembury Road because of the SGN works, and turn into Church Road to get to the town centre or to the industrial estate. Drivers unfamiliar with the confusing Town Hall scheme will then end up in the disputed area and automatically be fined. This may lead to yet another fines bonanza for the Council. But it is another blow to the reputation of Tunbridge Wells among visitors. Our traders have enough to contend with the roadworks without people being fined for trying to avoid the Pembury Road. I will do everything I can during the weeks ahead to keep the pressure on SGN and the contractors to finish the gas main works on time and with a recognition of the big price Tunbridge Wells is paying this summer.

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‘I have asked Kent Highways to attend the site and to report progress each week to me and to the Leader of Kent County Council’

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 you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge

All respect lost for Tunbridge Wells Labour Party

Tunbridge Wells Labour Party has lost my respect by removing the Whip from Cllr Ray Moon.

I was TW CLP secretary for many years and also held exec. roles. I worked tirelessly to encourage members to get involved and stand as candidates in the local elections. Under Corbyn’s leadership of the LP, TW had a huge surge in membership and experienced success in local elections, success which thankfully grew.

The Labour Party should be a broad church of socialists and should and has up to now celebrated its diversity.

As a child I remember leafleting for Harold Wilson with my parents and I remember our family’s little front room serving as a LP election office. I have worked hard for every LP leader since then, every leader.

But having been very disheartened by the present LP leadership nationally and also here in Tunbridge Wells, I left the party.

However, I was curious about a film being screened around the country and I wondered about it being pulled by some organisers after receiving pressure. What was this about?

l’d read that solicitors had seen the film and had said “nothing illegal here”.

So with some local friends in our group Socialist Group West Kent (not a political party) we organised the screening of ‘Oh Jeremy Corbyn, The Big Lie’ in Tunbridge Wells.

Cull the badgers

First, congratulations to Mr Pearce for his excellent letter (Times, July 19). I could not agree more.

Regarding badgers, I have an allotment on which I have tried all the recommended ways to deter the animal, but to no avail and it has eaten my broad beans, peas, parsnips, corn and his favourite – the carrots – so I am in favour of culling from that point of view.

The badger does not have any natural predators except the car and lorry, and with all the developments driving them towards town, it is getting worse, so cull away.

They also have eaten all the hedgehogs, in fact they have culled the hedgehogs.

Any readers’ ideas about how to deter?

People over cars

I see Greg ‘Grandstand’ Clark is at it again. Another bandwagon passes so he says: “I’d better jump on it”.

Has he not considered that the people of Tunbridge Wells may prefer to prioritise people over cars, to have a town centre free from pollution for their children to grow up in?

Whilst he is desperately trying to cling on to his seat in parliament, the councillors,

It sold out.

The filmmakers were clearly not impressed with Keir Starmer’s leadership in terms of his purging the party of members with similar old school Labour views as mine. But that doesn’t matter so much to me; what matters is that local people came to see the film and then had the opportunity to make up their own minds about it. That’s a good thing, it’s democracy, hear the arguments and make your own mind up.

So, I’m not at all impressed with Tunbridge Wells Labour Party Councillors for withdrawing the Whip from Cllr Ray Moon for watching the film.

across all parties, are working with local residents and the KCC to see how any problems can be ironed out to create a better town for everyone.

Don’t let it go

I was sitting on a bench in Dunorlan Park on Friday afternoon when a little girl of preschool age and her family passed by.

The little girl was clutching an Elsa/‘Frozen’ book, but she called out to her mum saying it was a ‘tablet’.

Isn’t it lovely that young people still have an imagination?

Thank you, Stagecoach

Before I go any further, I’d better declare that my only interest in bus travel is as a concessionary pass holder (OAP) and a supporter of green travel initiatives.

I do not have shares in Stagecoach buses!

However, I wondered if, through your paper, I could thank Stagecoach for the massive improvement to the number 51 bus timetable to Eastbourne, which started at the weekend of July 23, just in time for the school holidays.

The Sunday service is now hourly, starting

earlier and finishing later and the weekday/ Saturday half-hourly service also finishes much later than before.

This makes it possible to have a ‘proper’ day out in Eastbourne and, what makes it even better, is the £2 fare cap – in place until October 31.

With many people choosing to have a staycation this year, the cheap travel and free entertainment, such as a picnic on the beach, visiting the pier, fossil

hunting and of course, the Air Show in August, are now within reach of all.

Thanks also to Brighton and Hove buses who have improved the number 29 service and returned to the pre-covid timetable of a half-hourly service – the £2 fare cap applies on these buses too. Happy holidays!

Helping property owners earn through Airbnb

WITH energy bills and interest rate rises fuelling the cost-of-living crisis, homeowners and second-property owners will be looking for new earning opportunities. A great way to do that is to use a key asset – your home.

helping them put their assets to work.

French lessons: local students celebrate success in national language contest

Two students from St Gregory’s Catholic School have been specially commended in the University of Oxford’s annual Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators. Eileen Leahy speaks to their French teacher

Investment

James Morris, Managing Director of Pass the Keys, says: “We handhold you through the process of getting your property guest-ready, from professional photography, listing across multiple platforms, guest-vetting and communication, to cleaning, bed sheets, towels and everything else a guest expects.

Property is usually the most significant investment you make in life, and many people will feel nervous about allowing strangers to come into their own homes.

“After all, when you stay in an Airbnb, you expect hotel-quality service.”

Jane Barraud about the local girls’ success in this prestigious national competition…

Pass the Keys recognise this, so they take care of everything, reassuring property owners and

OUTGOING Year 9 students Bella Tringham Jones and Libby Siddle from St Gregory’s Catholic School were recognised last week for receiving a special commendation in the University of Oxford’s Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.

The result is particularly impressive as this is the first year the school has participated in the contest, which saw thousands of entries from schoolchildren around the country.

Inspire

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators is an initiative of the Queen’s College Translation Exchange and runs across four levels in five languages, covering all year groups at secondary school from ages 11 to 18.

The Queen’s College Translation Exchange’s mission is to inspire lifelong engagement in languages and international culture, and in particular to encourage young language learners to continue with their studies through their schooling and beyond.

St Gregory’s teacher Jane Barraud, who is

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extra-curricular creative translation club run by some of our school’s MFL teachers.

They included Mr Card and Mrs Jotischky for Spanish and myself for French,” Mrs Barraud explained.

“The five best entries for each language were submitted and out of 15,000 participants and 3,500 entries two of our students received a special commendation for their translation of the 1865 Victor Hugo poem ‘La Meridienne du Lion.’

Congratulations to all of our Year 9s who participated.”

‘LA MÉRIDIENNE DU LION’ – THE POEM THE GIRLS TRANSLATED

Le lion dort, seul sous sa voûte. Il dort de ce puissant sommeil De la sieste, auquel s’ajoute, Comme un poids sombre, le soleil. Son souffle soulève son ventre; Son œil de brume est submergé, Il dort sur le pavé de l’antre, Formidablement allongé.

La paix est sur son grand visage, Et l’oubli même, car il dort.

also the school’s Subject Leader in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), told the Times more about the competition.

“Queen’s College, Oxford, has been running a creative translation competition for young translators for the past four years, but this is the first year St Gregory’s has participated.

“Between January and April a group of aspiring linguists in Year 9 attended an

Victor Hugo is one of France’s most famous authors having also written ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’.

“This is a fantastic achievement given the number and standard of entries received this year,” Mrs Barraud continued, before adding that a team of undergraduates and professional translators judged the entries to this year’s competition.

“They all commented on the excellent standard of entries this year.

Il a l’altier sourcil du sage Et l’ongle tranquille du fort.

Il entrevoit des monts difformes, Des Ossas et des Pélions, À travers les songes énormes Que peuvent faire les lions.

Tout se tait sur la roche plate

Où ses pas tout à l’heure erraient. S’il remuait sa grosse patte, Que de mouches s’envoleraient!

The importance of trying a violin before buying

When it comes to selecting a violin, there is a key aspect that should never be overlooked – the act of test-playing your potential instrument. A violin should resonate with your soul, speak to your heart, and inspire your musical journey. This can only be achieved when you take the time to test-play various instruments before making your final decision. There are several ways in which testing an instrument can enhance your musical experience.

Finding the perfect match

Much like finding the right partner in life, finding the perfect violin requires a personal connection. Each violin has its unique characteristics, and the sound produced by one may differ significantly from another. By testing several violins, you can discern the subtle differences in tone, responsiveness, and projection, enabling you to find the one that resonates with your artistic vision.

Assessing playability and comfort

The importance of having the correct combination of chin and shoulder rest is significant as it impacts the player’s posture. When you try a violin, pay attention to how it feels in your hands and against your chin. Ensure that the instrument’s dimensions suit your physique and that the strings respond effortlessly to your touch. Comfort leads to better playing, and better playing leads to musical growth.

Tailoring the violin to your needs

Every musician has a unique style of playing, with individual requirements. By test-playing violins, you can identify the instrument that complements

your technique and musical preferences. This ensures that the violin becomes an extension of yourself, enhancing your performance and allowing your true musical voice to shine.

The

emotional

connection

Playing the violin is not just about technical precision; it’s about expressing emotions and creating a deep connection with your audience. When you test-play a violin, consider how the sound resonates with your soul. The right instrument will evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and motivate you to explore new musical avenues.

Ensuring quality and authenticity

Test-playing a violin also provides an opportunity to assess the instrument’s quality and authenticity. While every violin has its unique personality, certain red flags like buzzing sounds, uneven tones, or structural issues should be considered carefully. Ensuring you purchase a violin under expert guidance can further ensure that the violin you purchase is authentic and of high-quality craftsmanship.

Brittens Music houses a specialist bowed string showroom that caters to musicians of all levels, with a selection of violins set up and ready for you to try out.

You can book an appointment with their expert staff, who can assist you with assessing and testing different options to help you find the perfect instrument.

So, let the music guide you, and may your chosen violin become a cherished companion on your musical journey.

Visit Brittens Music on Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, or find out more online at: brittensmusic.co.uk

Whistleblowing cases have rapidly increased since COVID, with 2020-21 seeing the highest peak in almost two decades. Having the confidence and security to expose malpractice within an organisation is crucial as it’s often a last measure to encourage positive change when other processes have failed. However, with some tribunal cases backed up until 2025 and often long and costly processes with the potential for victimisation, Loch Associates Group, the South East’s leading Multi-Service Law and HR business, explains why change is needed for the benefit of both employees and employers in this area.

In 2020-21, cases of whistleblowing taken to tribunal reached the highest rates in close to two decades, hitting 3,128 claims. Last year, Tribunal claims of whistleblowing remained high relative to recent years, at 2,674.

“Bringing or defending a whistleblowing claim at Tribunal can often be a costly and lengthy process that may take years before it reaches # a Final Hearing. They are also often a legally complex technical claims to bring or defend – leaving workers vulnerable as they may have brought claims while employed and feel at risk of losing their jobs and in the case of an employer, impacting their credibility while waiting to defend their position” says Joe Milner, Partner and Solicitor Advocate of Loch Law, part of Loch Associates Group.

Currently, the reality is that the legislation is not designed to protect whistleblowers but rather is reactive. If an employee comes forward with evidence of misconduct or malpractice, they will legally be protected against unfair dismissal, or mistreatment from an employer for any reasons associated with their allegations. Whilst this is fundamentally positive for staff who have identified a genuine problem, it does leave them vulnerable. Current backlogs in the Tribunal system mean that claims may not being heard for 3 years with costs being incurred and further delays possible along the way. Joe continues: “If a contract worker has made a complaint and their contract has ended, they can find themselves unofficially ‘blacklisted’ with recruitment agencies or future employers. Whilst this would be unlawful, the reality is that it can take place with no evidence trail.”

As for employers, “since the pandemic, employees are more familiar with whistleblowing protection, and therefore we are seeing more allegations of whistleblowing complaints being made. Unfortunately, the employee’s intention in doing so is not always a genuine one”. While steps can be taken to try and get a ungenuine whistleblowing claim struck out, we are seeing a trend where Tribunal Judges prefer to wait and consider whether the disclosure meets the requirements to be regarded as whistleblowing at the Final Hearing. This can mean the business has to wait years too which is a distraction from what they want to be doing, running the business. Whilst we are seeing an increase claims across the sectors, within the NHS, whistleblowing cases hit record numbers, with more than 25,000 whistleblowing reports made last year alone. This could be a sign of the times for other sectors.

“Businesses and senior leaders often do not have the proper training in place for their staff to know how to deal with whistleblowing, and often find themselves caught out by the law. I.” “Where an individual has a genuine concern, they wish to blow the whistle on, with proper internal training on policies and processes, avoiding a whistleblowing claim is possible for employers. Employers could also consider offering anonymous reporting mechanisms to manage concerns effectively and provide reassurance to their staff that their concerns will be seriously considered”.

Are businesses prepared for a rise in whistleblowers?

Andrew Collins from Brittens Music explains why you should always test-play any instrument before purchasing it…

‘I love the idea of inspiring the younger generation through expressive art’

Lauren Bouche, a local sensory artist who loves to paint in a number of abstract ways, including with her hands and sometimes feet, has been the Artist in Residence at Langton Green Primary School during the summer term of 2023. Following her end-of-term exhibition last Thursday (July 20), Lauren spoke to Eileen Leahy about her work and why she believes it is so important to keep the arts alive in mainstream education…

For the past few months, artist Lauren Bouche has been going to Langton Green Primary School to help further pupils’ appreciation of the arts. She has been working with more than 400 schoolchildren in a variety of expressive workshops with the end goal of showcasing their creations in an exhibition.

After hours of painting with their feet, hands and brushes, Lauren and her students were successful in putting on a special exhibition showcasing their work last Thursday evening (July 20).

But before that took place, Lauren and the children put in a lot of hard work creating incredible supersized canvases – and if you follow the school or Lauren on social media, you would have been able to see them being worked on during this past summer term.

“Art and music are key parts of life at Langton Green Primary. The school loves to share, and celebrate art and music each and every day with the children as one element of providing them with cultural capital,” explains Lauren.

“The school champions working with different local creatives as ‘artists-inresidence’ in order to share the magic of the design process with their pupils and so when they got in touch with me, we became very quickly mutually excited about working together on this amazing project.”

and get, quite literally, really hands-on.”

I ask Lauren how the project with Langton Green Primary School came about, to which she says they got in contact with her via Instagram.

“I am super grateful for that. I have always wanted to be an artist-in-residence and loved the idea of inspiring the younger generation to just go for it through expressive art. The idea of running specific workshops excited me, to be able to encourage creativity, expression and break down barriers through different mediums and music whilst creating artwork. I was also intrigued to see if the way I paint with my hands to create a piece of work was beneficial to others.”

Lauren says that her main aim, alongside inspiring the pupils, is that other schools will see this creative collaboration and be inspired to do something either with her or as a school.

“I suppose it’s about the message of educational establishments prioritising the arts, pupils’ individual wellbeing and having the ability to express themselves, but there has to be a fun element to all of this too,” smiles Lauren.

“Quite simply, doing this has been a wonderful chance for us to come together as a local community and truly make a difference.”

Lauren and the schoolchildren have worked on a pretty impressive large scale, mainly outside so they could stretch their artistic endeavours to the max.

“We have worked with huge scrolls of paper, PVC and Perspex. We’d put on music

Of the project, which ran from April to July, and the subsequent show last week, Lauren says she has had nothing but very positive feedback.

“This in itself is so rewarding on every level, let’s do it again! The teachers loved the idea of working outside and not in the boundaries of the classroom and felt it was liberating and creative. They also felt it was an amazing way to demonstrate that expressive art can take many forms and use many techniques.”

Lauren explains that she ran expressive workshops for each year group, so every single child got to experience a session with her.

“We always started with a warm-up on a large roll of paper with oil pastels and charcoal, then moved on to creating our abstract final pieces by using our hands

– painting and experimenting with different techniques on Perspex and PVC fabric – all with the exhibition in mind to showcase the artwork.

Last week the art was hung from a ceiling in the school to create an immersive art installation and it will now be there permanently there as a tribute to the work Lauren and the primary pupils have done.

What does Lauren think the children gained from this creative experience?

“Firstly I think they loved just being outside and I feel they gained immense confidence working on a large scale. They learned how to work collaboratively in teams, with the exhibition in mind at the end of term as our clear goal.

Inspired

“I really hope they found it refreshing and felt inspired to carry on or start something creative as a hobby or even a career. They just needed to have fun whilst expressing themselves in a totally different environment. I feel I have learnt so much from them too, they have inspired me to be more playful, have fun, let loose and change the medium for my next series of work!”

Lauren tells me that she wanted to work this way as she deems herself to be a holistic artist who loves focusing on the senses, creating a feeling and a mood.

“My art is tactile, large scale and expressive. I paint with my hands, random tools and sometimes even my feet

to create pieces. The canvas feels like home, it’s the place to be vulnerable and to let out raw emotions using paint. A goal of mine is to create spaces for people to heal through movement and art,” she adds.

Lauren tells me that art has always been a part of her life: “It is deeply rooted, and ingrained inside me. I have never known anything different. From a very young age I remember always being drawn to arts and crafts. It runs in the family, my parents and grandparents are also very creative.”

Lauren studied at De Montfort University in Leicester and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design specialising in screen printing.

“This is where my love for movement came into play, the process from the original artwork to developing the primary source into a print, this really sparked an interest in me. For my final major project, I collaborated with dancers to produce tactile abstract prints.”

Lauren has had what she calls “a varied and exciting career” so far, working as an assistant stylist and also as a set assistant for Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Lauren is currently working at the Prince’s Trust supporting young people.

“This feels close to my heart as I was supported by the charity at one point. I live and breathe art, it is in my heart and soul. My ambition is to be a full-time holistic abstract artist.”

@laurenbouche www.laurenbouche.com

‘Creatively collaborating like this has been a wonderful chance for us to come together as a local community and truly make a difference’

Why cruising is the simplest and most affordable way to see the Med

Lisa Salmon takes a whistlestop cruise on Tui’s newly-refitted Marella Voyager…

Awhale breaking the surface of a calm blue sea isn’t what you’d normally expect to witness as you eat dinner. But when that meal is during a Mediterranean cruise, maybe it’s not that unexpected.

The whale is just one of the many standout moments during a cruise aboard Tui’s Marella Voyager, the newest member of the Marella Cruises fleet, which carries 1,912 passengers and first set sail under its new name in June this year.

We are on a seven-night Mediterranean Secrets cruise, which sails from Palma, Majorca, and calls at Piombino, Italy; Savona, Italy; Calvi, Corsica; Toulon, France; and Palamos, Spain. It’s a whistlestop tour which really provides an enticing taste of what the Med has to offer.

Like many cruises, it’s all-inclusive – and our Premium package offers most alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, as well as a waist-expanding amount of food.

Given the fact we are in a huge Executive Suite cabin, with a lounge, double bedroom and spacious balcony, it would be all-tooeasy to just lounge on board in a sunsoaked, stuffed-full-of-good-food alcoholic haze for the entire trip.

But despite the decadent luxuries, there can be little more intoxicating than waking up every morning in a beautiful new port, and having the opportunity to

explore a new foreign city.

After the first day at sea, our first stop is the ancient port of Piombino in Tuscany, Italy. We choose to take an excursion to Siena. The historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the majority of its sandy-red buildings dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries. After exploring Siena, it’s back to the ship to get ready for dinner in one of Voyager’s 10 restaurants.

For those who do like a bit of glamour, there’s a Dress to Impress night once every

Lounge for a different musical every night, performed by some great singers and dancers. But if you’re not in the mood, there’s always the option of a drink or two at one of the ship’s 10 bars, including the lively British-style pub, the Squid & Anchor, or the more upmarket Flutes, where we really enjoy listening to a pianist.

The wealth of dining options and entertainment is more than matched by the myriad sightseeing choices on offer throughout the cruise. All this exploring warrants some serious relaxation – and that’s exactly what we get at our next port of call, Calvi.

We head to the beautiful Algajola beach, a long stretch of pale sand and crystalclear turquoise sea, overlooked by a 16th-century fort.

visit Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera.

So much to see in such a short time is exhausting, and it’s easy to understand why some might choose to stay on the ship in some ports.

The last port of call is Palamos, and we can’t resist heading off for a quick tour of Barcelona.

Then, it’s finally back to Palma again, where we disembark Marella Voyager for the last time, having glimpsed what feels like a huge and fascinating chunk of the Mediterranean.

week, where you can go the whole hog, with black tie dinner suits for men and sequins for women. Most – like us – opt for just a suit and tie/cocktail dress, or stay in smart-casual gear.

Silver Fork, which serves “British favourites with a contemporary twist”, is one of the restaurants where there’s a supplementary charge (around £40pp), but it’s well worth the extra. We both choose the seven-course tasting menu.

After dinner, it’s hard to resist hauling our full tummies to the Broadway Show

Stopping at Toulon in France, we then

A seven-night all-inclusive Mediterranean Secrets cruise on Marella Voyager starts from £1,217 per person (two sharing), including return flights from London Gatwick. Shore excursions start from around £25 per person and can be booked in advance or onboard. tui.co.uk/cruise

Travel agent wins award

BALDWINS Travel is thrilled to announce they have been voted Travel Agent of The Year –London and South East England (Small Agency) 2023 at this year’s Agent Achievement Awards.

The event was held at the prestigious Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London on Thursday July 13, where the travel industry comes together to celebrate the very best

travel agents in the country.

On winning, Managing Director Nick Marks said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this coveted award, which is due to the hard work and dedication of all the team at Baldwins Travel. We pride ourselves on giving the very best service to all our clients. We cannot thank enough everyone who voted for us –this award means the world to the team.”

There can be little more intoxicating than waking up every morning in a beautiful new port

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three books for the week

On the bookshelf this week, the debut novel from TV and radio presenter Anita Rani, the third instalment in Kate Mosse’s Joubert Family Chronicles, and bestselling writer Caitlin Moran’s latest book, ‘What about Men?’

The Baby Does A Runner by Anita Rani

Published in hardback by Zaffre, priced £14.99

In her debut novel, TV presenter Anita Rani introduces us to Baby, a British-Indian female in her 30s who’s stuck in life. After discovering love letters addressed to her late grandad – by a woman who isn’t her grandmother – Baby decides to venture to India to uncover family secrets. As we join Baby on this adventure, we’re reminded about the generational impact of the partition of India. Readers are taken on a journey of love and loss while uncovering how the partition changed lives in Pakistan and India. The captivating story – which I read in just one day – encourages us to recognise and respect our family history. Baby Does A Runner serves as a powerful reminder to South Asian women that we would not be here today were it not for the suffering and strength of our past generations.

The Ghost Ship by Kate Mosse

Published in hardback by Mantle, priced £22

This is the third instalment in Kate Mosse’s series, the Joubert Family Chronicles, inspired by the Huguenot migration. The story carries us from France to Amsterdam and the Canary Islands across a decade, and tells the extraordinary tale of an ordinary woman driven by religious war and displacement, centred on the sweeping illicit love story of Louise Reydon-Joubert and her desire for an independent and unconventional life on the high seas. The 17th century was a turbulent time and Louise faces these problems head-on. Her love of the sea, her difficult past and her desire to captain her own ship sets her on a course of love, pirates, murder, and the slave trade that finds her at the mercy of forces she’s unable to contain. As captain of the Ghost Ship, she hunts pirates to liberate the enslaved. If caught, the stakes are high, with death the likely judgement. This book is beautifully written and engaging from the first page, keeping you guessing until the end.

What About Men? by Caitlin Moran

Published in hardback by Ebury Press, priced £22

After years of banging the drum for women, bestselling author, columnist, feminist and social commentator Caitlin Moran has turned her attention to men and their challenges – and indeed, she reveals many in this examination of their insecurities, anxieties and challenges. Interviewing a variety of men, she has come to believe that, actually, they have it harder than women at the moment, and have no support network equivalent to the feminist movement. She covers issues ranging from boys falling behind in education, porn addiction, and the rise in online misogyny, as well as male friendships, banter, body image and fashion pressures. As always, her prose is peppered with humour – but it’s clear that the problems of men need addressing, and Moran has provided a solid template to open up that conversation.

SIGNED, APPROX 40CM X 50CM. PROVENANCE: THE RUSSELL COTES GALLERY, BOURNEMOUTH, 1954 EST: £3000-£5000

Italian

New shops opening in Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells continues to evolve & extend it's offer with more shops and hospitality venues! This month we look at some of the new or expanding businesses who have made Tunbridge Wells their home …

Green Duck Tap Room Ely Court

Fantastic bar & event space; The Tap Room is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4.30pm to 11pm, Fridays 2pm to 11pm, Saturdays 12pm to 11pm, and Sundays 2pm to 8pm. Stocking local beers such as Pig & Porter.

Savers Royal Victoria Place

Savers is a leading health, home and beauty store offering thousands of popular household name products at discounted prices.

Running wild this Summer … come and play ‘Hide and Sheep’ with Shaun this August on this FREE augmented reality trail running across 11 locations in RVP and the town centre.

*Join in the Aardman Model Making Workshops on 31 August only - book at www.twpuppetryfestival.org

Salud to Albariño from rainy Rías Baixas, Spain!

Fashionable, crisp, aromatically floral Albariño – the same grape as Portugal’s Alvarinho – is a true testament to Spain’s contribution to the world of white wine.

Ahead of International Albariño Day (August 1), I’ve chosen four superior, typically bone dry, unoaked ones that come from its heartland in the turbulent, rainy Atlantic DO of Rías Baixas (RB) on the

southwestern coast of Galicia in northwest Spain, where over 95 per cent of production is from the Albariño grape.

Unusually, the maritime DO of RB is divided into five non-contiguous areas, and more than half of the winemakers are women. My focus is on granitic Val do Salnés, the, coolest, dampest subzone with the greatest plantings and concentration of wineries. Salud to RB’s internationally appealing Albariño, muy Atlántico!

Summer fun for families

WHETHER your kids love hands-on activities, delicious food, or spending time in nature, Tunbridge Wells has got you covered this summer. Enjoy a fantastic day out with the whole family without blowing the budget, as outdoor attraction Bewl Water, along with its sister venues, One Warwick Park Hotel and Salomons Estate, offer a variety of exciting and affordable activities for everyone to enjoy.

For outdoor fun, head to Lamberhurst where you’ll find Bewl Water, the largest reservoir in southeast England. Kids can enjoy the outdoor playground with a pirate ship, sandbox, and climbing frames, all amidst breathtaking views.

Indoors, little ones can explore tunnels, cargo nets, and slides in the soft play area for just £5 per session.

Nature lovers can visit the free bird hide and nature reserve, and the whole family can take a stroll through scenic meadows. If you prefer cycling, you have the option to rent bikes, starting at £10 per day, or bring your own to explore the 12 ½ miles of trails. For water-based adventures, you can book fishing, pedalo hire, or the exciting Aqua Park – a giant inflatable obstacle course with tickets from just £20 per session.

You can also enjoy wild swimming with TriSwim, or bring your own paddleboard, kayak, and sailing boat to explore the reservoir. You’ll need a day pass, but these cost just £10 for kids and £20 for adults, with options for tuition from third-party partners.

On land, laser tag sessions take place

throughout the week at Bewl Water’s military-themed woodland arena, or join Ranger Bear’s Nature Trail for free family bonding!

Afterwards, refuel at the dog-friendly Waterfront Café, where delicious meals and snacks are served, or head to the ice cream parlour for sweet treats, shakes, and slushies.

If a luxurious family getaway is more your thing, One Warwick Park, a four-star hotel on Chapel Place, is offering 20 per cent off on direct bookings when quoting code ‘BOOK20’.

Family-friendly options such as adjoining bedrooms, interconnecting suites and a dog-friendly, self-catered house and apartment, ensure a comfortable stay for everyone. Children even eat for free at the

1. 2021 Mar de Frades Albariño Atlántico, RB (£16, Tesco, tesco.com)

Love the eye-striking, signature blue bottle; inside is a perky, lip-smacking Val do Salnés Albariño that bursts with crystalline pink grapefruit, lemon zest, tropical fruit and a wave of sea salt spray. Solid cranks of flavour, but with good intensity and drive through the palate. Divine with a platter of seafood, mackerel, oysters, or sashimi. Textbook stuff from winemaker Paula Fandiño.

2. 2022 Adega dos Eidos, Eidos de Padriñán Albariño, RB (£16.95, Lea & Sandeman, leaandsandeman.co.uk)

This sea breezy, floral, saline, seafood-friendly wine is made from Albariño grapes grown on granitic slopes in Padriñán parish, overlooking Sanxenxo, one of RB’s most popular resorts. Driven by minerally/ citrusy acidity, it’s irresistibly moreish and tastes of ripe stone fruits, grapefruit and lemon peel. Stylish and impeccable to pair with crab sandwiches and spaghetti alle vongole.

3. 2021 Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño, RB (£19.99, Waitrose, waitrose.com)

Treat yourself to a top-notch 2021 from one of RB’s best

wineries. Zippy and super saline-fresh, it’s got hints of peach, green apple skin, crunchy minerals and pineapple with a briny edge. For good measure, it also boasts a long, stony finish. Bang on for simply cooked seafood (hello squid, octopus and dressed crab). Visit the winery, founded in 1904, and the palace in the old smuggling town of Cambados (foodies should check out Michelinstarred restaurant Yayo Daporta). Cambados’ jolly ‘Festa do Albariño’ is next week.

4. 2012 Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada Albariño, RB (£38, The Wine Society, thewinesociety.com)

Albariño can age gracefully. It possesses a naturally high acidity and thick skin that makes it less prone to rot damage. Complex, structured and developed, this remarkable wine comes from a single four-hectare vineyard and pergola-trained vines that are more than 45 years old. It was aged three years on its lees and spent a further seven years in the bottle before release. Notes of sea spray, fennel, garrigue herbs, quince paste, iodine, citrus and stone fruit make for a mesmerising journey. Impeccably crafted, with a skein of salty acidity, it does the grape proud. Don’t miss the notable hórreo (raised granary) and impressive orujos (pomace brandies) at this breathtaking wedding venue either. Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

hotel’s restaurant, The Brasserie, until the end of August when ordering one adult main, which also entitles parents to a free cocktail.

Nearby shops, historical attractions and family-friendly events promise bundles of fun after a restful night’s sleep. Bookings can be made at onewarwickpark.co.uk.

For a relaxing countryside escape, sister venue Salomons Estate also offers a 20 per cent discount on direct bookings when staying in one of the beautifully refurbished holiday cottages.

Visit salomons-estate.com and quote code ‘BOOK20’ to redeem the discount.

Choose from The Old Gate House, The Cottage, or four charming Garden Cottages, all dog-friendly with stunning views. Here you can enjoy fully equipped kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, and spacious lounge areas equipped with TVs.

Just a short drive from the centre of town,

explore museums, theatres and boutique shops or take leisurely walks through Salomons’ 36-acre gardens, which offers picturesque views.

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in al fresco afternoon tea, available every day, or Sunday lunch on selected August dates.

Number 1 for fun!

BEWL WATER AQUA PARK

WEEKDAY SESSIONS

JUST £20 PP

REVIEWS

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“Really good fun. An hour flew by and my kids aged 12 and 15 loved it. Proper work out as well! Thought staff and organisation was excellent. Will definitely go back.”

“Really brilliant day out, loads of facilities and everything we needed was provided.”

“A place for fun and joy. Had a blast in the summer with the kids and would definitely recommend.”

Pack the car for a stylish retro getaway

For weekend pleasures, embrace sophistication, says Pushkin Gallery Manager Rudolph Hamilton

craftsmanship and timeless design of the tea set will add an air of elegance to your escapade.

As the weekend approaches, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers are gearing up for delightful getaways to explore the beauty of picturesque vineyards and historic parks. One travel option that promises both elegance and convenience taking your car out for a leisurely drive, relishing the lush landscapes and enjoying a fresh picnic. To add a touch of sophistication to your outing, why not take along a beautiful Edwardian travel tea set and a Louis Vuitton car trunk to carry your essentials? As the sun rises, casting a warm glow over the countryside, it’s time to embark on a journey that combines luxury and outdoor pleasure. Load up your car with the essentials for an unforgettable picnic experience. But rather than opting for ordinary wares, elevate your adventure with a stunning Edwardian travel tea set, reminiscent of a bygone era. The delicate

A Louis Vuitton car trunk, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and iconic monogram, offers both style and practicality. Designed to fit perfectly in the trunk of your car, it allows you to safely transport the Edwardian tea set, along with your delectable picnic treats and refreshing beverages, without compromising on sophistication. The trunk also doubles as a chic table when opened, adding an element of

grandeur to your al fresco dining experience.

Venture towards the rolling hills adorned with vineyards, where rows of grapevines stretch as far as the eye can see. The beauty of the landscape is only enhanced as you indulge in a cup of steaming tea from your Edwardian tea set, with the gentle breeze whispering through the leaves, creating an idyllic ambience.

After immersing yourself in the enchanting vineyards, make your way to

HOUSE CALLS THIS JULY IN YOUR AREA

the nearby historic parks, where tales of the past come alive. Set up your picnic blanket under the shade of a majestic tree and savour a delightful array of sandwiches, fruits and pastries, all meticulously packed within your Louis Vuitton car trunk.

The combination of breathtaking scenery, the exquisite Edwardian tea set, and the timeless Louis Vuitton car trunk elevates this weekend outing to a truly unforgettable experience. Not only will you immerse yourself in the splendour of nature, but you’ll also relish the moments of luxury and elegance in the great outdoors.

So, if you’re seeking to escape the mundane and embrace a weekend of sophistication, take your car out for a memorable journey through picturesque vineyards and historic parks.

With your Edwardian travel tea set and Louis Vuitton car trunk in tow, you’re all set for an adventure filled with opulence and natural beauty. Happy travels!

Motoring News

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N revealed as the firm’s first ‘sporty’ EV

HYUNDAI is looking to inject some fun into the electric car segment by revealing the Ioniq 5 N.

Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Hyundai’s global boss Jaehoon Chang, the Ioniq 5 N arrives as the latest model in the firm’s ‘N’ division, following highly-acclaimed performance cars like the i20 N and i30 N.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 reached showrooms in 2021 and was the first model to be based around the firm’s EV-only ‘e-GMP’ platform, which has gone on to be used in the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60. This production ‘N’ model, which has been heavily teased in recent months, builds on the firm’s electrified concept cars.

Using a dual motor powertrain, the 5 N is all-wheel-drive and boasts a huge 641bhp, which allows for a 0-60mph time of just 3.2 seconds in ‘Boost’ mode and a top speed of 162mph. It also packs a new 84kWh battery (up from 77kWh in the standard Ioniq 5). Though no range figure has been given, Hyundai claims it can rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

But Hyundai says there’s a lot more to the 5 N than just its statistics, with a whole host of changes being made to maximise driving pleasure. Boasting a stiffer chassis, the steering column has also been strengthened and there’s also a new regenerative braking function that aims to bolster this Hyundai’s track capability and stopping performance.

Control

A specific sound has also been developed, which Hyundai says is “designed for drivers to have better control of the power”. The most notable is an ‘ignition’ sound, which aims to replicate the feel of a turbocharged petrol engine, with ‘gearshifts’ even engineered in. There’s also a ‘supersonic’ sound that offers a similar sound to a fighter jet.

In terms of design, the ‘N’ gets noticeably more aggressive styling than the standard Ioniq 5. It’s lower, wider and longer, while at the front it gets a new two-tone look and additional cooling. There are 21-inch alloy

Caterham shows off electric ‘lightweight concept’ Project V

CATERHAM has aimed to blend its legendary attention to lightness with an electric powertrain in its new Project V concept.

Shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Project V is designed to be “lightweight and simple”, just like the firm’s memorable Seven.

Accelerate

Powered by a 268bhp electric motor mounted on the rear axle, the Project V is able to accelerate from zero to 60mph in 4.3 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 143mph. With a 55kWh battery pack, it’s able to return up to 249 miles of range, too, while a 20 to 80 per cent charge could take around 15 minutes when the car is connected to a rapid 150kW unit.

Caterham says that it targeted a total weight of 1,190kg in the Project V, which uses a two-plus-one seating configuration, with mass reduced through the use of a

carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis. A two-plus-two seating setup will also be available as an option.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: “Project V is not just a concept or design study, we’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process.

“An electric Caterham of any shape and size has to stay true to what sets us apart from everyone else: being lightweight, simple and offering an unparalleled driving experience – that’s our DNA.”

Laishley also says that the Project V has a target price of “less than £80,000” and that it could enter the market towards the “end of 2025 or early 2026”.

The interior of the car features a driverfocused infotainment system which incorporates smartphone mirroring systems, while a digital instrument cluster relays key information back to the driver.

Laishley added: “Project V isn’t instead of the Seven, it’s complementary to it.”

wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres, too, while the rear gets a noticeable spoiler, along with various orange-coloured accents.

Moving inside, while the N retains the standard car’s tech-heavy cabin, it boasts new sports seats with reinforced bolsters to keep passengers held in place during hard cornering. A sports steering wheel also aims to allow the driver to control

everything with their hands on the wheel while driving.

Till Wartenberg, vice president of the N brand and Hyundai’s motorsport, said: “The new Ioniq 5 N elevates the brand to a new playing field. It will be a gamechanger.

“The future of car culture is brighter than ever. The issue was never the demise of petrol, just our courage and imagination.”

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up revealed at Goodwood

NEW 4×4 brand Ineos has unveiled its Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Ineos Automotive is owned by Jim Ratcliffe, one of the richest people in the UK, and aims to appeal to fans of the original Land Rover Defender. Its first model, the Grenadier 4×4, started delivering to customers earlier this year.

But Ineos always said it wanted to broaden its range, which has now happened with the new Quartermaster model. It’s a double cab, five-seat pickup built alongside the regular Grenadier station wagon, but features a 305mmlonger chassis.

Boasting a payload of 760kg, it can carry a standard Euro pallet “with ease” and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes – the maximum of any vehicle of this type.

Like the standard Grenadier, there is the choice of two 3.0-litre BMW-sourced engines available – one petrol and one diesel – both of which are hooked up to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Other features fitted include Brembo brakes and a centre differential lock, while Ineos says the Quartermaster has “class-leading off-road ability”, with an impressive 264mm ground clearance and a maximum 800mm wading depth.

Orders for the new Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up have now opened, with prices beginning at £66,215 for the standard model, and rising to £73,515 for the ‘Fieldmaster Edition’.

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