Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Remainers turn out in force
to make their voices heard
ON THE MOVE : Around 130 Remain campaigners from Tunbridge Wells travelled up to London on Saturday (October 20) to take part in the People’s Vote March as pressure grows to hold a second referendum on Brexit. The campaigners are affiliated with the pressure group TW-IN, which was set up after the 2016 plebiscite to represent the only borough in Kent where the majority voted to remain in the EU. See P20
Inquest hears how junior doctor discharged man who later died
Airport expansion plans draw fire amid reports it’s about to be sold By Adam Hignett
A junior doctor, who had been qualified for just over a year, discharged Timothy Mason (above) from Tunbridge Wells Hospital after being “falsely reassured” by blood tests results that he was not seriously ill. The 21-year-old returned to hospital later the same day but died, an inquest has heard.
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CAMPAIGNERS fighting against proposals by Gatwick to bring its standby runway into regular use have accused the airport’s majority owner of cynically publishing the plan ahead of a proposed sale. Opponents of the expansion argue it could lead to an additional 84,000 flights a year over West Kent and the countryside surrounding Gatwick. They have dismissed suggestions by the airport’s Chief Executive that it will have ‘no impact’ on noise. Stewart Wingate made the assurance in an exclusive interview with the Times to mark last week’s publi-
cation of Gatwick’s Draft Master Plan 2018, setting out the organisation’s long term goals for the next 15 years. Under its current planning agreement, the standby runway can
Gatwick say plans will create 20,000 jobs and put £2billion into the local economy only be used when the main runway is closed for maintenance or emergencies, but the 40-year agreement comes to an end in 2019, Gatwick said. The proposals will also be subject
to a 12-week consultation and the airport said it was keen to listen to the views of ‘local communities and stakeholders’. However, community groups believe the expansion plans to introduce a second runway ‘by the backdoor’ are being put forward so Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which owns 42 per cent of the airport, can sell its shares at an inflated price. Other shareholders in the airport include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the National Pension Service of Korea, the Future Fund of Australia and the California Public Employee Retirement System. Speculation has mounted in the
financial press of a possible sale which would value the airport at £10bn since April. Last week, both City AM and Sky News reports suggested a deal was close to being completed ‘within weeks’ between GIP and a Canadian pension fund placing a value of around £3bn on GIP’s share. GIP is expected to retain a management contract even after it sells all or most of its stake, reports suggested. A spokesman for GIP refused to be drawn on the possibility of a sale, stating the company does “not comment on market rumour or speculation.”
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Scouts’ Big Cardboard Sleep Out raises awareness of homelessness – and thousands for Porchlight… By Andy Tong TUNBRIDGE WELLS young people took part in a mass Kent Scouts Big Cardboard Sleep Out across the county earlier this month to raise thousands of pounds for the homeless charity Porchlight. Around 300 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and their adult leaders slept in cardboard boxes at Adamswell Scout Campsite in Langton Green. The District Commissioner for Tunbridge Wells Scouts, Brian Hobden, said on the night: “It’s fantastic the way in which our young people have taken this project to heart. “Whilst we have had some fun here this evening, it’s also been very humbling to hear the conversations young people have had about the homeless. “One Scout was overheard to have said, ‘I just cannot imagine sleeping like this every night, and to think this happens in our town.” Everyone who took part was given the task of making their own shelter out of nothing more than cardboard boxes, bin bags and parcel tape.
Across Kent there were 3,000 taking part in the initiative at 22 locations, and they raised more than £30,000 in total. In Tunbridge Wells alone, the children raised over £8,300. In the morning they were treated to hot chocolate and breakfast in recognition of
GRIN AND BEAR IT The Sleep Out was a fun event with a serious message behind it
RAW MATERIALS The group had to make their own shelters out of cardboard and bin bags
their achievement. Porchlight’s Rachel van Hoven said: “Despite our best efforts, homelessness will still affect future generations. One day these Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers will be people that can make a difference. “We want them to grow up understanding the struggles faced by people who are homeless and knowing that they have the ability to change these people’s lives. “Also, the money that they’ll raise by taking part will allow us to continue running a life-saving service for people who are living on the streets right now.” Porchlight helps vulnerable and isolated people to receive support with their mental health, housing, education and employment. Last year, the charity worked with 834 people
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Contractor found for new kerbside glass collections By Adam Hignett A NEW contractor has been selected to carry out waste collection and street cleansing throughout Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, a move which will finally see glass recycling collected on the doorstep. Urbaser Ltd has been awarded an eight year contract to operate within the two boroughs and is set to begin its operation in stages from March next year. Glass will now be collected in an alternate fortnightly collection of mixed dry recyclables, including plastics, cans and cartons, in a wheeled bin with a separate container for paper and card.
Very pleased However, the new service will introduce stricter criteria on waste collection, with non-recyclable rubbish only collected fortnightly and food waste collected separately. The separate fortnightly collection of garden waste will now come with an annual fee of £52, a charge the councils claim is necessary to offer its improved kerbside services but which critics have dubbed ‘a stealth tax’. Urbaser Ltd will service 101,000 homes
throughout the two districts which have shared waste collection services for several years as they seek more efficient and cost effective ways of delivering services. Full financial details of the contract have yet to be released. Cllr Ronen Basu, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainability, says: “Before appointing Urbaser we carried out a rigorous procurement exercise over a number of months. The criteria we used in selecting Urbaser ensures residents are given a high quality service that offers value for money and introduces new elements to the service that we know households will benefit from.” Cllr David Lettington, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said the authority was ‘very pleased’ with the procurement process and is ‘delighted’ to be working with Urbaser ltd. Managing Director of Urbaser Ltd, Javier Peiro said the company is committed to providing its clients with value for money and excellent service levels. A council spokesman said residents will be kept fully informed and further announcements regarding the start of the new service will be made in the coming months.
sleeping rough on the streets of Kent, compared to 148 five years ago. It offers children and adults with advice, guidance and skills to live independent lives, play an active role in their local community and fulfil their potential. Kent Scouts’ county commissioner, Dean Harding, added: “Homelessness can happen to almost anyone and the Sleep Out will help to raise awareness about this important topic and provide funds for the work Porchlight do. “Scouting in Kent provides boys and girls with skills for life and also aims to have a positive impact on our local community. I am proud of the way our young people have taken up this challenge.” If you would like to make a donation, visit uk. virginmoneygiving.com/TunbridgeWellsScouts
Crazy Jean’s to support Taylor-Made Dreams and Hospice in the Weald PLANS are well underway for the Crazy Jean’s Soap Box Race 2019. Due to be held in Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park on Saturday June 8, the event has named its two charities that will be supported next year as Taylor-Made Dreams and Hospice in the Weald. Over £21,000 was raised at this year’s inaugural race, which drew 5,000 spectators.
Delighted Tor Edwards, director of communications for Hospice in the Weald, said the charity are ‘delighted to be chosen’ and any funds raised will help provide vital services for patients with a terminal illness. Taylor-Made Dreams, based in Crowborough, works with children who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses, helping them to make their dreams a reality in a safe and encouraging way. Crazy Jean’s Events has announced its media partnership with Times Local Papers and SO Magazine, alongside its headline sponsor, Childrensalon. Co-founder of Crazy Jean’s Events Ltd Nicole Piesse Turner, said: “We always welcome those who wish to be involved in whatever way is possible.”
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF
Halloween fireworks to support Fegans charity TONBRIDGE’S annual Firework Display will take place at the Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead Stadium on Darenth Avenue tomorrow [Thursday] with the Halloween family fireworks starting at 8pm. The event is jointly organised by the football club and Tonbridge Round Table, and all proceeds go to the local children’s charity Fegans. Doors open at 6pm and there will also be stalls, children’s fancy dress competition and live music. Ticket prices cost £6, or £15 for families, in advance or £7.50 (£20 for families) on the gate. They are available from ticketsource. co.uk or from select stores in Tonbridge.
Drug ring dismantled POLICE have made several arrests after raids as part of an investigation into class A drug dealing in Tunbridge Wells. A total of six men were arrested in the operation which saw a number of properties in Kent, London, and Essex searched on Friday. Izmir Basha, 23, of Croft Street, Deptford, and a 17-year-old boy from Croydon, Surrey were charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. Four other men, aged between 28 and 41, were all released from custody pending further enquiries.
Bella in X-factor final AN X-FACTOR contestant who began her journey to the limelight singing at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells has made it through to the show’s final 16. The 19-year-old who attended St Gregory’s Catholic School wowed the live audience and judges alike with her rap rendition of Emeli Sande’s Beneath Your Beautiful on Saturday.
Entertaining science MR BOOKS, the bookshop on Tonbridge High Steet, is hosting a literary evening with two leading contemporary science writers. Catherine Whitlock, co-author of Meet Your Bacteria, and Liam Drew, who wrote I, Mammal: The Story of What Makes Us Mammals, will be discussing their work and meeting the public at Tonbridge Old Fire Station at Castle Street on Sunday November 4 from 6-8pm. Tickets for ‘Brilliant bacteria and baffling biology’ are available from mrbooks.co.uk or from the shop at 142 High Street.
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Mother hopes lessons will be learned and ‘lives saved’ after sudden death of her son fied for just over a year, said he discharged Mr Mason after seeking guidance from a senior colleague and being “falsely reassured” by blood test results. He had considered sepsis but a screening was not ordered. After the hearing, Mrs Mason said she hoped these issues would be “acted on with all seriousness. If changes are made that result in lives being saved, that will be of some small comfort.” Paul Sankey, of the family’s legal team, said they will now be able to resolve a legal claim on behalf of the family, adding it is very likely to be a private settlement.
By Adam Hignett THE family of a 21-year-old man who died after Tunbridge Wells Hospital failed to correctly diagnose he was suffering from sepsis, is taking legal advice on reaching a settlement with the NHS trust. Former Bennett Memorial pupil Timothy Mason was taken to the hospital in the early hours of March 16 with flu-like symptoms but was discharged without further treatment just after 8am, despite telling doctors he ‘felt like he was dying’. Mr Mason, who lived in Tunbridge Wells with his mother Fiona and father Gavin, was rushed back to the Accident and Emergency department at 3pm for the second time that day where he was appropriately treated.
Falsely reassured But the trainee electrical engineer, who also left behind two brothers Alex 27 and Nick 23, died hours later following a cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure. His mother described watching in ‘absolute horror’ as her son’s health rapidly deteriorated. Mrs Mason told an inquest last week how she took her son to the hospital after he began to vomit ‘violently’ adding: “it was a mother’s instinct that this was not normal.” She spoke of her son’s fear, explaining: “He was frightened and expressed this to both me and his doctor. He said he felt like he was dying.” However, his doctors said he had a virus and the symptoms would get worse before they got better and he could be discharged. He was handed a referral letter so he would be
THE CORONER’S VERDICT… Timothy Mason seen immediately if he felt worse but when he came back to the emergency department seven hours later - in so much pain he could not walk or sit up - he was made to wait to be seen, the hearing was told. Mrs Mason ‘begged’ receptionists to let her son see a doctor but was still told to wait so she went to find a nurse herself. When he was assessed again by other doctors they found it ‘evident’ he had septic shock and organ failure, describing him as ‘extremely ill’. It also became apparent that Mr Mason had developed the rare and life-threatening W strain of meningitis. As her son lay in a critical condition, Mrs Mason said: “We were holding and stroking his hand and spoke to him, encouraging him to fight. Then to our absolute horror, his heart stopped.” Junior doctor Max Bacon, who had been quali-
Senior coroner Roger Hatch, delivering a narrative inquest verdict, said that given the results of his blood test, temperature – at its height more than 39 degrees – and heart rate, Mr Mason should have received a sepsis screening and been reviewed by a senior doctor. The coroner said: “Had he been correctly diagnosed it is most likely he would have been prescribed intravenous antibiotics and he would not have died. “This should have occurred when he attended the hospital six hours earlier on March 16 when he first presented.” However, the initial failures to correctly diagnose and treat Mr Mason did not amount to neglect, the coroner said, despite Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust accepting liability and admitting breaching a duty of care by discharging Mr Mason with such symptoms.
Whirligig in running for best small shop A TUNBRIDGE WELLS toy store is on the shortlist of retailers in the running to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2018. Whirligig Toys specialises in ‘things to make and do’, providing creative toys such as model kits, construction sets and paint sets. The traditional store prides itself on its richness of stock, in-depth product knowledge and enthusiasm, saying the fact that each product has been tested and explored by all staff members, has helped it build a reputation as creative toy experts. The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (and sponsored by ‘booost’, the brand new loyalty, gift and promotions app for independent retailers. A total of 25 shops from all over the UK have been shortlisted from more than 600 who entered. Its winner will be announced at an event
at the Houses of Parliament on November 13. “Ironically, what makes us innovative is a seemingly old-fashioned trait: botheredness; the fact we’re prepared to go to extra lengths to achieve customer satisfaction and returning footfall,” said founder Peter Allinson. “When you combine the factors of physical stock, shop layout and customer interaction with our online store, website and the work we put into our newsletters and social media, then you have a company that is thriving across the board.” Mark Walmsley, Chairman of the Independent Retailers Confederation, said despite all the high-profile closures of larger stores, the organisation firmly believes specialist independent retailers can thrive by delivering a ‘truly unique’ retail experience.
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Council’s cabinet has little ‘worth discussing’ A KEY advisory board at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has not met for six months. The Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board last gathered on April 10. Since then four meetings have been cancelled, most recently on October 1. The committee lists land charges and building control, public transportation, car parking, drainage and flooding, alongside planning policy, as its remit. A spokesman for the council said there was nothing ‘sinister’ behind the cancellations, as the meetings are scheduled a year in advance and only take place if there is something worth discussing.
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Gatwick highlight benefits of campaigners accuse it of being the airport rise from 40million today to 70million in 2032, would not lead to additional noise. He said: “The reason why we can say that is because the continued evolution of aircraft is making them quieter. Over the last three or four decades, planes have become increasingly quiet and this is a continuing trend.
Quieter “Many of the noisier aircraft are due to be retired in the near future. The iconic 747 ‘jumbo jet’ is already on its way out. These are being replaced by quieter aircraft, such as the A321neos
Fox unveils its £3m plan BOOMING profits at the print and distribution firm Fox Marketing Services has led the Tunbridge Wells-based company to expand its workspace by over 50 per cent to meet surging demand. The Longfield Road company has recently acquired an additional 1,850sqm freehold unit around five minutes from its current headquarters in order to house a state of the art HP Indigo 12000 print machine. In total, the new unit and press will set the firm back £3 million, however this follows a period of ‘extensive growth’ at the firm which has seen sales climb from £6 million to £13 million in just two years.
Hotel Du Vin in final HOTEL DU VIN, Tunbridge Wells, is the town’s only finalist in the second Kent Tourism Awards in its Big Sleep Award category. To vote go to www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
BAD NEWS FOR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
By Adam Hignett THE Chief Executive of Gatwick has attempted to allay fears over the airport’s expansion plans as proposals to bring the standby runway into regular use came under heavy criticism from campaigners last week. Organisations opposing Gatwick’s expansion accused it of ‘subterfuge’ and acting ‘underhand’, vowing to fight the most recent initiative to WINGING IT expand the airport’s capacGatwick Chief Executive ity ‘tooth and nail.’ Stewart Wingate They fear the extra 84,000
flights a year through a fully operational reserve runway could lead to more noise, more air pollution and excessive strain on local road and rail infrastructure. The initiative to bring it in to regular use were included in Gatwick’s Draft Master Plan 2018, published last week, which sets out the long term goals of the business over the next decade and a half. However, speaking exclusively to the Times Stewart Wingate said the plans, which if implemented fully could see passenger annual numbers at
Irene Fairbairn, chair of Tunbridge Wells Anti-Aircraft Noise Group said: “This is very bad news for Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. Already, low, over-flying aircraft day and night severely affect the tranquillity of the area, the quality of life and health of its residents. “There are also safety concerns about using the emergency runway for regular, additional commercial flights. We are urging Government and aviation regulators to ensure that noise pollution from air traffic at Gatwick is strictly controlled. Proper arrangements need to be put in place to restrict night time flights with high penalties for non-compliance similar to those in place at Heathrow.”
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expansion as ‘underhand’ and the B727 Max 8, which are around 50 per cent quieter.” Gatwick’s master plan estimates around half of the airport’s fleet will be made up of these new generation aircraft in ten years’ time. Mr Wingate said the implementation plan, which also includes using new technology to increase capacity on the existing runway, would have significant economic benefits. These include the creation of an additional 20,000 jobs in the regional economy by 2028 if the standby runway is used. This would be in addition to a net economic benefit of £2billion. “These benefits can be delivered for a low cost, quickly and do not require the compulsory purchase of any land,” Mr Wingate said, adding
Gatwick is no longer actively pursuing building a second runway, but still believes the land should be safeguarded for the future. He also hinted that by allowing the standby runway to be used, the airport could agree to implement even more stringent restrictions on night flights than it currently does. “With more capacity to operate during the day, we will see about reducing the number of flights which need to operate at night, meaning less night flights over West Kent. “One thing we are interested in having is a conversation about night flights.” However, many activist groups remain unconvinced about the proposals.
IMPORTANT NEW CHAPTER FOR AIRPORT Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive of Gatwick said: “Our draft master plan marks the start of a new phase for Gatwick – building on what has made the airport the success it is today, and pioneering again to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. “As the UK heads towards an important new chapter, Gatwick’s growing global connections are needed more
than ever but this must be achieved in the most sustainable way. From using new technologies on our main runway, to the innovative proposal to bring our existing standby runway into routine use, our draft master plan offers agile, productive and low-impact ways of unlocking much-needed new capacity and increased resilience from within our existing infrastructure.
SECOND RUNWAY BY ‘BACK DOOR’ Sally Pavey, (pictured with London Major Sadiq Khan) chair of Communities against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE) has described the airport’s behaviour as ‘despicable’. “This announcement is shameful, a second runway by the backdoor, just blights lives further purely to satisfy the greed Gatwick’s owners, GIP, so that they can sell their shares next year for a escalated price,” she said. “This is totally underhand, a stab in the heart for residents
that thought they could get on with their lives after the runway debate was won by Heathrow Airport. This is despicable behaviour by Gatwick management and clearly shows their contempt for the communities of Kent, Sussex and Surrey. “They obviously can’t be trusted as they have now illustrated that they do not care about communities that surround them in rural areas that are suffering today intolerable noise and fall out of Gatwick’s growth.
Plan will simply increase problems
Peter Barclay chair of Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign said: “We will fight this proposal tooth and nail. “The proposal, which may bring in excess of 80,000 additional flights a year, will simply increase the problems already being experienced by local communities – noise, air pollution and excessive road traffic. “It would also put even greater pressure on the tottering road and rail infrastructure both locally and further afield. The legal agreement prohibiting a second runway at Gatwick expires in August 2019 and it would appear the airport is attempting to get a second runway via the back door.”
Must balance benefits with noise impact
Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat MP said: “I’ve no objection to a business wishing to expand, create jobs, and bring wealth to our communities. “Gatwick’s expansion plans would probably affect Tonbridge, Edenbridge and surrounding villages by compounding the noise issue already experienced on a daily basis. If they pursue these plans then it will have to take major steps to balance the benefits of large scale expansion with the noise impact it would most likely create. “We all know from the flightpath change in 2013 what a fundamental change to people’s lives this caused.”
Unlocking aviation capacity is critical
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: “Now more than ever, unlocking new aviation capacity to deliver global trade links is critical for a strong UK economy. London’s airports are set to be full in the next decade, so the CBI welcomes Gatwick’s highly productive proposals to deliver increased capacity that complements expansion schemes at other airports. This will drive trade and investment, create new jobs and help British businesses thrive.”
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Former councillor caught up in MP election scandal
Carers, students and pensioners might be hit by council tax switch
By Adam Hignett
By William Mata
A FORMER Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor has found himself in hot water for his role in helping the Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay fend off a challenge by Nigel Farage in the 2015 election. Nathan Gray, 29, is on trial alongside the 52-yearold South Thanet MP and party worker Marion Little, 63, after being accused of breaching electoral spending limits. It is alleged they ‘simply abandoned’ expenditure rules set by law to beat the divisive UKIP leader during a time when the Eurosceptic party seemed poised to make a significant electoral breakthrough. Mackinlay, an accountant by profession, was elected to Parliament for the first time on May 7 2015 after he won the seat with a majority of about 2,800 in an electorate of 70,000. Declared spending on the campaign came in under the strict £52,000 limit set for the Kent constituency, but prosecutors allege up to £66,600 was not declared. Southwark Crown Court heard that Gray, of Hawkhurst, was employed by Conservative campaign headquarters (CCHQ) as Mackinlay’s campaign manager from November 2014. Gray was a councillor for Hawkhurst and Sandhurst between 2014 and May this year. Experienced Tory campaigner Anthony Salter told jurors he did not know how the former councillor had come to take on the responsibility of acting as election agent and agreed that the role was ‘totally beyond him’.
LOW income groups could bear the brunt of expected cuts to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme in coming years. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] members have voted to carry forward proposals for how the financial assistance scheme should be altered. Their 2019/20 plan is described as ‘tinkering’ with the scheme, before central government cuts could see major changes from 2020/21. Members of all parties on the Conservative-run authority spoke in some opposition to the scheme, with one calling it ‘an attack on those at the bottom’.
Complicit “I didn’t consider he had the appropriate training, skills and expertise,” he said. “I wanted somebody with the proper training and expertise to oversee (the expenditure returns) and make sure we didn’t make stupid mistakes.” Trevor Burke QC, defending Gray, suggested his client was ‘regarded in the office as an idiot’ by colleagues, who talked about him behind his back. “For some in the office there was a general perception he couldn’t put his trousers on in the morning without the help of someone else,” he said. Mr Salter agreed it had been expressed to him later, but added: “I do think it is unfair he’s been pilloried for not being up to the job he’s got no qualifications for.” Prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC told jurors on Wednesday: “This was a very important seat for the Conservative Party to win and Mr Mackinlay had to be elected. “In seeking to ensure the success of the Conservative Party’s candidate and the defeat of Nigel Farage, we submit that proper regard to the limits of expenditure imposed by law was simply abandoned. “Each of these three defendants were complicit in the means deployed to achieve that end.” Gray denies one charge of making a false election expenses declaration and a further charge of using a false instrument under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. Mackinlay, from Ramsgate denies two charges of making a false election expenses declaration under the Representation of the People Act 1983. Little, of Ware, Hertfordshire, denies three counts of intentionally encouraging or assisting an offence under the Serious Crime Act 2007. Nathan Gray The trial continues.
Erosion Greater discussions are expected in coming meetings of how the 2020/21 plan will impact upon claimants. The authority can currently offer low income groups a council tax reduction of up to 100 per cent, based on their circumstances. Beneficiaries of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme include carers,
n Reducing backdating to one
NUMBER CRUNCHING Council tax reduction helps some low earning groups
students, those with an annexe or owning an empty home. Around 5,400 households receive the discount in the Tunbridge Wells borough, approximately half of whom are pensioners. The cost of the scheme is shared between Kent County Council, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue with TWBC contributing 10 per cent to the overall bill. In tax rebates, more than £6million was paid out in 2016/17 – a fig-
month.
n Reducing the period for which a
ure that is set to reduce to £4.9million in 2019/20. Thereafter the amount could be cut further and the authority has put forward a 13 point plan to reduce the amount spent on rebates. “With central government funding to reduce after 2019/20, fundamental changes will need to be considered,” TWBC documentation states. The 13 cost-cutting proposals include: n Removing the Family Premium for all new working age applicants.
person can be abroad and still receive the reduction to four weeks. n Limiting the maximum number of dependent children within the calculation to two. Full council members passed the motion, but not everyone was happy. Cllr Alain Lewis of the Labour group said his party had ‘always opposed’ the ‘erosion’ of the discount. “We see this as a pure attack on those at the bottom of the financial ladder. “If there is ever financial shortfall it should be those with an ability to pay [who are taxed] rather than those who are struggling.” The amount of tax a resident pays depends on house size and location – but a Tunbridge Wells homeowner with a mid-sized band D property would be charged £1716.70 in 2018/19, a rise from £1638.19 in 2017/18. All Kent districts have a common platform for council tax reduction. Council tax helps fund many services, including disposing of rub-
Youngsters get creative HUNDREDS of children from schools across Tunbridge Wells will see their artwork put on display at the One Warwick Park Hotel tomorrow (October 25) as part of the Jewellery fit for a Prince or Princess competition. Launched by the Tunbridge Wells High Street family jewellers G. Collins & Sons and the Times, the contest has seen pupils from 11 schools submit their own designs for jewellery they believe would suit a future king or queen. Judged by Gray and Webster art gallery founders Simon Webster and Jonathan Gray, the top seven runners up from each age category; four to eight, nine to 13 and 14 to 18, will be listed in Times of November 7. The three overall winners will also be featured with their artwork on November 7. Each will
receive a certificate and voucher for afternoon tea at the hotel and their school will receive a £500 donation for use by their art department or chosen charity. Participating schools include: Brenchley and Matfield CEP School, Claremont Primary School, Goudhurst & Kilndown CEP School, Kent College Pembury, Kent College Prep, Rusthall, St Paul’s C of E VA Primary School, Saint Ronan’s School, Skinners’ Kent Academy, St. Mark’s CEP School, The Mead and The Wells Free School. All the artwork from each school will be on display at a special exhibition taking place in the Function Room at One Warwick Park Hotel tomorrow [Thursday] between 3.30pm-7.30pm where a jewellery making demonstration by G Collins and Sons will also take place.
Shell goes green with St John’s recharging THE recently reopened Shell petrol station in Tunbridge Wells took a step towards a greener future last week after launching a new recharging service for electric vehicles (EVs). It is the first to be installed in Kent by Shell and joins several other recharging points in the borough. Owners of EVs will now be able to top up their batteries from 0 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes at the newly installed charge points on St John’s road. Customers can pay at the recharge points with a range of payment methods, with electricity priced at 25p per kWh.
Convenient
CREATIVE: A selection of the royal inspired artwork on display
Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK Retail Future Fuels Manager said: “The service provides Electric Vehicle drivers with a convenient way to charge their cars on-the-go; and at Shell St Johns they can also pick up a snack and use the free Wi-Fi while they wait” The oil giant launched the Shell Recharge programme in October last year and has started the second wave of the roll out this autumn, bringing the service to a further 30 sites over the coming months. The expansion of the service will create a network across the UK, targeted to areas where they see growth in the uptake of EVs and the connecting roads.
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Southeastern invests in better info systems
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Law firm’s hiring spree for its new protection division
SOUTHEASTERN are working on a £75,000 project to update their information systems. Improvements include state-of-the-art technology to keep passengers informed; automatic delay repay announcements; and upgrades to the On-Track app, allowing passengers to claim compensation for delays straight from their device. The project is expected to be completed by November. Managing Director David Statham said: “We’ve invested heavily in this area over the last few years and are proud of the results.”
NEW FACES LINE UP AT WARNERS: (L-R) Julie Dann, Niki Tarrant, Eleanor Norman, Tim McHugo, Heather West, John Beynon, Tara Millen, Martin Terrell and Kevin Gladwell RAPIDLY growing Tonbridge law firm Warners has added eight new members of staff to its payroll as it expands its practice to cover Court of Protection cases. Warners Senior Partner Mark Davis said the newly established Court of Protection team will add a ‘valuable new service’ for the firm’s clients, especially those who may be elderly or vulnerable. Leading expert in the field Martin Terrell, who has lectured and written extensively on Court of Protection and elderly client matters, has been brought in to head the new division. Heather West, Niki Tarrant
and Tara Millen have been hired to join his team, while Eleanor Norman has moved over from Warners’ other office, in Sevenoaks, to join them in Tonbridge. The Court of Protection was created in 2005 in order to hear cases relating to the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. Disputes over powers of attorney, the validity of wills and making decisions about when someone can be deprived of their liberty, are just some of the areas covered by the judicial authority. Other new additions to the
firm include John Beynon, who joins the corporate, commercial and IP team, Kevin Gladwell, who joins the private client division, and Julie Dann, to work in family practice. In addition, Tim McHugo is joining the commercial property department in Tonbridge. Mark Davis commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many new members of staff at this exciting time. “The new dedicated Court of Protection team will add a valuable new service to the provision of assistance to the elderly and vulnerable, for which our Private Client department already has an excellent reputation.”
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Yoyo boss heads influential list… THE co-founder of Tunbridge Wells-based creative agency Yoyo Design has been ranked among the top ten most influential leaders in her field, according to a recent publication. Jenny Kitchen was awarded the accolade by the Wow Company, an accountancy firm which specialises in dealing with the creative sector. The company, which does not assign any particular rank to its 2018 top ten lists, said Mrs Kitchen’s success in growing Yoyo over the past six years, her ‘excellent’ oratory skills, and her ability to deliver for clients, have earned her their recognition. Speaking to the Times, Mrs Kitchen said her firm is aiming to hit a £2million revenue target in the next three years, but this will not come at the expense of making the business a place ‘people love coming to work’. “We are not looking to sell; we are looking to grow a respected, well-run business in Tunbridge Wells and give the team and ourselves plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together. “This balance is more important than financial growth,” she said. Jenny Kitchen
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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Wellian CIO hits out at Hargreaves Lansdown A WAR of words has broken out between Tunbridge Wells firm Wellian Investment Solutions and Bristol’s Hargreaves Lansdown over the latter’s failure to include a top-performing global fund in its Wealth 150 list. For years, London-based Fundsmith Equity has been shunned by the giant direct-to-consumer platform, despite Hargreaves Lansdown admitting the £17billion fund has shown ‘superb’ performance since it was founded in 2010. However, Hargreaves has justified its decision
to continuously exclude it from its prestigious list of recommended funds to invest in by stating its ongoing charge figure of 0.95 per cent is too high, also claiming it lacks a track record. But Richard Philbin, Chief Investment Officer at wealth management firm Wellian, hit out at the exclusion, telling specialist publication Portfolio Advisor last week: “I don’t think the reason Hargreaves gave really stacks up with the fact the fund is as old as it is.” There are 14 funds on the Wealth 150 younger
than Fundsmith, and he pointed out that another fund, Lindsell Train Global Equity – which specialises in the same areas and has a similar investment approach – was included on the list, despite being established later. He said it is a well-known secret Hargreaves uses the Wealth 150 to negotiate lower prices with fund groups. Hargreaves’ Research Director, Mark Dampier, hit back, saying the similarity between the two funds is exactly why Fundsmith does not feature on the Wealth 150, and criticised the firm’s critics for ‘talking rubbish as usual’. “Explain to me why I’d want to put two funds on there when one is double the price. It doesn’t make sense,” he said. “We’re the ones that have been trying to drive prices down, and we get absolutely no praise for it whatsoever.”
Developer pushes for Premier Inn planning consent PLANS for an 80-bedroom Premier Inn Hotel and Drive Thru Costa Coffee on the Ashdown Business Park at Maresfield have been submitted by Tunbridge Wells developer Decimus Property. The application has been submitted to Wealden District Council, and includes an ancillary restaurant, 80 parking spaces for the hotel and 30 parking spaces for Costa. Director Gary Grant said he hopes the council will make its decision by December, and plans to begin construction next spring if approval is granted. The scheme is expected to be completed early the following year. Whitbread did own both Premier Inn and Costa, but is selling the latter to Coca-Cola. The idea is that the hotel and coffee drive thru will then lease the properties back off Decimus once the project is fully completed.
BROTHERS IN ARMS: The family-owned Tunbridge Wells travel firm Baldwins has picked up another trophy after being named Leisure Travel Agent of the Year (South) at an industry award ceremony. Nick, Chris and Ron Marks, together with six Baldwins team members, attended the Advantage Travel Partnership awards ceremony at the Hilton Southbank Hotel in London.
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Another accolade for AV Trinity financial planner FINANCIAL advice firm AV Trinity, which has offices on Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells, is proud to announce that chartered financial planner Julie Lavers has been named Retirement Planner of the Year at the Women in Financial Advice Awards. The awards, held in London, were judged by a panel of 30 top professionals within the finance sector, and Ms Lavers’ win comes hard on the heels of her being awarded the status of Accredited Pension Specialist by family law organisation Resolution.
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Tunbridge Wells toasts CAMRA as festival goes full steam ahead MORE than 3,000 people flocked to the Spa Valley Railway Station over the weekend to take part in one of the highlights of the Tunbridge Wells social calendar. The annual West Kent CAMRA SPA Valley Railway Beer and Cider Festival, now in its eighth year, showcased around 175 beverages, ranging from local craft ales, to specialist Belgium lagers and seasonal green hop beers.
Yardstick Live entertainment and music greeted those who came along to ‘sample’ the tipples, while a variety of food stalls ensured those looking to indulge throughout the day did not have to rely solely on a liquid lunch for sustenance.
Those not content with hanging out in one place were able to hitch a ride on one of the Spa Valley’s classic locomotives to take part in smaller festival events taking place along the line at High Rocks, Groombridge and Eridge. West Kent CAMRA secretary Carole Dalgleish said this year’s event was so successful it will ‘set the yardstick’ for all future events. “We definitely had more people this year than last and even the Sunday, which is usually quiet, was pretty busy. “There was a lovely atmosphere, with people coming from all over to take part. We had guests from London, the north and Europe visiting, so the festival really does help boost tourism in the town. “It was the best event we have had yet in our eight years running it.”
PHOTOS: Rose Bainbridge Photography
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Christmas shoebox appeal seeks gifts for children around the world By Andy Tong HUNDREDS of volunteers from churches and schools around Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are looking forward to another successful Operation Christmas Child this winter. Last year, local residents sent in more than 40,000 shoeboxes full of gifts for children living in difficult circumstances in Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Helen Taylor, of Anglefix in Tonbridge, will be coordinating volunteers in the warehouse this Christmas. She said: “Last year 600 fantastic local people helped sort shoeboxes from all over Kent and Sussex and load them on to lorries. Do come and join us. The location will be posted on our Facebook group, OCC West Kent, soon. But even more, please pack shoeboxes so that as many
children as possible can know the meaning of Christmas and that they are loved and not forgotten. Many of the children receiving the gift-filled shoeboxes will have never received a gift before.” Operation Christmas Child, organised by Samaritan’s Purse, hopes to collect enough gifts to reach 11 million children in more than 100 countries. The world’s largest project of its kind, it has delivered more than 157 million shoebox gifts since 1993. Gift suggestions include toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Special decorative preprinted boxes and free resources are available from the website, which will also show the nearest location where you can drop off your shoebox between November 1-18. Visit operationchristmaschild.org.uk If you would like to volunteer, email: contact@occwestkent.onmicrosoft.com
NOTHING LIKE THE PRESENT: Volunteers at the warehouse helping to sort the shoeboxes last year
McQueen travel back in time to help Alzheimer’s research
HAIRDRESSERS McQueen Hair & Beauty raised £1,380 for Alzheimer’s Research UK after holding a Seventies Day at its premises in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells. The salon’s Lizzie Bennett said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in our seventies-themed charity event, and our clients and neighbours for making all the delicious cakes. “Your generosity helped us raise a whopping £1,380. We are overwhelmed. And we would also like to acknowledge the businesses for their donations to support our amazing raffle prizes.” The contributors included: Blackboys Inn, Cook, Lakeland, ASK, Aga, Indigo, Giggling Squid, Lime, Fenwick, Body Shop, Foodies, John Lewis, Mark Cross Inn, Bannatyne, Nevill Crest & Gun, Mark Cross Garden Centre, Resin Bonded Uckfield, Staverton Nursery, Hobby Craft, A21 Diner,
Waitrose Heathfield, Sainsbury’s Heathfield, Trading 4 U, Guinot, Capital Suppliers, Ryman, Neal & Wolf, Delilah, Hop Bine, Little Bull.
BIG HAIR: Rolling back the years at McQueen’s
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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Long distance runner comes home to support charities with Halloween ball A RUNNER who pledged to complete ten marathons in different countries to raise money for charities is holding a Halloween ball in her old home town of Tunbridge Wells. Jessica Standley has almost completed her challenge after a whistlestop tour of eight destinations: New York, Dublin, London, Berlin, Florence, Barcelona, Vienna and Budapest. But while a stress fracture put her endurance test on hold, the 32 year old decided to put the time to good use by organising a black tie ball which she hopes will push her £10,000 fundraising target over the finish line. “Initially I said I would run one marathon, then it became ten,” she said. “My friends and family think I’m mad. “I’ve been out for about five months with injury, and two or three months of that has meant no running at all, but I always knew I’d complete the challenge, even if it took me a bit longer than planned. Jessica, a lawyer who specialises in helping survivors of abuse, will split the money between WheelPower, which helps disabled people get into sport, and the National Association of People Abused in Childhood [NAPAC]. “When you’re doing THIRSTY long runs you can feel WORK great one minute and Jessica like you can’t carry on completes the next – but I always the Budapest remind myself of Marathon my reason why,
and that keeps me motivated,” she said. “Both WheelPower and NAPAC are relatively small but incredibly important charities – and I know how much this means to them.” Jessica grew up in Tunbridge Wells, where many of her family and friends still live. The black tie ball will be held this Saturday [October 27] at Nevill Golf Club. The inspirational guest speaker will be Paula Craig, MBE, a detective inspector in the Metropolitan Police. Ms Craig became the first woman to complete the London Marathon as a runner, and again as a wheelchair user after a road traffic accident left her paralysed from the waist down. Comedian Stephen Owen will be compering for the evening, which is sponsored by Beau Property. There will also be a raffle and auction with Centre Court tickets for Wimbledon and lunch at the House of Lords among the prizes. Tickets cost £75 per person or £750 for a table of ten. If you would like to attend the dinner, please email: 10marathons 10countries@ gmail.com To sponsor Jessica, search for fundraiser Jessica Standley at virginmoneygiving.com
Tranquil waters: Bewl jetty picture wins photo contest WALK THE PLANK Lena Bruce’s image of the jetty at Bewl
THIS stunning image of Bewl Water was judged to be the best photograph taken of the reservoir during the summer. Lena Bruce captured this shot of the jetty and still waters. and was crowned the inaugural winner of the Best of Bewl Water competition. It is on display at the venue’s Waterfront Café.
Prize Budding photographers are invited to submit their best pictures taken during each season. The autumn competition will run from November 1 to January 31. Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer of
Bewl’s owners Markerstudy Leisure, said: “If you’re venturing out for a leisurely walk or bike ride, or you just want to sit by the water for while, make sure you remember your camera and you could be the proud owner of the winning picture.” The prize for the best photo is a three-course meal and a house drink for two at the Boat House Bistro on the banks of the reservoir. An enlarged canvas of the next winning entry will go on display at Bewl Water, will be seen on social media and will be featured in the Times. Entries can be sent via email and social media, using the hashtag #bestofbewlwater To find out how to enter, visit bewlwater.co.uk
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Natasha’s Law on food labelling set to start next year STRICTER food labelling laws prompted by the death of a teenager who ate a Pret A Manger sandwich could be in place by next summer. The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse met with Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who told them he wanted ‘Natasha’s Law’ to be introduced next year. The 15-year-old from West London collapsed on board a flight to Nice in 2016 after eating a sandwich she bought at Heathrow Airport containing sesame seeds, to which she was allergic. She died later in hospital. Natasha’s father Nadim said: “I think we are moving to a tipping point, a really crucial point... a fundamental point for things to actually change in society, for people to become conscious in their conversations and their thoughts about allergies.” Mr Gove told the couple a full review would happen between now and Christmas, followed by a consultation, and that he ‘sees no reason’ why the new legislation could not be in place by summer – three years after the teenager died. He also said he will expect and advise large companies, such as Pret, to start the labelling ‘as soon as possible’ before the law is fully in place. TIPPING POINT Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse
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150 Tories ask May to stop investigations into veterans
Victims Mrs May’s official spokesperson said: “There is a consultation which has been taking place in relation to this issue. “The purpose of the consultation was to allow everyone a say on the proposals in the 2014 Stormont House Agreement in relation to legacy and how we best move forward.”
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How to stop children playing video games PARENTS wanting to limit the amount of time their children spend playing video games can turn off and monitor devices through a new app. The app pairs with a device that plugs into a computer, PlayStation 4 or XBox console and allows parents to see how much time is spent playing games and immediately shut down screens. Children playing on a games console receive a 10-minute warning that their daily time is nearly up and when that time is reached, the device turns off the screen.
SIGN OF THE TIMES MPs including Sir Michael Fallon present a petition at No 10 MORE than 100 Tory MPs have signed a petition calling on the Prime Minister to drop plans to investigate Northern Ireland military veterans. There has been heavy opposition to potential legal action against soldiers for events linked to the Troubles. A Government consultation paper, Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past, was launched in May on how a historic investigation could be carried out. In a letter to Theresa May, 150 signatories including peers said a new Historical Investigations Unit would put ‘service and security personnel at an exceptional disadvantage’.
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Hawking thesis on sale So far, 16,000 people have responded. In July, more than 30 Tory MPs supported a backbench proposal for a 20-year time limit on reopening cases involving former members of the armed forces who served in Northern Ireland. Earlier this month, a cross-party group of Westminster politicians, including four former Northern Ireland secretaries, urged the current incumbent Karen Bradley to draw a line under the region’s past. Lord Hain and seven other signatories advised prioritising compensation for victims over investigation. The petition follows the arrest of pensioner Dennis Hutchings, a 77-year-old former member of the Life Guards regiment. He is accused in relation to the fatal shooting of a man with learning difficulties in 1974. He is due to stand trial in Belfast charged with attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He denies the charges. John Pat Cunningham, 27, was shot in the back in Co Armagh as he ran away from an Army patrol. His family argued that he ran across a field because he feared men in uniform.
A COPY of a thesis by Professor Stephen Hawking is expected to sell for as much as £150,000 at auction. The work is among personal items from the cosmologist’s estate that are part of an online sale at Christie’s called On the Shoulders of Giants. The items include one of Prof Hawking’s wheelchairs, which will be sold to benefit the Stephen Hawking Foundation and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Bodyguard finale record THE final instalment of the BBC series Bodyguard was the most-watched episode of any drama since records began in 2002. The political thriller, starring Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, was watched by an audience of 17.1million across 28 days, according to Barb’s updated fourscreen measure, which includes data for viewing programmes through online non-TV devices.
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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SOUND THE HORN: A DIGGER driver has unearthed a woolly mammoth tusk while working on a road project. Darren Hickman made the discovery during work to upgrade a 21-mile stretch of the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon. Archaeologists said bones from one woolly mammoth and four woolly rhinos have been found at a quarry in Fenstanton.
Uber increases fares to help fund electric cars across London UBER will raise fares in London to help its drivers buy electric cars. A clean air fee of 15p per mile will be added to trips from early next year. The taxi firm expects this to raise more than £200million, which will be used to help drivers convert to electric cars. A driver using the app for an average of 40 hours per week will be given around £3,000 towards the purchase cost of such a vehicle in two years, or £4,500 in three years. Uber expects the clean air fee to be around 45p for an average trip. It wants 20,000 cars on its app in London to be fully electric by the end of 2021, increasing to every car by 2025. There are currently around 45,000 Uber drivers in the capital. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the plan was part of a ‘trailblazing partnership’ with London to support Mayor Sadiq Khan’s attempts to cut pollution, which is an issue ‘every great city in the world is struggling with’. He added: “It’s our goal to help people replace their car with their phone by offering a range of mobility options – whether cars, bikes, scooters or public transport – all in the Uber app.”
GREENBACK: Uber is looking to raise £200million
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Trump is taking ‘dangerous position’ over nuclear treaty THE Kremlin says President Donald Trump took ‘a dangerous position’ by deciding to abandon an existing nuclear weapons treaty with Russia without offering anything to replace it. As Mr Trump’s national security adviser met Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Putin’s spokesman acknowledged the 1987 arms control deal had ‘weak spots’. But Dmitry Peskov warned Washington against withdrawing from the agreement without proposing improvements or a substitute treaty. “Right now, we don’t have any prospects whatsoever for a new deal,” Mr Peskov said. “It’s important to figure out if it’s possible or not.” Mr Trump restated on Monday his threat to pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty because of alleged Russia violations. He said the United States would start developing the type of ground-launched nuclear
cruise and ballistic missiles the treaty banned until ‘people come to their senses’ and then ‘we’ll all stop’. In Moscow, Mr Peskov said that sacrificing the landmark pact for a hypothetical better deal was ‘a dangerous position’. The treaty was signed by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, prohibiting the US and Russia from possessing, producing or test-flying groundlaunched nuclear cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 300 to 3,400 miles. China was not a party to the original agreement, and Mr Trump said it should be included in the treaty. Mr Bolton had earlier struck a conciliatory note in his talks with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who said ‘even small steps will benefit our relations and help restore trust’.
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Erdogan: Murder planned for days TURKEY’S President has said Saudi officials plotted the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in their Istanbul consulate for several days. Recep Tayyip Erdogan contradicted Saudi Arabia’s explanation that the writer was accidentally killed and demanded that the kingdom reveals the identities of all involved. He revealed that 15 Saudi nationals arrived in Istanbul in three teams, on separate flights, in the days leading up to the murder. A day before the killing, he said, some of them travelled to Belgrad forest near the consulate – an area searched by police looking for the body.
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Dyson opts for Singapore over Brexit Britain ENTREPRENEUR Sir James Dyson has courted accusations of hypocrisy after it was announced his eponymous company would be manufacturing its new electric cars in Singapore instead of the UK. The firm confirmed to staff on yesterday (October 23) that the company’s board has ratified the decision to construct its first ‘advanced automotive manufacturing’ facility in the Asian country. The factory is scheduled for completion in 2020 and is part of a £2.5 billion global investment drive in new technology. Dyson is aiming to launch its electric vehicles in 2021.
Complex However, the move could prove controversial given that the company’s billionaire chairman and founder, is an outspoken proponent of Brexit. The technology tycoon took heavy fire following the announcement, with former business secretary and Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable laying into him. “It’s strange Brexiteer James Dyson has so little faith in the prospect of the UK leaving the EU that
he is manufacturing his electric cars in Asia. “It’s not as if Singapore is even a low cost location, but this is a sign of the spectre that Brexit has cast over the UK’s business environment.” Dyson chief executive Jim Rowan defended the company, saying: “The decision of where to make our car is complex, based on supply chains, access to markets, and the availability of the expertise that will help us achieve our ambitions.
Enduring appeal of Potter helps boost Bloomsbury book sales BLOOMSBURY Publishing brought in higher sales during the first half of the year as books for grown-ups stole the spotlight from the everpopular Harry Potter series. Total revenues were up four per cent to £75.3 million in the six months to August 31, a period that is typically weaker for publishers due to the lack of Christmas sales and the timing of the academic year. Pre-tax profits were broadly flat at £1.6m due to the acquisition of independent publisher I.B. Tauris. Excluding one-off costs, adjusted pre-tax profits
rose 13 per cent. Bloomsbury benefited from the enduring appeal of the Harry Potter titles, sales of which grew five per cent in the period. Excluding the boy wizard, children’s book sales were nine per cent lower year on year, however, due to fewer releases from fantasy author Sarah J. Maas. Growth in the adult division was faster, jumping 22 per cent to £15.9 million as readers snapped up titles from the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Reni Eddo-Lodge, and Stuart Turton.
“Our existing footprint and team in Singapore, combined with the nation’s significant advanced manufacturing expertise, made it a frontrunner. “Singapore also offers access to high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. “Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.” The firm was keen to stress its commitment to Britain, pointing out that it is investing £200 million in new buildings and testing facilities at its campus at Hullavington Airfield. The company bought the disused airfield two years ago and has already renovated two hangars at the 517-acre site. Dyson employs more than 12,000 people across the world, with 4,800 working in the UK. The company, best known for its vacuum cleaners and other domestic appliances, revealed last year that it has been working on developing an electric vehicle. In non-consumer, Bloomsbury announced a deal with accountancy regulatory body the ICAEW to provide members with a subscription to its online tax and financial reporting content. Chief executive Nigel Newtons said: “These strong results, following our excellent results for the interim and full year last year, demonstrates the underlying strength, resilience and further potential of our strategy.” Top titles for Christmas are expected to include the new edition of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard illustrated by Chris Riddell, The Restless Girls by Jessie Burton and Tom Kerridge’s Fresh Start. Analysts said the outlook for the company was positive. “A good start to the year is an important basis for full-year delivery,” said Malcolm Morgan at Peel Hunt.
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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RBS sets up a £2 billion small firms fund facility ROYAL Bank of Scotland is setting aside £2 billion to help small businesses navigate the myriad issues they are expected to face because of Brexit. The cash is being made available through NatWest and will support companies with export or import trade with the EU, those with a reliance on the EU labour markets and those exposed to foreign exchange movements. RBS said the money will help firms deal with supply chain issues and any financial risks that could potentially arise from the UK’s departure from the EU.
Tie up for new venture LLOYDS Banking Group and investment giant Schroders have joined forces to create a new wealth management venture. The deal will see Lloyds merge its £13 billion wealth management arm into the new entity, which would be 50.1 per cent owned by the lender. As part of the tie-up, Schroders will take on £80 billion of an investment management contract from Scottish Widows, which is owned by Lloyds.
More homes marketed THE choice of properties available on the market increased to its widest levels in two and a half years in September according to estate agents, as buyers and sellers look to do deals before Christmas. Across the UK, an average of 46 properties were available per branch in September. This was the highest figure since March 2016 the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Propertymark said.
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG We hope to offer a full range of care in one place, not close surgeries
GROWING PAINS The CCG wants to tackle a range of issues, not just health I was delighted to see that I have been ranked in the top ten of this year’s The Power List [October 10 and So Magazine]. As your piece suggests, it is true that NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG] is undertaking a variety of innovations, including the creation of Urgent Treatment Centres at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. But our innovation and vision goes much further. It is well known that the population in West Kent is growing and ageing. We are seeing an increasing number of people with frailties who are at risk of dramatic changes in their physical and mental wellbeing. Equally, many people of all ages need support with a complex range of issues, including health but also, potentially,
It’s hard to know whose news is fake David Jukes, the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, couldn’t be further from the truth when he accused me of waging a ‘Donald Trump fake news job’ in the Mail on Sunday. I take great care to ensure my arguments and points are based on the available facts. Meanwhile, from the Mail’s article, Cllr Jukes appears to believe 5,000 or more residents of the borough have a view across Calverley Grounds from their home. I’ve not noticed more than a handful of properties with a view of the park, or is this his future vision for Calverley Grounds? Our Leader has also been quoted as saying the following about Mace, the lead contractor for his pet £90million project: “If they can build the Shard on time and on budget, I am sure they can do a similar thing with the project we have of Calverley Square.” A quick bit of research will reveal that this is completely false, or should I call it fake news? Cllr Nicholas Pope, Tunbridge Wells Alliance
Council Leader is being ‘vicious’, too Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Leader, David Jukes, calling those people against the vanity project NIMBYs just shows how insecure he is over the project. He really does not understand why so many people are against it. I do not live near Calverley Grounds, so I am not a NIMBY, but I am very much against the project because it will cost us council tax payers
employment and housing. That’s why, after discussion with the public and our partners, we are now looking at the concept of local care hubs, where people with complex health problems could potentially see a whole range of professionals about different aspects of their care in a single visit. It’s very important to understand these services are not a replacement for surgeries; they are additional centres. Smaller rural practices will not be closed down as a result. These hubs could be the way for people to receive the physical, mental, social and wellbeing advice and care that they need, in one place. Dr Bob Bowes Chair, NHS West Kent CCG
use the parks? Why can’t they just negotiate a proper waste collection contract to include all recyclables like most other councils do? In this day and age we are all having to do more for less. I have first-hand experience of this, working in a service industry. I will gladly offer the negotiation services of my four-year-old daughter as she has a particular skill in this. Or better still, the council could opt for a more progressive policy by charging for landfill waste collection instead. In our household of four I have got my green bin waste down to one black bag every fortnight. We need to encourage more compostable and recyclable waste and penalise the damaging landfill waste. Think globally, act locally. Jon Pollatos Tunbridge Wells
Perpetuate the myth that all is Wells “If we are not careful Tunbridge Wells will end up looking like Croydon,” says David Wright, Chairman of the Civic Society. Looking at the centre of the town, many would argue that this could be a step forward. Perhaps Mr Wright could provide us with a list of those other towns he thinks Tunbridge Wells is a ‘cut above’. It’s this sort of public pronouncement that perpetuates the image of snooty Tunbridge Wells; some people are just a bit too full of themselves, and have an inflated view of the town’s uniqueness. Hugh Masters Pembury
Cycle path with all the trimmings over £90million and saddle us with a crippling debt over decades. It is all right for Cllr Jukes because he lives in Crowborough, and so the cost and the debt won’t affect him. Those of us against the project are not running a ‘vicious and dirty’ campaign, as he puts it. It seems he himself is running a personal campaign against Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s new councillor, Nick Pope. Is that because Cllr Pope ousted one of his fellow Conservative councillors in the last election? It seems Cllr Jukes himself is running a ‘vicious’ campaign against those that oppose the project. There is only one answer to resolve all this bad feeling and that is to allow local council tax payers to vote on this in a referendum. However, he won’t do this because I am sure he knows what the result will be. Lionel Hanmore Tunbridge Wells
Wasting the chance to get it right Regarding the refuse contract renewal and optin charge for garden waste collection, I feel that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have missed an opportunity for a more modern policy. The inclusion of a glass recycling collection is welcomed, but their argument for charging for garden waste – that it doesn’t penalise people without a garden – doesn’t stack up. What if I’m not a bookworm and don’t use the library? Or what if I’m an agoraphobic and don’t
Inspired by a grumpy letter in the Times, I tried out the new cycle route from Tonbridge to Pembury. The excellent route is segregated from traffic, wide, well-surfaced, and easy to follow. Pembury has several establishments offering very decent Sunday lunches (I can vouch for the carvery at the Camden Arms Hotel), leaving me well fortified for the ride home. I can highly recommend the excursion. Perhaps if the planners had had the foresight to include cycle lanes in the High Street more people would cycle through Tonbridge rather than drive, and there wouldn’t be nose-to-tail traffic from one end of the town to the other quite so frequently. Ken Eames Tonbridge
I want government with no excuses James Robertson [October 3] may be assured that it was no claim that I thought carefully about voting Leave but a fact – I did. Having the Irish tail wagging the English dog, worrying about the Scots, who have already clearly voted against independence, or the status of our independent nuclear deterrent are all secondary considerations to having a sovereign Parliament answerable to the people and not using Brussels as its standard excuse for inaction and incompetence. Now to remove our pseudo-Leave BRINO [Brexit in name only] government! Tim Pendry Via email
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
SOLD FOR £100
SOLD FOR £400
CLARK V JUKES HOW can you put a value on local politicians? The mischievous answer is when you stage a charity auction. Calverley happened to be at such an event when the top two prizes came under the hammer: Tea at the House of Commons with our highly regarded, esteemed MP Greg Clark; or lunch at the House of Commons with the Leader of TW Borough Council, David Jukes. First up was Master Greg, who went for £100. Next came Cllr Jukes. Calverley opened the bidding at a fiver. No chance. Sitting down with Cllr Jukes over lunch and his favourite red plonk eventually went for £400. Mind you, he has been top of our local Power List for three years, as he is quick to remind people.
SOMETIMES with kids you just can’t win. A friend of Calverley has been trying to encourage his teenage son to play his part in the upkeep of the family mansion and mow the lawn (it’s actually little more than the size of a handkerchief). Anyway, to encourage the young man, his dad left £10 as a reward for his efforts. On arriving home, the father noticed the lawn had not been touched but the money had gone. When questioned later, the son explained: “I really was going to get the mower out but then it looked as though it might rain and I didn’t want to get wet.” It did not rain.
IT’S the little things that make life so sweet. Like popping into Waitrose and buying two bananas for 34p. (Regulars will know that Calverley is highlighting the policy of the supermarket to charge 35p for a single banana without warning anyone with a notice; so always buy at least a couple.) Mind you, Himself noticed the other day that to buy a single banana at a local hospital shop would cost you 56p!
CALVERLEY is not normally a big fan of Mr Quentin Letts, who writes a Commons notebook for the Daily Mail. However, his description of our Prime Minister, Theresa, is worthy of repeating. He refers to her as Madam Glumbucket. Alternative suggestions on a postcard, please. Or email. Chin Chin, readers
Education
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Colourful day helps cancer research Tonbridge School has been ‘in the pink’ to show its support for Breast Cancer Now this October BOYS throughout Tonbridge School donned a variety of eye-catching clothing, including onesies, leggings, wigs and bonnets, for its annual Pink Day, held earlier this month. Teachers and support staff also joined in with the spirit of the day and sported pink attire in order to increase awareness of the disease, and raise funds which will support vital research into improving cancer survival rates for all. To spread the message even further, staff tied pink bows and ribbons to school buildings, trees
and signposts, and flew a huge pink flag with the message ‘Supporting Breast Cancer Now’. This year’s Pink Day was launched in a school assembly by Paul Ridd, a biology teacher at Tonbridge, who has experienced the effects of breast cancer within his own family. He explained how, thanks to research, treatments are improving all the time, and how increasing numbers of cancers are curable if spotted at an early stage. The Tonbridge School Centre also hosted a coffee morning for Pink Day, which included a raffle and a bring-and-buy cake sale.
‘Boys donned a variety of eye-catching clothing, including onesies, leggings, wigs and bonnets’
Record Juliet Burnett, the school’s Community Action Manager, said: “Pink Day is very popular among the boys. It’s a special occasion when the whole school gets involved, and it’s a fun way to promote a serious message. We expect to raise well over £2,000 and to beat our previous record sum.” Pink Day is one of several key charitable events that boys are encouraged to get involved in throughout the year. Others include a sleep out in aid of the charity Porchlight, music concerts for senior citizens, events to support street children in Sri Lanka, and the Whole School Community Day, when boys work on a range of local projects. To make a donation and for more information, visit: breastcancernow.org
DRESS FOR SUCCESS Pink Day is expected to raise more than £2,000
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NEWS
Weekly Comment
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Ben Chapelard Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’
Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Chapelard has represented St James’ ward since 2010. He is the Leader of the Opposition on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Over the summer he was the first to announce he will be standing at the next general election in 2022
Why we marched… SATURDAY 20th October was a momentous day! Tunbridge Wells In supporters and local Lib Dems took to the streets of central London as part of the 700,000 strong crowd demanding a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal. I was one of many people who felt compelled to march for the very first time. Bbut what was it about this cause that motivated us to speak out? The consequences of Brexit are potentially so damaging for our country that passionate remainers felt they had to stand up and be counted and boy were they determined to have their say! I witnessed protesters visibly struggling on crutches, people in wheelchairs, parents carrying young babies and some very elderly people too, it was truly inspirational! As reality sets in, Brexit has not turned out as the Leave campaign promised. The ease of negotiations and their sunny uplands have failed to materialise. Amongst the chaos people are getting frustrated with politicians’ point scoring rather speaking out in the national interest. By having a People’s Vote the electorate would become the referee of the negotiations. The Leave campaign like to refute the argument that no one knew what they were voting for in the first referendum. The fact of the matter is that,
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
RERUN Protesters demand another referendum
whether you voted to leave or to remain, what Brexit looks like in practice was not was written in black and white on the ballot paper. Here are some options for a post-Brexit Britain: trade in the single market and customs union, be a member of the European Economic Area or European Free Trade Area or do business under WTO rules. All these scenarios are possible as a non-member of the EU. Which one should it be? Which one was on the ballot paper? None!
‘Eton Mess’ Democracy, in my opinion, should be a continuous conversation, especially given the lack of clarity on the type of Brexit presented to the electorate in the referendum two years ago. Furthermore, Mrs May’s deal looks like it will be no better than the worst option possible. What if the country has simply changed its mind? As facts rather than fanciful fiction emerge, enthusiasm for Brexit may well be cooling. Brexit is too important to be left to Parliament. MPs such as our current MP, Greg Clark, will simply be told which way to vote by their respective parties and they will do as they are told. No doubt Mr Clark will obediently vote as he is in-
structed to, despite our constituency having voted Remain as his loyalty to his party will prevail. Once the Prime Minister has completed her negotiations we will know what the reality of Brexit looks like and this must be put to the people to accept or to reject - that to me is what real democracy looks like. If indeed Brexit à la Theresa May is such a good deal then the people will surely back her.
I saw some brilliant banners on the march but there was one that summed up perfectly for me what could be our Brexit fate. It read, “never have so many lost so much to satisfy so few”. Another banner simply read ‘Eton Mess,’ but don’t get me started on that one! Demand better mes amis. Write to your MP and demand a People’s vote on Brexit!
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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TO BEST-BUY PR OPERTIES, TOP TRENDS, LE TTINGS & NEW HOMES
Award-winning Arts & Crafts home
with a secret endless swim spa pool Page 23
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DISCOVER A CLASS-ACT KITCHEN
39
FOCUS ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Gothic hideaway
at the heart of Tunbridge Wells Common Page 22
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FOCUS ON THE LETTINGS MARKET
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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Best For...
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Best property buys for... We all love to see properties with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden or something else. Here we home in on the specific aspects that make these particular properties stand out An enchanting, detached 6-bedroom period house in a wonderful setting at the end of Cabbage Stalk Lane at the heart of Tunbridge Wells Common. Outstanding features include Gothic-style windows, exposed timbers and beams and fireplaces.
The DRAWING ROOM…
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST ■ Reception hall ■ Drawing room with square bay leaded light window featuring stained glass inserts, plus a Minster stone-surround open fireplace ■ Sitting room with open fireplace ■ Dining room with a window seat
The Cottage
The Common Tunbridge Wells
■ Large, L-shaped kitchen/ breakfast room with custom-built dresser-style units
£1,375,000
■ One of the bedrooms boasts a striking, high vaulted, beamed ceiling
CONTACT
• Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk
Westwood Road
Rusthall, Nr Tunbridge Wells
£515,000-£530,000 CONTACT
• Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A superbly presented 4-bedroom home offering a stylish interior complemented by a landscaped rear garden with an Indian Sandstone patio. Plus the benefit of an external Home Office at the rear. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
■ Reception room with chimney breast ■ Family/dining room with vaulted ceiling, a decorative brick fireplace with bressumer beam, and doors to garden ■ Large kitchen/breakfast room ■ 2 bathrooms with roll-top baths ■ Low-maintenance garden with home office
■ Superb conservatory
The GARDEN…
■ Attractive gardens ■ Sussex barn-style double garage ■ About 0.659 acres
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The PRICE…
The KITCHEN…
Hertford Place
High Street, Tunbridge Wells
£335,000 CONTACT
• Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
Hollin House
Court Road, Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE
£2,750,000
An impressive, renovated 6-bedroom Edwardian Arts & Crafts home. Includes an architect-designed bold glazed extension which was shortlisted for the RIBA South East Region Awards in 2014.
CONTACT
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
• Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk
n Freestanding Hansen Walnut kitchen open to breakfast/dining room with a vaulted ceiling
A charming 2-bedroom flat in the heart of the town centre, being located in Tunbridge Wells High Street above an elegant clothes store. Ideally placed for the mainline station, too. n Master suite with vaulted ceiling n Chadder & Co luxury bathrooms n Feature glass upper walkway n Large decked terrace which slides back to reveal an endless swim spa pool n Private use of Molyneux Park Gardens
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Stripped wooden floors n Sitting/dining room including attractive feature fireplace with cast iron surround n Kitchen with double doors to sitting room, together with its own breakfast bar n Stylish modern bathroom n Garage parking inside gated entrance
The ORANGERY…
Withyam Road, Nr Hartfield
£825,000 CONTACT
• Belvoir Tunbridge Wells • 01892 615333 • belvoir.co.uk
Havering Close Tunbridge Wells
£865,000 CONTACT
• Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk A spacious, well arranged, 5-bedroom family house in a highly regarded cul-desac on the edge of town consisting of just 12 houses built by Millwood Homes.
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Sitting room featuring an open fireplace with decorative tiled hearth, a square bay window and doors to orangery n Dining room with doors to orangery n Study with internal window to orangery n Orangery with underfloor heating and bifold doors to garden
A delightful 3-double-bedroom property on a rural plot belonging to a farmhouse. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Lounge with vaulted ceiling and Velux roof windows with integrated rain sensors n Beautiful duck-egg blue kitchen n Luxury conservatory with air-conditioning n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Gardens
n Kitchen/breakfast room with external door
n Dry original stables for exterior storage
n Well-screened garden and terrace
n Double car port and plenty of parking
n Double garage
n Fire and security alarm system and CCTV
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EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk FairlawnFOR Manor
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
AT A GLANCE
UNDER OFFER
FAIRLAWN MANOR EAST STREET, MAYFIELD ■ Modern 6-bedroom executive country home built around 2005 ■ Entrance hall and 2 cloakrooms ■ Large triple-aspect drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Family room ■ Study ■ Large kitchen/breakfast room with central console and utility room ■ Conservatory accessed via both the kitchen and dining rooms ■ Master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom ■ 5 further bedrooms (3 en suite) ■ Family bathroom ■ Gardens with patio ■ Detached 3-bay Heritage garage ■ A plot of just under half an acre
GUIDE PRICE
£1,175,000
Contact • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk
The lord or lady of the manor can enjoy all the mod cons on fringes of quaint village
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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N EW HO MES
Londoners sold on the idea of living well in Tunbridge Wells By Sarah Bond sarah.bond@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
A
MID the rising fears about street crime and pollution in the capital, Londoners and commuters were given a glossy taste of a far more wholesome life in Tunbridge Wells last week, which for many came as a breath of fresh air. Estate agents Savills, who hosted the gathering, revealed that a high percentage of their buyers in Tunbridge Wells work in London, with 70 per cent of those buying homes for more than £1million. And guests heard how, over the next five years, owners in the region could well see more value added to their properties than those in London.
Lavish The event was held at Savills’ West End headquarters in Margaret Street to persuade a variety of guests of the lifestyle benefits of moving to the royal spa town, which was built after consumptive Londoner Lord North discoverd the Chalybeate spring in 1606.
Royal Wells Park He soon spread the word back in London about the spring’s amazing healing properties, and the rest is, literally, history. The agents showcased the large and lavish Berkeley Homes development Royal Wells Park, which has been built on the site of the old Kent & Sussex Hospital on Mount Ephraim. It offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom houses, with prices starting at £300,000 for apartments and £600,000 for houses. Tunbridge Wells is a regular favourite in
surveys about top places to live and quality of life, so this was one estate agent ‘sell’ that promised to be a breeze. Tom Bryant, who is based at the Sevenoaks branch and is Savills’ Head of Residential Development Sales in the South East, said: “Over 60 per cent of buyers who have purchased properties in Tunbridge Wells from Savills cited London as their place of employment, with that figure rising to 70 per cent for properties purchased for over £1million. “Tunbridge Wells, being within easy reach of
London by rail and the motorway network, is becoming increasingly popular with commuters seeking a better quality of life outside the capital. “The town, which was recently named as runner-up in a poll of the top ten family zones to live in London and the home counties by The Evening Standard, benefits from a wealth of excellent private and state education. This has led to many families moving out of London to live within the catchment areas of its highly-rated grammar schools and popular faith schools.” He added that their guests were very keen to find out more about moving to Tunbridge Wells. “With a wealth of entertainment, high-end shopping and bars and restaurants on the doorstep, including The Ivy and Thackerays, Tunbridge Wells is an exceptional place to live – and with a journey time to London Bridge from only 43 minutes by train, it offers an easy commute and a superb quality of life for the whole family. “A number of attendees were keen to visit Royal Wells Park in person to experience for themselves what Tunbridge Wells can offer. It was a very positive evening.” The latest Savills research into the Tunbridge Wells property market offered insights for relocaters and investors on the current financial performance and outlook, and how the South East is expected to be a more attractive proposition for adding value to property than London over the next five years.
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Property Focus
Property Focus
LET TI N GS
Farmcombe Road Tunbridge Wells
and within walking distance of the mainline station, High Street and The Pantiles.
TO LET
£2,500 pcm CONTACT:
• Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
Market Place Close
Station Road Goudhurst, Nr Cranbrook TO LET
£1,750 pcm
CONTACT
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Gated development n Cranbrook School catchment area n Spacious reception room with French doors to garden n Open-plan kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room and cloakroom
• Savills Tunbridge Wells Lettings n Master bedroom with en suite n 2 further double bedrooms • 01892 507050 •savills.co.uk A brand new 3-bedroom family home which is part of an exclusive gated development within the desirable Cranbrook School catchment area.
n 2 bathrooms fitted with Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware n Good-sized landscaped garden with sandstone patio n Driveway and garage
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Close to Claremont Primary School n 2 reception rooms n Stunning, very large kitchen and dining area with direct access to garden and terrace
A fabulous, fully renovated n Large garden, which is 4-bedroom detached family home in a desirable area near being reseeded to Claremont Primary School, n Driveway parking
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Ministers under pressure to lower cap on private rent deposits in new Bill A CAP on deposits paid by tenants should be limited to four weeks’ rent rather than the six proposed by the government, ministers have been told. The call came during the second House of Lords reading of the Tenant Fees Bill, which will also ban letting fees for renters as part of a raft of reforms to the private rental market. The government says the aim of the legislation is to make renting properties in England fairer and more affordable by reducing the upfront costs faced by tenants. Housing minister Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth told peers: “It will ensure that tenants will no longer be stung by hidden costs, saving renters an estimated £240million within the first year alone.” He also stressed that the plan to cap deposits in the private lettings sector to the equivalent of six weeks’ rent was ‘an upper limit and not a recommendation’. “We expect landlords to find an appropriate level on a case-by-case basis, and we will provide guidance to this effect.” However, while welcoming the Bill, opposition spokesman Lord Kennedy of Southwark raised a series of concerns, including the proposed limit for the refundable tenancy deposit. He said: “I would prefer it to be set at four weeks, which is the level at which I believe the Prime Minister first indicated it would be set when announcing the policy some years ago.” Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Grender said she would be pressing to reduce the cap. “The suggested six weeks would mean that renters in England will still have to find an average of more than £1,100,” she said.
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Talking tough
Gregg Wallace reveals why he’s taking to the stage
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Mastering the art of getting out of
the kitchen and on to the stage
TV’s Gregg Wallace brings his new live show ‘Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This’ to Trinity Theatre this Friday [October 26]. James Rampton catches up with the MasterChef presenter to hear all about it
G NOT SO TOUGH AFTER ALL… Desite the show’s title, Gregg (right) loves appearing live and is full of laughs when telling his tales
Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
REGG WALLACE modestly describes himself as ‘a spoon for hire’, but he is doing himself a disservice. As his millions of TV fans will testify, he is in fact a highly charismatic man with enough star wattage to power the kitchen of every restaurant in London. To emphasise the point, Gregg is embarking on his first solo tour – named ‘Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This’ after his catchphrase on the immensely popular BBC One cooking competition, MasterChef. After just a few warm-up gigs, he has already taken to live performance like a duck – or should that be a duck à l’orange – to water. After getting an extremely
positive reaction to the after-dinner speaking that he was doing at charity functions, Gregg wondered if he had a live show in him. So he took some ideas to a promoter who immediately told him: “Mate, that’s a show.” Gregg, 53, takes up the story. “I did four trial dates. Sometimes I played in front of only 40 people, but I absolutely loved it. “My agent sat at the back and at the end said to me: ‘You’re obviously having a whale of a time!’” That’s the key to Gregg’s appeal. Whether he is performing to ten million viewers on MasterChef or to an audience of one (me) over
breakfast in a central London café, he is utterly mesmerising. People are irresistibly attracted to his sheer effervescence, his lust for life and his endlessly sparkly personality. He possesses the magnetism to draw all the iron filings in the country towards him. Which is exactly why his live shows are proving so popular. In fact, I would advise you to book early, because tickets are already flying off the shelves.
Rugby It is a delight to spend an hour in his company. Gregg is really fun to be around, bubbling with good humour. At one point, for instance, he interrupts the interview to ask me: “Do you want to see an impression?” He throws a blueberry across the table at me, before deadpanning: “Chuck Berry.” The Peckhamborn former greengrocer doesn’t take
himself at all seriously – always a very appealing quality. For instance, he displays a very lighthearted attitude when filming. Gregg reveals that on the set of MasterChef “I often say to the cameraman: ‘Just press the on button’. He replies: ‘Just pick up your spoon and eat things!’” Gregg, who has a son and a daughter, goes on to fantasise about unfulfilled ambitions, which include having a cameo in EastEnders. “Could I turn up as Gregg Wallace? Could I appear out of the blue at Christmas? Would I be looking for my real father? Might there be someone on EastEnders I was married to that I had forgotten all about?” It is this really cheerful, irrepressible sense of bonhomie that will win audiences over when Gregg performs Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This. The presenter, who also fronted Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Inside the Factory and Eat Well For Less, confesses that he simply can’t wait to hit the road. Gregg, a passionate rugby fan who has gained two coaching badges in the game, explains the complete rush that he has experienced thus far when performing live: “I have played rugby very badly all my life, but I’ve never played in front of
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
more than a couple of grandads and an Alsatian. “However, when I came on stage during the warm-up gigs and said: ‘I don’t know if you should be honoured or dismayed to be here’, the audience cheered.” He continues: “When that happened, I thought ‘This must be what it’s like to be a rugby international’. I got an enormous buzz, and I don’t think I landed for the next 24 hours.
‘You instantly know whether people think you’re funny or not… The reaction when they laugh is huge. I didn’t expect that sort of thrill’ “At that moment, if I could have gone out into the auditorium and cuddled every single member of the audience, I would have done!” What is great about live performance, Gregg says, is that: “You instantly know whether people think you’re funny or not. “The reaction when they laugh is huge. I didn’t expect that sort of thrill. “I much prefer the sound of laughter to silence. Even if you make a point on stage that’s clever, what does clever sound like? I know what funny sounds like, but I couldn’t tell the difference between clever and really bored!” That buzz is a gift that keeps on giving, Gregg adds: “You don’t want to go to bed after the show. It’s no good driving home. You want to go to the bar to keep the excitement going. “I’ve got to be careful. I don’t want to drink myself into an early grave during the tour!” Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This also plays to one of Gregg’s other great assets – he’s a brilliant people person. “In a lot of my roles on TV – MasterChef, Eat Well For Less and Inside the Factory – the subject matter is people. That’s what they use me for – to chat to people. I think that will be my strength on stage.”
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Gregg, who lives on the Kent coast with his wife Anne-Marie, proceeds to give an example. “People feel they can talk to me. They don’t feel threatened by me. If a contributor is nervous before filming on Inside the Factory, ten minutes before the cameras roll, the producers say to me, ‘Go and talk to him, Gregg’. In the show Gregg will cover love, marriage, hair and weight loss, and will discuss his background, outlining how he rose from being a greengrocer to one of Britain’s leading TV presenters, and how he copes with fame. He will also be providing lots of behind-thescenes anecdotes about MasterChef and looking in detail at what we eat and drink. In short, the show is a celebration of Gregg’s wonderful life and career. “I have decided the best thing is not to be humble but genuinely happy,” he says. “The last 20 years have been absolutely amazing!” Gregg Wallace’s stage show ‘Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This’ is on at Trinity Theatre on Friday, October 26. Tickets cost £19 and it starts at 8pm. For more information, see trinitytheatre.net
Arts & Culture
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
more than a couple of grandads and an Alsatian. “However, when I came on stage during the warm-up gigs and said: ‘I don’t know if you should be honoured or dismayed to be here’, the audience cheered.” He continues: “When that happened, I thought ‘This must be what it’s like to be a rugby international’. I got an enormous buzz, and I don’t think I landed for the next 24 hours.
‘You instantly know whether people think you’re funny or not… The reaction when they laugh is huge. I didn’t expect that sort of thrill’ “At that moment, if I could have gone out into the auditorium and cuddled every single member of the audience, I would have done!” What is great about live performance, Gregg says, is that: “You instantly know whether people think you’re funny or not. “The reaction when they laugh is huge. I didn’t expect that sort of thrill. “I much prefer the sound of laughter to silence. Even if you make a point on stage that’s clever, what does clever sound like? I know what funny sounds like, but I couldn’t tell the difference between clever and really bored!” That buzz is a gift that keeps on giving, Gregg adds: “You don’t want to go to bed after the show. It’s no good driving home. You want to go to the bar to keep the excitement going. “I’ve got to be careful. I don’t want to drink myself into an early grave during the tour!” Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This also plays to one of Gregg’s other great assets – he’s a brilliant people person. “In a lot of my roles on TV – MasterChef, Eat Well For Less and Inside the Factory – the subject matter is people. That’s what they use me for – to chat to people. I think that will be my strength on stage.”
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Gregg, who lives on the Kent coast with his wife Anne-Marie, proceeds to give an example. “People feel they can talk to me. They don’t feel threatened by me. If a contributor is nervous before filming on Inside the Factory, ten minutes before the cameras roll, the producers say to me, ‘Go and talk to him, Gregg’. In the show Gregg will cover love, marriage, hair and weight loss, and will discuss his background, outlining how he rose from being a greengrocer to one of Britain’s leading TV presenters, and how he copes with fame. He will also be providing lots of behind-thescenes anecdotes about MasterChef and looking in detail at what we eat and drink. In short, the show is a celebration of Gregg’s wonderful life and career. “I have decided the best thing is not to be humble but genuinely happy,” he says. “The last 20 years have been absolutely amazing!” Gregg Wallace’s stage show ‘Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This’ is on at Trinity Theatre on Friday, October 26. Tickets cost £19 and it starts at 8pm. For more information, see trinitytheatre.net
Arts & Culture
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Going Out
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goingout 7 days of activities
By Eileen Leahy
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
chance to decorate cupcakes, and a prize will be awarded for the best creepy costume. For more details see hevercastle.co.uk Tonight there will be a Charity Quiz Night hosted at the Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells in aid of Mental Health Resource. Tables of eight cost £15 per head and there will be a prize draw and auction as well as the fun quiz. For more details, visit royalwells.co.uk
THURSDAY WEDNESDAY Today is your final chance to catch Trinity Youth Theatre performing Terry Pratchett’s Mort. If you’re not familiar with the storyline, then it focuses on the character Mort who receives an offer he can’t refuse – as Death’s apprentice. This gives him free board and use of the company which makes it his ‘dream job’ – until he discovers that it can be a killer on his love life. Performances are at 3pm and 7.30pm and tickets cost £10 at trinitytheatre.net To mark the centenary of the end of the 19141918 Great War, the Crowborough Community Festival is commemorating this moment in history
with a week-long programme of events called Crowborough Remembers in October 2018. This includes a major exhibition called Crowborough’s War 1914-1918, which is on until tomorrow at the Beacon Academy School. More information can be found on their website crowboroughcommunityfestival.org It’s half-term week, and there is plenty of action and adventure to get your little ones stuck into. Over at Hever Castle, visitors will have the opportunity to meet scary characters in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair and hear terrifying tales of goblins, trolls, witches and vampires along the eerie Halloween trail. Little ones will also have the
Staying on the ghoulish and gruesome half-term theme, you can experience some spine-tingling fun over at Groombridge Place, which has lots of Spooky Spectacular goings on, including a Meet the Addams Family event, terrifying trails, scary story sessions and lots more. While you’re there, why not have a go at climbing its tree-top walkway – the longest and highest in the UK? For more information, see groombridgeplace.com Chiddingstone Castle kicks off its School of Witchcraft today which runs until Saturday. For more information, see chiddingstonecastle.co.uk The popular Out of Bounds Comedy pop-up takes to the stage at The Royal Wells Hotel tonight at 8.15pm, with Sean Collins doing his stand-up routine. Tickets are available from £10 by calling 01892 511188 or emailing: richard@outofboundscomedy.co.uk
FRIDAY
PEEKING AHEAD TO HALLOWEEN During half-term there’s spooky fun everywhere…
Every Friday, The Angel Flea Market takes place from 8am until 1pm at The Angel Centre in Tonbridge. Visitors can expect to see offerings from around 25 stallholders selling a huge variety of bargains. Entrance is free. The Tonbridge Art Group’s Autumn Exhibition is on in the Council Chamber at Tonbridge Castle from today to Thursday, November 1, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Join The Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park for a fun Halloween Party in the Hub from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Visitors can expect themed games, crafts and more. To find out more, visit fogh.org.uk An evening of nostalgic musical entertainment, After The War, is being held at The Angel Centre
ALICE IS IN BALLET-LAND at Trinity Theatre in Tonbridge this evening to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The concert features music from the Great War and the 1920s and 30s, with all proceeds going to the town’s Poppy Appeal. The programme begins at 7.15pm and features a singalong with Tom Carradine, Champagne Charlie and Bubbly Boys and Lili La Scala. There will also be a photographic display, wartime artefacts and a vintage stall, plus prizes for those who come in vintage dress. Tickets cost £15 and are available from Mr Books bookshop at 142 High Street, Tonbridge, or call 07450 577610. The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood will host a Spooktacular Fireworks Display this evening and tomorrow evening. Visit the website for details on tickets and timings – hopfarm.co.uk Gregg Wallace takes to the stage this evening in ‘Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This’ at Trinity Theatre to talk all things MasterChef and beyond. So make sure you grab your tickets if you’re a fan of this greengrocer turned popular TV presenter. For more on Gregg Wallaces’s new touring show, see our feature on pages 44-45
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
SATURDAY
Meet Mara Bergman to celebrate Tell a Story Day. The local children’s author will be reading her new book, ‘The Tall Man and the Small Mouse’, plus other favourite stories, at Tunbridge Wells Library from 11am to 11.45am. Admission is free, but booking is advised. Please call 03000 413131, or email: tunbridgewellslibrary@kent.gov.uk Mixing it Up is the latest exhibition to go on display in Trinity Theatre’s gallery space. Described as ‘an eclectic trio of long-established exhibiting artists, working with textiles and ceramics’ it’s one not to be missed for those who appreciate the aesthetic side of life. The Vintage Fair comes to King Charles the Martyr Church Hall again today, and will be full of amazing vintage fashion stalls and specialists as well as salvaged homeware, retro records and costume jewellery. There will also be a DJ playing Northern Soul and Motown all day, with refreshments available in the courtyard. There will be a Quiz Night at 7.30pm at St Philip’s Church in Salisbury Road, Tonbridge. All are welcome to this popular evening. Make up a table of six; bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets cost £2.50 a head. To book, call 01732 352416 or email: saintphilips@tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk
SUNDAY There’s lots of Halloween fun to be enjoyed at Penshurst Place, too, over the next few weeks. Choose from Creepy Crafting Sessions, Ridiculous Riddles and a Halloween Garden Trail to entertain you daily until October 28. There will also be the chance to take part in their annual and extremely popular Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin competition. All the pumpkins seen across the house and gardens during Halloween are grown in the estate’s plant nursery, and every year the biggest is selected to be the star of the competition. The first person to correctly guess the weight will be awarded a £20 Gift Shop voucher. For further information, visit penshurstplace.com The new film Johnny English Strikes Again, starring Rowan Atkinson, is currently showing at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-In Cinema this weekend and next week until Thursday. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. For information on
PICK OF THE WEEK: The Mayfield Community Play: When the Devil Comes Calling Over 100 local performers and three different venues are used in this play, written especially for Mayfield village, just over the Kent border in East Sussex. The play opens at St Dunstan’s Church in July 1914, but it’s not just the looming war that is worrying the people of Mayfield, they have the Devil in their midst, a band of vehement suffragists and Mary Poppins! After the church, the action moves up the High Street to the Memorial Hall before finishing up in the Grade I-listed Mayfield School Chapel, which used to be one of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Palaces. This production is a celebration of the village community, and as well as numerous actors there are two local filmmakers, the Mayzing Choir, St Dunstan’s Jubilee Handbell Ringers, the Beggars’ Gate Band and the Mayfield Silver Band all taking part in this major event.
screening times, visit moonlightcimema.com Today at midday and 3.30pm, The #Wild_Child family dance party takes over the grounds of Salomons Estate, Tunridge Wells, for an afternoon of bone-shakin’ family fun. Tickets cost £9 each and are available from mumstheword.online Over at Trinity Theatre, there will be a new Alice in Wonderland ballet at 2.30pm. Don’t be late for this performance, which boasts stunning dancing, much-loved characters and super costumes. For information on individual and group ticket prices, see trinitytheatre.net
MONDAY There’s also plenty of pumpkin patch fun to be enjoyed a little further afield over at Pumpkin Moon near Sandling, Maidstone. For further information on tickets and times, visit their website pumpkinmoon.uk Headmasters in Monson Road are running a 50% off colour sale every day until November 17. Every colour at Headmasters is bespoke, so why not book a free consultation with one of their experts to find the perfect colour to suit you and your lifestyle?
TUESDAY The C&G Gallery in Camden Road is hosting a new exhibition entitled Still Life. On until November 9, it features a wealth of wonderful artwork to be admired. Some of it has never been shown outside of the capital until now, so this really is a must-see show. For more details, visit gcgallery.co.uk Following on from the success of Tonbridge’s first pop-up arts hub, Tonbridge Creates is back for another ten weeks in the lead-up to Christmas, until December 19. The hub showcases the creative talents of local artists and encourages the local community to get involved. There are free and paid for workshops, plus there’s a showcase of West Kent College students’ brilliant creative work. King of Thieves – the British caper film about the unlikely gang of retirees who pulled off the daring Hatton Garden jewellery heist of 2015 – is showing at 11am, 2pm and 8pm today at Trinity Theatre, and tickets cost £9. Michael Caine, Michael Gambon, Ray Winstone, Jim Broadbent and Tom Courtenay take the starring roles.
The Company presents The Mayfield Community Play
WHEN THE DEVIL COMES CALLING by Suzi Hopkins
A Story of War, Women and Mary Poppins!
Performances run from Wednesday, 24 October Wednesday27 24 October to Saturday October at 7.15pm to Saturday, at 27 7.15pm with a & Saturday 27 October at 2.30pm matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm, all starting at all starting at St Dunstan’s Church St Dunstan’s Church. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £3 for children. Family tickets are priced £22 and are available from: Burnetts in Mayfield High Street. Or call 0333 666 3366 (£1.75 fee per transaction), or visit ticketsource.co.uk/mayfield
Going Out
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Life&Times
Going Out
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THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
THE BEDFORD PUB
The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday The Gallerys, Max Kotz, Elo Quitmann and Xavier Ralph Sunday Sophie Harmsworth and Sweetheart
2 High Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday J.E.M. Saturday Sean Fennessey & Friends
THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE
live music With Paul Dunton
T
ONIGHT [Wednesday], fans of Queen can catch the renowned tribute act Killer Queen at The Assembly Hall. Up-and-coming local trio The Gallerys return to The Grey Lady Music Lounge with great support from Max Kotz, Elo Quittman and Xavier Ralph. The Forum hosts a superb night of alternative rock on Thursday evening with Mallory Knox, Chapter and Verse, Orestea and Five Kites. On Friday, The Violet Jive are at The Spa Hotel, J.E.M return to The Bedford and The Sussex Arms hosts a triad of excellent alternative rock bands, with Bloody Knees, Honey Lung and Muffin all performing. On Saturday night there are lots of
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
gigs and performances. You can catch Red Rooster at The Beau Nash Tavern, Nate Austin at The Royal Oak, Gez Gold at The Trading Post and Sean Fennessey & Friends at The Bedford. ELO Again return to The Assembly Hall and the Local & Live Sessions are at Trinity Theatre with Harley & Woods, Storm Engine and Charlie Rivers all performing. And internationally-famous singer Curtis Stigers will be at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School. Fans of classical music can enjoy the world-class talents of JongGyung Park at Holmewood House School’s Jubilee Theatre on Tuesday evening, and popular local trio Fate The Juggler will be at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge, also on Tuesday.
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Crescent Road All show details and tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Wednesday Killer Queen Thursday Rock ’N’ Roll Paradise Saturday ELO Again Sunday ABBAMANIA Tuesday 10CC
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Friday Bloody Knees, Honey Lung, Muffin Tuesday The Dead XIII, PINUP Church Road All show details at trinitytheatre.net Saturday Local & Live Sessions: Harley & Woods, Storm Engine and Charlie Rivers
Event information at twforum.co.uk Thursday Mallory Knox, Chapter and Verse, Orestea and Five Kites Friday African Night Fever: Kasai Masai Saturday Back to the 80s
THE ROYAL OAK PUB
CASSIDY’S BAR
THE TRADING POST
Castle Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Open Jam Session
5 Culverden Down Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Saturday Gez Gold
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Soul Night Saturday Red Rooster
THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Booking advised on 01892 520331 Friday Live music at Zagatos brasserie with The Violet Jive
Nate Austin
TRINITY THEATRE
Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Nate Austin
THE EM FORSTER THEATRE Tonbridge School All show details and tickets available at emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows Saturday Curtis Stigers
THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Monday TWUNTS Ukulele Jam Session
THE DUKE OF YORK PUB
The Gallerys
The Pantiles Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Monday Open Mic Night
JUBILEE THEATRE Holmewood House School Tickets on the door only £10 for Adults, £5 for children Tuesday Jong-Gyung Park (piano recital)
THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Fate The Juggler Trio
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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food
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Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Why the Raj is
all the rage
To celebrate National Curry Week, Andy Tong visits a cool local hotspot which has served up the finest Indian cuisine for two decades – and is still pushing culinary boundaries…
aj Pavilion is celebrating 20 years in Tunbridge Wells, and even after all that time it remains on the cutting edge of cool, modern Indian cuisine. From the atmospheric lighting and the soulful wall art to the chef’s exciting creations, the Raj is every inch the contemporary British curry experience – backed by a wealth of expertise. It’s very well appointed on Grove Hill Road, close to the High Street and the station. The family firm has found a spicy spiritual home in the shires and there is a warm welcome waiting. It feels inclusive but not imposing, you can relax and take your time. Jewel Zaman is the proprietor and he was joined by his son-in-law Asjad Chowdhury in 2009. They both come from the same village in Bangladesh, around Sree Mongal, and Chowdhury says Jewel is his mentor: He
learns something new every day. In the kitchen is Soyl Miah, the Head Chef, who has been cooking up a storm in the town for the last four years and was named Best Chef at the 2017 Curry Life magazine awards. Indeed, Jewel makes suggestions as you peruse the menu, with line notes advising what’s popular or unusual. I chose the kebab-e-karishma to start, while my guest went for the king prawn puri. The customary poppadoms while we waited were as well received as always, and the mango chutney was particularly striking. The kebab was a delightful medley of lamb shish, chicken reshmi tikka, lamb chop and onion bhaji. The succulent shish was steeped in rich, tangy sauce, contrasting with the chargrilled chicken, while the chop combined the two styles. It was a highly
satisfying platter with a fine yoghurt to accompany it. The puri, a perennial favourite, lived up to all expectations, with a light touch on the prawns and a fluffy texture to the bread.
I was about to experience the prawns myself with my main course. The king prawn Lahori is one of the Raj’s dishes that has a devoted following, and its components remain a closely guarded secret. Even the staff have never been told how the special sauce is made; there’s a lot of ingredients, that’s all they can say. When it arrived, the Lahori was visually dazzling in a sumptuous Caravaggio red. The vibrant sauce was complex and seductive, a siren call for the excellent crunchy prawns, which jettisoned their shells pleasingly. It’s sweet and sour with citrus tones and you can really indulge yourself, immerse yourself – just dive in, it’s a stunner. My guest opted for chicken shashlik tikka with peppers, tomatoes and onion – the latter was particularly good – which had a vibrant presentation and was pleasingly tender inside. Our mains were accompanied by a brinjal bhaji in which the aubergine had just the right amount of crunch, working particularly well
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
A WARM WELCOME The Raj team
with the shashlik. That familiar sense of pleasant fullness and wellbeing descended, and it’s entirely in keeping with the laid-back atmosphere inside the Raj.
The waiters are happy to stop and chat, share their opinions – even if they won’t reveal any recipe hints. The Raj has developed a loyal clientele down the years and there is a steady flow of diners coming through the door, which is good to see because there must be a lack of passing trade on Grove Hill Road. They also have a good presence on Facebook, with plenty of glowing compliments among the pleasant banter. Jewel and Chowdhury have certainly established a fine reputation and are well known for supporting the community and charity. They have a fundraising day every year and are also keen sports fans, sponsoring Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club, the town’s Foresters Football Club and Bells Yew Green Cricket Club. The Raj Pavilion is very much part of the landscape of Tunbridge Wells, a position which it has earned through hard work and friendship. So here’s to the next 20 years. Raj Pavilion 20 Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RZ • 01892 533 153 • rajpavilion.net
COMPETITION TIME WIN A zzysh® Wine Preserver! If you want to enjoy a glass (or two) of your favourite (sparkling) wine without having to throw away the rest of the bottle, zzysh® Wine & Champagne Preservers could be just what you need! We’ve teamed up with them to give one of each away. Using a unique Swiss patented technology, zzysh® retains the natural aroma and flavour of still/ sparkling wines after opening by sealing and replacing the air inside
the bottle with a protective gas to guard the liquid from oxidation and flavour loss. RRP £79.90. For the chance to win either a zzysh® Wine or Champagne Preserver, and make every glass taste just like the first, all you have to do is answer the following question: With which food-grade gas does the zzysh® wine preserver replace oxygen? Send your answers by November 15 to: info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Food & Drink
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Advertorial
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
‘Many of our clients were simply local business owners who walked past our
window and popped in for a chat’ Following the 12-year anniversary of their their buying the company, and subsequent office refurbishment, the Times caught up with Paul Matthews, Managing Director of Hilden Park Accountants, to talk all things business – from budgets to Brexit… How long have you now been the Managing Director here at Hilden Park Accountants? I’ve been with the company for 16 years, and the company itself has been around since the 1950s. I bought the company 12 years ago with Andrew Appleton. Since then, we’ve brought on Paul Chewler, who’s now a shareholder in the company, as well as Bruno Serra di Migni, who is a Director. The time has flown by – we are always celebrating. It’s a fairly small team of 13, including our two new fully-fledged chartered accountants, who have learnt on the job with us here. What is your own background in accountancy? I went to the University of Southampton to study accountancy before joining a firm in Bexhill. When it came to taking my next step, I decided against the
LEADING THE WAY Paul Matthews, Managing Director
long commute to London and started here at Hilden Park Accountants. I loved working here, and I’ve always said that the training you get in a small firm is far greater and more rounded. What training would you offer? Straight from university, we could train someone in three years to be fully qualified. From school, it could be a matter of five years. As employers, we do favour a financial background for obvious reasons, but we wouldn’t be opposed to someone who may be interested in joining us from an alternative background – provided they had the desired work ethic and motivations. Have new rules and regulations influenced business for you? The Making Tax Digital scheme is probably the biggest change at the moment – it has been pushed back but is now
‘It’s lovely to see people succeeding in their business and to know we are a part of that’ officially coming into play in April 2019, which means businesses are being forced to adapt to the new regulations. It won’t affect the really small businesses (for now), but any VAT registered business turning over more than £85,000 will need to adjust. Businesses will need to maintain digital accounting records and submit VAT returns directly through compatible software. This reporting requirement will be extended to income tax for the self employed and landlords, and then corporation tax for companies in the coming years, when quarterly submissions will be required. At the moment, the corporate tax due date is a massive lag from the end of the year, so I think that they’re slowly trying to fix that. It will also help to cut back on financial crime. Cash is falling out of the economy slowly and the revenue are getting more and more
power through electronic gathering systems. It means a real crack-down on people sitting at home creating income without declaring it. How do you feel the Brexit negotiations are influencing the financial sector? Retail has taken a bit of a hit lately, as you can see when you walk down Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge High Street. Although it does mean you are seeing some really interesting new shops emerging. Construction as well is, in general, going through a slight dip, but there are many construction businesses still doing well. Brexit is starting to squeeze a little bit, mostly caused by the uncertainty, but I’m hoping that it’s nothing to be too concerned about just yet. Has it affected you directly at Hilden Park? No, as businesses still need managing – even
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
A TEAM EFFORT The Hilden Park Accountants team at their premises in Hildenborough
more so as times get more confusing. People do sometimes try and cut costs by doing their own accounts, but they usually come back to us in a few months when they realise that it’s a job in itself, and the potential risk. Clients are busy running their businesses and that’s what they should be able to be doing! Which businesses are your biggest client base? The local SMEs (small to medium enterprises), mostly. Typically, they aren’t quite big enough for their own financial director, so we provide the necessary expertise and advic. Also, our in-house bookkeepers can manage their entire books if required. We are XERO gold partners – this is fantastic piece of cloud-based accounting software which we sign a lot of our clients up to. This will be a big help with the upcoming Making Tax Digital, and our team
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk provides training and support services to all clients using XERO. Gone are the days of muddling through the year and leaving your accountant to just pick up the pieces at the end – we maintain a relationship all year round, and it’s all about that rapport and ongoing service. We do also have two members of staff who predominantly handle payroll – a very important part of business as it is closest to everyone’s hearts! Do you find you have a lot of new businesses or more long-standing clients? We have people that have been with us for 50 years now. With the company having been around that long, client-retention is really strong. We are three times the size we were when I bought it 12 years ago, and to have our clients grow with us is a really rewarding feeling. We aren’t the cheapest accountants because we don’t want to be, we want to build secure and valued long-standing relationships with businesses so we can help them through the whole journey. We work with clients at all stages of business, for example people with a start-up idea coming to us for advice and semi-retired professionals looking to start lifestyle businesses. What sets you apart from other such firms? The focus is on the client relationship. It’s lovely to see people succeeding in their business and to know we are a part of that. We help day-to-day to get them there, and that reflects in the way we treat our clients. Our fee certainty is also really appealing to many, as people can relax without worrying about every call being charged. It seems counter-intuitive to us to leave your client nervous to call for your help. Most of our clients are fairly local so they’re always popping in for a coffee with us. Is remaining a part of the community very important to you? Yes, we are close with all our clients and it means we can link them up to each other if they
Advertorial A WARM RECEPTION Office Manager Verity Serra di Migni
are searching for industry specific partnerships. We also have a chosen charity of the year, this year being Hospice in the Weald. We take part in the annual Tonbridge Dragon Boat Racing and always make an effort to be a strong part of the local community. Many of our great clients were
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simply local business owners who walked past our window and decided to pop in for a chat! We do lots of social events, such as a recent wine-tasting evening, and really enjoy spending time with our clients and getting to know them. How do you deal with businesses that might start to struggle? We like to encourage our clients to come to us directly as soon as any problems start so we can help them before it is too late. It’s much better than the old-school days of people burying their heads in the sand and then being forced to fold – we really try to work through other options first. These can be redundancies, cutting costs, or just looking at the actual business model and really assessing the crux of the issue. We can usually turn it around for a client who is working with us – these then become our lifelong clients and good referrals! Friends for life.
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ON TOP OF THE WORLD The view from Pope Luna’s Castle, Valencia
PERFECT PORT OF CALL The must-see destination of La Coruña in Spain
Travel
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Set sail from Southampton
on a ‘beautiful’ new ship Be the first to sail on the new for 2019 MSC Bellissima as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Southampton to Barcelona on March 4, 2019
I
N March 2019, something ‘beautiful’ is coming to Southampton – the new cruise ship MSC Bellissima, which translates from Italian to English as ‘Most Beautiful’ will be named in a star-studded red carpet event in the port. The ship, which will carry 5,700 passengers and will boast everything from a West End-style theatre to 12 distinct dining venues and 20 bars and lounges, will be the largest ever to be named in the port. Three days of celebrations will see more than 5,000 visitors in the city. Special guests will include the ship’s ‘Godmother’, screen siren Sophia Loren, godmother to all 15 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, with her first cutting the famous ribbon for MSC Lirica back in 2003. The event will see musical performances and
SUPERSTAR ‘GODMOTHER’ Sophia Loren with Captain Scala and and MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago at a Naming Ceremony last year
celebrations that will last well into the evening on the March 2, 2019. MSC Cruises will also be holding competitions to win a place at the celebrations, so you might even be in with a chance to attend yourself, as it is by invitation only.
You will visit La Coruña in Spain, spend an overnight stay on board in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, allowing you to explore the nightlife of the vibrant city, with a final stop in Valenica on the East coast of Spain before disembarking in Barcelona on March 12, 2019.
GETTING ON BOARD If you want to guarantee your place as one on the first guests to sail on MSC Bellissima, then you can book the inaugural cruise. The eight-night voyage will set sail from Southampton on March4, 2019, bound for Barcelona.
YOUR SHIP A purpose-built smart ship, MSC Bellissima will feature the latest in technology, dining and entertainment. It will also feature two brand new shows from the world famous Cirque du Soleil, which have been created exclusively for the ship and cannot be seen
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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and admire the houses with their painted façades decorated with panels of tiles and embellished with wrought iron balconies. There will be a visit to the Cathedral of Lisbon, noted for its interior that takes the form of a Latin cross with three naves. For a tour, you can see Lisbon by land and water in a unique vehicle made for exploring, or visit the town of Queluz to take in the sights. EXPERIENCE VALENCIA Situated on the banks of the old course of the River Turia, and originally settled in by the Romans, the beautiful Mediterranean city of Valencia is well worth a visit. It’s known as a City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic structures including a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum. Valencia also has several beaches, including some within nearby Albufera Park, a wetlands reserve with a lake and walking trails. You can also visit the Oceanographic Museum or shop in the beautiful Art Nouveau building of the Central Market. anywhere else in the world. And in the main theatre, you can experience music and dancing from around the globe, or relax in one of the lounges and listen to the ship’s musicians play all your favourite songs. For even more enjoyment, there is a dedicated entertainment area where you can experience an XD cinema, F1 simulator or Bowling. If you’re a lover of food, you can dine in a different venue every evening, from immersing yourself in the Teppanyaki experience to a relaxing meal in the main restaurant with beautiful views on the ocean. Eat sweet treats from award-winning pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, or head to the English pub for fish and chips and one of 40 draft beers. For the ultimate relaxation, you can head to the award-winning Aurea Spa for a signature Balinese massage. With a ship so rich in features, there’s something for everyone on board the MSC Bellissima.
ITINERARY: EXPLORE LA CORUÑA The busy Galician port and city of La Coruña is situated at the entrance of an estuary on the Atlantic Ocean, with gorgeous views of the sea. Watch out for glass-fronted buildings called galerías (the reason why it is also called the Crystal City) and the sight of the 16th-century Castle of San Anton in its island location. Once charged with protecting the city, the castle now hosts an archaeological museum and is linked to the mainland by a causeway. Other activities include taking in wine tasting and some Galician Tapas, a sightseeing tour, or cycling around the port on a ‘La Coruña through the ages’ tour. ON-BOARD OVERNIGHT STAY IN LISBON During this stop you can meander through this incredible capital city’s labyrinth of narrow alleys, honeycombed with steps and archways,
OLD-STYLE LISBON See the sights on a vintage tram
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Motoring
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Motoring News It’s time to mention the elephant on the Transit as Ford joins campaign
Special 110th anniversary cars unveiled by Morgan MORGAN has revealed a special new line-up of cars to help it celebrate its 110th anniversary next year. The ‘110 Anniversary’ range will have unique badging as well as a variety of performance and styling options included as part of the cars’ cost. Plus 4 and Roadster models will get a front valance, rear exit sports exhaust and a leather bonnet strap to help them stand out from other Morgans. Inside, you’ll find a leather or wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, as well as performance seats trimmed in one of several different Yarwood leather colours. And
each car will have an anniversary logo embroidered on its headrests. Steve Morris, Managing Director at Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are delighted to be thriving as a British family-owned automotive manufacturer, and in our 110th year of business are stronger than ever. “The vehicles are the beginning of our celebrations. We look forward to making further announcements.” The Plus 4 110 Anniversary model is priced from £44,106. The Roadster kicks off at £55,074, and prices for the 3 Wheeler 110 Anniversary edition start at £39,486.
NORFOLK artist ‘Ruddy Muddy’ was commissioned by Ford to paint a huge elephant on to the side of a dirty Transit van, as part of the brand’s continuing mental health campaign in association with the charity Time to Change. Along with the elephant, the van sports the words: “If your mate’s acting differently – ACT! Don’t let mental health be the elephant in the room” – plus the #asktwice hashtag. Ford’s support for the campaign comes after the manufacturer conducted research and found men working in trade and construction are at the greatest risk of depression. It also found more than half of Brits
have had an emotional conversation while in a vehicle, with 60 per cent believing it’s the best place to do it. Time to Change Director Jo Loughran said: “It’s really important to us that we change how people think and act towards those experiencing mental health problems. Mental health problems can affect anyone and they can be hard to discuss. Our latest research shows that when asked how we are, three-quarters of us will say: ‘I’m fine’ even if we’re struggling with our mental health. “Asking twice – saying ‘Are you sure you’re ok?’ – means people are much more likely to open up in conversation.”
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Will stop-start traffic finally come to a halt? FORD has undertaken trials of new connected car technology that could remove the problem of stop-start traffic in the future and free up roads worldwide. The system, called Intersection Priority Management [IPM], was showcased in Milton Keynes last week in a bid by Ford to show how the traffic-easing technology has genuine real-world potential. IPM uses vehicle-to-vehicle communications to suggest optimum travelling speeds. It can even allow cars to pass by one another at junctions without the need to stop. Each car is capable of broadcasting its location as well as its direction of travel and speed. The on-board systems identify an upcoming junction while simultaneously assessing the approach speeds of nearby vehicles. The car can then pick an optimum speed so each car can pass through safely. Christian Ress, the supervisor for driver assist technologies at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, said: “We know that intersections and traffic lights can be a real bugbear for many drivers. “With the connected car technology we have been demonstrating, we envisage a world where vehicles are more aware of each other and their environment, enabling intelligent co-operation and collaboration.” The showcase of technology was part of the government-funded UK Autodrive project, which looks to improve traffic flow as well as increasing safety and efficiency. Other technologies displayed were Collaborative Parking, which uses a crowdsourced map of a car park to show available spaces, as well as a system to alert drivers to the location and proximity of approaching emergency services vehicles.
Wednesday October 24 | 2018
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FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
CODEWORD 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
X
B
6 2
19
7
18 25
23 12
23
1
8
25 8
8 7
2
12
6
2 2
16
12
7
24
8 7
1
6
26
10
7
3
22
6
10
10
1
2
8
25
25 19
7
6 3
26
14
9 18
8
2
9 8
26
20
B
8 12
26 2
25
12
13
25
26
23
7
B
13 25
7
20
26
12
B
10 21
4
8
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25
5
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25 26
10
15
X
2
2 9
12
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2
4 4
8
14
25
Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
3 8 1
5
8
7
2 5 4
9 2
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
8
2
1 5
6
24
17 16
12
7
26
8
20
20
B
2
3
3
12 12
12
5
4
Codeword:
9
9 2 1
A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 24
3 7
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
3
DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩
2
7
5 3
1
7 9
7
4
7 9 3
8 1 5
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
1
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
S T S T U N F A M H I O C Z B E C T H
A C C A T O O O P S R R N U P C L I E L E A G N S I RWA E M N G E D Q U I L U C U L T I J T O R C U A T U P K N I O U E C A N P E R V E
X E N B MB S E N D A R K E U N N V E L R S
Y G S E
Sudoku:
6 7 3 1 2 9 4 8 5
8 9 4 5 7 6 3 1 2
1 2 5 3 8 4 7 6 9
9 4 2 7 1 3 6 5 8
7 8 1 6 4 5 9 2 3
5 3 6 8 9 2 1 7 4
4 5 7 2 3 1 8 9 6
2 3 7 1 9 6 5 8 4
4 9 1 5 7 2 3 6 8
3 7 8 6 2 9 4 5 1
2 1 9 4 6 8 5 3 7
3 6 8 9 5 7 2 4 1
Jigsaw Sudoku:
9 2 5 7 3 8 1 4 6
8 4 6 9 1 7 2 3 5
7 5 3 2 6 4 8 1 9
1 6 4 8 5 3 9 2 7
6 1 2 4 8 5 7 9 3
5 8 9 3 4 1 6 7 2
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Wheelers joins junior elite with prestigious award CYCLING: THE Southborough and District Wheelers [SDW] have laid the foundations for future success after achieving British Cycling’s Go-Ride Clubmark status. SDW has fulfilled the necessary criteria to hold this prestigious accreditation, joining a select group of cycling clubs across the country. Clubmark is a universally acknowledged cross-sport scheme introduced by Sport England for community sports clubs, which recognises high standards in welfare, equity, coaching and management. The Go-Ride programme aims to encourage more young people to ride through fun coaching initiatives. More than 80 per cent of Team GB started at their local Go-Ride clubs. SDW was required to submit a portfolio of evidence including qualified volunteers, regular coaching sessions and development plans. Throughout the application process the Southborough club demonstrated an environment that ensures member welfare and promotes cycling as a lifelong sport. Luke Anderson of British Cycling South East presented the award to SDW coach Alan Oakley at the club’s regular coaching session at The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge. He said: “My congratulations go out to
Southborough & District Wheelers on achieving Go-Ride Clubmark status. “The coaches and volunteers work extremely hard to provide opportunities for young people to get involved in cycling, and we look forward to continue supporting them in the future as we’re sure that the club will go on to do great things.” The strength of SDW’s programme was evident in the Catford Hill Climb, the oldest continuously running cycle race in the world which takes place on York’s Hill, near Sevenoaks.
Confident Cameron Preece, who has benefited from the club’s junior coaching, was the first Wheeler up the viciously steep climb in 2min 19sec to win the SDW hill climb championship. He was closely followed by Christian Neal (2.42), Omar Malik (2.47), Hayden Tucker (2.55), Chris Duffy (3.18), Paul Huxley (3.26) and Carlos Martinez (3.30). The race was won by Rowan Brackston of London Dynamo in 1.57. Completing a fine season of racing, Rory Barrett and Keith Henderson achieved their Category One road race licences, a great achievement which featured numerous wins and podium places for the pair.
BADGE OF HONOUR: SDW coach Alan Oakley (left) accepts the Clubmark award from Luke Anderson of British Cycling during a training session young riders at Somerhill Whittington finished 38th in the Trophy Stage race, while Pip Jenkins finished fourth lady in the Mavic Gravel race.
Taking part in the prestigious Roc d’Azur mountain bike races in Frejus, France against competitors from across the globe, Glen
Owusu double sends Rustics out of the cup
BLOCK ON TOMMY Whitnell’s shot is stopped by the Urchins’ defence
Croydon 2 Rusthall 1
Hotshot Read strikes twice to keep Angels on top of the table Hornchurch 0 Tonbridge Angels 2 By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: IF BOSTIK LEAGUE leaders Tonbridge Angels are destined for glory this season, they may look back on matches like this as laying the foundations of success. It was a workmanlike win rather than spectacular but an important acheivement on a pitch that was already in a poor condition. The visitors withstood the early forays by the Urchins as former Angel George Purcell twice went close and hit the woodwork. Tonbridge began to get their passing game into gear and a fine move involving Joe Turner, Adem Ramadan and Tommy Whitnell saw the latter’s shot blocked. There ensued a spell of Angels dominance
which saw Turner’s cross reach Alex Read with the striker able to turn in the box but his effort was just wide. The visitors persevered and following another good spell of possession which saw the Urchins’ defence pulled this way and that, a frustrated defender tripped Read as he burst into the box.
Predictable The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. In spite of Callum Chaffer guessing the right way, Read’s shot was accurate and nestled in the corner of the goal to give the Angels a vital half-time lead. Despite the efforts of the home side to get back into the match during the second period, their use of the long ball was predictable and a well organised Angels defence had no problem dealing with the threat. With 20 minutes left Jack Parter’s cross flashed
across the goalmouth and then a decent Tonbridge move ended with Turner’s shot hit straight at Chaffer. Turner was involved again on 75 minutes when his free kick forced Chaffer to tip the ball over the crossbar. An otherwise lacklustre second half was lit up by a fine Tonbridge second goal. In the 90th minute substitute Jared Small ran 60 yards down the right flank and his pinpoint cross met the head of Read, who converted to make the game safe. Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “We knew about the pitch and we knew how Hornchurch would play, and we dealt with their initial threat very well. “In the second half I thought we were comfortable and I don’t think they seriously threatened our goal.” The Angels now face Whyteleaf at home in the FA Trophy on Saturday [October 27, kick-off 3pm].
PHOTO: David Couldridge
By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL made six changes from the team which narrowly lost at Newhaven for their Kent Senior Trophy match but the result was a defeat by the same slim margin. The fresh legs seemed to work as Rusthall had the best of the early exchanges. But Croydon gradually found their way into the match and they made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Rusthall lost the ball on the halfway line and a through pass found Croydon’s David Owusu with only the goalkeeper to beat and he produced a neat chip over Joe Cullip into the net. The match remained relatively even as the visitors went in at half-time 1-0 down. The second half was a different matter, with Croydon in the ascendancy but Cullip stopped them from extending their lead. They did, however, score a second when they were awarded a penalty after Joe Cameron tangled with a Croydon forward, and Owusu notched his second from the spot. Substitute Regan Corke caused problems for Croydon with his speedy runs down the wing, resulted in a series of corners for Rusthall. After a scramble in the area at one of the set-pieces, Kerran Boylan, playing his first game for Rusthall, forced the ball home to make it 2-1 with 15 minutes to go. Even though Rusthall dominated after that, they couldn’t find the equaliser and bowed out of the cup. The Rustics now return to Southern Counties East League action at home to K Sports on Saturday [October 27, kick-off 3pm].
FAST START Kerran Boylan scored on debut
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Wednesday October 24 | 2018
Mighty Rams pack proves too strong for battered TJs The Rams 33 Tonbridge Juddians 18 By Adam Hookway RUGBY: THE Rams are on top of the National Two South and their reputation for forward power had gone before them. Tonbridge Juddians were expecting a hard match as they travelled up to Reading and that is exactly what they got.
Their second defeat in successive weeks has seen them slip down the table from fourth place to seventh, only narrowly ahead of a clutch of other sides. TJs did enjoy an early spell of possession and after seven minutes they were six points up thanks to two penalty goals from Will Robinson. Indeed penalties were to feature strongly throughout the match. A series of infringements took the Rams into an attacking line-out position and their well-drilled
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pack caught and drove the ball over the line for a converted try. TJs were struggling to deal with the rolling maul and another sequence of penalties and relentless battering by the hosts brought a penalty try, together with a yellow card for TJs hooker Ryan Jackson. The pressure continued and just two minutes later the hosts’ hooker Ben Henderson touched down for an unconverted try. TJs did what they could with what possession came their way. A clearing kick was fielded by full-back Toby May and he made good progress up the side. Winger Hugo Watson was on hand to take his timely pass and he made it over the line for a try which Robinson converted with a fine kick from the touchline. Within five minutes, however, the Rams scored
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a fourth try and secured a bonus point just before half-time to stretch their lead to 26-13 at the interval. TJs started the second half with a good spell of possession and came close to scoring at a lineout but they were penalised for an offence at the front of the line. They kept up the momentum, the home side lost a player to the sinbin and after a series of attacks Rob White crashed over for Tonbridge. The visitors were back in a game, which became fragmented with many scrums being reset. But a yellow card for Mike O’Sullivan put his side under more pressure and the Rams scored again with 12 minutes remaining, which left Tonbridge with too much to do. TJs will be looking to get back to winning ways when they play host to Guernsey on Saturday [October 27, kick-off 2.30pm].
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
Wells return to winning ways on the road skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy, restored to full-back, chipped over the defence for Jake Caddy to score on the left. The visitors continued to dominate in the scrum and breakdown but it took until the 26th minute for a penetrative run from Mike Doherty to earn a penalty which Frank Reynolds kicked. Sam Hurley kicked another penalty as Wells strayed offside to retake the lead and then Wells were guilty of giving the ball away again near the Sutton & Epsom [S&E] line.
Confident Ghumra needed no prompting to sprint the length of the pitch again and increase the home side’s lead at the break to 15-8. But they had not breached the Wells defence in open play and the away team went into the second half in confident mood. Five minutes after the restart, Caddy RAPID RESPONSE Jake Caddy (left) scored Wells’ first try
Sutton & Epsom 18 Tunbridge Wells 32 By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS recovered from three successive defeats in London & South-East Premier Division with a performance full of their usual character.
The visitors were soon dominating play and territory but did not make it count and after 11 minutes the home winger Kyren Ghumra intercepted and went the length of the field to score a converted try. Within a minute, though, Wells had replied as
George on target as men battle their way to hard-fought draw Banbury 3 Tunbridge Wells Men 3 By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men’s adventures in the rarified heights of the South Premier League’s top flight continued with an exciting draw in Oxfordshire. The visitors started well and applied pressure on an organised side that press high up the pitch. However, it was Banbury who took the lead with a drag-flicked corner which eluded James Harris in goal with its pace. Wells soon found their feet and also the equaliser as Ben Allberry converted neatly from a slipped short corner move. But the home side then scored a scrappy second when a short corner was not cleared, which was disappointing for Wells and gave the visitors the half-time lead. The Wells forwards were linking well with Harry Roberts, Allberry and Sam Clarke-Knowles all looking dangerous, while Sam George terrorised
the home team with his skill. Aaron Leadbetter and Connor Poulain were determined in defence. They clawed themselves back into the game when Oli Woodcock tapped home to level the scores at 2-2. The home side weren’t finished yet, and scored a third goal against the run of play from a short corner to edge ahead in the final 15 minutes. Wells continued to show resilience and determination, and equalised when Woodcock and Simon Hare combined to win a short corner from which George fired home with precision after the initial shot had been saved. Despite a late scare for the visitors, the teams could not be separated and Wells will consider this a well-earned point against an experienced and dogged opposition. Tunbridge Wells Men entertain Bromley & Beckenham in the Kent derby at Tonbridge School this Saturday [October 27, 1,30pm start]. The 2nd and 3rd XIs each stay top of their leagues, winning 4-2 and drawing 3-3 respectively against Canterbury sides. In East Region Division One South, Tunbridge Wells Ladies lost 2-1 to Upminster at Kent College.
threatened the home line in the corner but fell victim to a high tackle and the referee signalled a penalty try to level the scores. S&E hit back shortly with a penalty from Hurley but by then it was one-way traffic as the visitors dominated possession and position. On 56 minutes, Wells’ new winger Richard Murray took a high ball and fed wide as Mike Doherty carved an arc to the line, taking the try under the posts. Reynolds converted to put them four points ahead. Wells continued to pin S&E in their own half and turn over the ball, and Mike Hathaway took a fine line from deep to power over under the posts for the try bonus point. Reynolds converted on 75 minutes to put Wells out of reach but there was still time for George Montgomery to slot a low drop goal to seal a 18-32 win over the fifth-placed side. Wells, who move up to tenth place, now host Tring on Saturday [October 27, kick-off 3pm].