Wednesday November 15 | 2017
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Childrensalon launches petition against fining beggars Page 4
ECONOMY DRIVE
New developments help boost local business Page 8
SOLEMN OCCASION: Some 2,000 people – ‘including a large turnout of young people’ – went along to the War Memorial on Mount Pleasant to mark Remembrance Sunday. The ceremony took place in front of the Town Hall where the walls had been decorated with 10,000 knitted poppies. For more see pages 10,11,12 and 13
Council invests in tobacco while running stop-smoking campaign By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
COUNTY HALL has been criticised for running a stop-smoking campaign while investing millions of pounds in tobacco companies, the Times can disclose. Through the independently operated Kent Pension Fund (TKPF) Kent County Council (KCC) has invested a total of £5.8billion in various industries and businesses to benefit employees including teachers and firefighters.
Of that sum, two per cent has been put into tobacco companies, which equates to £116million. During 2015-16 the council spent £1.2million on its stop-smoking services. Around 110,000 staff and employees are enrolled in the TKPF scheme, the vast majority working for KCC. The authority’s only Green Party member, Councillor Martin Whybrow, told the Times: “We are telling our residents not to smoke and then investing in tobacco firms.”
He said KCC was one of the ‘main entities’ in the collective fund and that some people were ‘horrified’ that such investments were making up their pension. “This is something I have been campaigning against since I was elected,” he added. “They [KCC leaders] are hiding behind fiduciary responsibility [a legal obligation for one party to act in another’s best interests]. “This means they have to
make as much money as they can for the owner of the fund but that is no excuse.” Cllr Whybrow said the council was also ‘investing in fossil fuels contrary to the environment strategy’. Fossil fuels account for three per cent of the council’s investment portfolio, which equates to £174million. He said the desire to make as much money as possible for pension funds was ‘a poor reason for supporting fossil fuel and tobacco companies’. The figures were contained in data
Continued on page 2
FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Plant Base serves up a healthy feast Page 54
THE MUSIC MAKERS The Carole King and James Taylor Story is on Page 74
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Local News
KCC defends its investment strategy Continued from page 1
Cllr MartinWhybrow provided by campaign group Platform London, which also criticised the investments. The council’s cabinet member for finance Councillor John Simmonds, said: “We ensure investments are legal and ethical, while also providing the
best level of return possible. “The council’s pension fund is managed independently from the council itself by external investment managers who are given the responsibility of getting the best return for organisations and individuals, including the pension holders and their families, that KCC represents. “As a council, we are committed to spending public health money on reducing smoking across the county. “Fossil fuel and tobacco shares have been among the best investment by way of return but they also represents a small proportion of the overall investments.”
Among the questions the Times put to KCC were the following: Would you accept that people might view it as wrong to invest in tobacco companies while running a stop smoking campaign? Local authorities became responsible for key areas of Public Health in 2013 and our overriding aims are to improve and protect the health of the Kent population, and improve the quality, effectiveness and access to, health and social care services. This includes a number of major health issues such as smoking, alcohol and drugs, obesity, sexual health and mental health. As a council, we are committed to spending public health money on
reducing smoking across the county as it has a significant impact on health and all the money that is allocated to us by the NHS for preventative measures around smoking is spent on support and cessation programmes. How do you justify such an action? The council’s pension fund is managed independently from the council itself by external investment managers who are given the responsibility of getting the best return for organisations and individuals – including the pension holders and their families - that KCC represents.
CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 FEATURES EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240 626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
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Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Charging to collect garden waste ‘will help pay for Civic Complex’ By Jonathan Banks THE £700,000-a-year that the Borough Council hopes to generate by cutting garden waste collections will be put towards paying for the Civic Complex. That’s the claim of Councillor James Hannam (pictured), who has accused his own Conservative-run authority of neglecting the needs of rural areas to drive through their plans for a new theatre and town hall. The council (TWBC) is considering joining two neighbouring authorities in a waste collection plan to save a combined £3million a year. Tunbridge Wells residents would need to opt-in to have a bin of garden waste collected, a service that is currently free, at a charge of around £30 a year. A council spokesman previously said the move was ‘vital’ for financial security and that the timing of the decision was ‘irrespective’ of the Civic Complex. But Councillor Hannam, who represents Frittenden and Sissinghurst said: “It is connected and every last penny of the £700,000 we will bring in has been earmarked for the Civic Complex. “Garden waste charges falling predominantly on the rural areas are going to be
used on the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.” Last week TWBC published their RIBA Stage 3 report, a final assessment of the proposals to build on land surrounding Calverley Grounds, which stated the project would cost a gross £90million. The documents show that to keep to their financial plan, the council need to find £2.3million in cost reductions or income by 2023. An eight point funding strategy states one move might be to ‘review options for a new recycling and waste
collection contract in 2019’. The Civic Complex plan has already proved controversial. A council spokesman said: “The timing of the civic development proposals and the renewal of the waste contract brings the two issues together. “We have used garden waste to illustrate where savings could be made and we would expect savings of this level to be made with a contract of this size. “Until the details of the waste contract are decided we will not know definitely where the savings will come from.”
Meanwhile the proposed development moves a step closer… PLANS to build a new theatre and town hall around Calverley Grounds are a stage nearer after being agreed by a council group. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s cabinet advisory board for Planning & Transportation voted six to one in favour of backing the project, which will cost a gross £90million. The meeting on Monday (November 13) saw members of the public speak in favour, including former EastEnders actress Kim Freeman, known professionally as Kim Medcalf (pictured right). She said: “In terms of back of house capacity the existing theatre is hugely constrained but it still has to fill 900 seats every night. “Groups are desperate to come to Tunbridge Wells and perform, as we have the perfect audience demographic, but they can’t. “We have to invest in future generations and this cultural hub can put the town on the map.”
Ms Freeman played Sam Mitchell in the soap opera and has also starred in TV series’ Harley Street and Missing. Three other members of public spoke in broad favour of proposals within the RIBA Stage 3 documents, which included finalised designs and costings.
Deal The borough council’s (TWBC) cabinet are set to vote on plans on November 23 before a landmark full council meeting on December 6 which could effectively seal the deal. Councillor James Hannam was the only board member to vote against, arguing the project could not justify the expense. He said residents of Frittenden and Sissinghurst, the ward he represents, believed a new theatre was of little interest to them.
Councillor Alan McDermott, chairing the meeting, said in response: “The people I play golf with in Hawkhurst have spoken positively of it.” David Wakefield, representing Tunbridge Wells Town Forum, said the group mostly agreed with the plans but raised concerns about having an underground car park bordering Calverley Grounds. “We are holding up The Marlowe in Canterbury as a model but when the council visited members walked to the theatre through town. “You are advocating that we walk to work, so I would question the need for the car park as it would cost the council more.” The council said this was necessary.
Classical crossover star will perform No 1 album POPULAR crossover soprano Joanna Forest will be performing at the Oast theatre in Tonbridge on November 20. Joanna created chart history earlier this year when she became the first independent artist to reach the No 1 spot in the official classical album charts with a debut album. Stars Are Rising is produced and conducted by world renowned pianist Robert Emery and recorded with the City of Prague
Philharmonic and Arts Symphonic Orchestras. It features hit singles David Bowie’s Life on Mars and Slade’s How Does It Feel?
Delighted Joanna studied at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She made her West End musical debut aged 13, performing at the Dominion Theatre, London in Bernadette The Musical. A controversial advertisement
RECORD BREAKER Joanna Forest
for Yorkie gave Joanna unexpected fame after the ad, from the “It’s Not For Girls” campaign was banned after it was deemed to be sexist. Joanna broke on to the classical music scene in 2014 when she duetted with Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts at a charity concert in London’s Palace Theatre. Having survived breast cancer at the age of 21, she is now an ambassador for the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! Joanna told the Times: “I am so delighted to be bringing my tour to the fantastic Oast Theatre. “I look forward to singing songs from my album ‘Stars are Rising’ as well as musical and classical favourites. It will be an evening of song not to be missed.”
Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NEWS IN BRIEF
Cab company warns of rogue operators AWARD winning Castle Cars in Tonbridge yesterday [Tuesday] warned customers to be on the look out for rogue taxi companies using its good name to attract fares. Owner Terry Hill said: “We are aware that at least one operator is using our name on its advertising and that some people are booking with them believing it to be with us. “This could have serious consequences for us and our good name.” Castle Cars won a Best Small Business honour at the Times Business Awards 2017. People wishing to book Castle Cars should only call: 01732 36 36 37 or 01732 36 36 38.
Petition is launched to oppose fines on beggars
Council targeting the ‘professionals’
Support group takeover ARTHRITIS ACTION has taken over Arthritis Support Kent (ASK) and will run the group’s monthly meetings in Tunbridge Wells as part of meetings held across the UK. The next one will take place on November 20 at St Philip’s Church in Tunbridge Wells. Visit www.arthritisaction.org.uk for more information.
Damp and muddy fun THE fourth anniversary of Tonbridge parkrun was marked with a special 5km event on Saturday [November 11]. The 207th event saw 410 runners brave rain and puddles across Tonbridge Sportsground and Barden Lake. Many of the regulars, who take part in the free weekly event, dressed up for the occasion in circus themed outfits. A spokesman wrote on Twitter afterwards: “It was damp, it was muddy and it was fun!”
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made in the New Year. Denise Hamilton, Childrensalon’s director of people team, said: “It is amazing how quickly it has gone viral as we only started the petition on Friday. “We know what’s going on as we saw an article in the Times and now have 3,000 signatures and it is growing by the moment. “We are passionate about helping the homeless.” Staff from the firm will meet with TWBC members on November 30. She added: “I think fining people will be useless. It is not going to solve the problem, there are people who need help – they have fallen out from their families and relationships.
‘The proposal is not to prohibit begging or rough sleeping
Town ranked high MAYOR of Tunbridge Wells Julia Soyke said she is ‘delighted’ a property firm ranked the town as the second best in Kent. Only Canterbury scored higher in a study by property tech company OneDome’s study, which compared education, safety, noise, lifestyle, green space and transport. The Mayor said: “It is an exciting time for Tunbridge Wells and I am looking forward to see where we go next. The town has become much more vibrant over the years.”
NEWS
TAKING A STAND Michele Harriman-Smith, chief executive of Childrensalon
By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MORE than 3,000 people have signed a petition launched by Childrensalon to oppose plans to hand on-the-spot fines to people begging in Tunbridge Wells. The public are being consulted on Kent Police and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) proposals to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to clamp down on activities that could affect ‘quality of life’. Aimed at tackling public drinking and dog fouling, the council has argued the plans would
eliminate ‘professional begging’ rather than representing an attack on the homeless. Michele Harriman-Smith chief executive of Childrensalon, which sells children’s clothing online and is one of the town’s biggest firms, said: “This is a heartless and useless exercise that punishes a vulnerable group of people who are actually in-need of help rather than being fined. “Now colder temperatures are here we urgently need to focus on how we can solve the issue of homelessness rather than punishing people that are begging because they have no means to live.” Until December 17 the public have the opportunity to share thoughts on the issue by visiting the council’s website. A decision is expected to be
The man himself is on his way… This Sunday [November 19] sees the spirit of Christmas arriving in Tunbridge Wells. The lights and decorations will be switched on and Santa will take his seat in his grotto at Royal Victoria Place kicking off a day of festive fun. There’ll be free parking at RVP plus the chance to see Chase and Marshall from the popular kids TV series ‘PAW Patrol’ at intervals between 12.30pm and 4.30pm. Visitors will also be able to get close and personal with the
biggest Teddy in Tunbridge Wells. Santa will be making his big entrance for the official switching on of the Christmas lights from midday with a little help from his celebrity friends; CBBC Presenter Mark Rhodes, EastEnders’ Michael Greco and Chris Pizzey from The Basil Brush Show, who will be starring in this year’s Assembly Hall Theatre Pantomime production of ‘Aladdin’. Santa’s Grotto will be open every day until 4pm on Christmas Eve.
“There is a huge social issue, there needs to be more housing and more support. So what good is fining them going to do?” In response to criticism the council clarified that the PSPO legislation is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour. A TWBC spokesman said: “The proposal is not to prohibit begging or rough sleeping but to deal with it very carefully and with discretion. “We quite understand that there is no point in fining someone who has no money. People who are genuinely homeless or in need will be encouraged to engage with agencies who are in a position to help them.” You can the petition and sign up by visiting www.change.org/o/childrensalon To view the council’s consultation, visit consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk and search for Public Spaces Protection Order.
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Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Winter sport Prescriptions stopped for routine players need treatments due to cuts in budget your funding THE dream of young curling players to represent England at a world championship hangs on their online appeal. A team of five women who play at Fenton’s Curling Rink in Tunbridge Wells have qualified to play at the World Junior B Curling Championship in Finland in January. But without the public’s support they may be staying at home with the team needing to raise £750 to pay for transport, kit and accommodation.
Minority Sport Sarah Decoine, Niamh Fenton, Kitty Conlin, Mia Andell and Sydney Boyd, all aged 15 to 20 and live locally, won the national championships at Fenton’s in April. Tracey Lyne, team coach, said: “Curling is a minority sport so there is no funding for this kind of event. “We have won gold before at the championships with a different team. Although this group is a bit less experienced overall they are still looking to be competitive.” The appeal on website Crowdfunder runs until December 28 and so far £120 has been raised. A spokesman said: “Any donations will be gratefully appreciated, as having even a little relief from this financial burden helps us to relax.” The championship will be held in Lohja, Finland, from January 2 to 10. To donate to the appeal search ‘England junior women Crowdfunder’ on a search engine.
By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
NHS CUTBACKS will mean West Kent doctors can no longer prescribe medicine that can be bought over the counter. The region’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is now discouraging GPs from handing out prescriptions for some treatments to save £300,000 to £400,000 a year. Medicine that will only be available to buy in a chemist includes medicated shampoos, indigestion treatments, skin creams, cold and flu remedies and head lice lotion. A spokesman from the West Kent CCG said: “Like most NHS organisations we are facing serious financial pressures.
‘This does not affect any long-term or regular prescriptions’ “Because of this we are continuing to look at ways to make the best use of NHS money. “As part of this the CCG has reviewed its policy on the prescribing of over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses and ailments. “Each year the CCG spends £1.8million on prescribing medicines that can be routinely purchased over the counter at pharmacies - often far cheaper than the cost to the NHS.” The West Kent area, which includes Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, joins other regions which
Warwick Park wins top wedding-venue award
WINNING LINE UP: Award’s organiser Chris Milton with Markerstudy Leisure staff Sarah Freeman, Sophie Keay, Chantelle Harman, Amy Battell and comedian Zoe Lyons. THE Tunbridge Wells hotel One Warwick Park has been named the ‘Boutique Venue of The Year’ at the Kent Bride Awards 2017. More than 300 people from shortlisted suppliers and venues attended the awards ceremony that took place at The Mercure in Maidstone on Thursday [November 9]. The eventual winners were independently judged by a panel of engaged couples, wedding gift-list managers plus media and professionals experts. Their decisions were based on the consumer perspective of the supplier or venue, taking into
consideration feedback, testimonials and what was on offer to the happy couples. One Warwick Park Hotel spokesperson Sarah Freeman, said: “We are delighted that after only 18 months we have not only been nominated in this category, but that the judges deemed us the deserved winners of the Kent Wedding venue of the Year - Boutique. “The whole team work incredibly hard to deliver a great service and exclusive occasion to our wedding couples, and we now look forward to another successful year.”
SERVICE END Doctors will only be able to offer prescriptions for treatments not easily available have already made the conversion. The spokesman added: “We are asking GPs to think first before prescribing these common overthe-counter medicines and asking patients to buy these at the pharmacy where appropriate. “There are safeguards in place to ensure that
people on lower incomes, those with disabilities and mobility problems and other vulnerable patients groups are not disadvantaged and still get the medicines they need when they need them. “This does not affect any long-term or regular prescriptions.”
Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NEWS IN BRIEF
Boundary change plan goes under microscope PROPOSALS that would see Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge Parliamentary boundaries reform are on public consultation. The Boundary Commission has put forward plans to reduce the number of constituencies from 650 to 600 nationally. This proposed redesign would see Wealden absorbed into neighbouring boundaries and Tunbridge Wells constituency grow to include Crowborough. To see the plans and comment visit www. bce2018.org.uk before December 11.
Small capital grants TOWN organisations have the opportunity to apply for a small capital grant through a scheme run by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Applications are now being accepted for grants which range up to a maximum £4,000 for community projects. For further information on how to apply call Nick Green on (01892) 554107 or email nick.green@tunbridgewells.co.uk
Business showcase BUSINESSES are to sell a range of products for Christmas shoppers in a special market in Ely Court. Tunbridge Wells Together has organised the Small Business Saturday event to run in the outlet near Royal Victoria Place from 9am on Saturday, December 2.
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Councillor happy to represent Norfolk voters from his new home in Rusthall By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ANOTHER week and another twist in the tale about absent councillors. Two weeks ago we told the story about Tunbridge Wells Councillor Peter Bulman leaving town for Norfolk while still claiming £5,500 allowances a year. This week we reveal that North Norfolk Councillor Doug Smith has moved to Tunbridge Wells while also still claiming allowances worth more than £5,000 a year. Now living in Rusthall, the councillor moved GOING Councillor Peter Bulman
170 miles from the Sheringham ward he was elected to represent with his wife in August to be nearer his grandchildren. Having previously worked in a Southborough printing firm and been a member of Southborough Town Council, he now finds himself with a role on Rusthall Parish Council, which he says he accepted in July. “It was not always our intention to move back,” he said. “But I have lived here most of my life and it was when I retired we moved to North Norfolk. “I have been co-opted into Rusthall Parish Council, having been persuaded to put my name
COMING Councillor Doug Smith
‘I was very interested to hear about this man, it is almost a mirror image’ forward in July. Because I am retired I have the time to do both jobs. I have no regrets at all.” The councillor is still claiming an allowance of £5,050 a year but said he plans to step down in the New Year. Councillor Smith, who recently left the Norfolk council’s Conservative group, said he is still able to answer queries by phone and email. “I travel back up by train around twice a month,” he said. “I feel there are still some important issues that are being dealt with in Norfolk but I think (stepping down) will give someone else a chance to get their feet under the table in the district council.” When asked if he would consider standing to become a member of Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council, he said: “I have not considered it, but who knows.” And on whether he could simply swap jobs with Councillor Bulman, he said: “I think that is quite hilarious, I would like to meet up half way and have a conversation! “I was very interested to hear about this man, it is almost a mirror image. “Legally though it would be impossible.” Councillor Bulman represents Park ward on the borough council and said he would leave his role before he is due for re-election in 2020, but did not confirm when.
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BUSINESS
Local Business News
No property doubts for multi-home housebuilder PROPERTY market uncertainty has not stopped a Kent house builder enjoying a successful year. Regalpoint Homes is currently progressing with multi-home projects in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, which will be open early next year. Managing Director Tony Porter said their national number of houses registered to be built in quarter three [July to September] at 37,936 is the highest figure for that period since 2007. “We have had a very strong year with lots of new sites acquired and quick progression,” he said.
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Town projects will help drive thriving economy MAJOR commercial developments in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge will help steer the region’s economy, according to a new report. The Kent Property Market Report 2017 points to town centre expansion and plans to build hundreds of homes as key to driving growth. A spokesman welcomed Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s plans for a Civic Complex, which would create an additional 1,858-square-metres of office space, as well as a £70million expansion to Royal Victoria Place. In Tonbridge & Malling, proposals to build 850 homes are also listed as an expected boost. Produced by Caxtons Chartered Ron Roser Surveyors, Kent County Council
[KCC] and Locate in Kent, the report predicts these and other projects will grow the Mid and West Kent economies.
Positive Caxtons Chairman Ron Roser said: “I am delighted research showed Kent as a whole was in a positive position, with business activity and occupier demand remaining robust and extending across the county.
“The county is home to business locations with a critical mass of high growth industries and towns with a cogent regeneration story, both providing options for investors.” The report lists that the development of Maidstone East railway station to accommodate Thameslink services will also lead to financial growth. Mark Dance, KCC Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: “I appreciate the county has not been left untouched by the economic uncertainty caused by Brexit. But I’m pleased to say business activity and demand has remained strong. We have seen a continual improvement in market confidence extending right across the county over the last year.”
Estate agent calls for stamp duty reform after rate rise By William Mata
will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FEARS that rising interest rates will see Britain’s housing market stall have been played down by an estate agent who says stamp duty has a bigger effect. A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [RICS] found interest from buyers dropped in October, with the rate of sales slowing down in most regions. And the Bank of England raised rates by 0.25 per cent on November 2, the first such rise for a decade.
But Nick Leeming, Chairman of estate agents Jackson-Stops, who have an office in Tunbridge Wells, said: “The moderate interest rate rise is unlikely to disturb the housing market. “Good things don’t usually last forever. The end of this golden period of great mortgage deals won’t be a surprise to the vast majority of prospective and current homeowners. “The market remained fairly stable throughout the General Election and the EU referendum, so it would be surprising to see activity levels or house prices fall as a result of such a modest change to interest rates.”
Nick Leeming The RICS found that only north-east England and Wales saw sales pick up in October. Elsewhere, some agents saw falls in demand of up to 80 per cent compared to the same time last year. RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubin-
sohn has aired concerns about how the rate rise could impact on markets. However, Mr Leeming said a bigger impact could come from any reforms in stamp duty in this month’s Budget. “Traditionally, higher interest rates mean higher mortgage rates, so we may see those already on the fence about moving house take a ‘remain and renovate’ approach instead,” he said. “However, over the last year punitive stamp duty levels have been a real drag on the property market, and will continue to be unless The Chancellor announces stamp duty reform across all transfer values in the upcoming Budget. “The combination of stamp duty, high moving costs, economic uncertainty and potential further interest rates rises will represent a major barrier to home ownership.”
Local Business News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Leading media figure joins newspaper business team
INNOVATOR Richard Karn
RICHARD KARN is one of the most respected media people in the South East and for 12 years, from 2004, was Managing Director of Courier Media Group in Tunbridge Wells. He has now been appointed Business Development Manager at One Media, publishers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells, the Times of Tonbridge and SO Magazines. Richard, who started his career in advertising sales working for the Courier in 1986, has a long association with the area, having been educated at Uplands in Wadhurst and having started his career as a management trainee with high street retailer WH Smith in Tunbridge Wells. Speaking of his appointment, Richard said: “It’s refreshing to work with a local publisher confident about the economic
vibrancy of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and the surrounding areas. “The towns are at the centre of their own unique geographic footprints that defy definition by county boundaries. “One Media is uniquely focused on providing a service at the heart of the local community centred on Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and I look forward to helping them innovate and develop their portfolio to the benefit of local residents and advertisers.”
Launch In 1993, Richard took up the role of General Manager and later Assistant Managing Director of the Leicester Mercury – at the time one of Northcliffe Media’s largest daily titles. In this role he was responsible for product development and electronic publishing. Having been involved in the launch of the Leicester Mercury’s first online site, he was transferred to become Chief Operating Officer and later Managing Director of the group’s digital division.
Law firm completes Triathlon Challenge STAFF at law firm Cripps raised £3,100 for charity by walking, cycling and rowing a combined distance of 7,000 miles in a six-week Triathlon Challenge. The company, which has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and London, undertook the challenge for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the firm’s charity of the year. Rather than the conventional swim, cycle and run triathlon, staff were encouraged to clock up 4,200 miles – which is the distance of the world’s longest triathlon – by alternative means. This was achieved through the late summer
and autumn by static rowing, completing the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk and in the firm’s own 100km Tour De Cripps cycle ride. Trainee solicitor Mollie Ferguson, one of the main organisers of the triathlon, said: “We are delighted that so many members of staff participated in and supported this event. One individual completed more than 600 miles on their own, which is an incredible achievement.” The team were challenged to clock up 4,200 in the six weeks but did so in four. If you would like to donate, search for Cripps LLP at www.justgiving.com
THE CRIPPTON FACTOR The triathlon fundraisers
BUSINESS
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He led the redevelopment of a national digital platform to support Northcliffe’s regional newspaper businesses and also represented the group as a Director of Fish4 – the regional newspaper classified business for jobs, homes and cars. Richard left the Courier in April 2016 shortly after the business had been acquired by Trinity Mirror PLC and set up Fourscore Consulting Limited. Since 2016 he has been working with Newsquest Essex as Acting Advertisement Director. He is also an amateur musician – playing the church organ at both Ticehurst and Ewhurst Green in East Sussex and is also Chair of Governors at Heathfield Community College and a director of the Heathfield Partnership.
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Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Young people swell the ranks at Remembrance Sunday services By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THOUSANDS came together across towns and villages to remember fallen service men and women on Remembrance Sunday. On a bright but chilly day [November 12] large crowds paid their respects, in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Southborough, Crowborough, Paddock Wood and Hawkenbury. Services throughout the day marked the end of both world wars and honoured those who have given their lives in conflicts since then. Event organisers in Tunbridge Wells were ‘delighted’ that at least 2,000 attended a service by the War Memorial on Mount Pleasant Road. David Wakefield, president of Tunbridge Wells Royal British Legion, was one of several town dignitaries to lay a poppy wreath. He said: “It was marvellous with good weather and a large turnout of young people, which I think was better than in previous years. “Laying a wreath is something I have always done and the event is a great honour to be part of.” The Mayor’s Chaplain Reverend Stephen Hills led proceedings which featured a parade past the Town Hall and for the first time the Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir took part in the proceedings. After prayers and a two minute
TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Orpheus Male Voice Choir perform
TUNBRIDGE WELLS: Procession on Mount Pleasant Road silence poppy wreaths were laid by the memorial by leaders including Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and town Mayor Julia Soyke. Joining deputy town mayor Len Horwood, Mr Wakefield later attended a 2pm service at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery in Hawkenbury where Legion member Jennifer Watts gave a talk on the anniversary of Passchendaele – a key First World War Battle fought in 1917. The Hawkenbury service was attended by 56 people,
TUNBRIDGE WELLS The marching band begins to play
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Flags are raised in front of Town Hall
HAWKENBURY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
HAWKENBURY Many paid their respects
HAWKENBURY Royal British Legion organised a talk afterwards
HAWKENBURY Deputy Mayor Len Horwood looked on as wreaths are laid
HAWKENBURY: Former soldiers also attended
Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Poppy wreaths decorate the War Memorial
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Marching bands finish the parade
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Mayor Julia Soyke was joined by town dignitaries
HAWKENBURY: A brass band perform
PHOTOS: David Walter
TUNBRIDGE WELLS War veterans took part
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Wednesday November 15 | 2017
TONBRIDGE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
TONBRIDGE: Wreaths are laid at the War Memorial TONBRIDGE: The Castle was where the parade finished
TONBRIDGE: Reverend Canon Mark Brown takes the ceremony
PHOTOS: David Hodgkinson
TONBRIDGE: Crowds gather on the Castle lawn
Continued from page 10 which impressed Mr Horwood. He said: “It was well attended, I was told 20 or 30 people come most years, and it was well done as well to mark a significant event. “I think there will be special events next year to mark the centenary of the First World War ending.” In Tonbridge hundreds more lined the streets and gathered for a procession and service led by Reverend Canon Mark Brown, Vicar and Area Dean of Tonbridge. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council organised the proceedings which began with prayers and wreath laying at Tonbridge War Memorial off Bradford Street. Bands, scout and cadet groups then marched along the High Street to Cannon Lawn by Tonbridge Castle for an inspection with an estimated 400 people watching en route.
TONBRIDGE: Boys Brigade members play
TONBRIDGE: Councillor Nicolas Heslop and town MP Tom Tugendhat were present
Brilliant Maurice Gilham, of Tonbridge Lions Club – the group who organised parts of the event, said: “In a word it was brilliant. “Crowds bathed in autumn sunshine for the service before Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat (himself a former serviceman) gave a closing speech and dismissed the parade at Cannon Lawn.” Fellow Lions Club member John Ruck added: “I think it was better attended than average because the weather was so good.” Southborough Mayor David Elliott led proceedings at an earlier service in his own ward from 8.45am. He said: “It was a very good turnout of 300-400 people. The town’s two Scout groups were there while Greg Clark attended.”
CROWBOROUGH: Beacon Academy students alongside Army and Air Cadet standard bearers at the Crowborough War Memorial at Chapel Green
Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NEWS
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Blythe spirit celebrated as Kent cricket honours hero SPIN DEMON Blythe was deadly on a damp track
By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A SPECIAL ceremony was held at Kent County Cricket Club’s headquarters to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of one of this country’s greatest cricketers in World War I. Colin Blythe, who lived in Tonbridge, was a masterful left-arm bowler who died on November 8 2017 while serving with the Royal Engineers near Passchendaele. Members of his family and relatives of other fallen team mates gathered with servicemen and club dignitaries at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury last Thursday (November 9) to see the memorial to Blythe rededicated – it has been restored, relocated to the Nackington Road gate and also corrected, because the date of his death was wrong. The club intends to mark the anniversary every year to remember the wartime sacrifices of Blythe and other Kent players, members and supporters. Kent’s Chief Executive Jamie Clifford said: “It
was a particular honour for the club to welcome members of Colin Blythe’s family and representatives from the Armed Forces. “The Blythe Memorial will not be a shrine to militarism, but rather a symbol of the bond between the living members of this club and the dead. “Remembrance is not a celebration of warfare, but a collective expression of appreciation to those who served and to those who fell. “Through the link of men, like Colin Blythe – who played in our colours and made the ultimate sacrifice, we will remember in a way that is not ritual, habit or duty, but rather a genuine expression of gratitude and understanding.” Blythe played for England 19 times from 1901-10, taking 100 wickets at a miserly average of 18.63.
‘It is a symbol of the bond between the living members of this club and the dead’ In his career, which was winding down when he enlisted at the age of 35 at the start of the war, he took a remarkable 2,503 wickets and played 381 matches for Kent. He was one of the greatest of all spinners, delivering left-arm orthodox off-breaks which were quite unplayable on a ‘sticky’ wet wicket. As the Ashes begin next week, it is a reminder that Blythe made his debut for England in Sydney in the first match of the 1901-02 series – and took seven wickets in a resounding victory. Yet he is perhaps best known as one of the game’s fallen heroes. He suffered from epilepsy, but still joined up at the outbreak of World War I, enlisting
IN MEMORIAM (L-R) Historian Martin Stoneham, Captain Chris McClennon of the Royal Engineers, Kent Cricket curator David Robertson, Kent bowler Matt Hunn, Colonel Andy Phillips of the Royal Engineers, Kent Chief Executive Jamie Clifford and President Charlie Rowe, RSM Dave Welsh of Prince of Wales Royal Regiment, Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, former Bishop of Durham & Rochester, Michael Blythe, Richard Seymour, Rt Hon John Speller MP, great nephew, Sheila Wadsworth and Richard Blythe in the Kent Fortress Royal Engineers as a member of the No 1 Reserve Company in Tonbridge. After the Battle of the Somme the Royal Engineers were moved into combat units in 1917 and he joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Sergeant Blythe’s battalion laid and maintained the railway lines which supplied the Western Front at Ypres in Belgium. During the Battle of Passchendaele, he was working on a track between Pimmern and Forest Hall when he was killed by shrapnel from a shell burst in his chest. Blythe, the eldest of 13 children, was born in Deptford but came to live in Tonbridge at the age of 18 to take up a place at the Angel Ground, which was the Kent club’s academy until 1927. He met Janet Gertrude Brown, who was from
Tunbridge Wells and 10 years younger than him, in 1906. They were married the next year and lived near the Angel. The couple had no children. He worked as an engineer at the Arsenal in Woolwich or the Maxim Gun Company in Crayford. Blythe was a talented violinist who played in London’s music hall and later with the Tonbridge Symphony Orchestra. He is buried in the Oxford Road cemetery, near Ypres. Like his Kent colleague Frank Woolley, Blythe is commemorated in Tonbridge Parish Church and has a road in the town e named after him. In 2009, the England team visited the Flanders war graves and laid a stone cricket ball at Blythe’s grave. The captain Andrew Strauss said: “It was a deeply moving and humbling experience.”
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Community
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Mayor calls upon town to support festive appeal for toys and games MEMBERS of the public are invited to support the town’s less fortunate families by donating to the Tunbridge Wells Mayor’s Toy Appeal. The Christmas campaign, which has been held every year since 1989, helps bring joy to local children during what can be a financially difficult time of year. Mayor Julia Soyke is encouraging residents to drop off toys and games at collection
boxes positioned around the town from now until December 14. A spokesman said: “The families in need are referred to us by various agencies, including social services, health visitors, the local women’s shelters, schools and churches. “The aim is to THE MAYOR BEAR Families in need are referred to the appeal by various agencies including schools and churches
provide the children with a few presents each for Christmas Day.” Arts and crafts kit, football accessories and branded toys are among the items on a wish list that can be seen on the appeal website and also on Amazon. The spokesman added: “Some venues will feature Christmas trees with tags that offer ideas for suitable gifts within a specific age range. “We then hope people will donate new toys and deposit them at these collection points, where they
are then distributed.” The toy appeal is additionally supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and The Big Yellow Self Storage Company. To see the complete wish list, and also find a list of suitable items available on the Amazon website, visit www.twmta.co.uk
WHERE YOU CAN DROP OFF GIFTS Big Yellow Self Storage, Longfield Road; Kent & Sussex Courier, Calverley Road; Sainsbury’s Local, Mount Pleasant; The Camden Centre, Market Square; Town Hall; Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery; Town & Country Housing Group (mornings only); Sports Centre, St John’s Road; Whirligig Toys, Mount Pleasant Road; Pembury Library and Southborough Library. There are also Giving Trees, where you can wrap gifts on site, at: Royal Victoria Place; Assembly Hall; Hotel Du Vin; Lexus, Dowding Way; St George’s Childcare, Chilston Road; Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Gateway and Notcutts.
Children’s charity needs your support to raise vital funding A NURSERY that provides childcare in Tunbridge Wells for families in crisis is calling for your votes to help win a large donation from the Aviva Community Fund. St George’s Community Children’s Project in Chilston Road would like to win funding of up to £10,000 to enable them to continue providing very low cost or free childcare to those in need. The charity supports vulnerable children and families in crisis due to a variety of reasons, including domestic abuse, illness, mental health issues and financial hardship.
While their children are safe at St George’s, parents have the time and space they need to change their situation. This could be getting help to rebuild their lives after fleeing domestic abuse, or finding work so they can support their family. St George’s Fundraising and Development Manager Ellie Stewart said: “Receiving a grant from the Aviva Community Fund would make such a difference to our charity. “As the only nursery in the town that provides this service, many families who
contact us have nowhere else to turn. “Please vote for St George’s so we can continue to be there for families in crisis.” The deadine for voting is November 21. Details of how to do so are below. To cast your vote, search for St George’s Community Children’s Project at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk For more information about St George’s, visit www.stgeorgeschildcare.co.uk or email: ellie.stewart@stgeorgeschildcare.co.uk
Community
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
PERSECUTED Rohingya refugees wait for food aid in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh
65 curry houses reach out to help Rohingya refugees A FUNDRAISING drive has been launched by The Bangladesh Welfare Association of Royal Tunbridge Wells [BWA] with local restaurants to raise money for those caught up in the Rohingya refugee crisis. On Wednesday, November 22, 65 participating businesses will give 50 per cent of their proceeds from diners to help charities involved in the region.
Vulnerable BWA has a proud tradition of helping disaster relief efforts and community projects for the poor and vulnerable in Bangladesh. In 2007 it held a similar initiative, involving 50 curry houses, to support victims of cyclone Sidr in the country. According to the International Organization for Migration, which is related to the United Nations, more than 600,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border into Bangladesh because of persecution in the neighbouring country, Myanmar. Kamal J Miah, the association’s President, said: “The BWA is spearheading the fundraiser in a purely humanitarian capacity. We may not be
able to change what’s happening in Myanmar, but with the collective effort of our participating restaurants, and the generous support of the local communities across the various regions that are taking part, we believe we can help the refugees currently in Bangladesh by contributing towards the broader effort.” Among the 65 restaurants and takeaways taking part are: Tunbridge Wells: Junahki, 63 St John’s Road; Maya’s Grill, London Road; Langton Green Tandoori, Langton Road; The Spice, 161-163 Camden Road; The Raj Pavilion, 20 Grove Hill Road; Kirthon, 60 The Pantiles and the Bengal Brasserie, 27 Vale Road. Nearby: Alishan, 149 High Street, Tonbridge; Simply Indian, High Street, Wadhurst; Quality Tandoori, 106-108 High Street, Edenbridge; Gufaa Raja, 11-12 Liberty Square, Kings Hill; Raj Poot, 3 London Road, Crowborough; Rose of Bengal, 2-3 Crowborough Hill, Crowborough; Spice Club, 57-59 High Street, Sevenoaks; Raj, 31 High Street, Borough Green and Red Fort Tandoori, 14 Hale Street, East Peckham. For more information and details of your nearest restaurant, visit http://arcg.is/Dyzvi
Pub celebrates its 25 years by supporting lifeboats charity A PUB and restaurant in Tunbridge Wells has focused its charitable efforts on helping the Royal National Lifeboat Institution [RNLI] as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. For three months, The Barn, in Lonsdale Gardens, has organised fundraising activities on behalf of the RNLI, and on November 4 owner Patrick McGuire presented the charity’s Tunbridge Wells Branch Chairman Malcolm Poole with a cheque for £1,915. Two crew members from Tower RNLI, on the
Thames in London, were also present, and said the money would help them keep saving lives at sea and source necessary equipment to ensure the volunteer lifeboat crews are also kept safe. Fellow owner Ron Zanre said: “We are particularly proud to be associated with the RNLI as the focus has been on Respect The Water, which is such a worthwhile lifesaving campaign highlighting the simple skills required to save someone from drowning.”
FLOAT YOUR BOAT (L-R) Patrick McGuire presents the RNLI’s Malcolm Poole with a cheque alongside The Barn’s Manager ,Phillipe Sorak, and lifeboatmen Nick and Al
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County News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Data shows village’s roads attract highest proportion of speeding drivers in county By William Mata
will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SPEEDING is a bigger problem in Hawkhurst than anywhere else in Kent, according to data compiled by road safety group Speedwatch. The village in Tunbridge Wells borough has seen two serious traffic accidents in the past two months, with one fatality, but no speed camera has been installed despite local politicians calling for one. This comes at a time when budget cuts have led Kent Police to operate only one in four of their 77 speed cameras across the county.
‘We have repeatedly asked for speed cameras to be placed where speed is a significant danger’ Mrs Julia Newman, Chairman of Hawkhurst Parish Council, said: “We are extremely concerned about speeding. “Hawkhurst is located on a crossroads and has a high volume of traffic, which has been described by Kent Highways as ‘severe’. “It may well be that the frustrations of delays in getting through the crossroads causes drivers to accelerate away from the traffic lights in excess of the speed limit. “We have repeatedly asked for speed cameras to be placed where speed is a significant danger, demonstrated in
WE’RE WATCHING MP Greg Clark with members of Speedwatch Hawkhurst by our Speedwatch group’s statistics, rather than where deaths have already occurred.” Speedwatch is a collection of volunteers across Kent who form groups in towns and villages to monitor roadside traffic using a speed gun. By finding an average number of speeders from each session they monitored, the Hawkhurst Speedwatch group found a far higher figure than the next highest in the county. In addition, six of the eight highest speeders recorded throughout Kent in 40mph zones were in the village. SWITCHED OFF Only one in four speed cameras are working
POLICE COMMISSIONER RESPONDS TO SPEED CAMERA CONCERNS
Even though just 19 of the 77 speed cameras in Kent are switched on, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark said he has lobbied Kent Highways and Kent Police for one in Hawkhurst. “At the moment, the criteria for installing speed cameras is based on the number of fatal or serious accidents along a particular stretch of road,” he said. “But despite Speedwatch providing accurate information showing Hawkhurst to have one of the highest proportion of speeders nationally, Kent Highways and police remain of the opinion that Speedwatch data should not influence the location of new speed cameras. “I have asked them to urgently reconsider their position.”
NEW SPEED CAMERAS ARE NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Data which showed budget cuts meant only Kent Highways denied claims that traffic safety 25 per cent of Kent speed cameras are turned in Hawkhurst has been overlooked, but stopped on has concerned Kent Police and Crime short of promising more speed cameras. Commissioner Matthew Scott. Responding to a call from Tunbridge Wells Responding to figures released through a MP Greg Clark for more enforcement in the Freedom of Information request, a police area and a review of their policy for installing spokesman told the Times: “It is all about cameras, the county council-run authority said resources and making the most of what we enough is being done. have got. All of our camera locations may Like the police, County Hall pointed to be operational at any time, and it is the ‘limited resources’ as a reason why there were responsibility of the driver to adhere to the not more cameras. speed limit.” When asked if more speed cameras were It is not known which cameras are live and being considered for the Tunbridge Wells area, whether they are rotated. the spokesman said: “No.” Mr Scott said: “Naturally I was concerned to He continued: “Safety cameras are installed see data which appears to suggest only one as a crash remedial tool and not as a speed in four of the county’s road management tool. Enforcement of speed limits safety cameras is live and remains a role for the police and is not the role operational at any one time. of safety cameras. “Speeding is an issue “This follows the criteria based on the which comes up time and Department for Transport national guidance. time again when I meet “There is no history of speed-related crashes with people right across in Hawkhurst, and where enforcement activity has been conducted there has been no Kent and Medway. “I am liaising with Kent Police detection of high levels of offences. in order to understand what “PSCOs and area officers regularly the force and our partners offer visible support and enforcement CONCERN are doing to improve support, and partnership vans also Kent PPC this situation.” offer enforcement support.” Matthew Scott
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County News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Labour call on Fallon to leave Sevenoaks role SIR Michael Fallon has been called on to resign as Sevenoaks MP by local opposition. The town’s Labour Party branch has started a petition to remove the Conservative from his post after allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The 65-year-old stood down as Defence Minister after admitting he inappropriately touched journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer’s knee during a dinner in 2002. His part in the sexual scandal that has rocked Westminster led to his resignation from the Cabinet with former chief whip Gavin Williamson taking his role. But Labour has called for Sir Michael to go further and step down as MP in the constituency he has held since 1997. The group has so far gained 175 signatures on their petition to force his resignation. A Labour spokesman said Mr Fallon’s admission of inappropriate conduct should disqualify him from representing Sevenoaks. Sir Michael’s office has been contacted for a response. FACING CALLS TO RESIGN Sir Michael Fallon remains as Sevenoaks MP
NEWS IN BRIEF
Thousands sign firm’s petition to ban lorries
CUTTING THE RIBBON Olympian Frances Houghton (middle left) with store managers (l-r) Brad Turnbull, Karen Knight and Steve Gray
Tonbridge is next after growing chain opens store in Maidstone By William Mata
will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk BUDGET supermarket Aldi has continued its expansion into Kent when Olympic rowing medallist Frances Houghton opened a new store in Maidstone. The shop in Well Road became the third in the county after Swanley and Aylesford but as its profits increase the German brand will not be stopping there.
Aldi is already building on the former Homebase site in Cannon Lane, Tonbridge, with the £2.8million store set to open in spring next year – creating 50 jobs.
Discussions The chain has long-discussed a move into Tunbridge Wells with a site on Eridge Road originally earmarked but it is understood Aldi is still looking for a suitable plot. At the Maidstone store
opening Houghton, who won silver medals in the Athens, Beijing and Rio games, gave out Christmas crackers to shoppers before cutting the ribbon. An Aldi spokesman said: “Shoppers can expect quality products, a Christmas range and gifts for all the family, along a premium range of fruit and veg. “In a welcome boost for the local economy, 40 new jobs have been created with store launch, and Aldi is still recruiting for a variety of roles in the area.”
MORE than 2,000 have signed a petition to ban lorries using the Dartford Crossing in a bid to cut traffic. Kent haulage firm Europa Worldwide Group want heavy goods vehicles to make the junction to Essex by going the long way around the M25. This is because Highways authorities have to escort oversized vehicles across the junction in convoys – bringing all other traffic to a standstill. Europa Worldwide argue this will save two hours’ worth of traffic jams from forming every day, but critics argue the added journey time would not make it worthwhile. To see the petition, visit petition. parliament.uk/petitions/200692 online.
UK’s largest solar farm PLANS have been unveiled to build a £400million solar farm on a site the size of 900 football pitches in Whitstable. The proposed Cleve Hill Solar Park on the east Kent coast would generate enough electricity to power 110,000 homes and stand as the UK’s largest. Ultimately, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark could decide whether the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project goes ahead in his role as Business and Energy Secretary. But first a lengthy consultation will begin in towns surrounding Whitstable.
National News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NEWS IN BRIEF
Council tax and parking fines lead to bailiff rise BAILIFFS were brought in by local authorities to collect debts more than two million times in a year, a charity has said. The report by the Money Advice Trust found that nearly six in 10 of the 2.14 million debts referred to enforcement agents in 2014-15 were for council tax, with more than 700,000 relating to parking. It added the number of referrals had increased 14 per cent from 1.8 million when similar research was carried out in 2012.
Man falls in Oxford St A MAN believed to be a window cleaner is in a serious condition after falling from a building on Oxford Street. Commuters described seeing blood on the pavement when the man, in his mid-40s, fell from a building near Harewood Place at around 6.30am yesterday [November 14].
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May under fire from rebels No 10 contacts as big Brexit debate begins producer about between the date of leaving the European Union and the start of a new trading relationship could be secured ‘very early next year’. But the European Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt suggested there had been ‘no progress’ in the talks and cast doubt on whether EU leaders would give the green light to move on to the next phase – coveing the implementation and future relationship – at a summit next month. In the Commons, the so-called ‘repeal bill’ began eight days of detailed scrutiny, with key votes expected later in the process. Pro-EU Tory Anna Soubry said a private meeting between Conservative MPs and party whips on
Aston Martin’s threat ASTON MARTIN has warned it could be forced to halt production of its luxury cars if the UK fails to secure a deal over Brexit. The firm’s chief financial officer Mark Wilson said the impact of leaving the EU without a trade agreement would be ‘semicatastrophic’. New cars built in the UK are tested by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), whose approval means they can be sold across the EU. But manufacturers are warning that this set-up will cease if Brexit happens without a deal being agreed.
NEWS
‘There were some people there who have never rebelled and are now talking of rebelling’ THERESA MAY’S plan to write the date of the UK’s separation from the European Union into law has been dismissed as a ‘gimmick’ and led to fresh warnings that it could provoke a Tory revolt as MPs debated the Brexit legislation. The Prime Minister wants 11pm GMT on March 29, 2019 enshrined in law as the point that the UK breaks away from Brussels. As the Commons began its first day of detailed scrutiny of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, the move was condemned by Labour and relations within the Tory party were described as ‘stormy’ as a result of the Government’s handling of Brexit. Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary David Davis sought to reassure businesses that progress was being made in talks with Brussels. He said agreement on an implementation period
Monday evening was ‘stormy’, with critics going beyond the usual potential rebels. “These are people, a lot of them ex-ministers, highly respected, and they are genuinely cross about this,” she told the BBC. “There were some people there who have never rebelled and they are now talking, for the first time ever, of rebelling.” And in further sign of the difficulties faced by the Government – which will be forced to rely on DUP votes for a majority – senior Tories spoke out in the Commons. Former Chancellor Ken Clarke said the amendment on the date was ‘not just ridiculous and unnecessary – it could be positively harmful to the national interest’.
groping claims
DOWNING STREET is understood to have contacted the TV producer who claims she was groped during a meeting inside Number 10, to ask whether she would like to make a formal complaint. Theresa May’s official spokesman declined to say whether any complaint had been received or that Ms Goodwin was being approached. But a Whitehall source indicated contact was made to ensure she was aware that if she chose to make a complaint, it would be looked into. Daisy Goodwin (pictured), the creator of hit ITV series Victoria, said an official touched her breast after a discussion of a proposed TV programme during David Cameron’s time in office. The former prime minister has said he was ‘alarmed and shocked’ to hear her allegations, and he has contacted the Cabinet Office in order to voice his concerns. A spokesman for Mr Cameron said: “David Cameron was first made aware of this serious allegation yesterday. “He was alarmed, shocked and concerned to learn of it and immediately informed the Cabinet Office.”
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National News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
London cabbies will be taught how to help in emergencies BLACK cab drivers in London are to be trained to respond to medical emergencies and terror attacks. Taxi hailing app mytaxi has developed a course to boost the ‘health, safety and people skills’ of its 17,500 drivers in the capital. The Knowledge+ programme, which takes its name from the navigation exam sat by all London taxi drivers, includes life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator.
Body language Participants will also be taught how to deal with emergencies such as acid attacks, choking, strokes and severe bleeding. Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, will advise on counter- terrorism and security training. A psychologist will provide body language tips in a bid to help drivers put passengers at ease by reading
situations more easily. Mytaxi commissioned a survey of more than 1,300 cab drivers which revealed they are increasingly standing in for the emergency services and facing dangerous situations. More than two-thirds (71 per cent) have made hospital trips for passengers with serious medical issues such as burst appendices and broken ankles. Seven per cent have specifically experienced a passenger having a stroke or heart attack. Nearly one in four (24 per cent) drivers have come to the aid of the public in a terrorist incident, according to the poll. Michelle Kerrigan, national partnerships manager for St John Ambulance, which is supporting the course, said: “Taxi drivers are increasingly first on the scene in an emergency, and we know that administering first aid in those crucial first few minutes can be the difference between life and death.”
Toys let strangers chat with children
FOND FAREWELL Michael Bond’s granddaughter Robyn Jankel
Paddington author honoured: ‘We will look after your bear’ MICHAEL BOND and his much loved creation Paddington Bear was remembered at a service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday [November 14]. The star of the Paddington movies, Hugh Bonneville, read out messages from fans marking the life of the late British author. And Bond’s daughter Karen Jankel led the tributes, describing her father as a ‘master of one-liners’ who could see the humour in any situation and had ‘a twinkle in his eye’.
So real
PICK ME UP: London black cab driver John Hamilton holds a defibrillator
Paddington was ‘so real’ that the bear was seen as a member of their family and ‘an extension of my father, which means he will always be with us’, she said. Describing how Bond always signed his books for fans even when he could barely hold a pen, she said: “He respected his readers as much as they did him.” Bond’s publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh said that ‘increasingly Paddington’s character would inform’ Bond’s own thinking and that he
would sometimes ponder business affairs by asking: ‘What would Paddington do?’ His books ‘imbued deeply held values of courtesy, kindness, justice, tolerance, hope and optimism ... often in the form of a small bear with a hard stare’, she said, and are ‘as relevant today’ as they were when he first created Paddington. “We promise you we will look after your bear”, she told the congregation of family, friends, colleagues and fans. The service began with the Reverend Canon Mark Oakley giving thanks to Bond and for ‘a bear called Paddington who fitted our world perfectly because he was different’. The author penned more than 200 books before his death in June, aged 91, following a short illness. The watchdog Advertising Standards Authority has rejected complaints on social media that the Marks & Spencer Christmas advert features a villain ‘swearing at’ Paddington bear.
SEVERAL ‘smart’ toys expected to be top sellers this Christmas have ‘concerning vulnerabilities’ that could pose a risk to child safety, a consumer group has warned. Which? said its testing found four toys – the Furby Connect, i-Que Intelligent Robot, Toy-Fi Teddy, and Cloud Pets – could be used by a stranger to talk to a child. The testing found that the Bluetooth connection in each of the toys had not been secured, meaning the hacker used for the investigation did not need a password, PIN code or any other authentication to achieve access. It added that ‘very little technical know-how’ was needed to gain access to the toys to start sharing messages with a child. Which? has written to retailers calling on them to stop selling toys with proven security issues.
ANOTHER MEDAL: Sir Mo with his wife Tania
‘Coming from Somalia, it’s incredible’ – Sir Mo SIR MO FARAH described receiving his knighthood from the Queen as ‘incredible’ and something he never imagined would happen. The four-time Olympic champion was honoured at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. He said: “Over the years you dream of becoming something or doing something in your career, to take it to the highest level and become an Olympic champion - that was always the dream. “As an eight-year-old coming from Somalia and not speaking a word of English, to be recognised by your country, it is incredible.” On being handed the honour by the Queen, Sir Mo said she told him he has been ‘going too long’ and asked him if he has retired.
National Business News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NOT ON THE MONEY ‘Red faces all round’ after inflation did not rise
Inflation holds steady at five-year peak last month BRITAIN’S surging inflation unexpectedly remained the same last month, as rising food prices were countered by a drop in fuel costs. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation was 3 per cent in October, unchanged from a five-year high in September. Economists had pencilled in a higher rate of 3.1 per cent, which would have forced Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to write a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond explaining why inflation is so high. The Government has set an inflation target of 2 per cent, with protocol dictating that the Bank must contact Mr Hammond if inflation exceeds 3 per cent or falls short of 1 per cent. The Bank, which hiked interest
rates to 0.5 per cent earlier this month, expects CPI to peak at around 3.2 per cent in the autumn, adding further pressure to UK households grappling with paltry wage growth. Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, said there will be ‘red faces all round’ after inflation failed to expand as expected.
Pressure He said: “The recent surge in price pressures is primarily due to the depreciation of sterling since last year’s EU referendum, which has increased the cost of imported goods and services, but today’s numbers will add to the sense that the worst of this impact has already passed. “Data on company costs, which tend to change ahead of changes in consumer prices, have already
shown signs of having peaked earlier in the year. “The unexpected failure of the inflation rate to rise to more than 1 per cent above the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target means Mark Carney can put his pen back in his pocket, no longer needing to write a letter of explanation to the Chancellor. “But the policy prescription was always going to be merely one of waiting as inflation will cool, providing the exchange rate does not fall further.” Annual food prices rose to the highest level in four years, up 4.2 per cent last month in contrast to a 3.4 per cent expansion in September. The main downward pressure on the cost of living came from fuel prices, which fell by 0.4 per cent month-on-month after rising by 2.3 per cent in October 2016.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Advertising prediction
Tesco ready to Book in
BROADCASTER ITV has cheered improvements in under-pressure TV advertising revenues and forecast a return to growth by the end of the year. The group – home to The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity – posted a 4 per cent decline in net advertising revenues in its third quarter, better than the 8 per cent tumble in its first half. It said it expected TV advertising revenues to edge 1 per cent higher in the fourth quarter, which is set to see the group outperform the wider market with a full-year decline of around 5 per cent.
TESCO’S £3.7billion takeover of wholesale group Booker has been given the provisional green light after the competition watchdog said it would not lead to higher prices or hit services for shoppers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its in-depth investigation into the tie-up found it did not raise competition concerns despite fears raised by a raft of rival wholesalers. The CMA said Tesco and Booker do not compete ‘head-to-head’ in most areas in which they operate, in particular the catering sector, where Booker makes more than 30 per cent of its sales.
Mortgage lending drops
Cut-off for paper notes
MORTGAGE lending fell back in September but remained higher than a year earlier, banks and building societies have reported. First-time buyers borrowed a total of £5.1billion in September, down 11 per cent on the previous month but 4 per cent higher than in September 2016, according to trade body UK Finance. Home movers borrowed £6.9billion, down 18 per cent on August but 6 per cent higher year-on-year.
THE old £10 note must be spent by March next year after the Bank of England revealed the date when it will cease to be legal tender. A use-by date of March 1 2018 has been placed on £10 paper notes following the introduction of the plastic tenner on September 14. However, old notes can still be spent ahead of the cut-off date, or exchanged at the Bank once this point has passed.
BUSINESS
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World News
RURAL COMMUNITY Rancho Tehama
Three dead in shooting in northern California AT LEAST three people died following shooting incidents at several locations in a remote part of northern California yesterday [November 14]. Authorities said the shootings occurred around 8am in Rancho Tehama, near Red Bluff, about 120 miles north-west of Sacramento. The gunman was among the fatalities after being killed by the police.“At this point the suspected shooter is deceased by law enforcement bullets,” Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told reporters. “I know of at least three deaths.”
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Images shared by Russia identified as game scenes THE Russian ministry of defence has been caught distributing false images it claims are from recent American operations in Syria, but which in fact show scenes from a computer game and an old Iraqi military video. The images, shared on the ministry’s official Facebook and Twitter pages on Tuesday [November 14], are accompanied by a caption describing an Islamic State [IS] convoy leaving the Syrian city of Abu Kamal, dated November 9 2017.
Drones Russia claimed these pictures showed ‘irrefutable evidence’ that the US-led coalition was working together with Isis troops ‘to promote American interests’ in the Middle East. The statement also claimed the footage had been captured by Russian drones. All the images can be traced to material posted
Primary school There were at least five crime scenes, including a primary school where students were injured – though it was reported than no pupils were killed. Johnston confirmed that ‘a number’ of students had been medically evacuated from the scene. “We have about 100 law enforcement personnel in Rancho Tehama right now with multiple, multiple scenes,” Johnston said. “I know that we have [airlifted] a number of students,” he added. “I know that we have children that were attending school in a safe location at this time.”
DOUBLE TAKE Image published in Russia (above) and by Military. org in July 2016 (right)
online before 2017. The most glaring inclusion showed what appeared to be a military convoy. Yet a reverse image search of the picture, which checks it against images stored in online databases, shows it was first uploaded as part of a promotional video for AC-130 Gunship Simulator, a mobile video game produced by Byte Conveyor Studios and uploaded to YouTube in March 2015. Reverse image searches of the other pictures traced two to a video published to the Military.com website in July 2016, alleging to show Iraqi helicopters attacking IS convoys outside Fallujah. Another picture was traced to a separate video claiming to show the same operation published on YouTube in June 2016 by RT, the Kremlin-backed broadcaster previously known as Russia Today. The posts come as Russia’s role in spreading disinformation around the world comes under increasing scrutiny in the UK and US. Facebook, Twitter and Google have presented evidence to a US Senate hearing about Russian intervention in the 2016 US election. And on Monday Prime Minister Theresa May used a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London to accuse Russia of ‘meddling’ in elections. “[Russia] is seeking to weaponise information,” she said. “Deploying its state-run media organisations to plant fake stories and Photoshopped images in an attempt to sow discord in the West and undermine our institutions. “So I have a very simple message for Russia. “We know what you are doing. And you will not succeed.” The Russian ministry of defence has not responded to requests for comment.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Kruis out, Marler in for England’s Wallaby test EDDIE JONES has dropped George Kruis for England’s autumn international against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. Kruis started the 21-8 victory over Argentina but has been released back to his club Saracens after Eddie Jones opted to include Charlie Ewels in his 25-man training squad retained at the Bagshot base. Joe Marler is set to have a role after Ellis Genge was also discharged. Marler returns after completing his threeweek ban for striking with the elbow. He will either start or be named on the bench, depending on whether Jones decides to reduce Mako Vunipola’s workload.
High-profile friendlies ENGLAND’S World Cup preparations will continue with March friendlies against Holland and Italy, two of the most highprofile sides who failed to qualify for Russia. Gareth Southgate’s team will play at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena on March 23 before hosting Italy at Wembley four days later. The other friendlies will be determined by the draw in the Kremlin on December 1.
Talisman Burgess is back SAM BURGESS is set to return for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Papua New Guinea in Melbourne on Sunday. The talismanic forward has missed the last two group games after damaging a medial ligament in his right knee in the opening defeat by Australia.
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NEWS
Letters
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
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 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Art isn’t always uplifting – it’s often not about ‘wellbeing’ at all, and can leave you having to lie in a darkened room… Councillor Tracy Moore would have us believe a new theatre is up there with the latest food fad or health cure like quinoa and kale smoothies – a boon to social and healthy wellbeing. The last time I went to the opera I saw Berg’s Lulu. On the last two visits to the theatre I saw Miller’s Death of a Salesman and Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? At a recent chamber concert I heard Schubert’s D956 String Quintet. Far from being uplifted, each time I had to lie down in a darkened room; far from having my spirits raised, I was in a deep depression for days. Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder, or Songs on the Death of Children, damn near finished me off. New theatre? The council’s wrong-footedness on this project is pure theatre. Hugh Masters, Pembury
No more ‘low-level’ harassment We were horrified by Sir Michael Fallon’s suggestions that ten or 15 years ago things were different in terms of sexual harassment. No, they weren’t different. Women didn’t like uninvited sexual advances in a professional situation then any more than they do now. The difference is women felt that speaking out was not an option. No one would listen to them or believe them. It’s hard enough now, never mind ten to 15 years ago. He mistook silence for acquiescence. The Women’s Equality Party is also very vocal on the misunderstanding that ‘kneegate’ is hardly ‘high-level’ harassment (as suggested by Ian Hislop on TV’s Have I Got News For You). Jo Brand answered that extremely well. We believe that ‘under the radar’, ‘low-level’ harassment is cumulative and just as threatening, but is more difficult for women to ‘call out’ because people say exactly what Ian Hislop and others have said – that it’s hardly major. Minimisation is colluding with the problem. Women have to live with that low level of harassment every day and it is wearing and tiring and needs to stop. Amanda Turner Tunbridge Wells Women’s Equality Party
A new theatre? It’s a miracle Councillor Tracy Moore’s two articles are not so much a charm offensive as an unstoppable juggernaut: She says a new theatre will solve all manner of ills, social and otherwise; we already have a theatre, so will a newer and bigger one make me feel healthier, happier and more sociable? She claims a new theatre will reduce costs in health and social care: Truly, this theatre will perform miracles! We may even live to a hundred. Next, Cllr Moore’s transport of enthusiasm takes us to new heights with her rhapsodic vision of the current Town Hall’s future use: ‘Cluster dynamics’ she waxes, describing a perpetual motion machine
TOIL AND TROUBLE The Crucible at Trinity last month – a tale about witch hunts
I do not receive any money for the time I put into Friends of Calverley Grounds. I am also a member of TW Alliance, a pressure group formed by residents from across Tunbridge Wells [www.twalliance.com]. Attempts to discredit your own constituents is not the way to win an argument, and is clearly against the council’s Code of Conduct and Seven Principles of Public Life that this councillor told us about at the Full Council Meeting on July 26. Nicholas Pope Friends of Calverley Grounds, Chairman & Trustee
Relieve the burden on hospital
of endless invention, yet there is nothing on the horizon, and she’s already condemned it by indicating a £10million refurbishment cost. Once empty, it will probably rot away because, despite its listed status, there is no compulsion to maintain it. And we’ve yet to see evidence of tenants for the new Town Hall, too. But if you’re going to sell a pup, make sure it’s a big ’un; if you’re going to speculate – and you can do it without personal cost – well, your imagination can know no bounds. She’s flogging a dead horse. It won’t romp home and, unlike Pegasus, it will never fly. As a keeper of the public purse, she needs to be reminded, yet again, that more sober voices are warning us against public debt. We should ignore the siren calls of Cllr Moore; we are already in the stormy seas of too much debt. She will have us cast upon the rocks. Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells
I do not live in a Calverley penthouse Yet again, I have been contacted by someone who has been misinformed by a councillor who continues to tell people that I have a personal interest in stopping the Civic Centre development because I live in a penthouse apartment overlooking Calverley Grounds. This is not true. I do not live in a property that has a view over the public park, Calverley Grounds. I live in a house with a view of the terraced houses on the other side of the road at the front, and at the back I have a view of a large, ugly block of flats with those penthouse apartments that do overlook Calverley Grounds. My interest in the Civic Centre development is as Chairman and Trustee of the Friends of Calverley Grounds, working for the community and all the people who use the Grade II listed park in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.
Given the expanding local population, which is putting an ever increasing burden on our medical services, surely the vast sums of money being spent on vanity projects such as the new Civic Centre and theatre would be better invested in building an out-of-hours, non-emergency medical unit in the town staffed by NHS personnel? This could deal with minor complaints – thus relieving the burden on the A&E department at the Pembury hospital. The majority of local residents do not work in Tunbridge Wells and keeping an appointment with their doctor usually entails taking time off work, which many are reluctant to do. Victor Bethell, Tunbridge Wells
Is it the bin end of the wedge? Regarding your front page story about Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s plans to start charging residents for garden waste bins to be collected and emptied, am I the only person to see this as the thin end of the wedge? When this has been achieved, will the next stage be: “Oh, we will be able to save even more costs by charging for the removal of any of the recyclable bins”? Followed closely by: “We are a thrifty and cost-cutting council, therefore we are going to charge residents for emptying the dustbins”? All of which then leads me to wonder why we are paying our council tax, of which a proportion is for that simple task of waste disposal. This is one of the few council services to all residents of Tunbridge Wells that should be ring-fenced and sacrosanct. S D Weber Tunbridge Wells
Subject of refuse often offends Just as I was thinking the council would not dare consider winding up the electorate any further on top of the Civic Complex fiasco, up pop radical proposals for refuse collection and dog walking. Just nine days’ ‘consultation’ are offered. Are they hoping to push these changes through before we are even aware of them? It is to be hoped that enough local independents emerge for the next election, so that the borough can rid itself of the current shower. Roy Haycock, Tunbridge Wells
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
STRANGE instructions were given to our young snapper despatched to cover the opening of the new Weald of Kent Grammar School annexe in Sevenoaks. He was ordered by media minders not to take any pictures of the VIP guest, due to declare the school ‘open’, if he was standing next to or near young women. And the reason? It was local MP Sir Michael Fallon, who was forced to quit his job as Defence Minister after allegations of sexual harassment. Sir Michael is pictured right, and no he’s not digging his own grave. He’s planting a tree to mark the school’s opening. SPOTTED one of my old colleagues on the TV quiz programme Pointless Celebrities the other day. For those who prefer Radio 4 (good on you), it’s the BBC programme about contestants trying to score as few points as possible by plumbing the depths of their general knowledge to come up with the answers no one else can think of (my thoughts, too). You would be forgiven for not knowing what makes Stanley such an attraction for programme makers? He is in fact Stanley Patrick Johnson, father of Boris. His journalist daughter Rachel is also pretty well known, more so than daddy. And now he’s off to join that awful TV programme I’m a Celebrity. NEIGHBOURS can be a bit of a pain when it comes to building work, although the following cautionary tale will take a bit of beating. This couple are having a loft conversion built. They got all the boxes ticked with the planners and givers-of-permission. The problem is they forgot about the sunshine. The neighbours are claiming compensation for the fact that scaffolding poles blocked out some of the sunshine for their solar panels which deprived them of ‘free’ electricity. KEEPING in touch with your kids has to be one of the most important things in life. Parents will go to extreme lengths: Like the ultra-busy businesswoman who orders her driver (yes, she is wealthy) to pass slowly by the school gates a couple of times a week so she can wave to her daughter and son who are looked after by the nanny. How touching is that? Chin chin
Education News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
EDUCATION Times WITH THE
Lessons have been clearly learnt by a primary school after Ofsted visit… STONEGATE Church of England Primary School is currently celebrating being judged a ‘Good School’ after an Ofsted inspection last month. Key areas noted in the report included ‘highly effective leadership which brought about important improvements in a short space of time’ and that pupils ‘had a good start’ to reception and Key Stage 1. The Ofsted report also went on to point out that ‘ambition for pupils is clear, and work in pupils’ books over time shows that teachers share the Headteacher’s clarity of vision and ambition for the success of the school.’
TEAMWORK Stonegate pupils celebrate
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EDUCATION IN BRIEF
All the world’s a stage for budding Bard fans SHAKESPEARE for Schools (SFS) will be at Trinity Theatre on November 21 performing a trio of the Bard’s famous productions with the help of local schools. Those taking part include Benenden who will be performing Othello, St Barnabas who will be staging a production of Macbeth and St Gregory’s who will put on Romeo and Juliet. SFS is the world’s largest youth drama festival, enabling over 1,000 schools to bring their interpretations of Shakespeare to 138 professional theatres across the UK. For more information visit www.trinitytheatre.net
New select committee SOCIAL mobility will be encouraged through schools by the newly established Pupil Premium Select Committee. Kent County Council has established the body to decide how best to spend the £58million set aside to benefit vulnerable learners. The committee will work to ensure the effectiveness of Pupil Premium, which offers additional funding for schools to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
Effective This is an improvement on the last inspection in 2016 when a key weakness in the school was identified as being a lack of review procedures being in place to assess pupils’ progress. Ofsted commented: “You have introduced an effective system for tracking the progress that groups of pupils make in English and mathematics.” Stonegate’s Headteacher Jonathan Elms was delighted with the school’s report adding: “The Good outcome is a tremendous one, truly deserved by the whole school community.
NEWS
Tune into music lessons “As a school that is constantly challenging itself to reach greater heights, we will continue to encourage all of our pupils to reach even higher standards in their personal and academic development in the coming years. The trajectory for the
school to achieve a future ‘Outstanding’ judgement is well set.” The primary, which is founded on Christian values and whose mission statement is ‘love of learning for life’, has 110 pupils at the school.
THE Arensky Chamber Orchestra, one of the UK’s most dynamic, recently visited pupils at Skinners’ Kent Primary School as part of their Re:Imaginings workshop series. This opportunity was organised as part of Royal Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival.
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NEWS
Weekly Comment
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Greg Clark
MP for Tunbridge Wells
Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Remembrance is an enormous privilege to be part of ONE of my proudest moments each year as the Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells is laying a wreath on Remembrance Sunday at the War Memorial. This year’s commemoration was as ever, meticulously organised; and on a cold but sunny morning it was wonderful to see a crowd that filled the road in front of the memorial united in tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. Since I joined the Cabinet, I have been able to be present on Whitehall for the national service, led by the Queen at the Cenotaph. Two years ago I had the privilege of officially reviewing the civilian services on parade there – the police officers, firefighters and ambulance men and women whose bravery, dedication and service in times peace as well as times of war is too easily taken for granted. But as great an honour it is to be at the London event, it is our local ceremony that most powerfully brings home to me the debt we owe to the people who lived and worked in places that are so familiar to us – homes to which they never returned. Many of us, on Remembrance Sunday, begin the day at the Southborough parade which takes place before the main one in Tunbridge Wells. The
HONOUR Greg Clark MP takes part in a wreath laying ceremony Southborough War Memorial has one of the most beautiful settings of any in the country – in the corner of Southborough Common, by the cricket field close to St Peter’s Church and shaded by magnificent oaks in their final autumn colours. Yet what is engraved on it stands in contrast to the idyllic setting. Out of the total of 252 names, 207 men of Southborough and High Brooms who fell in the First World War are listed, and then 45 who were killed in the Second World War and
Fran Long Secretary Tonbridge and Malling Green Party
other conflicts. Scarcely a family was spared, with many names still familiar locally today. Twenty four of the names are from among the 155 men who perished in the sinking of HMS Hythe near the Dardanelles on 28 October 1915 – a tragedy further commemorated in a marble carving now in St Matthew’s Church in High Brooms. The Tunbridge Wells memorial contains 972 names, and I have always found its arresting, fine statue of a soldier standing alert and ready for
combat both powerful and moving. It raises up a man rather than an abstraction. In doing so, it conveys wider themes of courage and duty as being of us, rather than separate from us. A bigger crowd gathers every year, and during my time the previous weekend selling poppies in the Royal Victoria Place with the British Legion, it seemed to me that the desire to be part of the commemoration was as strong with younger people as it was with the generation who had experienced service at first hand. As each year goes by, fewer of the people who defended us when we were in peril are left among us. The columnist Simon Jenkins wrote in a newspaper last week that it is time to draw a line under what he called the “wars of the 20th century” and to begin to forget. I could not disagree more. We must never forget the sacrifices, not only of those who died, but of those generations who endured the horrors and deprivations of war to allow us to live the lives that we live today. There must be no complacency, no wishful thinking that our way of life is unassailable. In whatever way each of us can, we must always be ready to stand up for freedom and strive for peace.
Fran Long is a retired nurse, founder member of Tonbridge Bicycle Users Group, treasurer of Tonbridge and Malling Friends of the Earth, and an active member of the Angel Community Gardeners.
Why cycling could save lives in more ways than one GOVERNMENT figures show that 40,000 early deaths per year are linked to traffic pollution. At the same time, obesity, diabetes, stress and heart disease, all of which are linked to immobility, are on the increase. There is a strong link between these two health facts! The Department of Transport says that about 70 per cent of short journeys under five miles are made by car. Many of these could easily be made by bike
‘New cycle paths are at last being introduced in Tonbridge & Malling’ or walking, thus reducing pollution and keeping fit at the same time. One reason that people choose to drive is that they feel cycling or walking is dangerous and unpleasant. Many parents would like their children to be independent and cycle to school if they thought the roads were safer. The UK has one of the lowest levels of children walking or cycling to school in Europe, and the highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities in Europe. Over half all road deaths and serious injuries are in roads with 30 mph speed limits (most commonly urban or residential), where our speed
limits are high compared with most of Europe. In most European countries the speed limit is 18.6 mph in residential areas (although at first sight the road signs appear to have a higher limit because they are in kmph). The Green Party would like to see traffic speeds reduced to 20 mph in all residential streets, which would reduce accidents. Local authorities in Portsmouth, Newcastle, Leicester, Oxford, Hull, Bristol, Warrington and Hull are have already implemented this policy successfully. We would also like to see the speed limit on many narrow, twisting country lanes, such as Mill Lane in Hildenborough, reduced from 60mph to 30mph. New cycle paths are at last being introduced in Tonbridge & Malling. A fine example being the new traffic free route through Longmead which allows cyclists travelling between north and south Tonbridge to avoid the narrow and dangerous section of the Shipbourne road between the High Street and the Yardley Park roundabout. However, for many years TMBC was resistant to endorsing any cycling strategy at all. In 2007 the Joint Transportation Board, which comprises councillors from both KCC and TMBC, was presented with a draft cycling strategy; but it was not until 2013 that a public consultation about this finally began.
LET’S RIDE Tonbridge Bike Users Group on the new Tonbridge – Pembury path This only happened after the Green Party publicised the existence of the strategy in leaflets left on bikes parked at the station, and asked cyclists to contact their councillors. In 2013 Tonbridge and Malling officially endorsed a cycling strategy for 2014-2019. Some of this has already been implemented, but there is far more work needed. Greens are now working with cyclists
from other parties to promote more safe cycle routes in Tonbridge. People from all political parties and none are invited to join together in Tonbridge Bicycle Users Group (TBUG) with the simple aim of Making Cycling Safer in and around Tonbridge. Information on TBUG is on Facebook and Twitter or email tonbridgebicycleusersgroup@gmail.com
WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL
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Game, set and perfect match In Victorian country mansion-style estate
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To suit your budget
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE
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Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms
DORNDEN DRIVE LANGTON GREEN GUIDE PRICE £850,000 To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Jemma Rose 01892 240 625
Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
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UNDER £250,000 HIGH STREET, TONBRIDGE
GUIDE PRICE
£175,000-£182,500 A light, bright first-floor apartment in the centre of Tonbridge, close the mainline station and shops. The property has a communal entrance, its own entrance hall with doors to all rooms, and an open-plan living
room/kitchen with views over a tributary of the River Medway. There is a fitted kitchen as well as a double bedroom and family bathroom. The outside area includes a communal courtyard to the rear. There is a 125-year lease. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk
UNDER £450,000 THE MIDDLE HOUSE, HAWKHURST
OIEO
£375,000 A character Grade II listed property in the village’s picturesque Moor area. The home has been comprehensively refurbished and includes a kitchen/ breakfast room with integrated appliances, a sitting room, a
cloakroom, two bedrooms, a bathroom, gas-fired central heating and an enclosed private garden with seating area and lawn. Internally, there are natural timber doors with thumb-latch features, and outside there is allocated parking. CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk
To suit your budget
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
PROPERTY
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great properties by price range… UNDER £500,000 REDLAND AVENUE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
GUIDE PRICE
£485,000 A well-maintained modern townhouse set over three floors on the Rusthall/ Langton Green borders. The accommodation includes a living room with a Juliet balcony and lovely views, an L-shaped open-plan kitchen/dining room, a study, three bedrooms (two en suite) and a family bathroom. Outside, the property is approached by a shared pedestrian walkway and there are front and rear gardens. There is off-road parking and a car port. CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk
UNDER £600,000 THE OLD SHOP, HAWKHURST
OIEO
£495,000
A property originating from the Victoria era which has undergone extensive refurbishment. The living area is open plan with a door to the garden and a cellar. There are luxurious fittings to the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as natural timber work surfaces. There are three bedrooms – one of which is the master suite. Externally, there is a garden with a wide paved seating area. Two parking spaces are included. CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk
UNDER £700,000
UNDER £1MILLION
WOODLAND WAY, BIDBOROUGH
DORNDEN DRIVE LANGTON GREEN
GUIDE PRICE
£850,000 A well-presented detached house in a desirable road. It is currently arranged with two principal rooms and a large open-plan kitchen/diner on the ground floor as well as five good sized bedrooms, a bathroom and a shower room upstairs. There is potential to extend the rear of the
£699,995 property, subject to the relevant permissions. The property has a gravel drive, generous off-road parking and large, level secluded gardens to the rear with a terrace, shed and log store. CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk
Set at the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac, this house has scope for extensions and improvements subject to the necessary permissions. The lounge has a large window overlooking the garden, and there is also a dining room and a conservatory. The kitchen has granite work surfaces. The bedrooms all include built-in wardrobes. Externally, there is parking for at least two cars as well as a garage. The garden is spread over multiple levels. CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk
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PROPERTY
The Old Chestnuts
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
A refurbished, double-fronted Victorian home mixing period character with a spot of luxury
AT A GLANCE
THE OLD CHESTNUTS TALBOT ROAD, HAWKHURST n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Inner hall n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Rear lobby/utility room n Cloakroom/WC n Cellar n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms (one en suite) n Family bathroom n Front garden n Rear garden with paved seating area and external brick toilet/storage area
GUIDE PRICE
ÂŁ635,000 Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk
The property lies within the oldest part of the village, known as The Moor
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PROPERTY
Springwood Park
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
AT A GLANCE
Townhouse-style elegance in a gated estate with meticulously maintained grounds
SPRINGWOOD PARK TONBRIDGE n Telephone gate entry system n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Utility room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Drawing room n Study n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms n Galleried landing n 2 bathrooms n Dressing room n Double garage with 2 extra rooms on the first floor n Park grounds, which include access to a tennis court, 5 acres of land and parking spaces n No chain
ÂŁ875,000 Available for sale through Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
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PROPERTY
39
Stone Cross Oast
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
PROPERTY
41
AT A GLANCE
This home is full of character, yet has a stylish, contemporary feel throughout
STONE CROSS OAST ASHURST ROAD NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Rural hamlet location n Set on 3 levels n Entrance hall n Cloakroom and WC n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Dining room n Utility room n Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite n 2 further bedrooms n 2 family bathrooms n Second floor family room and study or bedroom 4 & 5 n Double garage n Gardens with paved areas and greenhouse
GUIDE PRICE
ÂŁ795,000
Available for sale through Maddisons Residential Tunbridge Wells 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk
Large converted oast house on the outskirts of Ashurst
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PROPERTY
Interiors
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
HOW TO BRING CALM TO ROOMS WITH THE LATEST COLOUR TREND Heart Wood
Here, Gabrielle Fagan dips into the latest paint shade set to star in homes and shows you how to use it… Colour is a powerful mood enhancer. If you’re looking for a feeling of calm, warmth and reassurance (that’s all of us, right?)
you could consider Heart Wood, the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2018. The paint experts claim this smoky, gentle neutral with a tinge of purple heather can not only bring a sense of comfort, harmony and balance, but is so versatile it blends
beautifully with other fashionable palettes, from inky blues and purples through to chocolate and pinks. If it does, indeed, do what it says on the tin, it could just be the perfect way to simply paint your path to a peaceful paradise.
CREATE LIGHT “Heart Wood can be described as a warm neutral – a colour inspired by natural materials which contain hints of pink, gold or yellow,” explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux. “It can appear subtly different in changing light conditions, with notes of sophisticated ‘millennial pink’ through to a warm grey coming to the forefront. The shade also has a subtle hint of heather, which creates a cosy, relaxed and welcoming look. “It works perfectly with natural materials, woods and leather, and there’s a supporting palette of seven colours, from stunning Blackberry Bush to delicate Blossom Tree.” TIP: “Heart Wood can be used on all walls, or used as a band of colour for the lower part of a wall, as a feature [see main image],” says Ms Shillingford. Alternatively, bring the shade into an existing scheme by using it to paint architectural features and furniture, and enhance the look with accessories.
MAKE IT MELLOW AND MOODY “If you’re looking to give a bit of a kick to this laid-back hue, pair with a flash of hot pink or a rich, deep navy,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident Style Advisor at Wayfair. “This will take the colour from grown-up to glamorous, especially if you add accents and accessories in on-trend gold or copper, and use tactile fabrics like velvet and linen for a luxurious touch. “This neutral, which sits somewhere between smoky taupe and soft mink, can conjure a serene space that’s easy on the eye and instantly relaxing – perfect for a bedroom.” TIP: “Lovers of more natural styling may prefer to go ‘au naturel’ and pair the shade with weathered wood furniture, rattan and sea grass touches, as well as brushed cotton and wool fabrics,” advises Nadia.
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FEATURES
Food & Drink
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Natural selection
SERVICE WITH A HEALTHY SMILE Geff Stone
November is officially National Vegan Month. To mark it, Eileen Leahy talks to Geff Stone of The Plant Base in Camden Road, which serves a meat and dairy-free menu
A
CCORDING to the National Vegan Society, ‘veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose’. In other words, there is no meat, dairy or indeed any other animal byproducts, such as honey, included in a vegan diet, and items originally sourced from animals – think leather, fur or wool – or that have been tested on them, like certain health and beauty products, are also excluded. Yet although some might not be able to imagine how they could go through life without another roast dinner or wearing a woolly jumper, converting to veganism is now more popular than ever. Over the past decade, The Vegan Society notes that there has been a huge 260 per cent increase
Beetroot latte
in the number of vegans in Britain, equating to more than half a million. The desire to follow a plant-based diet was what led Geff Stone, 35, owner of the recently opened The Plant Base café in Camden Road, to become a vegan three years ago. When we chat, which coincidentally happens to be on World Vegan Day [November 1], he reveals that the idea for The Plant Base, which opened in February this year, came about rather organically.
‘A massive part of why I went vegan was down to the environment’ “I always knew I wanted to do something that was mine rather than work for someone else, and I was waiting for the right idea to come along. I’ve been self-employed pretty much all my working life, but the stars aligned in certain ways and this is what ended up being important to me,” he says. After graduating from university, with a degree in video and drama production, Geff worked for the family decorating business and then as a freelance chef. Doing this job made him realise that food was a natural passion for him. “I really enjoyed my time working as a chef, and during this period I went vegan. Because I knew I wanted to ultimately work for myself, I had the plan of getting a food truck to serve vegan food at
festivals, but it so happened that around the same time I saw a few little units coming up on Camden Road. I started looking into it and thought that actually the ease of taking on a bricks and mortar business was preferable to that of being based in a truck. There wasn’t much difference in price and there was a lot less hassle involved in terms of having to get planning permission for visiting different sites.” Geff says his idea ‘kept getting bigger and bigger’ and he ended up taking on a larger premises than planned: “Although the café space is bigger than I wanted, I’m glad I have got this space now as I have a policy of saying there’s no point in doing something half-heartedly. You’ve
got to commit.” In order to get up and running, Geff enlisted the help of his wife and his mother, but he now has a chef in place and another full-time member of staff. The ambience and décor of the café, which has a very appealing and natural feel, was just as important to get right as curating his menu, which offers everything from bananas and pecans on toast to nutritious and delicious quinoa and rice-based bowls and fruit smoothies. “I had to do it in a way that was important to me,” Geff explains. “A massive part of why I went vegan was down to the environment, so everything we use here is recycled and our packaging is compostable. “There’s no plastic anywhere and all of the
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‘We do have the prettiest avocado in Tunbridge Wells as we don’t smash it’ juices we make are bottled in glass, and if you bring them back you get money back on them.” He adds that even the takeaway coffee cups are biodegradable as they are made from corn starch. So far, so ethically spot on, but is Geff’s range of plant-based foods proving popular with the folk of Tunbridge Wells? “It’s certainly got a long way to go yet, but yes it’s sustaining itself,” he says. His regular customers are ‘80 per cent women aged 25-45 who are into their fitness, or coming from a yoga class, or have dietary requirements that are difficult to cater for.’ “That’s another big part of what we do as we make everything from scratch on the premises, so almost everything is gluten-free – apart from one type of bread.” Geff is keen to stress that you don’t have to be vegan to eat here, just into healthy, freshly-prepared food which is changed seasonally so Geff and his team can make the most of the products that are at their best during certain times of year. So what are his most popular dishes? “Well, we do have the prettiest avocado in Tunbridge Wells as, unlike most places, we don’t smash Broccoli Bowl it. I understand why some chefs do as avocados can be
unforgiving little beasts, but we slice ours and serve it on a special wholemeal spelt bread that the Bicycle Bakery up the road make especially for us. It comes with a herby pesto and dehydrated kale.” Incidentally, all The Plant Base’s fruit and veg is sourced from Oliver Greens in Rusthall. Other best-selling plates include the café’s pan-fried broccoli bowls, which are served with sesame, ginger, tamari, chili, cashew nuts and edamame beans. With food sounding this good it’s no wonder Geff found it easy to renounce meat and dairy. “Well, I noted I was eating a lot less of both anyway. As I’ve always been into eating healthy food, I knew a certain amount about supplementing things like Omega 3, which is usually found in fish but also in flax seeds, and that you can obtain good amounts of protein from chickpeas, nuts, broccoli and soya. And then, of course, there are loads of dairy alternatives filling up the aisles these days, so it’s no longer that hard.” Geff made the leap to being a vegan without going vegetarian first, and when I ask him if he ever misses a good chargrilled steak, for example, he is swift to respond: “I thought I would, but I
don’t. I’m not sure why, maybe it’s because in the end I was always going for the vegetarian option on a menu anyway. “It’s so much easier now to be a vegan, and the movement has skyrocketed over the past few years. I think this because the younger generation are more in tune and switched on to nutrition and the environment. Everything is right there on your phone and can help educate. I always say that education leads to social change.” Geff admits that taking on his own café was ‘a massive risk’ and that he ‘probably didn’t do enough research’, but he does have one huge advantage on the restaurant scene, and that’s the
Viva Veganism The rise in veganism has been extraordinary, with a 260 per cent increase in the number of vegans in Britain over the past ten years, according to research commissioned by The Vegan Society. So if you’re thinking about giving it a go, then here are some key nutrients you need to include in your diet: n Beans – Black beans, butter beans, cannellini
beans, chickpeas, edamame/soyabeans, peas, kidney, haricot, lentils, pinto, etc. n Berries – Acai berries, barberries (good for acne), blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, goji berries, raspberries. n Fruits – Apples, dried apricots, avocados, bananas, clementines, dates, dried figs, kiwi, limes, nectarines, oranges, pears, black plums, pomegranates (with dried fruit it’s recommended to choose the unsulphured varieties). n Cruciferous Vegetables (from the Brassicaceae family) – Rocket, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage,
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fact that not only is he the town’s first vegan eaterie, he’s also the first official vegetarian one.
VEGAN DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
The Vegan Festive Fair will be taking place this coming Saturday [November 18] at The Angel Centre in Tonbridge, so if you are interested in discovering more about pursuing a plant-based diet and lifestyle, or are already vegan and want to stock up or discover new products, do go along. It is open from 11am to 4pm, and entry costs £3 per person over the age of 16.
cauliflower, collard greens, horseradish, kale, mustard greens, watercress, etc. n Other Vegetables – Artichokes, asparagus, beetroot, peppers, carrots, sweetcorn, garlic, mushrooms, okra, onions, pumpkin, sea vegetables, snap peas, squash, sweet potato, tomatoes, courgettes, etc. n Greens – Rocket, collard greens, kale, spinach, swiss chard, etc. n Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, brazil, cashew, chia seeds, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame, sunflower, walnuts and flax seeds. n Whole Grains – Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, rye, teff, whole-wheat pasta, wild rice, etc. n Beverages – Black tea, chai tea, vanilla chamomile tea, coffee, earl grey tea, green tea, hibiscus tea, hot chocolate, jasmine tea, lemon balm tea, matcha tea, almond blossom oolong tea, peppermint tea, rooibos tea, water and white tea. Suggestions courtesy of Dr Michael Greger’s book ‘How Not To Die’, published by Pan Macmillan and available from all good bookshops
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A recipe for success After relaunching the George & Dragon in Speldhurst, owner Chris Cozens and Head Chef Mark Raffan have brought people back to the picturesque country pub. Hannah Patterson met with the chef himself to pick the brains of the man behind their delicious new offerings…
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IS enthusiasm is infectious. From the moment he enters the room, Mark Raffan, Head Chef at the George & Dragon in Speldhurst, packs quite the punch – and that’s before he starts talking about food. “There is nothing that I don’t love to cook!” he exclaims. After Chris Cozens took over establishment in May this year, he and Mark have been working their magic to turn the pub into a big success story. “I genuinely believe that we hit the ground running on day one,” Mark says, “and the menu is now just right. The odd dishes change each month in order to keep things fresh for our customers, but the offering is there and definitely working.” His confidence isn’t misplaced as it comes from 45 years of industry experience. After completing a four-year apprenticeship at The Eaton Restaurant, Hove, and gaining a variety of qualifications at Brighton Technical College, Mark spent a year under the tutorage of Albert and Michel Roux – the
GAME CHEF Mark Raffan
French-born brothers who opened the first restaurant in the UK to gain three Michelin stars. This was all before Mark became the Executive Chef in the Royal Palaces in Amman, Jordan, where he was responsible for the day-to-day running of multiple palace kitchens and planning menus for the royal family and their guests. His list of achievements also include gaining, and holding, a Michelin star at Gravetye Manor for ten years, and three AA Rosettes. With this all under his belt, does Mark have his eyes on the big prize for the pub? “No. It’s not about Michelin stars, it’s about local ingredients and traditional meals,” he says. “It’s eclectic modern British food with accents of other influences, such as French and the Middle East. For us, it’s simple ingredients cooked perfectly. That’s what our customers seem to want. They aren’t after 15 ingredients on a single plate.” A big part of the winter menu is focused around game – a favourite of Mark’s. With the season well underway, customers can expect to see an increase in venison and other such meats cropping up on the menu.
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it’s important to keep things exciting.” His interpretation of their customers seems to have hit the nail on the head, as more and more people are walking through the doors. “Our profile has really been raised,” he confirms. “We’re getting a wider, more diverse customer base coming through. There are some who travel a fair distance to eat here now, thanks to a stronger following on social media and word of mouth.”
‘We have seen the return of a lot of the local villagers, making us feel like we have integrated ourselves into the community’
OWNER Chris Cozens “My favourite dish at the moment is the loin of local venison with dauphinoise potatoes, and I love cooking game. “I always felt the George & Dragon was known for it, and that’s something I want to focus on when developing the menu over the season.” But it’s important to note that Mark is keen to keep the classic dishes amongst his repertoire. His roasts, in particular, have taken off, and they are currently dishing up 150 to 160 plates every Sunday. So how does a professional and experienced chef keep a menu fresh and exciting whilst keeping the classics? “It’s all about utilising the experience I’ve acquired over the past 45 years and
bringing it to the table in new and exciting ways,” he says. “I have an archive of recipes at home from my time in the industry, but the key is keeping it seasonal. Being a good chef takes a lot of imagination, and one of my days here is now spent developing recipes in peace and quiet. “We are keen to perhaps hold events with a couple of guest chefs. Even if customers love your food,
But it’s not just the food, it’s the atmosphere. Chris and Mark appear to have mixed the perfect combination of both high-quality food and a genuinely warm welcome. When asked what they want people to think of when they think of the George & Dragon, their answer is simple. They want thoughts of warmth on arrival, friendly but professional staff, consistency in standard, and an atmosphere that appeals to both diners and drinkers. “It’s great that there are those who just come in for a relaxed pint because they feel like they can,” says Chris. “We have seen the return of a lot of the local villagers, making us feel like we have integrated ourselves into the community – something that is a necessity for any village pub.”
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But despite their success, the pair are not resting on their laurels, and are constantly looking to make new improvements. “So far, we have redecorated the side bar in a sensitive fashion, and the whole of the front garden has been improved significantly as well,” says Chris. “Next on the list is the large back garden that we want ready for next summer, and the upstairs area is going to be redone. “Every single aspect of the dining and drinking experience, from service and interiors to the food, needs to be the best.”
THE GEORGE & DRAGON Speldhurst Hill, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NN 01892 863125 • www.speldhurst.com
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A marital gem that won’t break the bank The competition between wedding venues is fierce, and every location is pushing to offer something bigger and brighter than the other. But what of the bride or groom who want more of a say? We met caterer John Anthony at the Masonic Centre in St John’s, Tunbridge Wells to find out why he is now playing the wedding game there… become a wedding favourite for a tasty, but less formal meal. “We wanted to broaden our options,” says John. “Although we offer what are considered more formal dinner set-ups, it’s important that it is the couple’s choice for what sort of atmosphere they want their day to have.
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THE rulebook for weddings has become irrelevant, and the day is an opportunity not just to celebrate a marriage, but also to exercise creativity in some spectacular ways. With the steady rise in popularity of DIY weddings and Pinterest, venues cannot so easily predict what the next couple will expect from their special day. There are trends, of course, but no one is the same, and the search for a venue that does not suppress the ever-growing ambitions of future newlyweds is not so very easy. This is when John Anthony [right], resident Chef at the Masonic Centre, throws his hat further into the wedding industry’s ring. The centre, nestled quietly off St John’s Road, can be easy to overlook if you don’t know it’s there, but it’s something of
‘It’s such a large and adaptable space with so much potential. When you hire the venue, it’s your venue’
gem for those not seeking to contribute a large bank loan to a billion-pound industry. With the building marketed as a blank canvas – ‘your own venue… day and night’ – John believes the centre offers more potential than most: “The venue is yours from 11am to 1am, and boasts a fully-licensed bar. There’s no need for your celebration to end at 11pm.” Like most potential spots for a reception, the price is dependent on your choices. It is possible to hire just the centre for a significantly reduced price and organise your own decorations and food. However, if that all sounds like a little too much hard work, John also offers a number of options from his company, John Anthony Catering. His new offering is a hog roast buffet, which has
“It’s also ideal for keeping costs down if you’re trying not to break the bank.” John acknowledges the high level of competition with regard to wedding receptions, but he believes his venue has what it takes to compete with reasonable costs and freedom of choice. “We can serve up to 150 guests, more than the usual 120 you see in most wedding brochures. It’s such a large and adaptable space with so much potential. When you hire the venue, it’s your venue.” Is that something other locations lack? “I think so. Not all of them, but you’ll often find there are hidden expenses and excessive
limitations on what you can do with the space. Sometimes they can feel a little restrictive. “Depending on what the couple wants, we can provide chairs, tables, linen, decorations and all food and drink. “The potential is what I want people to see when they visit the centre, and we are more than willing to help. I genuinely feel we should be on everyone’s list when visiting potential venues.” The Masonic Centre really is a blank canvas for the creative bride or groom in an ideal location, and now is the time, for it has recently undergone a major redecoration. From fresh paint to new floors, the Masonic Centre has rebranded itself as the wedding venue of choice. Contact information: 01892 512469 mobile: 07876455371 info@johnanthonycatering.com www.johnanthonycatering.com
CATERING FOR YOUR EVERY NUPITAL NEED A wedding table
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Business spotlight With the end of the year approaching, we speak to four Kent businesses about the ways in which the last year has affected them and their position in the local community, and find out their plans for the year ahead… BSR Bespoke Chartered Accountants, Tunbridge Wells Ian Steadman – Partner www.bsrb.co.uk Tell us about your company and your role within it BSR Bespoke is a five-partner firm of chartered accountants which I helped to establish in The Pantiles in 1990. We aim to combine forward thinking and creative solutions with high standards of integrity and compliance. We specialise in tax planning and management for individuals and in advising ownermanaged businesses at every stage of development, from start-up to retirement planning and beyond. We don’t cut corners to offer a cutprice service, instead our philosophy has always been to build long-term client relationships based on a highly professional and personable consultancy service at a ‘mid-market’ price. We are also an approved
training office and have assisted a great many students through the arduous examination process to full qualification as chartered accountants. My current role involves looking after a mixed portfolio of corporate and personal clients, ranging from local to international, combined with management of various aspects of our own practice. How has your industry changed over the past year? Our profession has been affected by the threat of substantially higher tax penalties for compliance failures, an inability of HMRC’s own systems to keep pace with the escalating complexity of tax legislation, and what appears to be a hardening of their attitude towards accountants and tax planning in general. These factors have combined to place much higher demands on practitioners. We all want to see progress, efficiency and fairness within the
Ian Steadman
tax system, but the whole regime is now more cumbersome than ever, with inadequately researched budget measures being forced into the statute book faster than systems can cope with the often complex consequences. Witness the fact that even relatively simple personal tax calculations now require a computer programme to prepare and that, in some cases, even HMRC’s computer generates the wrong result and rejects a correct tax return! A fair tax system really shouldn’t have to be this complicated. Thankfully, the ‘Making Tax Digital’ [MTD] campaign has been deferred by a couple of years to enable HMRC and accountancy firms alike to get their systems ready for it, but in this respect software developers still have an enormous task ahead. At least taxpayers and their accountants
have a little more breathing time to prepare for the prospect of a sea change in reporting method! It’s been a turbulent time in politics, with Brexit and the General Election. Has this impacted on your industry at all? In my view, the main economic impact of Brexit over the last year has been the consequence of the decrease in value of the pound, which was widely predicted at the time of the Brexit referendum. Whilst this has enabled firms exporting goods and services to be more competitive, imports of goods have become considerably more expensive, fuelling inflation. British firms who pay suppliers in foreign currencies, and who had the foresight and ability to forward purchase foreign currency, have largely been able to protect themselves
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against the exchange rate movements, but smaller businesses are not always in a position to do this. We have a significant number of non-UK resident clients, many of them residing in other EC countries, as well as numerous UK businesses who engage foreign labour. Given the extraordinary degree of uncertainty as to the eventual outcome of Brexit, there is a lot to be concerned about should the rights of UK nationals abroad or foreign nationals in the UK be at risk of change. The last election result appears to have had little impact on business, or on our profession, so far. There is, of course, the impending autumn Budget, but with the government losing its overall majority and seemingly lacking confidence, this may well be a more cautious affair with few radical changes to business taxation. The focus may instead be on measures to try and win back younger voters, such as reducing stamp duty for first-time buyers and easing student loan
Clarke Williams Ltd, Tonbridge Henry Clarke & Scott Williams – Directors www.clarkewilliams.co.uk
Scott Williams and Henry Clarke Tell us about your company and your roles within it Clarke Williams Ltd is an independent commercial insurance broker dedicated to providing advice and cost reviews to local businesses. Some specialities include insurance for Property Owners, Professional Indemnity, High Risk Liability trades and Contractors. We founded the company together, both with a background of ten years in the industry and partnered by a small team of insurance professionals with over 75 years’ experience. Our aim is to re-establish a personal service which has become non-existent in an industry that seeks to continually commoditise its products and services and maximise its profits. Unless business insurances are reviewed at least annually by insurance professionals, gaps in cover can occur with disastrous results for the business. Building strong relationships and working in partnership with our clients is the key to our success. What we offer is rapidly becoming unique, but we are confident that our approach will be seen by local businesses as a welcome return to traditional values, achieving the best outcomes for our clients. How has your industry changed in the past year? More commoditisation, less personal service, ‘big is beautiful’, more online products and the government increased the rate of Insurance Premium Tax from 10% to 12% from June 1, 2017. The biggest change affecting our clients was the change to The Ogden Rate, known as the Discount Rate, which forms part of the court calculation to determine the level of award given in respect of cases involving long-term serious injury. The change has considerably increased the size of claims settlements – most significantly for claims involving younger claimants, for whom the claim settlement needs to cover the greatest length of time. This change is impacting insurers’ reserves with the consequent impact on premiums. Increases are generally being seen across the market, especially in motor and liability insurance, with a number of insurers offering renewal terms with significant increases. As a result, we have had an increase in enquires from prospective clients asking us to
repayment terms, whilst possibly looking to further changes in dividend taxation and pension contribution limits to help balance the books. What do you think the next year has in store for you and your business? Aside from the increasing complexity of the tax system and possibly adverse consequences of Brexit, I see a lot of positives in the year ahead. We have the strongest team that we have ever had and we are therefore well positioned to help our clients plan for and deal with whatever changes are coming our way as effectively as possible. On a more local front, our year ahead will also be an interesting if noisy one being that our office is just a few yards from the Union House development site. Hopefully, the three-year demolition and construction programme will be worth it in the end, and will result in a landmark far more appropriate and beneficial to this special part of the town. review their insurance cover and costs to contain their expenditure at reasonable levels. Not too difficult if sufficient attention is given to evaluating business risks and presenting the information to hungry insurers. It’s been a turbulent time in politics, with Brexit and the General Election. Has this impacted on your industry at all? The insurance industry has and is potentially going to be heavily affected by these events. The UK is the leading general insurance market in Europe. The British Insurance Brokers Association’s stance is that in order for us to maintain this position, it is vital that the government ensures we can continue to trade freely in the European single market once we have left the EU. They are seeking a sector-specific solution for the UK insurance market to access the single market. Otherwise, they warn of long-term damage to the industry. In the event that the UK leaves both the EU and the European Economic Area, passporting rights – which allow UK firms to access customers and financial markets in the EU and EEA – will likely be lost. However, there is all to play for; nothing is certain but there are around 5,500 firms registered in the UK relying on passporting rights who will be reviewing their locations and staffing needs. Looking forward, we should remember that 80% of the industry’s business comes from outside the EU and we should see this as a growth opportunity for the UK insurance market with other insurance hubs, such as Bermuda, Singapore and Dubai, looking to attract insurers, which will ultimately see a wider range of products filter down to consumers. The results of trade negotiations will be key for our industry to continue to thrive on a global level and we will be following them closely. What do you think the next year has in store for you and your business? We are looking forward to continued growth in 2018, and with that comes a need to expand our team. Our aim is to continue to focus on customer and employee satisfaction, to work hard and effectively for our customers and also to attract and reward staff that share those same values. One way we want to grow is through apprentices, providing skilled workers for the future. We believe that employees who have been trained in-house tend to be highly motivated, committed to the company and supportive of its business objectives. The company was founded on the idea of being community-based, and throughout the year we’ve taken part in many local events, such as the Tonbridge Dragon Boat Race and Half Marathon. We hope to continue our community activity, and are working with Tonbridge Poppy 100 to bring a replica World War I tank to Tonbridge Castle to commemorate the WWI centenary. In the coming years, we hope to become the preferred advisers to local businesses and respected members of the Tonbridge and Kent Community.
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Handelsbanken, Tunbridge Wells Nick Green – Branch Manager www.handelsbanken.co.uk/tunbridgewells Tell us about your company and your role within it Handelsbanken is a solid local bank built on close relationships and traditional values. We offer local advice, service and decisions where our customers (corporates and individuals alike) value local, personal relationships with the service tailored to their own unique set of circumstances, in the knowledge the vast majority of decisions are made within the branch. We believe in consistent, prudent banking where decisions are made on a case by case basis by branch staff who know their customers and understand their local patch. Our success is built on satisfied customers, growing through recommendation with no central marketing campaigns. All services provided are based on our customers’ needs alone as we have no sales targets, no short-term bonuses linked to product sales or product campaigns.
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In essence, like us, our customers tend to be financially prudent, responsible and looking for a long-term banking relationship. My role as Branch Manager was originally to set up the branch nine years ago – we decide where our branch is located, how much space we need and even design the branch premises, choosing all fixtures and fittings. The most important aspect is the recruitment of the team. Over the years my role has changed as we started with no customers and four members of staff; we now have ten members of staff covering individual and corporate customers as well as a wealth management offering and a strong support team, all based at 77 Mount Ephraim. My role today remains exactly the same as day one – a) To ensure we provide the best service possible to our customers; b) We continue to grow our business in a long-term, stable way; and c) To ensure that all we do is compliant within current regulation. How has your industry changed in the past year? The banking industry is highly regulated, more so than it ever has been in my entire banking career. The requirements on the banks to protect their customers and play their role in anti-money laundering to prevent terrorist financing is becoming ever more prevalent. Even with this background, the banking sector has become even more competitive in recent years – with new challenger banks (of which we are considered to be one) and the many new FinTech start-ups. We can never rest on our laurels in this very competitive environment, and pride ourselves in still opening new branches (we now have 208), which confirms that having branches offering the personal touch with people you know and trust is as valid today as was in the days of Captain Mainwaring! This, of course, is backed up by a fully digital offering, so our customers have a distinct choice of how they wish to interact with us.
It’s been a turbulent time in politics, with Brexit and the General Election. Has this impacted on your industry at all? The short answer is no, not directly… not at the moment, anyway! The country remains a long way from really understanding how Brexit will work, and hence what the true impact will be in reality. As with all industries, not just banking, Brexit will undoubtedly throw up challenges which will need to be considered, with appropriate decisions and actions taken to move forward under a new set of operating instructions. For banks, they will adapt and change as necessary but for customers it will be ‘business as usual’.
What do you think the next year has in store for you and your business? For the business, more of the same please – we continue to grow and expand here in Tunbridge Wells as more and more people find out about our services and ethos, as both a bank and a company. We continue to look for long-term banking relationships with our customers to not only assist them now, but also into the future as their circumstances dictate and for future generations. For me, I want to ensure we continue to deliver on our promises in 2018, which in turn will mean we continue to grow as a business, necessitating further investment in the team, and, of course, to continue living in my birth town – which I love!
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Sandstone Design Solutions Ltd, Mayfield Ali Dempster – Designer & Owner www.sandstonedesign.co.uk Tell us about your company and your role within it Sandstone is a garden design and landscaping business based in the Tunbridge Wells area and operates in Kent and Sussex. We’ve been in business for 20 years and in that time we’ve designed and built a multitude of gardens, both traditional and contemporary in style – from very small courtyards to very large country estates and everything in between. We also specialise in individual timber-framed garden structures, including pergolas, gazebos and studios. After 15 years working in London, designing and building sets and models for the TV and film industry, I decided to put my skills to use elsewhere. I started Sandstone by myself in 1998, with a wheelbarrow and spade, drawing on my previous 3D design and construction experience while completing garden design and horticulture courses at Hadlow College.
We now have a ten-strong team, so my role, as the owner, is to do the design and creative work rather than site work, to go out and actually get the business and to help manage the business. We are really fortunate to have a fantastic team of full-time employed landscapers and site supervisors with a broad skillset that do the site work and manage the projects on a day-to-day basis. How has your industry changed in the past year? The landscaping business is quite buoyant at the moment, and we’re certainly busier now than we’ve ever been. As Sandstone’s profile within the industry has continually risen, the type of projects we work on have changed. We no longer just work for private clients creating beautiful residential gardens. Becoming members of BALI [the British Association of Landscaping Industries] in 2009; winning one of their awards in 2011 for a modern garden in Tunbridge Wells, as well as winning other awards; building great show gardens; working for other designers, the RHS, the BBC, production companies and also local companies
like Chilstone has all contributed to cementing the company’s reputation. Our core business is still residential gardens in the Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Crawley and Brighton areas, but we are also offered larger and more challenging projects with bigger budgets, including commercial properties and show gardens, and we get the opportunity to use really top-quality materials. Sandstone has always been proactive when it comes to recycling and conservation – one of the reasons I left the TV industry was because I couldn’t justify the waste. There is an increasing awareness of environmental issues in the industry and from the public and so the demand for designs that take these issues into account are on the up. It’s been a turbulent time in politics, with Brexit and the General Election. Has this impacted on your industry at all? Things are positive at the moment. There are new houses being built all around Tunbridge Wells and every house that has a garden is providing us with work! When I talk to fellow professionals in the industry, everyone is busy and booked up well into 2018, but there is an air of uncertainty about the future, particularly due to the protracted Brexit process. The most tangible post-Brexit impact for us is the rising cost of imported materials from our suppliers and the cost of living in general. Having said that, I think that due to the feeling of insecurity, more people are staying put in their homes for longer and investing more money in improving their properties rather than moving. We can see this as a positive impact for the landscaping industry, but who knows for how long? We don’t know what’s around the corner, and if things get much tighter for people they may not have the disposable income to spend on their homes. Then businesses like Sandstone will
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certainly feel a negative effect. But as I said before, we are busier than ever, so we’ll make hay while the sun shines!
What do you think the next year has in store for you and your business? Sandstone offers a complete service from design and landscaping to planting, and we already carry out planned maintenance contracts for some of our clients. This means that the gardens we have lovingly created can be nurtured to fruition and become the gardens that they were meant to be! We are looking to expand this area of our work. The business has recently taken on more employees due to the quantity of work we have lined up, and we’re still looking to expand further. We have private clients booked in for spring and early summer of next year, and we already have confirmation that we’ll be involved in RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We’re very much hoping to confirm soon that we’ll be a part of RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show as well. We also have two projects that we’ve completed this year that we will be submitting for the 2018 landscaping awards, so scooping one of those would be the icing on the cake! It’s all looking very positive. Hopefully we’ll continue to grow and to build on the enviable reputation that we already have – our blog, accessed via our website, is a great way to keep up with us in the meantime.
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FEATURES
Weddings
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
The perfect Kentish garden wedding When Charlie Benson took childhood sweetheart Nicola Sands for a surprise evening at The Shard, it ended with a proposal – followed shortly by an outdoor wedding in Yalding with everything from a modern barn to fairy lights and fire pits
How did you and your husband meet, Nicola? We first knew of each other when we were just 14, through our mutual best friend, Tom. It wasn’t until another’s friend’s 18th birthday, when I was dressed as Minnie Mouse, that we started to fancy each other. Three years later we finally became a couple. Tell us about the proposal Charlie surprised me with a night away in London at The Shard! The next surprise came with dinner in our room, overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. He had arranged for all my favourite food and drink to be delivered by a personal waiter. The sun began to set and Charlie got
down on one knee whilst we were playing our favourite ‘Question Game’. After a few squeals and many tears, it was a yes! I couldn’t wait to start planning, so I purchased a wedding planning book for the journey back! We spent the rest of the weekend celebrating with family and friends. Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue? I was so excited by the wedding planning that I began instantly researching local open days for wedding venues. The Gardens in Yalding popped up and it didn’t take us long to fall in love with it.
THE LOOK OF LOVE Newlywed Charlie and Nicola
Weddings
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
It has a beautiful modern barn which leads into two tepees – complete with fairy lights and fire pits. It took us all of 15 minutes to decide this was the venue for us! Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights My closest girlfriends and I spent the morning being pampered at The Gallery Hair and Beauty in Soutborough whilst the boys helped my dad transport everything to the venue. I am lucky enough that my best friend is the amazing make-up artist Emma Heath, who completed my glam look in the beautiful bridal suite at The Gallery. Music is really important to me, so my dad walked me down the aisle to One and Only by Adele and we later walked into the gazebo as husband and wife to Keri Hilson’s Knock You Down. We had a Pimm’s reception with tasty canapés and then a few moments with our photographer. My dad, Charlie and his brother all gave the best speeches I’ve ever heard – my Dad even wrote a hilarious poem and sang the chorus of Love Song by The Damned! After the wedding breakfast, the party began. We cut the cake, had our first of many dances to an Ed Sheeran song, and then later ended the night staying in the new room at The Mount Edgcumbe. How did you start your married life together? If you went on a honeymoon, where did you go? After our stay at The Mount Edgcumbe, we
had drinks with close friends the following morning and then flew off to the beautiful Greek island Santorini. We spent ten days at The Ambassador Aegean Luxury Hotel in Akrotiri. We were near the infinity caves and we had our own private pool overlooking the amazing Caldera. We spent a lot of time in Oia and had an evening at Santo Wines with lots of wine tasting and spa treatments! It was unbelievably romantic and such a perfect celebration or our marriage. Can you tell us about some of your suppliers, and how they helped make the day special? I found my beautiful Kenneth Winston dress at Isabella Grace Bridal Boutique in Tunbridge Wells. I can’t recommend this boutique enough, they really do make you feel like a princess! I received an incredible amount of compliments about my dress throughout the day. Hollie’s Little Cakery provided us with an amazing gluten-free cake – it was so good I don’t think anyone noticed the difference! She was great with listening to my vague requests and creating a masterpiece with them. Our flowers were by Kerrie from Highgate Florists in Rotherfield, who was recommended to us as a family friend. She understood our vision perfectly and helped us create the perfect flowers for an outdoor wedding. Charlie wore a Hugo Boss suit from Hoopers, and his best men and ushers were wearing Marks & Spencer’s suits. We got the bridesmaids’ dresses online at www.asos.com And the invitations
FEATURES
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5 TOP TIPS FOR FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS
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Make sure your day reflects you as a couple. Fill it with your personality, regardless of tradition!
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Take your time and do your research. You may feel like it’s taking forever, but being happy with your choices will make all the difference on the day.
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Make a budget spreadsheet. Everyone says they always go over budget, but we didn’t as we stuck to it throughout the process. You can plan a wedding and still be sensible.
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Enjoy it! It will all go by so quickly, so try to enjoy the build-up the day as well as the wedding itself.
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Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves. The little touches won’t matter as much as you think they will, but having a day full of love and happiness will be remembered forever.
came from www.notonthehighstreet.com We also had a Scent Your Wedding appointment at Jo Malone in Fenwick’s, which involved them creating a bespoke scent for each of us. The Gallery Hair and Beauty were great as well on the morning. They all made our day!
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FEATURES
Motoring
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
The MG ZS is one of the latest SUVs to enter the market. How will it fare? Ryan Hirons finds out…
FIRST DRIVE:
MG ZS
WHAT IS IT? The MG ZS is the famed manufacturer’s new compact SUV. It slots in the middle of MG’s current range, sitting between the MG3 hatchback and MG GS SUV, and the company is billing it as its ‘greatest car yet’, which is quite some boast! With six months of development just for the UK, MG is hoping it will live up to that statement. The popular compact SUV market is so strong these days, MG are aiming to make the ZS stand out with a low price and seven-year manufacturer warranty.
Fuel economy is a claimed 49.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 129g/km. It’s not the most responsive of units, feeling very sluggish at the low end, although it picks up fairly well in the mid-to-high rev range, albeit with quite a lot of unpleasant noise. A brief stint with the 1.0-litre motor proved a bit more engaging, as may be expected when the engineering might of General Motors has had a hand, but the automatic gearbox felt unresponsive and it may have been better served with the five-speed manual.
WHAT’S NEW?
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Aside from the ZS nameplate – previously attached to a high-performance Rover 45based saloon – the compact SUV is an almost totally new car in the MG line-up. It introduces a new design language for the brand, showcasing a much larger grille and more angular styling cues compared to its GS and MG3 stablemates. A new engine joins the line-up as well – a range-topping 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine developed in conjunction with General Motors.
In urban driving, the MG ZS offers a perfectly fine experience. A high seating position, good all-round visibility, soft suspension and parking sensors – coupled with a camera on higher-spec models – make city driving easy and stress-free. However, do expect plenty of gear changes and high-revving at traffic lights because of the lack of low-end torque. Country driving and long-distance trips don’t quite match that. Overly-soft suspension makes the experience akin to holding a steering wheel on a bouncy castle at times, and the incredibly firm seats become uncomfortable after even a short while. MG also makes a big deal of the car’s three steering modes – urban, normal and dynamic. But in all honesty, each setting has no major effect. The dynamic adds a little more weight and the urban takes some away. The differences are noticeable but not worlds apart, and owners are likely to stop using the feature after a while.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Two petrol engines and gearboxes are available for the compact SUV – the aforementioned new 1.0-litre motor, available with a six-speed automatic, and MG’s own 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit, which is paired to a five-speed manual. We spent most of our driving with the 1.5-litre engine, which develops 105bhp and 141Nm of torque, taking the ZS from 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds, with a top speed of 109mph.
GREAT VALUE Rivals cannot match what’s on offer at these prices
HOW DOES IT LOOK? MG has introduced a totally new design ethos with the ZS. It’s by no means a bad-looking car – in fact, it’s arguably one of the better-looking cars in the compact SUV market – but it seems a little uninspired. The front end reminds us a whole lot of the current Mazda CX-3, while the back end is reminiscent of an earlier Kia Sportage. We’d like to have seen something on the car that makes it stand out as an MG, rather than blend in with a sea of other crossovers.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
EMISSIONS: 129g/km
Considering the low price, the MG ZS is fairly generously equipped. Standard equipment on all models includes LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. We tested the Excite model, which included 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, ‘designer’ fabric seats and parking sensors, coming in at £13,995. Range-topping Exclusive models offer an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation and a reverse parking camera. Starting at £17,495, it massively undercuts the cost of rivals with similar level of equipment.
PRICE AS TESTED: £13,995
VERDICT
MODEL: MG ZS Excite ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
POWER: 105bhp
The interior of the ZS looks quite impressive, offering a visual design of something in a much higher price bracket. To touch, though, it’s not quite so good. The leather-effect materials have a cheap rubbery feel and hard, scratchy plastics are scattered around the cockpit. It would be hard to expect anything more at the ZS’s price point, but it makes it hard to justify the savings over its rivals if cost is not your priority. On the plus side, it’s certainly a practical car, offering 448 litres of boot space with all seats in place. Compared with 354 litres in the Nissan Juke, 346 litres in the Ford EcoSport and 350 litres in the Mazda CX-3, the ZS offers class-leading space.
TORQUE: 141Nm MAX SPEED: 109mph 0-60MPH: 10.4 seconds MPG (COMBINED): 49.6
The MG ZS isn’t the best-equipped car in its class, nor the most dynamic, and it’s arguably far from the most desirable – but what it does offer is sheer value for money that its rivals simply cannot match. With prices starting at just £12,495, topped off with a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty and the offer of 0% finance deals, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a new, practical car with the ease of knowing it can be relied on for a few years to come.
‘When country driving, overly-soft suspension makes the experience akin to holding a steering wheel on a bouncy castle at times’
Puzzles
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
1 9
9 4
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6 7 3
8 4
5 9 7 3
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
2 7 6 3 1
15 16
6 3 2
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Codeword:
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15 9
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15 15
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9 8 7
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In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely. Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
P U N J A B L U R O T R OO V E R Y O E I S K R U B B L E U U B A N I S H U A H O C A L F L K S E GM E E E T H E S I S
L I P S T I E R
I Q U H I Z R E S L A L Y W T A R I N
G T L A E N D S
CLASSIFIEDS
U O R A P I E U S R E I N S N A X Y T E A I L L L E E A D
Sudoku:
1 4 7 6 2 5 8 3 9
3 5 9 8 7 1 4 2 6
8 6 2 3 9 4 1 7 5
9 2 4 7 5 3 6 8 1
5 7 1 2 8 6 9 4 3
6 3 8 1 4 9 7 5 2
4 8 5 9 6 2 3 1 7
5 8 2 7 4 6 3 1 9
3 9 4 8 2 1 7 6 5
2 9 3 4 1 7 5 6 8
7 1 6 5 3 8 2 9 4
Jigsaw Sudoku:
1 6 5 3 7 9 8 2 4
4 7 9 2 8 5 6 3 1
8 2 1 5 3 7 9 4 6
7 4 6 9 1 3 2 5 8
6 5 3 1 9 8 4 7 2
2 3 8 6 5 4 1 9 7
9 1 7 4 6 2 5 8 3
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II
1
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
CODEWORD
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71
NEWS
Local News
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY WITH THE
72
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Recruitment
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73
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 576 049
Fill your vacancy now in print or online For more information c ontact Jordanne Reville on 01892 576 049 jreville@markerstudy.com
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FEATURES
Arts & Culture
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
A whole new world of pantomime Wicked Productions are bringing their version of Aladdin to the EM Forster Theatre this Christmas. Eileen Leahy talks to stars Tom Swift and Michael Fenton Stevens about how a new venue has given Tonbridge its first proper panto… what’s going to happen next!” “Especially with us two,” Tom interrupts. “We can be very, very naughty! I’ve had to make a short script as we know what we’re like together. It’s great to have Mike and be part of a double act with him. I want to continue that for the next few years if I can.” Despite his revered roster of acting roles, Michael speaks as enthusiastically about his love of panto as he does when recounting tales of having worked with the likes of Anthony Quayle and Patrick Cargill. He’s obviously committed to being in this pantomime and doesn’t take his slapstick role any lighter way than his more serious ones. “There’s a great tradition to panto which in many productions is being lost,” he says. “But Tom’s productions have both a great sense of the history and also of the modern. He’ll incorporate contemporary songs and jokes to keep the kids interested, but he also strongly respects tradition by staying true to typical routines which go back at least 150 years. “They’ve hardly changed and people like to see them again and again – even though they know what’s going to happen. In many productions nowadays they don’t do it full on. But Tom is not afraid to give the whole panto experience to the audience and that is something which I greatly admire.” The reason Tom says he is so passionate about this type of artistic genre is because he has loved it since an early age.
Popularity ARABIAN FRIGHTS The Wicked cast of Aladdin
T
HIGH-slapping principal boys who are really girls, and ugly, overly made-up sisters who are in fact middle-aged men – the colourful, topsy-turvy world of pantomime is as traditional at Christmastime as turkey, tinsel and all the trimmings. Luckily, we’re pretty spoilt locally, having both The Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells and the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks who, year after year, put on brilliant productions with some of entertainment’s biggest stars. But over the past couple of years there’s also been a production company who’ve been giving those two a run for their money by performing sell-out shows to enthralled audiences and giving them an amazing panto experience they’ll never forget. That company is Wicked Productions, run by local lad and passionate panto fan Tom Swift. Yet
‘The theatre staff and teachers are really excited we’re coming back’ despite having no huge advertising budget or household celebrities to promote shows, Wicked are fast becoming known as one of the area’s most popular pantomime troupes. Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast were just a couple of the successful shows the company put on at Southborough’s Royal Victoria Hall before, as Tom puts it, ‘the real panto villains demolished it’. Just as they’d got up and running, they suddenly found themselves without a venue in 2015 and their growing number of fans were severely put out. Luckily, the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School came to the rescue last year, offering a short stint of just nine days for Tom and his team to perform The Wizard of Oz. So popular was the show that
each quickly sold out. Now the theatre is welcoming numbered and Not Going Out. Wicked back for twice the amount of time. “We got on very well doing that, and I have been “They took a gamble on us last year,” says Tom. going to see Tom do his own pantos “But it worked and they’ve been so supportive ever since. I’ve always thought they and warm. The theatre staff and teachers are all were the best ones going. really excited we’re coming back. “Every year Tom would say “I’m really chuffed and privileged to have this ‘come and do another one with venue again. Up until now Tonbridge me’ and I’d say ‘no’, but I have never really had a proper panto, just grandchildren now, and this year the charity one organised over a I thought ‘I’m going to do it for weekend by the Lions Club.” them – before I get too tired!” I’m meeting Tom to talk about From the offset, Michael this year’s exciting production and Tom have a really good of Aladdin, in which he stars, laugh, constantly ribbing each co-produces and also directs. other and talking over one anothThe busy impresario is er. accompanied by co-star The natural and fluid banter Michael Fenton Stevens, the makes it easy to see why the pair popular TV and stage actor are perfectly cast as comedy douand resident of Tunbridge ble act Widow Twankey [MiWells, who Tom has finally chael] and Wishee coaxed on board for this Washee [Tom] in Aladyear’s production. din, which runs from It turns out Tom and December 16-30. Michael know each other “It’s our job to be the pretty well. connection in this panto“We were in Jack and the mime,” explains Michael, who Beanstalk together at the has just finished a run in a very Hazlitt in Maidstone different type of performance, nine or ten years Queen Anne, with the Royal ago,” explains Tom. Shakespeare Company at the Thea“And we had enortre Royal in London’s Haymarket. mous fun!” adds Mi“We step out of the action all chael, who has trod the time and have a chat with the boards in theatrethe audience. We are the running commentary which draws land for years, and has the crowd in. They’re really great also been in numerous hit THERE IS NOTHING parts and we’ve got real synTV shows, including Only LIKE A DAME: Tom and Michael Fools and Horses, Out- as Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey chronicity. You just never know
“When I was at St Augustine’s primary school, a friend of mine auditioned for the Southborough panto, and when I saw her on stage I thought ‘I want to do something like that’. I joined local amateur dramatic groups and got my first part aged 15 in The Assembly Hall’s Peter Pan playing a pirate. And ever since that I haven’t stopped!” Tom started his own company a few years ago, putting on not just panto productions but also Easter shows at Trinity Theatre while working as a set designer to supplement his income. He is also managing to produce and co-direct another panto this Christmas – The Wizard of Oz at the Theatre Royal in Margate. Having so many fingers in so many pies meant that eventually contacts led Tom to the EM Forster Theatre in the grounds of Tonbridge School. “They told me they’d heard good things about my pantomimes and offered me nine days for December 2016. We ended up doing 17 shows in that short period and thankfully every one sold out!” It’s therefore no wonder that the theatre, which usually closes during the festive season, has offered them double the amount of time this year. “Theatres tend to do very well out of panto,” says Michael. “And Tom’s could always take a bigger venue due to their popularity, but having said that, it’s the intimacy of the EM Forster that makes it so special. It is a lovely venue as the audience is wrapped around the stage, and considering panto is largely about getting people involved, that set up is just perfect – particularly for our parts! Tom’s written a very funny script.” How easy then does Tom find it to write? “When you watch other pantomimes, you know what you want to do and what not,” he says. “I also have a writing partner, Eleanor, who’s amazing. She adds the female elements. She’ll often say things like ‘you have to think of the girls in the audience’ or tells me to stop putting just comedy in, reminding me that there has to be a story, too.” Once the script is finalised and sets and costumes are hired, it’s time to start putting it all together, and unlike most big pantomimes where the cast meet one another for the first time a week or so
Arts & Culture
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
‘It’s great to have Mike… We can be very, very naughty! I’ve had to make a short script as we know what we’re like together’ before curtain up, the team at Wicked have already started getting everything in place to ensure the best show possible. Auditions for the ‘babes’, otherwise known as young singers and dancers, began back in September, and now rehearsals are about to get underway. There are nine cast members, four semi-professional dancers and three groups of 16 children who take it in turn to do the shows. Ever the professional, Michael says he has already gone into ‘serious training’ for his comedy dame role. “You have to prepare yourself. I’m 60 and therefore running every day because I know I’ll need that energy.” “Yes you will Mike,” chides Tom. “Because I’m going to kick your butt on stage! No, seriously you have to work hard every time you go out on stage. Every show is unique.” “That’s why Tom is so brilliant,” states Michael. “He never holds back and he never cheats the audience. Although I didn’t start until I was 40, I have done a lot of panto, so I went
straight on to being a dame.” “And a very convincing one at that,” quips Tom “apart from the hairy arms, of course!” “It’s a great way to get the younger generations interested in theatre isn’t it?” continues Michael, regardless of the ribbing he’s getting. “Pantomime is one of the first things they will see and that’s why it is so important to make it the best show possible. “Children must never be bored, otherwise you won’t get them back. If you get kids loving the theatre they’ll be going on to see things like Shakespeare later in life.” How do they feel about being up against the same pantomime at The Assembly Hall this Christmas? “Well, because we are a local company with a lot of local talented people, I think that’s what makes our version a bit more unique,” says Tom. “People really know us as it’s more or less always the same people in the cast, so they know they’ll get a good, fun show.” And how does it feel when the curtain goes up after all that prep? “A massive moment of pride,” beams Tom. “Ultimately, we want to keep doing top quality panto at a reasonable price.” “He’s the best,” Michael concludes. “You get a real sense of community in Tom’s production, but that said, it won’t stop us doing lots of jokes about Tonbridge!” To book for Aladdin at the EM Forster Theatre from December 16-30, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk
FEATURES
75
A perfect musical pairing On Friday, local musicians Phoebe Katis and Dan Clews bring their Edinburgh Fringe Festival sellout show The Carole King and James Taylor Story to Trinity Theatre. Here, Dan tells the Times the secret behind their sweet music… How would you sum up your Carole King and James Taylor show? It’s a highly informative journey through Carole and James’s lives with narrated links between the songs to give a strong feeling as to where each song comes from.
Is the Trinity gig a one-off? If not, where else are you performing the show? We staged a sellout run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, and will be touring the show round England, Ireland and Scotland throughout 2018.
What makes this piece special to perform? The back catalogue is remarkable and the life stories are fascinating. It’s an emotional journey for both of us and the audience. It never gets boring.
You’re a well-known local musician – are you a full-time artist yourself? Yes. It’s taken a lot of work, but I’m very lucky to be able to make this my job. Music is a big thing locally. What are your thoughts on the West Kent music scene? The local scene is remarkable, with so much support between the artists and from venues like The Forum and Trinity as well as promoters like Paul Dunton and his Local & Live events.
Can you tell us a little bit about what the audience can expect from the show? Although the direct appeal is to a generation that grew up with this music, we find that those who take a chance on the show and have no knowledge of Carole King or James Taylor leave with a love and understanding of these great artists. Why did you decide to take this project on? It kind of chose me. After every solo show, someone always said that I sound like James Taylor, so I thought I’d try doing some of his songs and it just took off. Can you tell us about your collaboration with Phoebe, who plays Carole King? Phoebe is a phenomenal musician and
great to work with. When I was considering this project she was an obvious choice. Have you any favourite King/Taylor songs? You’ve Got A Friend, Up On The Roof, Natural Woman, I Feel The Earth Move, Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James, Shower The People… They’re all so great I just couldn’t pick one.
So, what’s next for Dan Clews? I’m still riding off the release of my last album, While Middle England Mows Its Lawn, which is available on Spotify. But I will be getting back into the studio soon to work on the follow-up. The Carole King and James Taylor Story is on at Trinity Theatre on Friday [November 17] at 8pm. Tickets cost £18 and are available from www.trinitytheatre.net
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FEATURES
What’s On
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
WHATS ON WITH THE
Eileen Leahy Local events
REPLICATING THE REPLICANTS Blade Runner 2049
>> WEDNESDAY The Oast theatre in Tonbridge continues its run of The Communication Cord until Saturday. The play, by Brian Friel, is a rib-tickling farce centring around a young Irish man trying to impress his potential father-in-law, only to find his former flame has other ideas… Tickets cost £10 and it starts at 8pm. For more information, visit FOLLIES www.oasttheatre.com Imelda In Tunbridge Wells, the film Staunton Ce Qui Nous Lie (Back To Burgundy) is on tonight at Trinity Theatre. It centres around three siblings who, after the death of their father, find themselves all together again trying to run the family vineyard. Charming and beautifully shot, tickets to this visual feast cost £11 and the screening starts at 8pm. See www.trinitytheatre.net Flashdance The Musical is on at The Assembly Hall every night until
Saturday. It stars Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton and features timeless hits such as Gloria and Flashdance – What a Feeling. Tickets cost from £15 from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk >> THURSDAY It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the annual Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, and the good news is it’s on from today until Saturday at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. With over 220 exhibitors selling all manner of gorgeous seasonal goodies, plus pop-up food and drink eateries, it really does make for the perfect day out. For timings and tickets, visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk NT Live’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical Follies, which is set in New York in 1971, is being sceened at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. Tickets cost £14, concessions £12, and the show starts at 7pm. To book, visit www.boxoffice. tonbridge-school.co.uk It is also being screened at The Odeon, Tunbridge Wells. >> FRIDAY The wait is finally over! From today, Tunbridge Wells’ ice rink is open for Christmas business once again. Running until January 1, this is one of the town’s most anticipated attractions, and tonight the launch will include special appearances from skaters extraordinaire Steelblades, the Tunbridge
If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Wells rugby wheelchair team and an uplifting performance by a rock choir. For more details, see www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com
Recorder Revolution, a programme designed for 6-12 year olds, and at 7.30pm the group will be joined by Toby Carr, playing theorbo and baroque guitar. For ticket details, go to www.tmc.org.uk >> SUNDAY Today is the final day of the Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market in Pembury. Go along from 10am until 4pm and enjoy a variety of festive stalls and visit Santa in his grotto. Entrance costs just £3 per person. For more information, visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk Also getting into the Christmas spirit is Royal Victoria Place, which will be launching its winter wonderland extravaganza today. The festive fun, which includes appearances from this year’s panto stars, starts at 10.30am with Santa arriving on his sleigh at midday. Parking is free all day, too! Sci-fi fans should pop along to Trinity Theatre this evening, where a screening of Blade Runner 2049 – which stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford in the sequel to the 1980s cult classic – is taking place at 7pm. Tickets cost £11.
>> SATURDAY Trinity Theatre invites all budding young creatives to its Make an Audio Play workshop from 10am until 4pm today. Open to those aged between 11 and 15 years old, the session is an exploration of the world of audio, where you’ll learn how to record and create sound effects. Tickets cost £40 and £35 for Trinity Youth Theatre members. To book, call 01892 678678 or go to www.trinitytheatre.net There’s another RNLI coffee morning and sale on today from 10.30am until noon at St Augustine’s Church Hall in Crescent Road. Entry is free and all are welcome to browse the many stalls selling >> MONDAY cards, gifts, bric-a-brac and books. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society Over at Burrswood in Groombridge, there Winter Exhibition is currently on will be a performance of The Magic Flute at 7.30pm by Matchbox Opera. Tickets to Mozart’s famous piece cost £15 and doors open at 7pm. See www.burrswood.org.uk Tonbridge Music Club presents two concerts at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Tonbridge, by the young recorder group Palisander. At 3pm there will be RECORDERS AT THE READY: Palisander
What’s On
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Paul Dunton Live music
Fashion Re:Boot Friday November 17 One Warwick Park Hotel Following its enormously successful inaugural event earlier this year, Fashion Re:Boot will be taking place once again at One Warwick Park with a host of fashion items to bring, browse and buy. Whether you choose to run a pitch selling your prized possessions, or simply want to look around and enjoy a glass of fizz, this a must-do event for the fashion-focused and comes just in time for Christmas party season. Tickets cost £5.75 from Mum’s the Word. See www.mumstheword.online
Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
SATURDAY Emily Duo The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com
The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites: www.pdag.co.uk, www.thegreylady.co.uk
2 High Street Open all day, free entry, more information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk
SATURDAY A.T.L.A.S. (aka All The Lost Are Saved)
Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
ST ALBAN’S CHURCH
Frant, 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm), tickets £15 Further event information at www.frantmusic.org.uk
FRIDAY The Dime Notes RUSTHALL CLUB
St Paul Street, Rusthall Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards
SATURDAY Dirty Shoes (classic rock band) THE PUNCH & JUDY
St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late
TUESDAY Kent Duchaine TONBRIDGE SCHOOL
The Chapel of St Augustine Full concert details and ticket information at www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk/whats-on
WEDNESDAY James Kirby and Daisy Port FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SUNDAY Abi Hudson, Anna Howie and Amber Anderton TUESDAY Ryan Weeks, Nick Stephens and Becky Copsey
FRIDAY Back In The USSR – Orchestral Concert by the Tonbridge School Symphony Orchestra, featuring Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture ‘Romeo and Juliet’
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB
Full event information at www.twforum.co.uk
THURSDAY Itch, Louise Distras and Dwella FRIDAY The Skatonics and The Gemms SATURDAY Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind and Dolls
THE ROYAL OAK
SATURDAY Every 7
A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS TRINITY THEATRE It’s another bumper packed week across the local scene with a fantastic selection of live gigs and Church Road concerts to be enjoyed. Event information and tickets at My top picks of the week are The Carole King www.trinitytheatre.net and James Taylor Story at Trinity Theatre this FRIDAY The Carole King and James Taylor Story Friday night, performed by local musicians (Featuring Phoebe Katis and Dan Clews) Phoebe Katis and Dan Clews. For jazz enthusiasts, I strongly recommend The THE BULL INN Dime Notes jazz quartet at St Alban’s Church in Frant Road, open all day, free entry Frant, which also takes place this Friday night. Music from 8.30pm onwards On Saturday night, look out for the excellent SATURDAY TW3 Emily Duo, who will be performing a lively mix of pop and rock covers from 60s to present day at THE BEDFORD The Beau Nash Tavern. THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
PICK OF THE WEEK
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THE BEAU NASH TAVERN
showcasing some of the group’s talented local artists. Pop along to 61 The Pantiles, Lower Walk, Tunbridge Wells. Admission is free and the event is open from 10am to 4pm daily until November 26. >> TUESDAY David Hockney is one of Britain’s finest artists, and his life and work is celebrated in a special biopic entitled David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts which is being screened at the Odeon Tunbridge Wells this evening from 6.30pm. Tickets cost £18.25 per adult.
FEATURES
The Dime Notes
The Flying Dutchman, 118 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough Free entry, music 8-11pm, hat collection (£7 recommended) Full details: www.tonbridgefolkclub.org
MONDAY Gareth Davies-Jones
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NEWS
Sporting Times
CONTACT US:
Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Wednesday November 15 | 2017
Pilbeam quality makes difference in derby thriller Tunbridge Wells 3 Rusthall 2 (after extra time) By Richard Smith FOOTBALL:
TUNBRIDGE WELLS claimed the local bragging rights after extra time in a highly entertaining Challenge Cup second round match. The Rustics had come to mow the Culverden pitch in midweek but it started very wet in front of an excellent crowd of 369.
Wells striker Jack Harris was shown a yellow card after only six minutes for simulation. But it was the young forward who broke the deadlock on 29 minutes. A corner from the left was allowed to bounce and the big striker found himself in space at the far post to hammer the ball home. Rustics showed their character with an equaliser four minutes later. Calum Gallie made a run down
Tonbridge claim third national title in a year
the left and his driven cross was half-blocked so Steff Harper was on hand to finish in style. The rivals went in at half-time all square at 1-1 with both defences looking solid. On 58 minutes Rusthall took the lead through Harper, who found the net from close range but this merely seemed to encourage the home side. It was no surprise when they made it 2-2 on 71 minutes, former Rustic Ian Parsons drilling home from inside the area. The sides went into extra-time knowing that one goal would probably seal the victory. won but were ineligible as university teams are no longer allowed medals unless all their runners are first-claim members of the team. So Tonbridge were moved up to the gold medal place after strong running from Alasdair Kinloch, Jamie Goodge and James Puxty. Mark explained his team’s brilliant run of success, saying: “Its taken many years to reach this stage, with some of the senior team having been through all the age groups with us.
By Andy Tong ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE Athletics Club won their first senior national cross-country relay title to crown a season of remarkable achivement. The quartet of George Duggan, Charlie Joslin- Allen, Ryan Driscoll and Chris Olley improved on a bronze in 2015 and silver in 2016 to take gold in Mansfield on November 4. At Berry Hill Park they edged out a traditionally strong Aldershot team by three seconds as Olley out-kicked Jonny Hay in the final leg.
“Charlie, George and Ryan have won medals here [in Mansfield] as under-15s so it shows how well they’ve come through,” said team manager Mark Hookway. Tonbridge have now claimed a ‘treble’ after winning the National Cross Country title in March and the National Six-Stage Road Relay Championships in October. The only glory that still eludes them out of the four major team championships is the National 12-stage Road Relay in April. The club also enjoyed success in the junior men’s race. Loughborough Students narrowly
Champion Selby comes to Victoria SNOOKER:
REIGNING world champion Mark Selby will be showing off his skills at an exhibition evening in Tunbridge Wells’ Victoria Snooker Club on November 23. Only four men in snooker history have retained back-to-back championships - and all of them have now demonstrated their wares at Graham Martin’s family-run club on the Camden Road. The man known as the Jester from Leicester has
an enduring reputation for entertainment, and he will be joined on the evening by professional referee Michaela Tabb, and Sky Sports darts model Jade Slusarczyk. For ticket information call Liam Martin on 07824 903193. VIP tickets are available at £70 each, including drinks and the chance to meet Mark at a Q&A and signing session, while standard tickets cost £45.
Sending-off leaves Angels caught in the Staines Webb Staines Town 3 Tonbridge Angels 1 By James Rowe
Progress
RUNNING AWAY WITH IT (L-R) George Duggan, Charlie Joslin-Allen, Ryan Driscoll and Chris Olley
It was Wells who found the net on 108 minutes when Jon Pilbeam crowned a great performance with a well-taken goal. Rusthall can now focus on survival in the Southern Counties East Premier League. They have a home game against Chatham, who were relegated from the Ryman League last season, on Saturday [November 18, kick-off 3pm]. Tunbridge Wells face another cup tie against local rivals Sevenoaks in the Kent Senior Trophy on November 25. First they play Erith Town in the league this Saturday [November 18, kick-off 3pm].
“Over the past 10 to 15 years we have managed to progress from winning under-13 championships, moving up to under-15, 17, 20 and now the senior events. It’s what we always hoped to achieve.” The club secured its first senior national title in October 2015, having managed nothing before since the club’s formation in 1947. And the team is going from strength to strength, with younger runners jostling to gain a berth in an already youthful senior set-up. “We have significant depth now and so it’s not just the four who ran in the relay but a mass of others who push each other on,” says Mark. “They are scattered across the country, at university or for work, and we have some based in USA who are on sports scholarships.” “However, they have all kept Tonbridge close to their hearts and are very aware of how each other is doing, both in training and racing. So they spur each other on and we, as coaches, try and encourage that.” All four members of the team regularly run between 60 and 100 miles a week with a mixture of different paced training and conditioning. Mark adds proudly: “They are all 23 years old or younger so they haven’t yet reached their peaks.” So there is more to come from the quality quartet – perhaps that missing fourth title for the four of them.
BACK TO BACK Mark Selby won successive world titles
FOOTBALL: THREE new players joined the Angels during the week and with two on month-long loans all of them, Tom Jelley, Bradley Stevenson and Ryan Worrall, took to the field at Staines. On 19 minutes Joe Turner hit the crossbar for the visitors and then Sonny Miles somehow directed a header over the bar from two yards out. Alex Akrofi was brought down just outside the area and Stevenson’s daisy cutter of a free-kick was diverted wide of the goal by Akrofi. On 39 minutes it was George Beavan to the rescue for the Angels when he cleared off the line following a good save by Jonny Henly. Clever play by Stevenson from a Turner free-kick saw the ball fall to Nathan Elder and his shot beat Liam Driscoll in the Staines goal to put Tonbridge in the lead on 44 minutes.
Incident The home side found the equaliser five minutes after half-time when Josh Webb met a corner and planted a firm header into the net. Six minutes later came an incident that changed the game. Tonbridge’s George Beavan, just back from a four-week injury lay-off, was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident and a penalty was awarded. But Mohamed Bettamer launched the spot-kick high over the bar. With Tonbridge down to 10 men the Swans went ahead on 65 minutes, Elliott Buchanan converted a cross from the left with a crisp header. The game was put beyond Angels’ reach in the 83rd minute when a through ball forced Henly to come off his line, Webb claiming his second goal. Manager Steve McKimm said: “I was proud of the way some of my players performed, particularly when a man short, but their third goal was a poor one to concede. “I was very pleased with the new signings, they all did terrific so despite the disappointing result there were some encouraging signs.” Angels now face Needham Market at home on Saturday [November 18, kick-off 3pm].
Sporting Times
Wednesday November 15 | 2017
NEWS
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High-flying men extend lead at the top Tunbridge Wells Men 7 London Academicals 2 By Francis Bridgeman SHORT AND SHARP Chris Pelmore scores from a short corner
HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS stretched their lead to five points at the top of South Premier League Division Two with a convincing second-half at Kent College. Two early goals for the home side
should have set the pattern – with Ben Allberry and Ben Brandt on target. But Wells took their foot off the gas and lapses in concentration saw the visitors find two goals to level the match. The first half finished in better fashion for Wells, however, as Brandt scored from a tight angle to restore the lead.
Error-strewn Wells all at sea in the wet Tunbridge Wells 12 Southend Saxons 17 RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS were left to rue a missed opportunity in a match they should have won against bottom-of-the-table opponents. On a very damp pitch the home side began with 15 minutes of possession, with Southend getting little ball and relying on Wells giving away a flurry of penalties to relieve the pressure. Southend came back strongly with sensible wet weather tactics and were rewarded after 24 minutes with a penalty slotted by Adam Dobson. After 32 minutes Charlie Dagwell was yellow-carded for collapsing the maul and Southend took advantage to score from a driving maul through Daniel Read close to the posts, converted by Dobson. A succession of penalties conceded by the hosts for offside saw the Saxons threaten again. Scrum-half Tony Sprangers spotted
a gap and was through at the posts to score. Dobson converted to leave Wells trailing 0-17 at the interval. Southend dominated possession despite errors at the lineout but on 66 minutes Wells at last got some momentum into their game. Christian Earle broke through and found Mac Popham on his shoulder, who fed skipper Chas Spence for a try converted by Ryan Taylor-Dennehy. Replacement Max Douch was looking a threat and he put in a 45-metre break on 74 minutes to find Spence, who sent hooker Luke Hawkins in for the try. Taylor-Dennehy could not convert, however, and Wells were left to reflect on the lack of a game plan and poor discipline around the offside line. There is no London & South-East Premier match this weekend. Wells will look to bounce back at this higher level when they visit local rivals Sidcup on November 25.
Form
Tonbridge Juddians 33 Old Redcliffians 24 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS continued on the road to recovery with a home victory over Old Redcliffians thanks to Hugo Watson’s two tries. TJs started the better against their lowly visitors, and controlled early possession on a slippery and difficult surface at the Slade. But some poor decisionmaking and offloading skills in the tricky conditions saw several opportunities wasted. However, the pressure eventually told and a Watson offload sent Dave Irvine over to give the hosts the lead, though
the try was not converted. TJs applied more pressure but a turnover in the opposition 22 saw Reds run the ball back 80 metres with some skilful interplay to score.
Missed The home side struck back through Watson but Liam Prescott again missed the extra two points with his effort from the left touchline. Prescott did slot two penalties for the home side before the break, and with a penalty for the ORs too the half-time score stood at 16-10. Straight from the restart TJS struck through Galbraith-Lowe
Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1 Bromley & Beckenham 1
HOCKEY: AFTER a run of good wins in recent weeks, Wells had to settle for a draw with East Region Division One South pacesetters Brom Becks, who had won all of their seven games so far. Wells had the better of the first period, and were rewarded when Ana Glubb finished off a flowing move, smashing the ball home on the reverse stick.
Watson double keeps TJs ahead By Adam Hookway
Glubb strike tames mighty Brom Becks By Francis Bridgeman
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
By Roger Clarke
FEEDING TIME Nick Doherty offloads to Charlie Dagwell
After the break Sam George tormented the opposition with quick hands. Brandt fired home from a well-worked short corner, and Chris Pelmore did the same to secure a three-goal cushion. Allberry scored his second with a trademark reverse stick rocket, and Kyle Mathieson finished a well worked move. Now Wells face a trip to second-placed Wycombe on Saturday [November 18].
and then secured another try through Duncan Tout. But with neither score converted the game was not quite in the bag for the hosts. Reds scored next through Jermaine Jones, the try was converted by Henry Bird, and with ten minutes left the score sat precariously at 26-24. However, it was TJs who finished the stronger and Watson’s second try secured the points, Prescott converting to make sure of victory. That makes two wins in a row for TJs in National Two South after a run of five defeats. After a blank weekend they face Barnstaple away on November 25.
In the second half, Brom Becks started to show their form and found the equaliser midway through the half. Wells raised their game with player of the match Harrie Alexander working tirelessly, but they could not claim the three points. Wells to stay in fourth place, having become the first side to take points off the league leaders. They now travel to Holcombe on Saturday [November 18].