Times of Tunbridge Wells 26th February 2020

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

Disabled charity claims shopping centre refuses to help keep it open even as it spends £11m on refit

PHOTO: David Hodgkinson

By Richard Williams A CHARITY that provides mobility scooters for disabled shoppers at Royal Victoria Place [RVP] is closing down next month because it has run out of money. And it says RVP, which is spending £11m on a facelift, has refused to help because it does not attract enough shoppers to the centre. RVP deny they were approached for help. Shopmobility in Tunbridge Wells provides wheelchairs and mobility scooters for up to 50 disabled visitors a week to the shopping centre. Those using the service often have family and friends joining them on shopping trips.

STREET LIGHTING: More than 1,000 people watched the lanterns paraded through the town centre at the weekend. See pages 4-5

Closure

Retailers see rate bills slashed amid calls for urgent reforms While the news has been welcomed, it has been described as a ‘sticking plaster’ amid calls for top to bottom reform of the current Business Rate system. Darren Austin from Tunbridge Wells accountancy firm Synergee says the tax has hit some of his clients hard. “I know some of my clients are finding rates absolutely crippling at the moment, especially publicans. “The relief is just a sticking plaster, and I think the whole system does need looking at. The burden of the rates system is unfairly falling on those that are not getting much for their money. There needs to be a fairer way for

The charity says they provide a ‘vital service’ for the disabled that enables them to go shopping in RVP, charging around £5 for use of the equipment for up to three hours. Following central government grant funding cuts to local authorities, Shopmobilty has had its support cut by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to the tune of £9,000, from £17,000 to just £8,000. The charity, which has been providing the mobility service for more than 20 years, does not pay rent to RVP – it operates from a corridor beside fashion retailer Next – but needs more than £20,000 a year to pay wages and bills. It now faces closure at the end of March because of a shortfall of around £15,000. Chris Jeffery, Trustee of Shopmobility, says in a meeting with the other trustees and the shopping

Continued on page 2

Continued on page 2

By Robert Forrester TUNBRIDGE WELLS retailers are to be offered £1.6million in relief on their business rates, which could see bills for hundreds of local shops, restaurants and bars halved. The Government’s Business Rates Retail Relief scheme was introduced last year, and provided a third off bills, but the scheme is now being extended for another year, with the discount increased to 50 per cent. The policy goes to the first full council meeting of 2020 tonight [Wednesday] at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and since the money for the rate relief will be reimbursed by central government, councillors are expected to approve the

plans, which will see its introduction on April 1. The relief will see rates cut for all struggling retailers whose business has a rateable value below £51,000, which could see savings of up to £12,500 a year. The Retail Rate Relief scheme is set to

Some small businesses could save up to £12,500 a year benefit many types of business including shops, restaurants, cafés and drinking establishments. Financial services, estate agents and employment agencies will not qualify.

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this week…

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH: Nuffield invests in a new state-of-the-art CT scanner at clinic p6

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Charity refused help Continued from page 1

added: “We have supported Shopmobility for many years, offering free space from which to operate and giving them assistance with fundraising and sponsorship. That support remains unchanged.”

centre manager, Nicky Blanchard, he asked RVP for financial help, but was denied. He told the Times: “She [the manager] told me that we were not getting the figures they wanted to warrant giving us any help and said we needed to bring more people in. “She also said minimum wage had gone up so that wages were tight and they couldn’t afford it.”

Goodwill British Land, which owns RVP, has just paid £11million on a new floor and new signage. Mr Jeffery added that if the Shopmobility closed, disabled people will no longer have a means to shop at RVP. “People won’t be able to go shopping in Royal Victoria Place or come into Tunbridge Wells if we close – people come from all over and rely on us because we are the only service like this in the area. “If they lose us, I think they will live to regret it

RACE FOR LIFE: Why two sisters from Tunbridge Wells run 5k every day for charity p11

because they will lose all these disabled customers and a lot of goodwill.” A spokesperson for RVP denied they had received a request for financial help from the charity, and said they do not provide funding, but

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

STRUGGLING Shopmobility operates from a corridor inside RVP

Popular butchers’ shop might now be saved from the chop

A LOCAL butcher is hoping to take over a popular Tunbridge Wells shop following the ill health and retirement of its previous owner. Peter Speaight Butchers in Chapel Place closed on February 11. The Speaight family have had a butchers shop in the town since 1972. Following the closure, Richard Hards of Larratt Butchers in Westerham is hoping to take over the site.

Staff Mr Hards, who lives in Tunbridge Wells said the plan was to open as soon as possible. “It is on track at the moment and we are nearly there,” he told the Times. “The sale is currently with the solicitors but we are hoping to open as soon as possible, so we can keep the staff and ensure the customers don’t forget the shop.” He continued that he planned on retaining the three staff members that currently work at the shop. “Everything will be the same other than a little fresh blood in the shop,” he said.

FAIR ENOUGH: Celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight with some top tipples p63

PHOTO: Lee Smith

VALUABLE LESSONS: Don’t miss our special education guide p19-22

Business Rate relief Continued from page 1 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES RSinger@markerstudy.com | 01892 739763 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times Local News we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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councils to get their income from business.” Earlier this month, the Times reported on the closure of the family-owned restaurant, Woods, in The Pantiles. The restaurant, which had a rateable value of £39,000, had an annual Business Rates bill of around £20,000, and would have saved £10,000 if the discount had been introduced earlier.

Review Larger businesses have also been complaining about the current Business Rates system. The boss of Beales department store, Tony Brown, blamed the ‘lunacy’ of the system for the demise of his company, which will see all 23 of his stores, including the Tonbridge branch in the Angel Centre, close in the coming weeks. Other business leaders have made similar complaints about business rates, which they say could see more stores close [see page 6] unless major reforms are introduced. The government has promised a review of the Business Rate system, and many are hoping new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will make an announcement during next month’s budget on March 11. Cllr Tom Dawlings, head of Finance and Governance at the Borough Council, has also called on central government to reform the system. He told the Times: “The Council has repeatedly requested the powers from central government to be able to make decisions

surrounding business rates locally to better support local businesses. “It is disappointing that the eligibility criteria setting out which businesses will receive a discount has again been decided in Whitehall. “We will now focus on trying to get the relief available to eligible businesses in time for the issuing of bills by April 2020.” He continued: “It is estimated that the cost of awarding the reliefs will be £1.6 million across the borough and providing the Council follows the scheme written by the Government then the Council will be reimbursed this cost.”

PUBS TO BENEFIT FROM FURTHER £1,000 CUT Struggling publicans and bar owners in the town have also been handed a further rates lifeline, with an additional £1,000 off their Business Rates. The Campaign for Real Ale [CAMRA] claim one pub in the UK closes every 12 hours. A number of local drinking establishments in Tunbridge Wells have closed recently, including the George and Dragon in Speldhurst. Both relief schemes could see some pubs In Tunbridge Wells benefit from a £13,600 discount on their tax bill. Cllr Tom Dawlings, explained: “There is a separate scheme which does not require Full Council approval to award pubs with a rateable value below £100,000 a cash discount of £1,000 off their business rates bills.”

Relief as A21 opens ahead of schedule By Andy Tong THE A21 was reopened ahead of schedule by Highways England, at 7pm on Sunday [February 23] instead of 6am on Monday – in time for the return of schools. But the repairs they made to the Medway Viaduct have not been completed because of poor weather conditions so there will be overnight closures on the southbound carriageway.

Overnight The seven-mile stretch between the north and south exits for Tonbridge had been shut to all traffic for nine days since February 14. Drivers in Tunbridge Wells had complained of extra journey times of more than an hour to get through Tonbridge and on to Hildenborough before they could join the A21 while the works were taking place. Major repairs had to be carried out to the flyover above Haysden because the road surface was breaking up due to faults with the movement joints. The joints on the northbound carriageway have been changed but those on the southbound section have yet to be replaced because of the impact of Storm Dennis. Highways England have said they will attempt to finish the works using overnight closures only.

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Delayed Premier Inn finally open in April TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ newest hotel has announced its opening date. Premier Inn had planned to open the new £7million budget hotel in London Road before Christmas, but the project had suffered delays. The 126-bedroom hotel faced objection from a number of local residents and businesses when plans were first submitted in 2016. The hotel, which replaces Merevale House - a former courthouse in London Road – has now confirmed the first guests will be able to check in on April 10.

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By Richard Williams THE new artistic director at Trinity Theatre has left just weeks after her debut production. Kezia Cole, who joined the Tunbridge Wells theatre last summer, is understood to have moved on following a disappointing Christmas production of The Snow Queen. Ms Cole replaced veteran director at Trinity, John Martin – who left last year after ten years working on productions at the converted Decimus Burton church in Church Road. He was partly responsible for turning the ailing

TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ most iconic music venue has been nominated for an award. The Forum, a former public toilet on the common that has played host to some of the UK’s biggest musical acts, is one of five venues nominated for the Grassroots Venue: Spirit Of The Scene honour at the 2020 Music Week Awards. The winner will be determined by a public vote and announced on May 6. Fans have only one week to vote and can do so at musicweekawards.com/grassrootsvote

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in cars at a Tunbridge Wells retail park is to be stamped out following a joint initiative between the town’s MP, Kent Police, the Council and property developer Savills. Following complaints from residents of Knights Wood, security guards will now patrol the car park and barriers will close it off at night. Greg Clark MP said: “I am grateful to all of the agencies for their firm action. This late night activity has been making the lives of residents a misery and they deserve a decent night’s sleep.”

Spa dippers wanted THE Council is advertising for casual workers to serve water from the town’s famous Chalybeate Spring. The ‘dippers’ dress in costume and ladle water from the spring water in The Pantiles for tourists on Thursdays to Saturdays as well as bank holidays from Good Friday April 10 to September 30. For information contact kate.finch@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk

NEWS

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Theatre director steps down after Christmas show fails to impress

Forum is shortlisted

Boy racers curbed

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LEAVING Kezia Cole former artistic director

theatre’s fortunes around. His replacement had worked as a director and producer, and created productions for theatres and unusual settings such as the Tower of London before she came to Tunbridge Wells. However, her first production, a minimalist interpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen children’s fable – The Snow Queen – which she had described as ‘something a little different for our audience’ received a mixed response during its Christmas run.

Outreach Trinity Theatre told the Times yesterday [Tuesday] that Ms Cole stepped down on Monday [February 24]. A spokesperson added: “We would like to thank her for work during the past five months, including delivering our Christmas show and we wish her well on the next chapter in her career.” She continued: “The arts charity is entering a new phase of organisational and artistic development, one that encapsulates all aspects of Trinity’s outreach and heritage goals and garners the confidence of our loyal audience and regional arts community.” Kezia Cole was not available for comment.

Work to begin ‘very soon’ on ABC site and new ‘library’ is planned By Robert Forrester THE company that bought Tunbridge Wells’ most maligned plot of land, has insisted work on the £80million Belvedere will begin ‘very soon’, and are in talks to bring a library to the development. Before Christmas, Elysian Residences began clearing the ground on the former ABC Cinema site at the top of Mount Pleasant in preparation for building work to begin in the New Year. However, since then there has been little activity on the site, which has stood derelict for nearly 20 years. But behind the scenes, Elysian, which is to turn the 1.3 acre parcel of land into 108 retirement apartments, retail units, a 3,000 sq ft restaurant and a boutique cinema, say they are working hard to bring the project to fruition. They also said that they are hoping to bring a new library to the town, which will operate out of The Belvedere development. Head of Development & Planning at Elysian

Mark Curry, told the Times: “Since full planning consent was received for The Belvedere in November, we have been working hard remediating the site, doing detailed tests and groundworks and working with the council to agree rights of way and timings for the major construction work to begin. “We expect to start construction fully very soon and are working very hard on this. As operators of THE BELVEDERE

QUESTION TIME COMES TO TOWN QUESTION Time is coming to Tunbridge Wells next week and will be recorded at Trinity Theatre. The political panel show, hosted by Fiona Bruce, airs on Thursday, March 5, and is recorded shortly before the 10.3pm transmission time. Among the guests in next week’s show will be former Conservative minister, Ed Vaizey, Labour’s shadow Foreign Secretary, Emily Thornberry, former Ukip leader, Paul Nuttall, historian Simon Schama, and author and parenting expert Cristina Odone. A spokesperson for Trinity Theatre said they could not confirm the BBC show will be coming to the theatre, but added: “You will note we do not have any other event booked for that night.” FIONA BRUCE the scheme as well as developers, our value comes when our homeowners move in, so we are keen to get well underway as soon as possible and we know this eagerness is shared by the town.” He added that they are hoping to introduce a library to the complex. He said: “In the meantime, we are also working on finalising the operator of the cinema, which we hope to announce soon, and we are in discussions with book retailer Foyles, who will operate a library at our Stanmore Development for homeowners and the community, to do the same at The Belvedere.”

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

By Richard Williams MORE than a thousand people lined the streets of Tunbridge Wells as the Winter Lantern Parade finally got underway – but organisers have warned it may not be going ahead next year. Nearly 400 homemade lanterns lit up the town centre and snaked their way down Camden Road on Saturday [February 22]. The parade was rescheduled after being postponed earlier this month.

Imagination It was originally meant to take place on February 8, but Storm Ciara caused organisers to

postpone the event, and despite the wind, cold and drizzle on Saturday, the parade was hailed a huge success. “It went really, really well this year,” said Nell Price from the Camden Road Education, Arts & Theatre Enterprise [CREATE], which puts on the parade. “We had at least a thousand people turn up, and there was somewhere between 300 to 400 homemade lanterns, which is more than last year.” Paddock Wood-based samba band, Bloco Fogo, led the proceedings at 5.30pm outside Royal Victoria Place, and they were joined by hundreds of homemade lanterns that illuminated the sky as night fell.

All images by David Hodgkinson Photography

Lanterns light up the night but

‘We had at least a thousand people turn up, and there was somewhere between 300 to 400 homemade lanterns, which is more than last year’ This year’s theme was ‘a night of magic’ and lanterns ranged from a 12 ft wizard and an equally tall Rapunzel ‘tower’, both built by members of the community with help from the CREATE team. There were also smaller lanterns made at home. “We provide kits for people to make their own lanterns, but there were people who completely went their own way – and the imagination behind some of the lanterns was just amazing,” added Ms Price, who has been organising the event for the last three years. But she warned that while the Winter Lantern Parade is hugely popular and businesses in the area have demanded it returns every year, funding issues means it may have to skip 2021. “It was our twelfth year, and we have had to miss a year in the past, and there’s a chance it

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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next year’s parade is in doubt will now have to go biennial – but if it doesn’t happen next year it will definitely be back in 2022,” promised Ms Price. She added that this year’s event was secured by funding from BID [Business Improvement District] but CREATE needed to find a more ‘sustainable’ form of funding. She continued: “The feedback from business owners is that they want it to happen every year. It brings people into the town in what is normally a dark, dank and miserable month, but next year’s event is really going to depend on funding. “What we really would like is for somebody like RTW Together to raise the money for a fundraiser for the parade, so it has a more sustainable future.”

‘It was our twelfth year, and we have had to miss a year in the past, and there’s a chance it will now have to go biennial’

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Local unemployment figures continue to rise despite record in-work numbers By Richard Williams UNEMPLOYMENT in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks has risen by around 15 per cent compared to this time last year, despite record employment levels across the UK. The latest figures supplied by Tonbridge Jobcentre, which serves the three boroughs in West Kent, show that in November 2019 there were more than 400 more people claiming out of work benefits than in the same month in 2018. It is the second quarter in a row that the figures have showed an increase in the number of local people claiming job-seeking benefits. Tonbridge & Malling has seen the biggest rise, with a 16 per cent increase [187 claimants], taking the total number of people in

the borough on unemployment benefits to 1,374. There were 153 more claimants in Tunbridge Wells compared to November 2018, up 14 per cent, taking the total number to 1,245, and a similar rise in Sevenoaks, with 141 more claimants, up 15 per cent, taking the total number of claimants there to 1,076.

Vacancies Nationally, the Office for National Statistics says the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1974, and across the South East the number of people employed is at a near-record high of 4.67 million – up 9,000 on the quarter and up 68,000 on the year. Andrew Holmes, Partnership Manager for Tonbridge Jobcentre,

said: “Although we are starting to see increases in the figures across the board compared to this time last year, the picture compared to five years ago is more mixed.”

He added: “Despite these increases we are continuing to work with a wide range of employers who are requesting our help to fill their vacancies.”

Nuffield invests in state-of-the-art scanner A NOT-FOR-PROFIT health provider has invested in a new, state-of-the-art CT scanner at its Tunbridge Wells clinic. Nuffield Health Hospital, which is based in Kingswood Road, unveiled their new Toshiba Aquilion Prime SP CT scanner earlier this month. The healthcare provider says the equipment enables the hospital to offer extensive diagnostic services that will enhance the quality and speed of healthcare for patients in Tunbridge Wells and

The South East. According to NHS figures, patients routinely have to wait between four to eight weeks for a CT scan following a GP referral.

Ergonomic Nuffield say the new £500,000 scanner has been designed with advanced ergonomic features that improve the quality of care for patients while ensuring a better CT experience.

Penny Pontet, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health, commented: “I am delighted that our new CT scanner department is open.” She added: “Designed for the comfort and safety of the patient, the scanner enables us to offer extensive in-house diagnostic services, including MRI, general X-Ray, Bone Density Scans, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy and Mammography – all supported by our highly trained and experienced imaging team.”

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Retailers count the cost of storm season RETAILERS in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, as well as the rest of the South East, will have seen a drop in footfall by around 15 per cent due to the storms that have battered the UK. According to data compiled by Ipsos Retail Performance, last week’s Storm Dennis saw footfall in high streets and shopping centres across the region plummet by 16 per cent compared to the same weekend last year. Storm Ciara, which struck the weekend before Storm Dennis hit the UK, saw footfall drop by 15 per cent. Tim Denison, Director of Retail Intelligence at Ipsos Retail Performance said: “Weather is always used by retailers to blame poor sales performances, but there is genuine cause to do so when extreme weather conditions hit the country.”

Business Rates warning THE boss of one of the UK’s largest shoe retailers, which has a branch in the Pavilion Centre in Tonbridge High Street, has warned that he may close up to 100 stores unless business rate rules are changed. Shoe Zone CEO Anthony Smith has said that although rents had fallen across their 500 shops, the amount they pay in business rates has doubled over the last ten years, and unless changes are made he would be forced to close around 100 outlets. The warning comes after administrators announced last week that they will now close all of Beales’ 23 department stores, which includes the Tonbridge branch. The CEO of Beales, Tony Brown, also blamed the Business Rates system for the collapse of his company.

Laura Ashley reprieve

OPEN FOR PATIENTS Consultant Surgeon Danny Laws is joined by Nuffield staff as he cuts the ribbon on the new CT scanner

STAFF at Laura Ashley in Calverley Road will have breathed a sigh of relief this week after the troubled women’s clothing and home store retailer managed to secure emergency funding. The well-known high street name was threatened with collapse, but has been in talks with US bank Wells Fargo about terms for drawing on a £20million loan facility following an annual loss of £14.3million. Without the funding, Laura Ashley may have had to close their remaining 120 stores. They already closed 40 stores in 2018, amid tough trading conditions in the UK high streets.

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Business Awards

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Sponsors begin lining up to celebrate the best in business By Richard Williams A NUMBER of sponsorship opportunities with the Times Business Awards 2020 have been taken as companies in the area look to raise their profile at one of the top social and networking events of the year. For those wanting to get involved at the gala award evening at Salomons Estate on June 5, which this year is hosted by This Morning favourite Eamonn Holmes, there are still a

number of sponsorship opportunities available – including a headline sponsor for the entire evening. Over the last five years there have been more than 500 businesses that have entered the annual event. Last year, more than a dozen local companies decided to get involved and sponsor the awards night, ranging from category sponsor to headline sponsor and hospitality sponsor. And best of all, sponsors get to attend the gala night for free.

Here’s what past and present sponsors have to say...

“We are proud to once again support these important, local business awards. The firm has had a strong presence in the South East since its foundation in 1570, and has been a key member of the Tunbridge Wells community since 1910. “We are committed to helping local businesses thrive, and look forward to celebrating all the entrants at the awards ceremony in June.” Sarah Henwood, CEO Thomson Snell & Passmore, sponsor of the 2020 Start up Business of the Year Award.

“Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells were delighted to sponsor an award last year for such a great local event, recognising and rewarding some truly great local businesses and business people. “It gave us the chance to really cement our local banking

approach, engage with the local business community and to meet new people.” Nick Green, TW Branch Manager, Handelsbanken, sponsor of the of the 2019 Service Excellence Award. “It was wonderful sponsoring the Family Business of the Year Award. We enjoyed meeting other family businesses that are growing and experiencing the same challenges as we have and we and look forward to taking part again in the future.” Michele Harriman-Smith, CEO Childrensalon, sponsor of the 2020 Family Business of the Year Award.

To sponsor the awards There are ten categories that can be sponsored at the award ceremony, as well as headline sponsor and several other opportunities. Sponsorship is on a first come first served basis. Call Eileen Sweeney on 01892 779 583 for further information.

How to enter the Business Awards WITH ten categories to choose from, there’s an award for every business, whether a small family run concern, or a large international company – if you are based in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge or the Sevenoaks district, you are automatically eligible to enter. Best of all, entry to any of the ten Business Award Categories is completely FREE and takes just minutes to complete. 1) Go to www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk to find out more information and see the range of categories for which you can enter your business. 2) Send an email to: info@timesbusinessawards. co.uk with your contact details and we will send you an application form. 3) Or you can call simply call award’s organiser, Eileen Sweeney, on 01892 779 583. THE TIMEFRAME… Businesses wanting to get involved have until Wednesday April 22, 2020 to get their entry in.

Each category will be shortlisted to three entries and shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Monday April 27, 2020. Winners will be announced at the gala award dinner on Friday June 5, 2020. Tickets are available priced at £99 per person or £900 for a table of ten. Numbers are limited and based on the previous four years, the award night will be a sell-out.

2020

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

Storage firm backs Barnardo’s THE children’s charity Barnardo’s has forged a partnership with StorageMart in Tonbridge to help support vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the local community and beyond. Staff at the Vale Road storage company will raise funds and donate their time to support the charity and children in the community. StorageMart will provide space for local Barnardo’s services when required, and employees will volunteer locally by doing activities such as gardening and decorating.

VITAL HELP Ray and Jackie Corke (left) with staff at the Chartwell Suite

Thrilled

George and Dragon pub events raise £5,000 for cancer patients By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A PATIENT and his family have raised £5,000 to help fund vital equipment for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] after hosting a series of charity events. Ray and Jackie Corke of Tonbridge held race nights and afternoon tea events at the George and Dragon pub in Shipbourne Road, which is run by their daughter, Lisa Pearson, and her husband Garth. The couple donated the money to the Chartwell Suite at Maidstone Hospital, where Ray has received treatment for leukaemia and other illnesses since 2008. The funds will go towards providing a new Vital Signs machine, which shows the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and oxygen saturation of the patient while also signalling if these rise or fall. Ray said: “I think it is really important to fundraise and help your local trust. The staff work so

hard and if it makes their life, and a patient’s life, a bit easier, then it’s completely worth it. “The treatment I have received here from the beginning has been outstanding – I really can’t fault it at all, and it’s been great to help make a small difference.”

Fundraising activities will include running and challenge events, and the organisation will donate £15 from each online review of its UK sites. Paul Beard, the regional fundraising manager for Barnardo’s, said: “We are delighted to be partnering up with StorageMart, who are focused on building strong relationships and giving something back to the community.

“It is this ethos which makes them a perfect partner for Barnardo’s.” Dan Saunders, StorageMart’s regional director in the UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with a charity that makes such a long, lasting, and positive impact on young people’s lives. “Partnering with Barnardo’s will give us opportunities to not just raise money for much needed services in our community, but also encourage our store teams to get involved with events and fundraising activities to create a closer and more meaningful involvement in our communities.” Last year around 300,000 children, parents and carers were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 1,000 services across the UK. This includes support for young carers, care leavers, foster carers and adoptive parents, and the provision of training and parenting classes. For further information about Barnardo’s, please telephone Paul Beard on 07736 453227 or visit barnardos.org.uk

Generosity Ruth Hunt, a clinical nurse specialist for haematology and oncology at MTW, said: “The Chartwell Suite is a very busy unit, treating between 40 and 50 patients a day. “This incredibly kind gesture from Ray and his family will go a long way in treating patients quicker and helping our staff during their shifts. “Everyone here at the Trust would like to thank Ray and his family for all of their efforts with such a kind act of generosity.” For more information about the MTW NHS Charitable Fund, and how to fundraise, email fundraising manager Laura Kennedy at: laura.kennedy8@nhs.net

POSITIVE IMPACT: Paul Beard with the staff at StorageMart

Sisters run 5km a day for 50 days to raise funds for Parkinson’s TWO sisters from Tunbridge Wells have completed a challenge to run 5km every day for 50 days to raise money for Parkinson’s UK. Lucy-Jo and Rosie Tostevin are personal trainers who have been running the local company Family Inspired Training, or FIT, since 2016. Lucy-Jo, 30, and 25-year-old Rosie help local parents and families who want to improve their fitness together without having to find additional childcare. The sisters began their challenge on New Year’s Day and completed it on February 19, having run 250km – ‘that’s just under six marathons without a break,’ said Lucy-Jo. They chose to support Parkinson’s UK after their father, Alan, 71, was diagnosed with the degenerative condition last year. Lucy-Jo, one of six siblings, said: “Whilst it has been a sad time for us, our dad has been amazing at taking it all in his stride. “Our aim is to raise awareness and support for the amazing work that the Parkinson’s UK charity does for

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Children’s fairy-tale art is featured by Philharmonic THE Tonbridge Philharmonic Orchestra [TPO] has joined forces with children’s musical group The Wheels on Debussy to create artworks that were featured at one of its concerts. TPO performed Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition at St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church in Tonbridge on Saturday [February 22], along with Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony.

BEST BY A DISTANCE Lucy (left) and Rosie Tostevin

those suffering with this disease.” “They make an invaluable difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s, funding ground-breaking research, providing vital information to those suffering with the disease and their families, and also helping to find a cure.” She added: “Although we are both fit from being trainers, our specialism was definitely not running.

‘It has been a challenge to run every day, in every weather. Add sore knees, dog attacks, twisted ankles and illness and it’s been eventful’ “At the beginning it was not something we were confident in or much enjoyed. “But we wanted to take on a challenge that was difficult so that we could show a little of the resilience and determination our dad has shown since his diagnosis.”

The pair have been tackling the 5k runs in various locations, in Jersey, Cambridge and Liverpool as well as in Tunbridge Wells. “We’ve been out in the wind and rain, up hills, on pavements and in countryside mud, as well as on treadmills,” said Lucy-Jo. “It has definitely been a challenge to run every day, in every weather – Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis included. “Add to that some sore knees, dog attacks, twisted ankles and illness, and it’s safe to say it’s been an eventful 50 days! “It has been easier some days than others, but 50 days without any rest has definitely been harder than we thought. “However, we have definitely got fitter, started to run quicker and mentally felt better for it. “We can’t quite believe that we have made it to the finish line.” To support Lucy and Rosie, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ sistersrun505kin50days or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @familyinspiredtraining

Magical The parish church hosted an outreach programme for children to explore the themes of the Russian composer’s work the previous weekend. Organiser Philippa Burbidge said: PICTURES AT A “Mussorgsky PARISH CHURCH created a whole The children’s magical world artwork where bells toll, gnomes and witches lurk in forests and castles disappear in the mists. “We wanted children to come and create their very own Mussorgskyinspired picture to be displayed at the concert.” The young artists listened to extracts from the piece on the cello, flute, piano, French horn and saxophone at the

church while they created their pieces. Members of the orchestra played specially arranged extracts from Mussorgsky’s popular work, including the Promenade, The Old Castle, Baba Yaga and The Gate of Kiev. The Wheels on Debussy, set up by Louise Knight and Fiona Sharp in 2015, provides classical music experiences for children and their carers in a relaxed environment. The group stages monthly concerts by internationally acclaimed soloists playing different instruments to ‘provide a diverse musical experience’. To find out more, go to thewheelsondebussy.com

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

MP apologises for exposure footage THE first Tory MP ever elected in Leigh, Greater Manchester, has had to apologise after footage emerged of him exposing himself in a public house. James Grundy, who was elected to the Commons in December last year, dropped his trousers at a private event in the bar in 2007. A recording of the incident was obtained by radio station LBC. Mr Grundy said yesterday [Tuesday]: “I apologise for my actions and for any offence caused.”

Double murder inquiry A 25-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two bodies were found at an address in the West Midlands. Detectives said a 54-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene in Moat Road, Oldbury, just outside Birmingham yesterday [Tuesday]. West Midlands Police said their initial investigations have led them to believe the deaths were as a result of a domestic-related incident, with no threat to the wider community. The suspect was arrested at an address in nearby Smethwick soon after the bodies were discovered.

HSBC to close banks NEARLY 50 jobs are at risk at HSBC branches across the country, as the bank revealed plans to close 27 sites this year. Staff in 10 branches, which employ 46 people between them, could face losing their jobs under the closures. The first closures will be made in early July. No branches in West Kent will be affected.

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Former Liberal Leader quits House of Lords and his party after historical abuse report DAVID Steel has quit the Liberal Democrats and announced his retirement from the House of Lords in the wake of a new report into historical child sexual abuse. The former Liberal leader told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) that he had failed to act on allegations against prominent colleague Cyril Smith, even though he believed RESIGNED them to be true, because it was Lord Steel has ‘past history’. quit the Lords As the IICSA published its long-awaited report, Lord Steel said: “Knowing all I know now, I condemn Cyril Smith’s actions towards children.” But the former Holyrood presiding officer said that with the IICSA ‘not having secured a parliamentary scalp, I fear that I have been made a proxy for Cyril Smith’.

Turmoil The politician, who served at both Westminster and the Scottish Parliament, made clear in a lengthy statement that ‘children deserve protection from predators, especially those in authority’. With reports suggesting there could be a fresh investigation into his behaviour - despite the Scottish Liberal Democrats last year concluding there were ‘no grounds for action’ against him - he announced he had quit the party with immediate effect. He said: “I have received indications that some in the Liberal Democrat Party wish me suspended and investigated again, despite a previous disciplinary process in Scotland which concluded

that no further action was required. I am told that others are threatening to resign if a new investigation is started. “I wish to avoid any such turmoil in my party and to prevent further distress to my family. “I have therefore thanked my local party secretary for their stalwart support through the whole IICSA process, and have informed the local party that my resignation is with immediate effect.” He also said he would be leaving the House of Lords ‘as soon as possible’. The IICSA report told how the political establishment spent decades turning ‘a blind eye’ to allegations of child sexual abuse, with highprofile politicians protected from police action as whips sought to avoid ‘gossip and scandal’ which would damage the parties. The long-awaited investigation into historical allegations against MPs, peers and civil servants working in Westminster found political institutions “significantly failed in their responses to allegations of child sexual abuse”. Lord Steel’s evidence to the inquiry was cited as an example of this, but he insisted that Cyril Smith did not ‘admit to me the truth of the allegations’. “He admitted that there had been an investigation by police of acts alleged against him whilst he was a councillor in another political party, as was reported,” he said. He also criticised the way the inquiry was carried out.

National News

NEWS

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‘Unrealistic’ not to build on flood plains THE head of the Environment Agency has said development on flood plains should not be banned, but homes should be built to better cope with rising waters. The agency’s chief executive Sir James Bevan said, that in a few places, the scale of coastal erosion or risk of river or sea flooding will become so great that communities may have to move. He conceded that not every home can be protected from flooding as climate change raises the risk of extreme weather.

Resilient But he said flood defences worked to protect many people, and would continue to be needed, alongside measures to help communities become more resilient to increased flooding. His comments came in a speech at the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit in central London on Wednesday when he warned a twin track approach of defences and resilience to flooding is needed to defuse the ‘weather bomb’. Sir James said it would be unrealistic to ban all development on the flood plain, but it should only be done if there is no alternative, and any building that goes ahead should not increase the risk of flooding for other people. And homes built on the flood plain should be resilient to flooding; for example, with garages on the ground floor and people living higher up. “It means building back better after a flood, not simply replacing what we had before, so that homes, businesses and infrastructure are more resilient to future events,” he said. “And it means accepting the hard truth that, in a few places, the scale of coastal erosion and the risk of flooding from rivers or the sea will become so big that it may be better for communities to choose to relocate out of harm’s way.” England has received 141 per cent of its average February rainfall already this month.

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World News

NEWS IN BRIEF

EU demands access to fishing grounds EUROPEAN ministers have signed off on Brussels’ red lines for the forthcoming post-Brexit trade talks with the UK. The proposals put into writing warnings by Michel Barnier, the European Union’s chief negotiator, that Britain must sign up to a ‘level playing field’ in any free trade agreement. On fisheries, the EU General Affairs Council, at its meeting yesterday [Tuesday] morning, also agreed to negotiate to ‘uphold the existing reciprocal access to waters’ - a move that is set to flare tensions with Brexiters and British fishermen.

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

Canary Island hotel is in lockdown as coronavirus spreads across Europe QUARANTINED H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel

Mubarak dies at 91 FORMER Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak – ousted by the military in 2011 – has died in Cairo at the age of 91. Mubarak spent three decades in office before a popular uprising swept Egypt forcing him form power. He was found guilty of complicity in the killing of protesters during the revolution. That conviction was overturned and he was freed in March 2017. His death was confirmed by Egyptian state news yesterday [Tuesday].

Trump hails verdict US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has said Harvey Weinstein’s conviction for rape and sexual assault is a ‘great thing’. Mr Trump called it a ‘great victory’ for women that ‘sends a very strong message’ for the #MeToo movement against that kind of behaviour towards women. The president himself has been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour by more than a dozen women before he took office.

A TOURIST hotel In the Canary Islands has been placed in quarantine after an Italian doctor staying there tested positive for the Covid-19 virus – the strain of coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China. Officials in the town of Adeje Tenerife confirmed that the restrictions are in place at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel. Spanish media said some 1,000 tourists staying at the 500 room hotel and are not being allowed to leave, with security forces reportedly preventing guests from exiting the building.

Analysed The Canary Islands, an archipelago located some 62 miles west of the African coast, is a popular holiday destination that attracts many British

tourists all year around. Package holiday firms Tui and Jet2holidays have both confirmed they have customers at the hotel. A spokeswoman for Tui UK said: “We can confirm that Tui has around 200 customers in the resort from different countries. Tui representatives on Tenerife are present on site and will liaise with our customers. “All guests have been asked to remain in their rooms and are being looked after by the hotel.” The archipelago’s president Angel Victor Torres said the Italian doctor who is positive for the disease has been quarantined in a local clinic while samples are analysed in a hospital near Madrid to confirm the initial diagnosis. Spain’s Europa Press reported that the visiting tourist had arrived from one of the areas in

northern Italy where a cluster of the coronavirus has infected hundreds of people. The patient voluntarily went to a clinic in Tenerife on Monday when he began feeling unwell. Meanwhile, Travellers returning to the UK from northern Italy have been told they may need to self-isolate as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, ministers have said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said official advice, updated yesterday [Tuesday], has been changed to say that those who have been to northern Italy should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he added: “If people have been to the affected areas that the Italian government have quarantined then they should self-isolate whether or not they have symptoms.”

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

FTSE recovers after virus fears spook the market

De La Rue to implement ‘extensive’ cost cutting

STOCK markets across the world were recovering yesterday [Tuesday] after the biggest single-day falls for three years, blamed on the spread of coronavirus to European shores. The FTSE 100 gained 0.5 per cent in early deals after suffering the deepest one-day losses since 2016 on Monday – losing £62billion. EasyJet shares were the worst hit taking a 17 per cent fall, but the budget airliner staged a tentative 3 per cent recovery yesterday [Tuesday] morning. Analysts say the market was spooked on Monday after reports of at least seven deaths in Italy from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

BANKNOTE printer De La Rue has unveiled plans for ‘extensive’ cost cutting as part of an overhaul to turn around its fortunes. Recently appointed chief executive Clive Vacher said the group will look to cut annual costs by around £35 million over three years against previous targets for £20 million. The former UK passport manufacturer has suffered a torrid couple of years, having suffered heavily from losing out to a French company for the contract to print new British passports. The group has warned over profits twice in recent months and its half-year results in November showed £12.1million of losses against profits of £7.1million a year earlier.

National News

BUSINESS

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Taste of success for Hotel Chocolat as it posts another strong period UPMARKET retailer Hotel Chocolat has posted higher half-year sales after it was boosted by new stores in the UK and internationally. The confectionary firm saw shares jump higher in early trading after it posted a 14% increase in revenue to £91.7million for the 26 weeks to December 29.

Growth The company also saw pre-tax profits increase, rising by 7% to £14.9million for the period. Hotel Chocolat, which was founded in 1993, opened nine new UK sites during the half-year taking its total portfolio in its home market to 125 sites.

Angus Thirlwell, co-founder and chief executive of the business, said it was ‘very pleased’ with its UK growth but is focused on being a ‘global brand’ after expanding in the US and Japan. The retailer opened two new stores in the US and three in Japan, and said it saw strong Valentine’s Day sales in the two growing markets. Hotel Chocolat said it was also boosted by significant growth in its direct-to-consumer business, as it saw membership of its VIP service increase by 120% to 1.1 million active members. The company said innovation also helped to drive sales during the half-year, with customers also increasing sales of the firm’s Velvetiser hot chocolate machine. It said sales of the product were also boosted by a raft of new flavours.

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Letters

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Calverley

MOVING EXPERIENCE Rusthall Community Cinema

Observations on life and more important things

Loving your work, mystery knitter The secret knitter who makes wonderful hats for the post box in Wilman Road in Tunbridge Wells was back this month celebrating St Valentine’s Day [above]! Fiona Perry Tunbridge Wells

Surgery is a missed opportunity

Of all the cinemas in all the towns in all the world, walk into mine Fiona Brown highlights the steep stairs in the Odeon in Knights Park, which can be a challenge to those with mobility issues [February 19]. The popular Rusthall Community Cinema, based at Sunnyside Hall in Rusthall Road, has no stairs at all. Volunteers will pick up those who find it hard to come independently. Also, it is only £5.

Community falls foul of weather Neighbours came out in force when a foul sewer cover lifted on Byrneside in Hildenborough, no doubt swelled by numerous surface water attachments to it. The local residents swept and swept the water away to the highway drains which were able to take it. This action prevented foul water flooding into homes. With high water levels in the surface drains there was a very real danger of inundation, as those drains are higher than some parts of the road. The residents also removed some fatbergs from the manhole. Southern Water then cleared others from the pipe work and removed more detritus. This was an excellent coming together of the local community, and huge appreciation must go to all involved. Thanks must also go to the Fire Brigade, who stayed till late helping pump away the water after they had attended Leigh Road. Residents there had been assisted by the OVER THE TOP The foul water bubbles up

Those attending can enjoy linked short films to accompany the main feature, our licensed bar, home-made cakes and a friendly welcome. The films we watch are voted for by the community. As the saying goes: “What’s not to like?” Find us at rusthallcinema.club Anne Goldstein Trustee, Rusthall Community Cinema Fire Service and flood wardens when a surface water drain cover lifted and water started filling gardens – again with a real danger of inundation, and it was occuring at the very same time as the Byrneside incident. Cllr Mark Rhodes, Conservative Party representative, Hildenborough

It’s up to us all to fight prejudice In my Labour Party column about Holocaust Memorial Day [February 5], I said we should all be ‘standing together’ and using our voices to call out anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism and attacks against disabled people. Your correspondent Tom Fernsby isolates the issue of anti-Semitism and asks what Labour has done locally to tackle it in our party [February 12]. On the one occasion it has been brought to our attention we acted swiftly – the individual was suspended from the party pending investigation and then subsequently resigned. I deliberately refrained from making party political points in my article and said that all parties had (rightly) been criticised for not tackling these issues quicker. Yes, Labour should be doing better, and has set in place a more effective way of dealing with any racism expressed by a tiny minority of its members. However, doing this does not absolve other parties, or all of us as individuals, from taking action to stop expressions of hatred when and wherever they are encountered. Martin Betts Vice Chair, Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party

Amid the braying of Prime Minister’s Questions last week, derision was piled on the folly of Labour’s PFI legacy, which has left the NHS financially hamstrung, sentiments echoed by our local MP Tom Tugendhat. So it is incomprehensible that he and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] have provided a private contractor with property valued at half of its potential market value to be leased in perpetuity to the NHS. There are dire financial straits ahead, and risks to council services are often dependent on tens of thousands of pounds, yet this council has sold property valued at £1,435,000 for a derisory £750,000 on the grounds that the new Tonbridge Medical Centre would provide community value. How are residents in Higham Wood benefitting from the closure of their surgery, which will bring further congestion and pollution into Tonbridge High Street? This council has engaged in corporate welfare which will in fact cost the NHS double the yearly rent previously paid for the three surgeries this centre replaces, a sub-PFI deal which benefits only the contractor, Assura. Southborough Town Council are in the process of delivering exactly the kind of development – a civic centre including medical centre, library and public hall – that TMBC were asked to consider building in December 2016, which benefits residents, the NHS and Kent County Council. This is a huge missed opportunity which has slipped through the council’s fingers. Cllr Mark Hood, Green Party representative, Judd ward, Tonbridge

It’s your party, pay if you want to Colin Bullen [February 12] accuses me of being ‘breathtakingly hypocritical’ for quoting Kipling in the context of Brexit. In fact, the quote related to the difference between winning (‘triumph’) and losing (‘disaster’), and was therefore quite legitimate. I shall not be sulking in any tent. If he wants to celebrate, that is his prerogative, but he should not expect others to pay for it. I do not know how Kipling would have voted in the referendum and I doubt that anyone else does. John Reynolds Tonbridge

STRANGE HAPPENING: Driving along Camden Road in TW the other night, Calverley pulled to the side (ever courteous) to allow another car around parked vehicles. No sooner had he stopped than the door opened and a woman in her 30s climbed in and sat in the passenger seat. For a few seconds Calverley thought it might be a kidnap attempt by an Alliance party activist disappointed at his recent rant against NIMBYS. Then the red-faced lady said: “Oops, so sorry, thought you were my friend picking me up.” Panic over. But a salutary awakening. EQUALLY strange was an incident when Calverley was out jogging, listening, as one would expect, to Rocky blaring out in his ear buds. Suddenly a young man stepped out in front of him and started talking. Once the ear buds were yanked out, Calverley heard him ask: “Have you got a cigarette?” Which prompted the response: “Are you seriously asking a jogger if they have cigarettes?” To which the young man replied: “Yeah, well do you?” QUEUING outside the doctors one morning before it opened, to get an appointment, Calverley got chatting to a woman of around 40. After ten minutes she leaned in closer and said: “You should do what I do to get an appointment.” Calverley: “And what would that be?” Woman: “I book an appointment every couple of weeks whether I need one or not.” Calverley: “But surely that annoys the doctor?” Woman: “Not really, she’s now my friend.” Make of that what you will. Note: Thanks for asking, Calverley is well; still a fine specimen.

SOMETIMES mums can be worth buttering up even if you’re a normally stroppy teenager. Take the case of a 14 year old who somehow managed to buy a Lotto scratch card at the newsagents. He won £100 but knew he would probably be asked for ID when going to collect (you have to be at least 16). After two days of being sweetness and light he finally asked his mum to get the cash. She was so relieved, having been worrying herself silly about what trouble he was hiding.

AND FINALLY: Following the departure from the EU, Calverley wishes it to be known that He has reverted to just the one kiss on the cheek when greeting others. Chin Chin, dear reader

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Weekly Comment

NEWS

17

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He is currently Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committe.

Important steps that need to be taken to minimise flood risk STORM CIARA and Storm Dennis combined to make February an anxious month for residents and business owners in low-lying areas of my constituency. At its peak, areas from Ashurst to Lamberhurst, central Tunbridge Wells to Five Oak Green and Paddock Wood were inundated by a month’s normal rainfall descending in two hours. In the event, several properties in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells were flooded. But many more residents suffered a tense period as river levels rose and the rain was relentless. I met local residents at their homes and businesses, and then convened a meeting of all the key local agencies – the Environment Agency, Southern Water, South East Water, the South East Rivers Trust, the National Flood Forum and local councillors – at the Pembury Reservoir last Friday. There are some important steps that need to be taken to minimise the risk, and impact, of flooding in the future. First is to recognise that what were once rare weather events are becoming more common. Some areas – like Five Oak Green – have been severely flooded three times in the last five years. Climate change is widely thought to be a significant contributor, and we must improve our resilience to it, in all areas. Second, it was instructive to be able to

lay to rest some worrying rumours that understandably took flight, in particular that the Pembury Reservoir was breached, causing a cascade of water. In visiting the reservoir it could be seen that it is robustly intact, and indeed the watercourses causing flooding are separate from the supply to the reservoir. Third, there are measures that are, and should be, taken to address the causes of recent flooding. It is almost always the short-term intensity of rain storms falling on fields and hills which, if it reaches rivers and drains, is liable to overload them.

Fourth, infrastructure must reflect the reality of a changing climate. In Paddock Wood, after much campaigning, I and local councillors have succeeded in getting

Campaigning The South East Rivers Trust is carrying out remarkable work in creating natural means to slow the flow and store water in the landscape during times of intense rainfall. This includes building, from large logs, the equivalent of firebreaks that should block the water in woods and fields at peak times, and release it more slowly into the river and drainage systems. Although counter-intuitive at first sight, flooded fields and woodlands are better than that volume of water being channelled rapidly into rivers and drains.

Russell Dean Member of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

FLOOD RISK Greg Clark at the Pembury Reservoir

Southern Water to put in place a £2.8million new drainage system around the town with the capacity to accommodate the new development that is proposed there. In Tunbridge Wells, following the floods of 2017, we achieved a widening of the rainwater sewer under Nevill Street, to better protect The Pantiles. A clear principle should be followed: No new development (or, for that matter, Local Plan) should be approved unless it demonstrably reduces the risk of flooding to existing residents, and obviously does nothing to add to that risk. And the judgement as to whether this condition has been met should not be in the hands of developers, but independently, objectively and publicly established. A changing climate means that no low-lying area will be able to exclude completely the risk of flooding. But advances in knowledge in water management, combined with a firmer planning policy that requires investment in infrastructure before any new development takes place, can reduce the chances of residents and businesses having to face the worry that this month’s storms caused. For more information on this, and other matters, sign up to my regular newsletter at www.gregclark.org

Russell Dean is a member of the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party. He lives in Tonbridge and is a theatre maker and artistic director of the Southborough-based company Strangeface.

Putting a dashcam on democracy LATELY, I have noticed a sharp increase in dashcam footage appearing on my Facebook feed. You may be familiar with this: Rear axles, freed from their logging truck burden, bounce ecstatically through wildly swerving traffic; sub-continental couples on mopeds meander helmetless across railway tracks, narrowly missing a screaming express train; a speeding van fails to anticipate the raised roundabout, which proves an effective launch ramp. The above came to mind when I heard that Green councillors Mark Hood and April Clark are calling for the council meetings of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] to be live streamed and therefore available for voters to see.

Godiva This natural and much overdue progression would be inexpensive to implement, since much of the required equipment is already present. After all, the televising of both Houses of Parliament, feared in 1985 as a ‘leap in the dark’, has been a great success in educating citizens and closing a communication gap between Parliamentarians and voters. Should not the same be welcomed in our local democracy? I am trying to imagine the objections. There is, of course, the ‘Godiva gambit’, otherwise known

as the ‘I have literally nothing to wear!’ defence. Given the pressure of looking one’s best for the cameras (removing egg from one’s tie, careful rotation of outfits, trips to the hairdresser, etc.), this might be an attractive avenue for the naysayers. Perhaps at the back of our councillors’ minds WINDOW INTO THE WORKINGS Would you welcome the live streaming of TMBC council meetings?

might also be the infamous presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy. Radio listeners felt Nixon had carried it, but those who watched him sweating profusely under the studio lights felt, conversely, that Kennedy had won. This may be a worry for our more moist councillors, but surely nothing a little

antiperspirant wouldn’t cure? Another fear I can see haunting some of our elected representatives is the danger of being recognised. After the initial glare of electoral publicity, relative anonymity is a comfort, particularly, say, after voting to sell off our land at below market value. Of course this would not cross the mind of any conscientious councillor, but nevertheless… I suspect that live streaming of council meetings will not have the viewing appeal of cart-wheeling axles or dogs riding mopeds, though it will prove a valuable aide memoire to clarify sketchy minutes to meetings. However, there are serious points to be made here. Cameras play an ever-greater role in the 21st century. CCTV watches us in our town centres and speed cameras monitor our roads. This contributes to the security and wellbeing of the vast majority of us. We can even reduce our insurance premiums if we fit cameras to our cars. Trust in politicians of all stripes is currently woefully low. Surely a good start in reversing this decline in reputation would be for public servants to show off about how well they are serving the public? In the name of transparency, it is time for TMBC to catch up and give voters a dashcam on democracy.

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

EDUCATION FEATURE 19

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Focus on education We talk to local schools about e-learning, Brexit and the importance of arts in the curriculum

THE SECRET GARDEN As staged by Kent College (also pictured below)

rigour, as well as opportunities for students to problem-solve, experiment, take risks and make mistakes, and provides the space for selfdirected learning. I know for certain that this set of skills has stood me in good stead in my role as Head. I make no apologies for placing the arts firmly at the heart of our curriculum, and the whole school community greatly values all that there is on offer from the creative and performing arts. Everyone, including staff, is encouraged to participate – and they do! With an education that has a firm grounding in creativity, we can be sure that this generation of young people will thrive throughout adulthood, enjoy and achieve in their lives and be able to shape a better future for generations to come. Julie Lodrick Headmistress To find out more, please visit Kent College. The Open House runs on Mondays 9.15-10.30am and Fridays 2-3.15pm

KENT COLLEGE

Web: kent-college.co.uk How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? As a musician, you would expect me, as Head, to be a strong advocate for ensuring the arts take a central role in the curriculum. I could be criticised for giving more weight to my subject specialism than is deserved, or needed. However, I would argue that with the impact of technology, the pace and scale of change in society at the moment feels like something quite new. The way forward is not entirely clear, and if young people are to have the skills and confidence to make positive decisions about their own lives and the kind of world they want to see, then they are going to need to think and respond in wholly

new and innovative ways. They need to think creatively, and the recent Durham Commission report on creativity in education made it clear that the arts make an invaluable contribution to the development of creativity in young people. The government’s recent reforms, in particular the introduction of the EBacc (the performance measure showing the proportion of children in a secondary school who achieve a Grade 4 or more in the core academic subjects of English, maths, science, history or geography and a language) has possibly reduced the status of subjects such as music, art, dance and drama. Creativity is the driver of economic growth and innovation. We can only guarantee success if we ensure that young people are given the opportunity to develop these skills. Of course, creativity can be taught through other mediums in school, but it is the creative subjects which provide the foundations for developing the conditions to nurture creativity. Participation in the arts encourages discipline, practice and

20 EDUCATION FEATURE

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them now and in their future career. At Beechwood Sacred Heart School, we offer a wide range of creative subjects. These include Music, Drama and Theatre Studies, DT Textiles, DT Product Design, Fine Art, and Photography. Students at A Level and now in Year 8 can develop their own personal research and presentation project, the EPQ. Recent examples have looked at the role of the muse in Art, and the influence of the music of Oasis. The arts do not just develop a child’s creativity—the skills they learn spill over into academic achievement. This is primarily about developing self-confidence, independent enquiry and organisation. Developing an Art or DT portfolio is an excellent example of this. In such a busy world, where opportunities abound in sport, recreation, socialising and technology media, allowing children to spend

STRONGER TOGETHER Participation helps children step outside their comfort zone

BEECHWOOD SCHOOL Welcomes pupils from age 3 - 18

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART Web: beechwood.org.uk

How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? The future reality for our schoolchildren today is that they are entering a rapidly changing jobs marketplace when they leave school, college or university. Low skill jobs are being replaced; there is no worse a time to be someone with ordinary skills. But there is no better a time for

people with the right skills, quite different skills, where the knowledge and attributes needed are much more holistic. Let us consider increasing Automation, a threat to many. However, there may be more humanmachine opportunities available with significant creativity – doing what computers can’t do. The arts can allow some children to express themselves better than in some traditional subjects. In arts or other creative lessons children could be asked to recite a monologue in four different ways, create a painting that represents a memory, or compose a new rhythm to enhance a piece of music. If children practice

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

time on arts-based projects and collaboration helps to develop fine motor skills and patience. Simple things like playing an instrument, holding a paintbrush and sketching are an important element to developing a child’s fine motor skills. There is something special about participating in the arts. Getting up on a stage and acting, performing, singing or showcasing their work gives children a chance to step outside their comfort zone. As they improve and see their own progress, their self-confidence will continue to grow. The arts strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills. How do I express this feeling through my dance? How should I play this character? The arts can be challenging, but learning to master musical instruments, redrafting artwork, refining DT projects, rehearsing lines and performances encourage perseverance, focus and attention to detail.

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk worth pursuing, and possible with the excellent teaching at Fosse Bank. It is such a pleasure to hear the children singing and playing card games in French. I recently overheard a group of four year olds playing a counting game in the playground using their knowledge of French numbers very naturally, and that is how it should be, immersive and enjoyable. How beneficial is it for students to engage in the increasingly popular e-learning in the classroom, and what is your strategy for HEADMISTRESS ensuring they Alison Cordingley do not lose their handwriting skills? THE SCHOOL Fosse Bank occupies a beautiful Victorian country house well known in the area

FOSSE BANK

Web: fossebankschool.co.uk How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum? What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? As Fosse Bank is a school which prides itself on finding the strengths of each individual, my view is that we will not discover their talents and enthusiasms unless the children are exposed to art in all its forms. Last year, for instance, inspired by a focus on properly creative art as opposed to learning skills, the older children visited Tate Modern on several occasions and I, for whom the National Gallery is my more natural habitat, was staggered to see how much the children took from these visits. They learned to be discerning, critical,

appreciative and open minded. Music and drama in many forms is also essential for a well-rounded child. Whether improvising, or learning the recorder, violin and ukulele as part of the curriculum, most children will find something that inspires them. With Brexit now a reality, will you still be encouraging your pupils to learn a European language? With Europe on our doorstep, many of the children will continue to visit for holidays and like to speak the local language, but this is not the only reason for learning a language. I have been Head at schools who learn one foreign language all through the school, and those who choose a different language each year. Both systems have good reasoning behind them but for me, mastery of one seems to be well

Our pupils use e-learning for many aspects of the curriculum and are both competent and excited by their coding skills and the feeling of being part of a wider world. Whilst children’s keyboard and iPad skills are practised, I am passionate about children learning to hold a pencil or pen with a good grip, irrespective of being right or left-handed, so that they can write legibly, fast and with style.

EDUCATION FEATURE 21 I believe it is important to learn correctly from the beginning – so from the age of three years old children here learn to start every letter on the line. This early care naturally enables children to produce beautiful cursive writing by the age of six or seven. The large number of entries for a recent handwriting competition conformed how proud pupils are of their writing. Miss Alison Cordingley Headmistress

22 EDUCATION FEATURE

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dance, football, rugby, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, and – in Year 6 – korfball. All pupils are given the opportunity to represent the school in matches both against other schools and inter-house, and some will even represent the school at district level. Hilden Oaks celebrates all levels of sporting success regularly in assembly, including ‘player of the match’, and they encourage their most able students to pursue sports outside school to maximise their potential. All the individual sports accolades feature on a Sports Star display board. Every year a Sports Scholarship is awarded to the most deserving pupil in Form 2, and they are very proud of the fact that several of their former pupils have been awarded sports scholarships to their senior schools. It is recognised, however, that not everyone shines at team sports, so a programme of extracurricular sports clubs and coaching is offered which includes golf, fencing, badminton, judo, POP Lacrosse, tennis, and bike skills. Mental health and wellbeing has become a focus for much discussion in recent years, and this is an area that Hilden Oaks Prep is physically addressing. The school not only has mindfulness as part of the curriculum, but also gives pupils opportunities to participate in a wide variety of team and individual sports, which can have a very positive impact on their overall health. We have a duty to develop well balanced and responsible children who can hop, skip and jump into the twenty twenties! Exciting times lay ahead. Can you keep up the pace?

MAKING THE JUMP Sport is valued at Hilden Oaks

HILDEN OAKS

Web: hildenoaks.co.uk Who wants to hop, skip and jump into the twenty-twenties? First and foremost sport is about participation and enjoyment. The ethos at Hilden Oaks Prep is to ‘Inspire, Motivate, Guide, Recognise and Support’, and the focus is on personal

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

development through physical activity. Hilden Oaks provides a programme of sporting activities to give children the opportunities to discover and develop interests or talents, develop character, and equip them with the knowledge of how to keep physically and mentally healthy. It is a well-publicised fact that children who are active in school sports are fitter, have healthier body weights and are more confident. It also makes a significant contribution to the ‘Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Mental development’ (for

which the school received a Gold Award in 2019). Starting in Early Years, all the children have physical development lessons, which are led by specialist PE teachers and are based around locomotive, stability and manipulative skills, covering games, gymnastics and dance. As they move through the school into Pre-Prep, the physical education lessons are delivered on a daily basis, and eventually in Prep, the skills they have previously learnt are transferred into athletics, cross-country running, netball, cricket,

Parents looking for a new school are warmly invited to visit Hilden Oaks Prep for one of their forthcoming Open Mornings on Wednesday March 11 and Friday March 20 9-11am. To book a visit, please call 01732 353941 or go to hildenoaks.co.uk Year 3 places are available from September 2020, but please ask about availability in other years.

Continued on page 51

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS

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VILLAGE HOUSE WITH OFFICE STUDIO

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Fairy-tale cottage… Chance for a rare buy Page 24

FIRST TIME ON MARKET FOR 42 YEARS

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PICK YOUR OWN NEW WINE CELLAR…

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Best property buys for...

Top Lodge

We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on some of the aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

£475,000£500,000

Pembury Road Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

CONTACT • Wood & Pilcher, Southborough • 01892 511311 • woodandpilcher.co.uk A rare chance to buy a highly unusual, refurbished, Grade II-listed lodge house bursting with charm, including period features such as fireplaces, decorative stone work and arched doors and windows. Handy for the town, it is also just minutes from wonderful woodland walks and enjoys great views. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Covered porch with beautiful arch detailing n Living room with brick-built open fireplace n Traditional Shaker-style kitchen/dining room with porcelain sink and feature stone walls and beams n 2 double bedrooms, one with original feature fireplace n Bathroom n Garden with patio, lawn and hedging n Ample parking n Lapsed Planning Permission for an extension (ask agent for details)

The POSITION…

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The PRICE…

The POOL…

Park View

Station Road, Groombridge GUIDE PRICE

£399,950 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A Victorian semi-detached home with a contemporary-style office in the garden. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Reception room 1 with cast iron fireplace n Reception room 2/dining room n Kitchen with larder and door to garden n 2 bedrooms, one with cast iron fireplace

St Idolphs

Egg Pie Lane, Weald

n Bathroom with roll-top bath and chimney breast n Large garden with office/studio

GUIDE PRICE

£2,950,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A stylish home built in 2013 on the outskirts of the village. Finished to a high specification, it boasts marble tiled flooring with underfloor heating and superb landscaped gardens.

Tudorhurst

Pagehurst Road, Staplehurst OFFERS IN THE REGION OF

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Reception hall with fish tank within a wall n Drawing room with fireplace and bifold doors to terrace n Sitting room with access to terrace n Study with fitted office furniture

£1,350,000

CONTACT • Lambert & Foster, Paddock Wood • 01892 832325 • lambertandfoster.co.uk

n Bespoke fitted kitchen/dining room

A lovely home surrounded by countryside which boasts a paddock, stable and annexe.

n Utility room and 2 cloakrooms

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Lower ground floor cinema/games room

n Sitting room with open fireplace

n Glass balustrade staircase

n Dining room and study

n Master suite with dressing room and ensuite bathroom featuring a multi-jet bath

n Conservatory

n 5 further double bedrooms, four en suite, and a family bathroom

n 4 double bedrooms, 2 en suite, and a family bathroom

Annexe n Living area with adjoining kitchen n 2 double bedrooms and shower room

n Kitchen/breakfast room

n Landscaped gardens with vegetable garden and small polytunnel n Double garage

Outside

n Enclosed paddock with stable and further outbuildings

n Landscaped gardens with garden store

n Total plot just under two acres

n Swimming pool with safety cover n 2 paddocks n Gated driveway and open-bay car port n Total area about 11 acres

n Cranbrook School catchment area Annexe n Self-contained 2-3 bedroom detached annexe with en suite, its own garden and garage

bracketts est. 1828

When experience counts...

Hildenborough Guide Price: £467,500 Well-presented Bay Fronted Victorian Semi-Detached House on the edge of the village, modernised by the present owners, interior inspection highly recommended. 3 Bedrooms, 2 separate reception rooms, cloakroom, good garden, parking. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £775,000 An immaculately presented, spacious semi-detached home located in secure gated development on the eastern side of town. 2 receptions, kit/brkfst room, 4 dble bedrooms (2 with en suites), family bathroom. Integral garage, south facing rear garden. EPC: D OPEN HOUSE – SAT 29/2 1-3PM

Tonbridge Guide Price: £949,995 Spacious 5 Bedroom (2 en-suites) Detached Family House, on a corner plot in a sought after and favoured location. 22ft lounge, dining room, ‘L’ shaped 25ft conservatory, study, hobbies room, cloakroom, utility. Integral garage, good parking, EPC C

Tunbridge Wells £530,000 Tonbridge £800,000 - £850,000 A beautifully presented halls adjoining semi-detached house Substantial Detached 5 bedroom familyVictorian house, retaining the charm andsituated featuresinof an popular cul-de-sac St James’ Park. Spacious through reception/dining room, Edwardian home. 3 location receptioninrooms, kitchen-breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, store kitchen,garage, 3 bedrooms, rooms, cornerbathroom. plot. EPC EFront and rear landscaped gardens. EPC: D

Tonbridge Guide Price: £675,000 Good Size 4 Bedroom Detached House, offering flexible accommodation with guest bedroom on the ground floor. 20ft kitchen-diner, conservatory, utility, 27ft lounge, 2 bathrooms, one ground floor, garage and parking, good size rear garden. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £945 pcm A well presented ground floor 2 bedroom apartment occupying a convenient and leafy, quiet position, set back off Warwick Park, accessed via a secluded driveway leading to a residents parking for one car. 0.7 miles from mainline station & a short walk to the Pantiles. EPC: C.

bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk

Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk

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Oak Trees

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AT A GLANCE OAK TREES GODDARDS GREEN ROAD BENENDEN n A substantial 1930s home close to Hemsted Forest coming to the market for the first time in over 42 years n Features include oak flooring and diamond leaded light windows n Reception hall n Drawing room with fireplace n Sitting room with fireplace and French doors to terrace n Dining room with fireplace and French doors to terrace n kitchen/breakfast room with Everhot range, walk-in pantry and utility room n 6 bedrooms n Family bathroom n 2 WCs n Loft area spanning the length of the house, accessed by ladder n Impressive Normandy barn, currently used for garaging and storage n Beautiful gardens and grounds, with terrace, former grass tennis court/ croquet lawn and a maze n In total, about 5.5 acres n Cranbrook School catchment (2020)

Home full of character lying in delightful grounds near forest

GUIDE PRICE

£1,650,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk

New properties to call home

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 050

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 Spacious family home, Large balcony opening out from kitchen, Cinema room, Garage, EPC Rating = B, Council tax = G

Unfurnished | £2,995 pcm + fees and other charges may apply*

Tunbridge Wells, TN4 Sought after private park location, Kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, EPC Rating = E, Council tax = G

Unfurnished | £6,250 pcm + fees and other charges may apply*

Talk to us today Michael Churchill Negotiator 01892 507057 Michael.churchill@savills.com

savills.co.uk |  savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you? * Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant - £282 inc VAT one-off fee. £39 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee - charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees

Properties to call home

New Price

01892 507 000

Glenmore Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2

Warberry Pk Gdns, Tunbridge Wells TN4

Attractive 4 bedroom family home in a tucked away position off Broadwater Down, conveniently placed for schools and station, garden, garage, 1,582 sq ft, EPC=D

Stylish 3 bedroom townhouse in this popular gated development, within a mile of the town centre and station, private terrace onto beautiful communal gardens, 1,736 sq ft, EPC=C

Freehold

Freehold

Guide £750,000

Guide £695,000

Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4

Delves Avenue, Tunbridge Wells TN2

First floor apartment with views in this prestigious private park, allocated parking, communal garden, Tunbridge Wells station about 1 mile on foot, 1,285 sq ft, EPC=D

Newly renovated 3 bedroom bungalow in a popular area, stylish kitchen onto terrace and garden, off-street parking, station about 0.8 miles on foot, Claremont School within 0.4 miles, 906 sq ft, EPC=C

Share of Freehold

Freehold

Guide £595,000

New Instruction

Savills Tunbridge Wells

New Price

Guide £525,000

William Street, Tunbridge Wells TN4

Bishops Down Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4

Stylishly presented 2 bedroom period home, off Culverden Down close to amenities, choice of schools in the vicinty, including grammars, courtyard garden, 841 sq ft, EPC=D

Well proportioned second floor apartment with views over the Common, convenient location, station about 0.7 miles, communal garden, allocated parking space, 812 sq ft, EPC=D

Freehold

Share of Freehold

Guide £415,000

New Instruction

Guide £335,000

Talk to us today Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

savills.co.uk |  savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?

LEIGH £780,000 SUPER FAMILY HOUSE IN FAVOURED VILLAGE. Extended and enhanced by the current owners this four bedroom 1920s detached house offers stylish and attractive accommodation including sitting room, superb dining/family room with double bi-fold doors to delightful, large garden, contemporary kitchen, utility room, shower/cloakroom and further reception room plus four bedrooms and sumptuous family bathroom to first floor. Southerly aspect rear gardens with sheds and workshop plus off road parking to the front of the property. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge

FIVE OAK GREEN £510,000 ATTRACTIVELY PRESENTED detached bungalow situated in the hamlet of Colts Hill betwixt Five Oak Green, Pembury and Paddock Wood. Offering stylish and generous family accommodation with dining room, double aspect sitting room, fitted kitchen plus four bedrooms and stylish family bathroom. Wide frontage with ample parking. Good size, west facing rear garden with benefit of Studio and views to the rear. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

SOUTH TONBRIDGE £600,000 FABULOUS THREE BEDROOM FAMILY HOME IN GREAT LOCATION with extended kitchen/breakfast/family room in addition to the sitting room, dining room and conservatory. Useful downstairs cloakroom and three good size bedrooms plus family bathroom to first floor. Ample off road parking and generous south/easterly facing rear garden. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestateagents.com

PEMBURY £330,000 WOODLAND VIEWS. This super mid-terraced home is situated in a popular road in the heart of the village, close to the primary school. There is driveway parking at the front of the property along with a garage en-bloc. The accommodation is well proportioned, comprising: entrance porch and hall with storage cupboards, double-aspect sitting/dining room, recently fitted modern kitchen, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom. West-facing rear garden backing on to woodland. EPC: D Apply Pembury

PEMBURY £200,000 LEASEHOLD GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT in a sought-after, tucked-away location in the heart of the village, within walking distance of the village amenities. The accommodation is well-presented with neutral decor, comprising: Entrance hall with storage, double aspect sitting/dining room, double bedroom, modern kitchen and bathroom. Allocated parking and lawned communal gardens. This apartment could be a perfect first home, somewhere to downsize to or even a rental investment. No Onward Chain. EPC: C Apply Pembury

PEMBURY £295,000 POTENTIAL TO ENLARGE! This semi-detached property is set down a country lane in the village close to the school, bus stops and woodland walks. Now requiring updating, the property has good-sized rooms comprising: entrance hall, cloakroom wc, utility room, kitchen, sitting room, conservatory, 2 double bedrooms, shower room and separate wc. Lawned garden to the front and large, lawned rear garden. Potential to enlarge subject to the necessary consents. NO CHAIN. EPC: D Apply Pembury

Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestateagents.com

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Property Focus

ARCHITECTURE

John Bullock Design is a multi-award winning architectural design consultants who have the experts to see you through your project smoothly from the start to the finish, and the proud winner of the Times Business Awards 2018 ‘Best Business 1-25 Employees’ Award

Architecture

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John Bullock

Architectural services Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work, and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT WINE CELLAR  Climate Control is key. Wine is a delicate thing. It tolerates temperature and humidity changes only within a narrow band. If it goes above or below the correct levels, then the ageing process is likely to go awry  Temperature: 55° Fahrenheit (13° Celsius) is ideal. A range of 3-4 degrees above or below this temperature is acceptable. If your wine cellar is too warm your wine will age too quickly and produce other unwanted reactions. This will damage the quality and taste of the wine. On the other hand, if the conditions are too cool, chemical reactions slow down and your wine ages at a much slower pace  Humidity: The level should be 57 per cent, with an ideal maximum of 70 per cent and minimum of 50 per cent. If it goes too high the biggest risk is the development of mould in the cork, which could damage the wine. Additionally, it can damage any labels on the wine bottle

Here’s to creating your own wine cellar at home IF YOU’RE a wine enthusiast with a growing collection, or perhaps you have no space to store wine cases in your kitchen, perhaps it’s time to create your very own purpose-built wine store? With specialist design advice you can create a space to suit your home and budget. Whether you decide to transform an understairs space to create a wine wall for 100 bottles, or build a brand new wine cellar to store 1,500+ bottles, let’s raise a glass to celebrate the possibility! Our case study this month focuses on two clients of ours – an Australian couple, who have, by their own admission, a serious love for collecting fine wine. They are also extremely sociable, and decided, while undertaking a large kitchen and dining room extension, to include a purpose-built subterranean wine cellar. As serious wine investors, they wanted to create a wine cellar that would safely store their

investment, while also providing an impressive and fun location for wine tastings with friends. With planning approval secured, we partnered with an experienced wine cellar supplier to ensure a smooth installation and build. A great wine cellar is all about creating a controlled environment, as explained below. Our clients now have a well stocked wine cellar which requires very little maintenance. They even have specialist software which manages their wine portfolio and includes an inventory, tasting notes and current market values. But most importantly, it helps them to keep track of when their wines need to be drunk. Cheers!

WINE STORAGE OPTIONS

FUN WINE FACTS

 Spiral Cellars – built from concrete and fitted into the ground below a property, these can be installed under any ground floor room and can either be fitted into an existing building or planned as part of an extension project  Wine Rooms – bespoke storage allowing wine

to be displayed while being kept in the best possible conditions. Wine rooms are installed in an existing space and can be made from any material you wish, ranging from contemporary glass and steel to traditional wood  Wine Wardrobes & Wine Walls – made

to measure cellaring for smaller spaces or feature walls. These don’t have to be on the ground floor and are ideal for less used spaces, such as under the stairs, in a laundry room or in a garage

For further advice or assistance if you are looking to extend your property, please call 01892 525732 or visit johnbullockdesign.com

 A fear of wine is called Oenophobia  Holding a wine glass correctly is very important – glasses should be held by the stem so the hand does not raise the temperature of the wine  The oldest known wine cellar is on the Titanic. When divers went down to the wreckage, surprisingly most of the bottles were still intact  Drinking to one’s health came from ancient Greece. The host would take the first sip to assure his guests the wine was not poisoned  The world’s oldest bottle of wine was found near the town of Speyer in Germany. It dates before to AD 325 and is on display in the town’s historical museum

 UV Light can cause wine to age prematurely, which is why it is traditionally stored in a cool, dark cellar. Wine is best kept lying down with the cork fully covered by the wine inside – this has the added bonus of maximising space efficiency  Cost: If you are dreaming of your own wine cellar, installation costs range from £10,000 for a wine wall to £20,000-£50,000 for a spiral cellar, and upwards of £80,000 for a newly constructed cellar

Guide price ÂŁ550,000 Molyneux Park Road, Tunbridge Wells A stunning 2 bed and 2 bath ground floor apartment located in a grand Victorian mansion on Mount Ephraim Entrance hall | Sitting room | Kitchen | Utility | Main bedroom with en suite shower room | 1 Further bedroom | Family bathroom | Communal gardens | 2 parking space, 1 underground | EPC Rating C

Guide price ÂŁ625,000 Molyneux Place Road, Tunbridge Wells A stunning 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment located in a grand Victorian mansion on Mount Ephraim. Entrance hall | Sitting room | Kitchen | Utility room | Cloakroom | Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom | 1 Further bedroom/office | Family bathroom | Communal gardens | 2 Parking spaces, 1 underground | EPC rating C

Guide price ÂŁ735,000 The Green, Tunbridge Wells An exceptional opportunity. An immaculately presented newly built town house overlooking the green on the Knights Wood Development at Tunbridge Wells. Immaculately presented the owners have spent a considerable amount of money on the house. 5 Bedroom | 4 Bathrooms | 3 Reception rooms | Garden, Garage | Driveway

UNDER OFFER

Guide price ÂŁ1,800,000 Fairmans Lane, Brenchley, Tunbridge Wells The property has been the subject of a thoughtful and painstaking refurbishment and offers light, generously proportioned beautifully presented accommodation with character and good ceiling heights. Hall | Cloakroom | Study | Family Room | Sitting Room | Kitchen/Breakfast and Living Room | Master Bedroom suite and dressing room | 4 Further bedrooms | 3 Further bathrooms ( 2 ensuite) | Detached Garaging and Gym Studio above | About 0.5 acres

DISCOVER NEW HO M ES

AC RO SS K E N T AT O U R ASSI ST E D M OVE E V EN T S

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 3UW

KNIGHTS WOOD

THE SYCAMORES BEARSTED ME14 4HN

COLLIER STREET ME18 6BB

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2, 3, 4 & 5 bed homes and 2 bed apartments

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A range of new 3 & 4 bedroom homes

Prices start from £335,000

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SHOW APARTMENT OPEN

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1887 THE PANTILES

WILLOW GROVE

A NEW DANDARA HOME COULD BE YOURS SOONER THAN YOU THINK WITH ASSISTED MOVE* FIND OUT MORE AT OUR ASSISTED MOVE EVENTS SATURDAY 29TH FEBRUARY, 10AM TO 5PM 1887 THE PANTILES | KNIGHTS WOOD | THE SYCAMORES | WILLOW GROVE

FOR FULL DETAILS OR TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Visit dandara.com or email twsales@dandara.com Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Price and details correct at time of going to print. Interior image shown is the 2 bedroom show apartment at 1887. Computer Generated Images shown are indicative only. *Terms & Conditions apply.

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk PUTTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER Pupils of Sevenoaks Prep Year 7

TAKING THE LEAD Sevenoaks Prep Heads of School

SEVENOAKS PREP Web: theprep.org.uk

A well-rounded Prep should be skilled at nurturing The first years of secondary education are crucial; pupils should thrive in an environment where they feel challenged, nurtured and respected. Sevenoaks Prep is the perfect place for this to happen. They welcome a number of new pupils in Year 7 who join many of their existing students to complete the Common Entrance course. The academic curriculum stimulates the students, preparing them for entrance examinations and scholarships. They are taught by specialist teachers in a broad range of

EDUCATION FEATURE 51

subjects, including Spanish, French, science, art, music and drama. They are given the opportunity to reinforce their classroom learning with regular visits, workshops and field trips. These vary from Bushcraft stays to visiting Bayeux, Ypres and the WWI trenches. Competitive sport is played each week and everyone gets the opportunity to play against other schools. Opportunities with musical groups include a chamber choir, senior orchestra, stomp band and Prep Idol. There are many opportunities for responsibilities and leadership which enable the students to move on in life with confidence as well as selfreliance. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 wear a different colour blazer to the rest of the school to highlight

the important role they have. They are buddies to younger pupils and organise and lead many groups in the school, including the School Council and the House Music Competition. Years 7 and 8 are a period of physical and emotional change; it is a sensitive time and the value of being in a caring environment where class sizes are small and every teacher knows every child extremely well is key to ensuring that the students feel supported. While Sevenoaks Prep’s main feeder schools are Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, their students

go on to attend a wide variety of independent secondary schools in Year 9. Through working closely with parents and understanding each individual student’s needs, they ensure the chosen secondary school is the most appropriate setting for them to succeed academically and thrive personally. Sevenoaks Prep pupils leave at the end of Year 8 as individuals who are confident in their own abilities, who cherish friendships, welcome responsibility, understand their place in community and who know the value of teamwork.

52 EDUCATION FEATURE

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

OXBRIDGE BOYS Tonbridge boys head to leading universities

at other elite universities, such as Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University College London, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Durham, Bath, Bristol, Manchester, York, Warwick, Leeds and Exeter. The large majority of the Upper Sixth achieve their first-choice destination. Last year, for instance, Tonbridge leavers had 100 per cent success rates with applications to Warwick, Manchester and York universities, and success rates of over 90 per cent for Exeter, Bristol, Nottingham, Bath and Birmingham. As in previous years, some students will be securing places on world-leading degree courses in less traditional subjects, which will give them a head start in their chosen careers. These soughtafter courses for 2020 include Real Estate, Aerospace Engineering, Earth Sciences, Sports Management, Marine Biology and Marine Zoology.

Dedication

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Web: tonbridge-school.co.uk

Preparing students for future success… Tonbridge School’s talented Upper Sixth students are starting to look forward to the next phase of their education at many of Britain’s leading

universities. A total of 18 Tonbridge pupils have recently been offered places to study at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Subjects they will be reading include Architecture, Economics, Engineering, English Language and Literature, Maths, Maths and Computer Science, Modern Languages, Natural Sciences, Oriental Studies, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and Physics, which

means that many of the school’s departments have played a key part in this success. The total is made up of nine offers from the University of Cambridge and nine offers from Oxford. With competition from national and international candidates stronger than ever, it is a great achievement that Tonbridge students have received 162 Oxbridge offers since 2015. Each year Tonbridge leavers also take up places

The school’s Headmaster, James Priory, said: “Securing a place at a leading university, in a highly competitive field, is a fine achievement, requiring hard work and dedication. “I look forward to following our students’ progress at university and in their subsequent careers, and I am extremely grateful for the contribution they continue to make to the intellectual, pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.” A proportion of Tonbridge leavers also choose to study abroad and progress to leading universities around the world, particularly in the USA. Recent destinations have included Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Rice University, the United States Air Force Academy, the University of Toronto and Hong Kong University. Tonbridge School High Street Tonbridge TN9 1JP 01732 365555 admissions@tonbridge-school.co.uk

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BOOSTING CONFIDENCE The Mead School

THE MEAD SCHOOL Web: meadschool.info

The Mead’s Head Andrew Webster explains the importance of taking part in the arts... Artistic expression is at the heart of a Meadite’s school experience. As they grow through the school, so their engagement with the arts grows. By year 6, a typical Meadite might be involved with and often leading a range of performance pieces, including modern and tap/ballet

gradings, Lamda assessments, the ISA national drama finals, house music competitions, music recitals, choir performances in the local community and main roles in the school’s signature summer show performance at the Trintiy Theatre in town. What is most rewarding is that the school’s small size and inclusive culture sees previously introverted individuals blossom into confident thespians by the time the curtain falls on their Mead journey. Hundreds of our community witnessed a perfect

READY FOR ALL LIFE’S JOYS Pupils at Rose Hill School

example of this transition last year at Trinity Theatre. The show was Mary Poppins and one particular young lady in year 6 was cast as the ‘bird lady’ who sings ‘feed the birds’ on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Passion Joining the lead vocalist on stage was a choir of Reception-aged pigeons, and I am unashamed to say that I cried during all four viewings. The confidence of our five year olds on a the importance of our final two years, as such we have a fee structure that enables more children to experience this opportunity before moving on to their senior schools. From September 2020, our fees will be £7,995 per year. In addition, we offer Awards to pupils who show promise in various subjects such as Sports, Drama, Art and Music. For children offered a major award, the fee for the year will be £3,998. All subjects in Years 7 & 8, including the arts, are led with specialist teaching staff, and our class sizes are lower than that of a senior school, which means we offer an individual

EDUCATION FEATURE 53 professional stage was enough to bring a tear to your eye, but the real emotion came from witnessing a Year 6 Meadite who had suffered from extreme anxiety when she joined the school three years previously, and yet, there she was, singing a solo in front of 300 people. I wasn’t the only member of staff struggling to keep a handle on their emotions that week! And therein lies the magic. The arts are not just a chance to have great fun being creative and expressing yourself. They give children so much more than this. For many, they offer a time to shine and follow a passion, and for all they offer respite from the academic curriculum. A chance to get to their feet and freshen the body and mind. More than any of the above, however, growing in confidence through performance gives children crucial life skills. It encourages them to know they have a voice and a right to be heard, that their opinion matters, and how important their contribution can be, whether to a school show or, one day, an international organisation. If they can perform to a packed house at Trinity, then future senior school or job interviews will be a breeze! learning journey. This can be important for all children regardless of ability. We make sure no child ‘gets lost in a crowd’. Additionally, for a less self-assured child, remaining in our small and nurturing environment for longer will help to build their confidence. To discuss what Rose Hill School can offer your child, or to visit the school’s Open Mornings on March 20 and May 1. Please contact Admissions Secretary Ann Green admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk 01892 525591 MUSICAL FAVOURITE A school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

ROSE HILL SCHOOL Web: rosehillschool.co.uk

Head Emma Neville on the key benefits arts subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones... As a former Art Teacher, I understand better than many the benefit of the arts as part of a broad curriculum. Our focus in not solely on academic results but how each of our pupils is different and how we can draw out their talents and best support them on their learning journey. We recognise that academic excellence alone is insufficient for personal and professional success in the modern world. The abilities to think creatively and critically; problem solve and use initiative; mediate and negotiate; be resilient and empathetic are just a few of a range of key skills which are now given equal importance to academic achievement. So, in September we will launch our new curriculum which will allow us to

help all of our pupils shine. Curriculum 2020 will enable us to assess pupils learning in many different ways, drawing out individual pupils’ strengths, which do not always come to the fore during a written test. Teachers will give pupils the opportunities to identify their talents, and track their own progress through personal learning portfolios. Project work and immersive learning activities will encourage the development of leadership, collaborative learning skills, presentation and research skills. Outdoor learning activities will be commonplace, and pupils will develop a greater understanding of their place in the world and all they can do to make a positive global impact. These skills are especially important to pupils in Years 7 & 8 as they leave us and move on to senior schools and then on to university. While achievement in mathematics and English remains integral, increasing value is given to developing pupils’ performance in a range of life skills, such as inter-personal and thinking skills. At Rose Hill School we place particular value on

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk The wellbeing benefits of creativity have been extensively researched and are hugely relevant in our context. We are really privileged to have our qualified counsellor and Wellbeing Lead, Nicky Stewart, who celebrates the arts in her weekly lunchtime club, which harnesses the therapeutic power of creativity to help children develop their emotional regulation. Creativity has been a powerful tool at Holmewood House for developing our community links. Our Art Department has led our incredibly successful Community Art Project for the past four years. This is a collaboration between local artists, four local primary schools and our children, who together create a lasting piece of art for everyone to enjoy. This year, we have our largest ever cast of over 50 pupils for our senior production of School of Rock, through which we hope to challenge the notion that the performing arts are the preserve of a select, confident minority in schools. We feel that through participating in our school productions, our pupils are supported in developing the Holmewood values of self-belief, aspiration and kindness. In the summer, we host our Celebration of the Arts evening, where pupils from across the school present performance poetry, monologues and musical ensembles in our beautiful grounds. Such is our conviction that creativity is integral to a well-rounded, outstanding

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE Creativity is an integral part of learning here

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL Web: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

How important is it for your school to ensure that the arts are well represented in the curriculum. What key benefits do these subjects give students in addition to the traditional academic ones? Sir Ken Robinson, celebrated educational advisor, states that in schools, “Creativity is as important as literacy” (2016) and the Skills of the Future Report by the World Economic Forum (2018) highlights, “58% of employers expect creativity skills to grow in importance in the next three years” yet tragically real-time funding cuts within schools’ budgets have decimated the arts provision nationally. We

are in a privileged position here at Holmewood House, working within a school that not only values the arts but sees them as an integral component to pupil development both within the classroom and beyond. In line with our commitment to celebrating the arts and nurturing our pupils’ creativity, we are immensely proud of the range of opportunities on offer to nurture creativity at Holmewood. Within the classroom, we challenge our teachers to take risks with creativity in learning, facilitated by our in house teacher development programme; the Teacher Learning Community. Moreover, the Holmewood House Learning Behaviours, which represent the core skills we want to develop in Holmewoodians, support both staff and pupils in viewing creativity as crucial to everything we do.

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BAND TOGETHER Creativity can be a tool for engagement and well being

education, that this year, we have our first Creative Learning Leader, who leads our Learning Hub facility and champions creativity across the curriculum and beyond. This year, the Hub has been a hive of creativity, where pupils have enjoyed a huge range of enriching events, from making Roald Dahl Day snozzcumber slime to watching dragon’s eggs hatch and designing sustainable fashion outfits from second hand clothing. Do come and find out for yourself – our next Open Day is Thursday March 19

ART CELEBRATION Pupils can get involved in community art projects

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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RIGHT HO! IT’S JEEVES & WOOSTER

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GALWAY’S A GOURMET TREAT

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

What ho! It’s Jeeves & Wooster…

The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge welcomes PG Wodhouse’s classic comedy duo Jeeves & Wooster in a production of Perfect Nonsense this coming Monday and Tuesday [March 2 and 3]. Eileen Leahy caught up with Tess Brice from the theatre troupe who are recreating the magic of this mischievous pair Can you tell us why you decided to put on local writers the Goodale Brothers’ award-winning version of this classic PG Wodhouse comedy? If ever there was a time when the world needed the sunlight, optimism and wit of PG Wodehouse, it might be now. Anarchical, brilliantly funny, and a huge theatrical challenge to bring to the stage, we are delighted to be remounting this fantastic comedy. Put simply, the show is pure entertainment in which audiences can get lost for two hours of laughter.

ON THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE Bertie and Jeeves

‘Bertie has no ulterior motive other than to bring joy to those around him. We can all do with a bit of Bertie once in a while’

Our production brings a gently contemporary freshness to David and Bobby Goodales’ brilliant stage adaptation. From live Foley sound effects to an original score of contemporary swing music (and the most ingenious box of tricks you have ever seen), this production should suit Wodehouse novices and experts alike.

We are touring the show to more than 40 venues across 17 weeks of playing. We will be visiting a huge range of venues from 80-seat village halls up to 800-seat theatres, as well as two special runs at The Theatre Chipping Norton and The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, as this is a joint production by both theatres.

What do you think the audiences will enjoy most about it as a show? This production is what it says on the tin – perfect nonsense! I think everyone can appreciate this fresh take on the classic Wodehouse characters, with cracking storytelling, brilliantly witty text and chaotic farce. Resistance is futile! ANOTHER COMIC CONUNDRUM for the pair to solve, as they visit Totleigh Towers

Why do you think PG Wodehouse’s writing, and in particular Jeeves & Wooster, have such staying power? Wodehouse had such a unique and brilliant turn of phrase. The Code of the Woosters (the book the play is primarily based on) is just as joyful to read today as it was when it was first published. It also helps that the characters

What makes it such a special show to perform?

Are you touring it around the UK, or taking it to just a few venues?

quite different! However, we both have our own strengths and have used these together to make this wonderful show possible.

Can you tell us a little about why The Theatre Chipping Norton and The Barn Theatre in Cirencester decided to join forces to produce Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense? We are two similarly-sized theatres at either end of The Cotswolds. The creative team here in Chipping Norton wanted to put this wonderful show on, and spoke to The Barn about joining forces so that we could tour the country with it. This is the first time that the two theatres have worked together, and we couldn’t be happier with the end result!

Were there any challenges along the way? It’s been a great learning curve for us both. Chipping Norton is a well-established venue, whereas The Barn is only two years old. As a result, our working styles can be

are so clearly defined, and the Goodale Brothers’ writing translates this effortlessly to a modern audience. Ultimately, it comes down to Bertie’s simple penchant for a good time – he has no ulterior motive other than to bring joy to those around him. We can all do with a bit of Bertie once in a while.

Have you visited the EM Forster Theatre before? This will be our first visit to the EM Forster Theatre, and we couldn’t be more excited! It’ll be a brilliant opportunity to reacquaint the people of Tonbridge with some of this country’s best-loved characters. What-ho! Tickets for Perfect Nonsense, which is on Monday and Tuesday, March 2 and 3, cost £16 per person and can be purchased online by visiting emftheatre.com

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Martin James Bartlett

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Make a note to hear this popular pianist Former BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett returns to the Assembly Hall this Sunday for a special concert with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra… Talented pianist Martin James Bartlett returns to Tunbridge Wells on Sunday afternoon to perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major. Written in the 1920s, and described as a ‘thrilling and lively jazz-inspired work set against a beautiful and tranquil Mozart-like slow movement’, the concerto will be played by Bartlett alongside the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra [RTWSO] at the Assembly Hall Theatre.

Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Roderick Dunk, Music Director of RTWSO, who is conducting the concert, adds: “We are thrilled to be working with Martin once again. He is a very talented musician who has delighted our audiences with previous performances. “Our March concert will be another fantastic afternoon of orchestral music.”

Fearless

The concert is at 3pm on Sunday March 1. Tickets cost £27 from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The concert will also feature Copland’s ballet Appalachian Spring, which is about early 19th-century American pioneers, and quotes the famous Shaker tune ‘Tis the Gift to be Simple’. The concert will end with Brahms’ memorable Fourth Symphony – the composer’s last symphonic creation, and often cited as his most ambitious one. “Martin James Bartlett is a former BBC Young Musician of the Year and possesses a fearless technique,” says an RTWSO spokesperson. “He plays with a wisdom and elegance far beyond his years.” Bartlett is an exclusive recording artist with Warner Classics, and since winning the prestigious BBC competition in 2014 he has performed such orchestras as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Royal

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

SOCIAL CLIMBER Agrippina is plotting to take the throne at the PIcture House Uckfield WEDNESDAY Jimmy Carr returns to the Assembly Hall tonight with his new show Terribly Funny. The host of TV’s 8 Out of 10 Cats promises that this is his most offensively funny show yet, making jokes about the terrible things in life and, ideally, making you laugh. Jimmy has performed relentlessly since the start of his career and has won countless awards for his edgy quips and provocative punning. The show starts at 8pm and tickets cost £33.25. For more information, see assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk THURSDAY The sunny patches between the wind and rain mean this is still a great time of year to enjoy

bracing Winter Walks out in the countryside. There are plenty of enjoyable free roaming routes to choose from in our area. But if you want something more organised, then have a look at the variety on offer at National Trust properties such as Scotney and Bodiam Castles, Sissinghurst and Ightham Mote. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk As highlighted in our Arts & Culture feature on February 12, the black-comedy-thriller Deathtrap is now on at Trinity Theatre. Burnt-out playwright Sidney Bruhl has had a series of flops and a bad case of writer’s block, so when a student of his, Clifford Anderson, sends him a play that could be a hit, Sidney invites him to his house to discuss

it, and suddenly shocks are in store. Given that this murderous tale was the longest running of its kind on Broadway, you don’t want to miss the post-modern masterpiece. The play starts at 7.30pm, but afternoon shows are available. For more information and to book tickets, visit trinitytheatre.net FRIDAY Put on your Pink Lady Jackets and gel up those quiffs, because the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge is holding a Grease Singalong Film Night. Dressing up is hugely encouraged, and on-screen lyrics will help you sing with Danny, Sandy and the rest of the Rydell High gang. The evening is in support of the charity Hospice of Hope, which works in Romania and surrounding countries to help terminally-ill children and adults. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. To book, go online to emftheatre.com SATURDAY Why not join local furry-butterfly expert Dr Ian Beavis for a Moth Identification Session at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park today? Moths are not legally required to have passports, so Dr Beavis will be showing you how to tell a Hawk-moth from a Cinnabar or an Angle Shades on Table 8 at the park’s Hub. All these moths will have been caught overnight to be studied and released back to a life of bumping into lamps and eating old coats the next day. The session starts at 11am and is free to attend. For more information on events in the park, visit fogh.org.uk

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SUNDAY The Pantiles Market will be once again offering wares from across the locale, including produce, artisanal crafts and clothes from 10am to 4pm. Guest traders, seasonal themes and a changing range of goods make sure you’ll always find something new. If you are interested in pitching a stall, email: markets@thepantilesevents.com The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra with Martin James Bartlett (Piano) will be in concert at The Assembly Hall Theatre. Starting at 3pm, with conductor Roderick Dunk, the orchestra will perform pieces by Copland, Ravel and Brahms. Bartlett will be the soloist for the evening, and has been praised widely as a young but incredibly confident pianist, having won numerous awards and played with the BBC Symphony Orchestra among others. Tickets cost £27 and just £1 for students and under-18s. For more information and to book, go to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk MONDAY You can catch light-hearted yet provocative comedy Jojo Rabbit at Trinity Theatre at 6pm. Written and directed by Taika Waititi, it tells of Johannes, a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany, whose only friend is his imaginary pal Adolf Hitler. But after Johannes discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in the attic, he must come to terms with his own humanity and the inhumanity of his fictional NO LAUGHING friend, the MATTER? Führer. Tickets Jimmy Carr cost £11 with promises to offend concessions at The Assembly Hall available. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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WINGS OF FURRY Learn more about moths at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park

YOUNG LOVE Sing along to Grease at the EM Forster Theatre

TUESDAY A film which sees Handel’s tale of intrigue, impropriety and motherly manipulation, Agrippina, brought into the present day in a contemporary reimagining by the Metropolitan Opera. Agrippina has designs on the throne of Rome, and she plots to put her son Nero at the heart of the new order. The production has been critically lauded for bringing Handel’s opera into the 21st century, giving it a timely and provocative meaning. The screening starts at 1.45pm at Picture House Uckfield. To book tickets, which cost £15, go to picturehouseuckfield.com

PICK OF THE WEEK

ROH: The Cellist/ Dances Odeon Tunbridge Wells Sunday March 1, 2pm

See a live screening of the Royal Opera House’s new ballet by Cath Marston. Inspired by the life of cellist Jacqueline du

Pré, Marston’s stunning new ballet tells the tale of this musician’s brilliant career and the tragic ending of her life from multiple sclerosis at the age of 28. The second half of the performance will feature Jerome Robbins’ much loved Dances, a pure dance for five couples known for its subtlety and innovation. Tickets cost £26.75 and can be booked online at odeon.co.uk

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday The Charlie Rivers Band, Broken Bones Matilda, Steve Hewitt Friday Salsa & Bachata Night Saturday Heads South Sunday Shep!, Matt Bailey, Jennifer Lee Ridley

live music With Paul Dunton

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ONIGHT [Wednesday ] The Charlie Rivers Band is headlining at The Grey Lady with support from Broken Bones Matilda and Steve Hewitt. On Thursday night, Abba fans can catch renowned tribute Thank you For The Music at The Assembly Hall. Friday has many fantastic gigs on offer, including The Pistol Whippets at The Bull Inn, popular jazz/swing singer Ben Hills at The Spa Hotel, the legendary Artful Dodger at The Forum, and JC Palmer headlining at The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Jacob Norris. Saturday night is also jam packed, with The Patinas at The Bedford, The Varlies performing a full band show at The Beau Nash Tavern, Andy Twyman at The Royal Oak and Heads South returning to The Grey Lady. Classical music enthusiasts have

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

a feast of wonderful concerts on offer, starting with Penshurst Choral Society’s concert for choir and organ at St John The Baptist Church. Conducted by John Hargreaves, the repertoire includes music by Fauré, Haydn and Mendelssohn. Another fine option is the acclaimed Aquinas Piano Trio at Tonbridge School featuring Ruth Rogers (violin), Katherine Jenkinson (cello) and Martin Cousin (piano). They wiiil play music by Beethoven, Haydn and Schumann. On Sunday afternoon, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, and more, at The Assembly Hall, with Martin James Bartlett (piano). Also on Sunday, Alice Rose is at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and Shep!, Matt Bailey and Jennifer Lee Ridley are at The Grey Lady.

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road All event information and tickets at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Thursday Thank You For The Music (Abba Tribute) Friday ELO Again (Elo Tribute) Saturday Believe (Cher Tribute) Sunday 3pm The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra, featuring pianist James Bartlett, perform Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common, London Road All event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Friday The Artful Dodger Saturday One Night In A Disco Monday The Stable: Nicky Earl, Herbie Hopkins, Sonny Palmer, Pastil THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Music from 8pm-10pm Friday Ben Hills (live music in Zagotas Brasserie)

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Friday JC Palmer, Jacob Norris THE BULL INN Frant Road Free entry. Music from 8pm-10pm Friday The Pistol Whippets THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry. Music from 8pm Saturday The Patinas

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BIG SCHOOL Tonbridge School Information and tickets at tmc.org.uk Saturday Aquinas Piano Trio featuring Ruth Rogers (violin), Katherine Jenkinson (cello) and Martin Cousin (piano) THE ASSEMBLY HALL Crescent Road Sunday 3pm The Royal Tunbridge Wells Sumphony Orchestra with guest Martin James Barlett (piano) perform music by Ravel, Copland and Brahms

THE CROSS KEYS PUB St John’s Road Free entry. Music from 8pm Saturday Soul Train

THE WHITE BEAR PUB High Street Free entry Music from 3.30pm-5.30pm Sunday Sunday Swing with Ben Hills

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry. Music from 8pm Saturday The Varlies (full band show)

VERDIGRIS High Street, Tonbridge Free entry. Music from 6pm till late Sunday Alice Rose

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry. Music from 8pm Saturday Andy Twyman One Man Blues Band

TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB The Beer Seller, High Street, Tonbridge Hat collection with suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions). Music from 8pm Website tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Karen Langridge

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH Penshurst Information and tickets at penshurstchoralsociety. co.uk Saturday Penshurst Choral Society presents a Concert for Choir and Organ conducted by John Hargreaves – Fauré: Requiem (Op 48); Haydn: Great Organ Mass; Mendelssohn: Organ Sonata No 2 in C

Shep!

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

All’s fair when you support your local Fairtrade Fortnight Fairtrade Fortnight started this week and runs until Sunday March 8. The organiser of the Tunbridge Wells events is Mandy Flashman-Wells, who here tells Eileen Leahy all about this year’s theme, how you can support it, and the delicious dishes you can create using Fairtrade ingredients…

E

VERY year a two-week campaign to raise awareness for the Fairtrade movement takes place. The idea is to shine a spotlight on the plight of underpaid and often overworked farmers and producers in developing countries and to help them get a fairer price for their goods – and for the process of producing them. A different theme is chosen each year, and for 2020 the emphasis is on cocoa farmers – in particular female farmers – to help them earn a decent living income. “They are dealing with the extreme impacts of climate change – drought, floods and an increase in pests and diseases, affecting both their food crops and cocoa bean production,” explains Mandy FlashmanWells, who organises the Fairtrade Fortnight events in Tunbridge Wells. “In addition, the low and unpredictable market price they receive for their cocoa beans means they often cannot meet their basic needs. The struggle to survive is unprecedented. Today the average age of a cocoa farmer is over 50 because many young people cannot see a future in cocoa farming. Female cocoa farmers face a worse situation. They are often overlooked and under-represented, and usually

SOOJI HALWA LADOO

see even less income than equivalent households headed by men.” Mandy adds that there will also be an added emphasis on climate change this year.

Sustainable “The climate crisis can often feel overwhelming but there are things we can all to do. When we choose to buy Fairtrade chocolate we know that we are taking a stand both for the farmers and for the planet. In addition, we know that producers have been paid a fair price, one that gives them a living income, improving their lives and enhancing the sustainability of the cocoa industry.” Mandy says that the simple action of choosing Fairtrade chocolate will set off ripples in the chocolate industry that could have overarching results. But there are lots of other ways to help, too, and it is crucial to highlight the impact of climate change. “We are also working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as we want to plant the flowerbed outside the library in the design of the Fairtrade sign. The planting will only feature perennials, as this will be in line with the declaration of a climate

PHOTO: Chris Terry

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emergency that our council made last year.” The decision to use perennials is, Mandy says, because annual plants require heat, water, transportation and energy, whereas perennials are more sustainable. “The fact that flowers such as hydrangeas, campanula and geraniums are blooming as early as January is a big concern, and the explanation for this is undoubtedly climate change,” Mandy continues.

“We may relish the extended growing season in our own garden plants, but for the farming community changes in the climate mean that seasons are becoming unpredictable and difficult to navigate. “Farmers in the UK find negotiating changing weather patterns is hard enough, but for those in developing countries it places huge challenges, hampered by a lack of resources to help them cope.”

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Say cheers to Fairtrade wines Times Drinks Editor James Viner presents a tasty round-up of wines carrying the Fairtrade seal of approval, which set economic, social and environmental standards for both companies and the farmers and workers who grow the grapes

Now try this at home… Sooji Halwa Ladoo

by Asma Khan, chef, writer and founder of Darjeeling Express Fairtrade ingredients: saffron, cassia bark, cloves, sugar, raisins, nutmeg, cardamom seeds, cashew nuts. Taste the good: Fairtrade cashew nut farmers in Burkina Faso have spent their Fairtrade Premium on increasing adult literacy, bicycles and cereal banks for food security. Serves 6-8 Ingredients:  ¼ tsp good-quality Fairtrade saffron strands  1 piece Fairtrade cassia bark, 2.5 cm/1 inch long  2 whole Fairtrade cloves  150g/5½ oz/¾ cup Fairtrade granulated sugar  125ml/4 fl oz/½ cup melted ghee or unsalted butter  25g/1 oz Fairtrade raisins (golden or green)  200g/7 oz/1¼ cup fine semolina flour  ½ tsp freshly grated Fairtrade nutmeg  ½ tsp freshly crushed Fairtrade cardamom seeds  40g/1½ oz Fairtrade cashew nuts, chopped  A few edible rose petals, to garnish (optional) Instructions: In a bowl, infuse the saffron strands in 1/2 tsp of tepid water. Set aside. Place the cassia bark and cloves in a pan and

cover with 500ml/17fl oz/2 cups cold water. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat. Lower the heat, add the sugar to the pan and cook, stirring until all the sugar crystals have dissolved. In a large non-stick karai, wok or frying pan, heat the melted ghee or butter over a lowmedium heat. Add the raisins and stir, then remove them with a slotted spoon just before they expand and burst. Add the raisins to the pan with the sugar syrup. Now add the semolina flour to the pan with the ghee or butter, together with the grated nutmeg and crushed cardamom seeds. Gently stir until the grains of the semolina darken and smell toasted (approximately 10 minutes). Keep the heat low as you do not want to burn the semolina grains. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the sugar syrup, stirring constantly. The contents will sputter initially but then calm down. Put the pan back on the heat and stir to break up any lumps. Keep the pan on the heat until all the sugar syrup has been absorbed. Towards the end of the cooking, add the chopped cashew nuts and saffron-infused liquid. Once the halwa is cool enough to handle, roll it into ladoos, or balls. Alternatively, you can serve the halwa as it is, warmed and placed in a serving bowl, and let your guests serve themselves. To serve, scatter over a few edible rose petals to add a festive flourish to this dish. For further information, visit twfairtrade.org.uk or email: contact@twfairtrade.org.uk

1) CLASSY, CRISP AND DRY FAIRTRADE WHITE FROM SOUTH AFRICA 2018 Tesco Finest Fairtrade South African Chenin Blanc, Breede River Valley WO, Western Cape (£7.50, Tesco, 12.5%) South Africa, where chenin blanc has become the country’s signature white grape (representing now a little under one vine in five), still dominates the global Fairtradecertified wine category. This spot-on apple, pear, quince and apricot-flavoured example is cut through with zingy pineapple acidity – and it’s just the ticket for a cosy evening in with a fish pie or a plate of seafood/roast chicken. For a red, I would also recommend the easyswigging, raspberrypacked 2019 Tesco Finest Fairtrade South African Cinsault red (£7.50), serving it lightly chilled – great prices for two eminently gluggable, quality Fairtrade wines. Cheers Tesco!

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2) VELVETY FAIRTRADE/ORGANIC RED FROM ARGENTINA 2018 Co-op’s Fairtrade Irresistible Organic Malbec, Famatina Valley, NW Argentina (£7.50, Co-op,13%) Co-op continues to support ethical and eco-friendly practices and remains the largest retailer for Fairtrade wine. As well as protecting the rights of vineyard workers, sales of its Fairtrade wines finance a range of social projects each year, assisting thousands of workers. Supple splendour with masses of briary black fruits, damsons and blueberries, this is the bottle for sausages and mash, duck with plum sauce, roast lamb/ beef or rosy pink steak. A most rewarding and smart Fairtrade red from a savvy wine team at La Riojana, the lone ranger co-operative of 500 smallscale grape growers in the north-western province of La Rioja (Fairtrade certified since 2006).

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Follow James Viner on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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FOOD FOR THE SOUL… Centre: A dish at the Tartare restaurant Below: A wild and wonderful view of Connemara National Park

Travel

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

Great reasons to visit Galway – European capital of culture The Irish city holds the title for 2020, and offers plenty of magic as Gareth Cotter-Stone finds out

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ESTLED along the scenic coastline of western Ireland, also known as the Wild Atlantic Way, lies a magical city brimming with colour, culture and tradition. Galway, often referred to as the ‘City of the Tribes’, has a history as vibrant as its rainbow-hued houses, and is home to the largest Irish-speaking community, or Gaeltacht, in Ireland. The county boasts 35 heritage sites, 31 museums and ten art galleries, and is the birthplace of the symbolic Claddagh ring, as well as the traditional fishing boats known as the Galway hookers. It’s also the festival capital of Ireland, hosting over 100 festivals and events per year, including the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Comedy Festival and the Galway Food Festival. The city’s newly-achieved status as European Capital of Culture 2020 really – and deservedly – says it all. From foodies to film buffs, oyster guzzlers to literature lovers, and art fiends to music fans, it’s a bustling hive of activity that caters for everyone. A year-long programme of extraordinary events will showcase artistic richness, creative ingenuity and cultural diversity

throughout the year. It is a celebration of not only Galway City, but of its islands, country, language and – most importantly – its people. Here is a summary of what to see and where to stay, eat and drink… THE LATIN QUARTER The Latin Quarter is known for its cobbled stone streets, boutique shops and quaint restaurants, and is only a short amble from the famously fast-flowing River Corrib. Defined by some of Galway’s most historic landmarks, like the Spanish Arch, this is where it really comes to life. If you fancy some window shopping, or perhaps an afternoon tipple in a quirky bar, this is the perfect spot. Magpies and bookworms keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems at Tempo Antiques or the characterful Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop. GALWAY MARKET If you’re looking for somewhere to heighten your senses, then head for Galway market. It brims with friendly local traders and local produce, as well as handmade arts and crafts stalls. Soak up the sights and the smells of newly baked bread, freshly ground coffee or, if you’re up for it, the enjoyable pong

FISHING FOR CUSTOM A cheery trader at Galway Market with oysters to try

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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of Sheridans Cheesemongers. And it’s almost impossible to leave without indulging in some famed Galway Bay oysters, or even bagging a jar of Cobie’s home-made jam – what a treat!

Hotel or foraged in the local area. I can assure you this is one train you’ll never want to get off. Three-course menu from E69/£58 and a bottle of wine from E29.50/£25). glenloabbeyhotel.ie

ST NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church [Church of Ireland] is the largest medieval parish church in the country that is still regularly used. It’s said that Christopher Columbus worshipped here during his visit to Galway in 1477 – an experience he documented in the margin of his copy of Imago Mundi. The church’s unusual structure derives from its captivating history – it dates all the way back to 1320 – and there are also some fascinating monuments and memorials dotted throughout, including one of Jane Eyre.

TARTARE Café by day and an organic wine bar at night, Tartare caters for culinary enthusiasts and casual coffee drinkers alike, and is arguably one of the hottest brunch spots in Galway. Headed up by the inspiring husband-and-wife team Jp McMahon and Drigin Gaffey, Tartare was awarded a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide in 2018. Their philosophy is admirable and their bao buns are irresistible. Not only are they environmentally aware (using only small, local and ethical suppliers), they also present an adventurous menu of mouth-watering meals using the very best Irish ingredients. (Sharing boards from E16.50/£14 and a bottle of wine from E27/£22.50.) tartaregalway.ie

THE KING’S HEAD A vibrant, medieval pub in the centre of Galway, The King’s Head is a prime location for either an extended hearty lunch or a swift half of the local ‘Blood Red Ale’. Steeped in rich and riveting history, this grand establishment is one of the oldest pubs in Galway, and provides a strong variety of entertainment, including live music, comedy and sport, or ‘ceol agus craic’, as the locals might say. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to commandeer a chair by the fireplace, built in 1612. Some say it’s the best seat in the house – I’d have to agree! thekingshead.ie THE PULLMAN RESTAURANT The award-winning Pullman Restaurant at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel delivers an unforgettably unique dining experience. Dine aboard a beautifully restored train carriage enriched with history and dripping in elegance – one of two original carriages from the Orient Express. Make yourself comfortable in either a private booth or a window seat, and marvel at the spectacular views of the estate. The majority of herbs and wild foods used in dishes are grown in the gardens of Glenlo Abbey

GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL & ESTATE If you’re looking for an idyllic, relaxing spot to stay in a convenient proximity to the vibrant buzz of Galway city, there’s no better choice than the luxurious Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Sitting elegantly amid a beautiful 138-acre LUNCH King’s Head style

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FRONT AND CENTRE The Glenlo Abbey Hotel

estate on the waters of Lough Corrib, it’s a cosy, countryside paradise and offers a range of activities, including falconry, golf, fishing and whiskey tasting! It also provides a choice of interesting local tours and walks of the surrounding area. If, however, you’d just like to unwind, opt for a drink in their rustic Oak Cellar Bar, dine at the Pullman Restaurant or enjoy a film in the hotel’s Abbey Movie Theatre. Doubles from E96/£80pp. glenloabbeyhotel.ie THE DRUID THEATRE The Druid theatre, founded in 1975 by Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen and Mick Lally, was the first professional Irish theatre company outside of Dublin. They put on a range of riveting productions throughout the year, one of the more recent being The Cherry Orchard, in which Tom Murphy takes on Chekhov’s masterpiece in a faultless amalgamation of the great Russian classic. The Cherry Orchard runs from February 22 until March 7. Tickets from E28/£23.50. druid.ie KATIE’S CLADDAGH COTTAGE Katie’s Claddagh Cottage is a beautifully restored thatched cottage and one of Galway’s most popular heritage attractions, perfectly depicting traditional life in one of Ireland’s oldest fishing villages. Take a step back in time and enjoy the delights of an open turf fire with a hot pot of tea and

delicious scones. And ake sure you don’t miss the design studio at the rear end of the cottage, where you’ll discover an impressive array of Ireland’s best contemporary and vintage interior home accessories, and a selection of Irish gifts. Tours can be purchased from E5/£4.50 per person. claddaghdesigns.ie CONNEMARA A few miles down the road you’ll be greeted by the beautiful, rugged landscape of Connemara, where rivers cut gracefully through valleys and hills disappear into the ever-changing clouds. This is one of the most spectacular destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way. The views of the harsh, characterful terrain are breathtaking. This vast expanse is also the location for the upcoming Kari Kola lighting installation by Loch Na Fooey, which translates as ‘Lake of the Winnowing Winds’. Consisting of around 1,000 light fixtures across an area 6km wide, this dazzling display will be one of the largest illuminated artworks ever attempted, and will run from March 14-17. The project is free to attend and will be known as ‘Savage Beauty’, a nod to Oscar Wilde’s description of Connemara – a perfect name for such a remarkable setting. HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP The programme of events for Galway 2020 is available at galway2020.ie/en/programme

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Motors

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Motoring News

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

This week… n Fast charge on way n A pickup for truck n EDF charges ahead

Order books open for Citroën C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid CITROËN has opened up order books for its C5 Aircross Hybrid, with prices starting at £35,340, and deliveries are expected this summer. Powering the plug-in hybrid car is a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked up to an 80kW motor, combining to produce 222bhp with power delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Citroën claims fuel returns of up to 168mpg are possible, with CO2 emissions as low as 32g/km. It also says the car is capable of 34 miles of electric-only driving on full charge, with charging speeds from flat to 80% possible under two hours when hooked up to a 7kW wallbox. Two trim levels are available – Flair and Flair Plus. Standard equipment

includes a Citroën’s Connect Nav infotainment system, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reversing camera.

Fast Flair Plus builds on that with a half-leather interior, an electricallyadjustable driver’s seat, a handsfree boot opening, adaptive cruise control and 19-inch alloy wheels. This grade is available from £36,815. Citroën is also working Pod Point to offer 7Kw wallboxes to customers, allowing for fast charging at home. No pricing yet, but the manufacturer says it’s eligible for the government £500 Home Charge grant.

Refreshed look for top-spec Navara N-Guard is revealed NISSAN has given its range-topping Navara pickup truck an update to make it more refined, and with better tech. Among the styling changes is blue adding a splash of colour to the existing black, white and grey options, while inside there’s blue contrast stitching for the leather upholstery and footwell illumination. And the load bay now gets a sprayon liner, which Nissan says absorbs shocks and sounds as well as being more resistant to the elements. There are also advanced connectivity features for the infotainment system, which gets an improved eightinch screen with connected services, satellite navigation, and smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. N-Guard models come with a 187bhp and 450Nm twin-turbo diesel engine

and a six-speed manual or sevenspeed automatic gearbox with fourwheel drive and low ratio gearing. Nissan Europe’s Soufiane Elkhomri said: “With its refreshed look, advanced connectivity and dependable offroad talent, the new Nissan Navara N-Guard really allows this pickup to be a workhorse during the weekday and a stylish companion in the evening and on the weekend.

Popular “This all-round versatility and appeal has made the Navara N-Guard a highly popular choice with customers, and we look forward to seeing customers enjoy everything that this renewed version has to offer.” The updated truck will be available to customers from £30,775 excluding VAT.

EDF buys electric car charging firm EDF has acquired a majority stake in the electric vehicle charging point provider Pod Point in a deal understood to be worth more than £100million. The arrangement is part of a joint venture with Legal & General Capital. One of the largest companies of its kind in the UK, Pod Point has rolled out 62,000 charging points across the UK, many at homes and workplaces. It also has an extensive public charging network comprising almost 3,000 UK charging bays located in places such as Tesco and Lidl car parks and Center Parcs holiday villages.

Exciting EDF already offers one of the market’s key low-carbon electric car vehicle tariffs, with its ‘Go Electric’ scheme. This follows on from the EDF Group’s acquisition of Pivot Point last year, which specialises in grid-scale batteries. EDF’s UK CEO Simone Rossi said: “We can help our customers reduce their carbon footprints and benefit from lower fuel costs by going electric.” He added this would ‘require urgent investment in low-carbon generation from renewables and nuclear’. Pod Point CEO and founder Erik Fairbairn said: “This is an incredibly exciting next chapter for Pod Point. “We set out in 2009 with the vision that travel shouldn’t damage the earth and a mission to put a charge point everywhere you park. So far, we have made great progress… By joining up with EDF we can take things to the next level.”

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Recruitment

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Fill your vacancy now in print or online

From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650

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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.

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

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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 6 7 9 8 5

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3 8 9

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

L I M G A G M I N E G O S C F A L L E

C E N S E E T Q R T E A U O X A D D N T R E E R E S S O A R I R I S I T C A N T H E R O E U C O N B R O

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9 6 3 8 2 4 5 7 1

4 8 7 5 3 1 9 6 2

5 2 1 7 6 9 3 4 8

2 1 9 4 8 7 6 3 5

6 7 8 3 5 2 1 9 4

3 5 4 1 9 6 2 8 7

8 3 6 2 4 5 7 1 9

4 3 7 2 6 8 1 9 5

2 1 6 4 5 3 9 8 7

9 5 4 6 2 1 8 7 3

7 4 5 9 1 3 8 2 6

1 9 2 6 7 8 4 5 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 9 5 1 7 4 2 3 8

7 4 8 3 9 2 5 6 1

5 7 2 8 1 6 3 4 9

8 6 1 9 3 5 7 2 4

3 8 9 5 4 7 6 1 2

1 2 3 7 8 9 4 5 6

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Sport

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Wednesday February 26 | 2020

Honours even again as wind plays havoc with kicks Sevenoaks 18 Tunbridge Wells 18

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Graham Withers

FLYING START Mike Doherty scores Wells first try

RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS found themselves held to a draw again by local rivals Sevenoaks in the ‘A21 derby’, after their tight 15-15 encounter at St Marks in November. Both clubs were sitting comfortably mid-table in the London and South East Premier Division with promoted Sevenoaks two points ahead. The home side took the lead on 13 minutes when impressive centre Leighton Ralph found a way through the defensive line to score, Ben Adams converting. Frank Reynolds, heavily bandaged after sustaining a cut to the head, came back on to make make a scintillating break for Wells and Mike Doherty sidestepped the last defender to score a converted try on 17 minutes. Then the visitors were awarded a penalty 40 metres out in front of the posts. With the strong wind at his back Reynolds opted for a kick at goal which struck the crossbar and bounced over. On 27 minutes Richard Webster kicked the ball ahead and beat the Oaks defence to gather and fall over the line. The wide conversion was missed but Wells now led 15-7.

From an attacking line-out 15 metres out the hosts formed two mauls and from the second their powerful No 8 Fred Richardson was able to drive over for an unconverted try. But Wells edged further ahead when Sevenoaks were penalised for offside, Reynolds slotting his kick to go in at half-time 18-12 in front. Five minutes into the second half Oaks responded when the Wells scrum was penalised and Adams converted his kick.

Penalised When Ryan Taylor-Dennehy took the ball up and fed a three-on-one overlap it looked like Wells would stretch their lead again but the ball was lost forward. Then the visitors were penalised for offside 45 metres out and the in-form Adams stepped up to level the scores at 18-18 after 67 minutes. When Oaks were penalised at a ruck 25 metres out Reynolds had the opportunity to put his team back in front but kicking into the wind he dragged the ball just wide. The conditions were to wreak havoc with the fly-half’s penalty kicking again with five minutes remaining as another chance went begging, and the sides had to settle for a draw.

Oxford City 0 Tonbridge Angels 3 By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: SIGNED by the Angels just 24 hours earlier on loan from AFC Wimbledon, striker Tommy Wood lit up a windy Marsh Lane with two goals and also won a penalty to dispatch mid-table Oxford City. Only their second win on the road this season, it was in stark contrast to their capitulation at Chelmsford City the previous Monday, when they lost 3-1. The result moves them up to 19th place in National League South, on goal difference, though they have a couple of games in hand on most of their relegation rivals after a series of postponements at Longmead. It was the pace and trickery of Ben Greenhalgh and Joe Turner down the flanks that brought much profit for the visitors, with Alex Bentley and James Folkes available for the overlap. And it was this route that brought the opener for Tonbridge in the 15th minute, Wood getting his head to the ball with a deft touch past the Hoops goalkeeper Craig King. The remainder of the half saw the visitors largely in control despite playing against the wind with chances falling to Wood and fellow striker Jason Williams. On 23 minutes City had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by the referee and three minutes later Nico Jones’ effor for the home side

was dealt with by keeper Jonny Henly. With the wind in their favour in the second half Tonbridge were in a good position to press forward and extend their lead. But around the hour-mark the home side came back strongly and the Angels found it difficult to get out of their own half, though Oxford had few genuine chances. On 77 minutes Henly had to pull off a fine save, and another home penalty appeal was turned down - this time a home player was booked for diving. Tonbridge had to wait until the 84th minute for their second goal, a cross from substitute Khale Da Costa being converted via a deflection by Wood. Then the impressive Wood chased down a through ball, attempted to go round the keeper and was brought down, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Despite Wood being on a hat-trick, regular penalty taker Turner stepped up on 89 minutes and thrashed the ball into the net to complete a good day’s work for the Angels. Manager Steve McKimm said: “The players followed our instructions to the letter. Of course it’s been a great start for Tommy Wood, he’s done really well, but this was a team performance that clicked.” When asked about Turner taking the spot-kick he said: “If he’s on the pitch he takes penalties, there’s no doubt or confusion. Tommy understood the situation.”

Rogers leads from front as the Wells eye top of table Hollands & Blair 1 Tunbridge Wells 3 FOOTBALL: AFTER not playing for three

weeks because of waterlogged pitches Tunbridge Wells returned to action with a win at Hollands & Blair. The victory at Star Meadow allowed the Wells to leapfrog their opponents and move into fifth place in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division. They are now six points off the top of the table - with two games in hand on all of the teams above them.

Wells captain Freeman Rogers gave his side the lead in the eighth minute when he reacted quickest to strike home a rebound from Jason Thompson’s free kick. Winger Josh Froggatt had a good opportunity to score but blazed his shot over the bar from close range after fine build-up play. But Chris Lawal found the back of the net with a 35-yard free kick on the stroke of half-time to put Wells 2-0 up at the interval.

PHOTOS: David Couldridge

Double for Wood on debut inspires Angels to away win

ON FIRE: Tommy Wood heads his first goal, then fires the ball into the net

Their Blair pulled a goal back almost straight from the restart when Connor Hefferman took advantage of a spilled ball to score. But Euan Sahadow restored the Wells’ two-goal cushion when he curled the ball in from an acute angle on 74 minutes. A minute later Blair were reduced to ten men when midfielder Ben Brown received his second yellow card for bringing down George Blake. The Wells manager Richard Styles said: “I can’t speak highly enough of the performance, discipline and commitment levels shown by the Tunbridge Wells boys, coming away with all three points away at a tough place to go.

Relegation struggle looms after men soundly beaten Tunbridge Wells Men 1 Banbury 3 HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS missed out on the chance to move themselves away from a potential relegation dog-fight as they slipped to defeat at Tonbridge School. Visitors Banbury put in the more accomplished team performance and deserved their win – Wells battled hard, but were off their game in too many areas. Banbury controlled possession better when they had the ball, and

earned themselves a two-goal cushion, though James Huntley pulled one back for Wells. The defeat leaves Wells in 10th place in South League Premier Division One, level on points with Winchester and West Hampstead below them. With only three games remaining this season Wells must look to win all of them to ensure their survival in the top flight, but they face a tricky weekend playing league leaders London Wayfarers.

Wednesday February 26 | 2020

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Sport

Tonbridge mens’ team storm to victory and win back crown By Mark Hookway ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE Athletic Club’s men’s team regained the English National Cross Country Championship title at Wollaton Park in Nottingham as the club brought home a record medal haul. They were supported by the under-13 girls, who also won their age group for the second year in a row, with silver medals for the under-15 boys, under-17s and under-20 men. The senior men had won the title in 2017 and 2018 but were runners-up to Leeds last year and not among the favourites this season, with the holders, Bedford and Aldershot looking strong. Rainstorms had made the course extremely challenging, with surface water and knee deep mud in places which would test the resolve of all the competitors, but around 2,000 runners took part in the men’s event.

Outstanding The conditions suited mountain running international Max Nicholls, who led the team home in 11th place, followed by Ben Cole (24th), Kieran Reilly (32nd), Ryan Driscoll (42nd), Corey De’Ath (58th) and Luke Fisher, enjoying his best ever performance in 76th place. Leeds had started well with two in the top eight but scored 277 points to the Tonbridge total of 243 (lowest score wins), with Bristol, Bedford and Highgate close behind. The under-13 girls all performed well on their 3km course, with Lily Slack in fifth place leading the way, ahead of an outstanding run from Gracie MacAuley in ninth. Penny Horne (38th) and Georgia Conroy (84th)

BEST BY A DISTANCE: (L-R) The winning men’s team lifting the national trophy, Ryan Driscoll, Corey De’Ath, Kieran Reilly, Max Nicholls, Ben Cole and Luke Fisher completed the scoring team as Tonbridge won by just eight points from Wreake & Soar Valley with Wolverhampton in third. Tonbridge had hopes rather than expectations for medals in the three competitions where they were runners-up. The under-20 men finished second to Shaftesbury Barnet through James Puxty (17th), James Kingston (20th), Will Beeston (60th) and Dan Schofield (69th), despite the latter two recently returning from injuries. The under-17 men were runners-up to Windsor, with the four scorers being Matthew Taylor (fifth), Fraser Gordon (24th), Henry Taylor (30th) and Alex Beeston (50th). The under-15 boys finished just one point

ahead of third-placed Windsor and behind a very strong team from South London Harriers. The four scorers, Adam Jeddo (26th), George Hopkins (35th), Ananjan Ganguli (37th) and Josh Prendergast (42nd), packed very well. The senior womens placed seventh out of 94 completed teams despite missing a couple of key runners with Nicole Taylor (20th), Lucy Reid (27th), Harriet Woolley (104th) and Chloe Bird (124th) scoring. In the other age group races Tonbridge finished fifth in the under-13 boys, sixth in the under-17 women, eighth in the under-20 women and 12th in the under-15 girls events to complete the club’s best overall set of National Championship results.

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National 800m title for Coppard but Malloy misses out ATHLETICS: SIMON COPPARD of Tonbridge Athletic Club won the national under-20 men’s 800 metres title at the Indoor Age Group Championships in Sheffield, After winning his heat on Saturday in 1min 56.42sec, he took the lead in Sunday’s final and hung on to win in 1:54.70, 0.7sec ahead of Oliver Lill from Basildon. Club mates Zac Beasty set a personal best of 7.44sec in the heats of the under-17 men’s 60m, whilst Freya Ridge finished seventh in the under-17 women’s high jump with 1.60m. At the British Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Sean Molloy was unlucky not to qualify for the six-man 800m final, missing out by just 0.06sec in the heats. Molloy ran a season’s best of 1:50.37, whilst Ben Murphy ran an indoor personal best of 1:52.19. Jack Lennard also qualified for the championships, but was eliminated after the heats of both the 60m and 200m.

DOUBLE QUICK Simon Coppard (left) and Sean Molloy

PENHURST

Penhurst Business Centres Limited will be launching Lonsdale Gate in Spring 2020 New serviced offices in a prestigious building, boasting its own gym facilities, with 45 airconditioned suites conveniently located just two minutes away from Tunbridge Wells railway station and the vibrant high street.

C O N TA C T U S T O F I N D O U T M O R E O N 01732 783 500 E N Q U I R I E S @ P E N H U R S T. C O . U K