Times of Tunbridge Wells 8th November 2017

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

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Lest we forget

Police switch off speed INSIDE cameras to save money

DIVINE INTERVENTION

Much loved cultural centre bids for a £2 million grant Page 3

‘Responsibility of all drivers to ensure they adhere to speed limits’ By William Mata

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk BUDGET cuts imposed on Kent Police mean the force is operating only one in four speed cameras across the county, it has emerged. Data released by 36 forces nationally, under a Freedom of Information request (FOI), found that of 2,838 UK cameras just 1,486 or 52 per cent are operational. In Kent this figure is even lower with only 19 of the 77 cameras in action. There are six cameras around Tunbridge Wells and one in Tonbridge.

‘It is all about resources and making the most of what we have got’ Kent Police spokesman

‘Your poppy supports the Armed Forces community past and present, and is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope’ Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe

PHOTO: Lee Smith

More than 10,000 knitted poppies have been used to create this art installation on the walls of the Town Hall to mark the British Legion’s 2017 Poppy Appeal. They were produced by individuals in towns and villages across the borough including Hawkhurst, Goudhurst and Cranbrook. The installation will be in place for three weeks. See page five for details of Remembrance Sunday services…

It is not known which cameras are ‘live’ or if these are rotated. Money gained in fines from speed cameras goes to the treasury. A Kent Police spokesman said: “It is all about resources and making the most of what we have got. “All of our camera locations may be operational at any time and it is the responsibility of all drivers to ensure they always adhere to speed limits.” Mobile speed camera units continue to operate across the county. Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark said yesterday [Tuesday]: “Fixed road safety cameras are an important deterrent to speeding drivers. Having gone to the expense of installing them, they should be used or moved to a

place where they can deter dangerous drivers. “I have raised this with the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott and look forward to his response.” Since 2010 nationally the police have seen a real-terms budget cut of 18 percent with a decline of nearly 19,000 officers, according to Home Office data. In Kent there are today 500 fewer officers than in 2010. Nick Lloyd, road safety manager for Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), said he was not surprised by the figures. “The purpose is to slow motorists down and it should reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes, I am not concerned about whether or not they are active. “What is more important is how they are performing, rather than to get too hung up on the number of cameras – it is about how effective they are.” “I think the cat is out of the bag now,” he said about the release of figures, adding that the shared knowledge might lead to some drivers taking a chance. A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Cameras are placed by local authorities specifically with the intention of reducing the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. “They provide a proven deterrence to drivers exceeding the speed limit but are just one of a number of ways police to try to keep road users safe. “Officers regularly patrol roads across the county and take proportionate action to deal with drivers exceeding the speed limit.”

THE SKY AT NIGHT

Bonfire Night celebrations are a sparkling success Page 4

BIG PLANS AHEAD

Bennett Memorial in talks for school expansion Page 2

SPANISH LESSONS Learn all about National Sherry Week Page 49

NEWS

Local News

Finance firm announce they will leave town STOCKBROKER AJ Bell is finalising plans to leave Tunbridge Wells after a staff consultation finished. The company previously announced they could leave town as their landlord at present base Calverley House, in Calverley Road, is looking to turn their offices into residential apartments. Charlie Musson, of AJ Bell, said the firm’s 100 staff based in Tunbridge Wells will be offered roles at their offices in London or Manchester.

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Former Schools Minister was told court would ban grammar annexe PHOTO: Craig Matthews

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Difficult “We have been in consultation with our staff about the office and we have concluded that process. We have made a decision that we are going to move out of our Tunbridge Wells base, we have not found an office in the area.” AJ Bell, which employs 650 people, moved to the town in 2007 but their departure adds weight to fears that permitted development laws are allowing property to triumph over office units in the town. The company also announced yesterday [Tuesday] that its much respected finance expert Mike Morrison, who was based at AJ Bell’s London offices, had died aged 55. AJ Bell’s Chief Executive Andy Bell commented: “Mike was one of the most popular pension commentators in the industry and leaves behind many friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and support are with his family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by everyone at AJ Bell.”

Tunbridge Wells Monopoly OUR THANKS to the 300 readers who put their names forward to win one of the much prized local editions of the Monopoly board game. Winning names have now been drawn at random and the games will be put into the post within the next few days.

DIGGING IN: Weald of Kent Grammar School’s annexe is officially opened in Sevenoaks with (l-r) Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, Chair of Governors David Bower, Weald of Kent Headteacher Maureen Johnson, two of her mentor pupils, Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter and Sevenoaks MP Sir Michael Fallon – in his first official engagement since resigning from the Cabinet as Defence Secretary

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE new Weald of Kent Grammar School annexe could have been judged illegal if it had been challenged through the courts, the Times can disclose. The £22million extension to the Tonbridge grammar was officially opened on Friday [November 3], although it has been up and running since September. David Laws, the Schools Minister for the coalition government, wrote in his diaries that the new selective option might not have been allowed to go ahead if it had been taken to a CONTACTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 FEATURES EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240 626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

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judicial review – when a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision made by a public body. Mr Laws claimed legal advisers had told the Department for Education that ‘by 70 per cent to 30 per cent’ the ‘balance of judgment’ was

‘If the Tories go ahead we are going to have one hell of a public row’ David Laws, former Schools Minister

that the proposed new grammar site in Sevenoaks, which is nine miles from its sister school in Tonbridge, would be considered ‘a

new school’ rather than an extension of an existing one and ‘therefore would be illegal’ – in other words, the government had only a 30 per cent chance of winning a judicial review. Mr Laws, who was the Lib Dem MP for Yeovil until the 2015 election, said in Coalition Diaries 2012 to 2015: “If the Tories try to go ahead and ignore the legal advice, then we are going to have one hell of a public row.” A campaign group called Comprehensive Future put forward the plan for a judicial review but had to abandon it because a request to see the legal advice given to the government was ‘not forthcoming and unaccountably delayed’.

Final figures for Civic Complex unveiled By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk DOCUMENTS released this week show that the cost for the Civic Complex project, that includes a new theatre, will stand eventually at £90million gross. Earlier figures, not gross, were shown as £72million. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has published their RIBA Stage 3, a final assessment of the contested proposal to build on land bordering Calverley Grounds.

Assessment Stage 3 is the final assessment before the council applies for planning permission and it is unlikely the cost will rise further. Further details about the Civic Complex (pictured) were also explained in the report, including proposals to build a large community space outside Calverley Grounds where a water feature could be built. The council has said this is likely to be maintained by a local group. Other changes include adding planting to soften the appearance of the theatre and

change the general shape of a council office block, to be built as part of the plan. TWBC is inviting the public to a drop-in session on Saturday [November 11] where it is possible to view the proposals from 9am to 6pm at Royal Victoria Place. This is in the lead-up to a full council meeting on December 6 when councillors will vote

on whether to approve proposals. This could see a bid for planning permission launched next year. Critics have argued the plans will bring further congestion and that public services could be cut. Read a column from opposition group TW Alliance on pages 12 and 13.

Local News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cultural hub moves a step closer to reality DRAMATIC plans to create a £12million cultural hub in Tunbridge Wells are being reviewed by the borough council. A bid for planning permission has been submitted - which will unite the town’s library, museum and art gallery with the adjacent Adult Education Centre. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) received the plans to build on the site in Mount Pleasant on Monday [November 6], following public consultations. Under plans there would be a partial demolition of the existing site.

Parents deny charges THE parents of a three-week-old baby who died at home in Tonbridge have denied charges relating to his death. Michael Osbourne, 21, and Marina Smythe, 20, are accused of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm. They will face trial at Maidstone Crown Court on May 21 2018. Paramedics and an air ambulance were sent to their home in December last year, but Bailey Smythe-Osbourne could not be revived.

Healthy Gurkha Planet GURKHA PLANET on Avebury Avenue in Tonbridge has been nominated as a finalist in the Best Healthy Eating category for the national Asian Curry awards. Other local restaurants in the running are Ganga in Sevenoaks (Best Newcomer) Guffa Raja in West Malling, Shampan at the Spinning Wheel in Westerham and The Rajdani in West Kingsdown. The winners will be revealed on November 17.

Win tickets for musical A FAMILY ticket to see Elf Jr The Musical at West Kent College on Sunday December 10 can be won by drawing a picture of Buddy the Elf. Under-12s only. The picture should be submitted by December 2 on a sheet of A4, photographed or scanned and emailed to ElfTonbridge@gmail.com or posted to 12 Highlands Park, Sevenoaks TN15 0AQ with name and address.

NEWS

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Lottery funding sought for £2m makeover to boost town theatre APPEAL Trinity Theatre has been open 35 years

By Jonathan Banks TRINITY Theatre is to apply for almost £2million in lottery funding as part of a plan to boost the town’s appeal as ‘a strong heritage destination’. Much of the money would be used on a major makeover of the 188 year old, grade II* Decimus Burton designed church building. Those behind Trinity, now celebrating its 35th year in the town, want to unlock the history of the building, making it more accessible to both residents and visitors alike.

Heritage Building on Trinity’s existing role and place in the community, it’s hoped that the venue can extend and enhance its heritage offering. It is envisaged this will involve telling stories of the town’s history, showcasing Trinity’s historical building which will include opening up the clocktower to show off views of Tunbridge Wells and its surrounding countryside. Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover Trinity’s cultural ethos. The theatre’s Artistic Director John Martin told the Times yesterday [Tuesday]: “This is an exciting step forward in the next stage of our development. This will enable us to preserve our wonderful building and also build on what we are doing by exploring our heritage in a uniquely theatrical way.”

To achieve this, Trinity is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £1.8m grant. This will contribute to repairs to the stonework, glasswork (including conservation of the impressive stained-glass east window) and to the roof. This is to stop further water leaks which are currently damaging the building. The grant will also go towards other repairs and the opening up of any degraded internal spaces. If awarded, the HLF grant will also enable Trinity to offer a programme of ‘innovative’

Need for school places could see town secondary expand EXTRAORDINARY demand for school places has led a Tunbridge Wells secondary to consider offering 60 extra places to its yearly intake. Parents and students at Bennett Memorial, in Culverden Down, have been informed the governing board is looking at increasing Year 7 intake from 240 to 300 places from September 2019. A spokesman from the academy

group Tenax Schools Trust, which manages Bennett Memorial, said: “Tunbridge Wells is experiencing a significant increase in demand for secondary school places. “There is an urgent need for additional secondary school provision and Kent County Council (KCC), as the local authority, has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient places are available.

heritage activities in collaboration with the town’s Cultural Hub. To engage as many people as possible and to extend the consultation beyond its existing audiences, Trinity has created a brief survey and is calling for people’s views and perspectives to help inform its plans. The results will directly contribute to the success of the lottery application. To take part visit www.trinitytheatre.net/about and follow the link to the survey.

“They have asked Bennett to consider providing additional places by expanding the school from eight to ten forms.” At present the faith school has a maximum capacity of 1,200 but if the proposals go-ahead, the increase in students will have filtered through by 2023-24 to create a new maximum of 1,500. With an expected 12,960 homes scheduled to be built in Tunbridge Wells within the 2013-2033 period, there is forecast to be a shortfall of 857 school places in the town by the 2023-24 school year if no more

places are added. According to the report, Bennett Memorial had been chosen because of its ethos and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted result plus Church of England schools have a track record of expanding to meet a community’s need. The school’s governing body is still in talks with the county council as to whether more infrastructure would be needed. Any decision to develop the site would require further planning consultations. A public meeting into the plans will continue until Monday, November 13.

NEWS

Local News

Company offers charity helping hand to deliver some Christmas cheer MARKERSTUDY Group has joined forces with Operation Christmas Child to reach over 30,000 youngsters around the world this festive season. Each year Samaritan’s Purse collect shoeboxes filled with gifts to deliver to vulnerable children through Operation Christmas Child. The West Kent Division of the charity had nowhere to sort and store the boxes in the run up to Christmas this year, leading Markerstudy to offer the use of its Gymnastics Club Kent building in Tunbridge Wells.

Worldwide Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has distributed more than 146 million shoebox gifts worldwide. Presents inside the boxes include items such as toiletries, stationery, sweets and toys. Nick Cole, Director of Operation Christmas Child UK, said: “Essentially we are an enthusiastic community of local volunteer teams here in the UK and around the world. I’m delighted that Markerstudy have chosen to spur on the local Operation Christmas Child group by providing such great premises to check shoebox gifts.” Other locations where you can drop off donations include Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church, Shoezone in Tonbridge and Christ Church in Southborough. Visit www.samaritans-purse.org.uk

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Grand finale lights up the sky and helps raise thousands for charities THOUSANDS braved damp weather to watch the biggest fireworks display to be held at Dunorlan Park. For the event’s 60th anniversary, organisers Tunbridge Wells Round Table welcomed an estimated 12,000 on Saturday [November 4]. Spokesman Andrew Mockford said the annual display was down on numbers due to rain but still raised at least £30,000 for charities.

DAZZLING DISPLAY Dunorlan Park

PHOTO: Sarah Mott

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Biggest “There were far more fireworks going off at the same time than ever before,” he said about the display which lasted for 21 minutes. “It was our biggest finale and it did not disappoint. “It went really well considering the rain we had, it poured down between 5pm and 6pm, but it did not seem to lower the mood although it was soggy underfoot.” Organisers are still totalling ticket sales which last year raised £40,000. The Round Table will present cheques to local charities at a later event. Approximately 12,000 people enjoyed this year’s Dunorlan display.

Pair acquitted of murdering rough sleeper in multi-storey By William Mata

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A HOMELESS man’s murder trial was thrown out when a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict two defendants. In March rough sleeper Giles Metcalfe, 43, died from burns and smoke inhalation hours after settling down for the night in the stairwell of Torrington Car Park, opposite

Tunbridge Wells railway station. Two men were accused of killing him. Lighter fluid was found on the sleeping bag of former supermarket worker Mr Metcalfe and the court heard a single flame ignited it. His body was discovered by firefighters shortly after 3am on March 7 next to the open bottle of accelerant and two lighters. After previously pleading not guilty to murdering Mr Metcalfe, Dean Lewis, 34, of no fixed address, and

James Marshall-Gunn, 30, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, were acquitted at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday (November 1).

Cleared Judge Philip Statman halted the case in September due to lack of evidence. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision last week – meaning both defendants were cleared.

The judge said there was no hostility between the pair and there was no evidence to disprove Mr Metcalfe set himself alight accidentally or intentionally. An inquest formally opened into his death in March but Kent Coroners Court is still deciding whether or not a hearing will go ahead. No date has been set. FIRE VICTIM Former supermarket worker Giles Metcalfe

Local News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

GOOD CAUSE: Tunbridge Wells Mayor Julia Soyke with Royal British Legion members at the launch of the Poppy Appeal

Lest we forget – Sunday’s remembrance events… By William Mata

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FALLEN servicemen and women who made Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge proud will be remembered this weekend. The Royal British Legion has encouraged everyone to attend parades and wreath-laying services around both towns this coming Remembrance Sunday [November 12]. Large crowds are expected to gather for the events to honour soldiers, sailors and aircrews who died in the First and Second World Wars and all the conflicts since then. This will follow Saturday’s Armistice Day, when a two-minute silence will be observed nationally to mark the end of fighting in the First World War.

afternoon ceremony in Tunbridge Wells at 2pm [see full details right]. Both morning events will feature a parade, hymns, talks and the laying of wreaths. David Wakefield, President of the Tunbridge Wells Royal British Legion, said: “We would like as many people as possible to come and it is always very well attended. “It is a chance to stand together as a society.” Mr Wakefield, who served as lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment from 1950 to 1952 and was involved in the Suez Canal conflict, has been collecting around town for his charity’s annual Poppy Appeal. He said: “We raise £60,000 a year through the Poppy Appeal, which goes towards helping former servicemen. “The appeal is needed as much as ever as people

Appeal One hundred years after key battles were fought in the Great War, Tunbridge Wells Town Hall and the lawn at Tonbridge Castle are currently decorated with thousands of poppies knitted by members of the public. At the castle there is also a sculpture, created jointly by pupils at Tonbridge’s Hillview School for Girls and local artist Guy Portelli, honouring the role of women in wartime through three statues decorated with poppies. These installations tie in with events on Remembrance Sunday, which begin at 10.45am in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, with a further

TRIBUTE: Wealden MP Nus Ghani sells poppies in Crowborough with Beacon Community College pupils

are coming out from the forces and are all at sea. “The public have responded with great kindness and generosity.” Tunbridge Wells Mayor Julia Soyke, who will play a role in leading proceedings, said: “Although first-hand memories of the two ­ world wars are receding, I think it is vital we continue to remember and honour those who lost their lives or suffered terrible injuries. “Our Armed Forces and the demands on these services are as important now as they have always been.” Tonbridge & Malling Mayor Roger Dalton said: “To be part of these worthy occasions as Mayor really is a great honour. “It’s so important that those who lost their lives at war are not forgotten, and I hope the people of Tonbridge and Malling will join me in paying tribute to them.”

NEWS

APPEAL: Lily Holmes with the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group in Tonbridge

WHERE AND WHEN LOCAL REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICES ARE TAKING PLACE TUNBRIDGE WELLS From 10.45am marchers, including groups from schools, Scouts and the armed forces, will make their way from the Town Hall to the War Memorial. The Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Stephen Hills, will lead a service with hymns and prayers for expected crowds of members of the public alongside local dignitaries. TONBRIDGE Also at 10.45am Mayor Roger Dalton will lead a wreath-laying service in the Memorial Gardens in Bradford Street from 10.45am, which will be

followed by a parade from there Memorial from 9am. to Tonbridge Castle. PADDOCK WOOD HAWKENBURY Starting at a slightly earlier At 2pm Deputy Mayor Len 9.30am, the service will begin Horwood will attend Tunbridge at St Andrew’s Church and will Wells Cemetery in Hawkenbury be followed by a parade to the to lay wreaths at the two Cross war memorial. of Sacrifice memorials. After this, Jennifer Watts of the SEVENOAKS Royal British Legion will give a From 10.30am there will be a talk at the cemetery’s chapel on service on the Vine. Passchendaele: Third Ypres. CROWBOROUGH SOUTHBOROUGH A parade and march will begin A parade will begin at from 2pm with wreaths to be laid in a service of remem­Pennington Grounds from brance from 2.30pm at the War 8.30am which will be followed Memorial. by a march to the War

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NEWS

Local News

Brave teenager raises £600,000 for treatment but loses cancer battle

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Lights go out on Lantern Parade as it comes to a temporary halt By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Kelly Turner A SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD has died from a rare form of cancer after being given two years to live in October 2015. Kelly Turner, from Dover, passed away on Monday [November 6] following a battle with desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT). A fund set up in Kelly’s name, featured in the Times, raised more than £600,000 of its £1million target to fund treatment for Kelly in the USA. Tonbridge-based charity Tree of Hope supported Kelly’s fundraising and will continue to work with her family, who aim to increase awareness of DSRCT.

Dedication Gill Gibb, Tree of Hope Chief executive, said: “Kelly was a true inspiration to everyone who came into contact with her and despite her illness remained positive that she would get better and have the life she so rightly deserved. “Our thoughts and love go out to Martin and Linda who have been tireless in their dedication to find a solution to save their beautiful and brave daughter’s life.”

THE call has gone out for more volunteers and funding after organisers were forced to bring the popular Lantern Parade to a standstill. There will be no event in 2018, following ten successful years of the festival lighting up Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells. After struggling to find funds and marshals for the event, CREATE (Camden Road Education, Arts and Theatre Experience) has decided to take a year off.

FESTIVAL SPIRIT: Families enjoy the Lantern Parade last year

Raising profile Group member Dave Prodrick said: “It has been so successful that we have to look at the safety of the parade and getting enough volunteers to make it possible. “It takes a lot of work to get it up and running with costs of £8,000 to £10,000 every year and while we have our core members we need 30 stewards.” Mr Prodrick said the decision was made to take a break and hold the next parade in February halfterm in 2019. Around 1,000 people from community groups, clubs and schools take part every year with an estimated 2,000 lining the route from the Town

Hall to St Barnabas’ School. Maria Biscardi, manager of Camden Road Italian restaurant Il Vesuvio, said: “We are very keen for it to continue as it is the only event that comes to this side of town. “Usually events will only be in The Pantiles

or town centre, so I am grateful to CREATE for this family event – and Italian people are big on family values – it is about creating a community feeling. “We could all lose business without a community event. People have come to the Lantern Parade and said ‘we did not know you were here’.” Graham Nokes, director of Camden Road printing firm Kall Kwik, said: “I think it’s a shame that it will not happen because Camden Road is one part of Tunbridge Wells that does not get the same kind of support. “This event brings a lot of attention to the road and to the local community, one of our staff members has volunteered in the past.” Mr Prodrick is now looking at various options in moving forward, including an active approach to marketing and employing a project manager with group members having full time jobs. He added: “The whole reason we started it was to get people coming down Camden Road and we want it to continue.” CREATE is now calling on members of the public to volunteer or provide sponsorship for the next event. To find out how you can get involved, email helping@winterlanterns.org LANTERN LOVE: Maria Biscardi, manager of Camden Road Italian restaurant Il Vesuvio, with husband Franco Biscardi

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

First-time buyers underestimate how much deposits cost HOME buyers in the south east who are chasing their first property are underestimating the huge costs involved, according to a new report. The latest research from banking firm Aldermore shows the average deposit first-time buyers face in the region (£61,491) is far higher than the average amount they budget for (£37,798). The statistics did not surprise Tunbridge Wells estate agent Mark Sparrow, who is Sales Manager at Wood & Pilcher in High Street. “Becoming a first-time buyer in Tunbridge Wells is not easy,” he said. “They have not done it before, they will not be experts. It is like anything in life. Typically, they will be bright, hardworking and can hold down a job. It is a tough thing to do and they can borrow a lot of money.” Aldermore’s figures also studied the national picture and found that 47 per cent of those who bought a home in 2017 experienced a previous attempted purchase falling through. The statistics also showed it costs more for a deposit in the south east than any other region except London, where the figure is an average £123,398. Mr Sparrow added: “I would say that instead of aiming for a specific amount in general, buyers should be looking to get 5 to 10 per cent of the cost of the property. “It is hard to start out on the property ladder, but if you keep Mark going it will turn Sparrow in your favour.”

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Breweries cheered by success of their beers William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk DEMAND for a quality locally-produced pint has seen a boom in business for beer makers. Despite a 17 per cent fall in UK pubs since 1996, the number of microbreweries in Britain has risen by two-thirds in the past five years, with a similar landscape in Kent. One local brewer spoke of ‘exciting times’ for the industry which, in the county, has developed from 13 breweries in 2012 to at least 40 today. Craig Beeson, Chairman of West Kent CAMRA [Campaign for Real Ale], said: “There has been an increase nationally to a reported 2,000 breweries. “They are going from strength to strength locally, and customers are looking to try new beers with pubs making an effort to provide what is local.”

Bubble Mr Beeson, who is the landlord of The Royal Oak pub in Tunbridge Wells, recently crowned Faversham-based Mad Cat Brewery a winner at the Spa Valley Railway & West Kent CAMRA 2017 Real Ale & Cider Festival. The brewery’s Red Ale was named Beer of Festival 2017 and is an example of a locally-produced beer that has won plaudits. Peter Meaney, Director of Mad Cat, said: “These are exciting and vibrant times. Whether there is a bubble I don’t know, but we all seem to have appreciative customers. “For a while the market favoured commercial

beer and there was a stereotypical older drinker for ale, but now younger customers are looking to explore the variety. “There is a heavy tax on alcohol and pubs have been squeezed. But pubs are now trying to include a selection of local beers as there is a demand.” HOP STAR Mad Cat Director Peter Meaney prepares his crop for brewing

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rail coalition seeks government funding FRANCHISE holder Southeastern has joined a plea by train companies to central government for investment in the railways. Ahead of this month’s Budget, a coalition of rail firms have composed an open letter calling for £50billion investment in southern lines to deliver 5,700 new carriages and 6,400 additional services per week by 2021. Southeastern joined Southern, South Western, Thameslink and Network Rail in leading calls for the funding, which they argue could be key in driving a post-Brexit economy. The Chancellor’s budget speech will be made on Wednesday, November 22.

Staff face uncertainty JOBS are at risk within Lloyds Pharmacy, with the chemist chain’s owners announcing 190 stores will close nationally. Celesio, the group behind the brand, has not confirmed which of the 1,500 UK shops will be shut, or if branches in Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Sevenoaks or Borough Green could be affected. Lloyds Pharmacy employs 17,000 people nationally and offers over the counter medicine and prescription pick-ups. There are 50 branches in Kent.

Manufacturer expands AN ELECTRICAL testing kit manufacturer has opened a new office in Kings Hill to attract eight high-calibre engineers. Megger already employs 230 at its factory in Dover and has plans to double in size every five years.

Local Business News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

from a website,” she said. “And Tunbridge Wells is not immune to this change. “Trading conditions are challenging, but our hospitality and leisure sectors are thriving and our independent sector is strong. “Although the vacancy rate is not comfortable reading, the town’s retail market is notoriously resilient, and using figures from this quarter to make a long-term prediction would not be wise.” RTWT is working with partner agencies and businesses to address and overcome challenges that arise. “We will be studying successful initiatives that have driven footfall in other towns and cities and developing events and initiatives that suit Tunbridge Wells,” she continued.

UNIQUE SELLING POINT The town has a high number of independent shops

Retail experts predict shops won’t stay empty By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE increasing number of empty shops and lack of office space in Tunbridge Wells has been highlighted with new data. Business network organisation Royal Tunbridge Wells Together concluded in their latest quarterly Town Centre Intelligence Report that trading conditions are ‘challenging’. Figures show 78 of the town’s 622 units to be empty. At 12.5 per cent of the total number, the proportion of vacant units is far higher

than the UK average of 9.6 per cent. The rise in the number of empty shops has partly been put down to enforced closures due to the forthcoming redevelopment of the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, but there are significant vacancies elsewhere – including six in Calverley Road and eight in Grosvenor Road. Karen Pengelly, Town Centre Manager for the organisation Royal Tunbridge Wells Together [RTWT], said high streets are all having to face up to the challenge of online shopping. “Where people once researched their purchases in store, they now do so online, with 56 per cent of electronic and computer equipment now ordered

‘We consider retail in Tunbridge Wells to be resilient, and it is a much sought after destination’ One positive find in the report was the high proportion of independent shops, especially within Camden Road, The Pantiles and Vale Road, where they outnumber chain stores. Rupert Farrant, of local chartered surveyors and commercial property agents Durlings, said: “Summer months are usually quieter for retail lettings. We expect to see an upturn in the autumn. “We consider retail in Tunbridge Wells to be resilient, and it is a much sought after destination.” Ms Pengelly added: “We have stores that cannot be found on every high street or in large shopping malls. Independent retailers have always been a unique selling point.” The trend has been continuing with Camden Butchers and kitchen shop Leicht recently opening in Camden Road and the High Street, respectively. However, the allowing of Permitted Development Rights has caused other concerns for the business growth of the town as property continues

BUSINESS

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HOW TO JOIN ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TOGETHER Royal Tunbridge Wells Together connects local businesses in a partnership aimed at strengthening trade in the town. Members have benefits including the ability to connect with businesses through a database; online promotion; training from Tourism South East; and an opportunity to be profiled in the Times. Joining as an associate member for a business costs £250, with registered charities receiving a 50 per cent discount. The group has 45 members and is looking to develop. To join, follow the online instructions at www.tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk to be turned into residential use at the expense of office space. The issue was reported in the Times recently after stockbroker AJ Bell admitted it may consider leaving Tunbridge Wells due to a lack of suitable office space now their Calverley House building is due to be converted for housing. Ms Pengelly said: “Permitted Development Rights allow developers to change the use of commercial premises to residential without planning permission. “It has a serious impact on the CHALLENGES availability Karen Pengelly said of office online shopping has space in the changed habits south east.”

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Community News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

The cards that put a Guide puppies take a bite out of Halloween stamp on Christmas THE Cards for Good Causes [CFGC] charity Christmas card shop has opened again in the United Reformed Church on Mount Ephraim at the entrance to Grosvenor Road. Staffed by local volunteers, the pop-up shop is part of a network of more than 300 temporary shops run by CFGC. This year, it features brand new Christmas designs ­depicting local scenes by Tunbridge Wells artists Chris Burke and Elaine Gill, who were commissioned to do the murals on the town’s railway station earlier this year. CFGC represents 250 national charities, but also supports local causes like Hi Kent, Fegans, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust. It also offers traditional advent calendars, candles, ­wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers. Manager Karen Bryant says: “Buying charity Christmas cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes. “Sales not only generate funds with which the charities can make a real difference, but purchasing and sending them helps raise awareness of the vital work these charities do.” In the past decade, charities have received more than £40million from CFGC, out of which charities can pay for the production and distribution of their cards and any VAT. If you would like to volunteer, visit www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

WINTER PANTILES: A festive design by local artist Elaine Gill

ON HALLOWEEN, the puppy trainees from Guide Dogs Medway and Tunbridge Wells visited the London Eye and experienced the bright lights and loud noises of a capital city filled with scary revellers. Janice McCauley, who ­organised the event on October 31, said: “It was a valuable training exercise and all the pups did very well coping with the sights, sounds and hustle bustle of London.” She explained: “We aim to introduce as many varied experiences as we can during their time at walk with us. “In this way we can make sure they have a sound dog by the time they leave us for further training at the London guide dogs training school, and hopefully become a future life changer.”

TOP DOGS The puppies and their trainers on the London Eye

Foundation hands out £62k to support community causes CHARITIES and voluntary organisations in the Tunbridge Wells area have received £62,651 in the latest round of grants from the Kent Community Foundation [KCF]. The foundation seeks to identify and support smaller grassroots organisations who are bringing direct benefit to local people with a range of different needs. Projects funded in the three months from July to September are: n Imago Community £5,000 (social action delivering diverse services)

n Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees £2,000 n Compaid Trust £5,000 (people with multiple

disabilities) and £4,231 (disability and access issues for the elderly) n Nourish Community Foodbank £4,920 n Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre £10,000 n St George’s Community Children’s Project £2,000 n Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre £2,000 (people with mental health issues) n West Kent Mediation £5,000 (family advice)

n West Kent YMCA £7,500 (for those aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training) n Tunbridge Wells and District Volunteer Bureau T/A Community Car Service £7,000 (disability and access issues for the elderly) n Trinity Theatre & Arts Centre £8,000 (social inclusion for children and young people) The next round of themed programme applications closes on November 30. For further details on how apply to KCF, call 01303 814500 or visit www.kentcf.org.uk

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Local News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

‘We are not anti-theatre or anti-progress – but this plan would be a disaster…’ Plans to spend millions on a new Civic Complex and theatre on land adjoining Calverley Grounds continue to prove controversial. The Times has already published the unedited view of Cllr Tracy Moore, who is leading the borough council’s initiative on the project. This week we hear from one of the main opposition groups – the Tunbridge Wells Alliance. Chairman Robert Chris gives his eight reasons for voting against the proposals THE Tunbridge Wells Alliance is not anti-theatre or anti-progress – but this plan would be a disaster for the borough and an expensive burden for generations to come. Cllr Tracy Moore is undertaking a major propaganda campaign to sell its benefits. Most of these benefits would apply to any new office building and theatre, and could be greatly enhanced by a more intelligent plan than the one being promoted so expensively by the council. Some of the benefits she claims are grossly overstated, for example, the £14million boost to the local economy. Using the formula properly would have produced a benefit about a third of this. And, of course, the propaganda makes no reference to the many negative impacts of this scheme. We offer eight reasons Robert to reject the Civic Chris Complex development.

1. Cuts to services falling unfairly across the borough A project costing £90million, almost all of which will be borrowed, and which produces a projected annual deficit of about £2.5million, will burden the borough for decades. Swingeing cuts in services and new charges will fall unfairly on the poorest, and on those in rural parts of the borough. The project is commercially high risk and likely to cause big financial problems for the council in the future. 2. Half a million visitors to an already congested town centre This plan envisages some half a million visitors a year to an already congested part of town, causing havoc for shoppers and for commuters using the station, competition for parking, and extensive uncosted wear and tear on the town’s infrastructure. 3. Cheaper council offices The council owns land suitable for much cheaper modern

CALVERLEY GROUNDS An artist’s impression of how a new theatre and Civic Complex may look offices. This would save millions of pounds and avoid encroaching on a much loved and used park. Moreover, building a new car park under Calverley Grounds at a cost of almost £15million to replace the larger one behind the Great Hall defies commercial logic. But then, this isn’t the councillors’ money… it’s ours!

4. Alternatives not properly assessed There are at least three alternative plans worthy of consideration. One has been too hastily dismissed; the others haven’t even been considered. The politically-driven decision not to refurbish the existing Civic Complex is a disgrace. Yes, it would be challenging and might require a temporary

Local News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

CIVIC COMPLEX An illustration of the proposed new council offices

performance space elsewhere, but creative architects could design something viable, even exciting, at a fraction of the cost of the current proposal. Additionally, there are two alternative cash-generating rather than cash-consuming schemes for a theatre, and possibly a convention centre and hotel in Dunorlan Park. This would be controversial, but so is the current proposal. Where’s the thinking outside the box? 5. ‘New’ theatre obsolete even before it’s built The council wants a 21st-century theatre to host big West End touring shows. What they’ve designed is a classic 19th-century theatre in 20thcentury clothing that doesn’t have any of the flexibility needed for a major performance space in the coming decades as public tastes and the performing arts change, not least with the advance of technology. This project isn’t progress, it’s deeply rooted in the past. There are also doubts about whether many top shows can use the theatre because of limited access for their large vehicles and the fly tower being too low. 6. Cultural objectives not served This theatre will not deliver the council’s vision for Tunbridge Wells as a regional centre of culture because shows will come and go, leaving nothing in their wake, at best being a good night out. There is no evidence that those who currently see the original shows in London, just an hour away, will want to see the second team productions in Tunbridge Wells. A 1,200 seat theatre is huge, very few theatres in London have more than 1,000 seats. To make the theatre commercially viable, ‘culture’ and its community role will be sacrificed for volume. 7. No democratic mandate This development would reshape the town centre for generations to come, yet no resident has voted for it. The council claim that the so-called silent majority support the project, yet the evidence there is, from two informal referendums, a petition, and support for the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, is that thousands of residents object. If the council is so confident of widespread support, why not hold a formal referendum, or wait until the May elections and put the project top of their candidates’ promises? That way we’d really know what residents across the borough think. 8. Lack of transparency Even if they’ve technically complied with the law, and that’s an open question, the secretive manner in which this project has been devised and nurtured in the shady corridors of the Town Hall is planning by stealth. Huge amounts of information have been withheld from the public on the dubious grounds of commercial sensitivity. Moreover, the failure to advance plans for the existing Civic Complex in parallel with those for the new one

‘Why not hold a formal referendum, or wait until the May elections and put the project top of their candidates’ promises?’ demonstrates an absence of joined-up thinking. This piecemeal approach to redevelopment can only result in a mess. Over £4million has already been spent despite unsolved issues with HGV access through Hoopers’ car park; lengthy and expensive legal battles with Hoopers over access rights; funding issues; commercial viability; traffic congestion, noise and pollution – the list goes on. The council claims that Stage 3 (not published at time of writing) will resolve these concerns, but these reports are only about this proposed scheme and will not address the fundamental issues mentioned here. Given past performance, it seems likely that a great deal of information, and in particular anything negative, will be withheld on the spurious grounds of commercial sensitivity. The council must publish the Stage 3 reports in full and treat the public with respect. The future of the tired Town Hall and Assembly Hall should be an exciting project of communal creativity that capitalises on the extraordinary talent and experience within the borough. Instead, the council has furtively unfolded a proposal that is remarkable only for its extraordinary expense and mediocrity. www.twalliance.com ENTRANCE How Mount Pleasant Avenue may appear

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Local News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

The man who put Tonbridge on the map – Sydney Simmons celebrates 100th birthday By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE legend Sydney Simmons has celebrated his 100th birthday – at one of his many town triumphs, Poult Wood Golf Course. As an engineer and surveyor, Mr Simmons was responsible for the development of large swathes of the town after the Second World War. He also used his skills and knowledge to serve with distinction in various theatres of war. In honour of Mr Simmons reaching the milestone, Poult Wood Golf Club organised a centenary tournament, with more than 80 members taking part on Monday, October 30.

‘The good of the people is the supreme law’ A teak bench inscribed with his name was presented to himby his extended family, to be placed on the course he played at until he was 96. His son John said: “It was a superb day, the club had everything laid on for him. You can only describe it as a banquet, and then there were all the golfers and many members of his extended family there. It was amazing.” Mr Simmons, who was born on October 27, 1917, has lived in the town since 1951, and was the Chief Surveyor for Kent before he retired in 1982. A veteran of D-Day in 1944, when he established

beach heads for the troops, he served throughout the Second World War as a Captain in the Royal Engineers. He was also responsible for the construction of the vitally strategic runway at Gibraltar airport in 1941, and recalls taking a rock kestrel injured in the blasting of the rock faces and nursing it back to health. Mr Smmons served in France, Holland and Germany, and in May 1945 one of his happiest memories was being fêted by the liberated townspeople of Sevenum in Holland, as they brought out their finest food and wine – which had been hidden away for years – and he was serenaded by nightingales. He built his own house in Higham Lane in 1957, and has been married to Joan for 74 years – they have five children, 13 grandchildren and 19 MILESTONE: Sydney Simmons enjoys his 100th birthday party great grandchildren. with his wife Joan, family members and a card from The Queen Working for what was then the Tonbridge Urban District Council, he The development of the Cannon Lane mini byoversaw the expansion of the small market town, pass was one of his passions, ridding the High including the residential expansion of north Ton- Street of the stifling congestion experienced all bridge in the 1950s and ’60s. through the ’60s. This led to the development of The town’s sewage works were built under his the town’s industrial estates. He was also at the stewardship, and he celebrated his wedding anni- forefront of the development of Haysden Lake as a versary by taking his wife Joan to the opening. leisure facility and nature reserve, alongside the Mr Simmons was responsible for naming many town’s other open spaces and the swimming pool. of the roads, agonising for hours over the dinner The restoration of the Norman castle is one of table to ensure local historic names were preserved. engineer and surveyor’s finest legacies, saving the

dilapidated buildings in the mid-1950s. With a dedicated team of stonemasons and workmen, he oversaw the repair works to the walls, towers and mote for over a decade from his office at the castle. In later years, he became Chairman of the Tonbridge Historical Society and was the major authority on the town’s past. He published many articles detailing the restoration works in the Kent Archaeological handbook, and when he retired he spent years transcribing the records of the town wardens from 1500 to recent times. Mr Simmons’s final major achievement was as the founder, President, Chairman and first Captain of Poult Wood Golf Club. His vision drove the development of a public golf course in Tonbridge, and he was instrumental in purchasing 93 acres of land from North Frith Estate for the enjoyment of all, not just the elite. He oversaw the development of the course design and clubhouse with the architect Fred Hawtree. The course was opened in 1974 and he had the honour of hitting the first tee shot. Mr Simmons presented the Captain’s Day prize to an aspiring 12-year-old local schoolboy, Paul Way, who went on to become a Ryder Cup golfer. He was also the longest playing member at Lamberhurst Golf Club, winning many tournaments, including the Kent Veterans Championship in 1984. Ever modest, his hard work, enthusiasm and diligence over 66 years has produced a vast legacy that has benefitted every person who lives or works in Tonbridge. As he was always keen to remind everyone, the town’s motto is ‘The good of the people is the supreme law’.

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National News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Welsh politician dies after allegations about conduct SENIOR politician Carl Sargeant has been found dead just days after being sacked from his Welsh Government role and suspended from the Labour Party over allegations about his personal conduct. The Welsh Assembly member, 49, who was removed from his Cabinet post following allegations from a number of women, is understood to have taken his own life.

Shocking Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the death was ‘terrible and deeply shocking’ while Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, who sacked Mr Sargeant on November 3, said he was ‘shocked and deeply saddened’. Police were called to his home in Connah’s Quay, in Mr Sargeant’s Alyn and Deeside seat, at 11.30am yesterday [Tuesday] following a report that a body had been found there. Mr Sargeant and his wife Bernie have two children. In a statement the family said:

INVESTIGATION Carl Sargeant

“Carl was a much loved husband, father and friend. He wasn’t simply a part of our family. “He was the glue that bound

us together. He was the heart of our family. We loved him so very much. “He was the most kind and caring husband, father, son

and friend. “We are devastated beyond words, and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him. Mr Sargeant was told about the existence of allegations against him by Mr Jones last week but had not been given details about the claims. He described the allegations as ‘shocking and distressing’ and he had hoped for an urgent investigation to give him the chance to clear his name. Mr Jones told ITV News: “My office spoke to the women involved, as a result of those discussions I felt there was no choice other than to refer the matter to my own party for further investigation.” Responding to his former colleague’s death, Mr Jones said: “Carl was a friend as well as a colleague and I am shocked and deeply saddened by his death. “He made a big contribution to Welsh public life and fought tirelessly for those he represented both as a minister and as a local assembly member.”

Dame Julie celebrated with a spot of weeding DAME Julie Walters has said winning Baftas and being nominated for Oscars could not compare to the honour of being made a dame. The 67 year old was named Dame Commander of the British Empire by the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The honour came almost 35 years after her breakout role in Educating Rita, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. GOING GONG “It’s fantastic, it’s Julie Walters not really real,” she

said. “It was slightly nerve-wracking, ‘when do I curtsey?’ But everyone is the same. “It was so numbing. The Queen said ‘It’s so marvellous that you’ve got this, I’m so pleased’ and ‘How long have you been doing acting?’ “I said ‘43 years’ and she said ‘In so many different things, well done.’” She recalled her shock at receiving the notification, saying: “Somebody emailed me to say how did you celebrate? I weeded the garden.”

Award for Jo Cox hero’s widow THE widow of a man who tried to stop the murder of MP Jo Cox has received the George Medal from The Queen on his behalf. Bernard Kenny (pictured) was stabbed as he intervened when Thomas Mair attacked Mrs Cox in Birstall, West Yorkshire in June 2016. The 79-year-old died of cancer in August, two months after he was honoured for his bravery.

His widow Doreen Kenny was presented with the award at Buckingham Palace. Britain’s last surviving Dambuster, Squadron Leader George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson, has been awarded an MBE. Mr Johnson, 95, was part of Royal Air Force 617 Squadron, which conducted a night of raids on German dams in 1943.

National News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

A MAP of the world in the form of a set of gores for a terrestrial globe, made in 1507 by cartographer Martin Waldseemueller, is displayed at Christie’s auction rooms in London. It is the first map to name America, and is expected to be sold for £600,000 to £900,000 when it is auctioned on December 13.

Elsie ‘would still be alive today’ if she stayed with natural family THE birth family of Elsie Scully-Hicks have said she would ‘still be alive today’ if she had not been removed from their care by social services. Matthew Scully-Hicks, 31, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years in prison for murdering Elsie, originally called Shayla, just two weeks after formally adopting her. Scully-Hicks showed no emotion as judge Mrs Justice Nicola Davies described how he had murdered 18-month-old Elsie at his home in Llandaff, Cardiff in May 2016. Cardiff Crown Court heard he struggled to cope, calling Elsie ‘Satan dressed up in a Baby grow’, ‘a psycho’ and ‘the exorcist’ in text messages.

and warm family environment, that was all taken away from me when social services and the family court decided I would not be able to cope.” A decision was made that Elsie would be put up for adoption in May 2015. The statement continued: “We all continue to fight on even though every day we are numb with pain and hurt deep in the knowledge that Shayla was loved unconditionally by us all as a family and knowing that had she not been taken away from us, she would still be alive today.”

Chaotic

LIFE SENTENCE Matthew ScullyHicks will serve at least 18 years

Mrs Justice Davies, when sentencing ­ cully-Hicks, took into account a victim impact S statement – which was not read in court – ­provided by Elsie’s birth family. Elsie’s birth grandmother Sian O’Brien said: “I accept that at the time of giving birth my ­daughter was living a chaotic lifestyle and was not in a position to care for Shayla and she was removed from the hospital five days after birth by social services. “As a family, we continued to have contact with Shayla whilst she was in the care of the foster family,” she said. “In January 2015, I started proceedings in the family court to become the legal guardian for Shayla. “I wanted to bring her up in a happy, healthy

Knockholt death is now murder case POLICE have started a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body on railway tracks at Knockholt station after he is believed to have been chased. Detectives from British Transport Police [BTP] initially thought the incident on Sunday night was not suspicious but said further enquiries have brought new information to light. Officers were called to the station at 00.05am on Monday

following reports from a train driver that a body had been seen on the tracks.

Chased Police believe that shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday, the victim was chased into the station and on to the tracks by another man. A short while later, the other man walked back on to the platform and exited the station.

A BTP spokeswoman said it is not yet clear whether the man was hit by a train or fatally injured by other means. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley, said: “Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, we believe this man to be a 24-year-old from the Croydon area of London. “A post-mortem examination will take place in the coming days. We hope to understand exactly how this man died.”

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BUSINESS

National Business News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Victims lose thousands of pounds to scammers PEOPLE who are conned into transferring money to a fraudster lose more than £3,000 on average, while firms typically lose £21,500, according to figures from trade body UK Finance. It said that in the first six months of 2017, customers collectively sent £101.2million to criminals after being tricked by authorised transfer scams. Financial providers were able to return nearly a quarter of losses, £25.2million. Industry data shows there were 19,370 cases in the first half of 2017. Nearly nine in 10 (88 per cent) cases involved consumers, who lost £3,027 on average. The remainder were businesses, which lost an average of £21,477.

Insurance costs soar INSURER Hiscox has said the industry’s eye-watering bill for the recent devastating hurricanes and string of natural catastrophes is already starting to push up insurance premiums by as much as 50 per cent. The group – a London-listed international specialist insurer – said it was seeing signs of a ‘hardening market’ as insurers are facing claims of around $100billion (£76.1billion) from the hurricanes that hit the US and the Caribbean, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico. In an update on its own claims from the recent disasters, Hiscox said it expects a bill of $225million (£171 million) from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Average UK house price climbs up to new heights ANNUAL house price growth accelerated in October, pushing average property values to a new high, according to an index. Across the UK, the average house price stood at £225,826 in October, surpassing a previous high in September, Halifax said. Property values were up by 4.5 per cent annually in October – marking the third month in a row that the growth rate has accelerated. In September, annual house price growth stood at 4 per cent and in August the annual growth rate was 2.6 per cent.

‘House prices in the three months to October were 2.3 per cent higher than in the previous quarter’ House prices were up by 0.3 per cent month-onmonth in October, following a 0.8 per cent monthly increase in September.Last week saw the Bank of England base rate rise from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent, meaning millions of borrowers on a variable rate mortgage face the possibility of higher mortgage payments. Russell Galley, Managing Director at Halifax Community Bank, said: “The average house price is now £225,826 – exceeding last month’s previous high. “House prices in the three months to October were 2.3 per cent higher than in the previous quarter, the fastest quarterly increase since January.

“The fact that the supply of new homes and existing properties available for sale remains low, combined with historically low mortgage rates and a high employment rate, continues to support house prices and is likely to do so over the coming months. “Increasing pressure on household finances and continuing affordability concerns are some of the factors likely to dampen buyer demand. That said, we do not anticipate the base rate rise will be a barrier to buying a house.” Mark Harris, Chief Executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: “While psychologically the first base rate rise in 10 years may affect people’s decision-making when it comes to moving house, signs are that any further increases will be modest and slow, so unlikely to put the brakes on the market. “With lenders remaining keen to lend, and signs that some are prepared to absorb rate increases into their margins, borrowers should be able to expect competitive rates for some time to come.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

SSE and Npower talk about new UK supplier ENERGY supplier SSE and the owner of Npower are in talks about combining their operations to create a new UK company. The discussions between SSE and Npower’s parent company, Germany’s Innogy, ‘are well-advanced but no final decisions have been taken’. Under the proposals, the combined business would contain SSE’s and Innogy’s household energy supply and services business in Britain. The new entity would be listed and SSE would “demerge its shares to its shareholders”.

Job numbers on rise THOUSANDS more job vacancies are being offered than a year ago despite continued uncertainty over Brexit, according to a new study. A jobs website said there had been a 16 per cent rise over the past year from 126,388 to 146,651. Jobsite said the biggest growth had been in the legal sector, where the number of vacancies has jumped by 60 per cent, with other large increases in logistics, manufacturing, finance and human resources.

World News

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

SPORT IN BRIEF

Another Ashes blow as paceman Finn is injured STEVEN FINN has been ruled out of England’s Ashes tour after scans showed he has torn his left knee cartilage. The pace bowler, 28, who was added to the squad following Ben Stokes’ arrest, was injured in training. He is replaced by Surrey all-rounder Tom Curran, who is uncapped in Tests but has played limited-overs matches for England.

Europe’s not interested in us complains Catalan President SIGN OF THE TIMES Catalan mayors gather to protest in Brussels

Moyes is still ‘hungry’ DAVID MOYES said he has a point to prove after being appointed as West Ham United’s new manager. Moyes, who stood down as manager of the Sunderland job at the end of last season after they were relegated from the Premier League, said: “It’s only been the last job where I feel it wasn’t a good move and I didn’t enjoy the experience. “So I’m hungry to make sure I get things right now.”

Fredericks suspended THE International Olympic Committee has suspended former sprinter Frankie Fredericks. The move comes four days after he was charged in a French investigation of suspected bribery in the 2016 Olympic host city vote. Fredericks, a four-time Olympic sprint medallist from Namibia, was an IOC board member when he accepted a $300,000 (£228,000) payment eight years ago, on the day Rio de Janeiro was picked as 2016 host.

CATALONIA’S ousted president has criticised European politicians for not condemning Spain for prosecuting Catalan officials who attempted to achieve independence for the region. Carles Puigdemont, who wants to lead a pro-independence coalition of political forces in an upcoming regional election, was speaking in an interview in Brussels with Catalan public radio.

Disconnect The separatist leader, who is awaiting an extradition hearing in Belgium, said that there is an ‘absolute disconnect between the interests of the people and the European elites’ and that Catalonia’s problem is an ‘issue of human rights that requires maximum attention’. He is fighting extradition to Spain, where other members of the ousted Catalan cabinet have been

jailed while awaiting the results of a probe for allegedly implementing a strategy to secede from Spain. His next hearing before a Belgian court is on November 17. Eight former cabinet members have been imprisoned, one of them released on bail and five more are in Belgium where they plan to campaign while fighting extradition to Spain. Catalan mayors have joined them in protest. Spanish central authorities are in direct control of the north-eastern region, where an early election on December 21 is shaping into a tight race between separatist and pro-union forces. The civil society group that spearheaded the push for secession called for the region’s separatist political parties to run in a ‘unified pro-independence ticket’. Parties had until midnight last night [November 7] to register interest in forming coalitions. “We don’t have any other alternative but to run all of us together,” Puigdemont tweeted.

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Rebel missile strike was Iran aggression THE crown prince of Saudi Arabia has said a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Shiite rebels was a ‘direct military aggression by the Iranian regime’. The kingdom has ordered the closure of all ports and grounded all humanitarian flights to Yemen. A Saudi-led military coalition, which has been at war with Yemen’s Houthi rebels for more than two years, had tightened an air, land and sea blockade in response to the missile, which was intercepted near Riyadh but marked the rebels’ deepest strike yet into Saudi territory. The kingdom has accused Tehran of supplying the missile fired towards Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday night. Iran, which backs the Houthis but denies arming them, says it had nothing to do with the attack.

Texas church gunman went from aisle to aisle THE gunman who killed 26 people at a small-town Texas church on Sunday [November 5] went from aisle to aisle looking for victims, according to a couple who survived the attack. Rosanne Solis and Joaquin Ramirez were sitting near the entrance to the First Baptist Church on Sunday. Ms Solis said she could see bullets flying into the carpet and fellow worshippers falling down after getting hit by Devin Patrick Kelley. Then the attack seemed to stop, and worshippers thought police had arrived to confront the gunman, but he entered the church ‘shooting hard’. The gunman checked each aisle for more victims, including babies who cried out amid the noise and smoke. The couple survived by huddling close to the ground and playing dead.

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Letters

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Tonbridge isn’t like Sevenoaks

Graffiti is not just vandalism – it can act as a powerful voice I’ve just seen your piece on Mr Skosh [October 25] and thought you might be interested in my garage door he painted two weeks ago in time for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal. It’s a memorial piece dedicated to the Falklands War. I’m sure you’ll recognise the main image, it’s iconic. I asked Mr Skosh to include a poppy field and this is what it came out like. As a veteran myself, I’ve posted it on a few military websites and it’s had over 4,000 likes from among the veterans community. I’m so happy with it. Mark Dalzell Via email

Don’t pick and choose the past Readers of Tracy Moore’s articles could be forgiven for assuming that the council has always been right in its proposals and the objectors wrong. I venture to suggest she has been overlyselective in her choices from history. In the late 1960s, the council stated repeatedly that a fast-flowing, two-lane, one-way inner ring road was vital to the town’s future. Refusing to back down in the face of numerous objections, the council hired a barrister to represent them at the public inquiry but still lost. I wonder if she wishes the council had won? Shortly afterwards, they decided to knock down nearly 400 houses adjacent to Camden Road because they were deemed to be obsolete and in urgent need of redevelopment. Again, there were many objections, a public inquiry and defeat for the council. Most of these houses remain and appear to sell without difficulty. Then a large roundabout was proposed outside King Charles the Martyr Church which would require an acre from the common. A petition was drawn up and a public meeting held by the objectors. There was a council election shortly after this idea was proposed. The ruling party fielded 12 candidates and all 12 were defeated. Any connection? I don’t know. Brian Lippard Tunbridge Wells

Station plan will create chaos for buses John Brandon [November 1] is spot on with his description of the traffic chaos precipitated in Tonbridge by rail replacement buses (principally at weekends) in the wake of double-decking the station car park. It is unlikely to improve if the proposals contained in the county council and local authority consultation document for improvements to Tonbridge Station forecourt

area (which was circulated nearly a year ago) are implemented in 2018. This envisaged, among other things, removing the existing bus stop immediately outside the station and widening the pavement out to the drop-off zone. Buses would be accommodated by a three space provision in the area near the Lidl store. The nub of the matter is that the planning men in suits are seldom (if ever) in Tonbridge to see the so-called fruits of their labour when all the chaos kicks off for local bus operators and passengers alike, not forgetting the inconvenience to other road users. Tony Russell Tonbridge

Say no to investment portfolios Whitehall officials fear that councils who bolster their income by ploughing borrowed millions into office and other developments, are putting their finances at risk. TWBC has invested in a restaurant, apartment blocks and other developments, and is looking to borrow £84million (yes the cost went up for a second time in a week) to build its Civic Complex. There are mounting government concerns that investments could result in a funding crunch for local services, since a crash in property values could plunge stretched balance sheets into crisis. The council will borrow the funds from the Public Works Loan Board at relatively low rates of interest. The board, which is part of the Treasury, does ask authorities to show their investment plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable. But it does not require equity to be put into deals by councils. As a result, spending on commercial property by authorities in 2016 topped £1billion for the first time. Ellen Kent TW Alliance

Regarding Keep River Lawn Green’s idea that Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council should operate a property investment fund like Sevenoaks District Council have done instead of disposing of public land like River Lawn [October 11], publicly available documents show that the Sevenoaks fund began life only after considerable cuts to the number and extent of the services that Sevenoaks provides. They also show that around half, £8.61million, of the capital came from the sale of council assets, presumably including open space and other land in Sevenoaks. Results from the investments are mixed. Of the £18million under management in March 2017, an investment of £1.4million in a Working Men’s Club was entirely non-performing, with the building demolished. Another of £4.5million in 96 High Street was only returning two per cent. It will eventually return more but only after a refurbishment, most likely funded through borrowing. Sevenoaks, with deep pockets, certainly has a long history of innovation. But with a big enough buffer, the pay-off from some of these will cover those that don’t work out. TMBC is unable to act in that way as our property fund will only amount to £4million (enough to provide £150,000 of income per year). And also because we need to prioritise stability to maintain many of our current services. Michael Base Councillor for Aylesford North & Walderslade

The theatre we have works for us Further to my letter in July regarding the proposed new theatre – in which I said it will never make the money back or attract ‘West End’ shows and would be a financial disaster, I have since spoken to a leading promoter of West End and UK touring acts and shows to ask their opinion on the matter. He has totally agreed with me and states that what we already have works for here. In his view, a new theatre costing so much would not make money or even repay the loan. So, from a financial point of view, it’s a lame duck according to Paul Roberts, MD of the promoter Phil McIntyre Entertainments. Richard Bell Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

OFF to that most splendid of entertainment palaces, Trinity Theatre, this coming weekend. Centre stage will be the comedian Gary Delaney [below] – watch out for him this month on the BBC’s Live at the Apollo. It’ll be the fourth time he’s bought a cheap day return to Tunbridge Wells to regale townsfolk with his particular humour: “As a child I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.” Anyway, he certainly knows his local audience. Chatting about Trinity, he told Calverley: “It’s a venue I always look forward to playing. The audience are smart enough to get a subtle joke without being too stuck up to laugh at a rude or silly joke.” Spot on Gary, spot on. TALK about a confusing conversation. Calverley was at one of those networking things last week happily chatting away with this chappie when it all seemed to go off track. Turns out the chap was talking about his experience going along to Bluewater, while Himself was talking about his trip to Bewl Water. One is the biggest shopping centre in our part of the world while the other is the biggest bit of open water. You can imagine the conversation. DRIVING round the ‘nightmare’ the other day, better known as the M25, Himself passed Clacket Lane services near Westerham and was about to pull in for petrol when he spotted what appeared to be the price of £1.33 a litre. Naturally, Calverley kept going and risked coming to a halt on the hard shoulder. That price would surely make that set of pumps the most expensive on the planet. (You’ll be pleased to know he managed to make it to the next garage safely.)

Beware those with short memories Your article analysing the current proposals for boundary changes states that the constituencies have always returned Conservative MPs. It should be noted the Tonbridge constituency elected a Liberal MP, Arthur Paget Hedges, in the 1906 election. D R H Hillary Via email

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

ON THE matter of driving, Calverley couldn’t help but chuckle on hearing about the young woman who was on her way to work the other day when she saw a lad putting his rubbish bin outside his cottage. Trouble was, he was wearing nothing but Wellingtons and cheeky grin. Oh, the joys of driving through our countryside. Chin chin, etc, etc

Education

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

HIGH NOTES Pupils in Year Seven from Sevenoaks and Tonbridge perform Lean On Me

The Annexe is a beacon – and the pupils won’t have to spend their lives on a bus the pupils at the Tonbridge site had come from the area on buses and trains. “In my 20 years as an MP for Sevenoaks this is my proudest moment,” said Sir Michael, with no THE Weald of Kent’s Annexe in Sevenoaks was hint of irony as the storm clouds hung over him. officially opened on Friday by the town’s MP Sir “This has been a very long running campaign. Michael Fallon – even though the school For far too long my constituents have had to travel welcomed its first 120 students on September 8. out of town to go to school.” It was Sir Michael’s first public appearance since He described the long, drawn out process that his his decision to step down as Minister of Defence personal endeavour had involved. “We took action over allegations of sexual harassment. against the schools adjudicator in 2010,” he said. The press packs from Sky News and the Daily “We tried to persuade grammar schools in TonMail were camped outside the gates, not allowed bridge and Tunbridge Wells to put Sevenoaks stuin, and the atmosphere of controversy was dents first [before other out-of-town applicants] strangely appropriate. but we failed.” In 2011 a petition was launched by the Sevenoaks Grammar School Campaign, which accu‘In my 20 years as an MP mulated “thousands of signatures in days. Six for Sevenoaks this is my years and three Education Secretaries on, we’ve got our grammar school education in Sevenoaks.” proudest moment’ He added: “Pupils will spend more time with their families, not on buses and trains. It’s The £22m expansion of the grammar about the promise this building holds out for school has caused heated debate since it the next generation, turning out happy, was first mooted six years ago. confident young people who can play an The building of new grammar schools important part in our society.” was outlawed by Tony Blair’s Labour govThe opening ceremony ernment in 1998 and the idea that the included the planting of Annexe was not technically a new an amelanchier tree, a school has caused a furore. dance performance by The provision of new grammars Georgie Hales, Megan Tarr was a flagship policy of Theresa May and Jemima Helm, poetry after she became Prime Minister but readings of Good Books by the policy was abandoned after her Charlie Edwards and Tula poor showing in this year’s election. (Books Are Door Shaped) by And an early day motion was put to Polly Wild, and a stirring rendiParliament on September 12 accusing tion of Lean On Me by Year the establishment of the Annexe as Seven students. ‘selection by stealth’. Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge On a local level, however, its crea& Malling, described how it was the tion has been greeted with pride and second girls school he had opened, acclaim, and 87 per cent of students after Lashkargar in southern HelHEADTEACHER come from Sevenoaks or its surroundmand, Afghanistan while he was Maureen Johnson ing villages; previously, 40 per cent of serving in the army.

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Transport issues tackled The one hitch with the expansion has been the different timetable followed by Weald of Kent compared to other schools in Sevenoaks, which has meant Annexe students have come out of the school gates to find that the bus home has already departed. Assistant Headteacher David Marchant explained how the school had tried to tackle the problem. “We have worked out a classic British compromise,” he said. “We’ve persuaded the buses to hang around for five minutes, or we’ve let pupils leave lessons five minutes early. We are waiting for a new [bus] timetable to be sorted out.” “I saw the transformation that women’s education can bring,” he said. “This school is exactly like that one. It is a symbol and a beacon.” The theme of enlightenment was picked up by David Bower, the Chair of Governors, who boasted that the sign outside the gates ‘is so big that you can see it from space. So we are not only world famous, but stellar famous too’. The Annexe is more infamous than famous because of the grammar ban. To persuade the Department for Education they were not creating a new selective school, the Sevenoaks students spend one day a fortnight at the Tonbridge site. The school feels very empty with only one year’s intake so far – and a boys’ school adjacent to the Annexe is still deserted with no tenant in prospect. One issue identified early on was the lack of mentors to help the Year Seven students. Maureen Johnson, the Headteacher of Weald of Kent, said: “We were tasked with making the expansion one school so we are indebted to the older students who are here today. Many of them come down here to mentor the younger students.” The new generation of grammar school students in West Kent not only feel the weight of history on their shoulders, but also the encouragement of their peers whispered into their ears.

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Tom Tugendhat

MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. He was elected as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017

Time to remember those who gave so much REMEMBRANCE Sunday is one of the most important moments in our national year. It is a day to honour all those who have given everything to defend our country and our freedoms. It is a day to reflect on the lives and contributions of those men and women from every part of our country who lost their lives during both of our two great national struggles, and in the wars since. Most were just ordinary men and women who chose to do something extraordinary when our country needed it most.

Sculptures They and their families are just like us today, and our town still shares the strength of community and commitment to each other it did back then. One of the best displays of our community coming together to commemorate in more recent times is through artwork. The sculptures representing Women in War made by students from Hillview School for Girls, and the knitted poppy carpet handcrafted by volunteers from the 2520 Tonbridge Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets displayed on the Castle Lawn last week, remind us of the dedication and service of the local community in Tonbridge.

TONBRIDGE GIVES THANKS Assembled dignitaries, groups and members of the public pay their respects to the fallen Not only that, but in Tonbridge Station there is a display of photographs of both local and not-so local residents parading through the High Street on their way to and from the battlefields of the First World War. They are a poignant reminder of the role our town played in the war, not just in the lead-up, but

throughout, when the station was used as only one of a handful to transfer injured troops to hospitals. We should all be proud of our town and the role it played. Both the sculptures and the carpet centred around something we all know as being synonymous with Remembrance Day, the poppy.

It is a symbol that year on year reminds us of the deep national struggle and our enduring duty to serve our community and our country; it created our past, influences our present and shapes our future. I wear my poppy proudly, as a badge of thanks and remembrance, for the family, friends and colleagues who served our nation and for the freedoms they have protected. The image of the poppy will continue to represent our battles because, for many, the struggles have not finished. While I and many came home from recent battles, many of my friends did not. Some that did were injured in body or mind. That is why charities such as the Royal British Legion are so important. They provide support not just for soldiers, but for their families, too. Nearby, the Royal British Legion in Aylesford supports those whose injuries will never heal. Around our county, other important charities such as Combat Stress, Blind Veterans UK and Help for Heroes do so much to help our armed forces that it is only right that we support them, too. Please keep all those who served in our armed forces, both past and present, in your thoughts this weekend. It is with their dedication and selflessness that we continue to live in the world they shaped.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

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Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

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Modern magnificence With orangeries, pool and ponds

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PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

RIDGEWAY, PEMBURY £620,000 To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Jemma Rose 01892 240 625

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f facebook.com/timeslocalnews k twitter.com/timeslocalnews L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

UNDER £250,000 HIGH STREET, TONBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE

£175,000-£182,500 A light, bright, well-presented first floor apartment in the centre of Tonbridge, close the station. The property has a communal entrance, its own entrance hall with doors to all rooms, and an open-plan living

room/kitchen with views over a tributary of the River Medway. There is a fitted kitchen as well as a double bedroom and family bathroom. The outside area includes a communal courtyard to the rear. There is a 125-year lease. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £450,000 DARWIN DRIVE, TONBRIDGE

OFFERS OVER

£385,000 A three bedroom semi-detached house with a garden and plenty of parking. The property includes a sitting room, a family room with sliding doors to the garden and a kitchen/diner with a range of eye

and base level units. The bedrooms are all double glazed and there is a family bathroom. The outside area features a lawn and driveway with off-road parking at the front, rear side access, and a patio and a lawned garden to the rear. CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

PROPERTY

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great properties by price range… UNDER £500,000 COLIN BLYTHE ROAD TONBRIDGE

£450,000 Situated in a popular residential road, this detached bungalow comprises an entrance hall, kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom and is on a level plot with scope to extend into the loft space (subject to the usual permissions), like many of the neighbouring homes. Outside, there is off-road parking, a garage to the rear and a south-facing garden with mature shrubs and plants. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 MILL STREAM PLACE TONBRIDGE

£440,000

A well-resented double-fronted house in a sought-after location. The property has an entrance hall, cloakroom, living room with patio doors to the rear, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. To the first floor there is a master bedroom with en-suite shower, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside, the garden is laid to lawn to the rear with a patio and shed, and there is also a garage. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION

UNDER £800,000

DRY HILL PARK ROAD TONBRIDGE

RIDGEWAY, PEMBURY

£620,000 An extended and updated detached house with flexible living accommodation and neutral tones. The ground floor includes a doubleaspect sitting room which leads, via bifold doors, to a conservatory, which is currently in use as a dining room. The kitchen includes a breakfast bar and doors the garden. There is also a family room and a room with the potential to be a

study, playroom or snug. Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, one of which is the master suite, as well as a family shower room and bathroom. The gardens include a patio and pergola, and there is a timber garden store and garage. CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

GUIDE PRICE

£800,000-£900,000 A four-storey period home in a conservation area. The ground floor includes a hall, a sitting room with French doors to the garden, a kitchen, a dining room and a bathroom. There is also a cellar. Upstairs is another kitchen along with six bedrooms a WC and a shower room. Outside, there is parking and a south-facing garden. CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Somerden Barn

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Stunning Grade II listed attached barn full of character set in just under an acre of gardens AT A GLANCE

SOMERDEN BARN BOUGH BEECH, EDENBRIDGE n Entrance hall n Sitting/dining room with study area n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Shower room n Master suite n Guest bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Landscaped gardens n Summerhouse n Gated driveway n Garaging & outbuildings

GUIDE PRICE

£1,200,000

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Long Croft

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

LONG CROFT COMP LANE, PLATT n Reception hall n Study n Dining hall n Drawing room n Utility room n Sitting/breakfast room n Kitchen n 5 bedrooms n 5 bathrooms n Playroom n Storeroom n Gymnasium n Wine store n Cinema room n Self-contained 1-bedroom annexe n Landscaped gardens and woods n In total about 1.4 acres

GUIDE PRICE

£2,000,000

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

An award-winning contemporary country house with useful annexe

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Fawkeners

PROPERTY

AT A GLANCE

FAWKENERS ELY GRANGE ESTATE FRANT, NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Entrance porch n Entrance hall n Reception hall n Sitting room n Drawing room with orangery n Dining room with servery n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room with orangery n 2nd kitchen n Utility room n Shower room n 2 cloakrooms n Boot room n Pool plant room n Storeroom n Wine cellar with 2 storerooms n Master bedroom suite with balcony n 4 further en-suite bedrooms (2 opening to balcony) n Guest/au pair suite with bedroom, bath/shower room, sitting room and kitchen n Cinema room n Bedroom/games room n Attic hobbies room n Roof terrace n Detached triple-garage block with gym above n Integral triple garage n Long driveway approach n Landscaped gardens n Meadow area n Orchard n 2 ponds n Swimming pool n About 8.99 acres in total

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ3,250,000

Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Striking seven-bedroom home within a prestigious village estate

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FEATURES

Advertising Feature

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

A taste that is fizzing with joy The magnificent Squerryes Estate has been producing vintage sparkling wine that reflects their hundreds of years of spirit and heritage. Charlie Bond, takes a trip to discover why they’re in the business of creating joy…

L

OCATED just a half-hour drive from Tunbridge Wells, and overlooking the stunning North Downs, lies Squerryes – English wine producers who have been in the business of creating joy for almost 300 years, and now they’re bottling it. We’ve been invited to spend the day finding out more about the family-owned business and, of course, sampling their awardwinning sparkling wines. So we head off to the estate, just outside Westerham, for a day of joy. Set in 2,500 acres comprising formal gardens, woodland, vineyards and farm land, it would take a good while to walk the whole estate. Thankfully, for those looking to explore there’s the option of jumping in one of the Squerryes Land Rovers, where you’ll be driven to different areas, including the vineyard and the family home. Our first stop is Squerryes Court

– the beating heart of the estate, and owned by the Warde family since 1731. The current occupants, Henry Warde and his family, are the eighth generation to reside in the property and call Squerryes home. Overlooking stunning countryside, and with beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding the house, it’s easy to see why this place is so joyful for the Wardes and everyone else who visits. Throughout the year, members of Squerryes are invited to exclusive events hosted by the family where they, too, can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, accompanied by a glass of something sparkling. Above the front door of the magnificent house are inscribed the words ‘Licet Esse Beatis’ – Latin for ‘It is permitted to be joyful’, and this family motto is one they have adopted as their ethos, with the idea to bring joy to every element of the Squerryes estate.

SQUERRYES COURT A Grade I listed William and Mary house

Advertising Feature

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Jumping back in the Land Rover, we head to the Pilgrim’s Way vineyard. The 35 acres were planted in 2006 and comprise traditional Champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The harvest is in full swing when we visit, so we’re able to get a fascinating insight into the grape-picking process and watch as the fruit makes its way into crates, ready for the next part of its journey. Squerryes benefits from a unique terroir – with

‘There’s also the option to add a charcuterie board to the tasting, and true to form, everything is British and as local as possible ’

the vineyard 400-450 feet above sea level (the highest vineyard in the south) and chalk soil with flint running through, the grapes here thrive. Due to the altitude, hard frosts are rare, which means where other vineyards may lose crops over cold winters, these vines tend to be hardier. From the grapes grown here, Squerryes produces, on average, 20,000 bottles of wine a year, all made using the traditional Champagne method. The wines are all vintage rather than blended, and spend several years on the lees (where the yeast fermentation happens) before they’re disgorged. Our spell learning about the vines is up, and it’s time to try some of the produce made here. The state-of-the-art tasting room only opened earlier this year, and visually it’s stunning – each wall represents a different element of the estate, from the one replicating the terroir to the wall reflecting its spirit. The room is both cosy and contemporary, and with an outdoor terrace overlooking the vines, in the summer this would be a wonderful place to sit and sip a wine. Speaking of which, we’re presented with a flight of Squerryes wines to try – this forms the tutored tasting element of the experience, and is available to visitors for £18. For this, they’ll be able to enjoy three sparkling wines from the range. There’s also the option to add a charcuterie board to the tasting and, true to form, everything is British and as local as possible – there are Kentish cheeses, meats from London and Cornwall, and the bread is baked just down the road in Tonbridge. The first wine to try is the Rosé 2014, which is a subtle pink with a fine mousse, and is made from 50% Pinot Noir grapes and 50% Pinot Meunier. This is lovely and crisp, but with strawberries and raspberries on the palette giving a fruity finish. Next up is the Brut 2013, comprising 40% Chardonnay and 60% red grapes. On the palette the grape varietals come through and you almost get the flavour of lemon meringue pie with a fruit

FEATURES

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DELICIOUS DECOR Squerryes’ tasting room coulis. This wine also has a long, crisp finish. Last, but certainly not least, is the Brut 2011. This has spent 50 months on the lees and contains 45% Chardonnay. Due to the Indian summer of

2011, the Chardonnay grapes thrived, and the wine even held the National Trophy for Best English Sparkling Wine in Tom Stevenson’s ‘Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships’ from 2016 to 2017. This is a truly delicious wine; toast on the nose, and a creamy, marzipan-like finish with a hint of sweetness. The tasting room is open on Friday and Saturday afternoons between midday and 6.30pm, so it’s a great place to visit to either complete your Squerryes experience, or just to pop in before heading out for weekend celebrations. Wine consumed and charcuterie eaten, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s visit the shop to pick up a few bottles so that the weekend joy can really begin… This article originally appeared in our sister publication, SO magazine’s November issue.

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

MasterChef winner Tim Anderson says it’s easy for us to cook Japanese food at home GAINING THE KNOW-HOW Tim spent a lot of time studying food in Japan

With his new cookbook JapanEasy, the Nanban chef is on a mission to prove how simple Japanese cooking is. Kate Whiting joins him for a masterclass

T

HE first time he tried sushi, American chef Tim Anderson, who runs Japanese soul food restaurant Nanban in London’s Brixton, wasn’t keen. “Sushi is the first Japanese food everybody tries and I’ve never understood why,” he says when we meet in Nanban’s kitchen, where he’s set to teach me some basics. “I really didn’t like the nori [seaweed] – the flavour or texture – it was an acquired taste. But I was really into soul food – tempura, fried rice. I loved noodles from the beginning, and the thing that blew my mind when I first tried it was tonkatsu [breaded pork cutlet] ramen.” Sushi is not on the menu at Nanban – it’s all about the ramen and soul food – but there are recipes for spicy tuna rolls and salmon avocado rolls in Tim’s new book, JapanEasy, in which he dispels the myth that Japanese cooking is complicated, or requires a larder full of special ingredients. “I’m really proud of my first book, Nanban,” says the 2011 MasterChef winner, “but it was never going to be a huge bestseller because the recipes were so obscure and difficult, whereas this book was really fun to write, and I think it’s going to do a better job of actually getting people to cook Japanese food.” We’re chatting while Tim prepares nasu dengaku – miso-glazed aubergines. This involves cutting a crosshatch pattern in the flesh of a halved aubergine, which is then deep-fried, slathered with sweet miso sauce and popped under the grill. It takes minutes to prepare and

cook and tastes sweet and salty and delicious. “It’s a really simple thing – and it goes with all types of food,” he says, as we scoop up the gooey lumps with chopsticks. “Like, if you’re having lamb chops, there’s no reason you can’t have that as your side.” Brits have two preconceptions that stop them from cooking Japanese food, Tim believes. “One is they don’t think they can get the ingredients, which isn’t true. You’re not going to go to a Tesco Metro and find everything you need, but a big Tesco will absolutely have all the

ingredients you need to cook the vast majority of Japanese food, and you can get everything online. “There are a lot of Japanese dishes that don’t require specialist ingredients, except for soya sauce. I made a point to not include recipes [in the book] that require obscure ingredients, especially fresh stuff, because it’s not fair to make people substitute stuff, and you won’t get the right flavour. “Also, I think people think you have to make a beautiful Japanese meal, but really Japanese home cooking is just as humble and unpretentious as any other home cooking. A lot of it is one-pot or one-bowl food, like rice bowls. You don’t have to have a huge spread.”

‘If you go from place to place in Japan, even the train station will have the best produce’

EGGS AND BACON JAPANESE-STYLE Tim’s recipe for ramen with scallops, bacon and egg

Tim grew up in Wisconsin, where ‘we don’t have a lot of Japanese food’. It was watching one of the first televised cooking competition shows, Iron Chef (which was dubbed into English and became a cult hit in America), when he was 13 that got him into Japanese food – and he moved to LA to study Japanese history, winning a research grant to study food museums in Japan when he was 20. After graduating, Tim taught English in Japan for two years, soaking up the food culture, before moving to England in 2008, marrying his British wife Laura, and finally opening Nanban, after a hunt for the perfect location, in 2015.

Food & Drink

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Say ¡Salud! to sherry It’s currently National Sherry Week so, to celebrate, Times’ wine columnist James Viner cherry-picks his top tipples… SOUL FOOD Tim’s tempura “When I moved here straight from Japan, I was really disappointed by the British food culture. If you go from place to place in Japan, even the train station will have the best produce, different liquors and sweets, but in Britain you have to go out of your way to find good local food. There’s not the same sense of identity with it as they have in Japan, where food is front and centre and so important to people.” At 26, Tim became the youngest ever winner of MasterChef, wowing the judges in the final with his Kyushu-style pork ramen with truffled lobster and gyoza. His gyoza are just as tasty today, I can attest, after watching him carefully ‘crimp’ circles of pre-prepared pastry around dollops of minced pork and fry them until their bottoms are crisp. He makes it look so easy, I might just be convinced to make them myself at home. JapanEasy: Classic & Modern Japanese Recipes To Cook At Home by Tim Anderson, photography by Laura Edwards, is published by Hardie Grant, priced £20. Available now

MADE from Palomino grapes on the plains around Jerez in southern Spain, sherry is not just one of the most underrated and misunderstood wines in the world, its low acidity also makes it the perfect partner for many foods. Now in its fourth year, International Sherry Week helps to celebrate the many benefits of this fortified drink, uniting millions of sherry-lovers in myriad events in more than 25 countries. So, if you’re not already enjoying it as a drink, here are three tasty bottles you’ll soon fall in love with. Serve in white wine glasses…

Fine Bone China Sherry with a Salty Tang (dry)

Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla NV (15%, £7.99-£10.99, Majestic, Waitrose & Virgin Wines, 75cl) This sublimely light, ultra-delicate and piquantly uplifting bone-dry sherry is made in the very humid and cooler seaside conditions

of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It makes an outstanding aperitif and is spot-on for gambas al ajillo [prawns with garlic], boquerones en vinagre [vinaigrette white anchovies], brandade of cod, fritto misto or bouillabaisse. Notes of green apples, almonds, iodine and chamomile abound. It’s also just the ticket for such salty morsels such as Manzanilla olives, anchovies, sashimi, shellfish, fish and chips, salted cashews and Marcona almonds. A total giveaway, too – you must hunt this budget benchmark fino manzanilla down! Once opened, store it in the fridge and consume within three days.

Pedigree BarrelFermented Fino (dry)

Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry NV (15%, £14.50£15.95, Rude Wines & Lea & Sandeman, 75cl) This is one of the most highly considered finos on the market. and is made from grapes grown

on the water-retentive, milky-white albariza [chalk] soil at one of Jerez’s most famous historic vineyards, [Pago] Macharnudo Alto. It’s pale, tangy, bready and pungent, with beguiling flavours of, sea salt, fresh-baked sourdough, green apple and toasty yeast. Stock up for a mouthwateringly delicious aperitif that’s also an especially great match for gazpacho, jamón ibérica de Bellota, tandoori, smoked salmon, sushi, fish curry and young Manchego cheese. It’s also a winner in Martini-style cocktails, such as the Coronation or Tuxedo. Best kept and served like a white wine.

The Ultimate Mouth-Coating Dessert Sherry (sweet)

Osborne Pedro Ximénez Venerable VORS, 30-Year-Old NV (17%, £22, The Wine Society, 50cl) This extraordinarily intense, velvety and complex wine has been aged for an average of 30 years in El Puerto de Santa María. Made from sundried, raisined PX grapes from Montilla-Moriles, it’s remarkable stuff: Dark mahogany in colour and gloriously sweet, with complex notes of raisins, treacle, Christmas cake, liquorice, candied figs, molasses, roasted nuts, dark toffee and caramel. Once tasted, never forgotten. The ideal match for

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HOW TO SERVE SHERRIES

Very lightly fortified Manzanilla and fino should be served almost ice-cold (a tad warmer than Champagne). Nutty amontillado should also be served chilled. The darkest, most complex sherries – Olorosos, Palo Cortado, Cream, and Pedro Ximénez – taste best served lightly chilled. Ice cubes can also be harnessed: In Andalucía, one of the most energising and pervasive cocktails is cream sherry served over ice with a spiral of orange.

Roquefort, Gorgonzola, chocolate desserts, mince pies, Christmas pudding, Brazil nuts, pecan pie and (drizzled over) vanilla/caramel ice cream. Or sip it solo for a dessert – perfect for your own fiesta this International Sherry Week. Released in limited lots in order not to reduce the age and depth of its solera [ageing process], this stunning sherry is a steal for out and out value. A sherry for fireside contemplation. An open bottle will stay fresh for months. Serve lightly chilled. Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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FEATURES

Travel

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Ten ways to tour Singapore without breaking the bank A new low-cost flight route now makes Singapore an affordable city-state break. Nilima Marshall reveals how to see the sights and save the pennies

SINGAPORE IS THE BUSINESS The skyline of the city’s wealth-creating district

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S ASIA’S busiest stopover hub, Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but it is possible for those travelling on a budget to enjoy what this vibrant, steamy metropolis has to offer – especially now low-cost flights are operating from the UK. With fares starting from £179 each way, Norwegian’s new route from London Gatwick is set to make trips to this city-state more affordable than ever. Here are a few exciting ways to experience the city like a local without breaking the bank…

WALK ON WATER On the Floating Bridge

3. Sample the street food scene

Eating out is a national pastime in Singapore, with some of the best value meals to be found at hawker centres [food courts] dotted around the city. There are more than 100 to choose from, housing close to 6,000 food stalls, and for as little as SGD$5 (£3), you can sample an eclectic mix of Malay, Indonesian, Korean, Indian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes. Diners can enjoy an open-air experience in the evening at Lau Pa Sat, where tables are set up on streets closed off to traffic, while Makansutra Gluttons Bay serves up stunning night-time views of the city, alongside a helping of satay sticks, chilli crab and laksa. www.laupasat.biz and www.makansutra.com

1. See what nature has to offer

Don’t be fooled by the concrete jungle of skyscrapers – Singapore has an abundance of lush green areas. Founded at its present site in 1859, the UNESCOlisted Singapore Botanic Gardens is a free-to-visit green sanctuary which is home to more than 10,000 flora species. For an additional SGD$5 (£3), you can tour the Orchid Garden and see the flowers named after famous people, including Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher. TIP: If you want to beat the crowds (and heat) go at the beginning or end of the day – the gardens are open 5am-midnight daily. Visit www.sbg.org.sg

2. Head over to the Tiger Balm Garden

If wacky floats your boat, the Tiger Balm Garden, also known as Haw Par Villa, is a must-see. The garden boasts more than 1,000 statues and 150 scenic dioramas presenting morality tales and scenes from Chinese mythology – the most famous one being the surprisingly graphic Ten Courts Of Hell, depicting the punishments that sinners endure. There are only three of these hellish gardens in the world, so it’s worth making the effort to this oddball theme park on a hill in Pasir Pajang.

Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from 9am-5pm

4. Tuck into the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal

‘A walk across the Floating Bridge at Siloso Beach offers uninterrupted, picturesque views of the South China sea’

Aside from the scrumptious street fare, the city also offers the world’s cheapest Michelinstarred meal. Located in Chinatown Complex on 335 Smith Street, the Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle was once a humble hawker

SPECTACULAR STATUE The Merlion fountain – an intriguing mix of a mermaid and a lion

stall, but after being awarded a Michelin star in 2016, it has become the go-to place for Chan Hon Meng’s world-famous chicken rice dish – which costs a mere SGD$3.80 (£2.20). The establishment is said to be popular among celebrities, and David Beckham apparently turned up for a feed last year.

5. Grab some bargains

Those wanting to splurge without reaching deep into their pockets can head over to SCAPE Marketplace just off Orchard Street. It’s open on Friday, the weekend, and public holidays from noon to 10pm, and sells clothes, accessories and soft furnishings. For SGD$50 (£27), you can come home with a chunky necklace, a pair of flat shoes and a canvas tote bag with change to spare. A 20-minute ride away, fashionistas will feel right at home on Bugis Street, surrounded by the latest trends, while Haji Lane is dotted with

Travel

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Kopi gu you [coffee with butter], toast and soft boiled eggs costs around SGD$4 (£2.20).

9. Spend a day on Sentosa Island

A 20-minute car journey from the city centre, Sentosa island is home to several entertainment complexes and beaches. Despite the number of swanky bars, there are still plenty of things to do that are affordable. A walk across the Floating Bridge at Siloso Beach offers uninterrupted, picturesque views of the South China sea – perfect for envy-inducing Instagram posts. And at 11 storeys high, the Fort Siloso Skywalk trail is a scenic trek among the treetops to a 19-century fort. All are free to visit. LITTLE INDIA A taste of the subcontinent independent stores where shoppers can find a treasure trove of knick-knacks. www.scape.sg/marketplace

6. Explore Singapore’s ethnically diverse areas

Singapore is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Asia. Little India is a microcosm of the big subcontinent that’s 2,000 miles away, with colourful buildings, exotic sounds and intriguing spicy smells. Kampong Glam is a trendy enclave offering a taste of Malaysia, while the vibrant Chinatown is a great place to soak up the melting pot of Peranakan culture, where Indonesia, China and Malaysia meet.

7. Check out downtown Singapore on a bumboat

Bumboats [small water taxis] are a great way to see the city and its stunning architecture.

10. Gaze at the Gardens By The Bay light show As well as enjoying the dramatic evening light show at Marina Bay, the boat ride is great for other picturesque sights – including the famous Merlion statue (a mythical creature with the head of a lion and body of a fish), the unique lotusshaped ArtScience Museum and the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of the port-city of Singapore. A one-stop trip costs SGD$3 (£1.50), while 40-minute river tours are priced at SGD$25 (£14) per passenger. Tickets can be purchased from the jetty kiosks.

Save the best for last and head over to the Gardens By The Bay), a nature park built on reclaimed land, for a dazzling light show at the Supertree Grove vertical gardens.

8. Have a traditional breakfast at a kopitiam [coffee shop]

Head off the beaten track at Heap Seng Leong kopitiam, a quaint coffee shop at Block 10 North Bridge Road, serving a traditional breakfast of kopi [Singaporean coffee] and toasted sweet sandwiches filled with butter and locally-made Kaya jam.

SHOP FOR THE UNUSUAL Among the array of independents in Haji Lane

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HOW TO GET THERE  Norwegian flies the world’s longest low-cost route to Singapore from London Gatwick four times a week in the brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Fares cost from £179.90 one way and £699.90 in Premium. Call 0330 828 0854 or visit www.norwegian.com/uk  Rooms at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore start from SGD$190 (£105). www.hoteljen.com

The towering man-made tree sculptures, which harvest solar energy to generate their own light, are a sight to behold as they illuminate every evening at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. The 15-minute displays are free to watch, but for those in the mood to splurge a little, the OCBC Skyway lets you get an up-close look at the technical marvels of the giant futuristic trees for just SGD$8 (£4.50). www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Porsche has just launched its new third-generation Cayenne SUV. Here, Jack Evans heads to the island of Crete to put it to the test

TEST DRIVE:

Porsche Cayenne S

WHAT IS IT? Since the first Porsche Cayenne was unveiled in 2002, more than 770,000 units have been sold worldwide – making it the brand’s most popular car. Now there’s a new third-generation model, bringing with it better technology levels as well as elevated performance. There are three models available from launch – Cayenne, S and Turbo – all offering a certain degree of sports-carlike performance transplanted to an SUV.

WHAT’S NEW? Quite a lot has changed in the new Cayenne over the previous-generation car. It’s lighter, for one, with weight stripped back thanks to an extensive use of aluminium throughout the body. All the engines are downsized, too, but up on power – a benefit of turbocharging. A new eight-speed gearbox has been fitted to provide seamless shifts, and rear-axle steering is now available (a first for the range) which comes alongside Porsche’s new Surface Coated Brake, offering better stopping performance. Inside, the Cayenne benefits from Porsche’s latest infotainment system, similar to that found in the Panamera.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? As mentioned, three powertrains are available, and we tested the middlepowered S. This uses a bi-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 434bhp and an impressive 550bhp. Sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed gearbox, it allows the Cayenne S to hit 60mph in just 4.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono pack fitted (4.9 without) – a

second quicker than the car it replaces. All Cayenne models feature Active Porsche Traction Management, which uses an electronically and mapcontrolled clutch to distribute torque between the wheels. This means it can actively decide how much force to send to the front and rear axles to generate the most amount of grip possible. Our test car also featured four-wheel steering, which effectively shortens the wheelbase to make low-speed manoeuvres a little easier. In addition, it came with air suspension and Porsche’s latest Dynamic Chassis Control, which uses an electromechanical roll stabilisation system to effectively control the chassis. In practice, it’s hugely effective – and means the ride remains comfortable and supple when you need it to be, or taut when you’re driving a little quicker. It must be mentioned that both of these features are optional extras.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The first thing you notice when driving the new Cayenne is simply how well disguised the car’s weight is. Despite being longer than the car it replaces, it’s actually 65 kilograms lighter – and that makes a huge difference, particularly when cornering the car’s lower bulk which, combined with the chassis control and stabilisation systems, means you get very little roll, and the entire vehicle feels planted throughout the bend. The eight-speed automatic is happy to be left to its own devices, but is accurate when you want to shift manually via the steering-wheel-mounted paddles –

particularly in Sport and Sport Plus driving modes. The engine is something of a triumph, too. Though smaller in capacity than the unit it replaces, it’s no less potent, packing 17 extra horses. It revs freely and never feels lethargic despite the car’s heft, but will happily settle down to a cruise. It even makes a pleasingly mechanical noise. Our test car was fitted with upgraded ceramic brakes, which provide a huge amount of stopping performance. In truth, they seem a touch over the top for the likes of the Cayenne S – we tested another Cayenne using the standard brake and this provides more than enough braking power for the middle-range S model – though the new Surface Coated Brakes are also excellent if you’re after just an upgrade. The steering, predictably from a Porsche car, is superbly set up. There’s plenty of weight to it, and it remains accurate at both low and high speeds. This means that, despite the Cayenne’s sheer size, you can place it on the road precisely where you want.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? Still very much recognisable as a Cayenne, Porsche’s latest SUV is arguably the most handsome incarnation yet – in our eyes at least. The front end is dominated by the larger air intakes, with both the

A FINE STEER It rides like a car half its size

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Porsche Cayenne S ENGINE: 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo POWER: 434bhp TORQUE: 550Nm MAX SPEED: 164mph 0-60MPH: 4.9 seconds MPG (COMBINED): 30 EMISSIONS: 229g/km PRICE: £68,330

Cayenne and Cayenne S models getting silvercoloured slats. New three-module LED lights give the Cayenne a more imposing look at night, while the integrated light strip at the rear is a styling trait we’ve already seen on the Panamera – and it looks just as good here.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The interior is a great place to be and worlds apart from the button-heavy cabin found in the previous-generation car. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen gives access to media and navigation functions, and is clear to use as well as being impressively responsive. Apple CarPlay is now included as standard to give seamless integration between your smartphone and the car’s system, too. The new touchscreenstyle buttons surrounding the gearshift work smoothly, though the operations you use frequently remain analogue – you still change the stereo’s volume via a roller switch, for instance. It’s also been made more practical than the previous model, with 100 litres of extra space to play with, totalling an impressive 770 litres with the seats up, rising to 1,710 litres with them lowered. Despite this extra load area, there’s still a decent amount of head and legroom in the back. Everything is well put together, with soft leather used higher up the cabin and solid rubber-effect plastic used lower down.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The Cayenne S comes in at £68,330, which is certainly not a small amount of money. However, it justifies this price tag with a distinct sense of quality, as well as a decent amount of standard material. Front and rear parking sensors come included in the base price, as do cruise control and LED headlights. Of course, you also get the large infotainment system included as standard, which completely transforms the cabin. Being a Porsche, you could go quite overboard with the options list and quickly ramp up the price, but even as standard you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

‘Porsche’s latest SUV is arguably the most handsome incarnation yet – in our eyes at least’

VERDICT The new Cayenne needed to be pretty well sorted to live up to the reputation set by its predecessor and, thankfully, it is. Porsche always thought of the Cayenne as a ‘sporty’ SUV, and that’s certainly the case with this latest model. It rides and handles like a car half its size, while offering plenty of space and practicality. Given these first impressions, we predict that the new car will sell just as well as the old one.

Puzzles

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU 5

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

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

D O C T O R S O N A I R

U MM Y E N I O J OM P U T E I C R C H E S T R L S U F F I X F R Z W L E A N A L I B F N G I E F E H T L I T C H I E

R A D I A T I N G

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Sudoku:

2 9 5 7 6 1 3 4 8

3 4 8 2 5 9 6 7 1

7 1 6 8 4 3 9 2 5

8 3 9 5 1 2 4 6 7

1 6 7 4 9 8 5 3 2

4 5 2 6 3 7 1 8 9

5 2 3 1 7 6 8 9 4

6 8 7 5 9 4 3 1 2

2 3 4 9 8 5 7 6 1

9 8 4 3 2 5 7 1 6

6 7 1 9 8 4 2 5 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

7 6 5 1 3 2 9 4 8

8 4 9 2 7 1 5 3 6

1 2 3 8 4 7 6 5 9

4 7 2 6 5 9 1 8 3

9 5 8 3 1 6 2 7 4

5 1 6 4 2 3 8 9 7

3 9 1 7 6 8 4 2 5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★I

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★III

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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53

Books

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

FEATURES

55

TIMES REVIEWS

Book some time off…

BESTSELLER LISTS

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few varied suggestions for your reading…

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HARDBACKS 1. The Book Of Dust: Volume One – La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman

NON-FICTION

Mother Land by Paul Theroux

Hardback by Hamish Hamilton priced £20 (eBook £9.99) This book is essentially a 500-page rant that could be summarised in a single sentence: “I came from a large, nasty, bitchy family – and my mother was the worst of us.” It ought to come out as a confused mix of idle selfindulgence, yet it is, by turns, hilarious, infuriating, poignant and endlessly enthralling. Jay Justus, the narrator, is a fading writer living out his last good years in the shadow of his ageing and yet indestructible mother, and in close and toxic proximity to his six siblings. Even in advanced middle age, the seven spend much of their time finding new ways to spite, denigrate and upstage each other. ‘Mother’ – as she is always called – is the cynical charmer of this viper’s nest, forever playing favourites, dividing and conquering, and dispensing favours and punishments on a callous whim. One daughter is secretly bequeathed the family house, one son gets a piece of land, while the self-pitying narrator gets nothing; Mother won’t even read his novels. Meanwhile, Floyd, the poet brother, writes a bitterly personal attack on Jay in the form of a book review, and Fred, the lawyer brother, accuses Mother’s nurse (and Jay’s girlfriend) of trying to steal Mother’s things and edge her way into the Will. “We were most loyal to Mother when we were being disloyal to each other,” Jay tells us. “Mother feasted on failure.” Dad dies, Mother eventually enters a home, and the siblings must confront the indignities of ageing in their different ways, too. What drives you on is the question: How much nastier will they get?

9/10

2. Origin by Dan Brown

A Short History Of Drunkenness by Mark Forsyth

Hardback by Viking, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.49) “Human ingenuity can always navigate the labyrinth of religion, so long as it is whipped onward by thirst,” so claims Mark Forsyth, the bestselling author of The Etymologicon (try saying that after drinking a horn of Viking mead) in a memorable chapter detailing the Middle East’s historically difficult relationship with alcohol. In fact, as Forsyth skilfully reveals, ever since apes descended from the trees and discovered the intoxication brought by fermented rotten fruit, man has been tied to, and is regularly torn apart by, the demon drink. The verbose Forsyth uses charm and wit to breathe life into the booze-soaked sexual rites of the Ancient Egyptians, the sozzled symposiums that inspired great thinkers like Socrates and, more recently, the rampant rise of saloon culture in the Wild West that was eventually crushed by Prohibition. Lesser-known historical figures like the Mughal emperor Babur and Australia’s Rum Rebellion leader George Johnston are drawn in living colour, while Forsyth dispels some of the myths surrounding medieval merry-making, and even Jesus’s position on water versus wine. A book best enjoyed in small satisfying sips rather than downed in one, given the strength of the tales and their sobering lessons.

4. Tom Gates: Epic Adventure (kind of) by Liz Pichon 5. What Does This Button Do? by Bruce Dickinson 6. Guinness World Records 2018 by Guinness World Records 7. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green 8. The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater 9. What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton 10. Ask An Astronaut: My Guide To Life in Space by Tim Peake (Compiled by Waterstones) PAPERBACKS

8/10 (Review by James Cann)

(Review by Dan Brotzel)

1. The Crow Girl by Erik Axl Sund 2. Amelia Fang And The Barbaric Ball by Laura Ellen Anderson 3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 4. The Sun And Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur 5. Autumn by Ali Smith 6. Need You Dead by Peter James

The Rules Of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Hardback by Simon and Schuster, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99) Alice Hoffman’s novel Practical Magic was released in 1995 and was a huge success, spawning the Hollywood film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sisters Gillian and Sally, telling of their complicated relationship with magic and strong sibling bond. The past was harked back to, but never really fully explained. The Owens are magical stock, and their family’s history goes back 200 years, encompassing witchcraft, feuds and rejection. The legend being that they are cursed to never find romantic love. And if they do, a horrific end finds those they have affection for. In The Rules Of Magic, Hoffman explores the awakening to the craft of Aunt Frances and Aunt Bridget (known here as Jet) in the 1960s. Franny and Jet, along with their brother Vincent, stay with their Aunt Isabelle. Each of their gifts grow, but can they use them to break the family curse? The Rules Of Magic is a gentle tale, perfect as the nights draw in, and can still be read as a stand-alone story.

8/10

3. 5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver

(Review by Rachel Howdle)

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Impossible Inventions: Ideas That Shouldn’t Work by Malgorzata Mycielska, Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski Hardback by Gecko Press, priced £14.99

6/10 (Review by Ella Walker)

The White Book by Han Kang

Hardback by Portobello Books, priced £10 (ebook £6.80) The White Book is South Korean writer Han Kang’s third book to be translated into English. It carries a huge weight of expectation after Kang won last year’s Booker Prize with The Vegetarian. The White Book – already being touted as a ‘masterpiece’ – is experimental to say the least. It is said to be the most autobiographical of Kang’s books, written when she was on a writer’s retreat in Warsaw. Instead of any kind of coherent narrative, characterisation or plot, it is a meditation on the colour white. With only a few sentences on every second page (sometimes as few as two), the

5/10

From the minds that brought us Maps – that huge, coffee table-friendly illustrated book of the world, suitable for inquisitive children and interested adults – comes this collection of bizarre ideas and patented inventions that often look and sound silly, but contain kernels of brilliance and foresight. Discover all about Reuben Jasper Spalding’s 1889 bird man suit, Karolina Sobecka’s personal cloud maker and Hugo Gernsback’s concentration helmet. Instead of being A3-sized like Maps, Impossible Inventions is half-sized, and the layout suffers as a result. The comic strip-style invention explanations don’t have quite enough room to breathe (and they’ve overdone it on the speech bubble front), while the text is crammed in and not always easy to follow. However, the illustrations are witty and well crafted, with a beach scene that recalls a slightly more sophisticated Where’s Wally? Smart and fascinating, although not fantastically well-executed.

unknown narrator explores objects and things that relate to the colour, while also sporadically reflecting on her older sister, who died a few hours after being born. It’s hard not to compare it to The Vegetarian, but The White Book doesn’t quite live up to its visceral, captivating nature. The book is so fragmented, and with characterisation mostly absent, it’s hard to fully care about the narrator’s reflections on white. It’s a shame because Kang evidently has a masterful turn of phrase, but it ultimately feels a little directionless and self-indulgent. (Review by Prudence Wade)

7. One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus 8. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 9. Zog And The Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson 10. The Marches by Rory Stewart (Compiled by Waterstones) EBOOKS 1. Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear 2. A Man With One Of Those Faces by Caimh McDonnell 3. Dark Skies by LJ Ross 4. The Mistake by KL Slater 5. The Woman At 72 Derry Lane by Carmel Harrington 6. Origin by Dan Brown 7. The Hourglass by Tracy Rees 8. Friend Request by Laura Marshall 9. Follow You Home by Mark Edwards 10. Things We Never Said by Nick Alexander

Recruitment

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

NEWS

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 For more information c ontact Jordanne Reville on 01892 576 049 jreville@markerstudy.com

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

Time for a personal adventure Local author Derek Jee has just had his first children’s book The Time Travelling Clock published. A product compliance engineer by day, here he tells the Times how his family inspired him to take up writing at night…

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Y DAUGHTER and son have always enjoyed listening to stories. Both my wife and I have spent many happy hours reading various types of books to them. They are also very interested in history, thanks to our numerous visits to historical monuments and museums – and of course the amazing Horrible History books and TV series! So how did I come to pen a book that would appeal to them? Well, one evening before bedtime in 2015, my daughter Lara, who was eight at the time, couldn’t find her storybook. Despite us searching everywhere, it was nowhere to be found. As a result, she asked me to make a story up. I decided that it would be one where she and her brother Adam were the main characters. I really didn’t know where to start at first, but their grandfather was staying with us, so he quickly became part of the book, too.

‘The setting would be the grandfather’s house in the country, and the key theme would be time travel’

From then on, the ideas started coming together – the setting would be the grandfather’s house in the country, and the key theme would be time travel so I could explore their general interest in history. Their grandfather owned an aptly named grandfather clock that the children were always interested in when they went to visit. The clock, therefore, became their time travelling vehicle and a focal part of the story. Each evening I would make up a new chapter, and even asked the children where and when they wanted some of the adventures to take place. Most of the time they just asked me to make it up, but my son did have one request that ended up in the final published version – a family trip to the Normandy beaches, when we learnt a great deal about the history of D-Day. Over a period of a couple of weeks I realised that I had enough material to turn my improvised bedtime story into something printable, but the

WORD UP Derek happily gets to grips with his first book

Arts & Culture

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

snag was I hadn’t written any of it down! So, with no real intention of actually publishing it, just not wanting to forget the story, I set about typing it up. I thank my wife for her patience, as I was often glued to my keyboard for many evenings and at weekends for a good few months! Once I’d finished getting the story down on paper, a friend asked me for the manuscript as he said that his boy would probably be interested in the story, too. A few weeks later, he informed me that his son had absolutely loved the book and that I should try to get it published. The idea hadn’t occurred to me, but I thought: ‘Well, it won’t cost me anything…’ But in fact it did cost me something: Rejection.

Trilogy This is never nice to accept, especially when your children are the main characters in a story. And I must have sent my manuscript to 20 publishers or so last spring. Most didn’t acknowledge my letter, but some took the time to write back saying the book ‘wasn’t for them’. However, once I had actually given up any hope of ever being successful, I received a letter from Austin Macauley, who publish all types of books from travel guides to crime fiction. They said they loved the book and offered me a publishing contract last year. Their main office is in London, but they have recently opened a New York one, too, and since then The Time Travelling Clock has been out of stock on Amazon USA! The Time Travelling Clock is actually just the first story in a trilogy. I have written the second and third instalments and am hoping that they, too, will be published in the months to come… The Time Travelling Clock is published by Austin Macauley and priced at £6.99. Available from all good bookshops and Amazon

FEATURES

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And the special beat goes on… Famed for being part of 80s band The Specials, Neville Staple is currently touring with his own eponymously named band and bringing his infectious, feelgood rocksteady beat to The Forum in Tunbridge Wells this week. Here, Eileen Leahy catches up with the legendary musician So Neville, tell us a bit about your current tour… I have had a brilliant time for just over a year now, touring Australia, Hong Kong, parts of Europe and right across the UK. It has been fantastic. It’s what I love to do, so I just keep going. My band are on fire and, with my wife, Christine Sugary Staple, both managing me and performing with us, it’s just like a tour family going out there. We perform songs from way back with The Specials, some Fun Boy 3 songs with a new ska edge, plus some classic favourites from my own career. Have you toured often over the years? I have never stopped touring, to be honest. After the original Specials and Fun Boy 3 days, I then went on to do various producing, running a label, reforming The Specials with five of the original members and putting out various albums. I’ve also done lots of solo career stuff which has included some collaborations with Ranking Roger (Special Beat) and Pauline Black. Then I also spent around nine years living in Long Beach, California, and spent all of that time working with other musicians and touring all over the place, including the US and Japan. So no, I’ve never stopped touring really, or making music. It’s what I do! What do you enjoy most about performing? The fans, the vibes and the fact that I get to take it out there live. No two shows are the same and we have fun with the crowd, get them singing along and stomping, plus I do a lot of meet and greets

so they can have photos and get things signed. Sitting at home or in a studio and putting out CDs and vinyl is great, but to actually get out on the road and meet the fans, many of whom have been following you for years, is just the best thing. What was your most memorable concert? There have been so many super shows across the world, but if I had to pick a UK show there have been some amazing ones like Reggae Britannia for the BBC and headlining shows at Glastonbury and Boomtown with my own band. But I think one of my all-time favourite gigs was when Amy Winehouse performed up front with me (and The Specials) at the V Fest in 2009. She was amazing and so talented. Any special memories from The Specials? Again, there have been so many, but my most special memories are from when we were all together. Have you performed at The Tunbridge Wells Forum before, and if so how was it? Yes, about five years ago.

There is a super ska following in Kent so we always get a great turnout at shows there. They tend to be skins, scooterists and rude boys, plus many fans who just love the whole nostalgic feel of our shows. Yeah, Kent is always a great place to perform. They know how to have a good night out! Which other musicians do you admire and why? I am totally loving my wife’s new writing and material that will be on our new joint album in 2018. But that’s me being biased, of course! So to choose just one of many other great music people, I shall say Stranger Cole. The guy still has it. He’s a great friend, his music is legendary and even now, in his elder years, he is still a showman. I will be touring with him in the spring and Sugary and I have done a cover of his classic hit When You Call My Name which is also on the new album. Any word for your fans who’ll see you at The Forum on Saturday? I hope the Tunbridge Wells fans are ready to party! This is going to be a super stomper of a night. Come early and share some fun with the supporting artists, too. And most of all stay rude!

Neville Staple

The Neville Staple Band plays The Forum on Saturday November 11, with support from The Sweeney. Tickets cost £16.50. To book, visit www.twforum.co.uk

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

DON’T BE CHICKEN! Visit the RTWAS’s winter art exhibition

this evening. This award-winning one-man show recounts the true story of how, five years ago, James Rowland found out that his best friend was dying of heart cancer. With his friend having just three months to live, James set about carrying out his ultimate wish: To have a proper Viking funeral. Expect lots of tears and laughter in equal measure. Tickets cost £14 per person and the show starts at 7.30pm. See www.emftheatre.com

>> THURSDAY Just before the even chillier weather sets in, how about taking an autumnal stroll around Penshurst Place’s beautiful arboretum? Although the official gardens are now closed, you can still access the estate’s wooded area from the surrounding country paths. There are two free-to-access estate >> WEDNESDAY walks which offer an enchanting glimpse of Throughout November, Bewl Water will be hosting Penshurst Place from all angles. four special Pike Fishing Days, the first of which Comedian Joel Dommett brings his upbeat sense takes place today. The others are on this coming of humour to The Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells Saturday [November 11] and also on November 22 from 7.30pm. The Edinburgh Festival veteran and and 25. Running from 9am until 5pm, the fishing TV star, who was the costs £60 for two anglers or £70 runner-up in last year’s for three. Both prices include I’m A Celebrity… and boat hire. To book your place, has also appeared on call 01892 890000. Russell Howard’s Good A VIKING The Philomel Singers meet News, promises to SEND-OFF every Wednesday at 2pm in the deliver an evening of At the rehearsal room of Tonbridge Parish energetic and exciting EM Forster Church under the baton of their comedy. Tickets cost £18.50. Studio Director of Music, Tim Daniell. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The choir is currently preparing for its Annual >> FRIDAY Christmas Concert in the Every Friday The Angel Flea Market Tonbridge Methodist takes place from 8am until 1pm at Church on Saturday the Angel Centre in Tonbridge. December 9 at 7.30 pm. Visitors can expect to see offerings There are vacancies for from around 25 stallholders selling altos and tenors, and a variety of bargains. Entrance is free. each rehearsal lasts for The Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art two hours. For more Gallery will be hosting a poppy day-themed information, please crafting session for pre-schoolers today at contact Secretary Shelia 10.30am. The event is entitled What is Burrow on 01732 351 651. Remembrance? and will help children The Tangram Theatre understand all about Armistice Day through art. brings its latest show The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society Winter Team Viking to the EM Exhibition starts today and will showcase some Forster Studio in Tonbridge of the group’s talented local artists. The RTWAS

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

GO COMMANDO TRAINING At Hever Castle event will be officially opened by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells and will run daily until November 26 from 10am to 4pm. Pop along to 61 The Pantiles, Lower Walk, Tunbridge Wells. Admission is free. For more on the society, see www.rtwas.org >> SATURDAY The Commando Series returns to Hever Castle this weekend with three brand new obstacles, including the Leap of Faith and Raiders of the Lost Commando, making it the ‘biggest, and toughest, obstacle course yet’ according to the organisers. The 6km challenge gives participants of all ages and abilities the chance to experience the mud, sweat and pain of commando training at one of the most authentic commando courses in the country, manned by authentic Royal Marine Commando instructors. For ticket prices and registration information, go to www.commandoseries.co.uk This morning from 10.30am until midday there will be an RNLI coffee morning and Christmas card and gift sale at St Alban’s Church Hall in Frant. There will also be lots of bric-a-brac, books and toys for sale. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. Rusthall Community Cinema screens Babette’s Feast – a Danish celluloid classic directed by Gabriel Axel – tonight from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 on the door and the screening starts at 8.15pm. For further information, see www.rusthallcinema.club

FOUR DAYS OF PIKE FISHING At Bewl Water

>> SUNDAY Today is Remembrance Sunday and there will be wreath-laying ceremonies in our towns and villages at different times, including the Tunbridge Wells Service and Parade at the War Memorial on Mount Pleasant at 10.45am, and ceremonies at the two Cross of Sacrifice memorials at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, Hawkenbury, at 2pm, followed by a talk in the chapel at 2.45pm entitled Passchendaele – 3rd Ypres. All members of the public are welcome. Victoria & Abdul is being screened at Trinity Theatre today at 6pm. Dame Judi Dench returns to her role of playing Queen Victoria in this acclaimed film, which examines the monarch’s relationship with her Indian servant Abdul Karim. Tickets cost from £9. See www.trinitytheatre.net >> MONDAY Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park will be hosting a Cake and a Natter session in the café today from 10am-12.30pm to allow locals to get to know their neighbours better. The idea is to drop in for a morning of tea or coffee and board games and chats. A donation of £1 is politely suggested. The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge continues its run of The Communication Cord all this week. The play, by Brian Friel, is a rib-tickling farce centring around a young Irish man trying to impress his PULL THE COMMUNICATION CORD At The Oast Theatre

What’s On

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

PICK OF THE WEEK Flashdance the Musical The Assembly Hall Theatre Monday- Saturday November 13-18 The theatrical version of the classic 80s’ film Flashdance has had a very successful run on Broadway and in the West End, and now it comes to Tunbridge Wells for a week of high-octane performances. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton in the lead role, and featuring timeless hits such as Gloria and Flashdance – What a Feeling, this promises to be a real show-stopper that will appeal to dance and drama fans of all ages. Tickets cost from £15. See www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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John Mclane & The Hans Gruber Three SATURDAY Yonaka, Thyla, Red Coast

potential father-in-law, only to find his former flame has other ideas… Tickets cost £10 or £7 for members. Visit www.oasttheatre.com >> TUESDAY The Hayward Touring exhibition of screen prints by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi – one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK – is now on at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery, so do pop along and see his groundbreaking work.

FEATURES

Paul Dunton Live music

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

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

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Superduper and the Ya-Yas THE GEORGE

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS My top picks of the week include popular duo Kyla SATURDAY Neville Staple Band, The Sweeney & Nat, who headline The Grey Lady on Wednesday. Friday night sees plenty of fantastic local acts in THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE action, including Black Gabanza, who launch their Crescent Road, tickets and event information at new EP at The Forum. The Breretons headline The www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Sussex Arms with support from Pete Greenwood FRIDAY Think Floyd and John Mclane. Think Floyd are at The Assembly SUNDAY Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society: Hall, while local soloist Peter Taylor returns to The Dvorak and Brahms, featuring piano soloist Danny Royal Oak. There’s also an 80’s on tribute night at Driver (3pm start) The Masonic Centre in aid of Hospice In The Weald. Saturday sees Kelly Bourne at The Bedford and THE MASONIC CENTRE Superduper and the Ya-Yas return to the Beau Nash St John’s Road. Tickets at www.seetickets.com/ Tavern. Yonaka headline at The Sussex Arms. tour/80-s-on-show-for-hospice-in-the-weald On Sunday night, you can see out the weekend More event information at in style with Dan Clews, The Tringham Sisters and www.facebook.com/events/745534652300340 Teddy Trenowden at The Grey Lady. FRIDAY 80’s on Show for Hospice in the Weald

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles, open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late

The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Kyla & Nat, Bea Everett, Jack Leon Mackey FRIDAY The Decades SUNDAY Dan Clews, The Tringham Sisters, Teddy Trenowden TUESDAY Heyzeus and more acts to be announced THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk

THURSDAY After School Jam Nite! (open mic) FRIDAY Black Gabanza EP Launch, Planet 3, Laura Palmer

THE BEDFORD

2 High Street, open all day, free entry More information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk

FRIDAY Mangetout Recovery – Blues (Brothers) Night SATURDAY Kelly Bourne

MONDAY TWUNTS – Ukulele Night THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY Peter Taylor SATURDAY Wasted KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH

Nevill Street. More information at www.kcmtw.org/music/concerts

SATURDAY Elegies and Thanksgivings: Piano trio concert THE DUKE OF YORK

MONDAY Open Mic Night THE PUNCH & JUDY

St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge, open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late

TUESDAY Stuka Cats THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT

The Sussex Arms, Sussex Mews, open all day, music charge may apply. Music from 8.30pm onwards For further information, visit www.twforum.co.uk

WEDNESDAY King Parrot, Harrowed, Crimson Throne FRIDAY The Breretons, Pete Greenwood,

Dan Clews

NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

FLYING START Max Hobbs dives in for his try on debut

Hobbs impresses but Wells down to 12 men by the end Dorking 42 Tunbridge Wells 7 By Graham Withers RUGBY: AFTER narrowly losing out to high-flying Hertford, Tunbridge Wells endured a tough day at the office against a robust and determined

Dorking side in the London & South-East Premier. The visitors’ pack was under pressure from the outset and home skipper Matt Noble slotted two penalities in the first 10 minutes. Dorking looked to exploit their forwards’ superiority and stretched their lead with impressive No 8

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

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Harry Watts crashing under the posts. On 27 minutes Wells were reduced to 14 men when prop Carl Straeche received a yellow card for persistent scrum offences. Watts scored again to take advantage of the reduction, taking the ball down the blindside and chipping ahead before beating the Wells cover. The half-time score was 20-0, and though Wells enjoyed the majority of possession after the restart they were thwarted by a well-marshalled defence. Finally, after 48 minutes Christian Earle found a gap and the athletic forward ran 35 metres before a delightful popped pass to the supporting Max Hobbs saw the wing score on his First XV debut. Wells suffered a major blow on 57 minutes when the hard-tackling Hayden Pengelly sustained a dislocated shoulder. Straeche received a second yellow card for dissent after complaining about some careless footwork on the floor and Wells were down to 14. Dorking extended their lead when a flowing counter-attack allowed wing Olly Rathbone to cross over. Wells were reduced to 13 when Tom Brunger, making his first start at prop, limped off and the game went to uncontested scrums since the visitors could not replace him. Dorking’s bonus point try arrived on 78 minutes via Finn Osborne – and Shaydn Osgood received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, leaving Wells with just 12 men. With eight minutes of injury time added on, Dorking crossed again through Rathbone. Another big game looms on Saturday [November 11, 2.30pm kick-off] as Wells host Southend Saxons, who secured their first win of the season.

Magnificent seven as TJs recover from losing streak Broadstreet 7 Tonbridge Juddians 52 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS bounced back from five defeats in a row in National Two South with a highly impressive performance on the road and a scintilating, seven-try win over Broadstreet in Coventry. With Liam Prescott and Nathan Holmes converting all seven scores, TJs took maximum points and rose to ninth place in the table.

Forgotten Broadstreet had enjoyed a decent run of results but TJs’ losing streak was soon forgotten as the visitors struck first through Murray Galbraith-Lowe and then Hugo Watson, who finished off some good approach work down the left. Liam Prescott was on good form with the boot as he slotted the second conversion from the far touchline.

Broadstreet hit back with a converted try but TJs were soon back on the front foot as Reece Conlon and Mike O’Sullivan made ground from a stolen lineout and Prescott expertly kicked crossfield for Fin Coxon-Smith to gather and score all in a single dive. As half-time approached Prescott added a penalty which hit the crossbar before falling over and TJs led 24-7 at the break. Tom Nicoll appeared on the flank for TJs and it was he who finished off a sweeping move to secure the bonus point fourth try. There was no letting up from TJs, Duncan Tout adding the fifth and sixth tries and Galbraith-Lowe ending the game as it started with his second score. The spring was definitely back in the TJ step. They return to The Slade on Saturday [November 11, kick-off 3pm] for another big game against Old Redcliffians.

PUSH ON Annie Wilson launches an attack

Wilson pulls the strings so Ladies keep on winning Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2 Upminster 0 By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS made it three wins in a row to move up to fourth place in East Region Division One South. The home side started strongly, attacking their opponents at pace, with Annie Wilson and Nelia Bekker impressing – and the latter latched onto a rebound to fire home the first goal. A goalline clearance from Amy Hare ensured Wells went into half-time with their narrow lead. The hosts mounted attack after attack and a second goal finally came as a well-executed short corner saw player of the match Wilson fire the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The Ladies now face Bromley & Beckenham, the league leaders with seven wins out of seven, at Hawkenbury on Saturday [November 11, 1pm start].

Influence of Brandt inspires comeback West Hampstead 2 Tunbridge Wells Men 4

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

By Adam Hookway

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

GET SHIRTY Ed Varney leads the TJ charge

HOCKEY: IT WAS first against second in South Premier League Division Two as leaders Wells looked to return to winning ways after a frustrating draw the previous weekend. The home side were far quicker to every ball and dominated possession. The Londoners opened the scoring after five minutes and only a last-gasp save from Chris Pelmore on the line stopped them from extending their lead. A counter-attack from West Hampstead early in the second half saw them double their lead. But Wells showed their determination as skipper Jack Garwood neatly found James Murdoch to pull a goal back, then Ben Brandt found the equaliser. A monster aerial from out wide by Pelmore found Brandt, who picked out Ali Clarke. He skipped round his defender to fire home on the reverse and put the visitors in front with 15 minutes left. With a minute left Ben Allberry finally got the chance he was looking for after neat work from Pelmore and Brandt and he made the result safe. The result sees Wells restore a three point advantage at the top of the league. Now the Men take on London Academicals at Kent College, Pembury on Saturday [November 11, 1.30pm start].

Sporting Times

Wednesday November 8 | 2017

NEWS

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Pilbeam rocks Rochester at the double Southborough Rochester United 1 Tunbridge Wells 3 By Scott Bartlett FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS continued their recent good form, winning away at Rochester United in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division. The visitors were rewarded for early pressure with in-form striker John Pilbeam scoring after two minutes, racing on to a through ball from Tom Davey and slipping his shot past the keeper.

Wells should have increased their lead before half-time as Jack Harris saw his shot go inches while Tom Davey, Pilbeam and Jack Harris also had chances. Rochester started the second half brightly and enjoyed their best spell of pressure in the game with Wells keeper Mohammed Otuyo called into action for the first time in the match. The visitors had a great chance to extend their lead on 51 minutes when Steven Ita’s shot narrowly missed the target.

impress in Kent Reliability trial

Wells did find the net in the 58th minute when Pilbeam beat two defenders and smashing his shot into the bottom far corner. Davey grabbed a deserved third goal in the 71st minute and then a well-worked corner saw Pilbeam dummy and Ita’s first-time shot beat the keeper only but was headed off the line. Rochester did pull a goal back in the 82nd minute when a free-kick on the edge of the area squirmed under the body of Otuyo. Tunbridge Wells take on neighbours Rusthall at Culverden on Saturday [November 11, kick-off 3pm] in the second round of the Challenge Cup.

CYCLING:

THE Southborough & District Wheelers [SDW] were well represented in the Kent Cycling Association Reliability trial. Riders competing in this interclub event are challenged to cover different distances and routes within a specified time. Maximum points were achieved by SDW’s Bruce Walsh, Hayden Tucker, Si Be and Guy Lane who completed the 100-mile route from Ashford in just over five hours. There were also impressive performances in the 100km event starting at Claygate, with Rob Stephenson (2rs 59min) leading home David Bagge, Matt Kuwertz and Rory Barrett. In challenging and windy conditions Omar Malik showed maturity beyond his youthful years to support riders back to the finish, ensuring the club maximised its points haul. With more than 40 SDW riders competing in a field of 400 the club were very well-placed in the overall standings. Competing in the London & South East Cyclo Cross League at Happy Valley in Brighton, there were impressive performances from Southborough riders across a number of races. Glen Whittington came sixth in the senior men’s event with Richard Curtis 51st, while Matt Evans was 28th in the 50+ veterans category. Tim Johnston (10th), Cameron Preece (28th), Rob Ledger (38th), Bruce Sandell (52nd) and Greg Tate (59th) took part in a highly competitive vets and juniors race. The club’s younger riders also excelled, with Bryony Fishpool, Felix Ledger, Maurice Tate and Todd Purchas well placed in the juniors race and Theo Sandell powering his way to sixth place in the under-10s. More information about club rides and activities can be found at www.southborough-wheelers.co.uk

CAUGHT IN THE NET Steve Lawrence saves as man of the match Drew Crush looks on

Rusthall 3 Crowborough Athletic 2

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL produced an outstanding performance to secure their first home league win of the season in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division against local rivals Crowborough Athletic. In front of a crowd of 267 the visitors took the lead after six minutes when Zac Attwood went to ground in the penalty area and Crows skipper Henry Muggeridge scored from the spot. But the Rustics found a fine equaliser just two minutes later. John Phillips finished off a flowing move down the left with a crisp finish that gave

former Tonbridge Angels keeper Antonio Di Bernado no chance. When the home side failed to clear an attack, Muggeridge produced a sublime chip to beat Steve Lawrence on 16 minutes. Rusthall’s Steve Smith and Drew Crush picked up yellow cards as Crowborough put the home side under pressure. But Rusthall showed their character and equalised on 33 minutes, Crush converting a cross from the right at close range. On 41 minutes Smith contrived to hit the post twice in the same move, first with his head and then with a shot. A minute into stoppage time at the end of the

PHOTO: Rob Ledger

Derby delight after Harper steals in to snatch winner

first half a controversial decision by referee Chris Price saw Smith sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving in the area after a challenge by Dan Tear. Despite playing the whole of the second half with 10 men Rusthall showed they are made of strong stuff and Crowborough could find no way through a back four superbly marshalled by skipper Stewart Gostlow. On 76 minutes Rusthall brought on striker Steph Harper, who was not fit enough to start after picking up a knock at Lordswood last week. It was the class of the former Tonbridge Angels and Burgess Hill striker that turned the game in the Rustics’ favour. On 89 minutes Muggeridge tried to bring the ball out of defence but Harper closed him down and won the ball 25 yards out. Without even looking up he produced a superb strike that went over Di Bernado and flew into the back of the net. Rusthall now face another local derby, at Tunbridge Wells in the second round of the League Cup on Saturday [November 11].

UPHILL TASK Theo Sandell competes in the Under-10s race at Happy Valley