Wednesday January 3 | 2018
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HOMELESSNESS ON RISE ACCORDING TO WINTER SHELTER TEAM
MEET THE SINGER WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS WHO HAS JOINED A ‘VIRTUAL’ CHOIR
Pages 4-5
Page 12
FORMER MAYOR DAVID NEVE PUBLISHES A BOOK OF PUNS
NURSERY WORKER CONQUERS MOUNT EVEREST FOR CHARITY
Page 6
Page 19
Dramatic rescue in mid-ocean as rowers’ boat catches fire in storm ‘In ferocious conditions, with a huge oil tanker’s side to climb up on a rope, it looked impossible’ Exclusive by Andy Tong
andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TWO courageous friends are on board an oil tanker heading for Brazil after being forced to abandon their attempt to row across the Atlantic for charity. Chris Williams and Max Thorpe, who have been friends since they were ten years old, had to be rescued in dramatic fashion after their boat capsized and caught fire while being battered by 20ft waves. Their parents endured a harrowing night of uncertainty 48 hours before Christmas Day as they waited to hear if their sons had reached safety. The Team Tenzing pair had been at sea for eight days when disaster struck their ambitious plan to row 3,000 miles across the ocean on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The 25 year olds are both former pupils of Judd in Tonbridge. Chris is the captain of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club’s 1st XI, where Max, who also attended Sevenoaks School, used to play.
Catastrophe As featured in the Times’ sports pages last week, they are trying to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young [CRY] after a university friend of Chris’s died of an undetected heart condition. They had covered more than 700 miles of the course between La Gomera in the Canary Islands and Antigua when the catastrophe occurred. Chris’s father, Mark, said: “Everything was going so well, and they were making good ground and were loving the challenge. They had found the routine and all was going to plan. “They had overcome the normal hurdles that
face the rowers in the first week, including severe seasickness, huge waves and swells and the massive change to sleep patterns.” Suddenly, just before 3pm on Friday December 22, a storm hit the crew, the waves began to climb to six metres in height and the wind changed.
Smoke They were hit by a ‘rogue’ wave and the seven-metre long craft capsized. But this is a fate that many of the competitors suffer and it forms part of their training. The pair, who trained at Bewl, were thrown into the sea, but since they were always clipped on using four-point harnesses they were able to clamber back on board. However, then they noticed smoke coming from the small cabin space where they sleep and keep the satellite phone and auto-pilot. They opened up the cabin and found it was on fire. They managed to put the blaze out with their fire extinguisher, but discovered that they had lost all power. This was provided through the solar units to fuel the battery pack which made the water purifier and auto-pilot function. The cause of the fire is unknown. The damage meant they were no longer able to continue because competitors are not allowed to benefit from outside assistance – they must be self-sufficient. So they admitted defeat and called the headquarters of race organisers Atlantic Campaigns, following the procedure they are taught. Once Chris and Max put out an emergency call, events moved rapidly. Chris’s father, Mark, who is
Continued on page 2
HOPEFUL START Chris Williams [left] and Max Thorpe prepare to set out
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Local News
Police track down crime suspects only half the time ACCORDING to new research Kent Police is failing to identify a suspect in almost half of all the crimes reported. During a twelve month period spanning 2016/2017 out of 131,500 crimes across the county a suspect was not traced in 62,600 of the cases, that translates to 48 per cent. It places Kent in mid-table when compared to the other 42 forces in England and Wales. Sussex Police identified people in 50 per cent of cases with figures of 104,600 incidents reported and 52,000 suspects. Researchers from the Sun newspaper sifted through 10,000 pages of ‘Crime Outcomes’ held by the Home Office. The data is made up from records filed by all forces in England and Wales and covers every crime reported to police, from murder to vandalism. Figures show that the number of crimes reported nationally were 4.2million with 48 per cent seeing a suspect named. Forces claim that the figures might ultimately be proved to be inaccurate because police may identify criminals at a later date. The worst ‘performing’ force was Greater Manchester with a 65 per cent rate of failing to name suspects. The best was Dyfed-Powys with a figure of 30 per cent.
Headlines Chief Superintendent Nicola Faulconbridge of Kent Police told the Times: “While these headlines are designed to grab people’s attention, I would like to reassure the people of Kent that we are working hard to provide a first class service and keep people safe – something HM Inspectors found when Kent Police was graded as ‘outstanding’ for legitimacy on December 12. “Kent is the only force in England and Wales to achieve this grading for three years in a row. “Officers will always seek to bring offenders to justice, and there are many factors to be considered when trying to identify a suspect for a crime. For example, whether there are any witnesses, the forensic evidence available and any other information or evidence such as CCTV or dashcam footage.” Chief Supt Faulconbridge said the figures will include crimes where there is no evidence or information to identify a suspect. “In these cases, following an initial investigation to identify any lines of enquiry, the crime is filed pending any further information coming to light and a crime report number is given to the victim,” she added. “This allows officers to concentrate on identifying those offenders who cause the greatest threat of risk and harm and safeguarding vulnerable victims.” CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 FEATURES EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240 626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Mid-Atlantic Mayday call brings oil tanker to rescue of charity rowers
IN TRAINING Max Thorpe [left] and Chris Williams
Continued from page 1
The challenge Dubbed the ‘world’s toughest row’, the race was founded by Sir Chay Blyth and began in 1997. Boats can be entered in solo, pairs or four-man teams in two classes: Pure Class and Concept Class, with an overall winner in each. The teams row over 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua. No outside assistance is allowed and each team must carry all food, cooking gas, medical kit and safety equipment for the crossing. Drinking water is produced from sea water using a watermaker.
Keep donating to the charity Chris and Max are asking that the public keeps contributing to CRY [Cardiac Risk in the Young], which campaigns to avoid deaths among young athletes who have undetected heart problems. To make a donation, visit www.teamtenzing.org
Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club and lives with his family in the town, takes up the story. “A rescue operation was put in place. This is when I got a call from Atlantic Campaigns HQ at 5.30pm to advise what had happened. “This was all a massive shock for the boys and also ourselves, and at that point all we wanted to do was make sure that in such perilous conditions they would be safe and a rescue was possible. “A Mayday call is put out to all vessels in the ocean, and Atlantic Campaigns await a response as to who could get there quickest and carry out a rescue. “The indication was that this would be about eight hours later, but we were awaiting firm details. “We were informed we would be called as soon as they had more news – most likely the following morning.” So Chris and Max were left hanging on to their boat in the darkness as they were battered by the storm. Eventually they managed to clear the cabin and took refuge inside the cramped space. Two rescue yachts follow the 28 participating craft, but they were 200 miles behind Team Tenzing looking for a boat that had capsized but not righted itself. Mark said: “We were told the nearest tanker, cruise ship or yacht would answer and attend to the rescue as there was no way the rescue yachts would get there in time. “At about 3am on Saturday morning, we had a call from Chris to say they were safe and on a tanker carrying crude oil heading for Brazil. “The rescue was harrowing and desperate,
Recognition for roles in the field of music and the military A WOMAN from Tunbridge Wells has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List. Sarah Alexander is the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO), a group of teenage musicians. The NYO has expanded under
Ms Alexander’s ten-year leadership from reaching 164 young people in 2008 to 10,000 in 2018. Ms Alexander said: “NYO is unique, the most vivid demonstration of the importance of music in young people’s lives. I accept this award with deep gratitude to everyone who has supported the work of NYO over
but at that point we had very little detail and the main thing was they were safe.” But the drama was far from over. “As one can imagine, in ferocious conditions and at night, with a huge oil tanker’s side to climb up on a rope, this was going to be on the face of it impossible.” The massive tanker came as close as it could to the rowers’ tiny craft, but there was still a large gap to be bridged between the two. They had to jump to catch the rope, which proved extremely difficult in the heaving darkness, but they eventually managed to clamber up to safety.
‘They were in shock, and will be so for some time, but their safety was paramount’ They were only wearing shorts, but did succeed in getting hold of the emergency grabbag which contained their passports. Mark said: “They were in shock, and will be so for some time, but their safety was paramount, and we were just relieved after hearing some of the detail that they are alive. “They are clearly totally gutted that their row came to an end in such difficult circumstances. It was completely out of their control.” The oil tanker crew were said to have been very friendly, and the pair were able to call home from the ship captain’s phone and send short email messages. Chris and Max are due to dock at a port near Rio on Friday [January 5], and then fly back to Britain to be reunited with their families.
the last 10 years.” Brigadier John Henry Ridge, from Tunbridge Wells, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Military Division of the New Year’s Honours List. Brigadier Ridge, who is married to BBC South East’s weather forecaster Nina Ridge and helps coach with the Tunbridge Wells youth rugby team, was recognised for his contribution to defence operations overseas and in the UK.
He said he was ‘tremendously honoured’ to be recognised with a CBE. Colin John Moore, from Uckfield, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music in East Sussex. Mr Moore - who played the double bass for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra - founded the Crowborough Choral Society in 1967. He retired in April 2017 after the choir’s 50th anniversary concert.
HELPING THE HOMELESS REQUIRES A DELICATE BALANCING ACT HIS name is James, he is in his 50s and he comes from Yorkshire. His last ‘known address’, though, was a shop doorway on Mount Pleasant, where this newspaper managed to talk to him as part of a feature on the homeless [pages four and five] and what’s being done to help them. He was sitting behind a large piece of cardboard on which he had written in pencil about his plight, and how the council would not help him find permanent accommodation because he has ‘no connection with the local area’. He had been living with his wife in Dartford until that relationship ended and led to him moving back home to Yorkshire to live with his mother. When she died, he was evicted and has been sleeping rough since last January in various parts of the country. A young man passing by read the message on the cardboard, came over and handed over two ten pound notes. “That’ll pay for two
nights’ B&B,” explained James, who declined to be photographed because he did not want to be labelled ‘homeless’. Why was he in Tunbridge Wells? “Because I want to get into your Winter Shelter where I will be safe,” he confided. The shelter is run by a coalition of churches which open their doors to rough sleepers on a rotating basis each night through January and February. They have 12 places. In Tunbridge Wells there are 20 rough sleepers. Of late, there has been much media attention focused on the question of how you manage or help homeless people – a subject that generates heated debate. When the borough council announced a public consultation on whether beggars should be fined, it provoked a public outcry. In fairness to the council, it has never been their intention to target rough sleepers. Their aim is to target so called ‘professional
beggars’ – those who catch the train or drive into a town centre, pretend they are desperate for help and then disappear back home with a wad of notes. It‘s a delicate balancing act for any council. Do nothing as the number of rough sleepers increases, and you face criticism from local taxpayers for allowing a town ‘to go downhill’. Appear too aggressive, and you end up with petitions signed by thousands of people who believe you are persecuting the homeless. Whatever local councils and churches do, while admirable, can only be cosmetic; something of a sticking plaster when major surgery is required. And that can only come through a more effective, co-ordinated initiative from central government. Editorial Director Richard Moore
Local News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Police search for man who abused taxi driver By Jonathan Banks BRITISH Transport Police are investigating a man’s Islamaphobic rant at a taxi driver as a hate crime. A verbal altercation outside Tunbridge Wells railway station just before midnight on Saturday [December 30] started when the unidentified man inquired about a journey to Horsmonden. After the 31-year-old taxi driver, who is originally from Afghanistan, reportedly told him the 12 mile trip would be £42, the customer became abusive and made derogatory comments about his religion. A video shows the man shouting and swearing outside the taxi rank as passers-by and taxi drivers try to calm the situation down. The aggressor allegedly said: “You’re in England, not in Bangladesh.”
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Back to work commuters greeted by protestors as rail increases kick-in By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk RAIL commuters returned to work yesterday [Tuesday] facing a season ticket bill increase of 3.6 per cent. The price hike will see an extra £160 added in Tunbridge Wells bringing the cost of an annual ticket to London to £4,644. A season ticket from Tonbridge to London will cost £4,232, up from £4,088, making the line among the most expensive commuter routes in the country. This represents the biggest increase since 2013 and local passenger groups have claimed the rail
‘Officers are currently conducting a number of enquiries’ The driver, who did not wish to be named, told reporters that he had been living in Tunbridge Wells for 15 years. “Straight away he was asking me where I was born. He then started getting very aggressive and shouted some horrible things,” he said. “The whole thing went on for half an hour. I went straight home and couldn’t sleep. “I am so worried about working again.” The driver said that he thought the aggressor, who appears to be in his 30s, was with his girlfriend. He added: “Normally it is a nice town, I have lived here a long time, but since Brexit it has been getting worse and worse. “Just this year I have seen about three similar things happen. It is horrible and very worrying.” A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Officers are currently conducting a number of enquiries including seizing available CCTV and speaking with witnesses.” Anyone who witnessed what happened is asked to contact officers by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 613 of 30/12/2017. The aggressor was wearing a dark jacket, low-buttoned white shirt, had a beard, glasses and light brown hair.
NEWS
UN-FARE DEAL Labour Party members (l-r) Chris Gerry, Hugo Pound, Martin Betts and Lorna Blackmore
fares have risen 32 per cent since 2010 – twice faster than wages. Early travellers at Tunbridge Wells were greeted by members of the town’s Labour Party group, handing out flyers in protest at the increases yesterday. Hugo Pound, Labour Party Chairman for Tunbridge Wells, said: “These ticket increases are staggering.
Protest “It makes rail travel unaffordable for many people whose wages are stagnant and whose standards of living are continuing to fall. “Recent figures have shown the number of journeys using season tickets have dropped to a seven-year low. “Constant fare rises are forcing many commuters to abandon using the train which is detrimental to our economy and to our environment.” Mr Pound said a Labour government would introduce flexible tickets, cap fares and ensure a more reliable service by nationalising railways. Southeastern is responsible for setting unregulated off-
New Year burglary causes ‘heartbreak’ at cancer charity THIEVES who broke into the Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre in Tunbridge Wells over the holiday period ransacked the offices and stole hundreds of pounds the charity had been handed in donations. They took away blue plastic ‘tins’ that had been used to collect money during a Christmas carol service along with cash that had been set aside to provide financial support for people plus help with everyday problems like paying for taxi fares to hospitals for treatment. Each year Pickering, which is run entirely by volunteers, helps around 3,000 people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Since it was
launched 13 years ago it has become one of the best known local charities. Co-founder Polly Taylor commenting last night [Tuesday] on what happened said: “We just find it unbelievable and heartbreaking. We are all in a state of shock and spent much of the last few days cleaning up, and working out what has gone, so we could open the doors as usual this week.” The break-in was discovered on New Year’s Eve after the intruders had smashed a fire safety window to gain access. “They must have known they were breaking into Pickering,” said Ms Taylor. “It would have been
peak ticket fares, which are also set to rise by an average of 3.6 per cent. Rail timetables are now back to normal following ten days of disruption and lengthened journeys into London as part of Network Rail’s Thameslink Programme. A spokesman from Southeastern said: “We understand that no one likes to see prices go up, especially season ticket holders. “Southeastern remains committed to making journeys better for passengers and has invested over £78m to improve train services and station facilities.”
Delays of more than half an hour HUNDREDS of trains are delayed by more than half an hour from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells every year, new data has suggested. Service comparison company Which? found 0.45 per cent of services offered by Southeastern were 30 minutes or longer behind schedule. In the 260-working day year, an average of one train a day is ‘significantly delayed’ from Tonbridge and 0.6 trains from Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms, according to data provided by The Trainline. Passengers experiencing delays of this length can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
obvious once they got through the door. If they had done it to find money for food because they were hungry and starving, it might make it more understandable. But we don’t believe that is the case. “In all our 13 years nothing like this has ever happened.” She said they broke open filing cabinets and desks and ‘just hurled things around’. It is unusual for Pickering to have cash on the premises. “It was only because we were so busy over the Christmas period that the collection tins had not been emptied and banked,” added Ms Taylor. “The main message is that Pickering is open for business as unusual.” Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 reference 31-0735
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Local News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Churches join forces to help the homeless as the number rises… By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk VOLUNTEERS at Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter, which opened last night [Tuesday], are preparing for a busy period with the number of homeless rising. For the seventh straight year, the coalition of churches will provide a space every night until February 28 for 12 people who may otherwise have been on the street. Cllr Lynne Weatherley, Cabinet Member for Communities at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC], told the Times there are, by the latest calculation, 20 rough sleepers in the town, a rise from 15 – the figure it has been for the past five years.
Problems During 2016/17, 93 people made applications to be considered homeless and therefore eligible for help with housing. Of those, 47 were accepted compared to 38 out of 72 the year before. Barry Chaseley, who is this year’s Shelter Manager alongside his wife, Maureen, said: “We have people from all across the board coming in. Quite often they have agency work or a full-time job. It is not just people with drug or alcohol problems.” Maureen added: “Guests often say their rent has gone up and they can no longer afford to live
ON THE STREET A homeless camp outside NatWest Bank
where they are. It only takes the loss of a job, a relationship breakdown or a change in their benefits. “Homelessness can be exhausting. Many feel unable to relax and take the time to get their heads straight. “I think there has been a rise in the number of people who are homeless and, although we are new to leadership this year, it has been busier than expected.” Mr Chaseley said: “Having volunteered here before, I can see it is not the same people coming back and the council is working really hard to help.” Every night over the period, one of ten churches within the town centre will host the shelter on a rota arrangement. Guests will also have a meal and help with finding accommodation. Mr Chaseley said the 234 volunteers, split over the 63 nights, provide a warm welcome. The number of successful applicants is SUPPORT: Councillor capped because 12 Lynne Weatherly is the highest number all the
churches involved can facilitate. All first-time applicants must visit the council’s walk-in Gateway centre at Fiveways between 9.30am and 12.30pm on weekdays for an assessment and interview. The Winter Shelter team then decide who to allocate the 12 spaces to, based on their situation and proximity to Tunbridge Wells – although the large majority are local. Shelter Support Worker Julie Russell commented: “The focus is on helping people out of homelessness and turning their lives around.” TWBC Housing Service Manager Jane Lang said: “We want to end rough sleeping. I know that is a challenge with the numbers, but it is the same nationally.” She praised the ‘amazing job’ being done by Tunbridge Wells Churches Street Teams and the charity Porchlight in helping to feed, assist and provide advice to the homeless in Tunbridge Wells. For more information on the scheme, call Julie Russell on 07443 532904, email: office. twcws@gmail.com or visit www.tunbridgewellswintershelter.co.uk
Local News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
What happens if someone is homeless? THE five-member housing team of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) can be contacted by members of the public if they are concerned someone could be homeless. The authority has five considerations before deciding how to deal with each case. This includes whether someone is eligible for further assistance (such as job seeker’s allowance) and has a local connection. If someone is accepted as homeless and within a priority need the council has a responsibility to provide emergency accommodation for them. TWBC has links with several bed and breakfasts for this purpose. In addition TWBC has put in place Severe Weather Emergency Procedures which give all rough sleepers emergency accommodation while the weather is forecast to be O°C for three nights in a row. This is a procedure commonly adopted across Kent.
‘I look for a hostel that’s safe and welcoming’ By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
HELPING OUT (L-R) Maureen Chaseley, Barry Chaseley and Julie Russell from the Churches Winter Shelter
‘We want to help the homeless – not fine them’ THE HOMELESS will be helped rather than targeted if Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are brought into force, says Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC). By introducing measures that could see fines enforced for antisocial behaviour associated with begging, TWBC hope to encourage discussion on how to help the problem. PSPOs would give the council and police powers, as a last resort, to hand out fines of up to £100 to tackle dog fouling and street drinking as well as ‘professional begging’. The Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Lynne Weatherly, is looking to set the record straight after the planned policy prompted 6,000 people to sign a petition called ‘Tell TWBC No to Fines on Begging’. She said: “People who are rough-sleeping already have a million problems and we don’t want to give them more problems so we want to engage with them. “It is out for consultation [until January 7] and we want the public to come back and tell us what they think.” When asked under what
circumstances a PSPO fine would be given, she said: “We have found there were less than five occasions last year when an individual would have been required by the PSPO to move on. “It could be there were complaints they were sitting by an ATM, causing an obstruction or if begging is piling up. We might go and ask them to move on but if they refuse we might consider what other enforcement we could use. “If it was someone who was quite clearly refusing the help available and was just continuing to sit there and beg it may be an occasion where we could consider a fine. “This is rare and it is not our intention to fine people, but the tools we have are few and far between to take action if there is a problem.” Childrensalon, the Tunbridge Wells-based company who started the petition, has now taken it down after staff met with the council. To view the consultation online before January 7 visit consult. tunbridgewells.gov.uk and search for Public Spaces Protection Order.
JAMES, a homeless man in his fifties from Yorkshire, occupied a vacant shop front on Mount Pleasant before Christmas brandishing a cardboard sign saying that councils would not find him permanent accommodation. “They won’t sort me out because I’ve got no connections with the local area,” he said. “I’ve been all over, I’ve come here from Winchester, but nobody will help me.”
Safe He had been living with his wife in Dartford until the relationship ended. He returned to his home village of Holmfirth to live with his mother but when she died he was evicted. He has been sleeping rough since last January, travelling to various parts of the country. “I don’t like staying in hostels,” James confides. “There are too many druggies there and I can’t be doing with that. They’re all in there with their needles. It’s horrible.” However, James has found a hostel he likes in Hastings and has been using what money he is given by members of the public to travel there because it’s safe and welcoming. He told the Times he was planning to contact the Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter.
NEWS
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Local News
Popular petrol station closure fuels further Waitrose speculation THE only Shell Petrol station in Tunbridge Wells is closing this month for a major redevelopment. The forecourt will be shut down on January 12 and is due to reopen six months later, in July. The garage is one of the busiest in the town being sited on the A26 St John’s Road that attracts London-bound traffic. The upgrade will see the sales building, the car wash and jet wash demolished to be replaced by a larger sales building.
Speculation A Shell spokesman confirmed the closure and said the ‘significant redevelopment’ would include ‘an extension of the retail offering’. The planned closure has prompted speculation that the site will be home to a new Waitrose, something ruled out by the supermarket chain. The Shell garage is situated next to an existing BP petrol station which houses an M&S food store.
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Punny Mayor launches book of humour-riddled speeches By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk JOVIAL former Mayor David Neve is showing no signs of giving the jokes a rest as he releases his book of speeches. The Tunbridge Wells councillor is now selling Only the Punny Bits, a lighthearted short memoir of his year in office, to support a charity. “I wanted to put a smile on peoples’ faces and I thought it would be a good idea to have a record of what I did as Mayor, so I wrote down all my speeches,” he said. “As I had gone to the trouble, I thought: ‘Why not put it in a book and sell it for charity?’ – and because I had all of the speeches, it was pretty simple to get everything in place.”
Occasion
CLOSURE St John’s Road Shell garage
PUNDERFUL Then-Mayor David Neve with wife Jill
Within the memoir, Cllr Neve recalls some of the highlights of the 320 events he attended during his time as Deputy Mayor from May 2015 to 2016 and as Mayor until May of 2017. Not every occasion was suitable for a pun, and the then Deputy Mayor and Mayor took a more serious tone for some events, but also became well-known for his jokes. The St James’s ward councillor recalls a particular highlight being one of his final outings – when he opened the refurbished pavilion of Capel Cricket Club, which saw bowling and England great Derek Underwood in attendance. In that one
speech, the former Mayor said he cracked 32 puns. Liberal Democrat Cllr Neve is not a lifelong punny man, and said he only started making quips three or four years ago, but has continued to bring his sense of humour to events he has attended since. “I thought on becoming Mayor I will not be the worshipful whatever, I thought I can just be Mayor Dave,” he continued. “It was said to me that if you are not who you are, then you will be found out. “Some people have said to my wife, Jill: ‘How do you put up with him?’ and indeed I used to wake up laughing because of puns I had thought up. My mind is spinning with ideas!” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has helped
DAVID NEVE’S TOP FIVE PUNS AS MAYOR 1. At an e-bicycle open day on May 6, 2017: “There are some occasions when the Mayor is just wheeled out. But I enjoyed it and I wasn’t saddled with another function.” 2. Attending a Victoria Snooker Club match with Ronnie O’Sullivan, also on May 6, 2017: “I heard this event sold out very quickly, there was even a cue for tickets.” 3. Opening Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink on November, 18 2016: “I hope the event will go smoothly and there will be no slip-ups.” 4. Visiting the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School on March 6, 2017: “I like cooking, so it is not a baste of thyme to attend.” 5. Opening the Capel Cricket Club pavilion extension on May 14, 2017: “I delivered a few appropriate words at a medium pace. I had certain boundaries to keep within as I didn’t want to find myself on a sticky wicket.” produce the run of 150 books, which are now on sale for £2 with proceeds going towards the charity Beat Eating Disorders. To buy a copy of the book, email Cllr Neve at: djneve@btinternet.com or email the Mayor’s Office at: mayor@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554282.
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BUSINESS
Local Business News
Signs of life in BHS store but no confirmation yet DEPARTMENT store BHS is still empty in Tunbridge Wells, more than one year after the firm went into administration. Contractors recently boarded-up the large shop in Calverley Road, which closed in August 2016, fuelling suggestions it could lead to a brand moving in. But despite names such as Primark, John Lewis and The Range being suggested online as candidates, nothing has been confirmed. Owners M&G Real Estate said minor works in preparation for future refurbishment are ongoing.
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Coffee seller says his web success shows how industry is changing By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A YEAR after his Tunbridge Wells shop and café closed, a coffee wholesaler is celebrating his new success online. Perk and Pearl owner Joe Lloyd told the Times he was sad to leave behind his Grove Hill Road coffee shop, but has since been offering his blends on the brand’s website. His online store sells bags of coffee featuring 24 flavours which have been imported from all over the world, and he feels that an increasing number of traders could be turning to the web. The 43 year old said the firm’s turnover is 30 per cent higher than the ‘bricks and mortar’ model he used to specialise in, and there is now a more consistent busy trading pattern throughout the week.
Personal “Sadly, after three years the retail coffee sales took a back seat while I made ground in wholesales of my coffee, which is now sold nationally,” he said. “It is important for a brand to maintain its position in the marketplace, and some brands feel that selling on Amazon, for example, can devalue your brand as it just becomes a commodity. “Also, by selling direct you can retain a much better margin and build good relationships with your customers, which instils loyalty.” He then added: “It’s really important to me
FULL OF BEANS Perk and Pearl owner Joe Lloyd
that, although we’re an online store, our business operates on a local level. Perk and Pearl is based in Tunbridge Wells and all our coffees are handroasted in Kent, which means when buying from us you are buying locally and supporting the local economy.” The personal focus of the company has helped Mr Lloyd create signature blends for customers that include Café 1809, the Hildenborough eatery famously run by Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes. Speaking last year, Mr Lloyd said his company had been hit hard by the collapse of Turner Fine Foods, which they supplied. He said the downside of trading online only is the loss of face-to face interaction – a problem he seeks to overcome by using social media. The wholesaler continued: “There is definitely a move towards a multi-channel approach, which is being embraced by a lot of retailers. “Also, there is a trend for brands to cut out the middle man and sell direct to customers. “But, just because the bricks and mortar model is not right for me, does not mean I don’t value the high street – quite the opposite – but organisations and retailers need to work together to create a exciting and vibrant destination. “Town centres are slowly starting to evolve into more social spaces, however, a lot of shops have become mere vessels for click and collect. “This is where independent shops are the winners. They can adapt quickly to changes, and with a broad/unique offer they can keep customers coming back for more.” www.perkandpearl.com
Local Business News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
BUSINESS
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Consultancy eyes expansion after 15 years of sustained growth LONDON CALLING Director Jim Baxter
THE recruitment consultancy Gerrard White is working towards a new goal. The Tunbridge Wells-based firm hopes to open a second office in London as demand rises for their ability to source skilled professionals for other companies. Over the past decade and a half, the company has grown from six to 30 staff and has branched out to different markets and clients. Gerrard White is now able to provide a service for accountancy, insurance, technology, financial services, legal and executive clients. Director Jim Baxter has been at the forefront for seven and a half years, and was well-placed to throw a surprise party for senior Director Anthony Gerrard-White last month to celebrate their successful 15 years.
Town bedding shop saved from closure
A TAKEOVER has saved bedding and furniture shop Feather & Black from closing in Tunbridge Wells. Swedish mattress firm Hilding Anders has confirmed the shop in the High Street is among 17 bought across the country, while eight branches will close. This means that 104 jobs have been saved nationwide, with around six
staff working in each shop. The closures will see the loss of 19 jobs. Hilding Anders has carried out ten acquisitions in the last decade, and has reported sales of £774million. The firm’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Pepyn Dinandt, said: “I am very excited by this opportunity to re-enter the UK market with Feather & Black.
“Feather & Black has a strong market position, excellent customer loyalty and a deep heritage within the UK market.” Feather & Black, who trade under the slogan ‘perfect bedtimes’, was founded in 2005 but fell into administration in November.
While social media and new technology has led to the industry changing somewhat, Mr Baxter said the core values of customer service are as important as ever.
Opportunities “For us, the challenge has always been to find skills for our clients. There is nothing more important to us than the service we can provide for people. “Now we are really excited about the chance to develop into London. We will have even more opportunities in London, as many of our clients are not local [to Tunbridge Wells].” Gerrard White moved from Wellington Gate in Tunbridge Wells to their larger premises in Lonsdale Gardens This followed the collapse of furniture retailer Multiyork, which was managed by the Wade family – who also owned Feather & Black. Five of the eight Feather & Black units closing are inside larger Multiyork shops. The sale was carried out by administrators Duff & Phelps, who said through a spokesman: “This is a tremendous result for the business. “The majority of the stores have been sold to one of the best-known brands in the bedroom furniture sector, securing the future for Feather & Black and a large number of its valued employees.”
to allow more staff to become part of the company. Mr Baxter said helping to develop a team has been one of his highlights. “It is a challenge to find the right people to work for us. Lots of people who come to us have no experience, and it has been a privilege to see them develop. “I feel quite proud to have worked alongside such a wonderful group of people. It’s a great place to work.” www.gerrardwhite.com
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County News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Village’s safe More stars to be remembered driving appeal LEGACY Rocker David Bowie is being remembered in Maidstone
A PARISH Council is taking steps to stop drivers from speeding through its village. Volunteers have been trained to take part in a Speedwatch programme, which will see participants monitoring cars with a speed gun at specific locations in Hildenborough from this month. Owners of vehicles found to have been speeding repeatedly, or who have been clocked at a speed more than 50 per cent higher than the limit, will be sent a letter of advice. The council is also considering adding more 30mph signs along the B245, which leads from Tonbridge to the A21 junction at Morleys Roundabout near Sevenoaks, and also Stocks Green Road. A spokesman said: “It is felt the reduction in the speed limits both along the B245 and Stocks Green Road have been effective. “However, there continue to be a number of drivers who ignore the speed limit, or forget that it is there.” To get involved with Hildenborough Speedwatch, call the Parish Council clerk on 01732 832367.
ADDITIONAL famous faces are to be recognised by Maidstone Borough Council after a blue plaque was erected to remember the late rock star David Bowie. The musician, who died in 2016, often performed in the town during the 1960s, and the sign was unveiled in June last year in the Royal Star Arcade to mark BBC Music Day. Now the borough council wants to continue celebrating Maidstone’s cultural greats by launching their own initiative. This will allow them to place notices on significant landmarks around the town which would run independently from the English Heritage Blue Plaque scheme. The council’s Heritage,
Culture and Leisure Committee voted on proposals for the scheme at a meeting last month. Plans state that residents can nominate people by filling out a form. This can be to put forward a noteworthy person who must have been connected to a local address for at least five years. The individual should have died at least ten years before. Or the plaque could mark a significant event which happened at least 25 years ago. The process would be funded by the applicants, rather than the council, with costs of up to £500. Maidstone Borough Council has not stated which individuals or events are likely to feature.
West Kent towns among fastest rising property prices in county By William Mata
will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PROPERTY prices in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are among the fastest rising in Kent, according to the latest data. Comparison website Zoopla ranked the West Kent towns second and fourth respectively in the county in terms of how much more estate agents are pricing property compared to 12 months before. In Tonbridge, homes now have an average market price of £482,180 – a rise of £24,128 from 2016 – while Tunbridge Wells saw a £23,668 rise, resulting a new average house price of £505,998. Simon Spare, Director of Thompson Spare estate agents in Tunbridge Wells High Street, said prices are rising in West Kent as London prices are increasingly forcing families out of the capital. “Tunbridge Wells has traditionally been first stop for this, but now people are including Tonbridge as a workable option as well,” he said. “As a result, coming from a lower price level, prices have probably risen
faster proportionally in Tonbridge than Tunbridge Wells. “Tunbridge Wells is now appearing expensive in relation to what Tonbridge offers – Hastings plus Ashford train lines, for example.” Zoopla found Swanley had the biggest rise in the county of £28,110, while neighbouring town Sevenoaks has the most expensive average house price at £686,836. West Malling and Edenbridge also featured highly on the list. Queenborough, on the Isle of Sheppey, offered the lowest house price at £167,511.
Brexit The data related to house prices set by estate agents rather than the sale price agreed. Mr Spare added: “There is still quite a lot of property at lower than average price levels in Tunbridge Wells. “It remains to be seen what effect Brexit will have on pricing, but it seems likely to me that the overall effect will be one of tempering and possibly re-adjusting the market in a negative way. “Depending on your perspective, this could be a good or a bad thing.”
PRICE IS RIGHT? Estate Agent Simon Spare
COUNTY NEWS IN BRIEF
Children without vaccine
THOUSANDS of toddlers could be at risk of flu if they are not given a free vaccine, County Hall has warned. Kent County Council has expressed concern that 27,000 children aged two to nine have not had the nasal spray which helps prevent fever, dry cough, muscle ache and extreme tiredness. The free treatment is additionally offered to children with a health condition that puts them at greater risk. Visit your local pharmacy for more information.
Plan for 11,000 homes
DEVELOPER Quinn Estates is looking to construct more than 11,000 homes in Bapchild village near Sittingbourne. The firm hopes to build on 1,500 acres of farmland from the M2 near Kent Science Park. In the project, a school, medical facilities and a sports area would also be considered. Swale Borough Council is currently holding a consultation before a planning application can be launched. The consultation can be found online via www.swale.gov.uk/planning
Medway flood risk alert
FORECAST heavy rain could see the River Medway burst its banks over the coming few days. The Environment Agency [EA] has sent out flood alerts to people living alongside the river between Maidstone and Yalding. After high water levels were recorded on Boxing Day and last Wednesday [December 27], the EA will continue to monitor the situation. The authority typically considers minor flooding to be possible along the Medway when the water level reaches 0.92 centimetres.
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Community News
YMCA and Southpaw join forces to highlight plight of the homeless PEOPLE are being encouraged to acknowledge the homeless without passing judgment on them in a new film from West Kent YMCA created by Tunbridge Wells-based agency Southpaw. The agency has launched the campaign ‘Don’t Look The Other Way’ for the charity to HOPE STREET: Becky has raise awareness of started a fashion business youth homelessness in the local area and ask people not to ignore them.
Stark The film features the true story of Becky, a young woman who used to live at the YMCA and now owns her own fashion boutique. Two films have been spliced together to create a 360-degree video allowing the viewer to explore two outcomes of youth homelessness. Viewers experience a ‘dark side’, in which she is left destitute, and the ‘light side’, where she has been given a roof over her head and support. Glenn Smith, Southpaw’s Creative Director, said: “We’re all guilty of it. We’ve all walked past, pretending it’s not happening. But the stark truth is that homelessness is on the rise and young people need more help than ever.” To watch the film, visit www.youtube.com and search for: Don’t Look The Other Way – YMCA
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Emily’s dream comes true with ‘virtual choir’ for cystic fibrosis By Andy Tong A SINGER from Tunbridge Wells who suffers from cystic fibrosis has joined a ‘virtual choir’ to record an album launched just before Christmas. Emily Woodham, 26, has never met her fellow artists. The Cystic Fibrosis Virtual Choir cannot perform together because they risk passing life-threatening infections to each other, so each singer went into a recording studio separately. Contributing the Wailin’ Jennys’ One Voice, it was one of 12 different choral groups who appear on the Choirs With Purpose album Stand Together, which was released on December 15. Emily had already recorded a cover of Paul McCartney’s ‘We All
ON RECORD Emily Woodham [left] and the choir in the studio
Stand Together’ with Pop Idol finalist Michelle McManus and Choirs with Purpose. She said: “I started singing properly when I was 14, and it really lifts my mood and cheers me up. “I also believe it is good for my lungs as it opens them up. It is a type of deep-breathing exercise which I feel helps to strengthen my lungs.” She explained that cystic fibrosis ‘requires me to undertake rigorous physiotherapy and medication. Each day, I spend around 30 minutes doing breathing exercises, and take between 30 and 40 tablets as well as using nebulisers and inhalers. “But having cystic fibrosis has never stopped me from trying to realise my dreams. I feel really lucky to have been part of this wonderful project. It was a great experience.” The inherited disease causes cross-infection, which can be fatal because bacteria which are
harmless to healthy people are highly dangerous to those with the condition, settling in the lungs, and are transmitted from one sufferer to another. Emily said: “One of the hardest things about living with cystic fibrosis is the isolation; you can never physically meet the only people who really understand what it’s like.”
Proud Each singer had a two-hour slot into the studio, and after each recording the room was deepcleaned and aired before the next set began. Fellow singer Bianca Nicolas said: “Whereas all the other choirs were able to stand together and sing, we could not do that, which is ironic when you consider the names of the new album and the [first] single. “It sounds like a lot to do, but it was really worth it. We are all so proud to be able to have worked on these songs. It is for such a great cause and we really hope people enjoy them throughout.” Producer James Hawkins then matched each solo performance and mixed them together. James said: “We hope that this new choir will help people to understand a little of what it is like to live with cystic fibrosis, and encourage the public to support the charity.” Oli Lewington, Director of Engagement for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “The choir will never be able to meet face-to-face because of the risk of passing deadly bugs to one another, but thanks to the incredible dedication of Choirs with Purpose, people with cystic fibrosis have been able to come together and sing as one.”
Community News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
NEWS
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Shed heaven as Sherwood project receives support for sharing skills
BRISK TRADE Villagers turn out for the reopening
Plaxtol shop forges new future PLAXTOL Village Stores has relaunched itself in a ‘farm shop’ style, stocking a wide range of local produce and supporting businesses in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. Bal Pardesi, the shop’s owner, said: “All villagers loved the new farm shop look and were thrilled for what this meant for the community as a whole.
Cocktails “Plaxtol Village Stores will be focusing on stocking locally-produced and Taste of Kent products, all of which are tirelessly keeping our local communities alive.” The reopening featured a complimentary tasting menu and cocktails, showcasing all local food, spirits, wines and juices.
Retailers included Greensand Ridge Gin in the neighbouring village of Shipbourne, Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, Chai Stop curry makers in Minster and Taste by Chianne from Gravesend. Tasting sessions also included freshly homemade gluten-free meals, Greedy Goat ice cream, Simply Ice Cream, Cook meals and Whitstable Larder sausage rolls. The shop and Post Office has been the heart of the local community since the first postmaster opened up in the village, near Tonbridge, in 1844. Ms Pardesi added: “The shop has seen many changes to the village of Plaxtol over the past 170 years, but we still pride ourselves on being a staple part of the community, stocking the finest local produce and supporting other businesses in the areas of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.”
THE Sherwood Men’s Shed in Tunbridge Wells is back to our local communities. celebrating after receiving £735 in funding for its “We see the Sheds programme as making a real community space from the Asda Foundation. difference at a grassroots level, and are proud to The project aims to bring local people together to support this initiative.” take part in practical skills and activities. The Shed movement follows a blueprint from an It provide opportunities to share tools, resources Australian project, and since the first Men’s Shed and abilities in order to create, learn about and opened in the UK seven years ago, there are now develop social networks. more than 300 across the country. The Royal Voluntary Service, with funding from Sheds are often places for older men to come the Asda Foundation, established the Sheds Grant together and work on individual or community Fund in 2015 to provide small-scale funding for projects, but they are now increasingly seeing setting up Sheds, buying tools and equipment and younger men and women getting involved and helping with rent or insurance. benefitting from the social interaction and Abigail Hurrell, Sheds Project Manager at the skill-sharing that are at their heart. Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Most sheds are For more information, visit started by local groups coming together due to a www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/sheds shared interest in traditional crafts, such as join- or follow @rvssheds on Twitter for regular updates ery, furniture renovation, metalwork and mechanics. “We are delighted to be able to administer the Grant Funds so that these skills can flourish in a friendly and sociable environment, and that more local community-based Sheds can get up and running.” Annmarie Rocks, Senior Coordinator at the Asda Foundation, TOOLS RULE commented: “The Asda Abigail Hurrell from the Royal Voluntary Foundation is one of Service with [l-r] Tim Tempest, David the many ways we Stephens, Roger Beament and Stuart Fittall can give something
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National News
NEWS IN BRIEF
London Bridge opens up five new platforms FIVE new platforms opened at London Bridge yesterday (January 2) in one of the final steps in Network Rail’s £1billion redevelopment of the station, which began in 2013. The new platforms will allow Cannon Street trains to resume calling at the station. The final section of a new concourse also opened, providing access to all platforms for the first time.
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Met calls for help to tackle knife culture after murders UNITED FRONT London’s police want a collective approach
Egg-straordinary as Easter comes early EASTER eggs have gone on sale in a Co-Op store in Settle, North Yorkshire, and other outlets across the country, causing bemusement for shoppers. Easter Sunday falls on April 1 this year but the Co-operative has said many customers liked to buy them ‘as soon as they can’. The Co-op said: “As a convenience retailer our stores often have limited backroom space which means products go on shelf when space appears.”
Storm Eleanor blows in WINDS of up to 80mph are set to hit Britain as Storm Eleanor made landfall last night (January 2). Disruption could be caused to transport and power supplies and there is a risk of injury from flying debris. Gales with gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely, with stronger winds possible in some areas of the west coast. Storm Eleanor is the fifth named storm to hit the UK this winter.
Monkeys die in blaze THIRTEEN monkeys have been killed in a fire at Woburn Safari Park. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday (January 2) in the Patas monkey house within the African Forest drive-through enclosure of the park in Bedfordshire. It is the latest fire to strike an animal centre, after one that struck at London Zoo before Christmas killed an aardvark and four meerkats.
HOT CAKES Eggs on sale in Settle
THE murders of four males in unrelated attacks across London during the New Year period were ‘truly unusual and extraordinary’, a senior member of the Metropolitan Police has said. A 17-year-old boy and two men, aged 18 and 20, were attacked on New Year’s Eve, while a 20-yearold man was knifed in the early hours of the following morning; a fifth victim is critically ill in hospital. Six arrests have been made. Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey described the attacks as ‘truly unusual, extraordinary and very tragic and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected.
“The reasons behind it are quite complex. There are a number of issues affecting knife crime. “We are absolutely clear we are doing our part to do the things we can do as the police service... but we need others across London working with us to help tackle those underlying issues around a knife culture that has emerged across London.” He added: “I’m not here today to ask for or bid for more resources, we’d always like more resources in terms of those things we tackle. “But it’s clear that there are things we can do at the moment collectively that will help around knife crime.”
Cheryl makes mind up to enter TV ice contest LOCAL celebrity Cheryl Baker will be taking part in the new series of Dancing On Ice, which starts on ITV on Sunday (January 7). The former member of Bucks Fizz, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981, was inspired to take part in the show after seeing the transformation of her friend Linda Lusardi after she competed in the ITV programme in 2008. Cheryl, who lives in Sevenoaks, said: “I love it! It’s every little girl’s dream, the only trouble is I wish I had the little girl’s figure again.”
National News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Johnson seeks ‘meaningful debate’ as death toll mounts in Iranian protests BORIS JOHNSON has called for Iran to engage in ‘meaningful debate’ about the ‘legitimate and important’ issues raised by protesters as more than 20 people are reported to have been killed. The Foreign Secretary, who visited Tehran last month, posted on Facebook that he was ‘watching events with concern’.
SWIRLING UNREST A student protests outside Tehran University
Legitimate The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over Iran’s weak economy and a jump in food prices, appear to be the largest to strike the Islamic republic since 2009. Mr Johnson said: “We believe that there should be meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues the protesters are raising and we look to the Iranian authorities to permit this. “We also believe that, particularly
as we enter the 70th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, people should be able to have freedom of expression and to demonstrate peacefully within the law. He added: “We regret the loss of life that has occurred in the protests in Iran, and call on all concerned to refrain from violence and for international obligations on human rights to be observed.” The protests were fanned in part by messages sent on the Telegram app, which authorities blocked on Sunday along with Instagram. The dissenters have been warned they will be met with an ‘iron fist’ by a Revolutionary Guard leader. Brigadier-General Esmail Kowsari reportedly told the ISNA news agency: “If people came into the streets over high prices, they should not have chanted those slogans and burned public property and cars.”
Check it out: Local hero Rob Cross on ‘cloud nine’ NEW world darts champion Rob Cross, from Edenbridge, says his life will never be the same again after his victory over 16-time winner Phil Taylor in the William Hill World Championship final at Alexandra Palace on Monday night. Taylor, one of the most dominant performers in any sport, was hoping to retire with a 17th world title but Cross, who was not even born when Taylor won his first crown in 1990, produced a stunning performance to claim a 7-2 victory. The former electrician, 27, said: “I’m on cloud nine really. It’s surreal, it’s not settled in yet. “Even before the World Championship, darts had already changed my life. I couldn’t have
expected the way my year’s gone.” Cross went into the contest full of confidence after seeing off world number one Michael van Gerwen in the last four and managed to maintain his focus throughout as Taylor bowed out of the sport. Cross averaged a remarkable 107.67, hit 11 maximums and had a record percentage of 60 per cent en route to collecting a cheque of £400,000. He added: “Someone was saying yesterday, it was the third highest they’ve had in the final in the world. “You’re never thinking about your averages when you’re playing but I knew I was playing well yesterday. “My finishing was very good and I was finishing amazingly at times.”
DOUBLE TOP Rob Cross beat Phil Taylor
Murray may miss Australian Open as Wimbledon hip injury flares up again ANDY MURRAY will make a decision on his Australian Open prospects at the weekend as he tries to avoid surgery to treat his long-term hip problem. Murray pulled out of the Brisbane International yesterday (January 2) because the injury that has sidelined him since Wimbledon is still causing him pain. The 30-year-old revealed his frustrations with the problem that has put a hold on his career and admitted he may have to have an operation. In a Facebook post, Murray wrote: “In the short term I’m going to be staying in Australia for the next couple of days to see if
my hip settles down a bit and will decide by the weekend whether to stay out here or fly home to assess what I do next.” He added: “Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the US Open I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to try get back on the court competing. “Having SLIPPING played DOWN practice Murray is now sets ranked 16 here in
Brisbane with some top players unfortunately this hasn’t worked yet to get me to the level I would like so I have to reassess my options. “Obviously continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover.
Surgery “Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that. “However this is something I may have to consider but let’s hope not.” The Australian Open starts on January 15. Murray, who started 2017 as the world No 1, has slipped down to 16th in the rankings during his long absence.
NEWS
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BUSINESS
National Business News
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Shell will not sell Danish refinery ROYAL DUTCH SHELL will no longer sell its refining business in Denmark for $80million (£60million) to Dansk Olieselskab. The deal was first announced in September 2016 and had been expected to complete last year. But the oil giant said on Tuesday (January 2) that Dansk Shell will remain under Shell’s ownership and ‘continue business as usual’. The firm said: “Shell announces today that the agreement it signed with Dansk Olieselskab in September 2016 regarding the sale of Dansk Shell, which consists of the Fredericia refinery and local trading and supply activities, has terminated and the sale will not complete.” The Fredericia refinery pumps out 70,000 barrels a day and Dansk Shell employs 240 people.
Final regulatory reform kicks in ONE of the final packages of reforms after the banking crisis comes into force today (January 3). Europe’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive – Mifid II – is an attempt to provide greater protection to investors and shore up transparency throughout the financial system. Asset managers will now have to pay for the research that prompts their investment decisions, as regulators clamp down on potential conflicts of interest which could harm investors. It will also attempt to help regulators pinpoint risks by making institutions report information about trades instantly, with bond traders having to tell the market about their deals within 15 minutes.
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF
Rail fare hike risks more people driving
Marked drop in High Street footfall on New Year’s Eve SHOPPER footfall saw an unexpected and significant drop on New Year’s Eve as cautious consumers switched their spending to online retailers. Bricks and mortar retailers suffered a 10.5 per cent drop in footfall compared with the same 24 hours on New Year’s Eve last year, according to monitoring service Springboard.
Weather Shoppers had to contend with Storm Dylan, which could have changed their plans, but the weather had mainly cleared up by early evening. The poor performance follows an overall 4.5 per cent fall on Boxing Day, while footfall was down 2.3 per cent from December 27-30 – when it was hoped retailers would see their tills recover during the peak sales period. High street footfall for the Boxing Day sales fell 5.9 per cent on last year as the number of shoppers
hunting for bargains on Christmas Day rose. However, footfall recovered on New Year’s Day, rising by 16.8 per cent on the same time last year, although at least part of this uplift is thought to have been due to January 1 falling on a Monday. Diane Wehrle, Insights Director at Springboard, said: “The drop in footfall on New Year’s Eve was unexpected, and particularly the magnitude of the decline. “Overall the Christmas and New Year trading period this year has been challenging for bricks and mortar stores, with noticeably lower footfall than last year. “In part this is a reflection of caution amongst consumers, but is also a function of underlying structural shifts in consumers’ shopping habits due to online activity and the fact that spending is spread across a wider range of products than ever before which is increasingly encompassing leisure experiences rather than purely physical goods.”
INCREASING rail fares is a ‘counterproductive move’ and there is a ‘real danger’ it could force more people into commuting by car, the Shadow Transport Secretary has said. Average ticket prices across the UK went up by 3.4 per cent yesterday [January 2] – the largest fare rise in five years – as many commuters returned to work. At King’s Cross Station in London, where a small group of protesters had gathered, Labour’s Andy McDonald said: ‘The height of these increases is totally unacceptable.’
Manufacturing ‘solid’ ACTIVITY in Britain’s manufacturing sector has eased from a near four-and-a-half-year high, but still stumped up ‘solid’ output and order growth in December. The Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing purchasing managers’ index stood at 56.3 last month, down from 58.2 in November, with economists expecting a figure of 57.9. The growth is based on rising demand from Europe, China, the Middle East and the US, helping to drive up employment.
Zurich sells Endsleigh INSURANCE giant Zurich has taken further steps to simplify its business by selling student insurer Endsleigh to brokers A-Plan. Endsleigh was founded by the National Union of Students in 1965. It will function as a stand-alone business and continue to operate from its base in Cheltenham.
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Letters
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU a quarter of a century are feeling pretty guilty. Whoever concocted the Scrooge-like plan of slapping cars with a parking fine on the Saturday before Christmas should be fined themselves. For years, the Lonsdale Gardens area in central Tunbridge Wells has been a place where people, often those who are doing low-paid jobs around the town and therefore cannot afford the ever-increasing daily car park charges, can leave their car for free. However, now the Belvedere Estate Trust, who own this land, has declared it a no-go zone and ensured people get the message courtesy of a £95 fine. Shame on them! May I suggest that they review their thinking or see general car parking fees come down in 2018 to make up for this new and unfair rule. Emily Di Marco Via email
DIFFERENT CLASS Are schools like Judd becoming too big?
Making our schools bigger will be to the detriment of all pupils I was devastated to hear about plans to expand our secondary schools. We have submitted our secondary application form for our son. He simply wanted a boys’ school that was as close as possible and as small as we could find. Judd was our closest school to fit those criteria, but now we find that we will be sending him from a primary school of 84 pupils to a secondary that has 240 in Year 7 alone. And we have no choice now – the forms are in and there is nothing we can do about it. Whilst I can see that schools of this size are financially efficient, I do have huge concerns for the welfare of the children in these huge super-schools. In a time where more secondary children are trying drugs, and more than half experience mental health issues, including bullying,
High Street isn’t just for cars ‘Giving Tonbridge the High Street it deserves’ may have been the headline when Tonbridge High Street was refurbished, and one with which I am sure we would all wish to agree. I understand Mr Power’s sentiment [December 20] regarding why these projects appear not to be fully thought through, though I have to say that there are many complexities with a scheme of this scale. I also agree that the issue of buses holding up the traffic travelling north is now the most pressing concern, and this has been expressed to me by many other residents during the year. Shared spaces in the public realm like this one have to be used by many people using many different modes of transport. As motorists, we may think we own the road, but what about those who have to use the bus? Then again, there are cyclists and pedestrians to consider, delivery vehicles and taxis – all having as much need to use the High Street.
self-harm, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders, how can staff truly get to know this number of pupils in order to spot these kinds of problems in schools? And with class sizes on the rise at schools such as Skinners’, how can their education be in any way personal or individualised? Kent County Council have had no choice but to do this. Their hands were tied by the Free School programme and they no longer have the legislative power to open new schools. I have been working on an application to open a school in this area for a year (see www. ipetitions.com/petition/Da-Vinci-School). It should have been submitted in March, but the government have seemingly been distracted and still have not opened applications, leaving the whole free school system to stagnate. Abby Lloyd Via email
Afraid to use my disabled badge I was interested to read your report that ‘Tunbridge Wells is a real hotspot when it comes to fines for parking’ [December 13]. I am 86 and a disabled driver, and I need a car for shopping and to get around the town generally. However, I now feel constrained to avoid using my Blue Badge in Tunbridge Wells unless I have a passenger to ride shotgun and watch out for any prowling parking attendants. The idea behind the Blue Badges is to afford a measure of independence for the disabled, but if you feel discouraged from using it, then this defeats the object of the scheme. The purpose of parking attendants should be to facilitate the traffic flow, not to operate as a profit centre for the council. A P M Davis Tunbridge Wells
Not-so-affordable housing Hence there has to be compromise. I am pleased to have been assured that this issue, together with others such as disabled parking, will be reassessed when the High Street refurbishment is reviewed early next year. I should also like to point out that Mr Power is a little unfair in laying the blame entirely at the door of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. It was consulted about the refurbishment and could see other potential improvements that the scheme has since delivered, which indeed residents also appreciate from many other remarks I have heard. Michael Payne Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport & Waste Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
Parking fines crossed a line Well I hope that the people who came up with the idea of imposing penalty fines on cars parked in an area that has been exempt from them for over
Councillor Nicolas Heslop conveniently sidesteps the major issues relating to housing [December 20]. He refers to ‘affordable’ housing, but at 80 per cent of market value these are far beyond the pockets of the poorest residents. Conservative policies including Right to Buy and Help to Buy have diverted almost all funding away from social housing for rent, which would solve the problem and raise income for local authorities in the long term. It doesn’t matter how many so-called affordable homes are built. If they are beyond the reach of those in need the problems will continue. The combination of unaffordable high rents and welfare changes have seen a doubling in rough sleeping and homelessness. There are 128,000 children in temporary accommodation this Christmas, and the number of affected families has increased by 60 per cent since 2010. The funds wasted on temporary accommodation should be spent on housebuilding.
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Refusing to reopen the Call for Sites process to subject Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council land proposed for development to the same public scrutiny as privately owned land will have no impact on the rate of housebuilding. We have now seen the council’s response to rough sleeping. Removing the bench used by a homeless man to sit on, despite the fact he was sleeping on the floor, is nothing short of cruelty. That this was done when the leader of the council is chair of the local homeless charity, and our MP is the patron, is beyond irony. Mark Hood Vice-chair Tonbridge & Malling Green Party
Station is a bridge too far Given the length of time Southeastern is taking to regenerate London Bridge, one can only hope the delays will be worthwhile [December 27]. As a commuter to Moorgate, I use the station every working day and, as I’m sure many people can relate to, I find the current layout frustrating. Coming into London Bridge by tube, passengers have to leave the station, walk around the Shard and take three more escalators before emerging on a platform for a train to Tunbridge Wells. While the extra walk is a boost for my Fitbit, it feels an unnecessary lengthening to an already tedious journey. Noah Clinton-Moss Tunbridge Wells
Let’s hear it for heroic NHS May I pass on my heartfelt thanks to all those who worked in A&E at Tunbridge Wells over Christmas and the New Year – and to the staff at the new Urgent Treatment Centre in Pembury. A friend of mine was able to rapidly get help at the latter facility, which was designed to take the strain off A&E while still providing a round-theclock service for those who need urgent help which isn’t an emergency. It’s at times like these that we remember how lucky we are to have a National Health Service that is ‘free at the point of delivery’. Over the Christmas period, I heard of a chap in the US who went into hospital because he was worried about being dehydrated, and he paid $5,000 for a bed for two hours. An overnight stay would have cost him $29,000. So let’s stop expecting our NHS to be miracle workers, be grateful for the level of care that we do have access to – and stop moaning about it. And let’s hope they get more money this year. Yes, it’s a massive financial burden, but it’s worth pointing out that of the G7 countries, only Italy spends less than us on public health provision. If you’re going to spend the public’s money on anything, I would suggest this – and social care – are better options than any other. Tony Cross Tonbridge Calverley is away on holiday – still
Education
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
EDUCATION Times WITH THE
Schools need to learn lessons on how to involve the parents of pupils more New research shows teachers overwhelmingly support parental engagement, but it also reveals that more needs to be done to get them actively involved
A NEW report from PTA UK, an education charity based in Tonbridge, reveals that teachers overwhelmingly agree that parents have a positive impact on their school. Out of those questioned, 98 per cent believe this to be the case, yet despite these positive findings less than a fifth (19 per cent) say their school has any formal parental engagement plan in place. PTA UK, a leading membership charity which
supports parental participation in schools, conducted the survey among teachers nationwide to assess their views on the benefits of, and approaches to, parental engagement in schools. Commenting on the findings, Michelle Doyle Wildman, Acting CEO of PTA UK, said: “The research shows that although teachers acknowledge the value of engaging and involving parents, only a small number report that their school has any clear process in place to make parental engagement part of their day-to-day work and overall improvement plans.” This, she believes, is not only potentially harming students, but also the wider school landscape. “Schools are, by underinvesting in this area, missing a trick to achieve more and build trust with the communities they serve,” she continued. “Teachers need to be supported to embrace parental engagement, know what role they can play in addressing it, and be clear about who in their school is leading this vital area of work.” She went on to add: “By training staff to embrace
PTA UK’S PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT SURVEY ALSO FOUND:
NEWS
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Mount Everest trek raises funds for St George’s Childcare A STAFF member at St George’s nursery and pre-school has completed a 12-day trek to Mount Everest’s Base Camp. Senior childcare leader Zsuzsi Pap undertook the gruelling journey to the world’s highest mountain in order to raise funds for St George’s charity. She walked up to eight hours a day while trekking in Nepal, and admits it was a challenge. “It was so hard, but such an amazing experience,” she told the Times. “The biggest challenges were the altitude sickness and the cold at night. It would go from 20 degrees in the day to minus 20 degrees at night.” So far, Zsuzsi has raised £435 for the children’s charity, with funds going towards new toys and equipment and improving the nursery’s garden.
More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents say building trust and improving relationships between parents and teachers is the biggest benefit of parental engagement Six out of ten say it improves academic achievement (62%) and pupil behaviour (59%) Over half (53%) believe it helps to develop a shared school ethos and culture More than four out of ten (44%) believe it reduces absenteeism A third (32%) believe that when parent views are shared, it has a positive impact on school decision-making
a culture of engagement, and ensuring commitment from senior leadership teams, governors and trustees, our schools can make strides towards better home-school partnerships and truly establish themselves as parent-friendly.”
THUMBS UP Zsuzsi rises to the challenge
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NEWS
Weekly Comment
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
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
There is a lot to celebrate in Tonbridge this New Year NEW YEAR is a great time to ask what we can do for our community. Tonbridge has recently been voted one of the best places to live in the UK and has a high street that’s looking better than it has done for years. But what makes it so wonderful? There are many ways to the answer to that question but for me there is one overriding factor: The community spirit. Over the past few years we have seen it time and again.
MAKING MERRY The carnival and fete at the castle
Extraordinary Some are doing things for the young. Groups like the YMCA and Who Let the Dads Out? make sure people across our town get time to develop skills and to be a family. This may seem small but the difference it makes is extraordinary. Some who are doing things for the town are the Lions, Rotary and Round Table three groups who show there are many ways to contribute. Getting together socially, and organising locally, they prove that helping out can be fun. I’ve been so impressed to see them organising events like the Tonbridge Half Marathon, helping with the Dragon Boat Racing and raising money for the town’s Christmas collection.
But collecting is only half the question – making sure the funds are used properly is just as important and that’s where groups like the Bridge Trust come in. Caring for the homeless and vulnerable in our town is part of what makes Tonbridge special, that’s why I’m delighted to support the Bridge Trust. Others are doing things for our country. This year, the Tonbridge Poppy Appeal raised £35,000
for The Royal British Legion. That didn’t happen by accident. Led by the tireless Carl Lewis and unstoppable Pam Mills, people only too happy to support an important national cause. And others still are doing things for our world. Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees is helping some of the most vulnerable take steps to become part of our community
Some are doing their bit to get us better links – and Tonbridge Line Commuters deserve special praise for all their efforts. Their constant action has ensured we are not overlooked and though there are frequent problems, they have helped me argue for more funding on our line. Many parents have joined me in lobbying for buses to ensure our kids get to school safely and quickly. There’s much more to do on transport in our town but together we’re making some progress. All of these different projects, and many more, need dedicated people. For some it’s a few hours a month, for others it’s a fulltime job. Many organise their own groups, others, like me, join existing organisations and political parties. Because politics is just another way of working for our community. That’s the reason I got involved in politics and joined the Conservatives. I think the actions we take as individuals matter and it is the job of government to support us, not to take over and tell us what to do. So what will you do this year to help our town? Will you join a group like the Lions or Rotary? Will you give time or money to charities like the Bridge Trust or the Royal British Legion? Or will you join a political party and help me to build a better future for all of us?
WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL WITH THE
Available in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge
Splendour in sandstone One of the largest traditional houses in Tunbridge Wells
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Hamsell Farm
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
PROPERTY
Located in a rural setting, yet still convenient for road and rail links
AT A GLANCE
A character farmhouse dating back to the 17th century or earlier
HAMSELL FARM ERIDGE GREEN NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ Entrance hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Library ■ Kitchen ■ Breakfast room ■ Family room/bedroom ■ Secondary kitchen ■ Study ■ Utility room ■ Bathroom ■ 5 bedrooms ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Large attic storage space ■ Granary ■ Timber barn with separate storeroom ■ Cow byre ■ Large covered yard ■ Brick-built former stables ■ Ponds and stream ■ Gardens, grounds and paddocks ■ About 10.34 acres in total
GUIDE PRICE
£2,650,000
Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk
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PROPERTY
Fernclyffe House
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
AT A GLANCE FERNCLYFFE HOUSE PEMBURY ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Drawing room n Morning room n Dining room n Study n Conservatory n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite n 7 further double bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n Dressing room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast room n Playroom/office n Utility room & boiler room n Wine cellar & cloakroom n Heated pool with electric cover n Front and rear gardens n Detached triple car port and parking n About 0.93 acres APARTMENT: n Kitchen/breakfast room n Sitting room n Bedroom, dressing room & bathroom
A handsome villa with far-reaching views lying close to the town centre
Set in nearly an acre of its own grounds, with a heated swimming pool and secondary accommodation
n Original larder
OIEO
£3,250,000
Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk
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FEATURES
Food & Drink
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Take small steps to make those big changes in 2018 Would you like to change your general approach to food and follow a healthier eating regime this year? Then the UK’s leading nutritionist specialising in women’s health, Dr Marilyn Glenville, who runs one of her clinics from Tunbridge Wells explains how…
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NEW year is almost like a fresh start – a new beginning that gives us the possibility of thinking: ‘What about a new you?’ We have also probably gone overboard at Christmas – some people can consume up to 6,000 calories on Christmas Day when 2,000 a day is the recommendation for women – and we therefore believe that now is the time for change. It is estimated that most people only maintain their New Year’s resolution for about a week to ten days, and it is thought that the problem is people give themselves unrealistic, unachievable goals which they can’t keep up. We do get stuck in routines and ways of doing things, or not doing them, so it can be difficult to make changes. I have always thought that it is better to have achievable short-term goals that you can stick to, see the difference, and then add some more in as you gain in confidence. Nearly everybody needs to think about eliminating added sugar for 80 per cent of the
time in their diet, and while there will always be the odd blips, like Christmas, birthdays and weddings, it is what they do every day that makes the difference. Sugar and foods that are broken down into sugar quickly (e.g. white flour) are the major culprits behind most people’s health problems, and having low or no fat is not the issue. When I think of many of the symptoms that women – especially those who come into the clinic in Tunbridge Wells – complain about, they mainly include irritability, aggressive outbursts, palpitations, lack of sex drive, crying spells, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, fatigue, insomnia, headaches and muscle cramps. These are all symptoms that can be due to fluctuating blood sugar caused by sugar, and also long gaps without eating. Balancing blood sugar is also essential in lowering stress, because the crashes in blood sugar levels which happen through the day stimulate more adrenaline to be released.
Some top tips on how to achieve a healthier life… n Eliminate: Take out of your diet all the savoury foods that contain added sugar. This might be as simple as just changing the brand so you keep the same food but the ingredients are healthier. Foods to think about are tomato (spaghetti) sauces, mayonnaise, salad dressings, baked beans and soups. n Just say no: Stop adding sugar to your hot drinks and other foods. Some people will sprinkle sugar on to their cereal in the morning when there is already a lot of sugar added
to it – remember to read those packets. This is similar to people who sprinkle salt on their food before tasting it, when it might be salty enough. Wean yourself off added sugar, gradually diminishing the amount you use each day over a period of days or maybe weeks. n You are what you eat: Include some protein every time you eat, i.e. fish, eggs, quinoa, tofu, beans, nuts and seeds and natural bio yogurt. This slows down the release of sugar and thus keeps levels more stable.
n Dr Marilyn Glenville, PhD, is the UK’s leading nutritionist specialising in women’s health. She is Former President of the Food and Health Forum at the Royal Society of Medicine and author of a number of internationally bestselling books, including The Natural Health Bible for Women. Her book Natural Alternatives to Sugar is available from Amazon.
It’s also beneficial to eat a serving of dark green leafy vegetables or salad daily. n Treat time: Try snacking on dried fruit and unsalted nuts and seeds (for protein) to help when you might get a craving for sugar or chocolate. n Get moving: Add in an extra 30 minutes of exercise a week, or if you have not been exercising, start with 30 minutes exercising a week. After a month, you can add in another 30 minutes.
Dr Glenville runs clinics in Tunbridge Wells, Harley Street, London and Ireland. If you are interested in a consultation, call Dr Glenville’s clinic on 01892 515905 or email: health@marilynglenville. com or visit www.marilynglenville.com
Next week: We show you how you can create delicious yet healthy recipes to include in your New Year repertoire
Food & Drink
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
FEATURES
Going ‘dry’ in January need not be boring Whether you overdid things during the festive period or you simply want to ensure your new healthy eating regime works, you may well be looking at a dry or drier January. So Times wine writer James Viner gives you some tips on the best zero and lower-alcohol drinks…
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OU don’t always have to compromise on taste to relish less boozy drinks. I almost always prefer a wine parenthetically low in alcohol than one that is just showing off about it (and de-alcoholised and stripped of flavour). Remember, as Oscar Wilde once said: “Everything in moderation… including moderation.” So, with that in mind, here are three flavoursome zero and lower alcohol wines, beers and sparklers that have impressed me – and will also save quite a few calories. Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year!
1. TOP OF THE POPS: GROWN-UP, ALCOHOL-FREE BUBBLY
The Bees Knees alcohol-free sparkling, Germany (£3.49-£3.80, 75cl, Morrisons/Ocado/Adnams) After decades of being left on the (bottom) shelf, alcoholfree beverages have had a transformation thanks to mounting consumer demand for booze without the actual alcohol. This yummy (and aptly-named) Bees Knees is made from grape juice, perfused with premium green tea and is sure to appeal to Prosecco-loving pregnant women and designated drivers. There is also a pink version which has notes of juicy red fruits. Both are elegant alternatives to sparkling wine and have just half the calories of an average fizz. They look and taste great and are just the ticket for booze-free celebrations and fizz-loving readers this dry January. Also a really outstanding bargain. (Alc 0%)
2. RACY LOWER-ALCOHOL RIESLING
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2015 Dr Wagner Riesling, Mosel, Germany (£8.99, Waitrose & Ocado) An off-dry, bright German lightsaber of a wine: Dazzling, invigorating, fragrant and thrillingly intense. The wondrous bouquet of red apple, apple blossom and pear leads into a fresh, crisp palate with intense Meyer lemon fruit and a very long, lingering and penetrating finish, sustained and lengthened by inbuilt acidity. A joyful off-dry Riesling’s modest alcohol makes it a superlative wine pairing for light and moderately-spiced spicy foods. This is a wine of poise rather than power and really top stuff. Served chilled, but not ice cold. (Alc 7.5%)
3. SUPERB 0.5% ABV STOUT
Big Drop Brewing Co, stout, England (£1.89-£2.89, 330cl, Beer Hawk/drydrinker.com/lightdrinks.co.uk) Based in Maidenhead, the Big Drop Brewing Co is a brewer specialising in the production of very tasty, low-alcohol beers. This delicious, virtually alcohol-free, milk stout has coffee and chocolate springing out of the glass, while on the palate it’s all bitter sweetness, vanilla and mocha – an appetising craft beer for lovers of stout and porter (the world’s first truly global beer style) who want to lay off the booze but not make compromises on taste. What a marvellous discovery for dry January. Serve in a snifter. (Alc 0.5%) Follow James on Twitter: @QuixoticWine
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FEATURES
Travel
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Dream of going a-wandering in 2018
Seven holiday destinations that should be on your wish list
A new year brings the excitement of fresh horizons, so warm yourself by starting to plan your travel calendar at home and abroad now, says Sarah Marshall…
Museum (museo-casa-carlos-gardel.business.site). Later in the year, Norwegian plan to launch a subsidiary to fly domestic services in Argentina’s interior, which will make it easier to visit other parts of the country, too.
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2. PICOS DE EUROPA, SPAIN
Best for: Hiking One hundred years ago, this stretch of peaks linking Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon was designated the first national park of Europe. Just 20km from the northern coast of Spain, it’s regarded as one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the country. Limestone mountains, cloud-reaching forests and tumbling glaciers make up the 300-squaremile terrain, which is ideal for easy, multi-day hikes. Aside from the breathtaking landscapes, there’s also the possibility of seeing golden eagles, wild horses and (if you’re really lucky) the Cantabrian brown bear.
ETURNING to work after the Christmas break isn’t easy for anyone. But with a brand new holiday allocation at your fingertips, there are a few rays of hope to cling on to. So here’s some inspiration if you’re planning travel adventures and weekends away in 2018. New flight routes, exhibitions and exciting developments are putting these seven global destinations firmly on the map.
1. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Best for: Urban discovery Once considered territory only for backpackers and career-break travellers, South America is now a very feasible option for a shorter holiday. British Airways paved the way with a series of direct flights, but now Norwegian is opening the continent up to the low-cost market. On February 14, the ambitious airline will launch a direct service from London Gatwick to Argentina’s romantic capital, Buenos Aires. Along with sampling some of the country’s finest steaks and Malbecs at parrillas such as Don Julio (www.parrilladonjulio.com), admire the ornate beauty of the Teatro Colon opera house (www.teatrocolon.org.ar/en) or learn about the history of tango at the Carlos Gardel House THE COOLER SIDE OF SPAIN Lake Enol, part of the Picos de Europa range
3. DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
TWO TO TANGO A must in Buenos Aires
Best for: Art and design Excitement is mounting for the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee (www.vandadundee. org), which is expected to open in late summer and is part of an ambitious £1billion development of the city’s waterfront. The first museum of its kind in Scotland will house a permanent collection tracing the country’s design heritage – from Charles Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabric, to Ian Callum’s creative input at luxury car
manufacturer Jaguar – along with world-class touring exhibitions. In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was first published 100 years ago. Explore streets described in her book on a walking tour with Dark Dundee (www.darkdundee.co.uk; tours from £10).
4. MALAWI
Best for: Wildlife Although it’s frequently overshadowed by neighbouring safari giants Zambia and Tanzania, this small, friendly and politicallystable country is gearing up to be a world-class wildlife destination. Last year, the world’s biggest ever translocation of elephants took place, successfully restocking the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and next year there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park, with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio’s charitable foundation. But even without the big cats, Liwonde is a natural treasure. On a boat safari, watch elephants swim across the park’s Shire river, and hear hippos snuffling in the undergrowth.
5. LIVERPOOL, UK
Best for: Culture With 12 months of cultural events planned for this dockside city, there’s good reason to visit throughout the year. One of the biggest talking points is the impending arrival of the Terracotta Army from Xi’an. For more than 2,000 years, these statues
Travel
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor and, from February 9 until October 28, they’ll form part of a major exhibition at the World Museum (www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/), recounting one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Other highlights in the arts calendar include a return visit from French puppeteers Royal De Luxe as part of the city’s celebrations to mark ten years since it was the European Capital of Culture; The Liverpool Biennial: Festival of Contemporary Art (July 14-October 28); and Tate Liverpool’s 30th birthday celebrations.
6. NASHVILLE, USA
Best for: Foodies Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Tennessee’s capital ripples with intrigue. Sure, cowboy boots still tap to irresistible riffs in crowded bars, but the appeal of the city renamed ‘Nowville’ by American GQ magazine is so much broader.
ON THE MOVE China’s legendary Terracotta Army
A dynamic food scene runs from gritty southern fare to classy gourmet creations, and the reinvigorated neighbourhoods of 12 South and East Nashville are shaping up to be hipster magnets. Responding to growing interest in the city, British Airways will launch Europe’s first direct flight on May 4, with five services operating weekly from £499 return.
7. AKUREYRI, ICELAND
Best for: Adventure A wilderness within easy reach, Iceland’s popularity grows every year. Now second timers are venturing beyond Reykjavik and heading north for similarly striking waterfalls, geothermal pools and lava caves – only without the crowds. This month, Super Break launch direct charters to Akureyri from Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Humberside and Newcastle. From February, additional services will operate from East Midlands, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted and Norwich. Iceland’s second city is the gateway to the Arctic North, where highlights include Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, as well as lava formation Dimmuborgir and Myvatn Nature Baths – a far less touristy alternative to the country’s more famous Blue Lagoon. DESIGNS ON DUNDEE The new V&A Museum under construction
ON SAFARI Exploring Malawi’s Shire River by boat
OUTLOOK ON ICELAND From the Dimmuborgir lava fields
FEATURES
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Advertorial
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Be a quitter
How did you become involved with the business? A friend of mine had informed me that Dean was opening the shop, so I joined to help in store. I’m from a hospitality management background myself, so the idea of working within a customer service role appealed to me. As you can imagine, the hours are a lot better too than in hospitality. We began with just a few starter kits and basic juices, and here we are now – it is amazing to see how the business has grown. As well as your shops, you provide an online service... The online shop has really taken off; we were in the top 25 per cent of the online stores that were opening in the week we did according to our Google Analytics. It’s going great and we can offer next day delivery on all orders placed before 4pm that day. Which of your products are the most popular, both in-store and online? Black, and Black Reloaded. Black is a blackberry flavour with a slight menthol hint to it and we sell about five bottles of it to every other single bottle of liquid we sell. The Black Reloaded is a second edition with a more intense flavour. Both are so popular and come from Zeus Juice, a brand we have exclusivity for in this area. We’ve been affiliated with them since the very beginning, and now they’re a huge company with ware-
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cheap kits they’ve ordered online that they don’t know how to get started with. We will never pressure anyone into buying anything from us and we equally won’t rush anyone out of the store. I think that’s the key to our success thus far. For those wishing to stop smoking, perhaps as part of a New Year resolution, in what way could vaping help them? One of the big factors is cost. You might be spending £10 a day on a packet of 20 cigarettes when you could be buying a 10ml bottle of fluid that lasts you almost three days, for just £5. You can, of course, use vaping to slowly wean yourself off of nicotine completely. You can buy a range of different fluids with varying nicotine content, and you can easily monitor and slowly lower your intake. Many people use this to get themselves down to no nicotine at all. Vaping is also smoother on the throat, so there’s less wheezing caused by it, as well as having less of a smell – something often your non-smoker friends around you may appreciate.
Quitting smoking is no stranger to being top of the New Year’s resolutions list. In the spirit of ending 2018 cigarette-free, we catch up with Fiona Hamilton-Currie of JT’s ECig Store to find out why vaping may just be the solution you’re looking for… Can you tell us a brief history of the business and how it all started? Dean King opened the shop just over three years ago after taking up vaping himself whilst a close family member was undergoing cancer treatment. At the time, Tonbridge didn’t have a vape shop, and so there was a gap in the market. Dean knew the town could benefit from a shop, and the business grew organically with the industry and so we extended to Edenbridge and Tunbridge Wells.
FEATURES
NEW ALTERNATIVE: There is a vast variety of products available houses in Birmingham. Flavour wise, everyone likes something different, so we sell a huge variety – you can get anything from a more conventional tobacco flavour through to bubblegum, or strawberries and cream. There was even a festive ‘Pigs in Blankets’ flavour last month. Do you get a wide variety of customers? There are two types of vaping – the cigarette replacement and Sub-ohm. We get a lot of smokers who come to us wanting an alternative to smoking, but there is also the Sub-ohm side, which is the theatrical ‘cloud-blowing’ you may have seen. That type of vaping is about getting the most flavour from the juice. The large clouds you see are a bi-product of that type of atomiser (which turns the liquid into vapour) in the ohm products. However, there’s no need to be intimidated by that side if you are just wanting to quit smoking – we offer practical vaping kits for under £40, and we would never pressure you into buying something you don’t need. Is your focus on customer service the key to success? Definitely. Vaping is very complex. Being able to come in and have a friendly chat with us is crucial to helping many people. We get a lot of customers who have been completely overwhelmed by the information they found online, and we even get people coming in with
The government did come down quite hard on the vaping industry not long ago, how did that affect things for you? It was important that they did, as it was previously an unregulated industry. TPD, the Tobacco Products Directive, saw new basic rules introduced that ensured consumers are provided with specific information to help them make informed choices. These requirements included things like restricting e-cigarette tanks to no more than 2ml and making sure nicotine-containing products are child-resistant. People need to be coming to licensed places like us for the service we offer as it’s a serious part of someone’s life. I see people literally finish a cigarette outside our shop, take a deep breath, and come to us wanting to change the habit of a lifetime.
And how has the response been from the health industry? The NHS have endorsed it as being healthier than smoking cigarettes. Personally, as an ex-smoker, I’ve felt I don’t wheeze as much and I’m able to run a lot more. A lot of people find they eat less sugar as a result of vaping with a sweet tasting fluid instead and similarly your mouth health may improve when you switch from cigarettes to a vape. Of course, everyone is different and it’s best to seek professional medical advice should you feel you need it. Finally, what does the future hold for JT’s ECig Store? Much of the same, we hope. We will continue to work on both our in-store and online market, and make sure we continue to offer the customer service that has got us to this point.
JT’s Tonbridge 5 Quarry Hill Parade, Tonbridge TN9 2HR 01732 363365
ALL IN THE SERVICE Staff are on hand to help you transition
JT’s Tunbridge Wells 104 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UN 01892 458625 JT’s Edenbridge 74-76 High Street, Edenbridge TN8 5AR 01732 667026 www.jtsecig.co.uk
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FEATURES
Motoring
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Can the Ford Edge Vignale cut it as a luxury SUV? Ford has taken its flagship SUV, the Edge, and applied liberal amounts of chrome and equipment to create the new Edge Vignale. Tom Wiltshire puts it to the test… WHAT IS IT?
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The Vignale nameplate is a luxury sub-brand which Ford says is a response to customer feedback – loyal buyers of the American brand were buying more and more top-spec Titanium models, leaving them nothing higher to upgrade to when trade-in time came around. So the Vignale addition to the model line-up acts as a range-topping trim – giving customers extra kit, improved materials, chrome detailing, and dedicated benefits. We tested Ford’s flagship SUV – the Edge – in this glitzy new spec. The Edge is an American import and sells in huge numbers across the pond, but does this kit-and-chrome-laden 4x4 appeal to UK tastes? Let’s see…
The Edge Vignale is available with just one 2.0-litre diesel engine, available in two states of tune. The lesser model gets 178bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the top brass can choose the 207bhp version mated to a six-speed auto. Our car was the latter. The engine is fairly refined, but it’s definitely no speed demon. Customers at this price level may be a little disappointed, especially as a similarly priced BMW X3 will complete the 0-60mph sprint in under six seconds, compared to over nine for the Vignale. The gearbox is smooth, but feels old-fashioned with just six ratios to choose from. Seven or eight is de facto in this class, and a more modern gearbox would make better use of the diesel’s narrow power band. Fuel consumption isn’t impressive either – we averaged 33mpg during our time with the car.
WHAT’S NEW? On the outside, the Edge Vignale gets a selection of exclusive paint colours. Once it’s been painted, Ford lets its design team loose with chrome detailing – there’s a massive and imposing Vignale-specific grille, glitzy chrome wheels and shiny roof rails. Inside, the Vignale gets quilted leather seats, while Ford has covered the plastic dashboard with swathes of leather. The carpet’s thicker, and even the boot is coated in deep-pile shag. Under the skin, not much has changed, but there’s extra soundproofing to make the Vignale a relaxed and refined cruiser.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Ford has a strong track record for making cars that handle well, and the Edge is no exception. For such a big car, it’s unusually good in the corners. But in standard form, the Edge is very heavy – the Vignale even more so – and you can definitely feel that weight working against you. The suspension and brakes struggle with the bulky body, and the car pitches and rolls as you change direction. This would be forgivable if the trade-off was a cushioned ride, but the Vignale
FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL AS TESTED: Ford Edge Vignale 2.0 TDCi 210PS ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel POWER: 207bhp TORQUE: 450Nm MAX SPEED: 131mph 0-60MPH: 9.2 seconds MPG: 47.9 EMISSIONS: 152g/km PRICE: £41,945
isn’t as comfortable as it should be. It crashes over bumps in town, and only really settles down at a cruise. The steering is accurate, but feels overassisted – a necessary evil when trying to give such a big vehicle light steering.
HOW DOES IT LOOK? Divisive, in a word. Some will love the Edge’s combination of imposing American style and shiny chrome – others will find it a bit chintzy. We initially fell into the latter camp, but had to admit the car grew on us as the week drew on. It’s certainly eye-catching, and if you want road presence, few cars at this price are better. The big problem for most is presented in the centre of that vast front grille – the Ford badge. Unfortunately, the blue oval simply doesn’t have the prestige of BMW, Audi or Mercedes, and that will
affect your standing in the company car park and, more importantly, residual values.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The Edge’s interior is a tale of two halves – the top of the dashboard is a great example, where swathes of premium leather meet a cheap, plasticky storage bin. There’s a sense that Ford’s expended effort on upgrading materials that didn’t need upgrading – like the door cards – and ignored ones that should have been, such as the centre console. The standard Sync3 infotainment is a mixed bag, too. It has one of the most intuitive interfaces around, but, unfortunately, features an ugly UI and a poor-quality screen that is recessed awkwardly into the dash. At least the car is spacious – four adults can sit comfortably, and the vast boot has over 600 litres of space for your kit. It’s also eerily silent on the motorway, thanks to lots of sound deadening.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
‘Some will love the imposing American style and shiny chrome – others will find it a bit chintzy’
Ford throws the book at Vignale models as standard, and you won’t be left wanting for much. Dynamic LED headlights, quilted and heated leather seats, a hands-free electric tailgate and digital gauge cluster all come as standard. You also get Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system with sat-nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it’s a bit stingy that adaptive cruise control is a £500 option, while we find it disappointing that ventilated seats don’t even feature on the options list – they do on lesser Titanium models. We’d also opt for the blind-spot information system and front view camera – on a car this size, drivers need all the help they can get.
VERDICT If you want a big, luxurious SUV, the Edge Vignale has a lot going for it – on paper, at least. It falls down a bit in practice, though, with interior quality, performance and handling not befitting of the premium 4x4 market it’s priced in. However, there’s a sense that if you’re already sold on the Edge, opting for the Vignale wouldn’t be too big a stretch. Those who do go for it will find a spacious, relaxed SUV with a comfortably familiar badge on the bonnet.
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Advertising
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FEATURES
Advertising Feature
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
It’s time for a fitter you After all the Christmas indulgence, it is time to get your body back on track, but joining a gym can seem a little intimidating for some. Here, we speak to two local businesses who can help you on your path to making 2018 the fittest year yet… PEDAL POWER Machines can monitor progress
FIT4LESS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS What fitness trends are you anticipating in 2018? There is an increasing trend towards using functional fitness and high intensity interval training (or HIIT) for people to look and feel the best they can. Functional fitness generally refers to exercise methods that reflect the way our bodies work in real life, outside a gym. Using equipment like medicine balls, plyometric boxes, kettle bells, TRX straps, battle ropes and simple body weight, each exercise works several muscle groups together, with particular focus on core muscles. This provides stable and harmonious development of all-over strength and suppleness.
TM ACTIVE ANGEL CENTRE, TONBRIDGE What fitness trends are you anticipating in 2018? A growth in the use of wearable technology to track fitness effort, and of functional training. What is the most popular service you offer? We find that our members like to keep their workouts fun, fresh and challenging, and as a result we provide memberships that allow them to swap their routines up and use a combination of activities. Membership includes use of the gym, group exercise and swimming across all three tmactive leisure centres, as well as use of spas at Tonbridge Swimming Pool and Larkfield Leisure Centre. Our all-inclusive Health & Fitness Membership provides unlimited access to all of the above. As well as having the best gym equipment in the area, we also offer SWIMTAG tracking in our fitness pools and over 60 instructor-led exercise classes, including aerobic classes to burn calories and boost fitness, holistic classes to promote flexibility and reduce life’s stresses, conditioning classes to tone and sculpt the body, and great dance classes. Finally, our high impact classes cover Les Mills BODYATTACK, BODYBALANCE, Circuits and more.
What can members expect from your gym in 2018? At Fit4Less there is the right equipment and space to use these methods. There are classes, qualified staff and information available to help with the techniques you need to achieve your goals.
Are you introducing anything new in 2018? As well as offering a range of new world-class Technogym equipment, we also provide our members with a free Technogym mywellness account, so that they can track their fitness, view their bespoke fitness programme and more. Our cardio equipment is fitted with new Unity screens that provide every customer with their own touch ID personalised entertainment, plus Unity Mini screens on some of our strength training equipment provides guided workouts. Finally, in May we are really pleased to be introducing a new functional training rig to the gym, complete with new body weight training equipment.
www.f4l.com/tunbridge-wells
www.angelcentre.co.uk
What is the most popular service you offer? HIIT is an approach to cardio-vascular work that builds fitness remarkably fast. By alternating periods of moderate work with short bursts of much more intense effort, the body adapts to enhance endurance and performance.
POWERHOUSE The gym helps build up strength
Puzzles
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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.
9 2 1 3 7 3
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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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
L I M G A G M I N E G O S C F A L L E
C E N S E E T Q R T E A U O X A D D N T R E E R E S S O A R I R I S I T C A N T H E R O E U C ON B R O
H I D D E R O U C T W R P E C O K
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6 5 8 9 2 3 1 4 7
2 7 4 5 1 8 6 9 3
3 9 1 7 6 4 5 2 8
8 6 9 2 4 7 3 1 5
5 2 3 1 8 9 4 7 6
1 4 7 6 3 5 2 8 9
4 3 5 8 7 2 9 6 1
6 1 7 9 4 5 3 2 8
1 5 2 3 8 6 4 9 7
9 8 6 4 5 1 7 3 2
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 5 4
Jigsaw Sudoku:
5 7 1 4 2 8 6 3 9
2 8 5 7 6 4 9 1 3
4 9 3 2 5 7 1 8 6
3 6 8 1 9 2 7 5 4
8 4 9 6 3 1 5 7 2
9 2 4 5 7 3 8 6 1
7 3 6 8 1 9 2 4 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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SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
CODEWORD
FEATURES
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Recruitment
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
NEWS
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
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FEATURES
Arts & Culture
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Exhibiting a love of all things in life Self-taught Tunbridge Wells artist Richard Goldstein has just had his work accepted by one of the country’s most revered art institutes, The Mall Galleries in London. Here, he tells Eileen Leahy what inspires his paintings, which range from iconic exotic buildings to beloved childhood toys… AT WORK Richard Goldstein
How long have you been painting?
light or colour and then convey it to When I was nine, I won several the viewer in the simplest possible regional and national competitions for way. Each painting is a challenge and military modelling and miniature you learn new skills along the way. figurine painting. I often gave demonstrations of techniques HE’LL BOWL YOU OVER to adults at conventions – A’ little cricketer’ they didn’t seem to mind teddy bear learning from a child! I started doing more traditional painting in oil on canvas at around the age of 15. I found myself drawn to ancient monuments, especially those of Rome and Spain. One of my favourite places is the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and I’ve been painting that for years.
What do you like most about being an artist? Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I’ve had a few interesting jobs in my life. I have been employed in both London and Los Angeles as a pipe organ builder. Some organs I’ve
worked on include those in The Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, Canterbury Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall. I’ve been a London black cab driver, and I’ve also designed Flight Simulator
software for Microsoft. My wife wasn’t too keen on that job as I grew a pony tail! I currently teach special needs, and in my spare time I enjoy going to the Rusthall Community Cinema.
The thing that I enjoy most, if it turns out well, is the finished result and the enjoyment other people get from my paintings. It can be very exciting to realise a particular effect of
Arts & Culture
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Who are your artistic influences, and why?
Mainly Japanese paintings, calligraphy and ceramics because of their spontaneity and reliance on suggestion. I am also an admirer of the American realist painter John Singer Sargent. His deft brushwork and exceptional colour and tonal precision are a reference for many that aspire to work in the style of realism.
VENETIAN DAWN At Piazza San Marco
How easy is it to find inspiration?
I sometimes paint commissions, which forces me to accept a challenge and I like that. INTO AFRICA: A Moroccan restaurant Usually, these are soft interested in light, both its refraction toys, which I am rather fond of painting. It’s rewarding to see children, and reflection. I always paint still-life paintings from life, and attempt to and their parents, thrilled by the sight of their beloved toys brought to life in a portray the subtle ways in which light interacts and bounces between painting. As I paint from life, a friend had to explain to her children that their different textures and surfaces – it is very compelling. beloved toys had disappeared and I have recently done some painting in gone on a short break. Her son said: Tunbridge Wells, but this is largely “Mum, teddies don’t go on holiday to dependent on weather and lighting Tunbridge Wells.” When the children saw the finished painting on their wall, conditions. I would like to do more, maybe in the summer. they were incredibly excited! The main body of my landscape Are there any other areas from painting has been historical which you gain artistic inspiration? monuments and buildings in Spain I am also inspired by ethnic and Italy, though recently I have metalwork and fabrics. I’m very concentrated on still life.
‘I’m fond of painting soft toys. When the children saw the finished painting, they were incredibly excited’ Do you have any specific rituals when you paint?
The process of painting for me consists of a long time setting up a still life.
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How often do you exhibit, and where does it tend to be?
Recently, I was fortunate to have a picture selected for the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in London. I was rather pleased as it was my first submission to a fine art exhibition. The painting was inspired by a visit to the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice. Whilst originally intended as a limited value study of contrasting and transparent colours, UP CLOSE AND the finished picture was PERSONAL surprising in its Scuola Grande fortuitous portrayal of Di San Marco the presence and ambience of the subject. This may take many hours and goes People said that it shone and glowed, through numerous incarnations. and that luminosity must have For soft toy paintings this is communicated to those who curated particularly important, as the owners the exhibition. will have an attachment to the figure What are your plans for 2018? and will project certain feelings and thoughts on to it. It can take time to see I’d like to have more commissions of what those potential qualities might be. soft toy paintings, simply because everyone loves looking at them. Frequent refreshment breaks are an I also want to develop my skills important ritual, and an espresso outside within the local area – so you always helps! I find that working for may see me in The Pantiles or on the too long can affect my judgement with Common with my palette and paints! respect to form, tone and colour. A short break, and the opportunity to To find out more about Richard’s view progress from a distance, helps work and commissions, you can re-establish the original vision and email him at: georender@aol.com rest your eyes.
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FEATURES
What’s On
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
SEVEN DAYS OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
WHATS ON WITH THE
Eileen Leahy Local events SIMPLY WIZARD! This Trinity Theatre production
>> WEDNESDAY Today is the final day to see the Assembly Hall’s production of Aladdin. Starring CBBC’s Mark Rhodes, Britain’s Got Talent impressionist Jess Robinson and EastEnders actor Michael Greco, it is a fun interpretation of this classic rags to riches tale, and has been directed the venue’s artistic impresario JJ Almond. Tickets start from £10 and are available from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk It’s also your last chance to see Trinity Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Starring Scarlett Leigh Fawcett in the lead role of Dorothy, and directed by John Martin, this is a must-see feelgood production. Tickets are priced at £20. To book, visit www.trinitytheatre.net STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI At The Hop Farm
>> THURSDAY Trinity Theatre resumes its film screenings this evening with Loving Vincent. This is a celluloid first – a full oilpainted movie which brings the life, loves and work of Vincent van Gogh alive courtesy of his famous paintings and the characters which inhabit them. Starring Saoirse Ronan, the film starts at 8pm and tickets cost £11.
>> FRIDAY If you haven’t caught a festive pantomime yet, then there’s still time. The Talentz production of Jack and the Beanstalk is now on at the EM Forster Theatre until Sunday January 7, with two showings a day. Tickets cost £15 per adult and £12 for children. To book tickets, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk >> SATURDAY The Mercure Hotel in Pembury will host a Party Night January special this evening. So if you were working over Christmas, or just too busy to host your own office party, then gather a few
If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
colleagues or friends together and enjoy an early 2018 celebration. Tickets cost £25 per person for a three-course meal and disco, or pay £32 and you can enjoy a half bottle of wine, too. If you can’t make it this evening, there are other available dates in January. For further information, visit www.mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk Tonight and tomorrow are the final performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. Starring CBBC’s Ed Petrie and 80s comic Bob Carolgees, of Spit the Dog fame, it’s a hugely enjoyable traditional panto with lots of great gags and fantastic sets. Tickets cost £26.50 and can be booked at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk >> SUNDAY There’s nothing like shaking off some seasonal sloth by going for a bracing walk out in the country. There are plenty of enjoyable free roaming routes to choose from in our area, but if you want something more organised then have a look at the variety on offer at the National Trust properties, including Scotney and Bodiam Castles, Sissinghurst and Ightham Mote. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk >> MONDAY Star Wars The Last Jedi is showing most of next week courtesy of the Moonlight Drive-in Cinema at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. Screening times vary from 6pm to 9.30pm. Tickets are priced at £25 per vehicle. To book a specific slot, visit www. moonlightcinema.com >> TUESDAY There’s still time to see the Hayward Touring exhibition of screen prints by
WALK OFF THE EXCESSES OF THE SEASON At a variety of National Trust properties
Eduardo Paolozzi at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery. Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK.
What’s On
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
PICK OF THE WEEK Clangers, Bagpuss and Co: A V&A Museum of Childhood Exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle On every day until February 4 The magical worlds of The Clangers and Bagpuss are featured in a new exhibition organised by the V&A Museum of Childhood which will host a pop-up exhibition at stunning Sissinghurst Castle. These much-loved characters were created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, and filmed in a barn in rural Kent, and are credited with bringing new life to children’s television during the 1970s.
The exhibition brings together the original puppets alongside archive footage, sets and storyboards, photos, scripts and filming equipment, all placed in a playful recreation of Oliver and Peter’s film studio. While you are there, take a walk around the estate and the South Cottage, which former Sissinghurst resident Vita Sackville-West immortalised in her book of poetry The Land and The Garden, which was illustrated by Peter Firmin. Clangers, Bagpuss and Co is open at Sissinghurst Castle Garden daily from 11am to 4pm until February 4.
Paul Dunton Live music
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The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com
Bowie Night
SATURDAY Bowie Night: A Celebration THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT
Sussex Mews, by The Pantiles Open all day, music from 8.30pm till late Music cover charge may apply
WEDNESDAY NMW
CATCH BAGPUSS At Sissinghurst Castle
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN
Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
SATURDAY Alex Gold SUNDAY Open Mic Night THE ROYAL OAK THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk
Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
SATURDAY The Zimmer Men
WEDNESDAY Oscar Roache, Teddy Trenowden, Lights On The Mountain THURSDAY James & Grace Carroll, The Frampton Sisters FRIDAY Katy Virgoe, Sam Firth SATURDAY Closed SUNDAY Closed THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
The Common, London Road Event information at www.twforum.co.uk
Sam Firth
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NEWS
Sporting Times
CONTACT US:
Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
Crows’ late show sinks Wells with two goals in injury time ough dominated the first half and went on to secure a 4-1 victory. Neither goalkeeper was called into action in the first 20 minutes with most of the game being played in the middle of the park. Then the Wells’s gloveman Jack Bradshaw saved comfortably from Henry Muggeridge. Perry Spackman and Joe Anderson were marshalling the visitors’ defence to great effect to thwart the Crowborough attacks. Wells came close with a couple of efforts from Josh Biddlecombe and Jack Harris before making the breakthrough goal in the 32nd minute. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a
By Scott Bartlett FOOTBALL:
TUNBRIDGE WELLS were cruelly denied by two goals in injury time at the end of their local derby against Crowborough Athletic, who stay in second place in Southern Counties East League Premier Division. It was to prove very different to the match at the Culverden earlier in the season when Crowbor-
McKimm shuffles cards and new players come up trumps Brightlingsea Regent 0 Tonbridge Angels 3 Angels since signing from Kingstonian and he hit the ball high into the roof of the net. Seven minutes later it was the turn of the excellent Sam Bantick, a recruit from Heybridge Swifts, to open his Angels account. On 74 minutes he should have pocketed his second after being set up unselfishly by Turner but his well-struck shot hit the base of the post. Angels boss Steve McKimm was delighted with the display, given the changes he had been forced to make. “The players were really down after the performance at Folkestone on Boxing Day [when they lost 3-1], but they’ve answered that today. “I’ve given them a target number of wins to possibly reach the play-offs and that’s the first of them. Billericay on New Year’s Day will be very difficult but we will give it a go. “I have to believe we can get a result otherwise I wouldn’t be doing my job.” In the event Monday’s clash with the leaders of the Bostik League Premier was called off due to waterlogged pitch. An inspection in the morning had found the service fit to play but persistent rain led to an abandonment. Angels’ next fixture is at home to Lowestoft Town on Saturday (January 6, kick-off 3pm).
By Wes Filtness FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE Angels arrived at the Taydal stadium with a depleted squad and an improvised formation. But it proved a masterstroke by manager Steve McKimm as the visitors dominated the contest. Dan Thompson was deployed as a lone striker with Dan Bennett in behind, and from the kick-off Angels always looked in control. Sonny Miles’ header from a corner had to be cleared off the line and the visitors caused more problems from the set-piece in the 18th minute courtesy of Dan Bennett. Tonbridge made their superiority count when a cross from Liam Smith gave Joe Turner a simple header past goalkeeper Harry Palmer. There were further chances for Tom Jelley and Turner and the visitors were well worth their 1-0 lead at the interval. With Angels’ defence in the meanest of moods, the hosts couldn’t find a way through despite a more positive showing in the second half. On the hour, good work by Thompson on the left allowed Bennett to grab his debut goal for the
penalty for handball against the home side and Jon Pilbeam made no mistake from the spot. In the second half the game opened up as Crowborough committed to attack in order to keep their push for promotion alive.
Tangle After 57 minutes the Wells defence got themselves into a mighty tangle but Bradshaw came to their rescue, pushing away an effort from Zac Attwood. Joe Nwoko was put clean through on the Borough goal with just the keeper to beat but was unable to extend the lead.
He also had another great opportunity in the 83rd minute but again failed to find the net. Crowborough grabbed the equaliser in the 90th minute when a corner whipped in from the left wasn’t cleared and Tom Phipp scrambled the ball into the net. Wells suffered the same fate from another corner sent in from the left. Again Wells failed to clear and Dan Perry grabbed the winner. Now Tunbridge Wells take on another local rival, Sevenoaks Town, at the Culverden Stadium on Saturday (January 6, kick-off 3pm), when they will hope to repeat their victory over the top-of-thetable side in November.
MADDAMS IS APPOINTED ANGELS’ CHAIRMAN ROGER MADDAMS has been appointed new Chairman of Tonbridge Angels following Steve Churcher’s decision to stand down. A supporter of the club for 12 years, 57-year-old Roger joined the board a year ago and has been Events Director during that time. A chartered accountant by profession, he works in the social housing sector and has considerable experience in producing business strategies and understanding good governance. Angels supporters will know Roger through his work on the Football Fightback Campaign, helping to turn the club’s Events Marquee into a revenue earner and an asset for the community, and as the author of the club’s three-year business plan, which is currently going through a consultative process. On his appointment, which was a unanimous
HAT IN THE RING Roger Maddams (left) with vice-chairman Chris Drew
PHOTO: David Couldridge
Crowborough Athletic 2 Tunbridge Wells 1
board decision, Roger said: “I want to see more people coming through the gates of Longmead to watch both football and to enjoy the various community events we shall be organising. We are not a super rich club by any means so we have to make every penny count.”
Injuries deal a blow to Rustics after torment from Zanone Erith Town 2 Rusthall 0
TOP JOB Joe Fuller goes up for a header
FOOTBALL: THE Rustics ended a year in which they reached new heights with a disappointing defeat at the hands of a well-organised Erith Town side. On a very windy day conditions proved difficult despite the excellent playing surface. The home side started strongly and took the lead after 11 minutes. Rusthall failed to deal with a cross from the left and the ball fell to the feet of striker Stuart Zanone. He showed all of his experience with a great first touch before hitting an unstoppable right-foot
PHOTO: Dean Jacquin
By Richard Smith
shot past the goalkeeper Steve Lawrence. Rusthall bounced back from this early setback, got the ball down and played some good football. After a spell of pressure they were unlucky not to equalise on 29 minutes. Fine play by Steph Harper, the club’s leading scorer, saw the striker unleash a right-foot shot from the edge of area beat the keeper Adam Molloy, hit the inside of the post and rolled back into his hands. The Rustics were unable to create any further clear-cut openings and were not helped by Harper picking up a hamstring injury on 37 minutes, to be replaced by teenage midfielder Matt Hathway. Early in the second half the injury toll worsened when striker Joe Fuller was forced to go off with a
knock and was replaced by another teenager, Bayley Colbran. Rusthall worked hard but never really troubled the home defence and on 62 minutes the Dockers doubled their lead. Again Zanone hit a superb shot and Lawrence superbly saved it, diving to his left, but Osman Proni was on hand to slot home from close range. Bottom-of-the-table Hollands & Blair visit the Jockey Farm Stadium on January 10 for what looks like a must-win game for the Rustics if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle in Southern Counties East League Premier Division. But next up for the Rustics is another difficult away game at Beckenham Town on Saturday (January 6, kick-off 3pm).
Sporting Times
NEWS
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PHOTOS: Scott Wishart
Wednesday January 3 | 2018
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? TORRENTIAL RAIN greeted the hardy souls who shook off their festive torpor took part in a special Tonbridge parkrun on New Year’s Day to get
their fitness plans up and running; meanwhile 174 runners also turned out for Tunbridge Wells’ parkrun on Christmas Day (bottom right).
Champion pays tribute to the man who drove him to the top
TRACK RECORD Tom Bosworth with Pete Selby and young hopefuls in Tonbridge
By Andy Tong ATHLETICS: OLYMPIC race walker Tom Bosworth has spoken of his gratitude and affection for the coach who guided him to greatness, Pete Selby. Mr Selby has decided to stand down from his duties with Tonbridge Athletic Club, though he will continue to coach in Lewes, East Sussex. Tom came sixth in the race walking event at the Rio Games in 2016, in a British record time, and then broke the world record for the one-mile walk at the Anniversary Games in London last summer. The 27-year-old says of his former mentor: “Pete had coached many athletes for many years, giving so many evenings and weekends never looking for anything in return. “He encouraged me at every race, even when I
was coming last he always found a way of encouraging me.” Tom joined Tonbridge AC at the age of 11 and started race walking the following year because his sister Emily took part in it. He recalls his earliest days at the club, saying: “On track nights I can remember being a bit of a brat with my friends and he just enjoyed making sure we had a good time, got fit and some fresh air – even if we decided we didn’t want to go round the track but play football instead!”
Tom was not the only one who excelled at the discipline, which is often marginalised in track and field compared to more mainstream events. Tonbridge’s team has won the National Grand Prix title six times, and another member of last year’s Team GB race walking squad, Guy Thomas, learned his trade with Mr Selby at the club. Guy, whose mother Vicky is also a coach at Tonbridge, was invited to join Team GB for the pre-Olympic Camp at Font Remoy. Tom adds: “I know the race walking team at
Tonbridge often got overlooked, many even mocked us for a while. “But then after Pete started training athletes up to international standard they gave him the respect he is due. After all he was one of the highest qualified coaches at the club.” Mr Selby said: “We helped develop him from being a keen but not brilliant athlete to someone who was serious about the sport by the age of 18. “He is a great example of what can be done if you put your mind to it. Tonbridge has a good record for turning out race walkers, including Tim Berrett, who has represented Canada.” Berrett went on to compete at the Olympics in Barcelona and Sydney, and won a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. In the 1970s, the club’s John Nye and Ted Ardley were two of the faster walkers in the UK, while Freddie Baker was a 100-miles specialist. In 2009 Tom made his junior debut with Team GB and won a scholarship to study Sports Performance at Leeds Metropolitan University, which allowed him to train full time at the National Race Walking Centre there. He is now the six times British 20km champion and British record-holder on five occasions, claiming the best times at 3k 5k 10k and 20k. He continued to keep in touch with Mr Selby and told the Times: “I want Peter to finally get the respect he is due.”
Simla battle with Green Lane and Armada for top spot FOOTBALL: THE West Kent Sunday Football League (WKSFL) continues to experience an alarming drop-off in participating teams. Just 27 clubs making up the three divisions, the lowest membership in the league’s history since it started in 1967. Four teams were lost to football completely from the end of last season including successful sides Bricklayer’s Arms and Gardener’s Arms. A couple went to other leagues while Rusthall switched to Saturday football. Numbers were further reduced when FC Hayward failed to start their fixtures in the new campaign, and a few weeks into the season came
the demise of Tunbridge Wells Foresters. Crowborough and Jarvis Brook recently had seven teams in the league but now it’s just the one, Crowborough Town. No longer are there any teams based in Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and Westerham, while large villages like Hadlow and East Peckham have no active adult football at all. Pembury is another small town now down to one Sunday team, where once there were four or five. In Division One Simla look likely to finish ahead of Green Lane and Armada, though the form book is skewed by the fact that Dormansland Rockets have played only four league games because of a good run in the Surrey Sunday Cup, and they
have yet to play any of the top four. Tom Welch of Green Lane is leading the scoring charts across the three divisions with 18 goals.
Dominating In the second tier Royal Oak have played just two league matches and FC Grinstead only four – and none of them at home. Both sides are capable of dominating the division in the second half of the campaign, though Crowborough Town and Green Street Blues in particular will have something to say about that. Brenchley are on top of the league by virtue of
having been awarded nine points from three games where opponents could not raise a team. The top two in Division Three, Speldhurst Rangers and St John’s Yard, are likely to fight it out for the title. But Ridgewaye in Tunbridge Wells have shown a major improvement in recent weeks and have yet to play either of the current leaders. Two WKSFL teams have progressed to the Kent Reliance Sunday Premier Cup. Simla must travel to Broadstairs to meet Bradstow Albion of the Thanet Sunday League, while Artois United are at home to Footscray Lions of the Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Alliance. Both games are on January 14 (kick-off 10.30am).