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MP vows to ‘provide stability’ ANTIQUES as he returns to government THE PANTILES
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By Richard Williams GREG CLARK has said he wants to ‘provide stability’ and ensure ‘good governance’ while a new leader and PM are elected following his surprise return to Government last week. The Tunbridge Wells MP was chosen by ousted PM Boris Johnson to replace Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Mr Clark last served in the Cabinet under Theresa May when he was Secretary of State for Business until July 2019. After being elected PM, Boris Johnson replaced Mr Clark before later temporarily removing the whip from the Tunbridge Wells MP after he and a number of other Tory members rebelled over Brexit. The MPs promotion back to a paid government job comes after Boris Johnson sacked Michael Gove last week when the then Levelling Up and Communities minister insisted the PM resign.
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Mr Clark told the Times this week that ‘no-one was more surprised than me’ when he was asked to return to Cabinet last week. Writing in his exclusive column in this newspaper, he said: “I agreed to serve. Our country needs to have a functioning government in the weeks ahead and I will do my best to provide stability, good governance, and accountability to Parliament during this important time.” He continued: “It will be an intense few weeks, and I am determined to ensure that the Department is run effectively and efficiently.
“In addition to my constituency work, which has always been sacrosanct, I will devote all my energy to doing the best job in government that I can. So I will not be endorsing joining any of the campaign teams for the leadership of the party.” Mr Johnson announced on Thursday that he would step down but intended to stay on as an interim PM until a new leader is chosen. This in turn required him to form a new Cabinet following a raft of resignations. More than 50 MPs quit their
‘In addition to my constituency work, I will devote all my energy to doing the best job in government that I can’ government or party roles when a mass exodus was triggered by the resignations of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid last Tuesday night (July 5). The leadership crisis followed scandal surrounding former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, who quit after allegedly assaulting two men while drunk at London’s Carlton Club. Downing Street initially said Mr Johnson had no knowledge of previous allegations against Mr Pincher, but the Prime Minister later acknowledged that he ‘forgot’ that he had been informed of inappropriate behaviour dating back to 2019, and said he regretted keeping him in government beyond that point. Following the resignation of the Health Secretary and Chancellor on Tuesday night, a further four Cabinet ministers, 23 ministers, and 22
BACK IN THE SADDLE Mr Clark arriving at 10 Downing Street as the newly appointed Levelling Up Secretary on the day of his appointment last Thursday, July 7 parliamentary private secretaries along with three senior members of the Conservative party, resigned. Five trade envoys also quit their jobs, although Greg Clark as Special Trade Envoy to Japan, did not resign from his
unpaid position. Mr Clark will now likely have to resign the post as well as his position on the Science and Technology Select
Continued on page 2
TONBRIDGE MP IN THE RUNNING TO BE NEXT PM TONBRIDGE & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat was last night the first candidate declared to have enough backing to make today’s (Wednesday) first round of votes of Tory MPs who are choosing the UK’s next PM. Mr Tugendhat was also the first MP to publicly declare he was standing to replace Boris Johnson after the Prime Minister resigned last week.
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this week… Tunbridge Wells MP makes return to Cabinet Continued from front page
FUN IN THE SUN Pub in the Park visitors feasted on food, drink and music from across the world P6
Committee that he has chaired since 2020, as serving ministers do not usually sit on backbench committees. The only other Kent MPs who held a government job under Mr Johnson were Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott, who was parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Transport, and Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately who was Exchequer secretary to the Treasury.
HERITAGE HOPES Dancers of the Iron Spring Morris keep the ‘side’ up P10
FREE FIESTA The Mela is returning to Calverley Park on July 24 P26
BOREDOM BREAK Holiday beside the waterside at Bewl P28
Confidence Both resigned last week before Mr Johnson stepped down. Other key appointments made by the PM last week include Nadhim Zahawi who was made Chancellor; James Cleverly, Education Secretary; Robert Buckland, Secretary of State for Wales; and Kit Malthouse as the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Mr Clark’s appointment comes despite admitting in the Times last month that he had
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HIGHS AND LOWS OF MP’S PARLIAMENTARIAN CAREER May 2005 Greg Clark entered parliament as the MP for Tunbridge Wells. November 2006, the MP was selected as Shadow Minister for Voluntary Bodies and Social Enterprise before becoming Shadow for Energy and Climate Change. July 2011, he was made Minister for Cities before becoming Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and then Minister for universities science and cities in 2014. May 2015, following David Cameron’s Cabinet reshuffle, Mr Clark landed his first senior government position as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
July 2016, Theresa May appinted him Secretary of State for Business. July 2019 saw Mr Clark replaced when Boris Johnson took charge of the party. September 2019, the Tunbridge Wells MP lost the parliamentary party whip after voting against the government over Brexit. January 2000, after the whip was restored, Mr Clark was elected by fellow MPs to be Chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee. May 2022 saw him also take on the unpaid government role as Trade Envoy to Japan. July 2022, he returns to cabinet as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
CANDIDATE Mr Tugendhat at his launch event yesterday
By Richard Williams TOM Tugendhat wil find out tonight (Wednesday) if he has passed the first round of votes in his bid to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and the UK’s PM. The MP for Tonbridge & Malling, who was the first to throw his hat in the ring last week when Mr Johnson resigned, said he would offer the party a ‘fresh start’ as he offically launched his leadership campaign yesterday. Tory MPs are to take part in the first vote for a new leader tonight, and Mr Tugendhat, who sits as chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, had the backing of enough MPs to make it through to tonight’s ballot under Tory party rules.
Under the timetable set out by 1922 chairman Sir Graham Brady, candidates with less than 20 nominations were ejected yesterday before the first ballot of MPs taking place at 6pm tonight. Candidates who fail to get 30 votes in Wednesday’s first round will be eliminated before the second round on Thursday. It’s expected the final two candidates will be chosen by July 21, and then Conservative Party members will choose the leader between the two candidates. At his official leadership launch event at Millbank in London on Tuesday, Mr Tugendhat said the two candidates who make it through to the final stage of the leadership contest must be prepared to go the distance. In 2016, Andrea Leadsom pulled out, allowing Theresa May to be elected unopposed. HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR SUNDAY could be the hottest day on record, the Met office has said as it issued an amber weather warning ahead of soaring temperatures that are set to exceed 30 degrees in Tunbridge Wells by Sunday.
“The Conservative Party is going to need an election after this to hold our party together,” he said, adding: “There is no way that anyone who makes it to the last two should either offer or accept a compromise that goes behind the back of Conservative Party members.” He said he intended to cut taxes if elected. “I am here to make the case that our economy can only prosper if we believe that people—and not Westminster—know best how to spend their money,” he said. “I know the pain families are feeling now. That is why my first pledge is to take fuel duty down by 10p a litre. “My second is to reverse the national insurance rise. This isn’t about percentages. It’s about jobs. “That’s why I didn’t vote for the increase then, and I wouldn’t now.” Some of those who have publicly endorsed Mr Tugendhat’s campaign to be new leader include Damian Green (Ashford), Aaron Bell (Newcastleunder-Lyme), John Stevenson (Carlisle) and Robert Largan (High Peak). Around 10 Tory MPs are in the running to be PM, including former Chancellor Rishi Sunak,
former Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt and current Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Unlike many of his rivals, Mr Tugendhat has never held down a ministerial post. He dismissed such criticism yesterday, saying: “The reality is that the job of prime minister is unlike every other job in government. It’s not a management job, it’s not a departmental job. “It’s a job that demands vision and leadership, it demands a willingness to serve and to throw everything in the duty of serving the British people. “This is no time to learn. What this is, is a time to look at a record of service and a record of delivery in some of the most difficult and trying conditions around the world, and to see that this isn’t learning on the job, this is putting all that experience to work on the job.” The former Territorial Army officer was the first parliamentarian who hinted earlier this year that he would stand in any future leadership contest for the Conservative Party. For the latest on the Tory leadership battle see page 14.
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ON THE ROADS A21 (between junctions with A26 London Road (Southborough) and A264 Pembury Road) traffic controls and lane closures, various dates, various locations. A21 (junction for Tonbridge Cottage Hospital) Slip road and lane closure for bridge inspections northbound from Pembury to Vauxhall Lane. 18 Jul at 8pm-July 19 Jul at 6am. Mobile lane closures for litter picking between Longfield Road junction and Vauxhall Lane junction. July 19 at 8pm-July 20 at 6am.
A26 (Eridge Road) traffic controls near Tunbridge Wells Garden Centre July 15-17. Also southwest of Ramslye Road July 19-21. A26 (St John’s Road, Southborough) traffic controls, various dates. Lane closure July 11 at 10:58 to July 13 at 23:59. Traffic controls between Western Road and Forge Road July 17. Lane closure between Leighton Close and New England Road July 19-21. Broom Lane (junction with Broom Park) Road closure July 18-22. Traffic diverted via Langton Road (A264), Groombridge and Broadwater Forest.
Crescent Rd/ Calverley Rd/ Landsdowne Road traffic controls on roundabout, which may cause delays July 13-15. Forest Road (junction with Bayhall Road) traffic controls July 13-15.
RAILWAYS Late night services only: buses replace trains between Tonbridge and Headcorn, and between Headcorn and Ashford International late on July 13 and July 14. Engineering work affects trains between Orpington and Tonbridge on Sunday [July 17].
Courtesy of the Met Office
DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk
Mr Clark is likely to stay in Cabinet in his new role until a new Conservative PM is chosen by the party and who may then decide to choose his or her own team. You can read about Mr Clark’s return to Government in his exclusive column for the Times, page 13.
Tonbridge MP offering UK a ‘fresh start’ in bid to be PM
Ejected
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voted against the PM in a no confidence vote following the publication of the Sue Gray report into parties during lockdown in Downing Street. The MP said after Mr Johnson survived June’s confidence vote that he would ‘accept the result and would do everything I can to help this country and government succeed’.
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Child sex offender jailed for six years A SEX offender from Crowborough was jailed for six and half years last week after admitting a string of offences against children as young as seven. Andrew Evans, 36, formerly of Church Road, worked in the childcare sector, including nurseries, and also advertised as a babysitter, Hove Crow Court heard. After he pleaded guilty to four offences of engaging in sexual activity, one offence of arranging and facilitating sexual activity with a 15-year-old boy, as well as a charge of sexually assaulting a seven-yearold girl in Uckfield and possessing indecent images of her. Evans was jailed for six years and six months and ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Croquet champion A NEW member of Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club has been crowned British champion. Robert Fulford triumphed in the British Golf Croquet Open Championship beating Reg Bamford for the title. Mr Fulford was the first member of the club to have ever played in one of the British Opens and will now be competing in the Golf Croquet World Championship, at Southwick, between July 30 and August 7.
Ice rink return secured THE ice rink in Tunbridge Wells that visits Calverley Grounds each Christmas is set to stay. SKATE Tunbridge Wells, which opens each year in November for around 12 weeks, has just been granted an extension on its planning licence for another six years. The decision means the Council-run attraction, which has been running in the town since 2010 is likely to remain a yearly fixture in the town until 2028.
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Festival saved as accountancy firm puts it back in the black Exclusive by Richard Williams THE annual summer music festival in Tunbridge Wells is set to go ahead after a local accountancy firm stepped in with cash help. As reported in the Times last month, Local & Live, which sees 20,000 people descend on the town during the August bank holiday weekend, was threatened with not going ahead this year or having to be scaled right back as organisers were struggling to raise the necessary funds. The festival, which is now a registered charity and run by a board of trustees, had a deficit in its finances of around £20,000. But organisers of the free, four-day music festival, which takes place in Calverley Grounds across the August Bank Holiday Weekend (this year from August 26-28) have said they have now secured ‘substantial funding’.
Secure The financial support came from local firm, Maxipay Accounting Services who have signed up as headline sponsor, guaranteeing a more secure future for this popular music festival, which celebrates the best of local, original music providing a vital platform for local artists. It costs around £50,000 a year to put on Local & Live, and while none of the bands charge for performing, the festival carries a lot of fixed costs including the hiring of equipment, security, insurance, building the main stage as well as the necessary facilities such as toilets. Organiser and Times music editor, Paul Dunton, said: “At no point did we decide that Local & Live
was not happening, but it could not go ahead until sufficient funding was in place to cover the costs. “So, I am delighted to announce that we have raised enough money already to confirm that the 2022 Local & Live event will go ahead. “Fundraising is, of course, still continuing but a crucial milestone has been passed thanks to Maxipay.” Headed up by Managing Director Simon Bailey, Maxipay has been based in Tunbridge Wells for
the past 21 years and employs local staff whilst trading nationally. Simon said of this new partnership: “When we heard that Local & Live 2022 was under threat, we quickly made the decision to support this very special local event. “We are extremely excited to be working with the Local and Live team and we are very much looking forward to the weekend itself. “I hope that as many people as possible will be able to attend.”
COUNCILLORS VOW TO HELP COUNCILLORS at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved a motion last week to offer financial support to Local & Live. The motion, put forward by Independent councillor for Paddock Wood West, Matt Bailey, was voted for by 35 of the 48 members. Cllr Bailey said it will now be down to down to
the new cross-party Cabinet of the Lib Dem-led Borough Partnership to decide whether the Council will give the event any financial support. But he added: “The Motion shows councillors from all parties like Local & Live and are encouraging Cabinet to consider offering financial support if needed.”
Dame Kelly passes the baton in Tonbridge OLYMPIAN Dame Kelly Holmes joined crowds in Tonbridge last week after the town was chosen to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay for this year’s Commonwealth Games that are to be held in Birmingham. The High Street was closed at 9.30am last Wednesday (July 6) when the first of five Baton Bearers who came from across the county received the ceremonial baton.
Flags The relay continued along the High Street to Tonbridge Castle, where around a thousand school children were waiting with flags to cheer it
Picture courtesy of TMBC
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
on its way. The children, from a number of schools across the borough, were joined by the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Sue Bell, MP Tom Tugendhat, Leader of the Council, Matt Boughton, as well as Hildenborough resident and former Olympian Dame Kelly. Following the relay in Tonbridge, the Baton made its way to Canterbury before stopping off in Folkestone, Deal and Dover. As the Baton travels around the country, it will pass through 189 English cities, towns and villages over 29 days before arriving at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on July 28.
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Dunorlan Friends voice concerns over parking plans as move sparks petition By Victoria Roberts A FRIENDS group at a Tunbridge Wells park where car parking fees are set to be introduced for the first time has criticised the plans. Residents unhappy with the proposals have also started a petition to get the Council to think again. Last week the Times reported on how the new Borough Partnership at the Council is increasing the fees across its car parks and will introduce pay to park at Dunorlan Park. The coalition want to charge £1 an hour, capped at £5 for all day, for cars at the two car parks. But the Friends of Dunorlan Park (FoDP) claim there has been no consultation with the Council over the plans, and that charges could cause dangerous ‘overflow’ parking on local roads.
police are interested in stopping this illegal parking.” Meanwhile, on the state of the car parks themselves, Mr Russell noted that one of the car parks was ‘not properly surfaced and would surely need to be brought up to reasonable standard before charging could be introduced’.
Lifeline He continued: “Dunorlan Park has been a lifeline to many individuals and families during lockdown and many people enjoy spending large amounts of time there. “Not everyone can walk or cycle to Dunorlan and we feel that the present amount of quite limited parking should be free and restricted to genuine park users. “The Friends think that these proposals have not been thought through and that no consultation has taken place. We have no confidence that any funds raised will directly benefit Dunorlan Park.”
A Change.org petition has also been created, urging the Cabinet and Council to ‘Keep Dunorlan Park free’. Petition author and local resident Richard Harrington wrote: “The introduction of parking fees is being justified due to a tiny number of users who use the park to go into town,’ but denied this was a problem.” The petition has already garnered more than 400 signatures as the Times went to press yesterday (Tuesday). If it reaches 500 signatures the petition will be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee who may hear evidence in public from a Senior Officer of the Council. If it reaches 1,000 signatures, then TWBC’s Full Council will have to debate the proposals. Charges for cars in Dunorlan Park are set to be introduced by October following a public consultation. The move follows plans by Ashdown Forest to also charge for parking. The East Sussex beauty spot intends to introduce charges for its car parks from August.
‘Outstanding’ rating for KCC’s children’s services KENT County Council’s (KCC) Children’s Services have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted following an inspection in May, making Kent one of the best-performing councils in the country. The Ofsted report, published on July 22, records the top score in 3 of the 4 categories and ‘good’ in the fourth, with the overall effectiveness in providing children’s services as ‘outstanding’. Ofsted found that children are at the centre of our culture and practice, where they are supported and cared for by an experienced and skilled workforce who listen and respond to their views and feelings.
Support Ofsted praised the ‘outstanding practice’ for children in care and young people leaving care, who ‘clearly benefit from the support they receive and make good progress’. Ofsted also praised our political leadership for their commitment to championing and protecting children, which is backed by ‘sound financial investment’. They commented that ‘the director of children’s services and his senior management team, the lead member for children’s services and the head of paid services keep themselves well appraised of key challenges and service issues, exercising appropriate oversight and scrutiny.’ KCC’s Cabinet Member for Integrated
Borough Partnership’s budget is ‘reasonable’ says Tory opposition THE Conservative opposition at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] has said finance plans by the new cross-party Borough Partnership to deal with the Council’s deficit were ‘reasonable’ steps and ‘what we would have done’. Last week, the Times revealed how the Lib Dem-led coalition plans to sell off a number of assets, including the former Gateway in Grosvenor Road, the Great Hall Car Park, Mount Pleasant Avenue Car Park and land currently used by the Tunbridge Wells Target Shooting Club. The Council also plans to increase costs in the Council-owned car parks and charge for parking at Dunorlan Park for the first time.
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Consulted The charges had been presented as a chance to deter town-centre shoppers from using Dunorlan Park and included a commitment to ‘support the maintenance of the car park and the park itself’. But FoDP chairman Peter Russell told the Times that the group had not been consulted, and there were many pitfalls to the parking policy. “The Friends of Dunorlan Park are very concerned about this proposal at least in part because we have not been consulted and nor, it seems, have the members of the Council’s own Parks Department,” he said. He added that there were already problems when drivers were unable to park. “We already receive complaints about the dangerous situation when people park on the narrow Halls Hole Road and this will only become worse if charges are introduced,” he said. “Similarly, overflow from the Pembury Road car park would tend to go onto the verges of Pembury Road itself. “This is dangerous and unsightly and, when it has occurred once or twice before, we know from experience that neither the Council nor the
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
SUE CHANDLER
Children’s Services, Sue Chandler, said: “Protecting vulnerable children and families from harm and supporting them to live safe and fulfilled lives is one of our most important roles, so I am delighted that Ofsted has rated our children’s services as outstanding.
Positive “During the inspection, parents shared their views on our services with inspectors and it is wonderful to hear that they were unanimously positive about the way they work with staff and the support they receive. “Ofsted’s findings are great news for everyone receiving and providing care and support.”
HEADMISTRESS REMOVED AT BELEAGUERED SCHOOL A deputy has replaced the head teacher at Weald of Kent Grammar School following an Ofsted report that expressed concerns over bullying. As reported in the Times last week (July 6), the education watchdog rated the Tonbridge school as ‘requires improvement’ after its inspection. It said a ‘significant number (of pupils) are “concerned about bullying" and "leaders' approach to tackling bullying is not sufficiently strategic or urgent’. The Times understands the board of governors asked the head to leave last week following the
publication of the Ofsted report. In a letter to parents last week, the school said Headteacher Elizabeth Bone was ‘currently not in school’, adding: “The senior deputy head is currently acting head to ensure that teaching and learning continues with minimal disruption and students continue to be supported. “We would like to reassure parents and carers that we value their feedback and are taking the matter very seriously. We will ensure a robust improvement plan will be implemented and will be working closely with the entire school community to deliver this.”
Cllr Tom Dawlings, the former Council leader who is the opposition Tory group leader at the authority, told the Times: “Firstly, I refute the really irritating idea that we [Conservatives] mismanaged the finances. “We did not. With Government assistance we managed a revenue surplus in the pandemic impacted years to March 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 as we had for many years before then in addressing how to manage with the Revenue Support Grant from Government being reduced from £5million in 2011 to zero. “For the current year the budget agreed in February forecast a £944k shortfall. This is a prudent budget. I would have every expectation that the Council's income levels from fees and charges will be higher than forecast in the budget. The question is at what level the income will plateau.” Of the coalition’s plans he said: “They are reasonable. It is a forward-looking budget that they have introduced because they inherited a Council with no debts that had successfully negotiated the pandemic. “If TWBC is providing more parking spaces than are now assessed to be needed, then a car park can be re-purposed or sold to help fund the capital programme – and the focus of the capital programme is on the Council's property portfolio and whether it is delivering what is now needed by residents and/or the Council. “That I think is what the coalition is doing. It is what I would be doing if the election results had been different, and I still held the property and finance portfolio. It is what we would have done.”
Stolen pensioner’s card used 90 times KENT Police is looking to identify a man in connection with the theft of a bank card from a pensioner in Tunbridge Wells that was used nearly a hundred times after it was stolen. It is alleged the card was stolen while the victim was using a cash machine in Calverley Road, at around 12.45pm on June 16. As the man, who is in his 70s, was making a withdrawal, the victim was suddenly approached by two women who tried to show him a map and got very close to him.
Fraudulent The women are reported to have been speaking in a foreign language, possibly German. The victim later noticed his bank card was missing and checks established it had been used to make more than 90 fraudulent online transactions. The card was also used in a several areas of Kent, including Sevenoaks, as well as other parts of the country. Officers now believe the man pictured may have important information and are asking anyone who may recognise him to contact them. If you have information which may assist the investigation call Kent Police on 01622 604100.
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Crowds return as celebrity chefs serve up another Pub in the Park...
By Victoria Roberts AROUND 13,000 people flocked to Dunorlan Park during the sunny weekend as Pub in the Park returned to Tunbridge Wells. The festival, which is the brainchild of celebrity chef and TV presenter Tom Kerridge, kicked off on Friday, July 8, with household names such as Supergrass, Professor Green, Melanie C, The Feeling, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, ASWAD, Luck & Neat entertaining the crowds with live music over the three-day event. Attendance was down though on previous years as the foodie festival has attracted more than 17,000 festival goers since it launched here in Tunbridge Wells in 2018.
of The Small Holding in Kilndown offering food alongside Sankey’s. The park-based festival attracted a number of star turns from outdoors-inspired chefs like Balkan restauranteur Alexander Taralezhkov, while ‘Shropshire Lad’ and outdoor cooking enthusiast Adam Purnell cooked up a storm with journalist and food writer Melissa Thompson. The festival also showcased new talent, including 15-year-old chef Aston Prideaux and
CHEFS Tom Kerridge (right) and Simon Rimmer (centre) with host Andy Clarke
Constant This year a new giant ferris wheel gave riders a spectacular view over the grounds and proved to be very popular. Food remained the anchor of Pub in the Park, with Michelin starred chef Mr Kerridge - who founded the event in his home town of Marlow in 2017 - being a constant presence on site. Tom’s co-host was Sunday Brunch star Simon Rimmer who joined Tom on the demo stages. Other culinary highlights across the weekend included Josh Moroney and Mursal Saiq who showed off Cue Point’s British-Afghan fusion barbecue cooking, while Karan Gokani brought Hoppers’ Sri Lankan and South Indian inspiration to the event. Indian-born British chef Atul Kochhar, whose restaurant Riwaz is set to soon open in The Pantiles, also appeared. Closer to home were the Tanner Brothers from The Kentish Hare in Bidborough and Will Devlin
DOUBLE Tribute act Noasis took to the stage
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Dominique Woolf, who won the Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver earlier this year. Celebrity chef Thom Bateman, who made it to the status of head chef aged 17, also appeared at Pub in the Park Tunbridge Wells.
Crossover Appropriately for a food-inspired festival, Pub in the Park even had its own ‘fusion’ celebrities making the crossover. Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who performed on the main stage on Friday night, also appeared in the demo kitchen with her husband, Richard Jones of The Feeling. The couple were there as part of the launch of
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the couple’s cookbook ‘Love. Food. Family: Recipes from the Kitchen Disco’. Former Eastenders actor Adam Woodyatt, who played soap character Ian Beale since the show started in 1985, did a few popular turns cooking in The Firepit and was also spotted out and about enjoying himself. Afterwards, Tom Kerridge said: “Wow, Tunbridge Wells, you were amazing! Thank you to everyone who came this weekend.” The Pub in the Park festival runs from May to September and will play at nine different towns and cities around the UK this year. “We’ve had a fantastic time on our first leg of the tour and can’t wait for you all to join us again in September,.” added Tom. DANCING QUEEN Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor shows off her kitchen skills
FOOD FOR THOUGHT FROM THE COUNCIL:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) were among the stall holders at this year’s Pub in the Park. The authority’s Visit Tunbridge Wells team joined up with Royal Tunbridge Wells Together to highlight local shopping and leisure. The tourist board promoted weekend and summer holiday events from the Visit Tunbridge Wells website. And over 500 people entered the draw for prizes donated by local businesses. Cllr Justine Rutland, who holds the portfolio for
Tunbridge Wells Town and Local Areas at TWBC, said: “Dunorlan Park is a fantastic venue for Pub in the Park and I trust everyone who attended from near and far had a wonderful time. “We hope that visitors got a taste of some of the things that Tunbridge Wells has to offer. “We’re lucky to have a thriving foodie scene, live music and festivals, independent shopping, masses of events and activities, beautiful parks and countryside – even a steam railway. We hope that people feel inspired to return to Tunbridge Wells soon.”
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Chamber of Commerce joins forces with county hall for its 2022 awards KENT County Council (KCC) has joined the region’s chamber of commerce to host countywide business awards, which are now open for 2022 entries. The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce annual business awards has started its yearly call for the best companies in the county, inviting entries in ten categories. KCC is a partner in the event for the first time, offering a bigger and more official stamp of approval to the regional businesses being recognised. Similar to the Times Business Awards, which celebrates the wealth of business talent in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas, the West Kent, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce covers businesses from across the entire county.
WINNERS Last year’s winners of the Invicta business awards
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INVESTORS are keeping a keen eye on property as a home for their capital, with heritage bricks and mortar piquing particular interest, according to the organisers of a series of financial literacy events. The Finance Hub’s free property investment evening in April was oversubscribed, prompting them to plan another evening in July, tailoring the content to the most popular topics and adding some new aspects.
Buildings
Organisations Jo James OBE, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “These awards are going to be bigger and better thanks to our association with Kent County Council, our partners and our category sponsors. “It is important for organisations to stand out from the crowd and differentiate themselves from competitors – being an ‘award-winning business’ can help make that happen. We look forward to bringing together our panel of judges to sift through each entry and shortlist the finalists, and ultimately select the winners.” Cllr Derek Murphy, KCC cabinet member for economic development, added: “Across Kent we have businesses who are leaders in their respective industries, making a positive contribution to the county’s economy and the communities in which they work. We want to
Investors have eyes on property as they flock to take advice
celebrate everything that is great about Kent, and we are delighted to co-host these awards.” The deadline for entries by Kent-based businesses and organisations is 5pm on September 9. Categories include best business, as well as best employer, entrepreneur, excellence in customer service, family business, innovative business, construction project, success in international trade, sustainability & de-carbonisation business of the year, as well as most promising new business.
Category sponsors include Azets, Kent International Business, McArthur Glen Ashford Designer Outlet, MidKent College, Rift R&D Tax Credits, Stagecoach, University of Greenwich and University of Kent, and KCC. Winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner, sponsored by Digital Outlook, at Westenhanger Castle, on November 17. Further information and entry forms for the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards are at KentInvictaChamber. co.uk
Finance Hub founder Gillian Palmer said: “This time round we have slightly mixed it up and added in our R&D tax specialist, Sarah Collins of RIFT. She will be speaking about the importance of the R&D Scheme when it comes to developing historic, period or listed buildings. “Sarah will also go into more detail regarding the impact of planning permission, restoration and refurbishment.” Also addressing the heritage topic will be Chris Roberts of Burtons Solicitors. “He will be bringing another new element of Breaches of Listed Building Consent and Breaches of Covenant on development – how to breach without suffering the consequences,” said Gillian. The full programme for the evening will cover the pitfalls of buying listed buildings and impacts of planning permission, restoration and refurbishment. There will also be a broader analysis of property market investment, and a repeat of advice on tax-efficient investment and investment through pensions, which had been very popular at the first event in April, Gillian said. The event will take place on Thursday, July 14 at 5:30-7pm at The Finance Hub, The Pantiles.
LEGAL ASSISTANT – Private Client Department Tunbridge Wells Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited are a rapidly expanding firm of solicitors specialising in employment, family, private client law and dispute resolution. Currently based in London, Kent and Surrey we have built an enviable reputation for the provision of legal services to individuals based on employing an experienced team of professionals delivering excellent client care. Due to expansion, we are looking for a legal assistant to support our lawyers in the Private Client department.
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The successful candidate will undertake a full range of duties under supervision mainly acting on your own caseload of client estate administration files. Also includes dealing with prospective clients and general admin duties. Previous experience of private client work desirable either in a legal assistant, paralegal or secretarial role. The right person for this position will thrive on working in a busy, friendly and supportive environment. This role requires organisation, strong IT and document management skills, fast accurate typing with excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to be flexible. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. We are an equal opportunities employer. Job Type: Full-time, Permanent We are a flexible employer. In the first instance, please send a covering letter together with your CV for the attention of Sarah Wood at sarah.wood@thomasmansfield.com or telephone 01892 354721. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please note - no agencies.
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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Co-working sessions for ‘kindred spirits’ begin at the Zero Waste
By Soham Joshi FREELANCERS and remote workers have a new local ‘office watercooler’ for their work breaks, with the start of weekly ‘Kindred Spirits coworking’ sessions in The Pantiles. The Zero Waste Company’s café is a central part of the business, and daytime workers have always been welcome, Zero Waste Company co-owner Holly Watson told the Times. In fact, she added, it was conversations with one regular customer, Jennifer Cooper of Jennifer Cooper Time Saver consultancy, which sparked the idea for the new project. “We hope the groups will provide a change of scene or a step-away from home,” said Holly, explaining that the networking offered people who work almost entirely from home an opportunity to talk to others and spend time in another environment.
“You might meet someone new and join forces,” she added, noting that she and Charlotte Bowyer had been freelances with hopes of starting a childcare business before changing their minds and starting the Zero Waste Company together.
Points Providing a space for independent workers was thus ‘always on the radar’ for them, she said. There are no fees to join the co-working sessions, and the business provides both charging points and wi-fi, though customers are encouraged to purchase drinks and snacks from the café. Members staying on after the session will receive a 25 per cent discount on lunch. Kindred Spirits co-working sessions are held on Tuesdays at 9-11am, at The Zero Waste Company, The Pantiles.
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Play space for small people gets an upsize
A TUNBRIDGE Wells-based children’s play business has seen its child-sized offering outgrow its old premises after finding postpandemic success in the town. Gymboree Play & Music first opened on the ground floor of Royal Victoria Place (RVP) in 2018 and, following the popularity of its baby and toddler classes since the pandemic, have now moved to a larger unit in the shopping centre.
Fit Franchise owner Lucy Gill, who is a trained actress, said: “A larger space in our home at Royal Victoria Place feels like the perfect fit for this wonderful programme. “Having taken on a smaller unit throughout the pandemic, we are now excited to grow our business in a larger space.” Now located under the skylights of the Upper Mall, the brightly-painted area is open seven
days a week from 9am to 5pm, with Sundays allocated to private bookings. The new unit has a mock ‘skylight’ fitted in the ceiling, meaning it’s always a sunny day inside, a Gymboree teacher told the Times during the soft launch period last week. The new location was officially opened on Saturday (July 9), with a fun morning of bubbles and play, and a visit from none other than Big Gymbo the clown. The launch party included complimentary classes for members and non-members, including an open gym, parachute time and family classes. Nicky Blanchard, RVP centre manager, said: “It has been fantastic to see the team at Gymboree Play & Music go from strength to strength and support local families through their fun, sociable and dynamic classes.” Classes must be pre-booked by phone, email or online at Gymbo.co.uk/locations/tunbridgewells/
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Plea to bring back Morris dancers following Platinum Jubilee success
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Mayor celebrates 100 years of Rotarians in Tunbridge Wells
By Victoria Roberts FOLLOWING the success of a Morris dancing troupe during the Jubilee celebrations earlier this year, a local dance teacher wants a new group to form in Tunbridge Wells The Iron Spring Morris, which took part in the recent celebrations to mark 70 years of Her Majesty the Queen being on the throne, saw experienced local dancers come together to perform for the celebrations, but now the organisers are hoping to re-establish a permanent ‘side’ in town.
‘These dancers were industrial or agricultural workers who danced in their down time to make money’ “There was a long-standing group, the Royal Borough Morris, which disbanded. “They were mainly the Cotswold style – you largely wear white and dance with hankies and sticks,” local dance teacher Liz Scholey told the Times. “Then we set up the (High Brooms) Brooms Bricks & Bowlers (BBB) which ran for a few years,” she added. “But BBBs was Border Morris, which are dances from the Welsh Borders, in a heavier style. They often wear rag jackets. “These dancers were industrial or agricultural workers who danced in their down time to make money, as begging was illegal. It was a much fiercer, more downbeat style. “The Iron Spring is a Border side, with sticks, simple steps, but quite exuberant.”
MORRIS MINORS The Iron Spring dancers The first members of The Iron Spring came from members of BBB, practicing for about five weeks before the Jubilee, but if they manage to attract new members, the side can rehearse through the practice season, starting in September and be able to perform next summer, said Liz. Performance is the purpose of a side, she said, stressing, “We mostly dance in public.
Designed “Traditionally, this starts after May Day [May 1], but it can happen earlier, for example St George’s Day [April 23].”
She and a partner got The Iron Spring Morris together for the Jubilee, naming it in honour of the Chalybeate Spring at Dunorlan Park, where they performed and designed the rust-orange costumes to match. “We wanted to connect it with the town somehow,” she told the Times. Despite the Iron Spring name, the new side is likely to be based in Southborough rather than Dunorlan Park, but the group will definitely be part of the town’s local heritage. As a dance teacher and dance caller, Liz’s work is firmly rooted in traditional culture, which includes organising barn dances and ceilidhs along with her husband, Town Crier John
OVER 100 Rotarians and guests gathered late last month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells. The gala event, held at the Nevill Golf Club on June 20, brought together local members with counterparts from the Rotary Club of The Pantiles and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table, as well as representatives of partner clubs the Rotary Club of Dunkerque and Rotary Club of Leeuwarden-Zuid. Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr Godfrey Bland was the special guest for the evening, and other guests included Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and Chris Brenchley, Rotary South East District Governor. Highlighting Rotary’s long history of charitable giving, Cllr Bland said: “We celebrated a hundred years of Rotary’s wonderful work nationally, and internationally. “But right since the beginning, they have been just as generous to the Borough. The next day I attended the Concert for the Primary Schools at the Assembly Hall Theatre – sponsored, of course, by Rotary! “Wherever you go in Tunbridge Wells, Rotary has left its mark. What a fine organisation.” The organisation presented its president, Martin Atkinson, with the service organisation’s highest honour, The Paul Harris Fellowship Sapphire Award. The Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells traces its beginnings to October 1921 and typically raises £12,000-£15,000 a year for charity.
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022 November 4 | 2020
Tonbridge schoolboys rocket to America goes to the ballot box success in national with Biden leadingcompetition the polls By Victoria Roberts A TEAM of three from Tonbridge School has shot to success as champions in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC), beating 16 other teams for the title and a place in the international competition next week. ‘Team Traffic Cone’ met the 2022 mission requirements, which required each team to design, build and launch a model rocket carrying two raw eggs, which would return safely to ground within 44 seconds. Teams also had to make a presentation to judges about the design and build of their rockets, reflecting on challenges and findings from the test phases.
“Throughout competition the team has unfit to lead athe nation grappling with Covid-19 excelled andfoundational have beaten teams fromabout their racial and facing questions region reach the National Finals using their justicetoand economic fairness. own rocketelection design while facing and Mringenious Biden entered day with multiple solving many challenges along the playing way.” paths to victory while Mr Trump, catch-up in a number of battleground states, had a narrower, butwait still feasible to clinch ‘They can’t to pitroad their 270 Electoral College votes.
skills against those of other teams from USA, France, and Visions Japan’ Control of the Senate was at stake, too:
Photography: Peter Barrett, Hartrockets
Democrats need to net three seats if Mr Biden He added: “UK ROC, supported bycontrol industry captures the White House to gain of all of and sponsoredfor bythe Lockheed Martin and Washington first time in a decade. The Reaction Engines, grows year upon yearDemocratic and House was expected to remain under plays a critical role in encouraging students to control. consider careers in theearly aerospace, The record-setting vote — defence, and legal security and space sectors, which offer — drew skirmishing over how it will be counted high-skilled, -value and -wage jobs from in every unsupported allegations of fraud Mr MILLIONS of Americans went to the polls region of the UK.” Trump. yesterday [Tuesday], adding their ballots to the ADS is the to UKthe trade representing Fighting endorganisation for every vote, Mr Biden more than 99 million already cast by early the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space headed to Philadelphia and his native Scranton voters. on Tuesday as part of a closing get-out-the-vote Donald Trump, 74, is hoping to avoid becoming sectors. effort before awaiting election results in his the first incumbent president to lose a hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. re-election fight since George HW Bush in 1992. Future Mr Trump, after a morning appearance on Fox National polls show Democratic candidate Joe Now bound for to thevisit international finals of the planned his campaign Biden, 77, with a broad lead, but the race is close News, youth rocketry challenge, headquarters in Virginia.due to take place in key battleground states needed to win the during the Farnborough International Airshow presidency. on July 22, Team Traffic Cone are not counting Record early voting has been fuelled by the pandemic and the US is on course for its highest their eggs before despatch – or landing. Nick Waite, Tonbridge School physics electoral turnout in more than a century. The election comes after America’s worst-ever teacher, said: “The bus ride home after week for new coronavirus cases, with more than winning the national final was filled with excited chatter about how they might make yet 1,000 people dying each day. The first polls close at 23:00GMT (18:00EST) in more improvements to their rocket for the the eastern US, but will be open until 06:00GMT international final. “They can’t wait to pit their skills against Wednesday in Alaska. teams from USA, France, and Japan.” Rules around processing mail-in ballots vary The standard – and altitude – of the Kevinthe Craven, chief of ADS, which across country, soexecutive in some states counting international competition will be higher, with organised the UK ROC, said: “A huge will not finish on election night. competitors required to reach at least 835 feet congratulations to Team Cone, each During their final day ofTraffic campaigning, within 44 seconds, as measured by an onboard particularly for winning as a team of three, candidate declared the other fundamentally altimeter. compared to the average team size of six.
Vienna attack ‘hatred for our values’ says Austrian Chancellor MONDAY’S attack in Vienna that left four people dead was ‘clearly an Islamist terror attack’ Austria’s leader said yesterday [Tuesday]. The suspect in Monday night’s attack – a 20-year-old armed with an automatic rifle and a fake explosive vest – was identified as a young Austrian-North Macedonian dual citizen with a previous terror conviction for attempting to join the so-called Islamic State group in Syria. Unverified video showed the suspect, dressed in white coveralls, firing off bursts apparently at random as he ran down the Austrian capital’s cobbled streets. Police searched 18 properties as well as the suspect’s apartment, detaining 14 people associated with the assailant who are being questioned, interior minister Karl Nehammer said. Two men and two women died from their injuries in the attack, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. He added that a police officer who tried to get in the way of the attacker was shot and wounded, and another 21 people were hurt. Vienna’s hospital service said seven people were in life-threatening condition after the attack, APA reported. “Yesterday’s attack was clearly an Islamist terror attack,” Mr Kurz said on Tuesday. “It was an attack out of hatred — hatred for our fundamental values, hatred for our way of life, hatred for our democracy in which all people have equal rights and dignity.” The attacker, identified as Kujtim Fejzulai, was sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019 because he had tried to travel to Syria to join IS. He was granted early release in December under
juvenile law. Mr Nehammer told APA that Fejzulai had posted a photo on his Instagram account before the attack that showed him with two of the weapons he apparently used. “(The suspect) was equipped with a fake explosive vest and an automatic rifle, a handgun and a machete to carry out this repugnant attack on innocent citizens,” Mr Nehammer said. He added that the evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second assailant involved in the attack. People in Vienna were urged to stay at home if possible on Tuesday and children did not have to go to school. Some 1,000 police officers were on duty in the city on Tuesday morning.
Punishment The shooting began shortly after 8pm near Vienna’s main synagogue as many people were enjoying a last night of open restaurants and bars before a month-long coronavirus lockdown, which started at midnight. Vienna police chief Gerhard Puerstl said the attacker was killed at 8.09pm. “We will unearth and chase down the perpetrators, those behind them and like-minded people and give them the punishment they deserve,” Mr Kurz said. “We will pursue all those who have anything to do with this outrage by all available means.” Austria held a minute’s silence at midday on LAUNCHPAD Students from Tonbridge Tuesday, accompanied by the tolling of bells in School preparing to blast off their rocket the capital. Mr Kurz, President Alexander Van der Bellen and other leading politicians laid wreaths.
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Runner takes on the London Marathon in father’s memory By Soham Joshi
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A YOUNG woman who lost her father to pancreatic cancer when she was just 12 years old is to run the London Marathon in his memory. Sophie Nutt, 26, says she has waited 14 years to take part in the event after father, Simon, died of pancreatic cancer in 2008. Almost 9,000 people die of the disease every year, with only 7 per cent surviving more than five years after diagnosis. Ms Nutt said that pancreatic cancer research had been historically underfunded, making up just 2.1 per cent of the UK Cancer Research budget.
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She added that since losing her father, she wanted to raise awareness of the disease, to help save others before it’s too late. This year’s London Marathon takes place on October 2, a month before World Pancreatic Cancer Day in November. Sophie said: “I’ve always known I’d like to do something huge to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, who do incredible work in supporting those impacted by the disease. “Well, you don’t get much bigger than the London Marathon!” After being inspired by last year’s London Marathon, the Tunbridge Wells-based 26-yearold has now secured a charity place to run and is in the middle of a 16-week plan ahead of race day. She hopes to raise £2,500 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which invests in specialist research,
campaigns for faster diagnosis and provides onhand support to those impacted through a free phone support line staffed by nurses. Sophie admitted: “This is a massive challenge, and it will definitely be tough (anyone that knows me, knows I’m not a naturally gifted runner) but I have no doubt that it will be worth it.” Sue Collins, fundraising director for Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We are delighted Sophie is supporting us and we would like to wish her the very best of luck. “The funds raised by Sophie’s endeavour will help to offer support to patients and families, through being invested in vital research to help see the breakthroughs urgently needed and also provide a voice for everyone affected by the disease.” Sophie’s JustGiving page is sophienuttlondonmarathon and she is recording her training journey on Instagram: @sophievsmarathon
WI wants to bring more local women together By Joan-Hamilton Smith The Christ Church Tunbridge Wells Women’s Institute was formed in February 2020, and their meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at Christ Church, High Street TN1 1UT from 10am to noon.
Westbury
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Future They have a packed programme arranged up to March 2023 including Ian Beavis talking about The Amelia Scott and its collections; Jan Parsons advising how not to be a victim of crime, scams and theft; Chris McCooey relating the scandals of Kent and Sussex; Eithne Hudson talking about Christmas decorations and so much more. They arrange theatre visits, coffee mornings, have a book group, lunch club, visit gardens and again, much more, including stand-up paddle boarding - see the attached photo! Look like
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your kind of fun? If not, there are many more gentle activities on offer. The first ever WI was formed in 1897 in Ontario, Canada and the motto was For Home and Country. The first WI in Britain was formed in 1915 in Llanfair PG on Anglesey.
MEMBERS Jane, Caroline and Heather
The WI, as the name suggests, is based on the idea of bringing women together and offering opportunities to make a difference in their communities. The constitution states that membership is only open to women. If you would like to join the Christ Church Tunbridge Wells group, email christchurchtunbridgewells@wkfwi.org.uk for more details or pop along to one of their meetings – the first visit is free.
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells
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Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He is currently the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing.
No one was as surprised as me when Number 10 called MY DIARY underwent something of an upheaval, late last week. I had been preparing on Thursday morning for my usual constituency engagements on Friday. But instead I found myself walking up Downing Street at 3pm on Thursday afternoon and kneeling before Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle on Friday swearing the oath of office as one of her Secretaries of State. Having watched with everyone else the Queen at her Platinum Jubilee Celebrations just last month, to be with her in person at Windsor, as she continued to work hard on our behalf, was humbling and unforgettable. Readers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells will now know that on Thursday morning I was appointed to the Cabinet by the Prime Minister. No-one was more surprised than me. In my last column for this newspaper I had explained publicly the reasons why I believed the Prime Minister should step down. When Number Ten called, Boris Johnson had agreed to resign. In a brief, friendly conversation he said three things. First that it was important that during the weeks ahead the country should have experienced people at the helm to bring some stability to the conduct of Government during a turbulent time. I had run before the Department that he wanted me to lead, he was kind enough to say that it was
considered that I had done so effectively. He hoped that I would do the job again “pro bono publico” – in the public interest – as he put it. Second that it was, as he described it, ‘a short service commission’. A new Prime Minister in the Autumn would appoint a new Cabinet, and this was a focused and time-limited task for the weeks ahead.
Breadth Thirdly, he said that with leadership campaigns about to get underway, he thought that there should be a broader range of views in the Cabinet, representing the full breadth of the Conservative Party. I agreed to serve. Our country needs to have a functioning government in the weeks ahead and I will do my best to provide stability, good governance, and accountability to Parliament during this important time. The rules of the House of Commons required me to relinquish my Chairmanship of the Science and Technology Select Committee, which I do regret, but I think the public interest requires it. The Department that I am leading once again has many important and pressing responsibilities, including organising the scheme to welcome refugees from Ukraine (in which
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Tunbridge Wells has been one of the most generous communities in Britain); implementing building safety measures to ensure that the tragedy of Grenfell Tower can never be repeated; devolving power from central government to local areas; driving the building of more homes; operating planning policy to protect our environment and heritage; making nationally important planning decisions, and many other duties. It will be an intense few weeks, and I am determined to ensure that the Department is run effectively and efficiently. In addition to my constituency work, which has always been sacrosanct, I will devote all my energy to doing the best job in government that I can. So I will not be endorsing joining any of the campaign teams for the leadership of the party. The associated campaign activity around the country would be at the expense of what I think is a necessary focus on my work. I have spoken to the candidates for office and
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said something directly to each of them: It is vital that in September, we must come together and put the divisions of recent months and years behind us. We have several excellent candidates, who could lead our nation superbly. But whoever is elected should form a Government comprising the very best people, including their recent rivals. And so it is imperative that the campaign is conducted without people denigrating their competitors that would make forming such a united team more difficult at the end of the contest. This is a challenging time for our country and the world, with Russia invading Ukraine and intensely difficult economic times. I hope that in September we will have a good Prime Minister and team to see us through, and during the weeks ahead, I will do everything I can, back in the Cabinet, over the next few weeks to strengthen their ability to govern well.
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Ministers line up behind candidates as Tory leadership battle heats up RISHI Sunak has pledged to cut taxes only when inflation is under control, in contrast to rivals’ ‘fairytales’, as Boris Johnson’s loyalists worked to oppose the former Chancellor yesterday (Tuesday). Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg and Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries came out in support of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for the next prime minister. Mr Rees-Mogg told reporters after attending Mr Johnson’s Cabinet meeting that Ms Truss is a true Brexit backer who has ‘always opposed Rishi’s higher taxes’, in efforts he labelled ‘proper conservativism’.
Contesting Transport Secretary Grant Shapps pulled out of the leadership race as he struggled to win the required nominations before the cut-off, and announced his support for Mr Sunak. Home Secretary Priti Patel ruled herself out of the race while several other candidates – including Liz Truss, Mr Zahawi, Jeremy Hunt and Kemi Badenoch – were close enough before nominations formally opened to suggest they will be contesting the leadership. Former Cabinet minister David Davis announced his support for Penny Mordaunt, saying she is the most likely Tory leadership candidate to ‘beat Rishi Sunak’. “We need high integrity, we can’t afford any more scandals after the last two years. She’s a woman of incredible integrity,” the senior MP told Sky News. “But, most of all, she’s got a vision for Britain, she’s a patriot, she knows what she wants to put across, she knows what sort of Conservatism she stands for. “As a result, she’s popular in Scotland, she’s popular in Red Wall seats, she’s popular with
the younger voters and, actually, she’s the person who’s most likely within the party to actually beat Rishi Sunak.” Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said former Cabinet colleague Mr Sunak – whose resignation helped force Mr Johnson’s downfall – was a ‘true Conservative’ and offered him his backing. After being welcomed to the stage by Mr Raab, the former chancellor told his official campaign launch that tax cuts are ‘a question of when, not if’. But he said it is ‘not credible to promise lots more spending and lower taxes’, in a swipe at rivals who have proposed multibillion-pound tax cuts immediately. Instead, Mr Sunak, one of the frontrunners in the campaign for the Tory leadership, said he would only cut taxes ‘once we’ve gripped inflation’. “We need a return to traditional Conservative
economic values and that means honesty and responsibility, not fairytales,” he said. Mr Sunak also said he would not ‘demonise’ Mr Johnson, who is expected to remain caretaker Prime Minister until after a successor is announced on September 5. But he acknowledged he had ‘frequently’ disagreed with Mr Johnson, who he insisted has a ‘good heart’. Insiders from Sajid Javid’s campaign were also confident the former Health Secretary would make the cut last night, as were allies of Suella Braverman. Candidates need to acquire the support of 20 of their MP colleagues to have been considered to have made last night’s deadline of 5pm. Those that do not receive the backing of at least 30 MPs will be ejected from the leadership ballot tonight, according to revised 1922 Committee rules.
Met Office extends weather warning as UK prepares for record heatwave THE Met Office has extended its warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales into the beginning of next week. The rare “amber” warning for exceptionally high temperatures, posing a potential risk to life, was first issued to cover Sunday and has now been updated to include the whole of Monday. Temperatures are predicted to soar into the 30s, with a 30% chance of seeing the hottest day on record for the UK, beating the existing high of 38.7C in Cambridge in 2019. Scientists warn that current heatwaves have been made hotter, longer and more frequent by climate change. The UK must adapt to a future of more intense heatwaves, with new homes built to cope with higher temperatures, more green areas in cities, and measures such as external shading and insulation fitted to existing properties, experts said.
Demand Households are being urged to save water as the temperatures push up demand after months of dry weather in some areas. Water companies say they are are not yet planning to bring in restrictions such as hosepipe bans, but some are warning that groundwater and reservoir supplies are lower than average following low rainfall this year. Yorkshire Water said its reservoirs were 62% full, down 18% on usual stocks after belowaverage rainfall in spring and summer, with the dry weather stretching back to last autumn in North Yorkshire.
FEELING THE HEAT An office worker carries a large fan through Westminster, central London on Tuesday The water firm said it pumped 200 million litres more water than normal on Monday as the heatwave took hold, an amount equivalent to supplying another city the size of Leeds. Neil Dewis, director of water, said: “Our region
has seen a prolonged dry spell, and while we’ve not had a bumper summer of sunshine and high temperatures, there has been very little rain with just some short, sharp showers that don’t deliver the water we need in our reservoirs and rivers.”
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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Inflation sparks ‘substantial slowdown’ in retail spending RETAILERS are seeing sales tumble at a rate ‘not seen since the depth of the pandemic’ as shoppers rein in spending in the face of soaring inflation, according to a report. The latest monthly BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor showed total retail sales dropped by 1 per cent in June – the third fall in a row as the cost of living takes its toll on consumers. Even a boost from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations failed to offset the slowdown in spending. The figures showed a decrease in shopping activity following average growth of 0.8 per cent over the past three months. On a like-for-like basis, sales dropped 1.3 per cent year-on-year in the five weeks to July 2.
Depths Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “Sales volumes are falling to a rate not seen since the depths of the pandemic, as inflation continues to bite, and households cut back spending. “Discretionary purchases were hit hard, especially white goods and homeware, while consumers also traded down to cheaper brands in food and non-food alike. “While the jubilee weekend gave food sales a temporary boost, and fashion sales benefitted from the summer holiday and wedding season, this was not enough to counter the substantial slowdown in consumer spending.”
Separate figures from Barclaycard revealed that 91 per cent of consumers were concerned last month about the impact rising household bills are having on their personal finances, compared with 88 per cent in May. There are fears that the pullback in consumer spending caused by rampant inflation could tip the economy into a recession, as defined by two quarters in a row of falling output. Inflation has already hit a 40-year high of 9.1 per cent and is set to soar past 11 per cent in the autumn as the energy price cap is set to be hiked once more. The BRC is calling for the Government to help the retail sector by taking action to lower
business rates as firms face being “caught between significant rising costs in their supply chains and protecting their customers from price rises”. The sales monitor data showed non-food retail sales have suffered the most amid the cutback on discretionary spending, down 3.3 per cent on a total basis in the three months to June and 4.2 per cent lower on a like-for-like basis. The report said non-food sales were in decline on a monthly basis. But food sales increased by 2.2 per cent on a total basis over the three months to June, up 1.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis, in a sign that consumers are focusing on essentials.
Heathrow caps passenger numbers Dollar and euro as airport struggles to meet demand close to parity THE US dollar and European single currency came within a whisker of parity for the first time since 2002 on Tuesday morning, as financial markets fret over the likelihood of a global recession ahead. The euro fell officially as low as $1.00001, according to Refinitiv data, before clawing back some ground after the scare. There had been market talk that parity had technically been achieved, though that was later discounted by updated figures.
Tough
HEATHROW Airport has introduced a cap on passenger numbers this summer as the aviation sector struggles to cope with demand for travel. No more than 100,000 daily passengers will be able to depart from July 12 until September 11, the west London airport announced. Airlines planned to operate flights with a daily capacity averaging 104,000 seats over that period, according to Heathrow.
Impact The airport said it has ordered airlines to “stop selling summer tickets to limit the impact on passengers”. The measure will lead to more cancellations on top of the thousands of flights axed in recent months. Affected passengers will not be entitled to compensation as the reason for the cancellations will be classified as being outside the control of airlines. Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Over the past few weeks, as departing passenger numbers have regularly exceeded
100,000 a day, we have started to see periods when service drops to a level that is not acceptable.” Problems include long queue times, delays for passengers requiring assistance, bags not travelling with passengers or arriving late, low punctuality and last-minute cancellations, Mr Holland-Kaye said. He said this is due to a combination of poor punctuality of arrivals due to delays at other airports and in European airspace, as well as increased passenger numbers “starting to exceed the combined capacity of airlines, airline ground handlers and the airport”. He added: “Our colleagues are going above and beyond to get as many passengers away as possible, but we cannot put them at risk for their own safety and wellbeing.” Airlines were able to take advantage of a Government scheme which meant they could cancel summer flights without losing their future rights to the valuable take-off and landing slots. But even with this measure, Heathrow believes airlines still planned to operate flights carrying 4,000 more daily passengers than could be processed in an acceptable manner.
Analysts say it is only a matter of time though as the dollar, a place of refuge for investors globally in uncertain economic times, squares up to a euro battered by the tough inflation backdrop caused by the end of the pandemic and war in Ukraine. A series of aggressive interest rate hikes by central banks, including the Fed, coupled with slowing economic growth will keep pressure on the euro while sending investors toward the US dollar as a safe haven, say analysts. The US Federal Reserve is well ahead of Europe on tightening, having hiked interest rates by 75 basis points while indicating that more rate increases will come this month. Its counterpart in Frankfurt is yet to raise rates, having only just completed its pandemic-related support for growth. The European Central Bank even has a negative main interest rate to encourage lending but has signalled it will raise rates this month as the single currency area squares up to soaring inflation and the prospect of a mighty energy crunch ahead of the winter. The biggest market fear is that Russia will switch off the gas taps to manufacturing powerhouse Germany, which supplies other EU nations, after annual maintenance on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
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Education
NEWS
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EDUCATION Times Exam success for students Artistic endeavour Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Local prep school celebrates a record number of scholarships
NINE-YEAR old Olivia Springer has been selected as a runner up of a prestigious international arts competition. The Rose Hill pupil’s work was selected from over 160 entries from children aged 6 to 13 from over 70 of the world’s leading schools for iart 2022. The contest asked children to submit a piece of artwork which represented something or someone who inspired them. Olivia chose to make a portrait of WW2 diarist and Holocaust victim Anne Frank using plaster of Paris, an old book and acrylic.
messages Anne wanted to share with the world. The butterfly reminds us that life is fragile and delicate but is also a symbol of beauty and hope.” The iart competition has been running since 2013 and is renowned for the high standard of its entries from pupils aged 6 to 13 from across the world’s leading prep schools, with 1,245 pupils taking place since it launched.
‘I chose Anne Frank because she is an inspiration to everyone’
HILDEN Grange has announced that its pupils have enjoyed a year of outstanding scholarship success with a total of 21 awards won by pupils in Years 6 and 8. Seven boys won academic scholarships to Tonbridge School and three were awarded Tonbridge School Music Scholarships.
‘We are so proud of our pupils’ In addition to this academic awards were gained for Sevenoaks, Caterham, Walthamstow Hall, Kent College and Radnor House. Sports awards were
gained for Bede’s, Kent College and Walthamstow Hall and a Music award to Walthamstow Hall. Malcolm Gough, Headmaster commented: “We are so proud of our pupils, not least as over the years they have enjoyed a consistent pattern of unequalled scholarship success. It is true we have had particular success with Tonbridge School, with Hilden Grange pupils winning many academic awards to include the top award, the Ainslie, twice in the past four years, but in fact pupils regularly win Academic, Music, Sport, and Drama awards to a diverse range of prestigious independent schools. These results which are testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers and pupils alike.”
Other entries included portraits of parents and friends to David Attenborough, Enid Blyton, Michelle Obama and the NHS. Pupils embraced various artistic techniques including sculpting, pencil, watercolour and impressionist art. Speaking about her work Olivia Springer, said: “I chose Anne Frank because she is an inspiration to everyone. I used the quote ‘The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands’ as the starting point of my composition. Using acrylic paint, I created a portrait of Anne with framed pictures of her life behind as a visual representation of her diary. The hands that hold the diary were moulded from my own and the boxes tumbling from it represent the important
Unlock your potential Have you always wanted to learn how to paint or try making your own jewellery? Would you like to get active or learn to speak Italian? Our range of courses give you the ‘keys’ to put your ideas onto canvas, create a bespoke jewellery piece, reach your fitness goals, or explore another culture. Try everything from Drawing, Floristry and French to Silversmithing, Yoga, English and Maths. Learn in centre or online in real time. Unlock your potential and book your course today.
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NEWS
Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
And another thing…
Dear sir sir...
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 you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG
Devoted cattery owner treated with ‘bureaucratic harshness’ I was so sad to read your report of the passing of Wayne Littlechild (Cattery owner found dead after Council inspection, Times July 6). For many years we, like many others, left our cats in the gentle and secure care of Wayne. He was a quite remarkable young man who for over twenty years devoted himself to
something he loved and did well. I am sorry that in the end, it appears, he was treated with a bureaucratic harshness that he did not deserve. Thank you, Wayne; we remember your goodness. Ian Bradford Tunbridge Wells
Finances have been ignored There has been much controversy since the change-over of power in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council about the state of the council’s finances. The new partnership have claimed there is a twenty million pound black hole and the outgoing Tories have claimed they left everything in good order. The central question is – is there a deficit built into the council’s finances? At this week’s Full Council I asked for an answer in plain English. There are complexities, but the bottom line is the council has been spending more money that it receives. My follow up question was how far back does this go? The council’s own auditors Grant Thornton identified in their December 2021 report (available publicly on the council’s website) that a deficit existed which could not be funded from reserves indefinitely. The report looks back not just in year but further. This funding gap was created, tolerated or ignored and allowed to grow under the Tories. It is neither new nor a fiction. Did Tory councillors know the parlous state of the Borough Council’s finances when they made claims about the rude health they had left them in? Well they certainly ought to have done. Whatever the case with attention now drawn to these points I think we can safely say that any further claims that they left the council’s finances in good order would simply be dishonest. Cllr James Rands (Independent) Culverden
Council shoots itself in the foot We used to visit Bexhill-on-Sea regularly, winter and summer. One could park on the broad dead-end road that runs eastward along the front for nothing, but we’ve stopped going because the council has introduced parking charges. It’s not that I’m tight-fisted, but I could park and forget and spend the whole day there, have a light lunch and dinner in the evening. I thought I was making a considerable contribution to the local economy, not to say employment. Now, they’ve shot themselves in the foot. Why did they do it I wonder, because they can and saw an opportunity, a supine easy target? TWBC needs to take care that they do not kill the golden goose. Commuters do not have a choice but, increasingly, they will seek out free on-street parking further and further afield. Robert Moore Tunbridge Wells Asset sale is short-sighted Surely the TW Borough Councillors should be aware that the way to raise money is not to sell off the assets but to generate income. What happens when there are no more assets to sell? They may well deride the attempt to build a new theatre, but at least it was following the tradition of investing for the future and to generate income. We need to attract people to the Town and making people pay for parking at Dunorlan does
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nothing for that. We should be addressing the problem of hundreds of empty properties in the Borough before we talk about building more homes. Let’s have some positive thinking from the new coalition. Thelma Huggett Tunbridge Wells Open letter to Tom Tugendhat This morning I watched your interview on BBC Southeast Politics and I would like raise some of my concerns that this brought up for me and my family. I am in year 10 at Weald of Kent and the 230 bus route you discussed is my only way into school. My bus route, the 230, travels between small villages such as mine, Fordcombe. It is used every day by many students traveling to Tonbridge schools. The route is often full with many children standing in the mornings and is absolutely essential to mine, and all my friends education. Without the route I am not able to get to school. My Dad works in London and my Mum is a teaching assistant at Chiddingstone Primary school. Neither of my parents are going to be able to take me into school in September and it causes me great concern as to how I will continue get to school. You mentioned in your interview that the bus continues the 230 route all day however, this is untrue. The route only passes through the villages twice a day, once to take us to school and once to take us back. I have already expressed my worries to my school on this matter and they said they were unable to help so therefore I am writing to ask your help and to help you understand how urgent this matter is. I think it is appalling that cuts like this are being made since it should be a necessity to get children into school. Cuts like this are backwards progress. I understand it is a difficult time financially but that goes for everyone, and as I am sure you are aware, that includes the families who use the bus too. I would be very happy to talk to you further about possible solutions on this matter, Amelie Smith (letter abridged) Year 10 student, Weald of Kent
Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk misleading residents) It simply shows they are already admitting to not possessing the prowess to run the council’s finances. Also At full council this week Cllr Hickey made reference to The Civic Project and the lost £11million. I do wonder if he remembers that his Dear Leader Chapelard fully supported the Calverley design phase spending as seen in December 2015 minutes. I know that the acolytes of the other parties like to parrot that money constantly; generally because they have next to no real substance and this is an easy move. If you book at a restaurant generally they have a cover charge, in case you cancel so that they don’t suffer as much of a loss (something Cllr Sankey knows well) this example is the same as the Civic Project, that money is gone, could never have been saved and we should just move on. Aaron Brand (Young Conservatives) Tunbridge Wells Candidate out of her depth I heard that Nadine Dorries was being punted as a possible candidate for PM: it could have been herself. As Culture Secretary she has all the cultural depth of a Christmas No1. Joseph Hahn Tunbridge Wells
NEWS
19
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
WHAT a lucky boy! That’s TW MP Greg Clark who was anointed Levelling Up Minister as one of the last acts by Boris before announcing he was stepping down as Prime Minister. Politics is all about being in the right place at the right time. And how true in Greg Clark’s case. He was one of the last MPs left standing as others rushed to distance themselves from their disgraced leader. Mind you Mr Clark (former Business Secretary) is seen as a safe, competent pair of hands. If he stays the course through to the next scheduled General Election, in about two years, he will be among those held to account for the policies of the new team at Number Ten, which could be a blessing or not. Local Lib Dems will be hoping it’s a negative and a weapon they can use to unseat the Tory MP. Interesting or what?
MEANWHILE … fingers crossed that neighbouring MP Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge) becomes the next PM. Aeons ago Calverley tipped him for the post and duly placed a ‘significant sum’ on him winning at odds of 33-1. Today he is 6-1 (at time of writing) and was the first to throw his hat into the ring after Boris’s abdication. Come on Tom!
REGICIDAL is the word being bandied around to describe Tory MPs who ‘stabbed’ Boris in the back. As everyone knows (really!) it relates to the killing of a monarch and is often associated with the usurpation of power. Spot on then. ALL that’s rather depressing. Good reason, therefore, to turn to the new social media platform just launched. Called the Morale app it will only allow users to send compliments. Founder Aldwyn Boscawen says: “It’s a simple way to show someone you care – to boost someone’s day.” Hope they have not mortgaged the house to fund the app. Anything, though, that might counter the toxic trolls has to be applauded. Who knows, even Calverley might hear some nice feedback. Nah. Not gonna happen.
PEPPY SAYS...
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Lib Dems lack financial prowess Council Leader Chapelard, reiterates his fiscal illiteracy in his letter 6th of July. If he or the Cllr Hickey could read finances; they would see that the reserves actually significantly went up from the start of Covid till the time we are at now (either that or they are deliberately
week over the relish on the breakfast tray Caverley carried to the bedroom (oh, yes he does). Sat on the side was a new jar labelled ‘Pink Grapefruit and Gin marmalade.’ But brownie points there were none. Apparently one cannot taste the gin. And a good thing too at that time of the morning. Or is it?
FINAL THOUGHT. A new survey shows that children today prefer broccoli to beans on toast. Really? Calverley has to believe the research was carried out at Glastonbury. Chin, chin dear reader…
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
Summer is the season for temps! Everyone needs a holiday and a break from routine as my Mum would say but how does this affect productivity in the office? Perhaps the skeleton staff will be under pressure answering phones, covering their colleagues’ work and won’t be able to do their job? Maybe the administration team’s work will slow down affecting productivity and creating stress.
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Life&Times
ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • EVENTS • ANTIQUES • TRAVEL • PROPERTY • LIVE MUSIC and MORE...
Arts - P22
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Passage to India
The popular Mela festival returns P26
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Arts
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
arts
“My new book gave me the opportunity to combine my passions in order to create something unique...” Local author Clive Harvey has recently published his latest book Mouse Trap. Dubbed a ‘cautionary guide to survival’, it follows the story of a tormented forest mouse who escapes his secretive and dark environment to pursue freedom – but at a cost. Here Clive tells Eileen Leahy more about the parallels it draws with human society and reveals why his friend the comedian Jo Brand is such a fan of the book
I
T’S FAIR to say that Clive Harvey is pretty multi-faceted. A former lawyer, a passionate musician and guitar teacher – flamenco in particular is his speciality – he’s also now written two books - on two very different subject matters. The first, Yang’s War, is a historical fiction novel based on the Chinese labour corps who were drafted in for the first World War while the second one, which was recently published, is entitled Mouse Trap and follows the story of a forest mouse who escapes his stifling and secretive home life in pursuit of freedom – but with big consequences.
CLIVE HARVEY
‘Once I removed humankind from the equation, everything, for me, became possible. What if all creatures had been left to evolve fully?’ So far, so different then but Clive’s eclecticism doesn’t end there as the Horsmonden-based author has also created a special soundtrack to accompany his new book which can be cleverly accessed via the numerous QR codes embedded within the pages of the 250page plus book. “Mouse Trap gave me the idea and the opportunity to combine my two disciplines and
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Arts
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
create something unique,” explains Clive. “I have embedded five QR codes linking each stage in the story to bespoke songs from my website. I have long agonised about how I might present my work interactively. I commissioned my website, Music4art a good while back, to try and achieve just this, but only now, with this new novel, do I feel I have finally got there.” Clive has also commissioned local artist Stephen Rose to do all the amazing illustrations in the book which he says is dubbed ‘a cautionary guide to survival’ and also draws many parallels with human society when it comes to heritage, social exclusion and ideologies.
Passion It’s even had the thumbs up from Tunbridge Wells comedian and Clive’s good friend Jo Brand who says she greatly enjoyed reading it. “I thought it was absolutely charming, engrossing and somewhat chilling,” Jo says. “Congratulations. It’s a huge effort to finish a book, and I can tell it’s a labour of love.” So how did Clive go from practicing law to penning stories about the Great War and a mouse called Tobias in pursuit of freedom and answers to big questions? “I have always had a passion for writing and as different as the two books are in terms of their subject matter in a way they are linked in some way given that the reader goes on a journey of sorts in each one.” Clive says that his mother was a huge influence on him growing up, especially telling stories. “She could make you drift off to sleep with her spontaneous short stories - or inspire you to make up your own. So I did this from a very young age. Then, as chance would have it, the best teacher at my secondary school happened to take me for English, so my journey as a writer found its future path.” Although Mouse Trap is the second book he has had published, Clive reveals that it was actually the first one he started writing before he
got sidetracked. “I was well on my way to completing Mouse Trap when another, more time-sensitive opportunity interrupted my writing. On one of my many trips to the World War 1 cemeteries of Northern France, I stumbled on a conundrum. Every now and then I noticed some Chinese head stones. Experts there just couldn’t offer a satisfactory answer as to why any Chinese people were out there in France at all, and I couldn’t recall any mention of them in any history lesson or any books. “Once I realised they were there as a result of a secret recruiting campaign, I rushed out Yang’s War to record this fascinating story.” The book, adds Clive, has proved to be very popular and copies of it are now being sold in China and also Japan. Clive goes on to explain that Mouse Trap was originally inspired by one of his favourite childhood books: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. “It was the first book I read, cover-to-cover. I was about 10 years old and it captured my imagination. But as I got older, its simple naivety seemed an opportunity wasted. Although it was perfect for its time, I started to imagine bolder ways of using animal characters to parallel human experiences. “Once I removed humankind from the equation, everything, for me, became possible. What if all creatures had been left to evolve fully? Would bravery and heroism play their part? Would superior and inferior ideologies corrupt
‘The Horsmonden-based author has also created a unique soundtrack to accompany his new book’ this non-human world toward social exclusion, discrimination and bullying to the point where one species holds sway over all others?”
Rose after meeting him at the Spa Art Gallery in The Pantiles.
Innovative
Clive states that his aforementioned passion for flamenco doesn’t just stop at playing and composing it. In fact, it has been an influential and informative guide for his writing too. In addition to the QR codes dotted around the pages of Clive’s new book there are also powerful illustrations which help enhance the tale. The author commissioned artist Stephen
“The moment I described my project to Stephen, a local and widely acclaimed visionary artist, he threw together some initial sketches which caught the mood perfectly. We have colloborated ever since.” Without giving too much away in terms of the plot, Clive says that he deliberately left Mouse Trap ‘hanging’ in order to allow a sequel. “I’m pleased to report that one is already well underway,” he smiles. “My collaboration with Stephen Rose has continued and we are working toward an eye-catching image for the next front cover. With such disturbing world events constantly dominating the news, there are lots of influences to draw from as the turbulent mission for Tobias’s continues…” Mouse Trap, is published by Menin House and priced £11.99 and is available from all good bookshops. For more information on Clive Harvey visit music4art.co.uk
MOUSE TRAP: A CAUTIONARY MOUSE’S TALE Clive Harvey reveals the thinking behind the plot of Mouse Trap to Times readers: “Whilst I would never encourage any young adult to leave home before their time, my Tobias felt he had no choice. Mouse Trap is the snare anyone might stumble into if they don’t know who, or what, they really are. Home-tutored, starved of any meaningful cross-creature interaction, poor Tobias is found wanting. Had his parents, or the community elders, levelled with him, ahead of time, they just might have checked his frustrations, slowed his impetus to leave; but oh how often communication falls short! As it happens, for Tobias, his own irascibility meant that any option to stay put had been forfeited. Yet he quickly revels in the joy of
freedom, the sun’s light and its warmth, and then danger lurking. He knows nothing of diversification, mobrule, bullying or discrimination, let alone persecution. Had he a clue he might never have run away…..rumours of ‘Rat-Rule’ out there simply spurred him on! Tobias sets out as such a vulnerable, naïve creature, on his mission: a perfect candidate for driving an exploratory tale. Thinking he was just a regular guy, a ‘forest mouse’, with absolutely no baggage to offload on anyone, try to share in his ups and downs along the way, giggle at how little he really knows about others in spite of his rigorous home-learning and his community indoctrination.”
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Books
Times book reviewer
HANNAH KIRSOP
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
DEAD END SPIES
ONE YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Slow Horses by Mick Herron
This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Published by Baskerville, priced £8.99
published by Faber & Faber, priced £8.99
Slough House is the final resting place for rejected spooks, unwanted in the Regent’s Park head office due to a fatal error or lapse in judgment. There Jackson Lamb, erstwhile field agent, resides over a random collection of spy misfits, tasked with correlating congestion charge number plates or nothing much at all…until a young man is kidnapped and threatened with an online execution. Newly saddled slow horse, River Cartwright, is keen to reverse the outcome of his own judgement day and, prompted by a black bin bag and a spilled coffee, strives to show he still has what it takes. This isn’t a fast pace action-packed thriller – it has a very slow start, setting the scene of the slow horses’ lacklustre and aimless office and the unfulfilled and exasperated characters that work there. As the plot starts to develop – and become more intricate – a very dry, witty spy novel with a readable style emerges with particularly enjoyable juxtaposition of the story strands. The first in a series – which has now been a TV drama – the next will definitely be on my summer reading list.
The final instalment of the Nervous Conditions series can also be read as a standalone book – it was nominated as a solo entry for the Booker Prize 2020 – and in it we find our lead Tambudzai about to be evicted from a youth hostel for breaking the age limit (in her 40s) and searching for a job in Harare, having left a previous, well paid one for being undervalued and discriminated against. “Tambu” is fragile, broken in spirit and insecure – a mindset heightened by the accusatory second person ‘you’ in which the novel is written – and the loose plot follows Tambu as she rides the wave of the next flurry of highs and lows which life poses. This is a novel of big themes, highlighting the hard and complicated issues facing women in Zimbabwe, and whilst Tambu isn’t a character one warms to, her interminable resilience and drive to succeed shine through. Worth persevering for the latter part of the book.
8/10
Hannah Kirsop grew up in Kent and now lives in Horsmonden with her family. She loves to read and share recommendations and runs Bainden Book Club for a group of local women to discuss interesting fiction and non-fiction in a range of genres. You can find www.baindenbookshelf.com online or on Instagram: @baindenbookshelf
7/10
The bookcase…
Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …
The House Of Fortune by Jessie Burton
Sadé And Her Shadow Beasts by Rachel Faturoti, illustrated by Rumbidzai Savanhu Published in paperback by Hodder Children’s Books, priced £7.99 (ebook £4.49) Sadé And Her Shadow Beasts is brimming with imagination, bringing together the trials and tribulations of a young girl’s everyday life, and her rich interior world. Struggling with the recent loss of her mother, 12-year-old Sadé blames herself and her poor grades for her mum’s death, and can’t understand why her dad is now completely different. She joins an online counselling group, but is particularly troubled by the darkness that’s descending into her colourful imaginary world. Sadé is a compelling character, and it’s a brilliant way for younger readers to either work through their own feelings of grief or to learn about loss. Colourful and captivating, readers will fall in love with Sadé, her struggles and her poetry. Review by Prudence Wade
9/10
Published in hardback by Picador, priced £16.99 (ebook £8.99) We return to the cobbled streets of 18th century Amsterdam in The House Of Fortune, the sequel to Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist, where appearances are everything and must be protected. The fate of the Brandt family seems to rest on the rebellious Thea’s teenage shoulders, who needs to marry rich to secure her family’s future. But the plan might not be as simple as it sounds.
7/10
Notes On Heartbreak by Annie Lord Published in hardback by Trapeze, priced £16.99 (ebook £7.99) Notes On Heartbreak is a seamless transition from columns to books for Annie Lord, who maintains her magnetic writing style over a longer form. We feel Annie’s pain with her, join her as she begins to heal, and cringe or laugh in recognition of our own experience as Annie charts her attempts to move on, from disastrous rebound sex to sending ill-advised nudes, stalking your ex’s new girlfriend on Instagram and the sharp indignity of being ghosted. Existing fans of her work will recognise Lord in a heartbeat, as she
details a very 21st century break-up, recalling the finer points of the relationship while dealing with the inevitable and relatable emotional wringer that is ‘moving on’. Lord references the musings of writers gone by to help lead the reader through her experience – one which will resonate with anyone who has confronted the pain of a changing friendship. Watch out for people crying, laughing and reciting passages to friends and family, as they cling to this book during the summer months. Review by Max McLean
8/10
Although the story is a little forced at times, Burton drives the plot by playing with family dynamics and secrets. The miniaturist, who played a crucial role in the first book, can feel contrived and out of place in The House Of Fortune. But Thea’s vibrancy and defiant nature keeps you engaged, and the mysterious writing draws in any curious reader. Review by Elspeth Keep
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES Frederick Frahm (right of centre) with Cantate
Local singers perform ‘Late Night Lyrics’ in world première
S
INGERS from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks made a triumphant return to the scene by being the first to perform a new work for its composer as he visited
the UK. The American choral composer, Frederick Frahm, was in attendance for the Cantate choir’s performance of ‘Late Night Lyrics’ on June 25 at St Mary’s Church, Platt, north of Tonbridge. The work included a setting of the Emily Dickinson poem ‘I felt a funeral in my brain’ and Janet Little’s ‘Hecate the Bandicoot’. Cantate’s musical director, Robin Walker, said: “Fred’s music is incredibly special, and highly revered, and it has been a wonderful experience rehearsing this piece, understanding the intricate details of the work, and bringing it to life for the first time. “Performing new works by top living composers, working together as a group of musicians, and performing it to an audience
who will have never heard it before is an incredible experience, and it many ways is what it is all about as a choir. This will be a remarkable occasion, particularly when performed alongside other gems of the repertoire,” he said. Choir member Jim Follett told the Times: “It’s a huge coup for the choir, and just the sort of thing we need to get people excited about singing and going to concerts after two years of not being able to. “It was truly inspirational to be able to sing such a fantastic piece with Frederick himself there at the concert. “He was such a nice man to meet, incredibly generous to allow us to sing the première before it went to print, and said some very nice things about our performance, which is always nice. “We put our heart and soul into learning and performing it. Definitely a highlight not just of this year, but the last 20 years that the choir has been going.”
‘ESTELLA’, a ground-breaking new play will see three actor-musicians leading a radical re-imagining of Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’, against a backdrop of live music and song. Trinity Theatre, July 14-15 at 8pm. On July 14, followed by a Q&A between director Kate McGregor and Trinity Theatre artistic director Sean Turner.
What better company in which to lift your spirits than Shakespeare’s ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’? July 15 on the South Lawn at Penshurst Place. Doors open at 5:30pm, with food available to purchase from the bar before curtains up at 7pm. Bring your own seating or a blanket. The hilarious Scummy Mummies are back, in an event guaranteed to make parents laugh and non-parents happy about their life choices. Comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn return to Tunbridge Wells as part of the TW Fringe -celebrating the scummier side of parenting, from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the PTA. Catch them before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. The Assembly Hall, July 15 at 7:30pm. Another TW Fringe must-see is Flitt & Folio’s Jubilee Hangover at record store and coffee shop Even Flow at 8:15 on July 15. Join Pam Flitt and Ivor Folio for an evening of spoken word, sketch, and song. From the whimsical to the bawdy to the downright silly, Flitt & Folio reflect on life with the help of humour, rhyme, and plenty of wine.
THE FORUM’S summer Stable showcase continues, with three special nights this week welcoming new artists from around Kent and East Sussex, at 7:30pm. Tonight’s lineup (July 13) is Revolver, Rugosa Hips, Sammy Vincent and Shoot The Messenger. Monday’s (July 18) show features King Reverend, Move Over Dali, Stormy T & Bluesman Lane, and U TURN. Tuesday (July 19) sees India Blue, Chris Chalaye, Matt Dolphin and Sofia Lovell onstage. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult. Tone up by day and get down by night, because the UK’s first fitness festival is back. At the beautiful St Clere Estate (Sevenoaks), LoveFit combines fitness and wellbeing with a passion for music. On July 15-17, exercise like never before, joining mass workouts which include cycling and pole fitness. After an utterly feel-good morning, festival gives way to feast and fiesta, with food, drink and partying to live music and the hottest DJ sets. Tickets from LoveFitFestival.com. On July 16, the sensational Bowie Experience takes over The Assembly Hall, celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. A must-see for all fans from all eras, featuring all the hits, from A to Ziggy. 7:30pm. One of the Southeast’s most exciting soul, funk and RnB bands, Groove 101 is coming to the TW Fringe for a 90 minute set in The Compasses pub, Little Mount Sion on July 16 at 7pm. Featuring soulful vocals, fiery horns, and a tight rhythm section.
TW Fringe is also for the kids, and Arty Farty Retreat (Southborough) has laid on some of its most popular workshops for the festival this Friday. On July 15, the programme is two drawing masterclasses, 4pm and 5pm at
THE HUB, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Suitable for the whole family, with all materials provided. Also at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park (Lower Football Pitch), the Friends are holding their Picnic in the Park this Sunday (July 17) at 12-4pm. Celebrate Love Parks Week by joining in with the fun and games! Bring a rug and your picnic. The Knights of Royal England are appearing at Hever Castle this weekend (July 16-17), for the annual Jousting tournaments. Jousting field opens at 1pm, tournament 2:15-3:30pm. Entrance to tournament included with Gardens Only and Castle & Gardens tickets. At the E.M. Forster Theatre (Tonbridge) for a two-night run (July 18-19), Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world will be brought to life by a collection of 75 loveable puppets, set to charming music. Featuring titles loved by every child, including ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’, ‘10 Little Rubber Ducks’, ‘The Very Lonely Firefly’ and ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, the beautiful production makes a perfect preschool outing. Showtimes at 2pm (July 18) and 11:30 and 2pm (July 19).
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Events
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Diversity and culture take centre stage as the Mela returns to Tunbridge Wells By Victoria Roberts MORE than a thousand people are expected to gather for the 16th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival next week, as the celebration of diversity and culture returns to town – and all for free, thanks to the event sponsors. Following its cancellation in 2020, the festival roared back to life last year, and saw hundreds of people brave the rain in Calverley Grounds. Building on that momentum, this year’s programme will be the ‘biggest one yet,’ promised festival director Gurvinder Sandher.
‘This year’s programme will be the ‘biggest one yet, promised festival director Gurvinder Sandher’ The festival, which will fill Calverley Grounds from 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday, July 24, showcases arts and food from across the world. This year’s Tunbridge Wells Mela will feature the borough’s own groups and artists, such as Uklear Fall Out, samba band Bloco Fogo, the Paul Dunton Orchestra, DJ Amit and Sahrudaya The West Kent Keralites. Nine main acts will occupy the stage, but Gurvinder said: “Be sure to check out our one-of-a-kind off-stage activity, with international acts such as the Rajasthan Heritage Band and Circus Raj.” Meanwhile, feasting remains an essential part of the fiesta, with ‘mouth-watering cuisine on
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offer from all around the world,’ he added. “We are so excited to be bringing the Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival back.” Cohesion Plus organises community Melas and culturally diverse festivals around the county of Kent, working in partnership with local artists.
EventsNEWS 2717 Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Thanks to the event partners, RTW Together, Arts Council England, The Forum and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the Mela remains a free event, suitable for all ages. The 16th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival is on Sunday, July 24, in Calverley Grounds, at 12-6pm.
ORGANISER RETURNS TO FESTIVAL AFTER HONOUR
As artistic director of Cohesion Plus, Mela organiser Gurvinder Sandher was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, which coincided this year with the Platinum Jubilee. He was also awarded the Kent Invicta Award in March.
Voluntary He has been involved in the voluntary sector in Kent since 1999, particularly equality and diversity initiatives, which led him to establish Cohesion Plus in 2008. Cohesion Plus engages with the community through the arts, as well as creating opportunities for performance and exhibition of culturally diverse arts – all to help create the
community ‘cohesion’ of the organisation’s name. Gurvinder also maintains a strong connection with the police, as county chair of the Kent Police IPAG (Independent Police Advisory Group) and chair of the Kent Police Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel. He sits as an independent member of the Kent Police and Crime Panel, of which he is vice chair. He is also a member of the Kent Youth Justice Board and the Prevent Duty Delivery Board. Yet despite his responsibilities in official life and arts management, Gurvinder keeps up his personal connection to the arts, performing regularly with the Four by Four Bhangra (Kings of Bhangra) dance group.
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Going Out
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Make a splash in the summer holidays
F
OR families looking for activities during the summer holidays this year, Bewl Water, the South East’s largest reservoir is offering a range of leisure and recreational activities - but they’re encouraging parents to book now to avoid disappointment. So if the thought of six weeks out of school is daunting to you, you’re not alone. With many breaking up for summer next week, the frantic panic to fill the diary with fun activities has begun, and of course, the cost of living crisis means parents are having to watch the pounds more than ever. But there is good news. There are some fantastic activities right on your doorstep here in Tunbridge Wells that won’t break the bank. And to top it off, they are perfect for all ages, keeping the whole family happy.
‘Challenging the most adventurous minds, the play area has been designed to enhance learning by boosting agility, balance and memory ’ Located in Lamberhurst, Kent just off the A21, the popular leisure facility Bewl Water, which is owned by Elite Leisure Collection, which also runs One Media, publisher of the Times, is open seven days a week from 9am and offers an extensive line up of things to do. Free to use, the adventure play area is a sure hit amongst children and features an amazing range of timber structures and slides constructed around an impressive pirate ship. Challenging the most adventurous minds, the play area has been designed to enhance learning
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Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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by boosting agility, balance, and memory. Whatever the weather you can rely on indoor play to keep the kids entertained for a few hours. If it begins to rain, which we sure hope it doesn’t, children can venture inside where they will be able to enjoy a stimulating soft play design. Set over two levels, soft play at Bewl Water combines brightly coloured obstacles with multiple slides and sky tunnels, giving kids plenty to get stuck into whilst burning off some worked-up energy. Children can enjoy a one-hour session costing parents just £5. (Adults and under ones free) It’s time to slip, slide and splash your way into summer with the UK’s best outdoor floating sports aqua park. Groups, families, and children from aged six can explore the giant course, beat the obstacles, challenge one another, and totally wipe out. The 2,400sq meters of inflatable fun consists of an ice tower, springboard, balance bar, flip mattress, monkey bars, aqua slide, hurdles, and lots, lots more! Book online for £21 per person for a 50-minute session (£25 on the day at reception) and be sure to arrive 45 minutes prior. Heading back over to land, what better way to test the kids’ skills and agility than with Bewl’s high-adrenaline, action-filled laser challenge. Set amongst a woodland arena, children aged eight plus can play a range of varied games including Team Deathmatch and Last Man Standing.
Picturesque This no contact challenge promotes teamwork, communication, and most importantly fun making for brilliant days out this summer. Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £15 per player. With paddleboarding being one of the UK’s fastest-growing recreational activities, this adventure is not to be missed at Bewl Water. Turtle Bay provides lessons and hire to those new and experienced starting from just £20 for a one hour hire and £45 for a two-hour lesson.
And for something a little less challenging, head over to the pedalos where kids can put their team work to the test, working together to keep things running smoothly as they sail through the glorious natural water. Dependant on weather, guests can enjoy a 30-minute session for just £10. If you’re lucky enough to have some time off work during the holidays and want a budgetfriendly short break the whole family will love, camping at Bewl will tick all your boxes. Situated amongst the tranquil and picturesque grounds, families can pitch up for a minimum of two nights and enjoy some good old fashion family bonding. With water facilities, toilets, and a café on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to be and costs £14 for adults per night, and £7.50 for children. And for a little added luxury, Bewl are giving families a discount on their glamping Yurts, costing just £95 per night during the week. Minimum 2 nights stay on selected dates. Please email info@bewlwater.co.uk for availability.
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Food & Drink
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
food & drink
Grape expectations This year Balfour winery celebrates its 20th anniversary and as a result is hosting a series of special events throughout the year. The next ones are a Summer Cocktail evening tomorrow evening (July 14) and two fine dining experiences later this month. Eileen Leahy discovers why this vineyard, which also has a restaurant and is located in Staplehurst, is such a sparkling success
B
ALFOUR has long been considered one of the most successful and innovative of English vineyards since it started producing its awardwinning wines at the Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst back in 2002. This year it celebrates two decades in the business and the good news is the brand, which was created by local entrepreneur Richard Balfour-Lynn when he bought the surrounding 400 acres of land around his home Hush Heath to plant vines, continues to go from strength to strength. Not only does Balfour now produce over 400,000 bottles of premium sparkling and still wine every year, it also makes a variety of lagers, non-alcoholic wines, ciders and apple juices too. Hospitality is clearly a key part of everything Balfour does which is why it’s heavily invested in The View, a state of the art tasting room, and restaurant. The venue, which opened in 2018, overlooks Nanette’s vineyard is the beating heart of the customer-facing side of things at this renowned vineyard. Balfour has also steadily been growing its portfolio of pubs and hotels so if you can’t make it to the original vineyard any time
soon then you can experience the spirit of this unique winery at any of its nine independent establishments. The boutique collection of hostelries ranges from local places such as The Goudhurst Inn, The Tickled Trout in West Farleigh and The Woolpack in Tenterden, to others further afield including The Ship Inn in Rye, Balfour St. Barts in London’s Smithfield Market and The Falcon in The Cotswolds.
‘Hospitality is clearly a key part of everything Balfour does which is why it’s heavily invested in The View, a state of the art tasting room, and restaurant’ But it is The View which we have been invited along to in order to sample a taste of the good life chez Balfour as part of its 20th anniversary. The two-floor, beautifully appointed open plan dining area features lots of interesting contemporary artwork, a well-stocked shop and stunning terrace with gorgeous verdant
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views. Arriving there one sunny Friday lunchtime with the sun beating down it’s clear that this is the perfect spot to sit back and relax. We’re here to sample their popular sharing platters alongside a tasting ‘flight’ of three classic Balfour wines. The food menu is divided into three sections: Charcuterie, Local Cheese and Seasonal Vegetables. The idea is to pick either six (£35) or nine items (£45) in order to make up a decent sized platter which comes accompanied by fresh bread, crackers, quince and mixed olives.
The renowned Balfour winery also offers self-guided strolls around its vineyards and ancient woodlands and orchards – all year round.
Success To toast Balfour’s 20th anniversary The View is hosting a variety of special events. So far this year it has welcomed the estate’s father and son winemakers Owen and Fergus Elias as part of its Winemakers’ Collection launch to talk about their production process. And last month Balfour hosted a special cocktail evening where guests sipped specially crafted cocktails made with Balfour wines. It was so popular they’re hosting another one tomorrow (July 14) and Owen Elias will be back on July 23 with a wine tasting and canapés evening.
Quality Meat lovers will delight in the quality choices on offer courtesy of Moon’s Green Charcuterie which includes spiced salami beer sticks, an aromatic rosemary and garlic saucisson and slivers of Sussex beef bresaola. In terms of the cheese, you can go for a creamy Kingcott Blue, a gooey Bowyers brie or chow down on a chunk of Sussex Charmer – or why not go for all of them if your tastebuds guide you that way. Whichever selection you choose it’s worth noting that both the cheese and charcuterie choices are beautifully enhanced by the selection of seasonal vegetable dishes on offer. These included on our visit an über seasonal wild garlic and spring onion potato salad, a rich pea and mint hummus and smoky padron peppers. Our host recommended we also try the
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spiced poached pears which we declared a triumph with the moreish cheese. And although these are tapas style sharing platters they still managed to fill us up – even my notoriously greedy guest was impressed! For the wine ‘flight’ a trio of classic Balfour offerings were on the menu: an intensely fruity Blanc de Noirs 2018, the super zesty Leslie’s Reserve Brut NV and then the delicious fragrant Leslie’s Reserve Rosé NV. Feeling pleasantly sated we had a quick look around the impressive shop and tasting room which is also known as the Cellar Door – a traditional name for this area. It sells everything from single bottles to cases of both wine, beers, ciders and soft
‘It’s worth noting that both the cheese and charcuterie choices on offer are beautifully enhanced by the selection of seasonal vegetable dishes served with them at Balfour’ drinks and a tempting selection of artisan Mimi Coco chocolates. There’s also info here on the three different types of membership to the Balfour Wine Club. The first is the Balfour Social (£150 per year), the second is the Balfour Vine Holder (£500 per year) and finally the Balfour Wine Society (£300 for two cases per annum or £600 for four). Each one offers a plethora of exclusive benefits and discounts and is a must for any wine buff.
Later this month there’s also the opportunity to do yoga in the vineyard courtesy of the Vinyasa in the Vineyard event which is on at 9.30am on July 28 and includes a tasting flight and lunch afterwards for £65 per person. There are also numerous four-course Balfour Dining Club dinners (£95pp) throughout the year too including one on July 16 and July 30. These are hosted by Head Chef Dan Austin with Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias who matches each dish to a Balfour wine. Sounds like the perfect pairing to us! For more information on Balfour’s 20th anniversary visit balfourwinery.com
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Drink
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Why drinking these beers is a heavenly experience
In his monthly column for the Times of Tunbridge Wells, Alex Greig of Fuggles Bars and Bottle Shop on Camden Road reveals all about how Trappist beer is made and how it tastes
T
rappist Beer is an area of the drinks word that many see as a bit mystical or magical. To be classed as an ‘Authentic Trappist Product’ – or Trappist Brewery requires you to meet some certain conditions. The main criteria is that the beer is produced under the supervision of the Monks or Nuns, that it is produced within the Abbey grounds and finally, the proceeds from the sales should support the work of the monastery and the causes it supports.
Bernard, near Leicester, started brewing again in 2018, having previously sustained their activities with a dairy farm. However, with the viability of this diminishing they looked to brewing, something that was in the Abbey’s history. ‘Tynt Meadow’ is brewed and packaged entirely by the Monks – and the beer is in the Dubbel style, dark and fruity with flavours of chocolate, subtle liquorice, spice and some fig.
Breweries
We’re privileged enough here at Fuggles to not only sell many beers from the world’s Trappist breweries but we’re also an ambassador for one, the wonderful ORVAL. Brewed at the Abbaye de Orval this Belgian Pale Ale is different to a lot of Trappist beers. Dry hopped and then refermented in the bottle with Brettanomyces yeast (a wonderful yeast which allows a beer to evolve and develop new flavours over time). It’s fantastically fruity, with loads of orange and citrus notes initially, which over time (months and years) evolve into a tarter citrus, like mandarin with lots of complexity and some funk. We sell ‘fresh Orval’ at our shop and in our pubs we’re able to offer not only ‘fresh’, which is under six months old, but also aged versions from our cellar which really allow to see how a beer can evolve thanks to the use of Brettanomyces and some time. It’s something every beer lover should experience and try. There’s plenty more in our fridges too from Trappist breweries Chimay, La Trappe and Rochefort. If you’ve not discovered the wonderful world of Trappist beer you can’t go far wrong with the breweries above.
In some cases these are some of the most revered beers in the world, in part due to the quiet and reverend nature of the breweries themselves. In some cases, the beers have historically only been sold at the monastery gates and only at certain times in limited quantities. This, combined with hundreds of years of tradition and history gives us some of the world’s most special beers. Trappist monasteries are quite amazing places – whether you’re religious or not (my religion is beer of course!) The monks can be quite secretive about their processes and at all times want to preserve their way of life. On a visit to the Westmalle Abbey it wasn’t just beer that they brewed on site – they have a dairy herd (and dairy) a bakery, a haberdasher and a small holding – effectively making themselves self-sufficient, able to support themselves and those in need around them. Westmalle, located a short drive from Antwerp, produce three commercially available beers –
Flavours
‘If you’ve not discovered the wonderful world of Trappist beer you can’t go far wrong with these breweries...’ ‘Extra’, a light, pale Belgian ale full of citrus and
subtle spice and only recently available to the public having traditionally been the reserved solely for the Monks! The ‘Dubbel’ is a darker, stronger beer at 7% with lots of dark fruit notes of plum & fig. And finally, their Triple which weighs in at 9.5% have a lovely fresh aroma and notes of fruity apricot. Here in the UK we have recently gained a new Trappist brewery. The Monks at Mount Sint
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Property
property news
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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Labour delays are now slowing new builds warns Persimmon ONE of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Persimmon, has warned that supply chain disruption, labour shortages and planning delays have slowed down building. Shares in the company, one of the UK’s biggest operators, dropped after it reported a slump in the number of new house completions over the first half of 2022. Dean Finch, group chief executive, said: “As we rebuild our outlet position, delays in the planning system, disruption in material supply chains and challenges in securing labour have impacted completions in the period.”
Revenues Completions slid to 6,652 over the six months to the end of June, from 7,406 over the same period last year. Meanwhile, revenues dropped by 8.2 per cent to £1.69 billion against the same period in 2021. The group said build costs increased due to supply constraints, higher labour costs and energy inflation. However, it said the continued increase in house prices has offset these rises. Persimmon said it there will be a slight fall in operating margin but said overall profits for the first half are set to be “modestly above our expectations” amid higher property prices. It highlighted that demand across the country is still “strong” as well, reporting that average private weekly sales are up 1 per cent against 2021 levels. Mr Finch added: “I am pleased we have further enhanced our build quality in the
period while also driving build efficiency to historical highs and increasing housing gross margin. “We continued to complement this progress with high quality, disciplined investments in land driving growth in our outlet position. “We have delivered this despite the significant on-going challenges being faced by the industry.”
Mortgage costs account for nearly a third of our disposable income
It came as figures from Halifax on Thursday showed that average property prices rose 1.8 per cent month-on-month in June, marking the biggest monthly rise since early 2007. Laura Hoy, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The good news is that demand showed no signs of slowing, with the average house price continuing to climb and a strong forward sales position.
Rent values increased by 30 per cent following pandemic THE average price of rent in England has increased by as much as 30 per cent since the start of the pandemic, a study has found. The latest market analysis by rental platform, Rentd, shows that during the pandemic, house prices skyrocketed but the rental sector struggled. Eviction bans, social distancing, a much-reported rejection of city living, and widespread reduction in tenant income meant that demand for rented homes diminished and the value of rent declined across much of the country.
RESEARCH has shown that the proportion of disposable household income required to cover the average mortgage repayment is at by far its highest in a decade, hitting 27.6 per cent so far in 2022. Research by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, found the average annual cost of a mortgage repayment based on a three year fixed mortgage at a 75 per cent loan to value and what this equates to as a percentage of the average households annual disposable income.
Lower The research shows that while increasing interest rates have started to drive up the average mortgage rate available, the current rate of 1.93 per cent remains considerably lower than the 3.92 per cent average seen in 2021. At the same time, the level of household income has also increased from £43,175 in 2012 to £38,108 today. But despite this, the percentage of
household income required to cover mortgage costs has climbed considerably, driven by a 65 per cent increase in the average house price over the last 10 years. In 2012, a three-year fixed rate mortgage at a loan to value of 75 per cent and the average rate at the time of 3.92 per cent would have seen homebuyers repaying £7,940 per year. With the average household income coming in at £34,175, this meant that 23.2 per cent was required to cover the annual cost of their mortgage. So far in 2022, not only has the average house price increased to £277,539, but a string of base rate increases has also pushed up the average mortgage rate on a three year fixed product to 1.93 per cent. Although the average level of disposable household income is forecast to climb to its highest in a decade (£38,108), the proportion required to cover the annual cost of a mortgage currently sits at 27.6 per cent - by far the highest proportion in the last 10 years.
“That should be enough to prop up profits with management guiding for a slight beat at the half year. “The market wasn’t overly impressed though, likely reflecting worries that this red-hot demand won’t last forever as the cost-of-living crisis continues to grow.” Shares in Persimmon were down 5.8 per cent at 1,756p in early trading last week following the news.
Reported However, new market analysis from Rentd shows that these woes have now faded into memory as the average rent price across England is now 9.8 per cent higher than it was at the start of the pandemic. In March 2020, the average monthly rent was £843 the latest data shows that it now sits at £926 per month - £83 higher. The biggest increase has been reported in the East of England where rent has increased by £88 per month, a rise of 10.2 per cent. On a local authority level, the biggest increase has been reported in Gloucester where it’s up 28.5 per cent, from £649 to £834 - a rise of £185/month. This is followed by Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, (27 per cent), Rutland in the East Midlands (24.1 per cent), and Mendip, Somerset (19.6 per cent). The biggest declines in rent have been
seen in the City of Westminster (-22.6 per cent), Exeter (-20.4 per cent), the City of London (-18.0 per cent), Camden (-13.1 per cent), and Brighton & Hove (-11.0 per cent).
Dropped Despite London featuring heavily in the list of areas where rent has decreased the most since the start of the pandemic, and despite the fact that the overall London average has dropped by -0.9 per cent, 58 per cent of London’s rental market has actually seen values increase. The biggest rise is reported in Kingstonupon-Thames where monthly rent has increased by 16.3 per cent, from £1,306 to £1,519, followed by Bexley (9.7 per cent), Croydon (8.9 per cent), Hounslow (7.0 per cent), and Bromley (6.6 per cent). CEO of Rentd, Ahmed Gamal, said: “Things looked bleak for the rental market during the pandemic and a drop in demand caused rental values to plummet, particularly across our major cities. “But with so many reliant on the rental sector a return to normality was always going to rejuvenate the market and that’s exactly what we’ve seen in recent months. “Even in London where the media was giddily reporting a mass exodus and subsequent collapse in rent value, the market has bounced back with remarkable fortitude and while some central boroughs are yet to recover fully, the rental market as a whole is starting to look very much like its old self again.”
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Travel
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Experience the Milky Way from the Maldives on a new astro retreat...
From spring 2023, Milaidhoo island in the Maldives will be offering a number of amazing astronomy retreats. Intrigued by this stellar offering Jemma Crew finds out more...
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HEN looking down from above and afar, the hundreds of islands that make up the Maldives loosely resemble an inverted night sky. Countless islands, sandbanks, atolls and turquoise reefs scattered in a sea of deepest blue stand out like the stars, burning bright and suspended in the endless night of our universe. It is easy to feel insignificant, small, a tiny cog in the vastness of nature. Which is perhaps why many seek out this remote destination and the opportunity to leave a million niggling worries and responsibilities behind, however briefly. After two airplane journeys, a seaplane and a speed boat, my toes are in the sand, and I am welcomed to Milaidhoo island with a flagon of icy coconut water to rehydrate, swiftly followed by a glass of champagne, I’m here to experience a new stargazing retreat, allowing guests to discover the beauty of our galaxy from an Indian Ocean paradise. Milky Way from the Maldives As a country that is 99% water, the Maldives is the perfect place for stargazing, with great dark sky quality and little
light pollution between islands. Starting from spring 2023, Milaidhoo will be offering a number of astronomy retreats, timed to maximise the chances of clear skies. This will be outside of the traditional rainy season, which spans roughly from May to October, with dates based on analysis of an indigenous Maldivian calendar system known as nakaiy, lunar cycles and astronomical events.
Lectures The retreat will include the opportunity to name a star, guided stargazing, lectures on Maldivian night sky history and culture, and dinner under the stars on a secluded sand bank.
Guests will have the opportunity to spot the winter constellations of the northern hemisphere, including Orion, Taurus, and Auriga, and stars such as Sirius – the brightest in our night sky. Milaidhoo is only a few degrees north of the equator, so it may also be possible to see constellations in the southern hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross. Astronomy expert Valerie Stimac, who will lead the retreats, says stargazing while on holiday is “a great opportunity to even further disconnect from the Guests will be offered a ‘healing space’ treatment, starting with vibrating singing bowls, stresses of everyday life” and learn more about a destination through its skies. followed by a Balinese massage using rose “During a general aromatherapy stargazing session, – inspired by a rose ‘The retreat will include the eyes adjust to be able which was sent to opportunity to name a star, guided to see the formation space in the late 1990s, as an stargazing, lectures on Maldivian of our galaxy in the night sky – it’s not experiment to create an entirely new scent. night sky history and culture, and something you can see in cities where They will also have a dinner under the stars’ most people live,” the chance to set sail on a 35-year-old from traditional Maldivian Cleveland, Ohio, says. dhoni and learn the ancient skill of wayfinding “And so that first moment of awe, when you – using the sun, stars and waves to steer a realise that we are part of something so much course.
Travel
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
bigger than just a planet or just a solar system, we’re in a galaxy and there’s even more beyond that, that’s my favourite thing to guide people through.” Stimac, who wanted to be an astronaut when she was a child, says the pandemic has helped the growth of astrotourism – where people travel to stargaze – as it is a great activity for “getting away from other people and being outdoors”. Using a powerful laser beam, she helps us identify the constellations Sagittarius, which loosely resembles a teapot, and Scorpius, part of which looks like a scorpion’s tail. She is patient as our group asks questions
meat, fish and vegetables, and fresh fruit, surrounded by dozens of candles and lanterns. Dinner and a stargazing session is included as part of the astronomy retreat, but at extra cost, guests can arrange to stay overnight, sleeping on a four-poster bed with just the stars for company, while a nearby anchored yacht provides facilities. As stargazing is always weather dependent, there are alternative evening activities in case the skies cloud over, such as night-time snorkelling, where guests may be lucky enough to discover bioluminescent blue plankton that sparkles in the water.
ranging from the basic – “What is a galaxy?” – to the profound – “Are we more likely to discover alien life in the universe or will it find us?”
What else does the island offer? Milaidhoo is part of the Baa Atoll’s Unesco Biosphere Reserve, so snorkelling in its azure shallows should not be missed. Following the reef which encircles the island, I spot yellow and blue surgeon fish, parrot fish, clown fish and incredible coral formations. Guests can also arrange to swim with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, a protected marine area that is a mere 12 minutes’ speed boat ride away. Back on land, this is a resort that encourages barefoot luxury, but I stick to flip flops, mindful of the tiny crabs that scuttle across the sand, and lizards darting across the island’s paths.
Experience The resort has turned off outdoor lighting to aid our night vision, and we are gently chastised for looking at our phones unless we have a red filter which won’t interfere. Be a castaway for the night For a truly special experience, guests can visit a secluded sand bank just minutes by boat from the island, which changes shape at different times of year as the sand shifts. As waves gently roll in from all directions, we are treated to canapes and champagne followed by a three-course meal of sushi, barbecued
sundowner. The fiery orange concoction is mixed with two types of gin – one which is infused with chilli giving it a spicy kick – fresh mango, and served with half a red chilli on the side. We sip ours at the Compass Bar’s infinity pool as the sun sinks below the horizon, and as the sky darkens, delicate lights in the pool begin to twinkle in homage to the stars above. Sand on the floor gives this bar a relaxed, beach vibe, while hanging egg chairs are perfect for curling up with a book. What are the rooms like? Milaidhoo is one of the few Maldivian-owned resorts, and local influences are peppered through its 50 villas. Doors and windows are painted pink or blue to reflect the colours used by locals on nearby islands, while ceilings are vaulted to mimic an inverted boat hull. Privacy coconuts – for guests to put outside their door when they do not wish to be disturbed – are hand painted by one of the island’s housekeepers. My beach villa is spacious and bright, with dual aspect floor to ceiling windows, and I can see a slice of beach and sea past the private freshwater pool from my enormous bed. Water villas are set over the sea and have infinity pools and steps that lead directly into the water.
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The small, personal touches are what make Milaidhoo truly unforgettable – fresh aloe vera delivered to my villa after I sunburn my pasty British legs, staff remembering how I take my coffee, a surprise flower-strewn bath after snorkelling and “see you soon” spelled out in leaves on my bed on my last evening. I end my stay feeling like a VIP, knowing I will soon be yearning for the beauty and silence of a still Maldivian night sky. How to plan your trip: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk; 03301 734 712) offers a seven-night trip to the Maldives staying at Milaidhoo in an over water villa with private pool from £5,500pp based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. Includes flights and seaplane transfers. The ‘Milky Way from the Maldives’ retreats will launch in spring 2023, for more information, contact astroretreat@milaidhoo.com.
Cocktails by the water Sitting with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, doing nothing and watching the sun set, is essential Maldives behaviour. Milaidhoo Bay Sunset is the perfect
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Antiques
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
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Bridging the gap in 19th century retail
antiques
This week, Alexander Pushkin talks about renowned British retailers Rundell & Bridge George III to Queen Victoria. Both Bridge and Rundell were master craftsmen, but also shrewd and successful businessmen: among their staff they employed some of the most eminent silversmiths of the time. In 1807 they convinced Paul Storr, the most celebrated English silversmith of all time, to join the company. After making a big name for himself, he left the company in 1819 and established his own workshop. Alexander Pushkin
I
n this week's article I would like to talk about perhaps the most prominent British retailers of the 19th Century, a London based company called Rundell & Bridge.
History
Philip Rundell began his career as an apprentice to William Rodgers, a jeweller in Bath. He moved to London in 1767 and found employment as a shop assistant for a goldsmith firm, Theed and Pickett. In 1785 he took over the business following the death of Theed’s daughter and became the sole owner of the company. Soon after John Bridge joined Philip as a partner of Rundell & Bridge, undoubtedly one of the most celebrated English firms of jewellers and goldsmiths. In 1797 they had been appointed Royal Goldsmiths and Jewellers, holding the title until 1843 and serving four monarchs, from
Among the most spectacular pieces created by the firm was the Diamond Diadem, worn by George IV in the procession to Westminster Abbey and the so called ‘Grand Service’, a magnificent silver gilt dining service of over 4000 pieces commissioned by George IV for Carlton House and still part of the Royal Collection Trust. The company saw its peak during the first decade of the 19th century, after England’s naval victories against
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Napoleon. By that time Rundell and Bridge had built a silver empire, trading in South America, India, Europe and Middle East.
Silversmiths At Pushkin Antiques we pride ourselves on having pieces by Philip Rundell, as well as important silversmiths such as Paul Storr and Benjamin Smith, who were head master silversmiths at this prestigious British firm.
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Motoring
Wednesday July 13 | 2022
Motoring News
This week… Fisker to make EVs affordable
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Kia cuts down specs
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BMW i3 ends production
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Owning a car should be hassle-free, says Fisker boss THE BOSS of American EV brand Fisker has said he intends to make owning a car as affordable and hassle-free as possible, ahead of the brand launching in the UK next year. Fisker’s first car is called the Ocean, and is a practical family SUV that brings an imposing design and very generous electric range of 390 miles in top-spec form. Revealed at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was on show in the UK for the first time recently at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where boss Henrik Fisker was also present.
Serviced Fisker said he wanted to make owning a car ‘hassle-free’. “Our idea is that owning a car in the future should be hassle-free, you should never have to go and service it. There is no other product where you have to go to service with it – you don’t take your TV to be serviced every six months, that would be annoying. So you shouldn’t have to do it with your car either. We have designed the Ocean to be as low-cost maintenance and ownership as possible.” Fisker says it will operate a collect and drop-off service when cars need servicing, but also aim to diagnose as many cars remotely ‘over the air’. When the Ocean launches in the UK in mid 2023, it won’t be bought from a dealer but instead a big centre outside of London, though customers can pay more to have it delivered to them. “We are making it different, and doing without these big expensive dealers. Someone has to pay for that, and it goes on the price of the car. We
don’t want to do that, and instead make it as low-cost as possible.” Though often compared to Tesla, Fisker says they don’t want to compete directly. “We’re a sustainable car company. I think there’s enough appetite for fresh new alternatives in the EV segment, specifically when it comes to more affordable vehicles. I think the luxury segment is starting to get saturated now. There are a lot of £100,000
vehicles out there, and that’s great and fun, but people can’t afford that.” Priced from £34,990, the Ocean will be followed in 2024 by the Fisker Pear, a more affordable electric crossover that the firm promises will start from under £30,000. It will also be manufactured by Foxconn, the tech company that produces iPhones. After this comes the Ronan, a four-door electric convertible supercar that’s been developed in
the UK by the brand’s ‘Magic Works’ division, which is headed up by former Aston Martin Special Projects boss David King. Speaking about the Ronan, Fisker said: “We are working on redefining the supercar of the future, and one of the toughest things is for supercars to transition into electric, as it’s all about the sense of occasion. We are going super radical with the design to give it that. You’re going to look at it and really go, ‘Wow!’”
Kia cuts Sorento specifications BMW i3 ends production with
KIA HAS removed all of its existing available specifications for the Sorento SUV, replacing them with a single grade. Indicatively priced from £49,495, Edition brings a host of extras to the seven-seater SUV, which will be available to order from the middle of this month. Customers can register their interest in the Edition now.
Variants Replacing existing 2, 3 and 4 grades, the Edition specification brings a black front grille and black mirror caps, as well as black roof rails and matching-colour window trim. Plus, diesel-powered models ride on 20-inch black alloy wheels, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants feature 19-inch wheels instead. There are just three colours to choose from too – White Pearl, Graphite and Midnight Black.
A good number of standard features come fitted to the Sorento as standard as well.
Wireless These include a panoramic sunroof, power opening tailgate and a 360-degree around-view monitor. Inside there is a 12-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Both the front and outer rear seats are heated, too. As with all Kia models, the Sorento comes accompanied by a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty as standard. As before, there is either a 1.6-litre powered hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, as well as a 2.2-litre diesel version. All come with all-wheel-drive and paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Prices for the Kia Sorento Edition start from £49,495.
250,000 examples now created
BMW has called time on its electric i3, with a final model rolling off the firm’s production line in Leipzig. Some eight-and-half-years since it was first launched, the 250,000th example of the i3 has been created, with models sold in more than 74 countries around the world. Acting as the firm’s first fully electric large-series production model, the i3 helped to push BMW into the electrified age, with the model’s combination of premium build quality and low running costs striking a chord with buyers. It also helped buyers move towards BMW, with more than 80% of all i3 buyers arriving as new customers to the BMW Group. Built at the Leipzig site for the entirety of its production run, the i3 utilised a number of next-generation technologies in its design, including a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and a number of recycled interior
materials. Milan Nedeljković, member of the board of management for production at BMW AG, said: “The BMW i3 is a true pioneer and the epitome of pioneering spirit… Thanks to the BMW i3, the Leipzig plant became the birthplace of e-mobility at BMW.”
Modules The next-generation Mini Countryman – which will incorporate a fully electric version – will be produced at the site, alongside the creation of high-voltage battery modules. BMW has celebrated the i3 with a limitededition HomeRun edition. Just 10 will be produced, with all using a special BMW Individual paint as well as 20-inch alloy wheels and an electrically-operated glass roof with ‘solar control glazing’.
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