Times of Tunbridge Wells 16th March 2022

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Leisure complex plan for BHS site to put town back on track

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Family attraction to bring 1.5 million visitors to town EXCLUSIVE – By Richard Williams A STATE-OF-THE-ART entertainment and leisure complex is set to open in Tunbridge Wells next year in the former BHS unit in the town’s flagship shopping centre.

The new attraction will feature a range of family activities including go karts, a bowling alley, cinema and a virtual reality arcade, all located over three floors in Royal Victoria Place.

It comes more than six years after BHS collapsed in 2016 leaving the site in the shopping centre abandoned.

The company behind the project is Elite Leisure Collection, owner of One Media, publisher of the Times, who say even at half capacity the new attraction is expected to bring more than 1.5 million visitors to the town centre each year.

Inside the attraction, which will be in operation seven days a week from 10am until midnight, there will be the latest in modern leisure attractions.

A 230-metre go kart track, originally planned for North Farm, is to be among

the key attractions in the town centre complex, which is yet to be named.

The very latest in eco-friendly electric go karts will race over two floors in the former retail unit, with more than eight racers competing at any one time.

‘It will be a magnet attracting visitors and provide customers for the other shops and facilities’ Bowling alleys, a boutique cinema and an arcade featuring the latest in virtual reality gaming will also be in the new leisure facility as will laser tag, mini-golf and a host of food and drink offerings.

The £9million project, which is set to breathe new life into Royal Victoria Place, has been welcomed by the town’s MP and leader of the Council.

On hearing of the plans, Greg Clark said: “This is fantastic news for the town. So often young people in particular say to

me that there isn’t enough to do in Tunbridge Wells and if this gets the go ahead, it will provide entertainment for all ages.

“It should also be a magnet attracting visitors from further afield and provide much needed customers for all the other shops and facilities at the top of the town.”

Cllr Tom Dawlings added: “The plans for leisure activities in the former BHS store in the precinct are particularly exciting providing go karts, cinema, bowling, mini golf, laser tag and a state-of-the-art arcade.

“This will be something for the younger age groups well into the late evening. It will provide a further boost to the top of the town, alongside the opening of the Amelia Scott, the plans for co-working in the Town Hall, the acquisition of the derelict old cinema site and increasing interest in many of the vacant former retail premises.”

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this week… Councils restart garden waste services after bailing out struggling contractor

LAW IN ORDER. The Times goes inside the Tunbridge Wells police station to explore its history and future. P6

By Richard Williams

LITERARY GEM In Lisa Jewell’s written world, there is no Putin and no Covid.

P20

RESIDENTS in Tunbridge Wells who signed up to the Council’s paid-for garden waste subscription will see collections resume from next week.

The news comes after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has agreed to pay contractor Urbaser up to £100,000 to get the waste collections back on track.

The garden waste service, which costs subscribers £52 a year, has been suspended since July due to a shortage of HGV drivers.

Urbaser is contracted to both Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC).

The fortnightly collections were set to generate more than £700,000 a year for TWBC from around 15,000 residents that signed up to the scheme.

Capped CHASER’S CHALLENGE: Barrister Shaun Wallace explains why law will always win against his TV career as he challenges local schoolgirls. P24 HOME COMFORTS: What are the options for care and assistance in later life? P30

But after the service was suspended last year, it has cost the Council £45,000 every fortnight.

One-off collections have been offered to residents, but the service is now to restart properly after Tunbridge Wells council officials agreed a bailout of £14,000 a month for the next six months, excluding VAT. It could see the Council handover £100,000 over the next six months to Urbaser, which signed a joint contract worth around £3million a year with TWBC and TMBC back in 2019.

The new deal was approved by the Council’s cabinet member for Communities and Wellbeing, Cllr Andy Fairweather.

It is understood a similar arrangement has been agreed with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, which is capped at a maximum of £92,100.

Residents in Tonbridge saw their garden waste collections restored last week, while

RUBBISH SERVICE Garden waste collections begin next week collections begin again in Tunbridge Wells next week starting on Monday [March 21].

Council Leader Cllr Tom Dawlings told the Times: “The decision to suspend the garden waste collection was made last summer when the contractor’s refuse truck drivers were leaving to take better paid jobs elsewhere.

“Our focus needed to be on the core waste and recycling service. Any spare crews have been used to make collections of garden waste to keep addressing the backlog – residents have not been charged for those interim collections.

“As recruitment of drivers and loaders remains difficult in a tight labour market, we

have agreed to contribute to some of the contractor's additional staff costs for a limited six-month period.

“We know that residents want the garden waste collection service reinstated as soon as possible and accept that this is a price we need to pay to achieve that.

“With staff shortages compounded by absences due to covid, this has been a very difficult time for all waste collection services and I would like to thank subscribers for their forbearance whilst out contractor has not been able to provide the garden waste collection service.”

Snapshot survey finds two thirds of residents to stop eating out

By Victoria Roberts

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NEARLY two thirds of people in Tunbridge Wells have said they will stop eating out due to the rising cost of living, a recent survey has found.

In a snapshot cost of living sounding conducted by newly formed Royal Tunbridge Wells Residents Group (RTWRG), 62 per cent of respondents saying they planned to cut back on at eating out at local restaurants due to recent rises in energy and fuel costs.

A further 61 per cent said they planned to cut back on takeaways or deliveries from local restaurants when surveyed earlier this month.

The survey of 100 respondents also discovered

that 58 per cent of people had already cut back on eating out due to the rising cost of living, while the figure for takeaways from local restaurants was 48 per cent.

Impact Meanwhile, 46 per cent had cut down on trips to the theatre and 45 per cent had reduced shopping trips to Tunbridge Wells town centre.

The survey also found that when the energy price cap rises by over 50 per cent in April, adding around £700 per year to many gas and electric bills, 58 per cent of respondents thought this would have a ‘large impact’ on

their household finances, with a further 27 per cent expecting the rise to have a ‘moderate impact’.

Cllr Matt Bailey (independent), who formed the RTWRG and commissioned the survey, said: “I wanted to find out the impact of the cost of living squeeze on the local economy.

“The focus was on discretionary spending in the local economy, including those areas that affect council revenue such as parking income, theatre visits.

“As an aside, concern seemed to grow during the 10-day survey period, presumably due to coverage of the war in Ukraine and the resulting rise in oil and gas prices.”

RENDEZ-VOUS SAYS AU REVOIR A POPULAR Camden Road restaurant is to close its doors for the last time next month after nearly ten years of trading in the street.

Mark and Lydie Harper of Rendez-Vous have decided to leave Tunbridge Wells to take on country house hotel, Croydon Hall, in the southwest.

The move was prompted by chef John Boreham’s decision to leave the restaurant.

“It’s been nine years. Without him it wouldn’t have felt right. He was a part of the business,” said Mark.

“It’s a bit of a shock. Part of me doesn’t want to talk about it, but our regular customers deserve to know. We’ve been so fantastically supported by our customers.”

Even Covid-19 lockdowns had not

finished the business.

“People have actually spent more (here) since the lockdowns. Each time they came out of lockdown, they came back.

“The average spend has increased over two years. Each time they came out of lockdown it increased.

“But we’re not leaving with a mountain of money,” he stressed.

He did not know what business might be moving into the Camden Road premises, but potential customers are already coming in for viewings.

“We had a dentist in, looking around, but it really lends itself to being a restaurant. Camden Road is very unique.

We all want each other to be busy. It’s a special area of Tunbridge Wells.”

The last night of business at RendezVous will be April 2.

C’EST LA VIE Mark Harper outside his Camden Road restaurant

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Murder’ victim was stabbed in his home A MAN whose death in Tunbridge Wells has led to ten men facing a murder charge was stabbed multiple times in his home, an inquest has heard.

Xhovan Pepaj, 25, was found dead in Caley Road, at around 3.15am on December 4 last year.

He was was found under a sheet with multiple stab wounds on his back and torso, Maidstone Coroner’s Court was told, but he later died at the scene while paramedics battled to save his life.

A total of 10 people from across the South East are expected to go on trial in October accused of murdering Mr Pepaj at his Tunbridge Wells home.

The inquest was adjourned.

Ukraine register open TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has started a register of people who wish to offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees, now Government plans have been finalised.

The Homes for Ukraine Scheme will be run by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which will reportedly help fund the placements, through payments to individuals of up to £350 and to local authorities.

“Registering your interest does not guarantee the accommodation you are offering will be suitable for housing refugees.

“An assessment will be made of all accommodation offered once full details of the support scheme are released,” a spokesperson for TWBC said.

Residents can sign up at tunbridgewells. gov.uk/news/ukraine

North Farm death THE death of a 20-year-old man whose body of a man was found in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday (March 13) is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

Police were called at 9.30am to a location near the North Farm Road area of the town.

Crews from the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended alongside police officers, and a man aged in his 20s was declared deceased at the scene.

Kent Police say that the next of kin have been informed and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Cllr David Scott

Deputy Leader With responsibility for Royal Tunbridge Wells INVITES YOU To meet him and guest Greg Clark MP on ZOOM 7:30pm Wednesday 16th March 2022 Conference calls to be held twice monthly Pre-register a topic or a question or simply listen in

Meeting id: 833 2915 3706 Password: 269217 Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservatives

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Southborough property investment firm collapses owing more than £17million

By Richard Williams A PROPERTY company in Tunbridge Wells has gone bust owing scores of investors millions.

Joint Venture Investment in Property (JVIP) Group, which is based in Southborough, is thought to have run up debts of up to £60million, despite only holding assets worth around £43million.

The company bought and sold properties in the area as investment opportunities for their clients.

But investors now face losing six figure sums following the collapse of JVIP, which runs a number of subsidiary businesses including estate agent Hunni Homes in High Brooms.

Attempts by the JVIP director Peter Dabner, who set up the company with his father in 2015, to close the business have been blocked by Companies House.

Investment Mr Dabner is also a director of more than 20 other UK companies listed on the register of businesses in the country, although many are listed as ‘inactive’ or ‘in administration’.

He has been regularly interviewed in the property investment press and, along with his father Dick Dabner, is a well-known figure in the industry.

Accounts for JVIP are more than four months overdue with the last filing in November 2019.

It is understood creditors objected to a February 1 request by JVIP to get the business ‘struck off’ the register of limited companies in the UK, due to fears they would lose their investment.

It is understood more than 100 investors are owed money, a number of which are thought to have ploughed pension funds into the property schemes set up by JVIP. The collapse of the firm came to light last week, after investors took to a property

BUST Hunni Homes is owned by JVIP and [inset] director Peter Dabner investment forum, Property Tribes, to voice their concerns.

It is understood a meeting was held with creditors of JVIP, in which an insolvency practitioner confirmed that the property firm had just £43million in assets, despite owing more than £60million, around half of which was in unsecured loans.

The news could see hundreds of creditors could lose their investment as the company has a minus £17million net position.

According to Property Tribe, a number of investors have reported the JVIP group and associated companies to Action Fraud – the UK’s reporting centre for allegations of corporate financial wrongdoing.

One angry investor told the forum: “I am now faced with most of my pension wiped out, at age

63 [and] this is very unwelcome news, which is likely to increase my own depression and associated mental health issues.

“And I'm far from the only one. There are hundreds of similarly aged, similarly pensioned individuals, who are now facing a severely depleted retirement ... if they can now afford to retire at all.”

Another said he is facing ‘six-figure losses’.

The JVIP Group website is showing as being ‘under maintenance’ since last week.

Despite attempts by the Times to contact to Mr Dabner, he has been unavailable to comment.

Parliament wishes Tunbridge Wells war veteran a happy 101st birthday

By Victoria Roberts A DECORATED World War II pilot and long-time Tunbridge Wells resident was wished a happy birthday by the Prime Minister last week.

Colin Bell holds the Distinguished Flying Cross for his dangerous wartime flying in an unarmoured Mosquito fighter bomber, held a long career as a chartered surveyor in Tunbridge Wells, and was in the gallery of the House of Commons last Wednesday (March 9) just after his 101st birthday as a guest of Greg Clark MP. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Clark

“Mr Speaker, I think the whole House will want to join me in thanking Colin and wishing him a very happy 101st birthday” praised the people of Ukraine and president Volodymyr Zelensky’s ‘Churchillian’ speech that was heard in parliament the day before.

He told MPs: “As we salute the courage of the people of Ukraine, it reminds us that we can meet in freedom today only because of the courage of a generation of men and women who in the Second World War defended us from annihilation.

“Among them is my friend Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, DFC [Distinguished Flying Cross],

who flew his DeHavilland Mosquito in 50 missions over Nazi Germany.

“Colin Bell is with us today. On Saturday, he celebrated his 101st birthday,” added Mr Clark, pointing up to the balcony and raising cheers

from fellow MPs. Boris Johnson replied: “Mr Speaker, I think the whole House will want to join me in thanking him and wishing him a very happy 101st birthday.”

HERO Greg Clark with Colin Bell in the House of Commons last week

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Entertainment complex will put the town back on pole position

By Richard Williams A NEW leisure complex featuring the very latest in modern entertainment is set to open in Royal Victoria Place (RVP) as early as spring next year.

Elite Leisure Collection, which is behind the project, is set to take over the BHS site after agreeing to buy the lease from M&G Real Estate who have an 80 per cent stake in the unit at RVP. The remaining stake is owned by British Land, who run the shopping centre, and the deal will be subject to gaining planning permission by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – who also own a 10 per cent stake in RVP – to change the use of the former BHS unit from retail to leisure.

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for RVP Tunbridge Wells and meeting the growing demand for interactive leisure. The Elite Leisure team has the ideal location and space to create amazing and memorable experiences that will also re- energise the town centre.

“Our Leisure complex will have attractions for all the family that will bring everyone together for a great day out.

“State of the art technology will keep our racers and gamers updated with skill and performance levels via our interactive app. alongside the traditional games with a bit of added tech. We’ll post regular updates on social media so everyone can follow the development of our exciting project.”

STATE OF THE ART ATTRACTIONS AIMED AT ALL AGES

Positively The plans have been received positively by the Council, with Cllr Tom Dawlings, leader of TWBC welcoming the plans that he calls ‘particularly exciting’.

The entertainment complex is set to feature the latest in modern attractions.

The Elite Raceway will be a 240 metre go kart track featuring the electric racing karts, providing

eco-friendly fun for anybody over the age of 10.

The three floors of the leisure complex will also contain a host of attractions for people of all ages including a cinema, a number of bowling alleys and the latest in virtual reality gaming

featuring e-clay pigeon shooting, darts, laser tag, mini golf and much more.

A range of food and drink options will also be on site, and costs for the activities will start from as little as £8-£10.

According to research carried out by the consultants behind the project, even at half capacity the new leisure complex is set to attract more than 1.5 million visitors to Tunbridge Wells each year, with an expected 4,300 people using the centre each day.

But if it proves popular, more than three million people a year could come to the town for the new attraction from across the South East.

It is also set to create up to 50 full and part-time jobs in the town centre.

Andrew Daniells, Business Director at ELC

The entertainment planned for the new complex in RVP include: • State of the art 230-metre go kart track with more than eight electric racing cars racing over two levels • Laser tag – use virtual pistols to zap your opponents • AR (augmented reality) Bowling using the latest state-of-the art technology.

• Mini golf * E Karting * E-Clay pigeon shooting * AR Darts – virtual reality darts * Boutique cinema

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Investment could mark turnaround in the fortunes of shopping centre

By Jonathan Banks THE new entertainment complex planned for the former site of BHS in Tunbridge Wells could revitalise the struggling shopping centre.

British Land bought Royal Victoria Place in 2018 for £96million, but it has struggled since.

Shelved The commercial landlord, one of the UK’s largest, immediately shelved previous owners

Hermes’ £70million plan to renovate the shopping centre and build an entertainment complex of its own that would have featured a bowling alley and other attractions.

Instead, British Land, which lost nearly £2billion during the pandemic, spent just £11million improving the facility’s floors and signage.

The RVP owner admitted last year that it has seen a 10.8 per cent tumble in the value of its property portfolio, which fell from £11.2billion in 2020 to £9.1 million at the end of March 2021.

It has blamed a lack of rents from its shopping centres after it had to waive rental agreements during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not only did BHS close in 2016 but since then GAP, H&M and Topshop have all disappeared, while Central Market, a new food hall that opened in 2019 in the empty Ely Court collapsed earlier this year.

PLENTY OF IDEAS BUT BHS STILL EMPTY AFTER SIX YEARS

The BHS unit in Royal Victoria Place has sat empty for more than six years after the retail giant collapsed.

After the unit was abandoned in 2016, it had been hoped another big brand high street name would take over the lease.

Prominence STRUGGLING Royal Victoria Place is filled with empty units

But the new leisure facility could provide a turnaround for RVP. In Wandsworth a similar £4million leisure facility by Gravity Active was opened in the Southside shopping centre last year and it has already seen the footfall in the London town increase, bringing extra revenue to shops and restaurants in the area.

But rumours of Primark, John Lewis and other high street giants coming to the site in the Tunbridge Wells shopping centre all led to nothing and the BHS unit remains empty behind the hoardings erected due to the empty

unit’s visible prominence on Calverley Road.

Along with the abandoned ABC Cinema site, it has proved a bone of contention with residents who wanted to see the large empty shopping centre unit filled.

A petition was launched last year to turn the empty space into an indoor market, but M&G Real Estate, who owned the lease refused to repurpose the space.

The new leisure complex planned for the former BHS store comes after plans to build a new retirement complex on the ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells that has stood empty for more than 20 years.

Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers

Watches & Jewellery Valuation Days Monday 4th April - Tunbridge Wells Friday 8th April - Lewes We are experiencing unprecedented demand for gold coins, watches and jewellery. Prices have risen dramatically since the relaxation of lockdown restrictions with buyers from all over the world bidding at our sales.

Watches from vintage to modern and especially brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier are constantly sought after. Antique jewellery is at a premium but even broken pieces are still seeing strong interest.

Our Head of Jewellery and gemologist Roger Mead has over 25 years of experience in this field, having developed a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the nuances which can make all the difference in value for objects within this market.

A Carlo Guiliano gem set gold and enamel drop pendant, Sold by Gorringe’s in 2021 for £11,000 A gentleman’s 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Day/Date watch Sold by Gorringe’s in 2022 for £9,000

To book an appointment for a free appraisal email clientservices@gorringes.co.uk or telephone 01892 556860 www.gorringes.co.uk

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Holding the thin blue line in Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells Police Station has been a part of the town for more than 80 years, but its future has remained uncertain after Kent Police moved most of its officers to Tonbridge.

Here Victoria Roberts and local photographer Emily Harding take an exclusive accessall-areas look inside the station and reveal some of its rich and fascinating history...

THE police station in Tunbridge Wells was built in 1939. Along with the Assembly Hall, it was the only part of the civic complex to be constructed before the war, following the design competition held by the town in 1934.

The ground floor made up the working police station with a charge room, enquiry room, telephone room, six cells and a courtyard for prisoner exercise, a parade and instruction room.

HEYDAY The police station in the 1960s (picture Kent Police)

Staircases Meanwhile, the magistrates’ court occupied the first-floor.

There were different staircases up into the court room, depending on whether you were a prisoner who went directly from the cells into the dock, or a free member of society who could travel the ceremonial route of the main staircase, with its finely moulded handrails, or the two subsidiary staircases, with their streamlined 1930s Art Deco balustrades.

Kent Police curator Paul Upton pointed to architectural similarities with the Tunbridge Wells Police Station which later became Kent Police Headquarters – at Sutton Road in Maidstone – and Dover Police Station, both COURTHOUSE Magistrates no longer sit in the station’s courtroom

constructed in the same period.

“They have the same style and the same feel – certainly the brick facades and sash windows and the square, almost Regency style. Dover has a similar classical style.

“At the outbreak of World War II, there were nine of these borough police stations (in Kent).

But on the first of April 1943, there was a temporary but compulsory amalgamation into

The ground floor made up the working police station with a charge room, enquiry room, telephone room, six cells and a courtyard for prisoner exercise Kent County Constabulary.

The emergency wartime measure was made permanent in 1947, after the Police Act (1946), meaning that Kent remained the police authority, he added.

The building in Tunbridge Wells remained a working police station, but the magistrates’ court closed in 2000.

Today the courtroom sits empty, although it

STEPS Stairs lead from the cells to the courtroom

UNLOCKED The station’s cell block is now used to house lockers and for storage

POLICE STATION NOT FOR SALE

recently played host to a live theatre production.

After Tonbridge police station was built, it eventually took control of Tunbridge Wells rosters, as well as some of its officers.

Tonbridge became the station to take prisoners into custody, leaving the Tunbridge Wells cells redundant. Yet there were some initiatives to re-localise policing, such as the introduction in 2002 of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO), whose role is to be visible in the community. Today the police station acts as a base for local police units, PCSO, and acts as headquarters for a local domestic abuse charity.

PCC Matthew Scott has said Tunbridge Wells remains an ‘active’ Police Station and there are no plans by Kent Police to sell the building.

Despite discussions over the last ten years about redevelopment of the civic centre site, which would have included the police selling Tunbridge Wells police station, Mr Scott has repeatedly stressed the building will remain in police hands.

Speaking to the Times last week, he reiterated his commitment to keeping the station open in the town.

He said: “Tunbridge Wells remains an active police station, serving as a base for both officers and staff, including PCSOs. “The front counter also remains open to the public and we allow the excellent DAVSS [Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services] charity use of part of the building. At this time there are no plans to change this.”

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

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Clive Attrell is always in the area and FREE private/home valuations are available by appointment.

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Mon 21st Mar (AM) TENTERDEN The White Lion

57 High Street Tenterden TN30 6BD 9.00am - 12.00pm

Thu 24th Mar (AM) HAWKHURST The Royal British Legion Club

High Street Cranbrook TN18 4AG 9.00am - 12.00pm

Mon 21st Mar (PM) MAIDSTONE Swan Inn

Loose Road Maidstone ME15 9UJ 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Thu 24th Mar (PM) TUNBRIDGE WELLS St Barnabas Church Hall

Quarry Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2EY 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Tue 22nd Mar (AM) SITTINGBOURNE The Appleyard

Ave of Remembrance Sittingbourne ME10 4DE 9.00am - 12.00pm

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Tonbridge Road Hildenborough TN11 9HJ 9.00am - 12.00pm

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High Street Wadhurst TN5 6AP 1.00pm - 4.00pm

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Launch of new finance centre attracts ‘movers and shakers’

Anti-spiking plan launched by BID

By Victoria Roberts MORE than 100 people attended the opening of the Finance Hub this month as it opens its doors to provide services to both businesses and residents.

Based in the 1887 The Pantiles development, the new centre provides a one-stop shop for personal and business financial services provided by a host of affiliates all under one roof.

A SCHEME to provide free drink covers to Tunbridge Wells pubs, clubs and restaurants, will reassure customers that their drinks have not been spiked, according to the organisation funding the initiative.

Business group RTW Together, which runs the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) is funding a supply of Stop Topps drink foils, which can be pierced by a straw, limiting access to the drink inside.

The initiative follows nationwide concerns over spiking last year - The Pitcher & Piano’s had its licence temporarily removed just before Christmas.

Founder, Gillian Palmer, says the launch party on March 3 was a ‘roaring success’.

She told the Times: “People were coming and going. There were plenty of the movers and shakers of Tunbridge Wells, who we invited by e-mail and most of them turned up, some straight from the office. And then the die-hards stayed on late.”

Now the Finance Hub is looking at expanding beyond paid services into hosting financial literacy events, sponsored by local service providers such as architects, solicitors and accountants.

“On April 21, we’re planning a property development night, on building a portfolio, educating people on the types of lending available, questions of taxation, solicitors and surveyors offering tips…

“Then we’re planning a cyber crime night.

There would be no charge because the sponsors would pay.”

All the time, the core Finance Hub business of

Photograph: Dee Airey

Expanding

‘one-stop shop’ financial advice from personal to business areas, will continue drawing in business from outside Tunbridge Wells, said Gillian, stressing the business’s location in The Pantiles, near the train station, and with parking close by.

“On the night (of the launch), I’d say there was 20 per cent from out of town, and for the

ongoing business it will be 30 to 35 per cent,” she suggested, pointing to the fact that her affiliate companies would be importing their existing clientele to the town.

“Currency UK is currently based in the City.

We’ve also got the Rift Group [advising on R&D tax credits] which is based in Ashford. The clients will be everywhere.”

Reports As reported in the Times in November, a number of young people were targeted in the Church Road nightclub with substances placed in their drinks as well as reports of partygoers having been ‘injected’.

Town centre pubs, bars, restaurant and clubs can now apply to RTW Together for a free supply of Stop Topps.

The initiative is supported by the Safe Town Partnership and Kent Police.

Steven Hood, owner of High Street-based The Bedford, which offers Stop Topps, said: “Anything to make people feel safer is a good thing. We have CCTV in this venue, and projects such as these are a great idea to form a deterrent for this kind of unwanted behaviour.”

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A handful of tickets remain for the networking event of the year

Local News Local NewsBUSINESS NEWS

9 17

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH MINT DJS

Times Business Awards in collaboration with:

Providing the entertainment for the Times Business Awards 2022 will be the awardwinning Mint DJs. They have performed at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues such as Wembley Stadium, Ministry of Sound, The Gherkin and Wimbledon Tennis Club to name a few.

And for the Times Business Awards 2022 they are bringing live musicians to accompany their set list.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS Last year’s gala night

By Richard Williams THE dinner jackets are back from the dry cleaners, the awards are polished, and the finalists are being chosen as the fifth Times Business Awards approaches.

Next Thursday (March 24), around 30 shortlisted businesses from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area find out if they have become a 2022 award winner.

The awards themselves will be presented by none other than star of breakfast and day-time TV, Eamonn Holmes.

Over the years, the black tie dinner has become one of the most popular networking events in the local business calendar.

The awards not only recognise those businesses

FORMULA FUN A previous competitor at Dunorlan Park

that have grown throughout such a difficult time but also those that have found themselves having to diversify due to the Covid crisis.

Opportunity There are new categories alongside some old favourites, ranging from Entrepreneur of the Year to Outstanding Business of the Year – all celebrate the wealth of talent in our area, from established businesses to start-ups.

The gala night provides a unique opportunity to showcase yourself and your company alongside some of the outstanding businesses and business people within the borough of Tunbridge Wells.

You can be part of a vibrant annual awards ceremony that recognises, celebrates and

promotes local business excellence.

The gala evening, held in the Salomons Estate historic Science Theatre, is one of the area’s must-attend occasions.

Don’t miss our meet the finalists Times Business Awards 2022 pull-out feature in next week’s newspaper.

‘The gala night provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business’

followed by a three course meal before the awards themselves.

Every year, tickets for the night at the Salomons sell out quickly, and this year is no exception, but there are still a limited number available for Times Business Awards 2022, which is held next Thursday (March 24).

For those wishing to book a seat or a table, tickets can be bought from £99 (plus VAT) each, or a table of 10 for £950 (plus VAT).

For more information contact sunisa.avery@onemediauk.co.uk

Hundreds of local businesses have entered the awards over the last five years, with many of their bottom lines boosted. Even for those not fortunate to win, the night is a perfect opportunity to enjoy networking with both new and old contacts.

The gala night begins with drinks reception

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Olympian gives her name to Bewl’s rowing club boat

By Victoria Roberts PEMBURY-born Olympic rower Emily Craig is set to give her name to Bewl Bridge Rowing Club’s (BBRC) newest rowing eight this Sunday.

Representing Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Emily missed out on a bronze medal by three centimetres, or 0.01 seconds, in the Lightweight Women’s double scull event, and came fourth.

She started learning to row, aged 12, at Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, where there is a GB Rowing start programme, before moving on to University of London Boat Club and later winning a World Championship Gold medal in the Lightweight Women quadruple sculls in 2016.

Emily will be officially naming her old boat club’s new rowing eight the ‘Emily Craig’ in a ceremony this Sunday at 10:45 at Bewl Water.

Bewl Water is run by Elite Leisure Collection, which also owns One Media, publisher of the Times.

The rowing club celebrates 45 years at Bewl Water this year, and now has over 190 members,

‘nearly all active’, club officer Peter Reeves said.

“Emily comes back to the club offering coaching tips to our current juniors,” he said, adding that the club’s other success stories also kept up their links.

Coaching “Georgie Grant, who raced in Rio as a GB Junior and also in the Oxford Women’s Boat Race 2021, is also offering coaching. Under the guidance of the GB Start Coach Richard Poole, based at BBRC, George Bourne went onto row with the GB U23 squad winning at the World Championships.

“Six other Bewl juniors are on the current British Rowing Women’s Development Programme and the Club’s Masters squads are regular winners in the National Masters Championships,” he said.

The Club welcomes junior members from age 12, but there are other entry points: 19-22 years, 23-26 years, and the Masters category for 27 years and up.

Abuse victims offered a calm place to connect COMING out of a domestic violence refuge into a safe space, with a slice of cake and slice of normality, is the plan behind Serenity Café, opening today at a secret location in Tunbridge Wells.

The café was launched after almost £5,000 was raised on the crowdfunding platform Spacehive, with backing from organisations including Kent County Council (KCC) and estate agent Belvoir Tunbridge Wells.

Dedicated to women leaving abusive relationships, with their children, the café will provide a community space for survivors to meet one another and start to make friends again, while their children enjoy special play sessions.

KCC’s Look Ahead, a charitable housing association that runs domestic abuse services in west Kent, will offer wellbeing activities including yoga, belly dancing and healthy eating sessions, along with job coaching, financial and housing advice.

Shattered Yvette Hazelden, Look Ahead’s Strategic Domestic Abuse Lead in Kent said: “When women leave an abusive relationship they can feel lonely and isolated. The abuse they’ve experienced often leaves them with physical and mental scars that take time to heal. As their confidence is shattered it is harder to begin new friendships.

“The café will be such a healing place, because women can speak to others who have been in the same situation. It will be peer-led so will be about women supporting women.”

As well as serving up coffee, tea and cake, Serenity Cafe will provide a slice of normality for women leaving abusive relationships. It will be a welcoming place where survivors can share their stories and a safe space for their children to play.

The café will be about focusing on the future and women will be offered, while a Look Ahead domestic abuse expert will be on hand to support.

Look Ahead’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) receive hundreds of referrals for women living in the west Kent area every year, while there is high demand for refuge places.

Yvette said: “Women who have experienced domestic abuse have been through a living hell, but their future is full of great possibilities.

Sometimes it is hard to see this, so a supportive environment such as the Serenity Cafe, is a place where women can start to rebuild their lives.”

Survivor Anna** said: “The café is a really good idea because when I move on from the refuge I can talk to people about my experiences and continue to get and give support.”

Women interested in coming to the café can call or text Look Ahead on 07715 002849, said Look Ahead.

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Work begins on Paddock Wood community centre

BREAKING GROUND Meryl Flashman (with spade) as work began last week

By Robert Forrester CONSTRUCTION of Paddock Wood’s new community centre started last week [March 7], after four years of planning, consultation and opposition.

The mixed use facility on Memorial Field caused local controversy when it was first planned.

A four year battle ensued with the proposed centre the subject of petitions and a local non-binding referendum.

Campaign group the Firends of Memorial Field that was set up to block the town coucnil development also applied to Kent County Council to designate the Memorial Field a Village Green, although the application was rejected.

Reality Paddock Wood Town Council said It had ‘taken four years of hard work and dedication from councillor’s residents and staff, supported

by Project Manager Jonathan White from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council along with other Borough officers and members’ to bring the project into fruition.

Chairman of the Town Council Meryl Flashman

Wealden to challenge Tonbridge for rail HQ WEALDEN MP Nusrat Ghani is encouraging her constituency town of Uckfield to enter the competition to host the headquarters of Britain’s new umbrella rail company, joining Tonbridge on the list of hopefuls.

The public body Great British Railways was established in May 2021, to regenerate Britain’s rail network. It will own the infrastructure, collect fare revenue, run and plan the network, and set most fares and timetables.

Calling the initiative a ‘major, once in a generation reform that will transform the way in which the sector works’, Ms Ghani said: “It was great to welcome the rail minister to Eridge recently, to celebrate the step-free upgrades to the station and highlight the need for further investment into Wealden rail infrastructure, especially into the electrification of the Uckfield line.

“It would be fantastic to see Wealden as the proud home of the Great British Railways Headquarters and I have encouraged Wealden District Council to put Uckfield forward.”

said: “This is a much-needed facility for the town, which has not had a large community hall since the loss of the Parochial Church Hall, demolished in the 1960s.

“I give my thanks to all those who have enabled this dream to become a reality.”

Pavilion The £3million multi-use facility will include a 40-place nursery, hall, car parking, anda 300-seat theatre/community hall.

The green building will be built by local firm Baxall Construction, who were named Net Zero Champions in July 2021, added PWTC. The building will offer flexible hall space, café meeting room and a pre-school, partly funded by over £1million from developers, from the three housing developments currently under construction.

Paddock Wood Town Council (PWTC) secured the developer funding with help from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC).

Outside the building itself, the grounds will include two new Lawn Tennis Associationcompliant tennis courts, a new cricket wicket and improvements to the pavilion.

Construction work should finish by late autumn.

GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES

If you have an individual problem which you think I can help with or you would like to have a chat about a more general issue, please do get in touch.

I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call:

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Community for Ukraine

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Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Boogie Nights fundraiser at The Forum

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11

Sewing ‘bees’ sow Ukrainian sunflowers in Crowborough SUNFLOWERS and Ukrainian flag colours have brightened Crowborough High Street in recent days, raising funds for UNICEF’s Ukraine appeal.

The Sewing Crow-Bees have put up a selection of their crafted knick-knacks on a new blue and yellow flag-coloured board outside Zest Contemporary Gifts, in exchange for donations.

Scrubs

By Sarah Carter THE Forum has handed over its upcoming ‘Boogie Nights’ event as a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees, benefiting Rusthall-based charity RefugEase.

All net proceeds will support Ukrainians who have fled their country due to the war which started on February 24, 95 per cent of whom are women and children.

Desperate Refugease founder, Valentina Osborn, said: “We are supporting displaced Ukrainians with emergency supplies as they arrive across the borders and we are incredibly grateful for our community’s generous financial donations that have enabled us to purchase the supplies that are really needed at this desperate time.

“We know there will be more and more Ukrainians crossing the borders in the coming weeks who will need our support.

“We are very grateful to the team at Boogie Nights and The Forum for hosting ‘A Night for Ukraine’ on March 25 to raise funds for Refugease. Every person who buys a ticket or

donates on the night will help to raise critical funds so we can be there for those in need.”

Boogie Nights DJs Richard ‘Scanty Sandwich’ Marshall and Markus Holler are giving their time free of charge, as are guest DJs Mr Brico and Louis Gillespie, and all net proceeds will support Ukrainian refugees.

This is not the first charitable cause helped by Boogie Nights, which was founded in 2015, and has previously raised funds for Syrian refugees, the Hospice in the Weald and Nourish Community Foodbank, as well as offering help in kind by mentoring displaced unaccompanied asylum seekers interested in DJing.

Jason Dormon, director of The Forum, said: “We are really proud to host this event at The Forum to support the Ukrainian refugees.

“We have supported Refugease from the day they set up the charity and hosted Valentina’s first Facebook donation event in 2015, which went viral and collected four double-decker buses of donations. We are dedicated to helping bring together our community for events like this, which can make a real difference to people in need.”

Tickets £10 (plus £2 booking fee), with the ability to name an additional donation, from TWForum.co.uk

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Each item is in a bag with a QR code to donate directly, but people can also make their donations at Zest, W.E. Cro & Sons and Guest’s Shoe Services on the High Street, or through the Sewing Crow-Bees’ JustGiving page.

Sewing Crow-Bees launched in 2020 to start making scrubs and non-medical masks, as well as raising money for Friends of Crowborough Hospital. They are also known to provide knitted postbox toppers. “They have been terrific in the past,” commented Roger Bishop, of the Crowborough Community Association, which runs the village’s community centre.

BODY ARMOUR FOR UKRAINE Tunbridge Wells-based file-sharing and data security services company Maytech is raising money to send body armour to Lviv in western Ukraine, where some of the company employees are based.

“It is an incredible vibrant city with amazing people who John is proud to call his friends and colleagues,” said company directors John and Clare Lynch, on their JustGiving page.

“Our wonderful friends are currently providing humanitarian aid to those who have flocked to the region,” they said.

“In addition, many people in the area are

preparing to fight and we have been told the greatest need is military grade protective equipment.”

The company set out to raise £50,000 to buy Grade IV body armour, with one vest costing approximately £550.

Maytech had also sourced a supplier and organised passage through the Polish border.

The fundraiser reached its target in three days, and donations have continued coming in even after the first 150 body armour vests were despatched to Ukraine at the beginning of last week. [Monday March 7]

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Thomas Mansfield Wills & Inheritance Planning

Wednesday November Wednesday March 24 16 | 2021 2022

Hopes for release are near as Iran Teacher and wife killed gives Nazanin her passport back at home as their children slept upstairs are named DETAINED Nazanin with husband Richard and daughter Gabriella

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LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

DETAINEDTEACHER British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has had her passport returned Stephen Chapple and a British negotiating team is in Tehran, her [picture Facebook] MP has said.

AMrs MAN and a woman who killeddetained at their in Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 43,were has been village home Somerset while home their Iran since herin arrest in 2016 on charges of childrento slept upstairsthe have been named plotting overthrow government – by police. allegations she has always denied.

Avon and Somerset have they A £400million debt Police relating to asaid cancelled believe bodies foundtanks in Dragon Rise in to the order forthe 1,500 Chieftain dating back Nortonhad Fitzwarren belong to local IT teacher 1970s been linked to the continued Stephen Chapple, 36, and his wife and Jennifer detention of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe other Chapple, 33.dual nationals held in the country.

UK-Iranian The pair were found with serious injuries at their £250,000 home at around 9.45pm on Hopeful Sunday. Despite the efforts of emergency services, they were both pronounced at the On Tuesday, Hampstead and Kilburndead MP Tulip scene. tweeted: “I am very pleased to say that Siddiq Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been given her British passport back. She is still at her family Released home in Tehran. I also understand that there is a Two children wereteam in the at the time British negotiating in property Tehran right now.

I of the deaths, butupdates it is understood they were will keep posting as I get them.” asleep.

According to her employer, the Thomson Two men, aged 34 and wereHojjat arrested on Reuters Foundation, her 67, lawyer Kermani, Sunday on suspicion of murder.

Magistrates when asked whether Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe will yesterday [Tuesday] an extension to the be released, said: “I granted am hopeful that we will custody time limit in relation to the younger man have good news soon.” while the 67-year-old has been released under Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in Iran as investigation. she prepared to fly back to the UK, having taken A post-mortem examination has even confirmed Mrs her daughter Gabriella – then not two years Chapple died from multiple stab wounds. The old – to see relatives. post-mortem examination to determine Mr the She was accused of plotting to overthrow Chapple’s cause of death was ongoing as this Iranian government and sentenced to five years newspaper went four to press. in jail, spending years in Tehran’s Evin Avon and and one Somerset that due to Prison underPolice housesaid arrest. prior with those Ratcliffe, involved,spent it had21 referred Her contact husband, Richard days itself voluntarily to the Independent Office on hunger strike last year in London to drawfor attention to his wife’s case.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s mother-in-law, Barbara Ratcliffe, told the BBC the latest news “does sound really positive” and that her daughter-inlaw had ‘seemed really quite upbeat ‘ A BUS carrying North Macedonians home from a tourist trip to Istanbul crashed and caught fire in western Bulgaria early on Tuesday, killing at least 45 people, authorities and local media said.

The accident happened around 2am and there were children among the victims, authorities said. Seven people were taken to hospitals for treatment. have been announced against a SANCTIONS further 350 Russian individuals and entities in measures designed to hit the Kremlin following Investigation the invasion of Ukraine.

Theupdate cause of immediately An to the crash Gov.ukwas on not Tuesday said that confirmed, but it had appeared that the busthe hit a 350 new listings been made under Russia guard rail,regime. crashed and caught fire. sanctions bus wasOffice one oflater foursaid travelling together.

The Foreign including sanctions Officials an investigation willnew be launched. levelled atsaid Belarus, the number of listings Bulgarian news agency Novinite said was more than 370. representatives It is understoodfrom the Macedonia’s new additionsembassy will bring the visited a hospital where some of thealready victims were UK in line with restrictive measures taken. announced by the European Union. The Foreign Photos taken afterindividuals, the crash showed Office said that shortly over 1,000 entities,the bus engulfed in flames plumessanctions of thick, and subsidiaries under with the Russia black smoke from the regime since rising the invasion of scene.

Ukraine.

But she added that the family is ‘all a bit Stabbed battle-scarred’, having had so many Jennifer Chapplein the past regarding progress disappointments [picture Facebook] on the case.

Police Conduct Foreign (IOPC). Secretary Liz Truss said In December, It has been reported the Chapples hadwas a the £400 million that Britain owes Iran recently been in athat parking dispute with ‘legitimate debt’ the Government wants to neighbours. pay.

Detective Inspector Meade, the are Major On Tuesday, a No 10Neil official said:of“We Crime Investigation saidWe’re on Monday committed to payingTeam, the debt. exploring morning: thoughts of everyone the force options to“The resolve it – it has not beenin resolved.” this morning are with athe of theteam two is in Pressed on whether UKfamilies negotiating people sadly died Tehran,who he added: “I’mlast notnight. going to get into “Two young children were inside the property further speculation at this point.” atMr theJohnson time of was the incident and while thankfully also reluctant to say too much, they weren’t hurt,“Ithey arethat understandably telling reporters: think it’s very important distressed at what happened. when you have gothas quite delicate discussions “They are being looked afteron and going on, negotiations going in specially Tehran about trained have been consular deployedcases to support some ofofficers our most difficult – the victims’ families what is undoubtedly particularly Nazaninin Zaghari-Ratcliffe – you the most difficult times.” should say as of little as possible unless and until Hething added: “We willconcluded. carry out a full and the is actually thorough investigation and we will do all we can to achieve justice for the victims’ families.

Interrupt “While this appears to be an isolated incident, there will be increased policehome, activitywe inhave the area “Everybody wants Nazanin to provide the on community been working that for awith long,reassurance. long time.

“Incidents like to this very rare whenthe they “I do not want doare anything to but interrupt do happen, weright knownow.” they cause significant conversations concern so we’d urge anyone the withThomson worries or According to her employer, questions to speak toMrs an officer or contact their Reuters Foundation, Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s local neighbourhood policing team.”whether she lawyer Hojjat Kermani, when asked A police cordonsaid: remains inhopeful place atthat two we will will be released, “I am properties thesoon.” street while forensic have good on news investigations carriedRatcliffe, out.

Her husband,are Richard spent 21 days resident oflast the year new in build estate onOne hunger strike London to around draw Dragon Rise said the victims attention to his wife’s case. were ‘very friendly’.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s mother-in-law, Barbara Ratcliffe, told the BBC the latest news ‘does sound really positive’ but she added that the family is ‘all a bit battle-scarred’, having had so many disappointments in the past regarding progress on the case.

Caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev visited the site of the crash and told reporters it was “a huge tragedy.”

Mr Yanev said: “I take this opportunity to send my condolences to the relatives of the victims.

Let’s hope we learn lessons from this tragic incident and we can prevent such incidents in the future.”

The list of those sanctioned has been expanded Oltaoligarchs Xhacka wrote toAlbanian include aforeign furtherminister 51 Russian and their online that almost those who died in the families, plus a raftall ofof politicians and crash were ethnic Albanians. “propagandists”.

North Macedonian Minister Zoran Zaev These include PrimePrime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, told Bulgarian television channeland bTVformer that he had Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu spoken to of one of theDmitry bus survivors.

President Russia Medvedev.

“One of the passengers told me that he Peskov was Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry asleep and woke up from anspokeswoman explosion,” MrMaria Zaev and Russian Foreign Affairs told bTV, adding that will gather Zakharova are also onthe theauthorities list, as is internet ‘troll information that is Research “important for the families of farm’, the Internet Agency. the dead and the survivors.”

Russian oligarchs now subject to UK sanctions In a statement posted online, Northand German include Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, Macedonian President Stevo Khan.

The Foreign Office saidPendarovski the oligarchscalled it a ‘horrific accident’ andhave said athat he expects the sanctioned on Tuesday combined authoritiesworth to conduct a full investigation. estimated of more than £100 billion.

Bulgarian bus crash kills 45

Another 350 individuals and entities added to UK’s Russian sanctions list

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

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Star Hobson’s mother has sentence increased over her daughter’s death THE mother of Star Hobson has had her prison sentence for causing or allowing the 16-monthold’s death increased by the Court of Appeal.

Frankie Smith, 20, was jailed at Bradford Crown Court in December last year for her role in the death of her daughter, who was killed by Smith’s former partner, Savannah Brockhill.

Star died after she was taken to hospital in September 2020, having suffered “utterly catastrophic” and “unsurvivable” injuries at Brockhill’s hands.

Brockhill, 28, a bouncer and security guard, was found guilty of Star’s murder, while Smith was found guilty of causing or allowing her death and handed an eight-year prison sentence.

GUILTY Frankie Smith

caused Star’s death involved extensive damage to her abdominal cavity “caused by a severe and forceful blow or blows, either in the form of punching, stamping or kicking to the abdomen”.

Zafar Ali QC, for Smith, said it was “simply incorrect” to say his client had not been remorseful, saying she had been “extremely remorseful” during the trial.

MURDERED Frankie Smith

Losing

Referred Smith’s sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General’s Office under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme.

On Tuesday, three senior judges increased her sentence to 12 years’ detention.

Smith, of Wesley Place, Halifax Road, Keighley, appeared at the Court of Appeal in London on Tuesday via video-link from HMP New Hall, wearing a grey top.

Tom Little QC, for the Attorney General’s Office, said the original judge had found Smith to be a “neglectful and cruel parent who thought only of her own interests”.

He argued that there were aggravating parts of Smith’s crime which were not taken into account

and that the sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, had wrongly decreased the number of years she should serve.

Mr Little said: “The judge placed the most weight on the loss of Star as a part of mitigation… there can be no doubt about that.”

He added: “This was not a case where the offender was so racked with guilt and pleaded

Tunbridge Wells HSBC escapes cull as bank shuts 69 branches HSBC HAS said it will shut 69 branches as it continues to close banks because of customers switching online.

The move, which could hit around 400 workers across the branches, is the latest in a flurry of closure announcements by the UK’s biggest banks. In January last year, the bank announced 82 previous closures.

Dropping HSBC confirmed on Tuesday that the Mount Pleasant Road branch in Tunbridge Wells is not among those earmarked for closure.

However, the bank said that less than 50% of its customers now regularly use it branch network, with footfall dropping sharply over the past five years.

A spokesman for HSBC added that it hopes to redeploy all 400 staff to new roles within 15 miles of their homes.

Jackie Uhi, head of the bank UK’s branch network, said: “The way people bank is

changing – something the pandemic has accelerated.

“Our branches continue to support people with their more complex banking needs, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with the addition of banking hubs, community pop ups and continued use of the Post Office network.

“Rather than a one-size-fits-all branch approach, it’s an approach built around the way different customers are choosing to bank in different areas.”

Luck runs out for Camelot as it loses lottery licence NATIONAL Lottery operator Camelot is set to lose its licence to operate the game after 30 years, with the Gambling Commission announcing plans to transfer it to a rival.

A fiercely contested bidding process has been under way between four parties to hold the licence, which Camelot has operated since 1994.

But officials said Allwyn is now the preferred applicant to take over the venture in 2024.

The Gambling Commission said: “The selection of Allwyn as preferred applicant follows a fair, open and robust competition which received four applications at the final stage.

“This is the highest number of applications since the first National Lottery licence was awarded in 1994.

Good causes

Wilko apologises after telling staff with Covid to go to work REATAILER Wilko has apologised and made a swift U-turn after it told staff they could attend work even if they test positive for Covid-19.

The discounter said in a new policy document to workers: “If you test positive for Covid-19 and feel well you can continue to come to work, if you feel too unwell you can follow the absence policy.”

The company, which employs about 16,000 staff at more than 400 UK stores, including one in Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells, outlined the updated policy as fears rise over increased hospital admissions due to the virus.

However, Jerome Saint-Marc, chief executive of the business, has now apologised and blamed “miscommunication”.

“When we get something wrong, we hold our hands up, admit it and work to correct the situation,” he said.

guilty at the very first opportunity, remorseful from the outset about the loss, to be a significant point in the offender’s favour.”

The barrister said the sentencing judge also did not refer to Star’s vulnerability or to the at least 11-minute delay in calling 999 after she suffered the fatal injuries.

At the trial, prosecutors said the injuries that

“Today’s news has highlighted some miscommunication within our Covid-19 policies, and I wanted to reassure all our customers and team members.

“Our advice to team members that have Covid symptoms or test positive is that while they’re no longer required by law to self-isolate, they should still stay at home and avoid contact with others.

“This will help reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19.”

It comes after self-isolation rules were changed last month in England despite criticism from public health experts.

The Government has also confirmed that free widescale testing is due to end from April 1.

In January, Wilko also confirmed plans to shut 15 stores in a move that unions warned could impact hundreds of jobs.

Mr Ali said: “She expressly said how sorry she was for her cruelty and neglect.”

He added: “This case was permeated by domestic violence – she was physically abused

by Brockwell on several occasions.”

Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Sweeney and Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, found that the sentencing judge was wrong to reduce Smith’s sentence from the starting point based on mitigation, including of her losing her daughter.

“On the facts of this case, where Miss Smith had treated Star with such cruelty… the judge was wrong to identify this as a mitigating feature and then give it the weight she did.”

Dame Victoria continued: “There was little, if any, to be said in mitigation.

“In our judgment no less a sentence than 12 years would meet the justice of this case.”

The judge said Star was “particularly vulnerable due to her very young age”, and that “self-evidently, Miss Smith was in a position of trust”.

“Allwyn has committed to investment in the National Lottery that is expected to deliver growth and innovation across the National Lottery’s products and channels, resulting in increased contributions to good causes, subject to the protection of participants and propriety.

“The Gambling Commission is content that all applicants are fit and proper to operate the National Lottery.

“Recognising our role as a responsible regulator we are also satisfied that no application is impacted by sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.”

The other applicants were Sisal Spa, Camelot and The New Lottery Company Ltd. Camelot has been named “reserve applicant”.

Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said: “In its lifetime, the National Lottery has raised more than £45 billion for good causes and is rightly seen as a great national asset.

“Our priority was to run a competition that would attract a strong field of candidates.

Having received the most applications since

1994, it is clear that we’ve achieved just that.

“I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence – one that maximises returns to good causes, promotes innovation, delivers against our statutory duties, and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.

“We look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth handover.”

Allwyn said: “We welcome today’s statement by the Gambling Commission that we have been selected as the preferred applicant for the fourth National Lottery licence.

“Our proposal was judged to be the best way of growing returns to good causes by revitalising the National Lottery in a safe and sustainable way.

“The appointment of Allwyn will breathe fresh life into the National Lottery.”

Camelot chief executive Nigel Railton said: “I’m incredibly disappointed by today’s announcement, but we still have a critical job to do – as our current licence runs until February 2024.

“We’re now carefully reviewing the Gambling Commission’s evaluation before deciding on our next steps.”

WE’RE GROWING! Crossways Community is a growing and dynamic Christian charity which provides housing and support in the Tunbridge Wells area for adults living with a wide range of mental health conditions. We also run a number of community-based projects including Reboot which offers mental health awareness training in schools, churches and businesses, The Kitchen Table, our café in Camden Road and Flourish, our new gardening project in Tunbridge Wells.

Crossways has a new Chief Executive in post with ambitious plans to increase our impact in the community. As a result, we are currently recruiting for a number of vacancies across our organisation.

Head of Finance & Operations (full-time) – in this key Business Management role, you will be working alongside the Chief Executive and have proven experience in financial oversight, management and implementation, strategic planning and relational leadership. You will be responsible for giving financial and operational clarity to the Board of Trustees and so will be expected to have knowledge and understanding of all day to day financial and operational issues. Salary £38,000 to £42,000 FTE depending on experience.

HR Manager (22.5 to 30 hours per week) – at Crossways, our staff are our greatest asset so you will be responsible for supporting the Managers with all employee related matters and be a first point of contact for our team members. You will have a clear understanding of employment law, practice and policy, and will have responsibility for all HR documentation, metrics and the running of our HR software system.

Salary £27,564 FTE

Support Workers at Moxham House and 71 London Road (full-time and part-time) you will be working alongside our residents who are living with mental health conditions, helping to deliver emotional and practical support. We provide a comprehensive training programme. The care homes are staffed 24/7 so there are a variety of shifts to cover including weekends and sleep-in nights.

Salary £19,764 to £21,966 FTE depending on experience, plus allowances for weekends, sleep-in and pager duties.

Flourish Gardening Project Manager (full-time) – this is an exciting, new, community-based, mental health focussed gardening venture for Crossways and so you will need to be especially flexible, dynamic and innovative to embed, lead and grow this project. You will have a love of gardening, be calm, confident and patient with good interpersonal skills and the ability to manage client-gardeners, volunteers and your own time effectively.

Salary £23,664 FTE

Part-Time Cleaner (15 hours per week) – working in our 71 London Road care home, you will be a calm and confident individual providing high standards of cleanliness for our residents and staff. Mornings or lunchtimes preferable. Salary £10.14 per hour We offer a competitive benefits package including pension and private health insurance

Head to the Join the team > Work For Us page of our website www.crosswayscommunity.org.uk for full job descriptions and to apply!

Please note, all applications must be made online, we do not accept paper applications.

Job Fair - Why not come and join us at our in-house job fair at 71 London Road, Southborough TN4 0NS from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday 30th March 2022 or for more details telephone 01892 540843

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

15

“It has been a real pleasure seeing all our students grow and achieve their potential...”

St Gregory’s school head Sean McQuillan announces retirement after 17 years

AT THE beginning of March Sean McQuillan, Academy Principal at St Gregory’s Catholic School on Reynolds Lane, announced that he would be retiring from his role.

In a letter sent to parents and students, Mr McQuillan wrote: “I write to inform you that, after seven years as Academy Principal and before that 10 years as Deputy Head of St Gregory’s, I will be retiring at the end of this academic year.”

He went on to say: “Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to work with some wonderful people, some brilliant teachers and highly talented students and none more so than here at St Gregory’s. It has been a privilege to lead such an amazing school and I will miss working with such a great group of staff and students.”

Mr McQuillan continued: “I have always enjoyed coming to work and there is not a day goes past when I do not get to see the talents, skills and enthusiasm of our students in some way or another. It is watching young people grow and develop,

Sorry, NO Dogs Allowed.

achieving their potential, realising their ambitions, becoming responsible young adults and citizens that drives every teacher and it has been a great pleasure to contribute to making this happen for so many St Gregory’s students.”

“There is not a day that goes past when I do not get to see the talents, skills and enthusiasm of our students”

Outstanding St Gregory’s school was established in 1966 and converted to Academy status in 2014. It is now part of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership - a successful multi-academy trust of 24 schools, including 19 primary and five secondary Catholic academies in Kent - which aims for ‘Catholic schools across Kent to deliver outstanding spiritual, moral and learning outcomes for children and young people by collaborating as a Catholic community of academies.’

The school currently boasts 1300plus students and at its last Ofsted inspection in 2013 was rated Outstanding.

Reflecting on the final SEAN months of his headship at the MCQUILLAN co-ed non-selective school Mr

Quillan added: “We have a great deal to do over the next three terms to ensure that our current group of students achieves as well as so many that have gone before. I can assure you that we are all completely focused on making this happen and, whilst a change of Academy Principal can be unsettling, I will ensure we continue to provide the high standard of education that you, as parents, would expect from us.”

Mr McQuillan went ST GREGORY’S SCHOOL on to explain that the

school’s Executive Principal Mike Wilson will be in consultation with St Gregory’s governance committee members and the Trust Office in order to lead the recruitment process to appoint a new Academy Principal.

Mr McQuillan signed off his letter saying: “I look forward to seeing you at the various events that will take place between now and the end of the academic year and I would like to thank you for your continued support of the school.”

Join us for...

LAMBING WEEKEND at Hadlow College Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March 2022

FOOD & DRINK VENDORS, ARTS & CRAFT STALLS, FUN FAIR RIDES & MUCH MORE! Pre-registration now live. Please visit hadlow.ac.uk/events for more information.

16

NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Cllr Tom Dawlings

Conservative Council Leader for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Cllr Tom Dawlings has represented Benenden & Cranbrook at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since 2014. Before entering local politics his career was spent with the Bank of England. He was elected Leader of the Council in May 2021.

There are many great things happening in our Borough YOUR Council Tax bill details money collected

by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on behalf of Kent County Council, Kent Police, the Fire and Rescue services and for Parish and Town Councils.

The amount retained by TWBC is small and has increased by a deminimus of £5 or 2%.

Overall TWBC receives about £8.5million of Council Tax. The Council’s more significant source of funding is from fees and charges for Council services (budgeted at £21 million).

In presenting the budget to the Full Council on 23rd February, I reflected on the difficulties of two years of the Covid pandemic. National lockdowns resulted in a significant loss of income to the Council (with monthly shortfalls of over £1 million).

Government encouraged Councils not to reduce services, financially supporting Councils up to 30th June 2021, paying around 70% of the income loss. With good financial management during and post Government support, the Council has avoided drawing on reserves to balance the Revenue budget.

Throughout the pandemic the Council’s focus was on maintaining services, helping the vulnerable and shielded, supporting the NHS with testing and vaccination centres and supporting businesses. We continue to administer the delivery of Government grants to

businesses in the Borough amounting now to £54 million.

Under the ‘Everyone In’ initiative, rough sleepers were found accommodation and further temporary accommodation was created. The construction and fit-out of the Amelia Scott building continued throughout the pandemic.

Overall carbon emissions have been reduced by 50% and TWBC is seeking further funding for its carbon reduction plan to improve the energy efficiency of Council properties.

weight in opposing housing development on the Hawkhurst golf course.

In the Borough 661 new homes have been built, including 270 affordable homes. Work is

Crisis Ukraine is the latest crisis. In anticipation that the UK will want to help many tens of thousands of refugees, we have invited residents to advise of accommodation that they can make available to refugees –at: tunbridgewells.gov.uk/news/ ukraine. We are also aware that war in Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia will compound the inflationary pressures on the UK economy affecting us all.

More positively, there are many great things happening in our Borough.

The Local Plan is now with the Government Examiner. Neighbourhood Development Plans have been approved by referendum in Lamberhurst, Goudhurst and Benenden and the Hawkhurst NDP has been shown to carry real

GREAT SCOTT The Amelia Scott cultural centre is set to open at the end of next month

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underway on the Town Centre Area Plan.

The planned co-working arrangements for the Town Hall will bring more footfall to the Town Centre, so too will the opening at the end of April of the Amelia Scott (home for the Library, Museum, Adult Education and Registration Services).

The Pantiles and High Street are busy. The long derelict cinema site has been acquired by AXA (subject to planning). There is increasing demand for the vacant retail premises at the top of the town and in Royal Victoria Place.

Covid and Climate Change have shown that we need to establish ways of working and living which are sustainable economically, environmentally and socially and also respect our heritage.

The ‘Water in the Wells’ group for example promotes the town’s water heritage and ideas for the Chalybeate Spring develop this concept.

On transport we are working on a ‘bus on call’ service, as operated by Go2Direct in Sevenoaks.

We have detailed research for a bus/taxi service using light electric vehicles to get around the town and also need to consider more use of electric bikes and scooters and ideas for safer cycling and walking.

By getting this right perhaps some residents will start to think that they don’t need to have a second car.

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Letters

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NEWS

17

And another thing…

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

Opera ban was ‘bordering on xenophobic’

Opera had no Putin links I have to write to question the logic of Cllr. Sean Holden after two articles another local paper has run in the past two weeks.

He claims that Amande Concerts Ltd.’s Madama Butterfly is a ‘Russian State Ballet Company’ production.

What proof does he have that profits from his production go back to support Russia’s war economy?

Does he have this on authority from reliable sources who have told him that Mr. Ignatow has been sending his money to support Russia, particularly Putin’s many wars in the past 17 years?

I am sure that Mr. Holden, being a former journalist, upholds truth when there is evidence to prove that which he is accusing Mr. Ignatow of. So where is the proof that Amande Concerts Ltd. send their profits back to the regime of President Putin?

I really believe Cllr. Holden’s assumptions should be challenged. That is what we are doing as Liberal Democrats. We are not ‘flag flying’ or making wild assumptions.

Cllr Marguerita Morton Lib Dem, St. John’s We are a low crime borough Dealing with crime and the fear of crime in an effective way is critical. However, Mike Tapp’s assertions (Times, March 2) based on his claim of ‘widely held perception’ rather than evidence is hardly the best way to operate.

‘All Crime’ and ‘Victim based crime’ in Tunbridge Wells, reduced last year. In Kent we

Here in Kent, we live with neighbours who have come from Ukraine, Russia and other countries of Eastern Europe and the former USSR. I would ask those who have campaigned to cancel these performances: is it morally right to discriminate against all the people of one nationality because of the actions of a despot holed up in a bunker in Moscow?

Cllr Paul Stepto KCC Green Party were the 1st or 2nd lowest crime levels 20 out of 25 measures, for 4 we were 3rd and 1 we were 4th!

Always – more can be done. However, we have excellent community officers, community partnerships, high level of cooperation across businesses, great CCTV coverage and success, and good policing. The police have introduced web-based systems to allow people to record where they do not feel safe. Action needs to be

Trinity’s professional production As an independent writer may I ask you to publish comments on the recent Trinity Theatre Club production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare etc.”

This amateur production was,I felt, similar in standard to professional young companies seen in their early days, for example Hull Truck.

The director, Kirrie Wratten, created a dynamic series of comic scenes full of inventiveness. The excellent open set, lighting designs and music choices supported her vision.

As the script demands a cast of three, it might seem everything is easier.

In fact the actors must be far-more full of creative energy and resourcefulness than a large cast production demands.

The actors an appreciative audience saw met the challenge for 90 minutes without a pause What this production shows is that live local theatre can provide satisfying entertainment - I hope readers agree.

John Elliott Tunbridge Wells Where to stand on toilet issue If loos are to be gender neutral (I almost wrote sex-free, but that will never do) and all cubicle (Times, March 2), that means us blokes will end up queuing: we’ve never queued, are we going to take this sitting down?

Sam Goodenough Broadwater Down Is PCC a miracle worker?

The Police and Crime Commissioner is promising to do so much (Times, March 9), I wonder what he could achieve with five loaves and two small fish.

Richard Heath Tunbridge Wells

PEPPY SAYS CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

I was disturbed to see that the Assembly Hall had cancelled scheduled productions of Madam Butterfly by the ‘Russian State Opera’ (now renamed as ‘Amande Concerts Ltd.’).

If the individuals who campaigned for the cancellations had bothered to do a little research, they might have discovered that ‘Russian State Opera’ is a UK-registered trademark, and that Amande Concerts asserts that it receives no public or commercial money from Russian organisations, nor sponsoring support from any state.

Also, this opera company comprises performers of various nationalities, not just Russians.

I believe that it is dangerous – and bordering on xenophobic – to conflate Russia, Russian culture and Russian people with the evil acts of Vladimir Putin and his entourage. Indeed, thousands of extraordinarily brave people in Russia are prepared to risk arrest, beatings and long prison sentences by openly protesting against the invasion of Ukraine. Just referring to the invasion as a war and not a ‘special operation’ can now lead to 15 years in jail for a Russian citizen.

based on what is happening and not stoking up additional fears based on a political campaign.

We all take safety and the need to reduce fear – very seriously. Continued vigilance and actions is essential. The teams we have work hard to keep Tunbridge Wells one of the safest places to live. Give them your support and assistance where you are able, to maintain our strong record of crime reduction and vigilance.

Cllr David Scott Deputy Leader, TWBC

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

SURELY Calverley is not alone in drawing a parallel between the thousands crossing the channel to enter the UK illegally and those fleeing the war in Ukraine; the ones who have to fill out forms and still face being turned away. Those who arrive through the back door are ‘rescued’ by our border force, brought ashore, fed and watered and given safe places to sleep. No passport or ID is demanded. Few are kicked out and often have legal aid to fight any deportation. Meanwhile women and children fleeing death and destruction are left to jump through hoops. Shameful.

FACEBOOK message sent by a family member self-isolating after dodging the virus for two years: “Oh my goodness. So many people to thank. I’d like to thank all those who think Covid is over, all those who’ve stopped wearing masks, the man in B&Q who coughed right next to me, all members of the UK Government and, of course, a special thank you to Boris Johnson who made it all possible.”

AND with Covid cases on the rise it begs the question: To mask or not to mask? A survey by Calverley in local supermarkets, by peering round the peas, shows it’s a generational thing. Younger people strut about believing the virus is now worse than a cold. On the other hand, the wrinklies, for whom Covid could be life threatening, are fully masked and shop as though trying to avoid the plague. Where does Calverley stand? He wears full body armour!

HUMBLE PIE? The BBC’s highest paid ‘talent’ Gary Lineker once hailed former Commons Speaker John Bercow as a ‘principled man and a difficult act to follow.’ Bullying Bercow, however, abused staff and has now been kicked out of the Labour Party and banned from Parliament for life. The football pundit admitted he was ‘clearly wrong’ about the man. But was the soccer millionaire red faced? ‘Not embarrassed in the slightest’, he tweeted. Of course, not Mr Lineker. You work at the Biased Broadcasting Company.

FINAL THOUGHT: On Sunday, Chelsea football club played Newcastle. Two top teams. The first was, until the other day, owned by Putin’s billionaire pal Abramovich. The other is owned by the Saudi state that has an appalling record on human rights. So much for the ethics of our ‘beautiful game’. It matters not how you win.

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

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Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Life&Times

ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • EVENTS • ANTIQUES • TRAVEL • PROPERTY • MOTORS and MORE...

Arts - Page 20

Events - Page 24

Antiques - Page 34

Get ready to party!

Pub in the Park returns this July P26

20

Arts

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

arts

Come along to Cranbrook to discover why Lisa Jewell is such a gem of a writer…

The Cranbrook Literature Festival invites author Lisa Jewell on March 24 to talk about her new book The Night She Disappeared. Ahead of her appearance at The Vestry, Eileen Leahy caught up with the best-selling novelist who has has penned novels such as Ralph’s Party, Then She Was Gone and Watching You, to exclusively chat to her about her impressive canon of work - and what’s in store for the audience when she visits Cranbrook next week

I

T’S A RAINY Wednesday morning when I interview best-selling author Lisa Jewell but despite the miserable weather she is in a bright and breezy mood.

“I’ve just written the first chapter of my 21st novel,” she declares as we sit down to chat ahead of her special talk in Cranbrook’s Vestry Hall on March 24.

Lisa has been asked to come and chat to lovers of literature by local bookshop owner Rosemary Hill who has been a fan of Lisa’s work for many years.

Invitation “Rosemary is a Facebook friend of mine - and has been for many years – but I’ve never met her in real life. A while ago she messaged me and asked whether I’d like to come along and talk about my work and so I said yes,” explains Lisa.

Although this particular evening doesn’t form part of the actual Cranbrook Literature Festival which runs biennially every other September, it is being put on by the event’s chief organiser Christine Newman. “We’re over the moon that she is coming along,” says Christine.

For those who are not familiar with The Cranbrook Literature Festival Christine says it’s a two-day, biennial event held to celebrate Cranbrook’s literary heritage and

“I am excited to be visiting Cranbrook and to be back in a room full of readers” to promote the joy of the written word to children and adults in and around the Cranbrook area.

“It is a not-for-profit organisation, run totally by volunteers, all passionate about reading, writing and all things booky!”

And that’s part of the reason why Lisa decided to accept Rosemary’s invitation.

“All book people are good people and we’ve all missed out on these face-to-face events over the past couple of years haven’t we? I’ve done a few Zooms but you don’t get to see people’s faces and I’ve missed that interaction with my readers,” explains Lisa.

She admits that she doesn’t really know what she’s going to be talking about specifically on the night but that’s how Lisa likes it.

“I generally prefer it that way! I assume that someone will have researched me and my books and will have a nice long list of questions for me to answer,” she laughs.

And to be honest that list will most definitely be long as Lisa has had 19 books published, written 20 and, as previously mentioned, is just starting work on her 21st.

So far, so impressive….

Lisa first found fame in the late 90s on the publication of Ralph’s Party a frothy romcom which made her the best-selling debut novelist of 1999.

Since then Lisa has gone on to write a wide variety of fiction including her so-called ‘curry and flatmates’ novels of the

BROUGHT TO BOOKS Best-selling author Lisa Jewell

nineties and noughties such as: Thirtynothing, A Friend of the Family and Vince & Joy. But over the past 26 years as a writer Lisa has also developed her style and professes now to specialise more in what she describes as ‘dark psychological thrillers’.

They include books such as I Found You, Before I Met You, Then She Was Gone and Watching You.

“My books are written in a bubble where there’s no Putin and no Covid” Lisa’s latest book is titled The Night She Disappeared which came out in paperback in December and has, like all of its predecessors, done very well commercially.

“I guess I will be chatting about this when I visit Cranbrook but I may also be talking about my new book, The Family Remains, which comes out in July. I started off writing romcoms and ended up here, doing dark psychological thrillers - and everything else in between!

Loyalty Despite initially finding fame as a ‘chick lit’ writer, Lisa says her personal taste has always been more towards the darker side of things.

“Back in the 90s I was grouped in that writing genre and of course I was reading (fellow authors) Marian Keyes and Jane Green – but at the same time I was reading a lot of true crime novels so I’ve always had a taste for that kind of thing: even in my romcoms there are some dark moments.”

Lisa says she thinks the transition from frothy to more serious writing was a natural evolution: “I gradually started ramping up the gritty stuff and damping down the romantic content as I got older – but also as my readership got older and my life and the world changed too so all that had an impact,” adds Lisa.

“I’ve always been lucky enough to write what I feel like writing. I know a number of writers who are tied into publishers’ expectations of writing to a certain kind of preordained genre and that’s never been the case with me. I’ve always been lucky to have editors who have let me go off and do my own thing.”

Does Lisa believe this freedom keeps her writing – and her ideas – fresh?

“Definitely – and also knowing that as

Arts

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

much as I feel like I’ve found my niche with psychological thrillers, I could if I wanted to try something different,” states Lisa.

“It’s nice to think that every year - and it’s always around the beginning of March - that I would think about what would I’d like to write about for the next year. I’m so lucky as I don’t have to worry about where it fits into my backlist or the market. I just write the book I want to write! I am very lucky to have that artistic freedom.”

Having written so many novels does Lisa ever struggle for inspiration – and does she draw on what’s currently happening in the world?

Success “I’m lucky enough to find it easy to come up with ideas and rarely have days when I can’t write. If that does happen then I just leave and come back to it later. In terms of being influenced by world events then I would only say it’s only on a very granular level. I might have certain current scenarios in my mind but I will never ever write about Covid or lockdowns – ever,” she declares emphatically.

“My books are written in a bubble where there’s no Putin and no Covid! I don’t come to books with big ideas. I come with tiny ideas I want to thread together in order to make a story.”

I ask Lisa what might be the key to her ongoing success as an author and she swiftly responds ‘I don’t know!’

“I’m still amazed – I’m going to be 54 this year and here I am still writing, still picking up new readers and still up there as a high-profile author. It seems remarkable to me after so long that’s where I still am.”

After seeing how she interacts with her readers The Vestry Hall willI suggest host author Lisa be that they feel an on Twitter it might Jewell’s immense sense of loyaltytalk to Lisa and her books and their characters.

“Yes, I think you are right. Readers often talk about how they connect with my characters.

They say they feel like real people who jump off

the page and that has a lot to do with the fact I don’t plan my books. I just put someone on the page and say ‘off you go, do what you need to do. I’ll follow behind you.’

“That seems natural to me. I would hate to have a preordained idea of what one of my characters should be doing because I’d written in my chapter plan six months ago! I find that stifling and constraining: I love that I don’t know what a character A is going to be doing in chapter 12 – they take me on a journey. I almost have a similar experience to that of the reader in that I often think ‘ooh what’s going to happen today – what’s going on next?’”

This approach sounds a little like her laid-back approach to appearing on stage at organised talks such as next week’s in Cranbrook. What is Lisa looking forward to most about it?

“I am excited to be back in a room full of readers. I’m excited to talk about books, to sign books and to talk about writing. I’m also extremely happy to be getting out of the house and putting some make up on! It should be a fun night so do come along if you can!”

EVENT ORGANISER Christine Newman

BOOK CLUB The Vestry Hall will host author Lisa Jewell’s talk

To book tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lisa-jewell-in-conversation-tickets

The Big Dog Day out returns to Bewl Water!

“The RTWSO is a fantastic pro-am (professionalThe countdown has officially commenced amateur) orchestra, for the Bewl Water ‘Big consisting Dog Day Out’, of a unique mix of26th local and which will take place on50/50 Saturday professional players” March, the event promises visitors a day out for the whole family, and of course your furry friends! There is plenty of things to see and do with your pooches.

FREE ENTRY 10am - 4pm Dog Show - see a different category each hour. Running at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Dog agility.

Face painting for the little ones!

Children’s treasure trails

www.bewlwater.co.uk info@bewlwater.co.uk Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8JH

21

‘For any cinema lover seeing a silent film on the big screen with live accompaniment is an absolute must’

Going out

22

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

THE UNSILENCE OF THE LAMBS The Hadlow lambing weekend returns after a two-year hiatus due to Covid

going OUT

Victoria Roberts looks back at the events of last week and provides a round-up of activities coming up over the next seven days...

H

ADLOW COLLEGE’S lambing weekend is back, after the popular springtime event had to be cancelled two years running due to the pandemic.

Lambing is already in full swing, and although visitors are discouraged from touching the newborns, the meet and greet is close enough that the organisers will not admit any dogs, apart from guide dogs.

Pregnant women are advised to be especially careful about entering the enclosure due to the risk of infection.

If fluffy animals are not your thing, but feathery or scaly works for you, there will also be a birds of prey display, and the National Centre for Reptile Welfare will be running talks and demonstrations.

The animals may be the true stars of the show, but with food stalls, arts and crafts, funfair and tractor-trailer rides, the event also looks set fair

to be a fine family festival.

A spokesperson for the college said: “Hadlow have run the weekend many times in the past years but due to Covid it has not run so we are very pleased to be running it again in 2022.

“We do already have some lambs but we are expecting many more! The ram has done his work.”

Meanwhile, the College’s lecturers will be on hand to talk to young people interested in the College’s animal management, horticultural and other courses. Hadlow College has become part of North Kent College since the last lambing weekend was held.

The event has run for over 20 years, consistently drawing at least 10,000 visitors – reaching a record 15,500 in 2016 – so the organisers warn there may be limited tickets on the day of the event.

Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27, 11am-4pm.

Tickets available online from Eventbrite.

going live

family fun

LOOKING at screens and stages big and small, The Times of Tunbridge Wells presents a selected guide to the week ahead...

No-one in this remote Finnish community knows who ‘Master Cheng’ is, and nor can they understand what he and his son are searching for, but they find their own reasons to welcome him.

Trinity Theatre, Tuesday March 22 at 8pm.

In the Polish film ‘Corpus Christi’ (2019), a young Polish convict starts to unravel a community’s secret guilt while posing as a priest. Trinity Theatre, Wednesday, March 16 at 7pm.

After a delay disrupts Roger Clement’s routine, saving him from an explosion, his world spins out of control. New York in the 1960s is the starting point for the worldwide whodunnit ‘The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much’. Trinity Theatre, Friday, March 18.

Performances of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ by Ian Hislop (of ‘Private Eye’ and ‘Have I Got News for You’) and Nick Newman continue at The Oast Theatre (Tonbridge) until Saturday, March 19, performances at 7:30pm. A glorious farce in which a faded Hollywood star believes he has accepted an engagement at Stratford-upon-Avon, only to end up playing in Stratford St John, Suffolk….

Raise your heart-rate with the Banff Mountain Film Festival, showing shorts by adventure film-makers and explorers, revealing the edges of the world as well as the limits of human bodies.

‘From My Window’ in the red programme (7pm showing) won the festival’s ‘best short film’ for the story of cerebral palsy sufferer Melissa BANFF MOUNTAIN Simpson, who takes on the Colorado mountains with the help of her friend and mentor, blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer.

The blue programme (2pm) features the festival’s ‘best film: exploration and adventure’ for ‘Exit the North Pole’, featuring polar explorers Børge Ousland and Mike Horn, on their attempt to ski across the frozen Arctic Ocean via the North Pole. Saturday March 19 at the Assembly Hall, blue programme 2pm and red programme 7pm (discount for buying tickets for both showings).

Tunbridge Wells Amnesty Group is holding a special screening of ‘The Mauritanian’ (15), offering a live Q&A session with director

WITH one of the best live music scenes in the South East, here is a round-up of some of the best bands and acts performing this week...

Kent-based cover rockers, The Dirty Pillows are at the Forum on Friday, March 18, at 7:30pm, with Release The Geese under Tunbridge Wells-based musician Alex Gold. The evening will also be a leaving-town party for local musician ‘and lifelong Forum dweller Tom Hunt’. Age 16 and over unless accompanied by an adult.

Saturday night will see SWiTCH DJ and producer Tim Cullen take over the Forum house and tech, from international headliners to up-andcoming local talent.

Saturday, March 19 at 7pm. Age 18 and over. The lineup includes DJ Maxinne, Tim Cullen, Eldeanyo and others. £1 of every ticket will be donated to a mental health charity.

Meanwhile, in the Forum Basement at the Sussex Arms on Saturday night, Kumala promise to bring a summer wind of alternative R&B. The group formed during the pandemic, with singer Imi Smith, Alex Howis, Sam Frost, John Bergin and George Miller. Supported by Tunbridge Wells’ own Kay Hazel, billed as ‘Tunbridge Wells’ very own lite-goth propagator of sad bop pop’.

Saturday, March 19 at 7:45pm. Free entry but age 18 and older.

Having thrown themselves into touring after the end of pandemic restrictions, The Skinner Brothers have already locked in an impressive lineup of gigs this year, including performances with Kasabian and The Streets, and two sold-out headline gigs at London’s 100 Club. They bring their headline rambunctious rock’n’roll to The Forum on Sunday, March 20 at 7:30pm.

Supporting them is hip-hop performer Teef, whose pedigree as ‘Fats’ Domino’s grandson adds the burnish of music history. Age 16 and over unless accompanied by an adult.

The Assembly Hall plays tribute to musical royalty T.Rex tonight [Wednesday], with the band Trextasy, the only official live tribute band dedicated to singer Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate,

WHETHER your family is young or old, big or small, there’s plenty to do both indoors and outdoors over the coming week, along with some active ideas...

ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show. Get your own ideas onstage this week, as the company takes audience suggestions, adds Shakespeare’s language, and creates a brand-new Shakespeare play live on stage. Trinity Theatre Thursday, March 17 at 8pm.

Daffodils are ‘on’ at Hever Castle this week, with special weekday tours led by head gardener head gardener Neil Miller and bulb-master Johnny Walkers. March 14-18 at 11:30am and 2pm. Weekend tours with Castle gardeners at 11:30 on March 19-20. Tours free with ticket to the gardens.

Top up your history learning, from 1066 to today, at the Gatehouse of Tonbridge Castle (Tonbridge) Open 9am-5pm on Monday-Thursday, 9am-4:30pm on Friday and 10am-4pm at weekends. The Gatehouse is dark in places and includes life-like models, so may not be suitable for very young children.

Little ones may be more comfortable at Trinity Theatre’s Story Time, at 9:30am on Fridays for the rest of term. Ages 1-4, with an adult.

Parkrun is an international weekly community event, free to enter, whether running the 5K or walking it. Dunorlan Park, Saturdays, 9am. Register at parkrun.org. Under-11s must be accompanied (within arm’s reach) throughout the run by a parent or authorised guardian.

The Spa Valley Railway is running this weekend, with heritage locomotives ‘Sir Keith Park’ and ‘Sister Dora’, departing from Tunbridge Wells West station (next to Sainsburys). All-day tickets for 2-15 year olds are just £1.

DUNORLAN PARK HEVER CASTLE

Photograph by Erica Jones

on stage and screen

Books

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

DYSTOPIAN RELIGION

LOSS OF INNOCENCE

The Book of Jem by Carole Hailey

Small Country by Gaël Faye

(published by Watermark Press, priced £12.95)

(published by Vintage, priced £8.99)

Set is a dystopian future after the Wars during which religious activity was outlawed, the residents of Underhill live a joyless and simple existence in their hilltop village with time divided simply by the three seasons – whiteout, mudbound and dust. All shopping is delivered by drone and, provided that all Laws are obeyed, no-one should be notified to the authority. As such, the arrival of Jem - a pale, slight girl with her statement red scarf – professing to be God’s messenger and advising those in Underhill of their roles in God’s upcoming apocalypse, causes something of a stir.

The Book of Jem records the ascendance of this new, illicit religion in alternate chapters.

One view is through the eyes of a believer or ‘thread’ whose description of the religion’s growth and the admission of new followers is fascinating, horrific and terrifying in equal measure as the writing brilliantly encapsulates the irresistible allure of what Jem offers the villagers. This is offset in alternate chapters by the logical thoughts of ‘non-believer’ Kat who shuns Jem’s version of religion but blurs the lines through the need for her own form of belief.

Self-published by the author, I was captivated by this book which offers a brilliant, if macabre, illustration of the impact of religion (and simply the power of hope) on a community.

Loosely based on the author’s childhood in Burundi, this is an emotionally engaging and compelling novella, illuminating the horrors of the Rwandan genocide and the massacres in Burundi through the eyes of a child. Born to a French father and a Rwandan mother, ten-yearold Gabriel has a happy, simple and innocent existence with sister Ana and his gang of friends who hang out at the Combi – everything feels a million miles away from the violence in Rwanda his Maman, Mamie and greatgrandmother Rosalie fled from.

But the cycle comes full circle and the renewal of hostilities brings with it harsh realities for Gabriel – broken dreams and a shattering of childhood innocence.

Whilst this isn’t a happy book, it is a powerful coming of age story in which the narrative has been skilfully plotted, with careful and beautiful language choices, to accentuate the two halves of the story and the jarring contrast between them for Gabriel.

9/10

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

The bookcase…

Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …

Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson Published in hardback by Century, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now She may already be one of the most successful and well-loved celebrities in the world, but at 76, Dolly Parton is proving it’s never too late to add another string to your bow with her first-ever novel. And yes, Dolly fans, it is everything you could possibly hope for.

Run Rose Run tells the story of AnnieLee Keyes, a talented young singer who turns up in Nashville with big hopes of becoming a country star. She soon catches the attention of retired megastar Ruthanna, who decides to help her on her quest. But AnnieLee has dark secrets and is also running away from a dodgy past – which soon catches up with her. Co-written with James Patterson, it’s a hefty 400-odd pages long. But, just like Dolly’s hit songs, you’ll quickly find yourself pulled right in and sailing through it. Dreams, drama and danger, with a generous sprinkling of magic and wisdom at every turn, it makes for a super holiday or bedtime read. There’s also an accompanying album featuring songs from the story, to bring it to life even more.

Review by Abi Jackson

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8/10

Mother’s Boy: A Writer’s Beginnings by Howard Jacobson Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now Howard Jacobson’s Mother’s Boy is a laugh-out-loud funny, yet sentimental, memoir from the prolific 79-year-old – who has written a book roughly every two years since his first novel Coming From Behind was published aged 40. Jacobson was born into a working class Jewish family in Manchester in the 1940s. The book details his close relationship with his mother, who supported his ambitions to go to Cambridge and become a writer, as well

as his difficult relationship with his father. In between, it describes his early education and career, finishing with the publication of his debut novel. Like all great memoirs, Mother’s Boy is equal parts acerbic, tender, and indiscreet.

Jacobson’s comic turn of phrase rarely disappoints, and there are laughs on almost every page.

Review by Luke O’Reilly

9/10

These Days by Lucy Caldwell Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £12.99 (ebook £10.99). Available now

8/10 8/10

The Belfast Blitz is a lesser-known but no less devastating part of WWII. Lucy Caldwell’s comprehensive research and flowing prose paints a harrowing picture of destruction, as the city barely survives a series of heavy German bombing raids. These Days tells the story of the middle-class Bell family, through which Caldwell explores family ties, romantic

relationships, and social disparity. Audrey is engaged to be married, but missing the vigour of true love, while Emma struggles to navigate a secret sapphic love affair alone. As the city’s infrastructure is reduced to rubble, grief and dread become overwhelming, but a steely strength of character shines through – both in Audrey and Emma, as well as the Northern Irish community as a whole. These Days is a moving piece of historical fiction that will captivate your heart.

Review by Rebecca Wilcock

24

Events

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Chasing victory – TV’s master of quizzes throws down challenge to schoolgirls...

Barrister, lecturer and quiz ‘destroyer’ Shaun Wallace is an all-round talent with a huge work ethic, but he insists he’ll always prioritise his criminal defence work. He spoke to Victoria Roberts while visiting Benenden School on International Women’s Day

S

haun Wallace is a barrister, lecturer and television personality, one of the six ‘Chasers’ in ITV quiz shows ‘The Chase’ and soon ‘Beat the Chasers’. As part of his educational work, he visits schools, colleges and other institutions, including prisons, to talk about his life and the challenges he has faced.

Despite having a legal career of over 35 years, as well as a television quiz career which famously saw him win Mastermind in 2004 and rank 286th in the World Quizzing Championships in 2012, Shaun stressed that he had encountered challenges but overcome them

could be talking to the next Mastermind champion, or a Nobel laureate.”

Having come down from his home in Wembley to Benenden School on the afternoon the Times spoke to him, Shaun was due to dine with some of the school’s law pupils, then do the mock ‘Chaser’ quiz before leaving to get back for yet another quiz the same night.

“I do two quiz nights on Tuesday, with Paul Sinha, and I’m the host of a quiz on Wednesday and on a Monday, and I used to host one on a Thursday,” he explained.

Yet his law career remains at the centre of his life.

TV TYRANTS ITV’s Chasers with the show’s host Bradley Walsh with hard work.

“I was clever but I had to work hard at school,” he told the Times. “It took me four tries to pass my A-Level English.”

And this is the message he takes with him when speaking to young people.

“I want people to understand that. The challenges I’ve faced are one of the reasons I like to talk to young people. Life is not going to be easy. But they are the guardians of tomorrow. I

“I still practice as a barrister. I do cases, which I like, rather than ‘as and when.’ My bar career is more important than my TV career. I am a criminal defence lawyer.”

THE DESTROYER Shaun Wallace is a TV star and practising barrister

“I was clever but I had to work hard at school,” he told the Times. “It took me four tries to pass my A-Level English.”

HOTSEAT Shaun as he appears on the show

CHASING DREAMS Shaun with pupils from Benenden

“I still practise as a barrister. I do cases, which I like, rather than ‘as and when.’ My bar career is more important than my TV career. I am a criminal defence lawyer.”

And he slammed reductions in funding for hitting access to law in criminal and family law cases by making legal aid cases unprofitable.

“I never went into this for profit. A good lawyer always puts clients first.

“I remain a committed legal aid lawyer,” he stated.

In the same vein, he also continues his outreach talks year round, revealing that he is

also due to visit Kent’s Swaleside Prison at the end of March.

And Shaun demonstrated some of his will to win on behalf of his clients when asked by the Times whether he was going to win or lose against the Benenden girls that evening.

“I am determined to win, and if so if will be ‘just another day in the office’,” he quipped, deploying one of his catchphrases from ‘The Chase’.

What if he lost, though?

“I don’t contemplate losing,” he replied.

Contacted the day after the event, Benenden School revealed that the Chaser had indeed seized his victory.

Following the after-dinner discussion Shaun faced a team of Benenden sixth formers in a quick-fire quiz round similar to that of the final round in ‘The Chase’.

Samantha Price, headmistress of Benenden School, said: “We are very grateful to Shaun for coming to Benenden and spending an evening with us, and so too are our students – even if he did beat them in the quiz!”

KMJProperty (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd 01892 515188

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

www.kmjproperty.co.uk

Are you looking for a fresh approach to selling your home this Spring?

Then instruct your local family run/owned agent to find you the perfect buyer!

CROWBOROUGH OIEO £550,000 Detached 4 bedroom, family home situated within walking distance of both the Town Centre and Station, this property is close enough to all the amenities the area has to offer, whilst also benefiting from a little bit of seclusion the area brings. This family home is just a stones throw from Ashdown primary school, and also has good access to various alternative schools.

The property also benefits from a garage and an electric car charge point.

EPC C.

HAWKENBURY

OIRO £650,000

Situated in the popular area of Hawkenbury is this 3 bedroom property provides an opportunity to update and modernise a family home with driveway and garage. This property is less than 30 minutes walk to the Main Line Station and Tunbridge Wells Centre which offers an abundance of fantastic bars, restaurants and cafes as well as a number of shops. Also local to the property are some beautiful parks and walks, perfect for families, couples and dog walking. EPC C

www.company.com RUSTHALL

OIRO £375,000

A beautifully presented, 2 bedroom, semi-detached home in the popular village of Rusthall. The property benefits from a living room, kitchen, modern downstairs bathroom and 2 double bedrooms. The property also boasts a driveway and has planning permission to extend. EPC D

Scan here for an idea of what your property could be worth www.kmjproperty.co.uk

01892 515188

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Food & Drink

food & drink

26

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Top chefs are the secret ingredient to this fab food and grooves festival

Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge’s foodie focused Pub in the Park is back at Dunorlan Park this summer. On from July 8-10 it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Eileen Leahy finds out what’s on its extensive menu for 2022

A

fter its triumphant return to Dunorlan Park last year following the Covid crisis, Pub in the Park is set to return to Tunbridge Wells this July – and as you’d expect the bill is a mouth-watering one!

If you’re not familiar with it then in brief Pub in the Park is a smorgasbord of good grooves and fantastic food supported by some of the country’s top chefs and musicians on chefs. And it’s one of the biggest events to happen in the south east.

In addition to pop-ups run by some of Tom Kerridge’s famous friends - who include Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar who is due to open his Riwaz restaurant on The Pantiles later this year - there are gigs to enjoy, tastings and food demos aplenty and stalls to browse selling all manner of tasty food and drink.

This year the Tunbridge Wells event is sixth on the Pub in the Park schedule coming straight after events in Marlow, Wimbledon and Warwick, and just before others happening in St Albans, Chiswick and Brighton.

Serving up a feast of treats in TW will be the likes of Sankey’s, The Tanner Brothers from The Kentish Hare and Will Devlin from

Client Onboarding Assistant – Tunbridge Wells Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited is a rapidly expanding firm of solicitors specialising in employment, family and private client law. Currently based in London and the South East 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.

We are looking for an Administrator to help onboard clients: • answer calls and call back new enquiries • open new client matters on our system • Close completed matters • conduct online regulatory checks • Complete marketing spreadsheet • Taking payments • Other admin tasks Experience working in a law firm would be useful but not essential. The main requirement is excellent client communication skills.

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.

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 337540.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Please note - no agencies.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

The Small Holding in Kilndown.

Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer will compere the three-day extravaganza which kicks off on Friday night (July 8) with live musical entertainment from DJs Faithless and Kitchen Disco Queen Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Over the weekend. Pub in the Park goers can also expect to hear The Feeling, Supergrass and Professor Green perform.

“We’re so excited to bring some seriously top-notch chefs to Tunbridge Wells this year” Food-wise there will be the usual uniquely created tapas sized signature dishes on offer to buy from a variety of stalls as well as an opportunity to sample lots of locally produced and sourced specialist products.

A number of pubs and restaurants have also been confirmed. They include brand new to Tunbridge Wells, Joshua Moroney and Mursal Saiq’s British Afghan fusion restaurant Cue Point.

Feast Commenting on being part of such a wonderful event from the beginning James Tanner of Bidborough’s The Kentish Hare said: “What a beautiful and fantastic event Pub in the Park is!

There’s a great festival feeling about it and the bands are always amazing.”

The event’s founder Tom Kerridge added: “We’re so excited to be bringing some seriously top-notch chefs and their incredible pubs and restaurants to the towns we love this year.

“Food is at the very heart of what we do. I’ve had a sneak peek at the menus and I’ve definitely got my eye on a few of the dishes – we can’t wait for you to try them.”

When Pub in the Park first came to Tunbridge Wells in 2018 it attracted around 17,000 visitors, although over the last two years the event has suffered from scaled down versions due to the pandemic. But this year it’s business as usual!

Tickets for the 2022 Pub in the Park go on sale next Friday [February 4] Details at pubintheparkuk.com

Food & Drink

27

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Food & Drink

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

food & drink

Top Rieslings for springtime sipping To toast last Sunday’s International Riesling Day, this week James Viner discusses the delights of this ancient German grape which boasts endless variation and is a favourite among wine aficionados. Grab a glass and enjoy...

Mothers Day Cold-hardy – making it ideal to grow in regions with cold winters – and latebudding, Riesling (pronounced reece-ling) makes aromatically complex, food-friendly, rarely oaked/blended wines that are typically high in acidity that, like Pinot Noir, express exactly where they were grown. It can make dry, sweet and sparkling wines – talk about versatile! Here are five of my incisive drier favourites for warmer spring days…

largest producer of this relatively frostresistant white grape variety. Not all German Riesling is sweet. Like this one, wines labelled ‘trocken’ are dry (up to 9 g/l residual sugar). Tingling with life, welljudged acidity and plenty of extract, it’d be superb with Thai-accented spicy dishes, dressed crab, a doner kebab or smoked salmon.

and Ontario. Riesling lovers should check out Aldi's revamped offering. It has caught all the desirable flavours at modest alcohol (10.5%), adding another level to its charm.

Only available online. A headline bargain. www.steaktunbrudgewells.co.uk

der Stel. This top-notch piquant Riesling bursts with lime juice, Granny Smith, stone fruit and citrus blossom from the first whiff through to the mid-palate. Zippy and dry, with a breezy line of acidity, the result is a Riesling that will be likely savoured before its due time (positive bottle development over the next five years is assured).

27th March

Treat your mum to an unforgettable 3) Riveting Riesling from South Africa’s Sunday Lunch. Mums eat free. Tur? Milcool-climate Constantia, Western Cape 2017 Klein Constantia Riesling, Western 1) Zingy, bargain, must-try supermarket es eatectur? quas explam harum Cape, South Africa; Cape Wine & Food, The steal from Dit Canada Company & Vin-icio, £15-£17.85 2019 The Falls Canadian Riesling, Niagara dolut unt quam etumquo escit aut eicChampagne (13.5%) Peninsula, Ontario; Aldi, £9.99 (10.5%) Like Cabernet Franc andistest and Vidal – theacere- South African wine goes from strength to te nonsenet ex etur strength. Beautiful Klein Constantia (Little French hybrid much grown for Icewine henis–Riesling a quatisommos verem asofdi comparatively tolerant veryaut Constantia) is part of the famous Constantia wine estate founded in 1685 by cold temperatures, making it suitable for alitestisim imendan ditibusa the then governor of the Cape Simon van the severe winters of Canada’s Finger Lakes

01892 552592

2) Classic, intense, dry Riesling from a peerless biodynamic Mosel grower 17-19 Chapel Place, TN1Qualitätswein 1YQ 2020 Sybille Kuntz Riesling trocken, Mosel, Germany; Uncharted & Noblefineliquor, £19.70-£21 (12%) Germany is the homeland of Riesling, covering around a quarter of its total vineyard area, and easily the world’s

Mothers Day lunch at Steak Join us for a roast dinner on 27th March 2022,

MUMS EAT FREE!*

*Terms & conditions apply, when dining with another full paying adult. Only main-course free, one per table.

www.steaktunbrudgewells.co.uk

01892 552592 17-19 Chapel Place, TN1 1YQ

4) Pure, crystalline, crunchy, limy, must-try Aussie Riesling (right) 2020 Ministry of Clouds Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia (SA); Pip of Manor Farm, £26 (12%)

Some of Australia’s cooler areas, especially the pastoral Eden and Clare Valleys in SA, have established a standing for fashioning a remarkable dry Riesling original. Pristine and pure, this Riesling pulses strongly with its flavour profile of kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, preserved lemons and chalky, lemon-scented, bath salt-like acidity. Briny/savoury nuances further add complexity. DimSum, lemongrass, lime and ginger sea bass, ham joints, Vietnamese noodle salads, smoked fish or seafood anyone?

Lovely to drink now, or later – bottle development (delivering notes of toast, honey and petrol) will be fascinating if one can resist now.

Vegan-friendly.

5) For the connoisseur, a food-friendly, dry Riesling from a peerless grower at Ribeauvillé, Alsace (far right)

2012 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile, Maison Trimbach, Alsace, France; The Wine Society, £42 (13%) The Wine Society has many late-release vinous stars, but this one from warm, sunny, exceptionally dry Alsace particularly stands out. Unlike neighbouring Germany, here the style is typically dry and medium to full-bodied.

Made from low-yielding old vines, the extra bottle age on this benchmark Riesling from an inimitable, terroir-conscious grower has brought an element of finesse with it. This vintage of ‘Freddie’ is starting to show tangible nutty and honeyed development on the bouquet with flavours of peach, baked pear, lemongrass, lime and red apple. Long, evolving magically and thoroughly admirable, this has all the expected length and drive of a world-class dry Riesling.

Perhaps skate, caviar, oysters, the local eggy onion tart or coq au Riesling? I’d drink some now, the rest five or more years down the track.

Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine

Property News

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

property news

South East lags behind for planting leafy lanes

29

Advertisement feature

UKRAINE CRISIS – HOW CAN WE HELP?

THE number of trees being planted in the South East is lagging behind other regions in the country, research by an estate agent has found.

Estate agent Barrows and Forrester researched which areas of the property market offer the best options for homebuyers who want to buy homes in an area with a good level of trees and leafy surroundings.

Across England, it is estimated that 15.1 million trees were planted between 2010-2018.

At the top of the list is the North West which has seen more than 2.7 million trees planted between 2010-2018. With an average regional house price of £200,172, it’s also one of the more affordable regions for a property purchase.

Affordable Next is the South West where 2 million trees have been newly planted although the average house price is a far less affordable £314,037; followed by the East Midlands where 2 million trees and an average house price of £212,229, again a far easier step on to the ladder for tree friendly homebuyers.

Those looking for an abundance of trees and affordable property prices would do well to steer clear of what are traditionally two of the strongest regions of the property market.

The region with the least number of newly planted trees is London, where just 19,100 were planted between 2010-2018 and a property will set you back a huge £521,146.

Meanwhile, the South East has had just 1.2 million new trees planted and is home to an average price of £380,237.

In fact, the good news for homebuyers is that even at a more local level, more trees tends to mean lower property prices.

In fact, of those places that have more than 200,000 newly planted trees, including Northumberland, Carlisle, County Durham, and Allerdale, are home to a combined average house price of £275,738.

Meanwhile, in those places that have between 100,000-200,000 new trees, including Harrogate, East Suffolk, Oldham, and Shropshire, the average house price is £281,305.

And finally, in those places that have recorded zero newly planted trees, including the vast majority of London boroughs, the average house price is a hefty £406,303 Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, said: “Given how buyers have become obsessed with green, spacious living locations in the years since the pandemic, one would assume that those areas with the most newly planted trees would command higher house prices, but our research suggests that the opposite is, in fact, true.

“The simple explanation for this is that our big cities, where house prices are often highest, are not planting many or any trees, while those more rural areas populated by smaller towns and villages, where prices tend to be lower, are planting a lot of new trees.

“This is wonderful news for anyone who considers green space and clean air a priority in their property search, because it’s usually the case that our list of must-haves increase the price we have to pay for a home. But, for these people, their wish list is actually saving them money.”

Being in the property industry, we understand how highly people value their homes, which has added another level of sadness as we watch the Ukraine crisis unfold. Desperate, displaced families leaving their homes in search of safety is something that has also struck a chord with many landlords in the UK. James Richards of Maddisons Residential explains the ways in which we can all help.

The National Residential Landlords Association have urged “all private landlords to consider what accommodation they might have available to house those who want to come here”.

However, the urge to help has also cast a spotlight on the general housing issues we face in the UK. A Government report shows that the number of empty homes has risen by 20% since 2016, and shockingly, despite the distinct demand for property, there are 238,306 homes in England that are classed as long-term empty homes!

How can you help Ukrainian refugees?

The legal routes for Ukrainian refugees to enter the UK are currently limited but as the situation progresses laws may well be relaxed. In this scenario, refugees will need somewhere to stay once they reach the safety of the UK. If you have an empty rental property or a second home Due to the uncertainty and horror which they have fled, refugees are reliable and grateful tenants. If you have a rental property which can be offered to help any Ukrainian refugees, keep an eye on the NRLA advice. They have asked the Government to outline a clear way in which empty properties can be registered to and accessed by refugees.

If you have a spare room

There is now a £350 a month government incentive available for hosts to house Ukrainian refugees for a minimum of six months. You can find out more by searching ‘Homes for Ukraine’ online and register via the www.gov.uk website.

Hamptons to launch a royal town retreat A COLLECTION of 19 new apartments are shortly to be released for sale in a Victorian property on London Road, Tunbridge Wells.

The development has been brought to the town by Kent-based developer, Kentish Projects and the show apartment will be available to view from early April.

The show apartment features high-end fitted kitchens by Hogwood House boasting quartz worktops and Siemens appliances.

The bathrooms with furniture supplied by West One have Porcelanosa floor to ceiling wall tiles and floor tiles. The finish also includes wall-hung vanity units and large demister mirrors.

All apartments have a new gas fired central heating system with thermostatic control and come complete with LCD screen colour video entry system.

The communal areas are in keeping with the

quality and style of the building with grey herringbone flooring and solid wood feature communal staircase.

Tranquil Externally there is a tranquil, secluded communal garden to the rear for all residents use – a real oasis of calm in the heart of the town.

The location is central with the Station, Pantiles and very popular lower High Street only a short walk away.

Kyle Fennell of Agents, Hamptons said: “We are very proud to be involved with such an impressive development with such a high standard of specification and layout to each apartment.”

The official launch is scheduled for April 2 so to register interest and find out more contact Hamptons in Tunbridge Wells on 01892 516611.

Meet the expert: James Richards is Director of Maddisons Residential, a leading, award-winning independent estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert advice on all aspects of sales and lettings, combined with excellent customer service.

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk 18 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

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Business feature special

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Spotlight on:

Older Living

The care industry has gone through its most challenging period due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But with life expectancy increasing, demand for later living care is rising as Victoria Roberts looks at the types of later living accommodation that is available locally …

O

ver the last two years the care home industry has risen to the challenge of keeping residents safe during the pandemic.

With the population of over 65s in Kent increasing from 20 per cent of the population in 2018, to 22.3 per cent of the population in 2028, that’s faster than the average for England. So there’s now a growing need for later living care and the importance for finding the right type of accommodation.

The three primary things to consider when choosing care are the ability of your relative or loved one to perform daily activities, their

physical health and their mental health.

One of the most beneficial aspects of care can be the social connections older people can build, through meeting other residents and carers.

The best place to start when considering care is a Needs Assessment, which you can apply for online at www.nhs.uk. This will be carried out by your local council.

It is worth considering a long-term plan as well as an immediate one. Moving can be stressful, even for people who are fully able, so picking a home that provides sheltered housing as well as a lower-stress transition to any later

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The human touch

Diana gets personal movie night WHEN Diana, a long-term TerraBlu Home Care client and an avid film fan, couldn’t get to the movies, we brought the movies to her – even though she doesn’t have a television!

Diana, who has lived in Tunbridge Wells for many years, always looks forward to her weekly Sunday afternoon outing to a screening at Halliwell Care Home.

However, due to a case of Covid, there was a break in the showings.

Whilst Diana understood the need to put people’s health first, she was saddened to learn she would be missing screenings of two of her favourite films, ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘South Pacific’.

As a treat, her dedicated TerraBlu carer, Carol, organised a film afternoon especially for Diana – which is no mean feat, considering that Diana doesn’t even have a TV! On her next available day off, Carol brought round her laptop, her own copy of ‘Oklahoma’ and a larger monitor so that they could enjoy the film together.

“We had a lovely afternoon watching the film and singing along to the songs together,” says Carol. “We were able to stop the film when we wanted a coffee break, and the screening finished just before Diana’s evening carer arrived to make her supper.

A month of caring We have been mostly…

Loving Betsy the puppy!

“Diana was so happy to be able to see the film, and I'd love to repeat the exercise. Diana herself has a huge collection of unopened DVDs (including ‘South Pacific’), but she'd never had the ability to watch them. I was so pleased to be able to give her this treat.”

It is acts of kindness like this that make Terrablu staff so special, and we are proud to have Carol, who has been part of the team for 5 years.

Diana is very much looking forward to more exclusive private screenings!

SHE IS a one-year-old Jack-A-Poo and belongs to one of our wonderful carers, Caroline, who describes her as ‘small but feisty’!

Betsy serves as the ultimate icebreaker. When Caroline shows pictures of the puppy to her new clients, they ask for ‘pupdates’ every time she visits to help them with personal care, shopping or cooking.

Betsy is also a regular visit to the TerraBlu offices in central Tunbridge Wells, much to the delight of the team!

We’re looking forward to…

Mothering Sunday

Personalised attention and caring carers AT TERRABLU, we believe that feedback is the best way to improve our service and ensure we are delivering for our valued clients.

We were delighted with our results of our latest survey, undertaken last month, and are already working on the minor improvements suggested.

All of our 36 respondents said they were happy with the service we provide.

They also all felt that our dedicated staff know them individually and understand their personal medical needs and care routines well, and as a result provide a high level of service.

“TerraBlu have really helped put our mind at

rest with their help in caring for the needs of my husband’s Great Aunt. She’s managing longer in her home because of the support given her by TerraBlu,” commented one client.

“Your staff seem secure in their role and well supported, which hasn’t always been the case with other home care companies. They have made such a difference to me. Thank you,” added another.

We’re thrilled that our clients agree that we are excellent, local, independent care providers, offering a professional service, with a human touch.

Seven out of 10 respondents said that TerraBlu

were above ‘Above Average’ or ‘Exceptional’ value for money. Of those who didn’t agree, some said they couldn’t comment as they had no point of reference.

100% of respondents said we were prompt, friendly and flexible when it came to adding or amending visits.

6% did state that there was room for improvement with regards to staff changes and cancelled calls.

Both issues are an ongoing challenge given the industry-wide shortage of carers. We are wholly committed to recruiting more staff to minimise disruption to our clients.

Looking for care with a human touch?

Want a fulfilling career where you can make a difference?

www.terrablu.co.uk

01892 529 429 info@terrablu.co.uk 9 Calverley Crescent, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2NB

AS SPRINGTIME begins, so do the celebrations.

And who better to celebrate than the wonderful maternal figures in your life?

Motherly love is something we value greatly at TerraBlu, and a trait that all our carers have in volumes!

We hope that whatever your age, you can enjoy the day celebrating with family or friends.

However, if it is more of a reflective day for you – as it will be for some of our clients and carers – our thoughts are with you.

We would also ask, if you are seeing your elderly mother this Mother’s Day, to pay attention to her health and wellbeing.

If you have any concerns, please get in touch.

We’re always happy to give informal advice about how best to support elderly loved ones – or visit our website for a whole range of helpful articles.

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Business feature special

residential or nursing care may well be a wise choice – particularly if a chronic condition such as dementia has been identified early.

The location, visiting rules and the price are all key factors to consider, as well as the social opportunities which will keep your loved one well and engaged with life.

There are four official types of options for housing and care in later life: home care, sheltered housing, residential care homes and nursing homes.

Home Care

This will often be the first kind of support that people will consider. An elderly person will receive help in their own home with any tasks that they might struggle with, either through installing adaptations, buying convenience gadgets or hiring a care worker.

The council can give a free home assessment, advising on possible adjustments, such as grab rails in the bathroom or lower kitchen worktops.

You can also get gadgets just to help with the little things such as a slip mat for the bath, reclining chairs or cups with two handles.

These adjustments, combined with support from a care worker who makes regular visits to the house, can be a very good option for those who are able to function on their own for the most part, but just need some help with very specific issues.

Sheltered Housing

For people who are able to do most of their own daily activities, but may need occasional help or support, this can be a great choice.

There are lots of different kinds of sheltered housing, but the core principles remain the same: residents live in their own private property, but have access to on-site care support as well as communal spaces, and there is often a warden who looks after security.

The opportunity to socialise or enjoy activities with other residents, with easy access to support, make this an ideal option for elderly people who need support but are able to

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

maintain a lot of independence.

Residential Homes

Residential homes are designed for people who do not need 24-hour nursing care but are unable to manage their own daily needs and so cannot live independently.

These tend to be single buildings with rooms for residents, and they may also contain nursing facilities.

Carers supervise residents and also provide assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing and getting dressed.

Social activities and outings might also be offered. There may a be a range of on-site facilities, including hair salons, cafés and gardens, while regular visits from GPs and other specialists can be arranged.

Nursing Home

To avoid the stress of a move, many residential homes also have nursing facilities provided on site, but the key difference between the two is that nursing homes will have qualified nurses on call 24 hours day.

This kind of care is suited to people suffering from chronic illnesses and conditions.

Homes will often have different further specialisations such as dementia care or palliative care.

We talk to some of the people in the care industry about the challenges of caring for older adults:

Pandemic brings the teams closer together AN INDEPENDENT Tunbridge Wells care provider says the Covid-19 pandemic has strengthened their team and highlighted how rewarding working in care is.

“There’s no doubt the pandemic has been tough, but it has also been very rewarding for staff, as they have been the lifeline to the outside world for our clients, especially when family were unable to visit during the stricter lockdowns,” said Richard Gould, Managing Director of TerraBlu, which provides domiciliary care for the elderly in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

The team has also grown even stronger in the last two years.

“We’re a small, independent, local firm, so we’ve always had a strong family feel culture – many of our staff have been with us for 15 years – but getting through the challenges of the last two years has made it even stronger,” added Mr Gould.

“When our carers had to isolate, everyone mucked in to make sure our clients still got the care they needed to enable them to continue living independently in their own homes.

“Seeing the management out making house calls cemented the feeling of us being a family pulling together and gave our office team a chance to get to know our clients even better.

“The last two years have highlighted how rewarding a career in care is, giving staff a chance to connect with and support their community in a flexible role that can fit around their other commitments.”

His view is echoed by recent TerraBlu recruit, Laura Stevens: “I’ve worked in the domiciliary care sector for 15 years and love having a job that enables me to make a real difference.”

Mr Gould continued: “We are always looking for good people that want to do their bit for the community.”

How to become a team leader Have you ever known someone who has been admitted to hospital and felt they would make a better recovery in the comfort of their own home? Or maybe it was you?

Perhaps there's a solution that I could introduce you to! Let me introduce myself; I’m Sarah. Our paths may have even crossed, I work in West Kent for Hilton Nursing Partners as a Team Leader.

My team and I support our local community

Supporting over 8,000 families

and hospital and care for patients when they come home from hospital. My journey with Hilton Nursing Partners started in 2015, as a Personal Nursing Assistant, I progressed to an Assessor and now a Team Leader.

Who knows what's next! I love working for Hilton, we provide a unique service and with our patients' needs at heart we carefully craft a person-centred target.

We encourage our patients to get back to

We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active and independent so they can live each day to the full.

If you’re considering care, call Amelia on 01732 806886 or email amelia.moore2@careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Weald Heights care home Sevenoaks careuk.com/weald-heights

Rated

9.8

out of 10 on carehome.co.uk

Business feature special

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

event to adjust when they are home and work alongside therapists from the hospital.

If you enjoy variety and a rewarding job role (and don't already work for Hilton Nursing Partners) then you are missing out. No two days are ever the same!

independence by assessing how they manage their daily tasks. Our amazing teams work 8am-8pm on a 4 days on 4 days off rota which provides an excellent work life balance and also consistency for our patients.

‘If you enjoy variety and a rewarding job role, and don’t already work for Hilton Nursing Partners, then you are missing out’ Our teams are also able work in pairs. Uniquely we at Hilton also have a stroke service, where we support patients after having a life changing

Spring Respite Offer: £400 off a stay at Birchwood House*

Sarah and one of her colleagues

Three decades of care respite care.

Birchwood say residents tell them that it feels like home the moment they step through the front door, from the newly-refurbished communal and individual rooms, to wholesome home-cooked food, incredible views and friendly staff.

‘The services include assistance with washing, dressing and domestic chores’ In the community, Birchwood Care Services enables clients to enjoy independent lives in their own homes.

The services includes assistance with washing, dressing and domestic chores through to more complex care.

Operating around Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, Birchwood’s care is structured to meet the individual needs of each client, while our friendly staff always go the extra mile.

Birchwood in Tunbridge Wells has been offering care for over 30 years.

The care home provider takes a personalised approach and treat clients and residents with kindness and compassion.

Birchwood House is a former manor house set within nine acres of stunning grounds offering full time residential care and temporary

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Quality care in your home or ours The simple things we do for ourselves every day become more difficult as we get older. That’s why at Birchwood, our friendly carers are here to lend a helping hand.

Our family-run residential and homecare service operate with the highest standards, providing enormous benefits for those seeking companionship and hands-on support. We’re proud of our ability to provide the very best care for those needing it most.

• Personalised care packages to meet individual needs • Refurbished residential home set in 9 acres of beautiful Speldhurst countryside • Homecare teams supporting clients across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Sevenoaks

If you’re seeking care support call us to arrange a tour of Birchwood House or pop along to our open day on 7th May. For Birchwood Care Services book a home assessment.

Public consultation on redevelopment of former ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells Retirement Villages Group (RVG) is consulting on proposals for the redevelopment of the former ABC Cinema site, on the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Church Road in Tunbridge Wells.

How to get involved RVG is hosting both virtual and in-person events with members of the project team: •

Webinar and Q&A with the project team on Wednesday 30th March (18.00-19.30). Please call or email us if you are interested in participating (please see details below)

•

In-person public exhibition at the Trinity Theatre on Thursday 31st March (15.00-20.00) and Saturday 2nd April (10.00-13.00)

You can also provide feedback via our consultation website rtw-cinema-site.co.uk. This will be available after Monday 28th March with all comments to be received before Monday 11th April.

Get in touch You can reach us in the following ways to find out more, provide your comments or register for updates. We will then keep you updated on the proposals.

rtw-cinema-site.co.uk info@rtw-cinema-site.co.uk 0800 130 33 80 FREEPOST RUEC-LGSX-ZCLK Redwood Consulting 49 Greencoat Place London SW1P 1DS

01892 341260 | www.birchwood.care * Terms and Conditions apply.

RWC-1344 (Tunbridge Wells) Consultation Pack_Advert_D3.indd 1

11/03/2022 17:10

10012_BWC_SPRING_RESPITE_ToTW_328x130_MAR_AW.indd 1

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Antiques

antiques

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Wednesday March 16 | 2022

We are coming together to raise money to help the fleeing Ukrainian refugees Alexander Pushkin from Pushkin Antiques talks about the crisis in Ukraine ourselves to write the habitual post about a topic relating to antiques.

Instead, we wished to take a moment of silence and reflect on the lives lost. In response to the crisis, within 24 hours we launched a website with a list of vetted charities to make donating easier: www. tw-ukraine-help.org In light of this, we have also decided to host a fundraising auction on the 2nd of April to help the fleeing Ukrainian refugees.

We will personally donate 10 lots, which

will include a vintage James Bond poster, a stylish cocktail shaker, and a few other novelty items.

Our friend Joseph Trinder, an auctioneer at Gorringes Auctions, will auction the items on our behalf for this important cause.

Magician We have also invited Paul Fowler, for your entertainment pleasure, a leading magician

Alexander Pushkin

Y

OU MIGHT have seen in last week’s post a simple yet symbolic image of a burning candle representing solidarity towards the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Since the conflict began we have been lost for words with regards to the ongoing events currently taking place in Ukraine. As a weekly columnist we just couldn’t bring

‘We have also decided to host a fundraising auction on the 2nd of April to help the fleeing Ukrainian refugees’

FUNDRAISING Mr Pushkin and wife Olga

in the UK and a member of the magic circle.

We will be serving a fine selection of cocktails and canapés provided for you by our friends and neighbours at Lago reastaurant. The event will be hosted on Saturday 2nd April, from 6pm until 9pm.

Entry is free of charge, however we do ask that all those attending make a donation and/or bid generously at the auction.

We look forward to seeing you. Pushkin Antiques Team

join us this

Mothers Day

YOU R S PECIALIST DRI N KS S HOP

Make her day at The Blue Anchor!

Join us in your local award winning country pub based on the outskirts of Crowborough.

Sample our mouth watering menu whilst sipping on a cocktail, a refreshing G&T or perhaps a bottle of bubbly!

Reservations recommended.

SHOP INSTORE OR ONLINE C L I C K & CO L L EC T | FR EE D EL IVERY* Get in touch for more information 01892 319299 info@blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk Beacon Road, Crowborough, TN6 1BB

EARN FUGSPOINTS G E T R E WA R D S & D I S CO U N T S

fugglesbottleshop.co.uk 1 6 C AMDEN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS *£50 minimum spend, qualifying postcodes only

Antiques

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

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Looking at the pick of our spring lots

Joseph Trinder of Gorringe’s discusses some of the highlights from their spring fine auction...

Joseph Trinder

whereas a matching example without such provenance would likely have fetched below £100.

Other highlights include lot 144, a Corrida aux Personnages charger, painted by Pablo Picasso for Madoura Pottery. This wondefully decorative piece is reflective of a highly buoyant area in today’s market, with determined collectors from across the globe competing to own such scarce items – this one in a series of 50 was particularly unusual as the reverse was also painted, decorated with a faun. Phone bidders battled against the internet platforms as the gavel finally fell at £34,000.

silver and pave set diamond heart shaped dress ring, from the collection of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon.

Another example of the romance of provenance and the history of a piece defining its value, this ring might have been bought for maybe £1,000 if it had not been once the property of our Queen’s sister. Yet, bidders stormed past the pre-sale estimate of £6,000-£8,000 to see this elegant piece find a new owner to continue its story at £10,500.

Survivor

Moments

L

AST WEEK was another excellent one at Gorringe’s, with the weekly Monday sale followed swiftly by our Spring fine auction on Tuesday seeing us selling over 1450 auction lots in two days.

Highlights from our Spring 2022 fine sale include the highly anticipated sale of books, ephemera and furniture from Greenway House, Devon – the country home of Dame Agatha Christie. The collection opened the sale and achieved well over £60,000 – with highlights to include several inscribed first editions such as ‘Cards On The Table’ which sold for £2,800 and ‘Destination Unknown’ which sold for £2,200 – together with the writer’s personal dictionary which soared over estimate to reach £2,400 – with numerous pieces of furniture and decorative antiques selling for sums far exceeding their typical market value – if you recall the inkwell I discussed in a previous article ahead of the sale, this sold for an impressive £500 –

Other exciting moments include when Elliot Hodgkin’s (1905-1987) study in oil on board of ‘Two Cut Lemons Hanging’ raced past its pre-sale estimate to fetch £29,000 with other high prices achieved across the paintings department, to include two watercolours by Sir William Russell Flint (1880-1969) which achieved £10,500 and £12,000 and a study for a view of Harold Gilman’s house in Letchworth by Spencer Frederick Gore (1878-1914) selling for £5,000.

Resonated Yet for me, two highlights which resonated most were delivered from pieces discovered recently in Tunbridge Wells, both having been referenced in previous articles as they were found.

The last lot of the sale was an antique gold,

Perhaps my favourite piece from throughout the entire sale however was lot 90 – also with a royal connection, but one very different in nature.

Here we see an absolutely tiny and almost impossibly rare survivor, an enamelled gold memorial locket, housing a portrait of King Charles I beside the date 30 January 1649, opposite a crying eye with Latin inscription translated to ‘who will temper my years’. A devotional piece of poignant personal history, it has survived some 370 years. International interest with utterly determined bidders saw this piece finally sell for a rather remarkable £12,000.

Just as one sale closes, we turn our attention to the next and are now inviting entries for our June summer fine sale – alongside the weekly sales before then taking place each and every Monday. As always, if you believe you have items which may just be amongst our next exciting discoveries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – I would love to hear from you! josepht@gorringes.co.uk *all sale results are plus sale fees.

Making sense of the lexicon of antiques and collectibles Eric Knowles opens his thesaurus to translate some much-used antiquarian terms...

H

Finally, we have the overall name of the piece – a dram glass. Once again this is selfexplanatory as it’s a small vessel, just enough for a dram which is officially one eighth of a fluid ounce (if you adhere strictly to the weights and measures terminology), but which is generally taken to mean any small’ish nip of whatever may take your fancy.

Anyway, please do come down and take a look at the many splendid things we have available down at The Pantiles Arcade - and if the descriptive sales labels do look a bit daunting, we’ll be very pleased to take time out to demystify things for you…

ELLO everyone. Have you noticed how pretty much every trade has its own lexicon of words and phrases which are understood only by those who are ‘on the inside’ and fully versed with the lingo (or so we like to think). Much The same can be said of local dialects, of course, and you’d be amazed at the divergence of understanding even down at The Pantiles Arcade between myself – of noble Lancastrian stock – and two of my colleagues who pledge allegiance to the other (darker) side of the Pennines, but I digress.

Scrutinised As new items pass in to our hands for onward sale, they are scrutinised and catalogued in detail, using our own peculiar brand of terminology. Within the last few weeks, for instance, we’ve listed a modest glass – selling for just over one hundred pounds – which luxuriates in the full title of a ‘Georgian, rib moulded, helmet foot, pan-top dram glass’.

I must admit to being not overly fond of the use of such arcane terms to describe things, especially once they have been made available to members of the public. It smacks of elitism, and you’ll always find me – as a result – making an

‘I must admit to being not overly fond of the use of such arcane terms to describe things, especially once they have been made available to members of the public’

effort to explain our items in plain language for the sake of clarity.

There is, of course, a value to there being a prescribed dictionary of recognised terms within the trade, so ‘insiders’ can communicate amongst themselves with as little ambiguity as possible, but for the bulk of our customers, there’s no need to expend too much energy learning such things by rote.

Take our unassuming glass, for instance. As with most things, it basically has a top, a middle and a bottom – and these elements are what our extended title essentially describes. The ‘pan top’ is quite obvious – the broad rim that narrows quickly, something like a frying pan in profile. Rib moulding refers to the main body of the glass,

specifically the fact that it has the pressed, vertical sections rather than a completely even surface.

Headgear The fact that this glass has a ‘helmet foot’ is – again – fairly obvious; the bottom section simply has the same profile as a soldier’s helmet, in this case the basic ‘eisenhut’ or ‘Brodie’ style broad-brimmed metal hats worn from the middle ages right up to the present day (with apologies for diving off in to the impenetrable world of terms for military headgear, but at least that proves my point that it’s not just us antiquarians who like to give things special names !)

Travel

travel

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Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Here’s the proof you can have luxury on a shoestring in magical Mauritius

The Indian Ocean has long lured tourists to its sun-drenched islands, but you don’t need a fortune to enjoy it, says Ryan Hooper, who recently paid it a visit...

I

T’S AS though every 20 careful footsteps through La Tourelle’s unspoilt if uneven terrain reveals another spectacular piece of the puzzle.

Then, two energy-sapping hours into our sunset hike up one of Mauritius’ most challenging mountains, the picture is complete – an unparalleled, 360-degree view of this sensational island paradise.

The Indian Ocean is a kaleidoscope of blue from our vantage point 540 metres above sea level, while the lush greens from hundreds of native tree species contrast with the ochres, browns and reds of the volcanic mountain range, dotted across the

The Indian Ocean is a kaleidoscope of blue from our vantage point 540 metres above sea level island like whipped cream peaks on a cake.

“I’ve been coming up here since I was a little girl, and every time I take the same photograph,” says Elodie Lagourgue, a 43-year-old former marketing executive, trail runner and mother-of-two, who has guided us safely to this point with her friend and business partner, Anne Venkiah.

“I look back and I always think – why did I take another photo of the same view?

“But when you get up here, you realise. I just can’t resist because this [view] never gets boring.”

It is hard to believe that an adventure as truly memorable as this costs less than £30 per person.

The activity, run by Elodie and Anne’s Lokal Adventure company, is one of more than 50 on the Explore Programme, a concept launched in November 2021 at the three-star Veranda Tamarin hotel on the west coast of Mauritius, which aims to LIFE’S A BEACH

curate the best of the island’s experiences and offer guests a bespoke package designed to suit every budget.

Guests are free to opt in or out of the Explorer Programme at their leisure, though are incentivised to take part thanks to a generous credit system for any guest staying at least four days, with around £100 to use for those staying all week.

Shorter activities can involve trips to nearby attractions such as the island’s last remaining salt pans, and its 19th century Martello Tower.

Physical pursuits include open sea kayaking – the programme’s most popular activity, possibly due to the regular appearance of some playful dolphins close to the shore – as well as surfing lessons,

Travel

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

the hotel’s manager Christophe Montocchio explains over a dinner of seafood vindalho and vegetables, why the Explorer Programme is capturing the imagination of its visitors.

“A lot of people think of Mauritius and the other islands and associate it with luxury, relaxing, chilling by the pool and maybe not doing so much,” says the 34-year-old local boy and former athlete, who gave up a career in medicine to focus on the hospitality industry and showcasing the best of Mauritius.

“So the Explorer Programme is all about offering something different.

Waterfalls WATERWORLD Enjoy the islands’ natural wonders

stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga.

Fishing trips and a catamaran cruise are among the more time-intensive activities.

Elsewhere, the guided food tour takes in some of the best cuisine offered by professional caterers and local chefs, at restaurants and in the homes of the island’s colourful characters.

At around £50, it represents one of the more expensive activities, but is a decent way to fill your belly with lashings of Mauritian delicacies such as octopus, venison, wild boar, saltfish, watercress salad and black lentil stew.

Stunning There is plenty to do away from the programme, too.

For a more formal dining experience, try La Chamarel, a hillside restaurant which, for £21 per head, offers an extensive tasting menu complete with stunning vistas across the bay. A glass of local Phoenix beer here costs £3.10, while a bottle of white wine starts at £15, and spirits cost upwards of £1.40 per shot.

And if you feel as though you are being watched, it’ll be due to one of the opportunistic local baboons who stealthily scamper in the background.

For those on a budget, it is possible to have an

If you feel as though you are being watched, it’ll be due to one of the opportunistic local baboons who stealthily scamper in the background

“Mauritius has a lot of repeat visitors, who of course get older with every trip, so we are trying to be attractive to younger people too, who maybe had not considered Mauritius before.”

Similarly, some may wish to sample the best of the hotel’s facilities, including therapeutic massage (prices start from around £26 for 30 minutes), the buffet or a la carte menus, or relax with a drink in the Crazy Fish bar (£3.90 a pint).

And for those put off by the reports of

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herainfall during their summer (November to April, when temperatures are also regularly in the low 30Cs) – don’t be. On a couple of occasions during our stay, rain clouds quickly gather overhead, but they emptied and moved on again within an hour or so.

Scrolling fondly through the pictures on my phone during the 12-hour Air Mauritius flight back to London Heathrow, I come to those taken atop La Tourelle and pause.

Was it really possible that we made it to the top?

One thing’s for certain – the images on the screen do not do it justice.

And as I pull the facemask down over my eyes later, as the cabin lights are dimmed for the night flight, I remember hotel manager Christophe’s remarks about the tendency for tourists to return to Mauritius, and smile.

How to plan your trip Rooms at Veranda Tamarin (veranda-resorts. com/en/mauritius-hotel-tamarin) start from £115 per night (two sharing), with breakfast. Air Mauritius (airmauritius.com) flies direct to Mauritius from Heathrow from £567 return.

entire day without barely spending £1. The Hotel Tamarin is ten steps from the sandy bay, while Flic en Flac beach, a popular destination for families, is roughly a 40-minute walk along the coastline.

There, visitors can swim in warm waters within designated areas along the sprawling bay. A vegetable roti – a type of flatbread popular in the Indian subcontinent – from the humble Farata Aka Vinoda beachfront food shack costs roughly 35p and is a must.

Elsewhere, the Seven Coloured Earth geopark offers a topographical insight of the island, complete with 100m waterfall and half a dozen tortoises plodding in slow-motion through the mud.

With an adult entry price of around £6.50 per person, it is a thrifty way to spend a few hours.

Back at the Veranda Tamarin, and after a dip in the pool to cool off from the 27C afternoon sun,

LAP OF LUXURY The three -star Veranda Tamarin Hotel

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Motoring

Wednesday March 16 | 2022

Motoring News

This week…

Skoda’s Fabia Monte Carlo

n

EV skills shortage n Manta makes a return

n

New Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo priced from £20,925 SKODA has announced that its new Fabia Monte Carlo is available now to order, with prices starting from £20,925.

The sporty addition to the Fabia range has been a mainstay of the line-up since 2011 and has now been added to the latest generation of Skoda’s hatch as the new range-topping model.

Standard This new version gains plenty of standard equipment and sits on the largest alloy wheels of the entire Fabia range, with 17-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels on all four corners.

Redesigned bumpers are fitted too, as well as gloss black door mirrors and a radiator grille finished in the same shade. All cars get Monte

THREE’S COMPANY Carlo badging and black Skoda lettering.

Morgan’s Super Carlo 3 Inside, the Monte features heightadjustable sports seats finished in black fabric and artificial leather, as well as a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and carbon effect door and side trim panels.

All cars get a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit setup too, as well as an eight-inch touchscreen that houses both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dual-zone climate control comes as standard, as does keyless entry.

There are two petrol engine options to choose from, with a 109bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged unit kicking off the range, rising to a more powerful 148bhp 1.5-litre. The former can be specified with either a six-speed manual or a DSG automatic, while the latter can only be had with the automatic ‘box.

Mechanic shortage to service EV cars

FABULOUS The new Fabia Monte Carlo

Vauxhall to revive Manta nameplate on its new EV VAUXHALL will use its classic Manta name for a purely electric car, the firm has announced.

The original Manta wore the Opel badge – however this new version, which will arrive ‘in the mid-decade’, will be badged as a fullyfledged Vauxhall.

Vauxhall says that the new electric car will be a ‘fascinating and astoundingly spacious new interpretation of a classic’, though hasn’t given any further details in terms of technology or electric range.

Wider It comes alongside a wider pledge by the firm to go fully electric by 2028, with an electrified version of every model it offers made available by 2024.

Currently, Vauxhall offers ten electric models, ranging from the Corsa-e right the way up to THE RISING number of electric vehicles on the UK’s roads could be hampered by a shortage in EV-certified motor technicians, according to the boss of one of the UK’s leading warranty suppliers.

Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise, says the UK is ‘heading head-first into a skills gap’ as electric vehicle uptake continues to soar.

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that registrations of battery-electric vehicles rose by 154.2% between February 2021 and February 2022.

However, despite this rise, there’s still a deficit in those qualified to maintain and service electric vehicles. Whittaker believes the Government should invest to eradicate the “ever-widening skills gap”.

Whittaker said: “The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) agrees and is calling for a £15m funding injection from the Government to help address the skills gap. The organisation currently reports that of a total workforce of 238,000 motor technicians in the UK, only 15,500 are IMI Techsafe registered and qualified to work on EVs – that’s just 6.5% of the UK’s total motor technician workforce.

“HEVRA, the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance, which supports the UK’s electric and hybrid vehicle industry with

technical backing and training, has just over 180 specialist member garages to help diagnose and fix electric vehicle problems and needs to add another 120 in 2022 alone to keep up with demand.

“While this year they are on track, with 17 new garages opened already in 2022, by 2025 they will need to open a new EV specialist garage every day to keep up. That is also only based on existing cars which are under warranty, not possible future numbers. For us, at Warrantywise, that’s a concern.”

Parts Although electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared with a traditional combustionengined vehicle, their complex powertrains and high-voltage battery systems mean that specific training is required for technicians to be able to work on them.

With the Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles nearing, it’s little wonder why Ofgem predicts that more than six and a half million households plan to purchase an electric or plug-in hybrid in the next five years.

“This problem isn’t going to go away, and it needs to be tackled now. Not in 2030,” added Whittaker.

Movano-e electric van. Vauxhall also states that its newly-introduced Astra will also be available as a fully electric model from 2023, with both hatch and estate – badged Astra-e and Astra-e Sport Tourer respectively – being added to the range.

Both Crossland and Insignia models will also switch to battery-powered only.

It comes as part of the wider Stellantis group’s pledge to go fully electric in Europe by 2026 and introduce 75 new battery-powered models worldwide by 2030.

To help drive this increase, Stellantis, Vauxhall-Opel, Total/Saft and Mercedes-Benz have partnered up to create the ‘Automotive Cells Company’ to help with ‘developing and producing high-performance batteries for the automotive industry’. It has already pledged to increase capacity at a plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

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November 10 | 2021 Wednesday March 2 | 2022

H ENGINEERING PROUDLY UNDERTAKE THE RESTORATION OF CLASSIC & VINTAGE VEHICLES.

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