Times of Tunbridge Wells 21st February 2024

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

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RTW Together BID rallies members as its ballot deadline approaches

By Ben Cornwell

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THE Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District (RTW BID) is entering its final week of canvassing local businesses and traders ahead of them either voting for or against another five-year term.

The deadline for casting votes is Thursday February 29 and votes will be counted the following day on March 1.

Businesses that form part of the BID contribute an annual levy based on the rateable value of their premises. Since

2019, £2.1million of funds have been raised. RTW Together in turn manages these funds, to carry out improvements, marketing and events to bolster trading conditions within the town centre.

The BID is a defined area of the town centre, running from the large Sainsbury’s in the south of Tunbridge Wells, up to the roundabout where Grosvenor Road meets St John’s Road.

As previously reported in the Times, the BID renewal ballot began earlier this month but with the voting deadline now approaching, current members only

have one more week to decide whether or not to go ahead with a second five-year term.

BID Chief Executive Alex Green exclusively told the Times: “We are a large BID with over 640 members, made up of a diverse range of businesses – retailers, hospitality, professional services and trades, so it is really important to find out what is important to each of them.”

Continued on page 5

INSIDE: Maternity services at Tunbridge Wells hospital ‘inadequate’ – page 2

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

This week… Junior doctors prepare to strike again PROBLEMATIC PARKING: Why Tunbridge Wells is seeing another rise in the issue of pavement parking. P6

ON PRESCRIPTION: How a clever new app is helping MTW Trust’s hospital staff save money and plan better. P6

HOT PROPERTY: Don’t miss our brand new Homes & Gardens section with all the latest news and inspiration. P19

SPORTS ROUND UP: All the latest on the weekend’s sporting fixtures and match results from your favourite local teams. P36

By Madeleine Anderson

JUNIOR doctors in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust and across the country are preparing for a fresh round of strikes after failed talks with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.

The strikes follow what the striking staff see as a steep decline in junior doctors’ pay and conditions since 2008.

Explaining why junior doctors are planning to strike Dr Daniel Zahedi, BMA South-Thames regional junior doctors committee co-chair, said: “It is still not too late to avoid the strike action at this trust, or indeed any other in England. Junior doctors don’t want to be striking and would much rather be properly paid and working in a properly staffed health service.

“But while we lose doctors to overseas and other industries, the Government continues to progress talks to end the dispute at a glacial speed,” Dr Zahedi added.

“It was almost three weeks after the last round of strikes before we were offered a meeting with a minister. When we did it wasn’t with the Health Secretary, and there was no offer on the table. We have made every effort to work with the Government in finding a fair solution to this dispute whilst trying to avoid strike action, and

we remain willing to carry on talking and to cancel the forthcoming strikes if significant progress is made and a credible offer is put forward.”

Disruptions Responding to the strikes a spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said the organisation is working with its partners to identify how the strikes may impact patient safety and care, saying it is working hard to keep services safe and minimise disruptions despite the scheduled industrial action.

Maternity services at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury rated ‘inadequate’

A RECENT report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated maternity services at Tunbridge Wells Hospital as ‘inadequate’.

The rating follows a short notice inspection at the hospital which focused on patient safety and wellbeing.

The hospital at Pembury provides maternity services for a population of 500,000 and was last inspected under the maternity and gynaecology framework, in 2015.

the people who use our services.”

The CQC recognised staffing issues as a contributing factor to the rating, acknowledging that variable retention levels and periods of staff sickness had undermined care provision.

Improving

Concerns

CONTACTS EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk NEWS REPORTER BEN CORNWELL | 01892 739 763 newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk SUB EDITOR SIMON MUGFORD simon.mugford@onemediauk.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 01892 779 650 sales@onemediauk.co.uk facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF Salomons Estate, One Warwick Park Hotel and Bewl Events & Waterpark are owned by the Elite Leisure Collection, which also owns One Media, publisher of the Times.

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times Local News we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

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“This work, alongside lessons learnt from previous industrial action, will be used to keep services as safe as possible and minimise disruption to people’s care. Everyone in Kent and Medway can help make sure those who need urgent care are able to access it during the strikes by choosing wisely. Please use 111 online, or visit stopthinkchoose.co.uk to find the right service for you,” the spokesperson added.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has released a statement calling on staff to cancel their action and come back to the table to find a way forward.

For the latest information call 01634 335 095 or visit: kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk

This is the first time that the maternity services have been assessed on their own.

The healthcare watchdog raised significant concerns in a report published on February 16, highlighting a range of issues including insufficient training, excessive patient bleeding and poor levels of cleanliness.

Inspectors also raised concerns about the use of emergency C-sections, with some reports of avoidably long and complicated births.

In an internal email from December 2021 seen by the Times, maternity staff were updated on the inspection results, with management outlining the specific issues outlined in the report: “We know this is going to be very disappointing for everyone, particularly after all the preparation and hard work that was undertaken ahead of the visit. While this is not the news we wanted to hear, please do not forget the compassionate and high-quality care you provide every day to

Limited staffing numbers also meant some staff had to miss out on vital and role-specific training in order to complete work at the hospital.

The report also highlighted the limited use of a second theatre as a major concern, especially where no obstetric theatre was available overnight and patient safety was impacted.

Responding to the report MTW Executive Miles Scott said, “MTW has a reputation for continually developing and improving care.

I want to reassure people using our maternity services that we are addressing all of the issues raised by the CQC and have already implemented the majority of their recommendations.”

LCF mini-bond trial commences

The latest proceedings follow several investigations by the Treasury and the Financial Reporting Council. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) also launched an ongoing criminal investigation into the individuals associated with LCF. Just last week it was announced that the FCA had fined and banned LCF’s former compliance chief, Florius Jakobus Huisamen.

By Lucy Smith THE London Capital Finance (LCF) civil case proceedings began in the High Court in London on Monday, the latest development in the long-awaited court trial.

The LCF administrators began their legal battle against the company’s former executives, including former CEO Michael ‘Andy’ Thomson.

As the Times has previously reported, the investment company collapsed back in 2019 after an intervention by city watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Unregulated The collapse followed a discovery that the Tunbridge Wells firm was marketing unregulated mini-bonds along with misleading promises of returns of up to eight per cent.

The investment company had been based in Eridge Road and was set up by Tunbridge Wells businessman and former local Conservative Association chairman, Simon Hume-Kendall.

Compensation

HELEN HUME-KENDALL Mr Hume-Kendall eventually stepped down from the company but went on to become its largest borrower of funds through his business London Oil & Gas (LOG) which also collapsed after LCF went into administration.

More than 11,000 bondholders lost investments including pension pots and life savings.

The Treasury announced plans to establish an LCF bondholder compensation scheme in April 2021, the scheme closed on October 31, 2022.

The trial began at the Rolls Building, three weeks later than originally scheduled. The case will be presented to Mr Justice Miles and is expected to last for 20 weeks, bringing the conclusion of the trial to mid-summer, just ahead of the High Court holidays.

Anyone affected by the collapse of LCF is encouraged to contact our newsdesk at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or call 01892 739 763

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

NEWS IN BRIEF

Girl in hospital after Café Nero window fall A GIRL has been airlifted to hospital after reportedly falling out of a shop window, the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SEACAmb) have said.

Kent Police said officers were called to Café Nero in Royal Victoria Place (RVP) at 2.25pm on Friday February 16 to support paramedics.

The child fell approximately 15ft from the window, but SEACAmb said she was conscious at the scene. The girl’s current condition is unknown, but she is understood to have suffered minor injuries.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) environmental health team have now reportedly served a prohibition on the café which stops customer’s accessing upstairs seating whilst an investigation is underway.

Consultation on Crescent Road redevelopment

TUNBRIDGE WELLS residents are being invited to share their thoughts on the proposed redevelopment of the former AXA Health Offices on Crescent Road.

The plans include the building of around forty new highly sustainable family homes, regenerating the vacant former AXA Offices, Phillips House and Eynsham House.

The proposal promises to ‘improve biodiversity’ and provide ‘extra investment’ to the local economy, with over £75,000 already committed to spend with local suppliers.

Two public exhibitions of the build are being held at the Hotel du Vin on February 27 from 4-7pm and February 19 at 12-3pm.

A planning application is due to be submitted in spring this year.

To find out more about the scheme visit www.crescent-road.co.uk

Petition launched to calm traffic on Frant Road OVER 500 people have signed a petition calling for ‘traffic calming measures’ on Frant Road, including a 20mph speed limit, speed bumps and mini traffic roundabout at the intersection between Frant and Bayham Road.

The change.org petition, started by local resident Emma Van Rooyen, is urging the council to take ‘immediate action’, delivering effective solutions to control the speed of vehicles travelling down the road.

“In just the month of December alone, we have witnessed two serious accidents. Our own car was hit by a driver speeding up Frant Road. Every morning, children gather at the bus stop waiting for their school bus and due to lack of crossings and traffic calming measures, it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt or killed,” Van Rooyen said.

New Co-Wheels car available for use

A NEW Co-Wheels car has been added to the Tunbridge Wells Fleet which now has a total of nine vehicles.

Co-Wheels is a car share company which provides cars to hire from £5.50 per hour.

The new car can carry up to five passengers and is based in Duncalf Road, Hawkenbury.

Speaking about the new vehicle Councillor Jayne Sharratt, Cabinet Member for Carbon Reduction, Sustainability and Transportation, said: “I’m delighted that the new Co-Wheels vehicle is going to be in Hawkenbury because it is the first time we have placed one outside the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and it’s wonderful that more residents will be able to enjoy the benefits of car club membership.”

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Hospital building ‘expected to be completed later this year’ after water damage delay Once completed, the ground floor of the six-storey building is expected to house an academic space – a learning hub, private study, offices and toilets – as well as two six-bedroom flats.

By Jack Thornton A STUDENT accommodation and teaching facility building, initially scheduled to open at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in 2022, is now ‘expected to be completed later this year’ following a delay caused by water damage, the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has confirmed.

The building, which was announced in in June 2021 and was expected to be fully operational from March 2022, promised to provide accommodation for up to 145 medical students and trainee doctors, plus an academic teaching building, so that students can live, learn and work close to their clinical placement.

However, last week, construction news service Construction Enquirer reported that a water leak had caused the building project’s two-year delay as it resulted in ‘mould’ and ‘dampness’ spreading throughout the building.

The Times approached the MTW NHS Trust and the project’s contractors ESS Modular for a clarification on the delay.

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge

Accomodation

Wells NHS Trust said: “Our medical accommodation and teaching building is an exciting project which will attract future generations of doctors and medical students who can live, learn and work close to their placement.

“Water damage has now been repaired and internal and external works are ongoing.

We expect the building to be completed later this year.”

Contractors ESS Modular, declined to provide further comment.

Floors one to five will be entirely student accommodation made up of six, five- or four-bed flats, all of which will have a communal kitchen, dining and living area and an ensuite attached to each bedroom.

In addition, eight wheelchair-accessible flats will be provided – two on each floor – from the first to the fourth floors.

The building is also set to be installed with solar panels, a green wall, and other sustainable features to ensure a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of excellence.

BREEAM is a voluntary green building sustainability rating system for assessing the environmental performance of buildings.

Liz Pichon named among first release of Children’s Authors for TW Lit Festival

By Ben Cornwell THE Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is set to immerse children and young adults in a captivating world of words with a showcase of children’s authors and illustrators who play a pivotal role in fostering a love for reading in the next generation of literary fans.

Brilliant On Thursday May 9, at 10.00 am in the Assembly Hall Theatre is none other than Liz Pichon, the brilliant author-illustrator behind the beloved Tom Gates series. Pichon promises a session filled with storytelling, games, and doodling, all centred around her latest Tom Gates book set to release in May. On Saturday, May 11, at 10.00 am in The Amelia Scott Upper Atrium, join the funny and fabulous Anita Mangan for a session packed with games, stories, and draw-along fun. Known for her illustrations in bestsellers like ‘The Fart that Changed the World,’ Anita, the sister of Stephen Mangan, will unveil her hilarious new adventure, ‘The Day I Fell Down the Toilet’,

LEFT TO RIGHT: Liz Pichon, Adam Stower, Anita Mangan, Alex Brooks and Laura Noakes while sharing some drawing tips with attendees.

Adam Stower, celebrated as one of the UK’s best-selling illustrators, takes the stage on Sunday May 12, at 12.00 pm in The Amelia Scott. Renowned for his collaborations with David Walliams, Stower will introduce his latest creation, ‘Murray and Bun’ during the Literary Festival.

Later on Sunday, at 1:30 pm in The Amelia Scott, disabled writer and historian Laura Noakes will present her debut book, ‘Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star’. The sequel, ‘Cosima Unfortunate Foils a Fraud,’ is set to be published

on June 6, 2024. Laura, who lives with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, shares her disability with the main character, Cosima.

Adding to the literary extravaganza, Alex Brooks, author of ‘Why, oh why, am I a crocodile?’ and ‘Insects, Bugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ will engage young minds on Saturday May 11, at 10.30 am and 2.00 pm in The Amelia Scott.

Brooks, a former firefighter turned author, infuses her fun rhyming books with vibrant illustrations and important messages Tickets for the Lit Fest are now available for purchase online at: theamelia.co.uk

Over 1,300 run town’s 41st half marathon ON Sunday (February 18), the Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon returned with 1,345 runners taking part on the day. No one managed to break the course record this year, however race winners Michael Ellis and Helen Gaunt, both from Tonbridge Athletics Club, crossed the finishing line in the impressive times of 01:10:16 and 01:20:09 respectively.

Incredible On their Instagram account, organisers and local running club, Tunbridge Wells Harriers commented: “Congratulations to all who ran the Tunbridge Wells Half yesterday, incredible work all round.

“Particular thanks to all who volunteered and to all the sponsors.

These events would not be possible without you.”

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Nine cars left ‘stranded’ after pothole blowout on Frant Road

By Ben Cornwell A MAJOR pothole on Frant Road, just south of Tangier Lane, resulted in nine cars being left ‘stranded’ on the roadside on the evening of February 14.

Affected driver Jutta Wrobel explained that following her car ‘smashing down the hole’ around 5.45pm, she noticed there was a problem and pulled up further down the road with her hazard lights on. Within 20 minutes, she found eight further cars lined up on the roadside with their hazard lights on.

Councils say more powers are needed to ban pavement parking

By Madeleine Anderson

Hazard Several drivers tried calling the emergency number given by East Sussex Highways to report the dangerous hazard on the road but were all continuously met with an answering message.

Sussex Police reportedly arrived at the scene around 8.30pm and cordoned off the area.

Jutta told the Times that despite calling multiple times, including when she was back home, she couldn’t get through to the East Sussex Highways 24-hour emergency hotline until 8.30am the following morning, which she described as ‘shocking’ and ‘dangerous.’

She added: “The East Sussex Highways emergency number is meant to be manned for this type of hazard, but we were sent straight to an answer message for several hours. All we could do was watch helplessly as more and more people plunged down the hole.

“If there’s a hole or hazard in the road, who do you call? It took nearly three hours before anyone came out and cordoned off the pothole.

They are very lucky there wasn’t a major traffic incident.”

An East Sussex Highways spokesperson said:

Wednesday Febuary 21 | 2024

Pictures: Adrian Berendt

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HOLE-Y UNACCEPTABLE: The damaged cars on Frant Road “We apologise for the difficulties some motorists experienced when calling our emergency number on Wednesday evening (February 14) to report a pothole on Frant Road.

“The emergency number is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On occasion the line may be busy if our Duty Officers are taking other calls, in which case the caller will be asked to leave a message.

“We ask people to call us about emergency situations rather than accepting reports via our website so our Duty Officers can ensure they have the correct information and can take any necessary action as quickly as possible.

“Interim repairs to the pothole were carried out on Wednesday evening and a permanent repair is scheduled to be completed within 28 days.”

POWERS to ban pavement parking must be extended to all areas of England, including Tunbridge Wells, according to a new report on road safety.

The report published by the Local Government Association (LGA) details how pavement parking is currently only banned in London, where councils have powers to exempt certain roads.

The Government previously held a consultation on extending this ban to all councils in England, but an announcement is yet to be made.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said a change in the rules is desperately needed to help councils meet national targets encouraging more walking and cycling, while protecting older and more vulnerable people from injury.

The independent report, produced by Sustrans and Transport for All and commissioned by the LGA, describes the barriers faced by people struggling to safely navigate busy pavements made narrower by parked cars.

Acknowledging how the issue especially impacts disabled groups Adrian Berendt, local resident and Trustee for the national charity, Campaign for Better Transport said:

“This is a really important issue. Pavement parking risks the safety of pedestrians, particularly wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids.

“Walking and wheeling are great ways to travel sustainably, and many public transport users rely on walking to reach bus and train stations.

We support local authorities who are asking the government to make it easier for them to improve walking facilities by keeping pavements clear of parked vehicles.”

Accessibility Commenting on the issue of pavement parking in Tunbridge Wells Councillor Jayne Sharratt, Cabinet Member for Carbon Reduction, Sustainability and Transportation, said: “It is true that there are some narrow roads where parking without wheels on the pavement would mean that the road became blocked to other road users, however if doing so means that the pavement is blocked for a pram or wheelchair, then the driver should find somewhere else to park. It’s all about accessibility and our parking enforcement officers do take pavement parking seriously and enforce it where there is a restriction in place.”

Public Notice: Draft Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan - Vision 2040 Regulation 18 (Part 1) Consultation Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is currently preparing a Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan. This consultation is the first stage in the process of preparing the Plan, called the Draft Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan – Vision 2040, and the Council is seeking views on this.

Further details about the consultation (which runs from Friday 23 February to midnight on Monday 15 April 2024) including all consultation documents and Statement of Representation Procedure can be found here https://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/kse/ on the Council’s consultation portal and here https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning/ planning-policy/rtw-town-centre-plan on the Council’s website.

Exhibitions about the consultation will be held on/at the following dates and venues: DATE

VENUE

TIMES

Saturday 24 February 2024

Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells (Upper Mall)

10am - 2pm

Saturday 2 March 2024

Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UT

10am - 2pm

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Vestry Hall, The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, Cranbrook TN17 3HF

3.30pm - 6.30pm

The consultation documents (hard/paper copies) are available for public inspection during the consultation period (Friday 23 February to Monday 15 April 2024) at: • The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1AW, which is open from 9am-6pm (Monday to Wednesday and on Friday), 9am-8pm on Thursday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on a Sunday (Telephone 01892 526121).

• All Parish and Town Council Offices (please check with your parish for opening times) • All libraries across Tunbridge Wells borough (Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Rusthall, Sherwood, Showfields and Southborough). Please check with the particular library for opening times.

A Call for Sites is running alongside the consultation and the Council is keen to hear about any sites in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre which might be available for development or redevelopment up to 2040. Please let us know if you know of or own a site which you would like to be considered through this process. Further details can be found on the Council’s webpages above.

Representations/comments can be submitted as follows: 1. Online at https://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/kse/ 2. By email to RTWTownCentrePlan@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk (a downloadable form is available) 3. By post to Planning Policy, Planning Services, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS Further details are available on the Council’s Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan webpages above. If you have any queries or are seeking assistance, please email RTWTownCentrePlan@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554056.

Wednesday Febuary 21 | 2024

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BID pitches to members as vote deadline looms

Continued from front page AHEAD of the Business Improvement District (BID) voting deadline next Thursday, February 29, the Times talked exclusively to the organisation’s Chief Executive Alex Green about why he believes BID members should vote ‘yes’ to a second five-year term.

The BID services in Tunbridge Wells are delivered by RTW Together, a Community Interest Company, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, who represent business members from across the town and its different sectors.

The BID is collectively funded by local businesses that pay a specified business rateable value within the town centre, the BID then invests that resource in a range of initiatives that support member businesses, and in turn, local residents.

‘The BID works from the premise of being mightier when we work together collectively’ According to Alex Green, around 25 per cent of local businesses and traders have voted but with the deadline fast approaching it is imperative that other BID members now cast their vote too. Many have already demonstrated they are in favour of a second term, with many sharing a ‘Vote YES’ board across their social media platforms.

“We ran in-person and online consultations with all BID members in advance of putting our plan together for the next five-year term,” explained Alex. “In addition to this we went out and saw as many BID members as possible which has provided me with another layer of feedback and enabled me to see them in action within their work setting.

“The BID works from the premise of being mightier when we work together collectively, and we are committed to ensuring Tunbridge Wells continues to be a great place to live, work and play. We have had really positive feedback from our visits, and of course we are eager to find out if we have a positive result at the beginning of March.

“However, it is as important to me to ensure we have heard the views of as many members as possible, and then have the opportunity to support them, and the town, for the next five years.”

Alex revealed that during the consultation period, BID members in Tunbridge Wells stated they wanted ‘a town that is buzzing, welcoming, inclusive, safe, community-focused and creative’.

There are currently over 350 BIDS around the UK in both towns and cities – locally these include Maidstone and Canterbury – and many of them are into their third or fourth term, demonstrating that BIDs can be an effective model ALEX GREEN for delivering on business needs.

The Times looked over the BID Business Plan for the next five-year term, to find out the proposed services which Alex and his team believe will enable the town to continue to thrive. The three main pillars of the plan cover: Supporting – free training and conferences, grants, free digital and physical resources, business security, data and statistics to inform business decisions, measure footfall, assist members with easier recruitment, retention and networking Promoting – national advertising campaigns attracting overseas and UK tourists, campaigns encouraging residents to support local, guides and maps to inform visitors of what’s on and a directory of BID members, collaborations with Visit TW to encourage footfall to the town, inward investment to promote the town as a place for business relocation and flexi-office spaces, organising town events to encourage movement & spending around the town, festivals and venues encouraging people to come for a day out Enhancing – Investing in campaigns such as Safe Town Partnership, anti-spiking kits and the Women’s Safety Charter, financing lighting, planting and street art, developing public realm projects to enhance the town environment, street cleaning and graffiti removal, improving accessibility to the town, collaborations including being part of the Amplifi Collective, Creative Tunbridge Wells as well as supporting the TN card.

If the ballot has a successful outcome, RTW Together BID will start a second five-year term commencing April 1 2024.

In the event the ballot is unsuccessful, the BID will cease to exist on March 31 2024 and all RTW Together operations will finish shortly after.

To cast your vote as a BID member, return your ballot paper either by post (using the self-addressed envelope provided) or by dropping it off (Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm) at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Reception, Town Hall, Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS where there will be a sealed ballot box.

For more on the BID ballot see Alex Green’s comment piece on page 14.

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Are Apprenticeships the answer to addressing the Skills Gap? Apprenticeships are experiencing an increase in popularity as an effective pathway to professional development and skill acquisition. Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement announced the Government’s plans to inject £50 million into a two-year pilot scheme aimed at boosting apprenticeship training in sectors which contribute to economic growth. With the first ever NHS Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship commencing in September 2024, apprenticeships are changing the modern workplace, offering a way to break down the barriers to entry in traditionally exclusive industries, and creating accessible pathways for aspiring professionals. So, can apprenticeships be the way to successfully bridge the skills gap between education and Jag Taak employment?

Jag Taak, Solicitor Apprentice at Loch Law explains more.

At the heart of the apprenticeship model lies a symbiotic relationship between theoretical learning and practical application. This brings about a variety of benefits, including on-the-job training, the ability to earn while you learn, and expedited career progression.

Apprenticeships equip individuals with industry specific knowledge, ensuring they are up to date with expertise in line with market demands. This is particularly attractive in the current climate, where students graduating from universities are estimated to have incurred an average of £44,940 in student debt.

Employers can also benefit from Government funding which enables them to champion social mobility and implement cost-effective workforce development. Apprenticeships can also allow employers to avoid the costly cycle of recruiting and training new staff, cultivating a pool of loyal, skilled professionals ready to assume leadership roles in their respective industries.

Recognising that apprenticeships can be especially effective in addressing sector specific skills gaps, the Government is introducing new measures including the introduction of the NHS Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship.

The rise in apprenticeships has undeniably brought about a shift in attitudes in addressing the skills gap in the UK. The Government’s Autumn Statement serves as a significant example of this shift, highlighting the need to promote the value of apprenticeships, expand access to high quality training, and incentivise employer engagement.

Solicitor Apprentice at Loch Law, Jag Taak, commented on his experience to date; “I made the decision to study via the Solicitor Apprenticeship route to benefit from six years of practical legal experience. I wanted to develop key skills while learning, which will allow me to hit the ground running when I qualify as a Solicitor. I was drawn to Loch Law, part of the Loch Associates Group, because they had numerous examples of career progression including from Apprentice to Partner.” Managing Director of Loch Associates Group, Pam Loch recognises the benefits; “We have been offering a variety of apprenticeships at Loch Associates Group for over 10 years now and it’s something we are very proud of. One of our Partners, Joe Milner, is testament to this, joining us as an Admin Apprentice and is now a Scan the QR code to Solicitor Advocate who is quickly read the full article progressing to be one of the South East’s rising stars in the legal sector.

Thinking about offering an apprenticeship within your business?

At Loch Associates Group, our team of experts are perfectly placed to support your organisation with navigating apprenticeships. From drafting bespoke apprenticeship agreements, advising on your duties as a sponsoring employer, managing recruitment processes and delivering manager training, we are experts in finding solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people.

www.lochassociates.co.uk

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Picture: Patchwork Health

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DR ANAS NADER AND DR JING OUYANG

MTW Trust introduces new tech to ease staffing pressure

By Madeleine Anderson MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) is embracing a new doctor-built platform to help ease staffing pressures and transform the way doctors’ timetables are organised.

The e-rostering system was designed by NHS doctors Anas Nader and Jing Ouyang, and allows medics to view their shifts in advance and book annual leave more easily.

MTW hopes that the platform, which was built and delivered in partnership with healthcare workforce specialists Patchwork Health, will give medics more control of their time and help ease the overreliance on external agencies to fill any major staffing gaps.

Dr Nader believes that data-driven rostering is ‘essential’ to developing sustainable staffing arrangements which support medics’ independence, while making healthcare provision as efficient as possible.

He explained: “It was so important to us to build

a rostering platform that unlocked this level of flexibility, while being simple and enjoyable to use for clinicians and managers alike.”

Patchwork Health’s products are estimated to have saved at least £80million in NHS workforce costs to date, helping organise nearly 7.5 million hours’ worth of shifts since 2022 alone.

Impact Speaking about the introduction of the app, Sean Briggs, Chief Operating Officer at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, said: “The roll-out of the e-rostering system has already had a significant impact – reducing agency spend and improving cover in key clinical areas. Consistent engagement and support from the Patchwork team has ensured a smooth and effective implementation.

“We’re excited to continue this collaboration and expand the use of the system and the benefits across additional departments.”

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Fuggles launches book club with beer

By Ben Cornwell FUGGLES Beer Café is combining the perfect pairing of pages and pints this month with the launch of a brand-new book club.

The book club will commence on February 27 at 7.30pm at the Café on Grosvenor Road, with all future meetings taking place on the last Tuesday of every month.

The aim of the club is to get people together to ‘discuss a great read over a great drink and have a chat about it.’ There will also be food on the night, with £5 hot dogs and toasties available for attendees of the book club.

Session There is no obligation to attend every meeting so book lovers shouldn’t worry if they can’t make a session or if there’s a particular book one month that they are not interested in.

Fuggles owner Alex Greig told the Times that ‘he couldn’t take credit for the initial idea for

the book club’ as it came from his colleagues Heather and Aidan and their passion for reading. But he is looking forward to welcoming people to the first meeting later this month.

He said: “It’s always great to launch new events which help us to engage with both our regulars and the wider community and also offer something a little different in the town.”

He added that he thinks pubs in general should be used for more events and local group meetings and he would like to make Fuggles a ‘hub’ in the community.

Ahead of the first meeting, Heather and Aidan are compiling a soon-to-be-announced shortlist of three books to get things started.

But the club will be fundamentally ‘group driven’ with everyone who attends able to have their say on which books they should read and how the club should work each month.

To sign up for the book club, email the Fuggles team at: tunbridgewells@ fugglesbeercafe.co.uk

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Junior law firm staff take the lead at local association

By Madeleine Anderson A SOLICITOR from CooperBurnett Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells has been voted in as President of the Kent Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) for a second year.

Solicitor Imogen Fleur is part of the firm’s Commercial Property team and will be joined on the committee by Paralegal Joshua Haye, who will take on the role of IT Coordinator at the JLD. Kent JLD comes under The Law Society of England and Wales and organises events to support the professional development of junior legal professionals, helping them to develop their vocational skills and widen their professional network.

Under Imogen’s presidency last year, the committee organised five sell-out events and expanded their membership to reach more students at The University of Kent.

Imogen also oversaw the Achievement Awards at the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge District Law Society’s Annual Dinner, in addition to raising money for Nourish Community Foodbank in Tunbridge Wells.

Describing her plans for the year, Imogen said: “We are looking forward to building on the hard

IMOGEN FLEUR

JOSHUA HAYE

work and success of last year’s committee and hope to put on another fantastic set of events for Kent’s junior lawyers.

“Joshua is such an asset to have on the committee. Alongside working at CooperBurnett, he is a student at the University of Kent and can provide us with an insight as to what would be beneficial to students and spread awareness to other students of the support we offer.”

Imogen added: “Moving forward, I am keen to provide our members with further networking events; education as to the support available for junior lawyers; a strong focus on professional development and further expansion of our membership across Kent, including an emphasis on university students.”

Event planning app set to launch later this month

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APPY FAMILY: Lisa Coghlan (front, second left) and the Plan My Event team

By Ben Cornwell LOCAL events organiser Lisa Coghlan is launching a brand-new event planning app later this month.

The Plan My Event app, which will be launching not only in Tunbridge Wells but nationwide, aims to help make finding upcoming events easier while also providing an easier way of organising your own events by connecting you with venues, stall holders, caterers, entertainers and other businesses in your local community.

Lisa has volunteered and organised events in the local area for over 25 years, from Rusthall’s torchlight parade and bonfire to charity fundraisers, including an event which raised over £5,000 for the British Red Cross in Ukraine.

She told the Times that she had been contemplating the idea of the app for the last six years, but decided over the last eight months to get in contact with web developers and get the ball rolling.

She explained: “There are lots of other platforms and social media groups and ways of connecting with different people but sometimes it seems there is just an element of pot luck with how you find and meet the right people. So, I felt there was a real need for this app to help make connecting with people and businesses easier for event organisers.”

The new free app will be split into three main areas: a business directory, an events list and an inspiration page which offers different ideas to

help those who are unsure where to begin when it comes to planning their upcoming celebrations or events.

Last Wednesday (February 14), Lisa decided to host a community showcase launch event at the Masonic Centre on St John’s Road for event organisers to network and meet with different businesses from the local community to give a taste of what the app could potentially do for them.

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Connect The event had several talks and nearly 100 people attending altogether from a diverse range of local organisations, including charities, independent businesses, caterers and nursing homes.

Lisa commented: “It’s all part of how the app works. It’s about bringing different people together and making it really easy to connect people.

“I thought why not run a networking event for event organisers because there’s nothing else like it and it would be a really great way to show how powerful just talking to people and being able to find people easily can be.”

At the time of writing, there is no official launch date for the app, but Lisa confirmed to the Times that they are currently ‘putting the finishing touches’ on the app and it is expected to go live before the end of February.

Plan My Event will be available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

‘Unusual MPs’ talk Inspirational mum targets 20 challenges to at local Rotary Club match local cancer charity’s 20th anniversary

By Madeleine Anderson

By Ben Cornwell ST JOHN’S Primary School teacher and mum of four, Leigh Stevens has decided to undertake 20 challenges to fundraise for The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre on Monson Road, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in November.

After being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February 2022, Leigh was recommended by her hospital to get in contact with the Pickering Centre as it provides ‘excellent emotional support’ for those diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends.

Leigh told the Times that Polly Taylor and Caroline McGibney, who run the volunteer-led centre, have been ‘incredibly supportive to her and her family’ and she now hopes to be able to ‘pay them back’ for their kindness.

Support She added; “I’ve met other people when I’ve been going for treatment who aren’t aware of the centre. So, I wanted to be able to fundraise for Pickering but also just spread the word that there is support there if you need it.”

When deciding on her 20 challenges, Leigh said that she wanted to have a link between each challenge and its designated number.

For her first challenge, she ‘cast the first stone’ by taking a dip in the freezing cold sea in Eastbourne on New Year’s Day. She then rode a ‘bicycle made for two’ with her husband Jez and completed a route across Tunbridge Wells in the shape of the number two. Her most recent experience was taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, scaling mountains Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon with her husband, and her son Tom. Leigh’s dad drove the trio and joined in

History LEIGH AND JEZ with some of the foothills, meaning three generations of her family were involved.

Leigh described climbing Ben Nevis as ‘pretty hostile’ and the toughest challenge so far, due to the thick snow near the top, with the group needing to use crampons and ice axes to get to the summit.

Leigh hopes that her fundraising challenge will not only inspire people to raise money and awareness for local causes like the Pickering Drop-In Cancer Centre, but also help change attitudes around the fight against cancer.

She said: “I think when you're given that diagnosis it's such a shock and you initially have this feeling that you've just been given a death sentence. But actually, it's about trying to change that mindset and think how am I going to live with this, make the most out of life and seek the glimmers in every day rather than the negative.

THE RENTERS (REFORM) BILL CONTROVERSY: SHOULD LANDLORDS BE CONCERNED? What the Government has called a “once-in-a-generation” transformation of housing laws, The Renters (Reform) Bill is intended to usher in a more equitable letting system for both tenants and landlords. Since its introduction to Parliament in May 2023, the legislative overhaul has attracted significant media and industry attention, causing considerable concern among landlords.

RICHARD MCCULLOCH Paralegal

Dispute Resolution team Tunbridge Wells Office 01892 502 368 info@bussmurton.co.uk

A FORMER Editor of publications at the Houses of Parliament is preparing to talk to Tunbridge Wells Rotary Club about ‘unusual’ MPs. Vivian Widgery is a Tunbridge Wells resident who spent over VIVIAN WIDGERY 30 years working as an Editor for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

SUMMIT ELSE: Leigh Stevens with her son, Tom and husband, Jez on the Three Peaks Challenge

According to a 2023 lettings industry report, 25% of landlords feel “very” pessimistic and 29% feel “somewhat pessimistic” about what the new legislation will entail, while a survey by PayProp UK revealed that only 4.4% of letting agents feel positive about the changes.

What are the key provisions of The Renters (Reform) Bill?

Abolition of Section 21: The most significant and controversial change entails the abolition of Section 21, rendering “no-fault” evictions obsolete. Evictions will now require valid reasons provided through a notice under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.

“I think it's really, really important that we're more open to talking about things that might not be quite right with us, so we can seek medical intervention sooner. Because the sooner you get the support, the sooner you can hopefully be treated and potentially beat it.”

Pickering Drop-In Cancer Centre co-founder Polly Taylor described Leigh as an ‘amazing woman’.

She explained: “Inspirational doesn’t even cut it – there are no words to describe how incredible Leigh is.

“She has literally taken Pickering’s name to the top of the mountains and shouted it for all to hear. She is the epitome of what Pickering is all about and we are so incredibly proud of her.”

If you would like to follow Leigh’s journey or donate, visit her fundraising page at: gofundme.com/f/pickering-20th-birthdaychallenges

End of Fixed Term Tenancies: Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by periodic agreements from the commencement of the lease. Tenants gain the freedom to provide two months’ notice under the new periodic tenancy rules.

Grounds for Possession: Landlords will witness a transformation in the grounds for possession, including the ability to reclaim their property for personal use, address rent arrears, sell the property, and deal with anti-social tenants. Many grounds will become mandatory, offering landlords enhanced certainty in court proceedings.

Pet Permissions: The Bill ensures tenants’ right to keep pets with landlord consent, which cannot be unreasonably denied. Landlords can stipulate that tenants obtain pet insurance.

Landlord Portal and Ombudsman: A proposed Private Renters’ Ombudsman and a new property portal aim to streamline dispute resolution outside the courtroom and provide transparent information to tenants about property standards.

Rent Reviews and Notice Periods: Rent increases will be restricted to once per year, and landlords must provide a two-month notice period for any proposed rent hike. The changes aim to empower tenants against sudden and substantial rent increases.

Should landlords be concerned about the impact of The Renters (Reform) Bill?

While The Renters (Reform) Bill introduces substantial changes to the rental landscape, current legislation is hardly advantageous for landlords pursuing a repossession claim.

Speaking to the Times, Vivian said: “We’re going to be looking at some of the independent, eccentric, bloody-minded and sometimes downright criminal people who have graced, if that’s the right word, the Green Benches of the House of Commons over the centuries.

“Some themes will emerge – independence, character, money, duels, and bribery just for starters!”

The talk is one of a series of lectures Vivian has given since 2015 and draws upon her vocational background and love of history.

While the speech won’t include stories of our local MPs, Vivian is looking forward to tracing a rich history of hundreds of curious characters.

The talk is the latest event from Tunbridge Wells Rotary Club and will be held in the historic surrounds of the Royal Wells Hotel, Mount Ephraim on February 26.

Vivian will introduce her discussion at 7pm with attendees invited to meet at the hotel bar from 6.30pm.

The process can be lengthy, the courts are often sympathetic towards the tenants, and the bloated costs are disproportionately borne by the landlord.

If The Renters (Reform) Bill succeeds in streamlining the legal process, increasing the court system’s capacity for possession claims, and professionalising the rental sector by expelling rogue landlords, transparency, balance, and efficiency may finally be restored to this cumbersome and unpredictable area of law.

Of course, it is important to keep in mind that the Bill still has to progress through further stages in Parliament. At the Report Stage, predicted to take place in early 2024, MPs will propose, debate and vote on new clauses and amendments. We will continue to review the changes as the Bill passes through Parliament.

For landlords seeking further insights or assistance navigating these changes, or for advice on a repossession claim, our litigation team is readily available for consultation.

For further information in this field, please contact Richard McCulloch: 01892 502 368 or rmcculloch@bussmurton.co.uk www.bussmurton.co.uk |

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

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KentRelief continues Ukraine Amelia exhibition shows support two years into the war the power of girls today ALMOST two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, KentRelief Tunbridge Wells is continuing to provide vital support both for Ukrainians living in the Borough and those at home on the frontline.

The charity, which is based at the TN2 Community Centre in Sherwood, regularly sends aid out to Ukraine, working with local and international partners to deliver basic goods, including medical items, mobility aids, tents, and animal feed.

KentRelief’s efforts include giving support to a community of 70 families who were evacuated from Bakhmut, a hospital helping recovering veterans and an orphanage for children who have lost parents in the war.

Recognition The charity has received major recognition for its work, most recently receiving a certificate of thanks from the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, with another certificate of thanks awarded by the Commander of the Support Services of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Sue Ramsay is CEO of KentRelief. She told the Times: “The war is still continuing, there has been a bit of fatigue, but we continue to work hard because the war has not abated. You’re still hearing stories of the daily atrocities in Ukraine and we’re committing to providing support to remind people that the war isn’t over and that the humanitarian need for aid continues.”

KentRelief Tunbridge Wells also has large numbers of volunteers from Ukraine.

Sasha Obiedkova has been volunteering at KentRelief since April 2022, having moved to Tunbridge Wells from the Ukranian city of

Picture: Simon Greenwood

By Lucy Smith

Kharkiv in March 2022, one month after the war began.

She explained that ‘like all Ukranians’ she only expected to live in England ‘for a few weeks’.

Sasha added: “I was bored of sitting at home and wanted to find a way to help my country. In some magic way I found KentRelief’s Facebook page. It makes me happy volunteering because I know that I am doing something very important.

“In one day Ukranian people can lose everything, because their houses can burn, and they might be left with nothing. But for me, we are not just sending important stuff, we are sending love. We are sending hope,” Sasha said.

“It’s not an easy decision to be a refugee. You have to be very, very scared to choose this.

“I am here, I am safe, but my heart is still in Ukraine. I’m still crying when something happens. I am here because of my son, if I did not have my son I would still be at home. But I cannot keep my son safe if I am not safe. I feel safe not just because there is no war here, but because people take care of me here.”

KentRelief welcomes new volunteers and donations. For more information visit: kentrelief.org.uk

A MOVING and powerful photography exhibition about childhood, hope and fear has opened at The Amelia Scott.

Being Inbetween features the work of awardwinning photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn and contains 90 images of young girls aged between 9 and 13 from across the UK. The images are being shown in the South East for the first time as part of a touring exhibition from the Impressions Gallery in Bradford.

Aspirations The photos, taken by Mendelsohn over six years, are accompanied by a direct quote from each young person which details their aspirations for the future and concerns in the present.

Speaking in a short film included in the show, the artist said: “I hope people see this isn’t just about girls, it’s about humanity. It’s about hope, it’s about aspirations, it’s about being on the very cusp of your future, our future, their future.”

Through photos and interviews, Mendelsohn gives each girl the chance to share her passions and values, with the subjects choosing how they dressed, posed and what they said.

The girls are drawn from a spectrum of cultural, ethnic and physical backgrounds, offering an inclusive insight into a new generation.

Capturing the transition between childhood and early adulthood, the images offer a window into the complex emotions of youth, encouraging audiences to match the girls’ gazes and pay attention to their thoughts.

From dreams of becoming an author to ‘raising wolves in Romania’, or worries about homelessness, climate change and being left alone, the exhibition shows children’s capacity to feel and think deeply.

Jeremy Kimmel is the Arts, Heritage and Engagement Director at The Amelia. He sees the show as a photographic essay which examines how the world ‘lays its case’ on young people.

He said: “It’s incredibly poignant because the girls have these powerfully deep thoughts that you might associate with older people. It’s hard not to be impressed by how fierce they seem to be.

When you’re stood in here and their eyes are on you, it’s just so incredibly moving. It’s a lot, it’s powerful, it’s necessary.”

Being Inbetween is on show at The Amelia now until June 16. theamelia.co.uk

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Julian Assange UK extradition hearing finally gets underway

Body of Clapham chemical attacker found Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange launched his final efforts to appeal his extradition to the US in a hearing at the High Court in London yesterday (February 20).

The two-day hearing has brought in large crowds and will decide whether the Australianborn Assange, who has been held in Belmarsh prison for almost five years, can be granted leave to appeal against an extradition decision made in 2022 by then home secretary, Priti Patel.

In 2021, the UK High Court ruled that Assange should be extradited, dismissing claims that poor mental health meant he risked taking his own life if transferred to a US jail.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Information Assange is now seeking permission to review Patel’s decision, challenging the original 2021 court ruling.

If Assange fails, he will have exhausted all appeal routes in the UK and will enter the process of extradition.

He says that the case against him is politically motivated, with his lawyers yesterday telling the High Court that Assange faces a ‘flagrant denial of justice’ if extradited, suggesting they will take the case to the European Court of Human Rights if the appeal is turned down.

When Assange was arrested inside the Ecuadorian embassy in May 2019, the US indictment against him was unsealed, revealing a single charge of “conspiracy to commit computer intrusion”.

This was later expanded to include 17 new charges under the US Espionage Act, including conspiracy to obtain and disclose national

defence information, conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, obtaining national defence information, and disclosure of national defence information.

The indictment was issued by the Eastern District of Virginia and would mean a total sentence of 170 years in prison, if he was found guilty on all charges.

In June 2020, a US grand jury ruled to “broaden the scope” of Assange’s alleged computer intrusions to claims he worked with hackers to help illegally obtain information for WikiLeaks.

During the first day of the hearing on Tuesday, Mark Summers KC argued the US prosecution of Assange would be retribution for his political opinions, meaning it would be unlawful to extradite him under UK law.

The barrister said: “This is a paradigm example of state retaliation for the expression of

political opinion.

“The district judge did not address it, had she done so, it would have been fatal to her decision.”

In written submissions, Mr Summers and Edward Fitzgerald KC, also for Assange, added: “The evidence showed that the US was prepared to go to any lengths, including misusing its own criminal justice system, to sustain impunity for US officials in respect of the torture/war crimes committed in its infamous ‘war on terror’, and to suppress those actors and courts willing and prepared to try to bring those crimes to account.

“Mr Assange was one of those targets.”

The hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson is due to conclude today, Wednesday 21, with their decision on whether Assange can bring the appeal expected at a later date.

THE body of alkali attack suspect Abdul Ezedi has been recovered from the River Thames after a major search, police believe.

At around 4pm on Monday the crew of a passing boat reported they had seen a body in the water near Tower Bridge at Tower Pier.

Commander Jon Savell said: “Based on the clothing he was wearing at the time of the attack and property found, we strongly believe we have recovered the body of Ezedi.”

Alexei Navalny’s mother: ‘Let me see my son’ THE mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene and return her son’s body so she can arrange his burial.

In a video posted to social media, Navalnaya said: “I’m reaching out to you, Vladimir Putin.

The resolution of this matter depends solely on you. Let me finally see my son.”

Navalny’s supporters accuse the authorities of stalling the return to hide any evidence of foul play which could be used against then.

The Body Shop to shut nearly half of UK stores THE Body Shop is set to shut nearly half of its 198 stories in the UK and reduce the size of its head office, leading to hundreds of job losses.

The retailer employees around 2,200 people in the UK, including 750 at its head office.

The Tunbridge Wells branch has not been named amongst the seven stores immediately affected.

Nottingham triple killer sentence to be reviewed

Requests Calocane also admitted the attempted murder of three others, who were struck by a van, which had been stolen from Mr Coates, in the city centre.

The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis, said that the case had ‘shocked a nation’, so it was ‘no surprise’ she received a number of referrals under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

Adding: “Having received detailed legal advice and considered the issues raised very carefully, I have concluded that the sentence imposed against Calocane, for the offences of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and attempted murder, was unduly lenient and will be referred to the Court of Appeal.

“My thoughts remain with all of Calocane’s victims, as well as their families and friends, who have shown such immeasurable strength during this devastating time.”

The victims’ families had met the Attorney General and Solicitor General Robert Courts before they reached their decision to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

The families shared a statement after the decision on

Tuesday 20, saying: “We are optimistic that when this reaches the Royal Courts of Justice for its appeal, there will be an outcome that provides some of the appropriate justice that we have been calling for.

“It is important to remember that this is just one part of the tragic failures in this case, we maintain there are serious failures in all three agencies that must be fully addressed.”

The case has triggered a series of reviews into the NHS, police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with the families of the three victims calling for a public inquiry.

Investigations into the mental health trust, the CPS and the Nottingham and Leicestershire Police remain active.

Nottinghamshire Police, which acknowledged it ‘should have done more’ to arrest Calocane before to the killings, said a warrant for his arrest had been issued after he failed to attend court in September 2022 following alleged assault on a police officer.

NHS England has ordered a major investigation into Calocane’s contact with mental health services, and his care under the Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust is being reviewed by the Care Quality Commission.

Meanwhile, an inspection into the CPS’s involvement has been widened after requests were made by the families, said His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Inspectorate (HMCPSI), which is carrying out the review.

Picture: Nottinghamshire Police/PA Wire

NOTTINGHAM triple killer Valdo Calocane’s sentence of an indefinite hospital order will be referred to the Court of Appeal for being “unduly lenient”, Attorney General Victoria Prentis has announced.

Calocane stabbed to death 19-year-olds Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and 65-year-old Ian Coates in Nottingham last June.

He has previously admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility and was given a hospital order after the 32-year-old was found to be suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

UK recession may already be over Bank of England boss announces

THE UK recession may already be over and there are now ‘distinct signs of an upturn’, the Bank of England’s governor has said.

Speaking to The Treasury Select Committee Andrew Bailey said that ‘this is the weakest recession by a long way’.

Growth Mr Bailey’s comments follow recent reports which showed that The UK economy entered a downturn at the end of 2023.

Nevertheless, the Bank signalled yesterday that there was unlikely to be an imminent interest rate cut.

Mr Bailey said that compared to recessions dating back to the 1970s,

the 0.5% cumulative reduction in gross domestic product (GDP) in the third and fourth quarter was “the weakest by a long way”.

“We have a very precise definition of a recession in this country as two successive quarters of negative GDP growth,” he told MPs. Fellow Bank of England interest-rate setter Dr Ben Broadbent pointed out that other countries, including the US, define recessions in different ways.

Mr Bailey added that the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) could start cutting interest rates before inflation reaches the Bank’s target of 2 per cent. He said that the target is likely to be met sometime this spring.

He said that he wanted to see sustained progress on inflation in the

services sector, pay increases and the labour market.

“We’ve seen, I think, encouraging signs on them. So, services inflation is still above 6%, there are some signs of it coming down now,” Mr Bailey said.

“I think some signs that pay is now adjusting down towards the lower headline inflation, which is what I’d expect to see.

It left the UK in a technical recession because the economy had also recorded negative growth in the previous three months.

The governor stressed the Bank’s actions, through 14 consecutive interest rate hikes, were aimed at bringing the pace of inflation back down to its 2% target level to help allow for sustainable growth.

Lobbying scandal MP loses suspension appeal BLACKPOOL South MP Scott Benton, who was caught in a lobbying scandal, has lost his appeal against a 35-day suspension from Parliament.

The Conservative MP was caught breaching Commons rules by offering to lobby for ministers and table parliamentary questions on behalf of gambling investors.

Benton was elected as a Conservative in 2019 with a 3,690 majority.

He said he was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the decision and claimed there had been a ‘lack of integrity’ throughout the process, which was ‘prone to regular leaks at every stage’.

The panel also described Mr Benton’s arguments as ‘misconceived or

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

This raises the risk of another erroneous’, finding the challenging poll for Mr Sunak sanction was ‘neither after losses in Wellingborough unreasonable nor and Kingswood last week. disproportionate’.

Voters will have six weeks to The MP, who now sits register their support for Mr as an independent, Benton’s removal, with less appealed against the than 10% support the finding and the threshold needed to trigger a suspension, however a by-election. report by an Jonathan Ashworth, shadow independent panel has SCOTT BENTON paymaster general, said: upheld the Standards “Scott Benton should do the Committee’s original decent thing and resign, saving the decision, saying there had been ‘no people of Blackpool South a lengthy procedural flaw’ in the process. recall petition that would leave them MPs will now vote whether to vote for without the representation they a recall petition, if successful this could deserve. force a by-election to replace Benton.

NEWS

HOW TO BE BEST PREPARED FOR THE SALE OF YOUR PROPERTY

By Glen Webb, Senior Associate in the Residential Property team at CooperBurnett LLP Property transactions in England and Wales are agreed ‘subject to Contract’.

This means that either party can withdraw with no consequences, save for their own costs, at any point until Contracts are exchanged. If a party withdraws after exchange of Contracts, they suffer penalties and a buyer will be at risk of forfeiting their deposit.

Whilst the current system has its critics, it remains the status quo. So, how best can a vendor prepare for a sale and navigate a transaction in the best possible way to mitigate their chances of an aborted transaction?

Be ‘sale ready’ Get your paperwork in order from the outset. This includes having a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) in place and checking with HM Land Registry that your names and addresses for service are up to date, in case you have married or changed name. Your Conveyancer will request that you disclose various documents as part of the sales process including Planning Permissions, Building Regulation Completion Certificates, Electrical Installation Certificates, GasSafe Installation Certificates and Party Wall Notices or Awards.

Having a full suite of documents relating to the property and disclosing them at an early juncture will undoubtedly reduce last minute enquiries relating to documents which may then take additional time to obtain. It would therefore bode well for you to retain your Conveyancer at an early stage.

Be upfront about all matters relating to the property Liaise closely with your selling agent to ensure you have a detailed sales brochure to provide to any prospective buyer, which lists the salient points such as boundaries, rights of way, shared access and any maintenance charges. If these details are known from the outset, it can prevent any unease if a buyer finds out at a later stage.

Go the extra mile There is no legal obligation on you to prove the adequacy of any service installations, such as the boiler or electrics at your property. However, you may wish to commission and provide to any prospective buyer such condition reports, as this would give them additional comfort from the outset.

This could help prevent a revised offer at the 11th hour, following a report commissioned by the Buyer if remediation work was required. Reports are especially pertinent if the property is connected to a private drainage system, which must comply with environmental regulations. If the system is non-compliant, then there is a legal obligation on the owner to upgrade the system and it is best for all parties to know that from the outset.

It is impossible to ensure a successful sale every time but, with some background planning, and upfront and complete information, you can at least hope for a smoother ride in the rollercoaster journey of selling a property in England and Wales.

If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Glen Webb on

email: GXW@COOPERBURNETT.COM or tel: 01892 515022

WWW.COOPERBURNETT.COM Disclaimer: This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon and CooperBurnett LLP does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.

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COMMENT

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Alison Webster has represented Goudhurst & Lamberhurst since 2023

The Alliance

Nancy Warne has represented Benenden & Cranbrook since 2019 and is the Cabinet Member for Rural Communities Ellen Neville has represented Hawkhurst & Sandhurst since 2022 and is the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services

Standing together for women’s safety THE recent spate of reports (on Nextdoor) alleging Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Tunbridge Wells taxis has rightfully caused us concern. It would be tragic if we lost trust in travelling in taxis, which should be beacons of safety and convenience, not spaces where some women feel vulnerable and at risk.

We need to ensure the protection of passengers, particularly those belonging to vulnerable demographics and our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.

Experiences Tunbridge Wells Borough Council takes this issue very seriously and addressing the safety of women and girls remains a priority for us. We have undertaken several surveys and face-toface events in liaison with Kent Police recently.

These engagements included a ‘Safe Travels in Tunbridge Wells’ survey to capture how residents, particularly women and girls, feel about travelling at night in the Borough.

Residents were invited to share their experiences so that we can better understand what is happening and thereby work to make all residents feel safer when travelling after dark.

The information gathered in these surveys will help inform both the wider West Kent VAWG

WOMEN’S ALLIANCE: (l-r) Alison Webster, Nancy Warne and Ellen Neville Forum Action Plan for 2024/25 and the TWBC Community Safety Strategy and Action Plan for the year ahead and beyond.

To ensure safety in taxis there are key licensing regulations with mandatory training for taxi drivers and background checks overseen by the Council. Taxi drivers must obtain licenses from the Council.

This is all to be welcomed but it concerns us that these regulations are deemed necessary, and we, in the Alliance, are standing together to

Alex Green

reject any normalisation of violence against women and girls in all forms. This is especially the case within a vital service like taxis. It is undeniable that many women experience a heightened level of concern and vulnerability when travelling compared to men. This burden of worry is not something women choose to carry, but rather a consequence of systemic issues that need to be addressed.

We want to further empower passengers with knowledge and resources to protect themselves;

raising awareness about VAWG, prevention and emergency protocols is crucial. This means enforcing accountability with robust reporting mechanisms and transparent investigations. It means holding perpetrators accountable and rebuilding trust in the system. And it means that taxis must have zero tolerance for VAWG and prioritise victim safety.

As female Councillors we have pledged to continue working to dismantle harmful stereotypes and advocate for systemic change that can create streets and taxis truly safe for everyone.

We have started work on costing for materials for additional signage in the back of taxis to provide information on how to report a driver or make a complaint – prompted by our recent work with VAWG and feeling safe.

In order to fast-track the scheme, we propose that this is voluntary for our drivers until such time that we can review the policy to mandate the display of this information.

To report a crime please use the following Kent Police link: kent.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/ af/how-to-report-a-crime/ To provide feedback to the Council, whether it be a complaint or compliment, please visit: tunbridgewells.gov.uk/licensing/taxis-andprivate-hire/taxi-complaints

Alex Green joined RTW Together as its CEO early in 2023. Living in and have grown up in the town, his appointment followed a long tenure working locally leading Trinity Theatre

CEO of RTW Together

Our town thrives on festivals and events IN my view, Tunbridge Wells’ success in building its reputation as a great destination is thanks in part to its many festivals, cultural events and event venues. These both draw in visitors who dwell longer and explore the town, as well as enrich the lives of our residents, who are able to access high-quality entertainment throughout the year, right on their doorstep.

One of the three core aims of RTW Together is to promote our town. We do this by running events ourselves, and by providing crucial funding to the many incredible local groups and individuals that bring the town’s cultural calendar to life. People, I must add, who often kindly give their time voluntarily, due to their love of the arts and their town.

The RTW Together programme of events last year included: the Coronation Weekend, the Big Reveal and Christmas lights switch-on, Easter, Summer and Halloween trails and sponsorship of the Ferris wheel at Christmas.

This year, in addition to repeating the trails and Big Reveal, we are looking at supporting the Subbuteo World Cup tournament as it returns to its birth town. These are all designed to help encourage people not only to come to the town on the day, but also to discover (or rediscover) the great town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and remind people of the many great streets, shops,

However, as RTW Together’s remit is to represent our local business members, the criteria for grant awards (which have a deadline of April 1) focus on how these events will support the business community and how the

‘Our Event Grant Programme, designed to support people and organisations running events with grants of £500£5,000 is launching today’

venues and places to eat and drink, that are worth coming back to time and time again.

Our Event Grant Programme, which is designed to support people and organisations running events with grants of £500-£5,000 is launching today, and applications will be considered from anyone wanting to put on an event in the town centre between April 2024 and March 2025.

Over the past five years, RTW Together has

given out grants totalling over £180,000 to organisations including The Literary Festival, Unfest, The Poetry Festival, Local & Live, Puppetry Festival, TW Mela, street markets, food festivals, Spa Valley events, Antiques Fairs, TW Fringe Festival, Heritage Open Days, Jazz on the Pantiles, The Winter Lanterns Parade and many more.

These events bring vitality to the town which we know are treasured by the community.

event will increase spend and engagement within our community. A new question on sustainability will also be added for this year, in recognition of our commitment to taking action on climate control.

An additional Attractions Grant Programme, to help support the sustainability of year-round cultural venues, will also re-open in the coming months. Previous grants have been awarded to The Forum, Trinity Theatre and The Spa Valley Railway, but we also welcome applications for new attractions.

Application forms and a useful guide on how to apply (including assessment criteria) can be found at: rtwtogether.com/promoting

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

LETTERS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

And another thing…

15

Dear Editor...

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

Healthwatch not up to scratch It was surprising to see Healthwatch Kent being shortlisted for an award in the paper last week, especially one which focuses on improving patient access to health and care information.

After recently returning to Kent from university, I was told by my GP that I no longer live within the catchment of the doctor’s surgery that I had been going to for over a decade. I decided to ring Healthwatch to get more information about this and to see which GPs I could move to.

I was looking for quick information and advice, especially as I was waiting for confirmation of an important hospital appointment that was being arranged by my GP, which suddenly fell through when I

stopped living within the right ‘catchment zone.’ I understand that GP care is organised by local ICBs, but wanted to chase up the hospital appointment, to get it booked in as soon as possible.

I rang Healthwatch Kent a number of times for advice on what to do about my appointment, but was sent straight to voicemail, sometimes also being cut off when I was midway through leaving a message to the service.

After several attempts to speak to somebody at Healthwatch directly, I eventually received a voicemail response over a fortnight after leaving my first messages…

Name witheld for privacy

have it. There are a lot of towns in the UK that don’t.

But may I make a suggestion? When you do your book reviews perhaps, occasionally, film, TV or even podcasts could be included too. It is always good to get recommendations.

Keep up the great work, Mike Lewis

Litter louts

I write with a growing sense of dismay regarding the escalating litter problem in Tunbridge Wells, particularly the increasing prevalence of discarded vaping devices on our streets.

While the town has faced challenges with litter before, the recent surge in vape-related debris is a cause for heightened concern.

It wasn’t long ago that it seemed to be those ‘small silver canisters’ were everywhere. Now, it appears that the landscape has shifted, with vapes becoming the new culprit.

Not only do we not know the long-term health impacts these devices are having on people, but the visual impact of discarded vapes is undeniable, tarnishing the charm of our town.

The government’s proposed ban of these disposable devices cannot come soon enough.

Margaret Lee

Customer is always right?

Tonbridge envy

My Daughter and Son-in-law do my weekly M&S shop in Tunbridge Wells, and always pick up a copy of Times of Tunbridge Wells for me.

As a resident of Tonbridge, I dearly wish that we had a similar free newspaper. It is such a diverse, and thoroughly good read. Residents of TW, I envy you.

Peter Comben

Four letters

A friend asked me whether I could get a letter into the Times of Tunbridge Wells four weeks in a row. I said it was all I’d need to do is find something Labour or the Tories were doing and point out the absurdity of it. The Tories have been quite disciplined since Nasir Jamil announced on Twitter that he was happy to make the roads in Tunbridge Wells more dangerous so I instead had a look at what Tunbridge Wells Labour were saying on there and I couldn’t find anything stupid. In fact I couldn’t find anything at all. Then I remembered they’d lost the login and haven’t had access to their social media for

months. But they do assure they are a serious party set to win Tunbridge Wells. That’s quite absurd.

James Rands

Alcohol aware

I was pleased to read about the recent alcohol awareness theatre show that came to Tunbridge Wells students last week.

Underage drinking needs addressing so I was interested to hear of creative means being used to face such a pressing issue.

Maybe other interactive programmes could be used to tackle other social issues? Although I can see how this might not work with some topics, perhaps it could be used to engage even younger audiences.

Sophie Collins

Keep up the good work

I just wanted to get in touch and say how much I enjoy reading the newspaper. There is something very positive about the way you report on local news, and we are very lucky to

You can get the Times delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning by visiting www.timeslocalnews.co.uk and signing up to our digital newsletter Or scan the QR code on the right...

SCAN HERE

THE TIMES NEEDS YOU:

I was in a shop in a nearby town last week and picked up a storage basket which said it was priced at £12. When I got to the till the assistant announced I was to pay £26! I pointed out that the basket clearly had the price tag of £12, so that was what I was going to pay.

The salesperson then brusquely told me that it was ‘a mistake’ and that was the amount of money I had to pay.

Firstly, I thought the customer was always right and that if something was marked up incorrectly then it was the store that was at fault?! But after an embarrassing exchange where I was left to feel rather humiliated it would seem this is not the policy of this high-end interiors shop – which for the record I shall not be frequenting again. If anyone can let me know if I am indeed in the wrong by not being telepathic about what a store should and shouldn’t price its goods then do let me know...

Lucy Steer

The Times of Tunbridge Wells would like to hear from readers across the Borough. This is an opportunity to share with us any local events happening in your community. We’re keen to receive information on anything exciting going on in your village or town…

Whether you sing in a church choir, play a sport, volunteer for a charity or organise a local coffee morning or a community cinema night, we want to hear about it. Perhaps your town or village holds a weekly farmers’ market, or your church hall plays host to an amateur dramatics society or dance troupe. If so, it’s about time you had the spotlight and we are to help.

From theatre, dance and live music showcasing the breadth of local talent available to us across the Borough, to food larders and charity events that demonstrate our community spirit, there’s lots to promote and also celebrate - including the local heroes who make it all happen behind the scenes.

We are so fortunate that the Tunbridge Wells Borough is made up of a great many small but mighty communities with largerthan-life social calendars. No matter how big or small your event might be, please get in touch and we will endeavour to include it in a borough-wide round-up of what’s on in and around Tunbridge Wells.

To tell us about your event or initiative, please email us at communitynews@ timesoftunbridgwells.co.uk with your full name, the name, date and time of the event you would like to tell us about, and a short description, and we will try our best to include them all.

Local woman celebrates Times gym membership competition win Tunbridge Wells resident Rosemary Murrells has been announced as the lucky winner of our January competition to win a year’s free membership to the local Fusion Lifestyle centre of her choice.

Rosemary, who is in her 70s, and her husband, are already members at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre and her membership will switch to a free membership for the next year.

As a regular user of the centre, making the most of group exercise classes, the swimming pool and the gym, the prize will be put to good use. Rosemary often books tennis courts when her grandchildren visit too, enjoying a game with them on the indoor courts.

Rosemary commented: “I’m thrilled to win this prize, I don’t usually enter competitions as I don’t think I will have a chance of winning.

The facilities at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre are great. I know how important it is to keep active as you get older, and the centre has everything I need to do this. The newly

Rosemary Murrells (left) refurbished café is great too, perfect for meeting friends after exercise and with really friendly, helpful staff.”

Emma Campbell, Fusion Lifestyle’s general manager at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, added: “We’re delighted for Rosemary. She is a regular at the centre already and it’s lovely for one of our customers to be rewarded with a prize like this. We are looking forward to seeing Rosemary at the centre to congratulate her in person.”

Letters printed on these pages do not reflect the views of the Times of Tunbridge Wells. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter if too long.

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Local News

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Top marks for gifted Skinners’ mathletes THE Skinners’ School is celebrating some impressive maths results achieved by two exceptionally gifted students at the grammar school, located on St John’s Road.

The first is courtesy of Year 13 student David, who has been studying at Skinners’ since the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

The talented teenager, who couldn’t speak English when he arrived at the school, has just been offered a place at Cambridge University to study maths.

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INSPIRED: Beacon Academy’s Inspire Scholars

Students enhance their learning with Inspire Scholars Programme

Challenge The school’s headmaster Edward Wesson exclusively told the Times on Monday: “David's achievement is remarkable. He is clearly a brilliant mathematician, and maths is a language that transcends borders and languages, but he is also someone who has refused to be defined by the enormous challenge of pulling up his roots and coming to the UK for the past two years of his schooling.

“We are very proud that he has made it to Cambridge: I suspect this is not the last the Maths world will hear of David and we wish him every success in his A-Levels this summer.” Mr Wesson added that David has also just completed Round 2 of the Senior Maths Olympiad.

According to David’s maths teacher, Laurence Satow, David is the ‘strongest’ student he has ever taught.

In an interview with BBC South East, Mr Satow said: “He stands out head and shoulders above anyone else I have had the privilege to teach.

Success is guaranteed.”

EDUCATION

MATHS MASTERS: David (left) and Karl One of the school’s other talented maths students, Karl Peters, has just achieved full marks in the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge.

The aim of this 60-minute, 25-question multiplechoice challenge is to encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think.

“This puts Karl equal top in the country with his peers,” added Mr Wesson.

TWENTY-THREE Year 10 Beacon Academy students are currently taking part in the Inspire Scholars 9, 10 and 11 Programme.

They meet after school fortnightly with Head of KS4 Science at Beacon Academy, Charlotte Golder, to take part in a range of exciting, enriching and fun super-curricular classes developed by teachers and academics. The classes help students to expand their knowledge and understanding beyond the curriculum and to consider their future academic progression.

Opportunity Miss Golder explains, “Through Inspire Club, the students gain the opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom, working both independently and in teams to support and challenge one another. So far this year, our group of Year 10 students have looked at a variety of topics, from the foundation of language and storytelling through Viking lore to the development of music alongside technology.

Students also have the chance to visit St John’s College, Oxford, either as part of a day visit or residential summer school.

“At the start of the summer holidays in 2023, two of our students, Roma and Amber, were lucky enough to take part in the residential summer school at St John’s College. They had a wonderful time touring the college and interacting with the extracurricular programmes including a College scavenger hunt, a forensics talk from College President Dame Prof Sue Black, workshops, 3D printing, an Oxford formal dinner and a celebration ceremony,” added Miss Golder.

The Inspire Scholars 9, 10 and 11 Programme is a sustained-contact opportunity for students aged 13-16 at non-selective state schools and is designed to offer students aspiration-raising opportunities and provide holistic support for students, their parents and carers, and teachers of enrolled schools. There are online information sessions for parents and carers about supporting Scholars on the programme, the university admissions system and study skills.

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ESTABLISHED

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

19

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

INTERIORS

FINANCE

GARDENS

Eclectic originality

Budget friendly

Urban tranquility

We meet Barkerdesign’s Justine Hodgson-Barker

Deborah Richards looks ahead to the Spring Budget

Gardenproud’s Tim Sykes on the perfect town garden

focus on: PROPERTY

In this week's SO supplement we focus on the local property scene, with tips and advice from industry experts, the latest homes for sale and an interview with interior designer Justine Hodgson-Barker

IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

PHOTO KEY & QUILL

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

W

elcome to your new SO Homes & Gardens special. Every month we will be taking a look at all the latest news and views from the housing market and also featuring some of the borough’s most beautiful homes and gardens too. If you love all aspects of property, as well as inspirational interiors and exciting exteriors, then you have found the right place to spend a bit of your precious time…

Within these pages you’ll also find plenty of expert guidance on everything from top tips for putting your home on the market to useful info on self-build and planning permission.

In her regular column Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential looks ahead to the Spring Budget on March 6 and wonders what ‘white rabbits’ the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning to ‘pull from his red box’ which will make buying and selling property a smoother experience for all involved.

See page 23 for more of Deborah’s thoughts.

Elsewhere, Stuart Killacky, Private Banking Manager at Handelsbanken, ponders if and when interest rates will drop further (page 30) while architects Atelier de Linde suggest five key ways to ensure your building project is less of a headache.

Turn to page 31 to discover what this award-winning business,

which is headed up by Tara de Linde and Angie Pool, has to say. On page 24 Becky Moran of TN Lettings gives us the lowdown on the latest electrics legislation needed if you’re renting out a property.

To kick off our new interiors section we speak to talented local designer Justine Hodgson-Barker of Barkerdesign about what inspires her work – the hallmarks of which are unique, eclectic and totally reflective of her clients’ passions and personality. She also talks us through two recent design projects she has worked on locally – see pages 26 and 27 for all the aesthetic details which have been beautifully captured by photographer Kasia Fiszer.

Finally, we have two features that will appeal to the green fingered among our readers. First up is a piece by Vikki Rimmer on page 29 on the timeless appeal of snowdrops which are currently in season and in full, glorious display at Hever Castle’s magnificent gardens right now.

Then we have our regular gardening expert Tim Sykes of GardenProud revealing the secrets of how to create a stunning garden in a confined space. There's also all your usual Arts & Culture and Spports coverage to read up on too.

Enjoy the issue,

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

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Building your dream home: 10 CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGNING A SELF-BUILD HOME

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uilding a self-build home is a thrilling and rewarding endeavour, offering the chance to tailor and design every aspect of your living space. However, designing your self-build home requires careful planning and consideration. If you want to build your dream home from scratch but don’t know where to start, here are ten crucial aspects to contemplate when embarking on the journey of designing your self-build home.

1. Budget wisely

Before you dive into design ideas, establish a realistic budget. Do your homework and not only research build costs, but also consider construction costs, unforeseen expenses, potential overruns and any additional features that you may want to include. Avoid getting carried away and don’t waste your time designing a house that you cannot afford to build. Staying within budget is essential for a successful self-build project.

appliances, it will not only contribute to a greener environment, it will also help to reduce your energy bills.

requirements and maintenance, certain designs and finishes will require more upkeep than others.

5. Future-proofing your design

8. Planning permission

When designing your self-build, anticipate future needs and trends whilst ensuring that you design with flexibility in mind. Consider potential changes in your lifestyle, such as a growing family or evolving work requirements.

Future-proofing ensures that your home remains functional and relevant for years to come. As well as design, think carefully about the choice of materials, some age better than others.

9. Landscaping and outdoor spaces

Extend your design thinking to the outdoor spaces, don’t forget to plan for landscaping and outdoor living areas, gardens and sustainable landscaping that will not only create an inviting and well-rounded home environment, you will also enhance the overall kerb appeal.

2. Choose the right architect and builder

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will have to make is deciding who you will trust with the job of designing your new home. Choose an architect and builder who understands your vision, as well a professional who has experience in self-build projects and a portfolio that aligns with your style. Effective communication and a shared vision are key to turning your dream into a reality.

3. Understand your lifestyle needs

When designing your home make sure you analyse your current and future lifestyle requirements. Consider factors such as family size, workspace needs and specific features that align with your daily routines. A well-designed home should adapt to your lifestyle, providing both functionality and comfort.

4. Energy efficiency and sustainability

Don’t forget to consider sustainability and integrate energy-efficient design principles into your plans. Explore renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient

One of the biggest hurdles and most daunting task is getting through the planning process.

With so many rules and regulations it can be overwhelming and tricky to know where to start.

Seeking help from a planning consultant will be beneficial in so many ways, they will not only have an understanding of what is deemed acceptable by local planning authorities, they can also recommend a trusted architect or designer. Sited offer invaluable advice and can take care of the whole process from start to finish.

• Occupant details: How many occupants, ages, do you want to factor in a working space? Do you need a guest room?

• House size: How big do you want your home to be? How many bedrooms? The type of living space required.

• Non-negotiable features: What are you not

willing to live without? Do you need a ground floor bedroom, gym or home office? Do you want a downstairs toilet or want an en-suite.

• Budget: Be very clear on your budget and make sure you factor unexpected costs.

6. Legal and planning considerations

• Planning conditions: Make sure you include

Make sure you research and familiarise yourself with local building regulations, planning permissions and zoning laws. By ensuring that your design complies with these requirements, you will avoid potential delays or complications during the construction process.

Consult with local authorities or planning professionals such as Sited if needed.

any planning conditions that you are aware of in your design brief.

7. Interior and exterior aesthetics

Think carefully about what you want out of your home, do you want to embrace smart technology design? How important is natural lighting to you? How many bedrooms do you need? Consider architectural styles, materials you want to use.

You may also need to consider accessibility

10. Develop a detailed brief

Whether you are outsourcing to an Architect or designer or you are going to come up with your own design, it’s absolutely vital to devise a design brief, the more detailed the better. Your brief should include:

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Wednesday February 21 | 2024

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Homes & Gardens 23

WILL HOMEBUYERS AND LANDLORDS WIN IN THE SPRING BUDGET?

Moving on up…

Help is at hand for first-time buyers and those seeking their forever home, thanks to a number of new incentive schemes at Pearmain Place in Crowborough…

I

ndependent housebuilder Dandara is currently marketing a new development, Pearmain Place in Crowborough, East Sussex.

Already popular with local homebuyers, the development is ideally located for commuters, as it is close to the A26, and only eight miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Having only launched off-plan last September, the development of 100 family homes, which is made up of three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, Pearmain Place has recently received a ‘Quality Recognition Award’ from Premier Guarantee, the UK’s leading warranty provider.

Judges who visited the development close to Ashdown Forest late last year said they were ‘impressed by the standard of site management, workmanship, health and safety, site tidiness and general co-operation’.

Greenery Lewis Miller-Hudson, Senior Site Manager at Pearmain Place, commented at the time: “We are really enjoying building in Crowborough, it’s surrounded by greenery and a beautiful place for new homes.

“Given that we started work on site in June, we are thrilled to receive a Quality Recognition Award acknowledging our great work on site.

Dandara also hosted a special ‘Ways to Move’ event at Pearmain Place over the last weekend of January.

The aim was to assist buyers at various stages, whether

they were embarking on their first property purchase or seeking their forever home.

Sales team and financial advisor Evolve Financial Solutions were on hand to answer any financial questions that prospective buyers had and were also able to discuss various buying options, including Dandara’s ‘Moving Made Easy’ and Part Exchange schemes.

Kulvi Singh, Senior Mortgage Consultant at Evolve Financial Solutions, said: “With a 15 per cent increase in properties entering the market in the first week of 2024 compared to last year, there is no better time to seek mortgage advice.”

Following the event last month, Stuart Galloway, Head of Sales for Dandara Southeast, said: “Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation and exploring available options is crucial in any home purchase.

“Our ‘Ways to Move’ event served as an invaluable opportunity to tap into expert guidance, providing insights on how we can facilitate a smoother move for you.”

Dandara is currently selling homes off-plan with exclusive offers at Pearmain Place, where a selection of three-, fourand five-bedroom homes are available.

A number of incentives are available, including stamp duty contributions up to £31,000, ‘Movers Packages’ worth up to £27,750 and ‘First Time Buyer Packages’ worth £20,000.

Prices start at £400,000 for a three-bedroom semidetached home with carport and parking.

For more information, visit: dandara.com/pearmainplace or call 01892 349 093

With the Spring Budget two weeks away, and the general election expected to be called later this year, the Chancellor has an opportunity to provide imaginative incentives in the property sector for would-be homebuyers and landlords, which could in turn benefit house sellers and tenants. Deborah Richards, Founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, anticipates the white rabbits Jeremy Hunt may try to pull from his red box on 6th March – and their implications for the property market.

Top of the wish list for everyone trying to buy a property is almost universally a reduction in stamp duty; after the pandemic holiday, all property purchases over £250,000 are once again subject to stamp duty.

While it has been suggested by Jeremy Hunt that the government doesn’t have much headroom for tax cuts, there is speculation among property professionals that stamp duty land tax reliefs for first time buyers may be extended to help them get on the ladder with as little taxation as possible.

To further assist first time buyers, there are rumours of a 99% mortgage scheme, requiring only a 1% deposit. This could help redress the imbalance between supply and demand in the private rental sector, as more tenants could afford their own homes, which in turn could stimulate house prices at the lower end of the market, which could ripple upwards. But whether the scheme comes to fruition is debateable as rigorous affordability testing, put in place to prevent the 2008 recession from reoccurring, may nip any hopes for this scheme in the bud.

There are also wide calls for tax incentives for landlords to make their properties more profitable. This would be a welcome measure from Jeremy Hunt to encourage landlords to stay in the private rental sector and encourage new buy-to-let rentals to help reverse the decline in rental properties and ease competition for tenants.

Jeremy Hunt will be keen to give attractive incentives to boost confidence in the property sector and in his party. But with recent warnings from the IMF that any tax amendments in the UK would be unrealistic, I suspect he will try to make a little go a long way with the electorate.

Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, a leading, award-winning independent Sales and Lettings estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert advice and exceptional customer service.

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

18 Homes Property Feature 24 & Gardens

Sponsored Handelsbanken Tunbridge Sponsored by by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells Wells

15 | 2024 2023 Wednesday February 21

Consider aan custom build for your dream home What is EICR? Experts from Tunbridge Wells-based land consultancy Sited explain the key differences between self-build and custom build construction projects…

AT SITED, we are often asked about the advantages of custom building over self-build projects.

Self-builders take on all the risks themselves once they have purchased a plot. The construction and project management will be the responsibility of the self-builder and is generally undertaken by those in the building trade.

With custom build homes, the buyer is purchasing a completed or part-completed

‘There are many advantages to purchasing a custom build property, including savings on stamp duty and community

By Beckyinfrastructure Moran, TN Lettingslevy.’

AN EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition project.which For example, property will be Report providesthe you with important completed and ready occupation – similar information about thefor electrical wiring and to purchasing ainnew-build home. In many installation the property. instances, the mandatory build will be complete, They are not when buyingbut a the internal fittings areare chosen the purchaser property, but they whenby renting one out. and theEICR final is fittings arefive completed An valid for years. by the building contractor or by the occupier if they wish.

There are many advantages to purchasing a Works custom build property, including savings on stamp duty and community infrastructure Here at TN Lettings when approached bylevy.

The land is outright and investors weusually would purchased always recommend thisthe is contractor paid in instalments. done beforeisthe point of purchase to make sure in custom plots and offer it Sited wouldspecialise pass without majorbuild works being a complete package – land and build – with required.

Just imagine if you buy a lovely contractors who out provide a highyou standard property to rent and then need aof full construction. rewire once the sale has gone through.

For more visit: sited.land If you hadinformation, this done beforehand there could

THE TW PROPERTY OFFICES

Established firm offers full property services

have been a renegotiation on the price to allow for this allowing you to TW PROPERTY is an established independent maximise your estate agency and property management investment and also to company in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, plan in the void period offering property sales, rentals and more required whilst the recently, a thriving block management business. work is carried out.

BECKY MORAN If you are buying a Invested property to live in I would also work by the same rule and allow the offer on the property to reflect We have invested in all the latest software to any works that need to be done – the cost of an ensure your property is fully marketed locally and EICR is low in comparison to the cost of a rewire. nationally via the main property portals such as Here at TN Lettings we use M&S Electrical in Rightmove and Zoopla as well as on social media.

Sevenoaks – a local, trusted company we have You can also find us on Facebook and been using for a number of years. EICR’s start Instagram. Like and follow us to keep up to date at just £200 plus VAT. on all new properties, industry news and advice.

IfRURAL you would like to book in a EICR with LIVING A Sited plot in the Ashdown Forest As a company, we have been in Tunbridge M&S Electrical, call them on 01732 247660 Wells for 20 years, but as individuals we have

worked in the area for over 30 years and in that time have visited pretty much every road and property style there is. This makes us property and local experts and we are happy to share our knowledge and experience with you.

Our customer-friendly website gives lots of helpful information about all of our services and a bit about the team, as well as all of our current available properties for sale and to let.

We would love to talk to you about anything property-related and of course help you sell, rent or manage your block.

Contact us on 01892 530109 or of course you can come and see us in our office at 34 Monson Road.

We look forward to meeting you in person, or you can visit our website at: tw-property.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

£450,000

This 3 Bedroom Semi Detached family home with driveway and planning permission to extend, is situated in Tunbridge Wells less than a mile from a Mainline Station. The property benefits from 2 reception rooms and a rear garden. Council Tax D, EPC D.

STONEGATE

OIRO £1,000,000

An immaculately presented substantial 4/5 bedroom home in a central village location with in excess of 2700 sqft of luxury living space. This beautiful detached property has been tastefully renovated and boasts four bedrooms upstairs plus the option of using one of the reception rooms as an additional bedroom if required. This property is being offered to the market with no onward chain. The property also offers, a rear garden, off road parking and a garage. Council Tax F, EPC E.

RUSTHALL

GUIDE: £450,000 - £475,000

This beautifully presented, 3 bedroom, semi-detached property, creates the perfect family home for anyone looking to reside in the heart of Rusthall Village or within a ten-minute drive of Tunbridge Wells. The property benefits from a driveway to the front of the house. Council Tax C, EPC E.

Reasons to choose KMJ Property Genuinely Family Run/Owned Contactable 24/7 Three offices across Kent & East Sussex Shortlisted for Best Customer Service in the South East Best in Postcode for Customer Service Best Estate Agent Award for Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough included in the Best Estate Agent Guide Genuine, honest advice, whenever you need it Contact us on 01892 515188 or 01342 824824

26 Homes & Gardens

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

An eye for

detail…

Photography: Kasia Fiszer

Justine Hodgson-Barker of local interior design business Barkerdesign tells Eileen Leahy what inspires her unique, eye-catching work and reveals the inspiration behind two stunning recent projects…

W

hen I first interviewed Justine of Barkerdesign a couple of years ago she told me that interior design was ‘all about personality’ for her. Well, the talented designer, who launched her business in 2009, has certainly stuck steadfastly to that style mantra ever since and is now renowned for creating eclectic Insta-worthy designs in people’s homes that don’t slavishly follow trends but instead skilfully reflect their owners’ passions and personality.

Artisan The Barkerdesign studio has earned its reputation over the years for having an accomplished eye for detail and also the key ability to honour a property’s period.

“I do this by mixing up pieces from different eras – curating vintage pieces along with artisan commissions. Combining these with new designer finds is what sets my designs apart in the industry,” explains Justine.

“Central to my design philosophy is the interpretation of the client’s brief to create original, eclectic interiors that surpass trends, creating spaces that are every bit as individual as my clients,” she adds.

The business is based in Tunbridge Wells, but covers the whole Kent area, for both residential and commercial.

“Every project is different, which is why I have created three services for each level of a project. These range from complete refurbs through to space planning and miniconsultations to help you solve your design dilemmas.”

Recently, Justine has completed two stunning projects: a Georgian villa in Sevenoaks and a manor house in Lewes, East Sussex. As the beautiful pictures on this page testify, her talent for picking out the right kind of colour palette, fixtures and fittings for each period of home is razorsharp. And unlike a lot of designers who thrust their personal taste on clients, Justine is all about incorporating an owner’s style, taste and existing pieces into any new scheme so it artfully reflects them and not a trend…

Justine Hodgson-Barker

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Homes & Gardens 27

Gorgeous Georgian: The brief: “I wanted to create a loved and lived-in family home. So we mixed contemporary and classic with a distinctly French feel. We kept the overall style calm and relaxed with all the practicalities needed for a growing family. We curated Georgian antiques along with contemporary takes on classics and new designer finds which provided the ‘wow’ features to bring a fun element.”

Majestic manor house: The brief: “This project called for a style that carefully created furniture and objects from different eras to create an effortlessly cool vintage vibe.

We allowed the bones of the building to lead with a timeless backdrop where we could, and enhanced the space with statement artwork and objects, whilst linking through to more maximalist spaces where layered lighting created a magical and fun atmosphere in the evening.”

To the right of the hall, you are greeted by an abundance of light throughout the whole kitchen, dining and living area aided by several newly fitted Velux windows. The living room and dining area are beautifully divided with an ‘Evonic Sponsoredbut by cozy Handelsbanken Tunbridge 28 Halo Homes & Gardens 810DS’ two-sided tunnel fire, creating a modern vibe in both areas.Wells The kitchen is fitted with Wednesday February 21 | 2024 integrated appliances including a brand new Bosch blue tooth/smart dishwasher, fridge freezer, hob and oven. Both the kitchen breakfast bar pendants and living area wall lights are fitted with ‘Industville Sleek Edison’ lights. Tucked away, to the side of the kitchen is a convenient utility room giving space for both washing machine and tumble dryer, and this room also provides access to side of the property.

Stylish family home in a perfect location Both double bedrooms boast far-reaching THIS property is located a stone’s throw from views towards the Denny Bottom area of some of Tunbridge Wells’ most highly-regarded q Rusthall.

The main bedroom benefits from a primaryOff and secondary schools, including the main living area but is a study with a solid oak fitted desk which provides a sleek, practical solution to working stunning en-suite shower room finished with not limited to Bishops Down Primary, Rose Hill a more grown up homework the rear is a large, level garden which has been recently Italian porcelain andarea.To bamboo-textured ceramic School, from Bennetthome Memorialor School, The Skinners’ tiles, a solid oak vanity unit, a Crittall-style School, landscaped Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar and with Italian porcelain tiles on both patios. There are raised borders with architectural planting and down shower surround and a power shower with a Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. lightsis also running the side of the house and 'up and over' the back.

The property located down just 1.4 miles from Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station.

This property Viewsis located a stone’s throw from some of Tunbridge Wells most highly regarded primary and secondary schools, including but not limited to Bishops Down Primary, Rose Hill School, Bennet Memorial School, Skinners, Approaching the property, you are greeted with off-road parking and a detached garage.

Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar and Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar. This property is also located just 1.4 miles Proceeding up the steps to the left of the garage from Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station. you will find yourself at the front door of ‘Solidor Amalfi’, leading into the entrance hall.

To the left, at the front of the property you are presented with two double bedrooms and a single bedroom, all of which have 100 per cent wool carpets fitted.

MORE PROPERTIES REQUIRED IN ALL AREAS rainfall shower head.

Between the hall and the bedrooms, you will also find a useful storage cupboard and the family bathroom, also finished with Italian porcelain and bamboo-textured ceramic tiles and a solid oak vanity unit.

To the right of the hall, you are greeted by an abundance of light throughout the whole kitchen, dining and living area aided by several newly fitted Velux windows. The living room and dining area are beautifully divided with a

two-sided tunnel fire, creating a modern but cosy vibe in both areas. The kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances including a brand-new Bosch smart dishwasher, fridge freezer, hob and oven.

Drive, Tunbridge Wells, Kent BothRydal the kitchen breakfast bar pendants and living area wall are fitted with ‘Industville Sleek Edison’ lights. Tucked away, to the side of the kitchen is a convenient utility room giving space for both a washing machine and tumble landscaped with Italian porcelain tiles dryer, and this room also provides access to the on both patios. There are raised borders with side of the property. architectural planting and down lights running Off the main living area is a study with a solid down the side of the house and ‘up and over’ oak fitted desk which provides a sleek, the back. practical solution to working from home or a For more details, contact KMJ Property on more grown-up homework area. To the rear is a 01892 515188 or visit: kmjproperty.co.uk large, level garden which has been recently

A SUBURBAN JEWEL IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WWW. G A R D E N P R O U D . C O . U K DE S I G N | C ON S T R UC T | MA I N T A I N

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Homes & Gardens 29

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

green…

IN THE

It’s currently snowdrop season, so Vikki Rimmer takes a trip to Hever Castle & Gardens to check out the amazing displays that you can see courtesy of a self-guided walk…

There’s a religiosity to these delicate white flowers that gently trumpet the closing month of winter and the hope for spring to come.

Snowdrop Walks (a self-guided tour) takes the visitor to Hever Castle & Gardens along a wonderful exploratory tour of the Outer Moat, the Winter Gardens and through Sunday Walk and Church Gill.

Neil Miller, Head Gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens, has a passion for the Galanthus flower and has planted on average 10,000 extra snowdrops every year since 2017, doubling the number from 70,000 to 140,000 today.

Neil explains: “Thousands of Galanthus

Greenery There’s much to learn about these tiny green and white flowers adds Neill. “They are known for their medicinal properties and ability to cure headaches (those with a throbbing head would pick and gently rub the bulb at their temples!

“Snowdrops were traditionally grown in churchyards to coincide with Candlemas Day which falls on February 2.”

Visitors to Hever Castle & Gardens during February will find further snowdrop facts placed around the ground.

Visitors will be able to learn how: • The snowdrop plant was first logged by the godfather of the snowdrop world Carl Linnaeus as ‘Galanthus nivalis’– the word comes from the Greek ‘Gala’, meaning milk and ‘Anthos’ meaning flower.

• Snowdrops weren’t named after drops of snow but instead after ‘eardrops’ – the name for earrings worn by women from the 15th to 17th centuries • Snowdrops contain their own antifreeze proteins and were once harvested during the First World War to make antifreeze for tanks • It’s unlucky to bring a single snowdrop into your home – it’s akin to inviting death inside.

• William Wordsworth wasn’t just enamoured with daffodils, in 1819 he was inspired by the Galanthus plant to write the poem ‘To a snowdrop’ Self-guided snowdrop walks at Hever Castle & Gardens run from 10.30 to 3pm daily (last exit 4.30pm). A Snowdrop Walk is included in the garden ticket entry price. For further details visit: hevercastle.co.uk

Picture: Vikki Rimmer

“With over 140,000 snowdrop bulbs planted in the grounds at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle & Gardens ‘Snowdrop Walk’ is not to be missed this February”

nivalis can be found blooming away on the Outer Moat, patrolled by a pair of our white swans, while up on Sunday Walk, snowdrops accompany the walker all the way up to Church Gill where unusual varieties have been planted in this newly developing garden.

“The Winter Garden at Hever Castle is also home to some unusual snowdrops like the giant ‘Colossus’, ‘Wendy’s Gold’ (a yellow-tinged beauty), ‘Grumpy’ (with markings that mimic a sad face) and Galanthus ‘Green Brush’.”

Picture: Hever Castle

H

ever Castle is currently a hive of activity and excitement for the ‘Galanthophiles’ – a particular breed of botanists and gardeners who have a major passion for snowdrops (Galanthus).

Self-guided snowdrop walks at Hever Castle & Gardens began on February 7 and are currently running from 10.30 to 3pm daily (last exit 4.30pm). A Snowdrop Walk is included in the garden ticket entry price.

With over 140,000 snowdrop bulbs planted in the grounds, Hever Castle & Garden’s ‘Snowdrop Walk’ is not to be missed this February.

Rather fittingly for Hever Castle & Gardens, the first snowdrops cultivated in Britain were documented in 1598 during the reign of Elizabeth I – who, it is traditionally thought, visited Hever Castle & Gardens, the childhood home of her mother Anne Boleyn.

Wednesday December | 2023 30 Homes &20Gardens

Sponsored

by Handelsbanken Sponsored by Handelsbanken TunbridgeTunbridge Wells Wells

February 21 | 2024 27 PropertyWednesday Feature

Discreet Marketing needs headline copy

Town garden designs for your new home

By Tim Sykes, Gardenproud

Corten Steel-edging with evergreen ferns. In the centre of each bed we planted parasol trees (Morus Alba) which are fruitless mulberry trees.

The feature panels and trees are further enhanced with lighting so entertaining can continue well into the evening.

The second design is for a town house in Tunbridge Wells. Here, a shady garden space Instead, they simplylawn contact suchand as with a moss-ridden wascompanies left uninviting SJD Projects or SITED, and let us know about needed a refresh.

We designed a garden that the types of sites they are interested in.

We then looks attractive and incorporates features to contact them when presented property or both stimulate the senses and with enjoyaoutdoor site that meets living.

The lawntheir wentrequirements. and a larger terrace now At SJD Projects and SITED to from source harbours an exquisite table we andwork chairs The the right developers for your property, meaning Heveningham Collection.

Beyond, the sound of you domasks not waste your traffic time with water the town as itunsuitable bubbles away buyer.

All of our sales are made water discreetly, in the copper-coloured circular feature protecting both your Products. identity and from Capital Garden Theyour water feature individual interests. and a splendid painted bench are reflected in a Since the company was by founded over 20 years bespoke mirror designed the Gardenproud ago, SJD latterly SITED have worked to build team andand made and installed

by Aldgate Home. relationships with reputable and The whole scheme includesdevelopers clever lighting buyers that sites and properties provided byare ourlooking friends for at SCEC Electrical throughout the UK providing a truly new bespoke Contractors, which gives the garden life as service for our clients. dusk settles.

If you have ainformation site or property would For further andthat helpyou with like togarden sell off-market, please contact us today your design, contact Tim Sykes at at steve@sjd-projects.com.

Steve@sited.land Gardenproud on 07725 173820.

See us on Instagram or at: gardenproud.co.uk

A subdeck would help pad out this page as well, not sure of Steves surname xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx Sited xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

CREATING a stunning garden design in a confined space can work really well when you have a focused approach.

Here are two examples of town gardens created

by Gardenproud recently.

The first is a design for a contemporary rear THE property changed London housemarket gardenhas with a lower ground floor astronomically in the the kitchen. past fewThis decades, bringing terrace adjoining incorporates in aoutdoor new eracooking of off-market andlounge privateseating sales. Last an area and year itsurrounded was reported the Telegraph, an space byinlarge pots with attractive astonishing one in four sales above £1 million in olive tree half standards.

London had taken place “off-market”.

The garden incorporates a large upper terrace So, why off-market sales gaining which hadare been neglected.

Therapidly client’s traction? While there manyspace benefits preference was for an are outdoor for associated with with friends private and sales, we are focusing relaxation relatives.

Lighting on the primary factors driving surge in was a key consideration, asthe wasrecent simple planting popularity.

The firstlow is discreetness. that would require maintenance.Unlike conventional methods, details of your property or site are not posted on portals, paraded in Highlighted agents' windows, or advertised online and in newspapers only to attract the attention ofgrey a We designed a centrally-placed terrace in porcelain tiles, surrounded by an attractive decorative aggregate. The original boundary ‘The was best buyers developers fencing stained black,and and feature cedar panels were created to accent the position of new no longer search through pages lounge furniture. The four corners of the terrace and pagesbyofsquare advertisements are highlighted beds created from for

their next opportunity’

flock of uncommitted buyers.

Instead, sales are made through direct contact, ensuring your property or site is sold swiftly to a reputable buyer. Private sales generate a sense of exclusivity, boosting the likelihood of a quick and hassle-free transaction. In comparison, traditional property advertisements have become somewhat outdated and, in many cases, ineffective.

The best buyers and developers no longer search through pages and pages of advertisements for their next opportunity.

The interest rate ‘crystal ball’

By Stuart Killacky, Handelsbanken

FOLLOWING a period of interest rate increases, the last few months have seen a period of stability, with the Bank of England holding rates at 5.25 per cent. The question now is: at what point will we see them start to fall?

The most recent Bank of England meeting saw rates once again held at their current level – the fourth time this has happened. However, the vote by the members gives a slightly more nuanced picture.

Persistence Six members voted to keep rates as they are, two for a further increase and one voted to cut rates.

The majority of the committee judged that even though services inflation and wage growth had fallen more than expected, there were enough indicators of persistent inflation to warrant maintaining rates.

The two backing an increase argued that embedded inflation persistence remained a risk, requiring higher rates to manage it – what is known as the ‘hawkish’ position. But one member backed a cut to rates, claiming that the time lags between increases being applied and the knock-on effects on the economy meant the Bank rate ought to become less restrictive.

While inflation rates are not as high as they have been in the previous 12 months, there are still sufficient indicators to prevent a cut at this time. While the view of markets is that a reduction in rates will come later in the year, the timing is open to a variety of interpretations.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the Bank of England, and both their Chief Economist and one of the Deputy Governors have said that while this will happen, it won’t happen just yet.

Handelsbanken is here to help guide and advise on all types of mortgages. Contact us at: handelsbanken.co.uk/en/find-branch/ tunbridge-wells

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Atelier de Linde: Architects

FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BUILD PROJECT RUN SMOOTHER The chance to create your ideal home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But with so many big decisions to make, a large renovation or new build can become overwhelming. RIBA-Chartered Tunbridge Wells architects, Atelier de Linde, share their tops tips for reducing your stress.

1

2

BUDGET Establishing a realistic budget and priorities early on and communicating them with your architect means they can be creative but calculated, providing innovative solutions whilst still working within any financial limitations

LIFESTYLE NEEDS

Clearly communicating lifestyle needs and preferences is vital, including the number of rooms, spaces, and specific requirements. Discussing the ideal flow, functionality and feel of the space enables a great architect to elevate these key factors within their designs.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “We take plenty of time with each client to establish their fundamental desires and drill into the details of their dream so that we have the tools and the knowledge to make it a reality.”

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Starting a project with a well-defined budget and well-communicated priorities gives us the ability to be innovative and efficient. Understanding where we can be flexible and creative, determining which elements are non-negotiable and where there is the potential to phase aspects of the project or assist with value engineering, ensures the finished product is perfect for our client.”

SITE CONSTRAINTS

3

Every site is unique. It is vital to consider specific characteristics of your building site, such as local regulations, topography and orientation, as they can significantly influence the design and cost of construction.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Early diligence to define and troubleshoot any potential problems reduces the chances of reapplying for planning permission, which causes delays and overspending.”

4

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS Establish effective communication channels with your architect to ensure that your ideas, concerns and feedback are fully understood.

Simple lines of communication and a team that you trust to take on your thoughts and concerns provide peace of mind that your investment is being prioritised and your personal preferences are being incorporated into the design.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “We pride ourselves on real-time communication. We have WhatsApp groups for all our clients to freely share information, updates and inspiration, whilst also giving them the platform to ask questions from as early as Stage 1. We encourage our clients to use this resource as often as they need and are currently investigating software that will enable even better communication with our clients in the future.”

BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Award-winning, RIBAchartered architects We realise your dreams with tailored service, combining high-quality design with sustainable principles.

Experts in:

5

LONG-TERM VISION Think about your long-term needs and how the design can adapt to changes in your lifestyle or family size, safeguarding the longevity and functionality of your home. Being pragmatic about what the space may need to offer in 10 to 20 years will reassure you that the investment you are making is future-proof to avoid disruption and excessive costs later down the line.

TARA AND ANGIE’S TOP TIP: “Whether it’s small additions within the design to make a garage easily convertible in the future or designing spaces that can easily be split or reconfigured, we help our clients build a home or extension that can cater to all eventualities.”

• New builds • Passive House retrofits • Carbon neutral buildings • Schools, hotels, public spaces

www.atelierdelinde.co.uk hello@atelierdelinde.com 01892 571474

Your Trusted, Local, Independent Letting Agents Why use TN Lettings?

Bespoke service and pricing Excellent service with low fees Excellent market and legislation knowledge Family run independent local company

Services include Tenant finding | Fully managed Rent collection | Short term lets

01892 249070 info@tnlettings.co.uk

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Arts 33

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Suspicious minds:

Pictures: Jamie Craig Photography

So, whodunnit in this Christie classic?

From Wednesday February 28 to Saturday March 2, Trinity Theatre Company will be putting on its performance of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit classic A Murder is Announced. Here, the cast gather conspiratorially to reveal more about the play and its fascinating plot…

N

othing out of the ordinary ever happens in Chipping Cleghorn, a quintessentially English village in middle England where everybody knows everybody else. Then, one day a mysterious notice appears in the local gazette, announcing that a murder is to take place at six-thirty that evening at Little Paddocks, the home of the elegant and enigmatic Miss Blacklock.

A host of curious locals, including a nosy neighbour, extended family members, an old childhood friend and the eccentric maid are all present when the lights go out, a gun is fired, and someone winds up dead…

But who was the unfortunate victim? Who was the killer? Well, everyone comes under the suspicion of the grimly humorous but determined Inspector Craddock and the eagle-eyed Miss Marple, who must unravel the puzzle and follow the twists and turns to identify the killer.

We caught up with the Inspector, Miss Blacklock and Miss Marple to delve further into this unsettling turn of events…

So, Miss Marple, what brought you to Chipping Cleghorn?

I’ve been having treatment for rheumatism at the spa in nearby Medenham Wells and have come to know the residents of Chipping Cleghorn very well.

So, when I saw the notice in the gazette, naturally I was most curious. Was it some kind of joke? I had some violets to deliver to Miss Bunner, Miss Blacklock’s oldest friend and so leapt at the opportunity to pop in and see what it was all about.

And who was at the house when you arrived?

Miss Blacklock, of course, and Miss Bunner, who by the way was delighted with the violets. But also, Julia and Patrick, relatives of Miss Blacklock.

They’re both young, barely 30 years old at a guess, so the thought that one of them had arranged the announcement as some sort of game crossed my mind, after all, it was Friday 13th.

Can you now tell us what happened next?

Well I wasn’t actually in the room at the time of the murder. Apparently the lights went out and shots were fired, but the curious thing is that everyone was in the room at the time. I have an insatiable curiosity and couldn’t help wondering exactly how the murderer could have carried out their crime; I’m

Would you say Miss Marple was helpful?

Miss Marple wasn’t even there when the murder took place so I was a little frustrated with her ‘interference’ as I saw it. But as the investigation progressed, I came to realise Miss Marple and I had the same goals, both of us have been around the block as they say and know what to look for in a crime investigation. Along with Mellors, the three of us made quite a team.

usually a very good judge of character, but as events unfolded and questions were asked I started to see cracks in their relationships. I even began to ask myself if they were who they claimed to be. The odd thing was, several of them had motives to see Miss Blacklock dead!

Who do you believe is the main suspect?

My dear, I suspect everyone! Even Mitzi, the maid who wasn’t even in the room at the time! I know from experience that anyone who was in the house when a crime takes place may be the culprit. I must leave no stone unturned.

Did you ever feel at risk, putting yourself in such an exposed situation?

I put myself at risk every time my curiosity gets the better of me! It is an occupational hazard…

“A host of curious locals are all present when the lights go out, a gun is fired, and someone winds up dead”

And now, on to you Inspector Craddock. Can you tell us more about the scene of the crime?

Well, when I arrived with my colleague, Sergeant Mellors, the body had been moved but I examined the scene with my usual attention to detail. It appears there were bullet holes in the wall where the perpetrator had fired a gun, missing their intended target. We gathered all those who had been present back into the room and asked them to stand or sit exactly where they had been positioned at the time the shots were fired.

Tell us, what did you deduce from this?

Not a lot to begin with apart from the fact that we were dealing with a disruptive group of people. All I want is a chance to ask questions and for nice, peaceful, law-abiding citizens to reply with civility. I didn’t even get a straight answer when I asked Julia to confirm that she was Miss Blacklock’s niece. But a lot can be gleaned from conversation, and they were full of it, chattering away while I was asking questions, I came to a number of conclusions that day.

YOUR CHANCE TO FIND OUT WHODUNNIT Join Miss Marple as she searches for the killer in this masterclass of suspense.

A gripping whodunnit from the Queen of Crime.

Support Trinity and TTC by booking your tickets now at trinitytheatre.net or call the box office on 01892 678678 Evening performances 7.30pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Matinees 2.30pm Friday and Saturday.

Trinity Theatre Club have special rates for schools, opening night, matinees and Friends of Trinity.

“Come and see it, you won’t be disappointed!”

Tell us a little about the clues you have uncovered?

Ah, well that would be family photos, ducks, aspirin and above all, biscuits.

Over to you now Miss Blacklock. Surely you must have been surprised by the announcement in the gazette?

Well, it was Friday 13th so I assumed it was a prank. I have my niece and nephew Julia and Patrick staying with me. They have such a quarrelsome relationship, always bickering, I thought perhaps one of them had submitted the notice to the newspaper.

You said you have quite a houseful? Who exactly was staying with you?

Julia and Patrick, as I have already explained. A young widow called Phillipa Haymes who was working for my neighbour at Dayas Hall as an assistant gardener, she’s a trained horticulturist you know. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a cottage available for her in the grounds of the Hall so I offered to put her up with me. I love to have young people around me.

And what about Miss Bunner, was she staying with you too?

You mean Bunny? Oh of course, dear Bunny, my oldest friend, I’ve known her since childhood.

In that case it must be very shocking, a murder taking place in your home?

It’s very shocking indeed. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before and of course I feel very sorry for the family of that poor young man.

Apparently, there is reason to believe that you were the target, how do you feel about that?

I find it very hard to understand as I have no enemies that I can think of – maybe it was someone to whom I owe a dinner invitation?

34 Gig Guide

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk ST EDITH FOLK SESSIONS, OTFORD MEMORIAL HALL, THE VESTRY HALL AND QUEEN’S HALL AT CRANBROOK All event information and tickets available at www.stedithfolk.co.uk/what-s-on 23/02 M G Boulter and Band + Craig Joiner (VH Cranbrook) 01/03 Luke Jackson Trio + Milton Hide (Otford)

February 21 to March 6 In his fortnightly guide, SO Music Editor Paul Dunton selects the best gigs coming up in the local area…

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD All event details and tickets available at www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 21/02 The Story of Guitar Heroes 29/02 The Magic of Motown 03/03 RTWSO: Conductor: Roderick Dunk Soloist: Fenella Humphreys – Violin Repertoire: WAGNER Rienzi Overture SIBELIUS Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

EVEN FLOW CAFÉ, ST JOHN'S ROAD All event information at www.evenflow.com/ events 29/02 Open Mic Night

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN, MT EPHRAIM Open all day, free entry, live music from 8.30pm 24/02 Flux Capacitor

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk 24/02 Back To The 80's 28/02 The Woodentops + Disco Drug Store 01/03 Bad Touch + Electric Black 02/03 A night to celebrate the late Shane Macgowan & The Pogues featuring The Pogue Traders

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD Open all day, music events – free entry (unless stated) music from 8pm – Live music every Friday night

THE FORUM BASEMENT, THE SUSSEX ARMS All event information and tickets at www. twforum.co.uk 24/02 Dusty Grooves

THE BOTTLE HOUSE INN, PENSHURST Open all day, free entry music from 6pm booking advised on 01892 870306 or online at www. thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk 23/02 The Management Solo feat Mike Wilton 01/03 David Mumford

PAUL CRISP

THE BUZZ, 7 THE PANTILES Open all day, free entry, music from 7pm (unless stated) booking advised on 080002119333 23/02 Junior Moore Duo 01/03 Jason Allen THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT SION Open all day, free entry, live music from 7.30pm 29/02 Squeeze-A-Crowd FENELLA HUMPHREYS

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGHSTREET Open all day, free entry, live music from 3.30pm 25/02 Steffan James 03/02 Paul Crisp THE GEORGE & DRAGON, LAMBERHURST Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm 21/02 Open Mic / Jam session all welcome 28/02 Open Mic / Jam session all welcome THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM All event information and tickets available at www.emporiumeventsltd.co.uk/box-officetickets 01/03 Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long!

THE GREY LADY, 70-72 THE PANTILES All event information and tickets available at www.thegreylady.co.uk 22/02 James Kirby + Jop Dorris 01/03 Bob Bernard Quartet THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD Open all day, free entry live music normally from 8pm unless stated 21/02 The Americana Sessions 24/02 Kharma & The Devil 01/03 First Friday Acoustic Night: The Harveys

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET All event information and tickets available at www.tybersreggaebar.com/events 21/02 Tyber & Pete 23/02 Reggae Ray 24/02 Toot n Skamen 01/03 DJ Pete Lacey aka Ska n Mash 02/03 Jack Curti

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD Open all day live music usually every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30pm.

Booking advised Via 01892 513900 or visit www. tn1barkitchen.co.uk 23/02 The Masqueraders Duo 24/02 Owen Donovan 29/02 Julian Burdoch 01/03 The Management Duo 02/03 Release The Geese Duo LUKE JACKSON

MIKE WLTON If you are a venue local to Tunbridge Wells that hosts regular live music or even if it’s a one-off event, concert or festival, contact Paul at least six weeks in advance of your event date with the following details: • Name and address of venue • Date and time of event • Name of event and name of act(s) • Ticket link and/or website (please state if free entry) • 1 x high resolution (300 dpi) landscape jpeg (performer only, no posters) • Please state photo credit if required paul@paulduntonandguests.com

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

Health & Wellbeing 35

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Make your pillars your own!

circumstances we can choose to change things to our advantage and reap the rewards, consciously changing our attitudes, habits or beliefs. As the saying goes, ‘When you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’. Change is good and often a vital step in our self-development and evolution.

This leads me to the value of customising your pillars. What for you provides the means for you to boost your own wellbeing and allow for more contentment and joy to enter your daily life?

Perhaps the five pillars suggested above are missing something for you and that can be added in as an extra, or sixth pillar to make this

as they say in IFS. Here are the eight Cs for you to consider:

1. Curiosity 2. Compassion 3. Calm 4. Connectedness

5. Courage 6. Creativity 7. Confidence 8. Clarity

Finally, the practice of yoga embodies many of the principles of the five pillars, as well as adopting all of the eight Cs for inner contentment and wisdom. If you’ve not yet begun a yoga practice, then I recommend you investigate it. There are lots of different styles of yoga to choose from and many teachers to try, all different and unique. Before choosing a teacher, be sure to check their qualifications and experience. Be courageous, ask questions, and try a few classes out before you settle on your

Lucy Parker

Flow Tunbridge Wells

Senior Yoga Teacher, Integrative Counsellor & Coach flowtunbridgewells.com lucy@flowtunbridgewells.com

Antique 19thC Italian side chair by Carlo Bugatti c.1880

CREATIONS

C

By Rudolph Hamilton of Pushkin Antiques

arlo Bugatti, an Italian designer born in 1856, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. His distinctive style and innovative use of materials have left an indelible mark on the world of design, influencing generations of artists and designers.

One of the most striking aspects of Bugatti's work is its recognisability. His designs often feature intricate patterns, exotic motifs, and bold colours, making them instantly identifiable as his own. From furniture to decorative objects, Bugatti infused each piece with a sense of elegance and craftsmanship that set them apart from the prevailing styles of his time.

Bugatti's contributions to the Art Nouveau movement cannot be overstated. As one of its leading figures, he embraced the movement's emphasis on organic forms and natural motifs, incorporating them into his designs in innovative ways. His furniture often featured sinuous lines and flowing curves, reminiscent of the natural world, while his decorative objects drew inspiration from plants, animals, and other elements of the environment.

Central to Bugatti's design ethos was his use of natural materials such as wood, parchment, vellum, and copper. These materials not only lent his creations a timeless quality but also allowed him to showcase his mastery of

craftsmanship. By combining traditional woodworking techniques with modern innovations, Bugatti was able to create pieces that were both visually stunning and structurally sound.

Wood, in particular, played a significant role in Bugatti's work. He favoured exotic woods such as ebony, rosewood, and mahogany, which

“Central to Bugatti's design ethos was his use of natural materials such as wood, parchment, vellum, and copper.” he painstakingly carved and embellished with intricate inlays and marquetry. This attention to detail, coupled with his bold use of colour and texture, resulted in furniture that was as much a work of art as it was a functional object.

Furthermore, his impact extends beyond the realm of design, as he is also the father of Ettore Bugatti, the legendary automobile designer and manufacturer.

Through his timeless creations and influential lineage, Carlo Bugatti's legacy continues to inspire and shape the world of design for generations to come.

RIGHT RELAXATION

favourites. We have lots of classes at FLOW and many excellent teachers. I’ll be ever so happy to guide you towards the most suitable class for you if you need a little advice or encouragement.

I’m here to help and so happy to support you on your way. You can purchase our introductory offer and get four one-hour classes for just £40.

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed building your own pillars for health and happiness and that you’ll come and visit us at Flow for regular movement, breathwork, meditation and general good health!

Antiques

Timeless

RIGHT NUTRITION

RIGHT THINKING

“Consider when you were last most happy.

What were you doing and with whom?”

practice more personal to you.

So many of us struggle with our mental as well as physical health and this structure may be helpful to give you the stepping stones you need to navigate your best path through some tricky waters. Consider when you were last most happy. What were you doing and with whom?

Were you alone in the forest, chatting and laughing with friends or getting creative in the kitchen? We all are truly unique and individual and our pathway to optimal health is equally personal. I urge you here, in my last article on this subject, to consider your targets and non-negotiable habits that you can build into your life to ensure you feel good about yourself every day.

Build your rituals and behaviours that follow your personal best practices for the 5 pillars listed. Then see what additional pillars you need to add to support your metaphorical house. Do you need social or alone time? Do you need time in nature, in the woods or by open water? Do you feel happier when you get out into the fresh air for a walk each day or when you nourish yourself with good home-cooked food? What about seeking out a creative outlet, art, poetry, writing or cooking that inspires some flare and fun? Whatever you do allow yourself to adopt attitudes that can be described by one of these eight Cs from the Internal Family System (IFS) of psychotherapy. The eight Cs are as follows and when we’re leading a life full of these C’s we’re being led by our sense of inner self, to be self-led

RIGHT BREATHING

T

here we have it, five pillars for your ultimate health and happiness, laid out for you week by week with some top tips on how to explore your association with exercise, breathing, thinking, nutrition and relaxation. I truly hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration and feel you’ve learned something along the way. The eagleeyed amongst you may have noticed a theme arising in my suggestions and focus. That theme being that awareness is key and curiosity king.

When we’re aware and curious about ourselves we open up to all sorts of options and have choices revealed that we may not have seen before. When we’re aware of our current

RIGHT EXERCISE

Lucy Parker of FLOW Tunbridge Wells reviews the pillars of wellbeing she has outlined over the past five weeks and suggests how you can put them into practice…

Antique 19thC Italian display cabinet by Carlo Bugatti c.1890

Mother’s Day Lunch 3 courses for £35 Sunday 10th March 12pm – 5pm

@thebrasserie_owp 01892 520 587 brasserie-owp.co.uk

17 Chapel Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YQ

BOOK NOW!

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

first

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Rangers’ View I

DRIVE: The new Porsche Cayenne

What is it?

The importance of the Cayenne to Porsche should never be underestimated. It was its first SUV in the early 2000s and is said to be instrumental in helping save the German company.

More than two decades later, it continues to be a key contender in the large premium SUV segment, aided by the addition of a more stylish ‘Coupe’ variant a few years ago and a broad choice of engines, including several plug-in hybrids. To help keep it competitive, Porsche is back with a range of upgrades, but can they succeed?

Porsche has revised its largest SUV with new engines and significant interior tweaks.

Ted Welford tries it out…

four-wheel-drive, the Cayenne S can accelerate to 60mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a 170mph top speed. The downside of that V8 brawn? You’ll need deep pockets to run it, with Porsche claiming just 22.6mpg and CO2 emissions standing at 283g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

The current generation of Cayenne has been around since 2018, so a refresh was needed. Visually, not all that much appears to have changed, as is often the Porsche way, but it’s everywhere else where you’ll find differences.

There’s the firm’s latest touchscreen and digital dial displays, while the front-seat passenger can even have their own screen in the dashboard.

The plug-in hybrid, which accounts for the bulk of sales, also gets more power and a much larger battery that extends the claimed electric range to 46 miles – significantly more than before.

The Cayenne has always been the driver’s SUV and it only gets better with this latest model. At just under five metres long, the Cayenne is a big car but the way it behaves behind the wheel is astonishing. There’s a level of agility you just don’t get from large SUVs, and you can throw it into a corner at speeds that would ruffle the feathers of many of its rivals.

As long as you’re not looking at the fuel economy, this V8 engine is superb, with a delightful grumble as you put your foot down, and a surge of power to go with it.

Combined with its quick-shifting gearbox, you’ll struggle to find a more enjoyable and rewarding SUV to drive.

You might expect the payoff to be a harsh ride, but it’s the exact opposite, as even in harder driving the Cayenne’s ride remains composed and never brittle. Our test came with optional adaptive air suspension and though you can’t help but feel it should come as standard on an £80,000 SUV, is a box certainly worth choosing.

What’s under the bonnet?

How does it look?

What’s new?

While more might opt for the hybrid, Porsche hasn’t forgotten about the regular petrol versions. The standard ‘Cayenne’ uses a 348bhp 3.0-litre unit but if you want more performance, there’s the Cayenne S we’re trying here.

Previously this was quite a rare choice as it used a V6 and was down on power compared to the equally-priced plug-in hybrid, but the S now uses a mighty 4.0-litre V8 engine, bucking the trend for downsizing engines, and essentially replaces the previous ‘Turbo’ model.

Power is up 34bhp to 468bhp, with torque standing at 600Nm. With an eight-speed automatic gearbox and

Motoring 37

Though Porsche calls this one of the ‘most extensive product upgrades’ in its history, you’d never know looking at it.

There are changes, predominantly at the rear where the number plate has been moved from the boot lid to the rear bumper and there’s a new 3D-effect light bar, but it’s mainly business as usual from a design perspective.

We’d say that’s a pretty good thing with the Cayenne, as – like most Porsches – it’s aged brilliantly. It gets the balance just right between being bold but never over the top.

The German firm also offers extensive personalisation options, as well as a

FACTS AT A GLANCE:

Model: Porsche Cayenne Price: £70,400 Model as tested: Porsche Cayenne S Price as tested: £84,000 (£105,235 with options) Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 Power: 468bhp Torque: 600Nm 0-60mph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 170mph Economy: 22.6mpg Emissions: 283g/km

more stylish-styled ‘Coupe’ version with a sloped roof for those who prefer that style of vehicle.

What’s it like inside?

There are some pretty big changes on the Cayenne’s interior, with a new widescreen touchscreen, digital dial display and redesigned centre console being the main ones. The displays offer superb clarity and ease of use, and there’s even the option of having a touchscreen in the dashboard for the passenger, but we struggle to see the point of it. The gear selector has also moved from the conventional placing to a little toggle next to the steering wheel, but it’s a bit awkward to use.

But the quality of the Cayenne can’t be faulted, as it feels every inch a premium product with top-grade materials used throughout. There is plenty of interior space as well, with loads of room for adults in the rear and a huge 698-litre boot.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the new Cayenne kick off from £70,400, but if you’d like the excellent V8 engine with the S, you’ll need £84,000. Standard equipment is a bit penny-pinching, with features such as leather seats and adaptive cruise control both absent.

Optional extras on the Cayenne are expensive too, with our test car’s many add-ons coming to more than £20,000, with features such as a panoramic roof (£1,500), 21-inch alloy wheels (£1,900) and a black leather interior (£2,565) all quickly racking up the price.

Verdict

The Cayenne continues to be the SUV that goes against those who say vehicles of this type can’t be great to drive. Its combination of agility and comfort is unmatched, and the changes made to the interior and dynamics only improve on what was already an excellent model.

It offers a level of class that many of its premium SUV rivals seem to have forgotten, and as long as you’re mindful that Porsche isn’t as generous with its equipment as many of the Cayenne’s

f you go down to the woods today, you’ll be sure of a big surprise, and no, we aren’t talking about Ranger Bear’s Winter Quest adventure, we’re talking about the creepy crawlies taking up residence in the new bug hotels we have been working on!

Popular with our insect population, our bug hotels provide a haven for a crucial part of nature’s ecosystems here at Bewl Water.

Our team has been gathering various natural materials to createthesemanmade structures that you’ll find throughout our woodland trails.

From pinecones, twigs and logs to dead grass, bark, and stone, we’ve created layered cubby holes for insects to seek refuge and lay their eggs.

Our Rangers have thoroughly enjoyed making these protective structures, and we all look forward to our precious pollinators, beetles, woodlice, ladybirds, spiders, and mini beasts taking up residence in some Bewl Water 5-star accommodation.

The bug hotels give little explorers the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and learn about the balanced ecosystems of our woodland, and as we look after the smallest of creatures, we will see a knock-on effect for animals and birds higher up the food chain.

We have no doubt that the biodiversity around our water and woodland areas will thrive with new life as we see spring unfold, and we would love for you to join us!

bewlwater.co.uk @bewlwater

If you would like your local team featured in this section, please contact Ben Cornwell at newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk

NEWS

SPORTS

38

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

RTW Fencing Club hope to thrust forward to new heights

By Ben Cornwell ROYAL Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club are looking ‘to step up to the next level’, despite success already in 2024 at county, regional and national series level.

The local club, founded in 2005 by Jerry Raj and three-time Olympian Steven Paul, has 70 active members, with the largest group of their cohort being teenagers. But they also have members fencing at the age of six right the way through to their oldest member, Don Coe aged 92, who is the club’s armourer and one of their assistant coaches.

The club specialises in Épée fencing which has several key differences to the other two fencing weapons, Foil and Sabre. In Épée, the whole body from head to toe is a target and both fencers can score at the same time, whereas Foil and Sabre both have limited target areas and ‘right of way’ rules that mean only one fencer can score at any given time.

However, all three weapons follow the same competition structure – preliminary bouts are first to five points or three minutes long and knockout bouts are first to 15 points or the fencer with the most points after three periods of three minutes.

Training sessions run three times a week, Monday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, at the army reserve centre on St John’s Road, with each session typically divided into under-12, under-14, under-20 and adults to ensure specific coaching support for each age group. Despite fencing generally being an individualistic sport, the club tries to ensure training sessions are fun and foster team spirit, as ‘character and camaraderie’ is just as important to the club as competitiveness.

Camaraderie Valerie Cramb, RTWFC welfare officer added: “The group of fencers now at the top of Cadet (under-17) and Junior (under-20) age groups have been with the club since they started fencing. They have grown and developed their fencing together.

“The club has built an atmosphere of camaraderie, with many of them becoming friends as well as training mates and competitors – pushing each other on and supporting each other to be the best they can be. Our fencers train hard but also enjoy the social aspects of being in the club.”

EN GARDE: Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club at a training camp in Budapest

Since the start of the year, the club has had several champions at county, regional and national series level (Benedict Graham, Annabelle Lavin, Izzie D’Abbraccio, Eilidh Paterson and Andrea Ross), along with five bronzes at regional level and 19 qualifiers for the British Youth Championships in Sheffield in May, a record number for the club. Furthermore, three of the club’s top fencers Lloyd Osborne, Eilidh Paterson and Annabelle Lavin have also represented Britain on the European Cadet Circuit.

But the club’s Head Coach Paul Beasley has told the Times that the club has no plans to stop there and wants to help their fencers reach their highest potential.

He said: “We want to achieve what we haven’t

yet achieved at under-17 and under-20 level, but not at the expense of the continued success of our under-14 fencers – this is the foundation for future excellence in the older age groups.”

“Over the past two seasons, we’ve had five under-17 (‘Cadet’) fencers – Benedict, Lloyd, Eilidh, Andrea and Miles Raymond – selected to fence for Britain on the European Cadet Circuit.

Next season, we’re hoping that Izzie, Alec, Zach Bench, Daisy Beadsworth and Hiba Rochdi will do well enough to be selected as well.”

“As a club, we’re always looking to step up to the next level, and this now means our fencers scoring enough points on the European Cadet circuit to be selected to represent Britain at the World Cadet Championships in China in 2025 – both Lloyd and Eilidh do have a genuine chance of achieving the qualification criteria.

“We will continue to do what we can to support all of our fencers along their own pathways to success – whether this is defined as enjoying a sporting environment in which they feel valued, or stepping onto the podium at county, regional, British or even World level.”

The club plans to take its fencers to a training camp in Budapest again this summer. Paul explained that the ‘generally higher level of Hungarian épée fencing’ helps prepare the club’s teenage fencers for the challenges of domestic ranking competitions and the sharper skills that they may face in international competitions.

TWGGS U14 hockey team win national schools title TUNBRIDGE Wells Girls’ Grammar School’s under-14 hockey team were crowned champions of the 2024 England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Championship Finals, after securing victory in the closing minutes of the final match on February 5.

After winning the county and regional tournaments in October and November, the TWGGS under-14 squad headed north to compete in the national tournament taking place at Nottingham Hockey Centre.

Stormed The team stormed through their first match against King’s School Macclesfield, winning 4-0, and then conceded only one goal against Presdales School, finishing with a 3-1 scoreline.

Their toughest test in the heats was against Newcastle-under-Lyme School, but TWGGS secured a 2-1 victory in this closely-fought game.

Winning all three of their matches led TWGGS

to the final against King Edward VI School from Southampton.

Their opposition appeared to have the upperhand in the first half, with TWGGS 1-0 down at half time.

However, TWGGS fought back in the second half, levelling the score at 1-1 thanks to the team’s top scorer in the tournament Anjalie.

She then went on to double her goals tally for the game, flicking the all-important winning goal into the net in the last seconds of the game, bringing the final score to 2-1.

This was the first time that the school from Tunbridge Wells had won the national tournament.

TWGGS PE staff, Di Scovell and Eirlys Withers, said: “We are unbelievably proud of the team.

They have worked extremely well throughout the last couple of months attending additional training sessions.

“They came together as a team, showing great communication, determination and resilience.”

CHAMPIONS: TWGGS’ under-14 hockey team with the tournament shield after winning the 2024 England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Championship Finals

Wednesday February 21 | 2024

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Sport 39

Battle for third place ends in defeat for Wells Rugby

London Welsh 1XV 48-33 TWRFC 1XV A MILD and thankfully dry day at Old Deer Park, the home of London Welsh, kicked off towards the Kew Garden ‘Great Pagoda’ end for this 3rd and 4th place battle in the Regional 1 South Central League.

Wells faced immediate pressure as Welsh’s forwards executed pick-and-go plays. Tom Douglas broke through, securing a try converted

by Harry Parker, setting the score at 7-0.

Wells swiftly countered, capitalizing on a disallowed intercepted pass by Welsh. A penalty kick, skilfully executed by Wells’ fly-half Jack Greig, brought the score to 7-3.

Dominance Welsh retaliated with flowing moves, securing a try at the nine-minute mark. Although the conversion was missed, Welsh took the lead at 12-3.

Continuing their dominance, Welsh utilized a midfield penalty to gain ground with a line-out near the Wells 22. Rhydian George, the openside for Welsh, executed a well-crafted try, and with the added conversion, Wells found themselves 16 points behind at 19-3.

Pressure mounted as Welsh maintained their offensive from kick-off.

Wells tried to escape their 22, but a fumbled pass led to Welsh nearly crossing the line.

A scrum five for Welsh ensued, yet Wells managed to hold up the ball, clearing their lines.

With the game settling, Wells realized they were in a dog fight. At the 21-minute mark, a Wells attack stressed the Welsh pack. Offside by Welsh led to another successful penalty kick by Greig, closing the gap to 19-6.

Welsh restarted with determination, swiftly returning to the Wells 22. McAvoy’s swift

running created an overlap, resulting in a penalty try for Welsh and their 4th try bonus point. The score extended to 26-6.

From the kick-off, Welsh forced Wells into touch, won the line-out, and spun the ball wide.

The 12 handed off to Williams (No. 20), who scored straight under the posts. With the added conversion, the score soared to 33-6.

Wells applied pressure, opting for solid pick-and-go plays. Tom Webster crashed over the line, securing a try. After a successful conversion, the entertaining first half concluded with a score of 33-13.

The Wells support were under the impression that there was a 20 point ‘wind advantage’ and with that in mind, Jack Greig kicked deep to launch the second half comeback. Welsh’s silky 15 got caught with the ball and didn’t release. Greig went for the 3 again in front of the posts. Score 33-16.

It was now Wells turn to soak up some pressure, a Welsh move broke down, and with no advantage they opted to slot over 3 points to keep the 20 point barrier raised. The score was now 36-16.

With ten minutes passed, Welsh’s Andy Black found

Photography: Bruce Elliott

himself involved in some quality back play and scored, bringing the score to 43-16 with the conversion.

Wells retaliated, orchestrating a lineout 5 meters from the Welsh line. Nick TOM WEBSTER Doherty

scored, and Greig’s conversion closed the gap to 43-23.

Welsh, not to be outdone, saw Tom Douglas secure a brace with a score of 48-23. Wells persisted, and Ben Whale’s skilful play set up Josh Curtis for a try, bringing the score to 48-28.

With 10 minutes left, Josh Curtis broke from the scrum, leading to a lineout. Wells, valiant until the end, pushed forward, showcasing fantastic passing. With the last move, Tom Webster scored in the corner. With the final conversion missed, Wells picked up a try bonus point, with the final score 48-33.

As both sides shook hands, the London Welsh President - John Taylor paid a wonderful and emotional tribute to Colin Bosley a London Welsh legend, as his ashes came home to rest in Old Deer Park.

Success for school equestrian teams in prestigious national events EQUESTRIAN teams at Beacon Academy and Uplands Academy have been making waves recently in the prestigious National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions and events, leaving a trail of triumph in their hoofprints.

At the NSEA Grass Roots and RPL showjumping event at Duckhurst Farm in Hawkenbury in December, Year 10 Uplands Academy rider, Kelcey, with her pony, Buddy, secured second place in the 80/85cm class with a quick, clear round, and then went on to take first place in the 90/95cm class. Year 11 rider, Claudia, also completed a clear round in the 80/85cm class with her pony, Billy, but missed out on a place in the top six.

(Year 7), Tassy and Emily (both Year 8) came out on top as a team in the 50cm class, while the youngest team member, Ezzie, came fifth individually.

Dr Tara Mayhew, Equestrian Team Manager at Beacon Academy, said what had impressed her most was how older students were mentoring and supporting the new Year 7 students who had joined the equestrian team this year.

Mentoring

Prowess At the NSEA Grass Roots and RPL Showjumping event at Hadlow College in January, riders from both teams braved the cold winter breeze to compete in different classes against riders from other Kent and Sussex schools including Chailey School, Kent College, Wrotham School and Claremont.

Beacon Academy riders in Years 7 and 8 competed individually and in teams and showed their prowess in the competition.

Tassy, Emily and Ezzie achieved first place in the 50cm class while Beau, Tassy, Emily and

MENTORS: CooperBurnett Partners Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson, with young rider Ezzie secured first place in the 60cm.

Individually, Ezzie won the 50cm, with Emily coming 2nd and Tassy 6th, and Beau came 2nd in the 60cm.

As a result all the riders have successfully

qualified for the championships at Hickstead Showground in August.

Back in November, four Beacon Academy riders competed in the NSEA Grass Roots Showjumping Qualifiers at Sands Farm in West Sussex. Ezzie

Since May last year, Tunbridge Wells-based law firm CooperBurnett LLP have sponsored the equestrian teams for both MARK Education Trust schools.

Cooper Burnett Partner Victoria Sampson commented: “Mentoring is so important here at TeamCB, so it’s wonderful to hear about it being mirrored within the equestrian teams at both Beacon and Uplands.”

Reflecting on her rider’s latest achievements, Dr Mayhew told the Times: “Our grassroots riders are a small group, but so supportive of each other, and all riding so well.

“All of the riders are looking forward to more competitions in the Spring, and Olivia and her horse, Charm, won their class at the County Individual Qualifiers at Golden Cross this month, and have qualified to represent the county at the NSEA Inter County Finals.”