Times of Tunbridge Wells 23rd November 2022

Council’s garden village plan under threat as inspector voices ‘concerns’

By Richard Williams

THE Council’s plans to build more than 2,500 homes in Tudeley are under threat after a government inspector raised concerns over how the housing project will affect traffic in Tonbridge and the amount of Green Belt that will be swallowed up.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) proposed the building of a garden village in the parish of Capel in its Local Plan to help it meet government housebuilding quotas of more than 13,000 new homes in the borough by 2038.

The Plan outlines where houses are to be built over the next 15 years and also proposes a large expansion of Paddock Wood, as well as some new homes in wards such as Pembury and Broadwater.

Controversial

But the most controversial aspect of the Plan since it was first drafted in 2019 is the proposed Tudeley garden village, which has given rise to protest group ‘Save Capel’ that was formed to try to block the development. Following an extensive period of public consultation and examination that began

in March 2022, TWBC’s Local Plan, which was backed by all parties at the Town Hall, was sent to the government’s Planning Inspectorate in November 2021.

Now, Planning Inspector Matthew Birkinshaw has written back to TWBC voicing his ‘concerns’ over particular aspects of the Local Plan that ‘go to the heart of whether the site and strategy for Tudeley Village is justified and effective’.

In particular, he expressed concern about the impact that the garden village would have on traffic in and around

BIG REVEAL: Thousands of people flocked to Tunbridge Wells at the weekend for the annual Christmas lights switch on. For the full story see our eight-page Christmas guide. Pages 19-26

Tudeley garden village plans under threat

Tonbridge town centre.

Mr Birkinshaw said: “Local Plan growth will add traffic to these junctions, causing negative impacts on their operation. This substantiates the concerns raised by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and local residents.”

“The issue with the soundness of the Plan is that, unlike some other junctions, which can be altered to mitigate harmful impacts, the space to provide any mitigation in Tonbridge town centre is limited,” he explained.

Development

He said there was ‘insufficient evidence’ that measures suggested by TWBC were likely to ‘adequately mitigate against the likely increase in car travel’.

Mr Birkinshaw added that ‘given the existing constraints and congestion in Tonbridge town centre, the cumulative impacts of the scale and location of development would be severe’.

He also voiced concerns over the amount of Green Belt and AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) which TWBC has proposed building on.

“National planning policy is also clear that the Government attaches great importance to the Green Belt, the boundaries of which should only be altered in exceptional circumstances,” he said.

“When considering the level of acknowledged harm to the Green Belt that would occur, combined with the significance of the issues raised, I find that exceptional circumstances have not been demonstrated to justify removing

the site from the Green Belt.”

TWBC will now have to provide additional information to justify the Tudeley garden village.

Alternatively, the Council could modify its plan to make changes to the garden village or delete it from the plan altogether.

A spokesperson for Save Capel said the Inspector’s findings show that he had applied ‘common sense, logic and the law to the ridiculous and unfathomable proposals’.

The spokesperson continued: “He [the Planning Inspector] appears to have fully grasped and been persuaded by many of the arguments all of us – and any sane and independent observer – would have made.

“In short, he has found that the strategic sites, namely Tudeley Village and Paddock Wood/East

Capel, have major flaws and cannot proceed as proposed.”

He continued: “The ball is now with TWBC, who should determine whether they wish to continue with the examination or withdraw the plan.”

But Cllr Hugo Pound (Labour), the Cabinet member for Housing and Planning at TWBC, said: “The Council has made significant progress towards delivering its Local Plan, having submitted a draft plan and completed the hearing sessions in the summer.

“The inspector has now written to the Council to provide advice on the way forward.

“The Council will consider all of the points raised by the inspector before making decision on how to progress the Plan to adoption.”

No more first class travel as timetable changes introduced

A NEW timetable is being introduced by rail company Southeastern next month that will see an end to first class travel from Tunbridge Wells to London.

From December 11, there will only be standard tickets available for those travelling from Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge to London stations. Other changes have been planned to to ease ‘bottlenecks and congestion on routes’.

Southeastern said the timetable improvements will ensure that more trains run on time, with fewer cancellations, meaning around 300,000 more station stops will be on time every year.

The rail company also said the changes will reduce congestion at busy junctions such as at Lewisham, Paddock Wood and Tonbridge to improve punctuality.

Delivers

Scott Brightwell, Operations and Safety Director for Southeastern, said: “The way we all travel has changed post-pandemic, and many of our customers are now using our services differently and at varying times of the day.

“This new and improved timetable delivers a more consistent all-day service and means we’re providing trains – and space – where it’s needed most, which reflects the way people now travel.

“Our customers tell us that reliability and punctuality are their highest priorities. So, we’ve simplified routes to remove bottlenecks, which will see more trains running on time, fewer

cancellations and a more reliable service,” Mr Brightwell explained.

“The simpler structure of the timetable, with most trains leaving stations at broadly the same time each hour, means we can more add more trains into the timetable as demand changes.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, our focus remains on providing the most convenient and reliable railway for everyone who uses it,” he said.

But commuter groups have slammed the changes.

Robert Mansfield of the Tonbridge Line Commuters said: “Southeastern chose not to consult on this timetable, which they are normally obliged to, and the Department for Transport signed off on the lack of consultation.”

He explained that while the removal of first class was ‘uncontroversial’, he said that other changes could lead to a ‘death spiral’ on the line.

Mr Mansfield continued: “We are not opposed to change, but there is a real danger of forcing the railway into a death spiral where a reduced service fails to serve passengers, leading to few people using the trains and services getting reduced again.

“The power supply problems on the Hastings line limits the number of 12-car trains that can run down south of Tunbridge Wells. Southeastern want more capacity through the station and so there are going to be lots more attachments and detachments at the station to accommodate the power supply limitations,” he explained.

STRIKE TO CLOSE STATION

STRIKE action by the ASLEF union will see all Southeastern rail services cancelled on Saturday (November 26).

Although there have been limited services on some recent strike days, the train operating company said there would be no rail services at all, and no rail replacement buses.

“This is because there are not enough buses available to replace the train service,” said Southeastern.

There will be a normal timetable on Sunday (November 27), including in the early morning.

Council Tax could be set to rise by 5 per cent as KCC warns of bankruptcy

By Robert Forrester

COUNCIL Tax could be set to rise by five per cent in Kent, following moves by the Chancellor to increase the amount of money English authorities can raise from taxpayers.

Currently, authorities must hold local referendums if they want to increase council tax by more than three per cent.

The change, announced by Jeremy Hunt during his autumn statement last Thursday (November 17) is set to see around 95 per cent

of councils hike payments by the full five per cent permitted, according to Treasury analysis.

The announcement followed a joint plea last week made by the leaders of Kent County Council (KCC) and Hampshire County Council before the autumn statement, calling on the Government to take urgent action to address the looming financial crisis facing upper-tier local government over the next few years.

The two leaders said that unless they received a bailout from the government, the authorities risked bankruptcy.

In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, KCC Leader Roger Gough and Hampshire County Council Leader Rob Humby said their authorities needed ‘immediate help and a clear plan for long-term financial sustainability, if the two county councils are to avoid filing bankruptcy notices within the next year or so’.

Roger Gough added: “Our two authorities have consistently asked for the same things from Government over many years to put us on a long-term sustainable financial footing.”

HEALTH MIX Davina McCall’s former trainer Sarah Gorman explains the blend of disciplines which have become her winning recipe P34

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN Check out the Times ’ eight-page guide to what’s happening this festive season P19

PROTESTS Save Capel campaigning against the garden village in 2019

Rare white deer spotted roaming the Tunbridge Wells countryside

By Victoria Roberts

A LONE white deer has become a natural wonder for one local resident in his walks around the southwest edge of Tunbridge Wells.

Having moved to the town in February, Mark Foxwell, a director at PR company Sharp Minds Communications, has spent hours walking through the wild places of Broadwater Warren. However, another companion has now become part of the experience – a white deer that always appears to be alone.

He first spotted the deer in September.

“It was some distance away from me and looked like a white dog, but it just stopped and stood still. But a dog doesn’t behave like that,” he said.

Fallow

“I got my phone, zoomed in and watched it. It’s always a long way away. I haven’t been able to get properly close to it.”

Mark has seen the white deer twice, most recently last week, but looking out for it has become part of his walks and enjoying the wonder of nature in Broadwater Warren.

“It is really lovely, my favourite place in Kent to go to. There’s so much nature there, with wild horses and robins.”

According to the British Deer Society, the animal is not an albino, but either a white fallow deer, which are occasionally sometimes spotted in the UK, or an even rarer ‘white red deer’ that have only ever been seen a handful of times in the UK.

Daniel Colborne, Ranger at Tunbridge Wells

Commons said the news was ‘exciting’

He added: “It’s such exciting news to hear of a sighting of a white deer locally.

“It highlights the importance of retaining and maintaining wildlife corridors to connect areas of habitat to support the movement of species to

find resources such food, water and shelter. With all fingers crossed, this rare deer might make its way, via the wildlife corridors, to our beautiful Commons.”

What wildlife gems have you spotted? Contact newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk

MP Tom Tugendhat banned from driving for six months

By Richard Williams

THE MP for Tonbridge & Malling has been banned from driving for six months after being caught with his mobile phone in his hand while at the wheel.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat was stopped by police in his Skoda 4×4 in Wandsworth on April 14.

As previously reported in the Times, Mr Tugendhat, who lives in Clapham, south-west London, appeared in court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in a private hearing under the single justice procedure on Friday November 4.

But the case was sent to a sentencing hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (November 17).

Daylight

The 49-year-old MP attended the hearing in person, wearing a blue tie and a navy suit.

Geraldine Dickinson, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Tugendhat was pulled over by police on Wandsworth High Street after an officer noticed that his phone was in his left hand.

“He noticed that the driver was using a handheld phone,” she said.

“The device was being held in the driver’s left hand. He saw this in broad daylight for around 20 seconds.”

She said the officer confirmed that Mr Tugendhat was not using the phone to call the emergency services.

“It was confirmed that he was using maps,” she said.

Paul Morris, defending, said that his client accepted that he would receive a driving ban.

He did not offer any mitigation of ‘exceptional hardship’ that would be caused by Mr Tugendhat being banned from driving.

Judge Jack McGarva said that using a mobile phone is a distraction.

“Using a mobile phone in any way is a

distraction,” he said.

“Without any doubt it impairs people’s ability to drive. I would expect you to set a good example for the rest of us.”

Mr Tugendhat received six penalty points on his driver’s licence for the offence, added to the six he already had for two previous driving offences – leading to him being banned for six months.

As well as the driving ban, the security minister received a £1,000 fine.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £100 and costs of £110.

Mr Tugendhat, who has previously stood for leader of the Conservative Party, admitted the offence earlier this month but claimed he was not using his phone.

In a written guilty plea the politician had said: “I was holding my phone – not using it.

IN BRIEF

PCC reveals his choice for Kent’s police chief

KENT’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Scott has announced his preferred candidate to be Kent’s next Chief Constable.

Tim Smith has more than 31 years of police experience and been serving as Temporary Chief Constable since October 3, when former police chief Alan Pughsley stepped down to serve in a national policing role.

Matthew Scott said: ““I am confident that he can deliver on behalf of all of the residents and business in Kent and Medway, and we will work together to make Kent safer.”

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel, which will review the PCC’s proposed appointment. This hearing is expected to take place on December 6.

Read PCC Matthew Scott’s column on page 16.

Town centre crash

A COLLISION involving a pedestrian and a vehicle outside Tesco Express in the town centre of Tunbridge Wells on Monday (November 21) saw the road closed.

Police said that they were called to the scene on Grosvenor Road shortly before 2.30pm.

Officers have not provided an update as to the condition of the pedestrian, who is understood to be in hospital after the collision.

Forum sells merchandise

THE FORUM has launched a range of merchandise in the run-up to its 30th anniversary year in 2023.

Until the end of November, Forum fans can buy goods ranging in price from a £12 tote bag to a £40 hoodie.

All the merchandise features designs incorporating an element of the venue’s iconic fan window. Merchandise can be purchased at: theforum.bigcartel.com

Butcher anniversary

A BUTCHER shop in Hawkenbury has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Fuller’s Butchers was opened by Tony Fuller in 1972 but after Tony died at only 47 years old, his wife Margaret took over the business with the help of the loyal staff until her son Stephen completed his apprenticeship.

The business is now run by Steve and June Fuller, who opened the farm shop in Eridge eight years ago, with help from Steve’s sister Sarah and his children – Henry is also a butcher, and Lillie helps on busy weekends.

Chamber offers training

KENT’S Invicta Chamber of Commerce has launched a free training programme for local businesses to improve their social media skills.

Fine

The Metropolitan Police sent Mr Tugendhat a conditional offer of a fixed penalty notice in April and Mr Tugendhat agreed to pay the fine and surrender his driving licence, according to court papers.

He also attended an advanced driving course in May, where he was assessed as low risk, but the offence was sent to court for prosecution due to the six penalty points already on his driving record.

The training, run by digital specialist Maybe, will cover social media from the basics to advanced strategies using Facebook ads networks.

Maybe said it had carried out research in February showing only around 20 per cent of local businesses were active on social media.

Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Tunbridge Wells Town and Local Areas said: “Digital skills are vital for business success, so we’re delighted that through funding from Kent County Council in partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is able to support digital skills training for local companies.”

Sign up at: maybetech.com/kent

“After the incident I took a course to refresh and correct my driving.

“I have included the result of the course. Please accept the course report. I accept my responsibility and recognise my culpability.”

DOE EYED: The white deer as photographed by Mark Foxwell

TIM SMITH

COURT APPEARANCE Mr Tugendhat with his lawyer last week

Cinema site proposals are approved promising to end 22 years of inaction

By Lilly Croucher

PLANNING permission has been approved by councillors at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for a later-living development on the former site of the ABC Cinema, which has been left derelict for the last 22 years.

The future of the town’s most infamous ‘grot spot’ is now set after TWBC’s Planning Committee granted permission to Retirement Villages Group (RVG) last Wednesday (November 16) to build 166 apartments on the site.

The Planning Committee, chaired by Cllr Trevor Poile (Lib Dem), voted ten votes in favour, with one against and two abstentions to approve

the Mount Pleasant Road development.

Council officers had recommended the plan be approved.

Following the decision, Cllr Hugo Pound, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning said: “The Planning Committee today approved the application to build a sustainable development of flats for the over-65s on the site of the old cinema in the middle of Tunbridge Wells.

“The site has been a ‘grot spot’ for over 20 years. Although this development is not to everyone’s taste, I believe that this mix of residential, retail and public amenity space will be considerably better than another period of no development.

Organisations

“The Council will be monitoring both the build and completed development closely.”

There was significant objection to the plans from local residents and organisations, with many opposed to the building of a later-living complex in the town centre.

However, there was support for the plans from small businesses and other committee members.

Cllr Hugh Patterson (Lib Dem) told the committee: “It has been empty for 22 years and in all that time there has been nothing on that site and that has been a shame.

“If we refuse the application, we do not know how long it will remain empty for. It seems to me this applicant is much more invested in the site. It will be a value to the town.

“I think overall no plan or design is perfect,

but I am convinced this is a good scheme.” Permission was granted subject to the completion of a section 106 agreement of more than £233,000 – money agreed to be invested into the community by RVG.

This will see £72,576 go to the Amelia cultural hub, £30,489 towards the expansion of the town’s waste transfer station and Household Waste Recycling Centre, while £33,200 will mitigate the impact on the common. Meanwhile, £46,670 will be allocated to the

provision of an electric car club vehicle (including running and infrastructure costs) and the developers will also contribute £50,000 towards sustainable transport and £948 for a travel monitoring fee.

RVG, part of the group that runs AXA Health, the town’s largest employer, bought the site in December 2021 and submitted its plans back in the summer for the £72million retirement development that would feature 166 care units with commercial space and public facilities.

SKYLINE How the RVG development will look

TWO DECADES OF EMPTY PROMISES

1930 Construction of the ABC Cinema on Mount Pleasant Road.

2000 ABC Cinema closes after operating in Tunbridge Wells for 80 years.

2004 Site is acquired by GLN Copenhagen but despite making a planning enquiry, the firm does not submit any formal plans.

development.

2019 New owners Prime Finance secure a deal with Elysian Residences who base their proposed development on Altitude’s planning permission.

Complaints rise for rubbish bin service

THE number of complaints about Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) bin service have nearly doubled, figures released last week show.

THe

The former ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells has remained abandoned since 2000, when the picture house first closed.

Over the years it has had multiple owners – all of which have pulled out of completing any development on the empty plot of land.

These mixed-use amenities are to include retail space, a café, indoor pool, gym, spa and a public outdoor courtyard with a water feature.

After consultation with the local community, RVG included changes to the building’s height, the number of windows and size of the balconies to its August submission.

RVG claims that the project will boost the local economy of Tunbridge Wells by £1.5million a year and create up to 44 full-time jobs, as well as 187 construction jobs during the development.

The site used to feature the 1930s-built ABC Cinema, before it was permanently closed in 2000 and demolished in 2014.

After multiple failed projects, the land had been dubbed as a ‘graveyard for developers’ by the Council’s Chief Executive.

RVG say they are committed to begin building on the site, but work will not begin until the ‘first half of 2024’.

Caroline Keiller of RVG, said: “We are delighted that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has resolved to grant planning permission for

2008 Rydall Properties acquire the land and get approval for a mixed-use development.

2011 Bellhouse Joseph/Carlye acquire the site and submit plans for a new scheme.

2014 Hope is on the horizon as Bellhouse Joseph demolish the old cinema.

2015 Two years on, the site is back on to the market.

2016 Altitude Real Estate buy the site.

2018 Altitude get new consent for a mixed-use

2020 Elysian Residencies begin ‘assessing’ their plans in the wake of the pandemic. The site is then put back on the market by Prime Finance for £17million.

2021 Site is acquired by RVG (part of the AXA Group) for an undisclosed sum, on condition of planning approval.

2022 Planning permission for 166 extra care units, including communal facilities and commercial/retail units, is granted

2024 Building on the site is finally expected to start

TWBC receives the largest number of complaints over its bin collections compared to any other service.

The service has come under fire for a number of years since the tender for the contract was handed over to Spanish firm Urbaser, which led to record missed collections and complaints.

The paid-for garden waste service was even suspended last year due to staff shortages and the impact of the pandemic.

But the latest figures from TWBC show that the number of complaints about waste collections and the Streetscene (street care and cleaning) service almost doubled between April and September this year.

Disappointing

The figures show there were 96 complaints during the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, up from 55 during the same period in 2021.

Matt Bailey, the former Head of Sustainability under the Conservatives at the Council, who later became an independent councillor said the figures were ‘disappointing’.

He added: “It’s not easy running a waste and recycling service, collecting from thousands of properties every week. But it’s disappointing to see that performance levels have dropped under the new political administration.

our scheme.

“We

wellbeing

“This

and sets a whole new standard for integrated retirement communities.”

“This deterioration came at a time when some of the very serious issues we faced last year, such as Covid and a shortage of HGV drivers, have eased. This makes the new figures doubly disappointing.”

A report into the complaints will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting of the Borough Partnership.

cannot wait to bring our plans into fruition and re-activate this part of Royal Tunbridge Wells with a community built for people aged 65 and over. Beautifully-designed apartments and buildings will have shops,

facilities and a public courtyard on the doorstep,” she explained.

underpins our vision to create places that are connected to the wider community

RETAIL New shops have been proposed for the development

‘GROT SPOT’

site has been derelict since the cinema was demolished

Inspectors for the awards made unannounced visits to thousands of toilets across the UK, grading them from silver to gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond.

The judging criteria includes décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand-washing and drying equipment, and overall management.

Unacceptable toilets are not given a rating at all.

Managing director of the awards Becky Wall, said: “The toilets at Opera House have been

Wedding venue wins Kent award

SALOMONS Estate has won first place in the ‘Heritage Venue’ category of the Kent Wedding Awards, signalling a return of demand to the sector after the economic shocks of the pandemic. Now in its 10th year, the Kent Wedding Awards recognise the best wedding professionals and services in the county.

Kent master brewer takes part in Lord Mayor’s show

By Sarah Carter

ONE of the area’s most popular brewers brought a taste of Kent to the City of London during the Lord Mayor’s Show earlier this month.

Shepherd Neame, which runs The Black Horse in Camden Road, The Bull in Frant Road, The Imperial in Southborough and The Blue Anchor in Crowborough, was invited to the procession due to chief executive Jonathan Neame’s position as Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers.

The Faversham-based brewery drove a traditional dray in the procession, pulled by two shire horses.

Two of the company’s classic vehicles drove behind, crowned with hop flowers.

It was the brewer’s first time in the Lord Mayor’s annual event, which is organised by the City of London Corporation.

The event raises money for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which is supporting Samaritans, OnSide Youth Zones, DofE, Place2Be, OnSide Youth Zones and National Numeracy this year.

designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well-maintained.

“The pub deserves its platinum award.”

Opera House manager Ross Markwick said the pub was delighted with the award.

“Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors.”

The win follows two of the most difficult years for the wedding sector, which faced lockdowns and other Covid restrictions, but now the venue says things are ‘roaring back’.

Salomons’ Events Manager Fiona Owens said: “The award is a testament to our dedicated team, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing wedding couples that pick us as their wedding venue.”

She added: “We were up against some of the most historic venues in Kent, so to be crowned winner is something we are all very proud of.”

It was the estate’s second win, after the events team won the ‘Best Events Team’ award last year.

Salomons Estate has been a landmark heritage site in Tunbridge Wells for over 190 years. The Grade II-listed building, with its 36 acres of gardens, is operated by Elite Leisure Collection, which owns One Media, publisher of the Times

LOCAL Wetherspoons pub Opera House has received a ‘platinum’ rating for the quality of its toilets in a programme run by the Loo of the Year Awards.

SHOW PONIES The Shepherd Neame dray in the procession

PLATINUM RATING

The Opera House loos

WINNERS The Salomons Estate team

Voting open for Kent Youth County Council

By Victoria Roberts

VOTING is underway for the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC), in which not only do the candidates have to be 11-18 years old, but the voters do, too.

Anyone in this age group living, working or going to school in Kent is eligible to vote for their pick of local candidates and also the three campaigns which KYCC councillors will be working on during the year.

Elected members meet monthly at County Hall, Maidstone, working on the chosen campaigns and other projects.

There are also regular opportunities for representatives to contribute young people’s perspectives on services provided by Kent County Council.

Tunbridge Wells is fielding seven candidates for four places. There are also 12 ‘community’ seats to ensure all communities and demographics are covered.

Voting will close on November 27, and results will be published December 8.

Read more about the candidates and vote at: kent.gov.uk/about-thecouncil/kent-youth-voice

THIS YEAR’S CANDIDATES FOR TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Daisy: I want to implement concrete solutions tackling environmental sustainability, ethnic, cultural and religious inclusivity and the cost-ofliving crisis.

Danny: I am good at listening. I’m a strong, fearless speaker who isn’t afraid of the truth and will go out of my way to keep balance. I am a fan of political subjects, keep updated on daily matters and have learnt from years of watching commotion in the commons. I am unique and bring new ideas to politics as a whole.

Josh: Local democracy is the most important form of democracy. Local representatives working for local people is the way I think things should run.

Noah: I am committed to ensuring socio-economic prosperity and social equity for my local constituents.

Oscar: Real change means mobilising the people. We, the youth, are key to this. I support equality, mental health awareness, and our environment.

Rubani: I think I am a responsible representative, who will try to do the best for our town and make it a better place for future generations.

William: Tunbridge Wells is one of the most magnificent towns in the country, and I want to ensure that this will stay the case in the long-term. This year’s KYCC representatives for Tunbridge Wells were Alex, Lily and Sam.

Charity selected for garden at Chelsea Flower Show

SOCIAL care charity Aspens has been selected to produce a garden for next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The charity’s Natural Affinity Garden is sponsored by Project Giving Back, which supports good causes to create gardens for the iconic show and leave a longer legacy.

The garden has been conceived by Camellia Taylor, a garden designer who has used her background in psychology and health care in a number of previous projects with the charity.

Inspiring

Aspens’ chief executive Robert Shanahan said: “We are delighted that Camellia Taylor and Project Giving Back are making it possible for Aspens to be involved in this inspiring project.

“Central to all we do at Aspens is empowering people on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities to thrive.

“This project will give them the opportunity to be part of a prestigious global event and when relocated to our site, the upkeep of the garden will give them a sense of ownership and inclusion,” Mr Shanahan explained.

After the show next spring (May 23-27), the garden will be relocated to the Aspens site in Kent.

CAMELLIA TAYLOR

PUPIL POWER Previous KYCC representatives

Haze and clouds obscure partial eclipse of the sun

Number 10 looking into ‘serious’ Sir Gavin Williamson allegation

Repair Café seeks electronic whizzes after demand rises

DOWNING STREET is looking into a ‘serious’ allegation that Sir Gavin Williamson told a senior civil servant to ‘slit your throat’ as the under-fire minister faced a second claim of bullying.

AN INITIATIVE to keep beloved possessions in working order and out of landfill is struggling to keep up with demand, especially for electrical repairers.

Thomas

M ansfield Wills & Inheritance Planning

According to organiser Chris Murphy: “We are a victim of our own success.”

“The problem is the biggest demand we have is for electrical items and we have more repairs coming in than we can look at due to a shortage of repairers.”

No 10 insisted on Tuesday that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak still maintains confidence in his ally despite the clear unease at the latest accusation as he faces the prospect of three investigations. An internal inquiry by the Conservative Party is under way, while it is understood that former chief whip Wendy Morton has referred her complaint to Parliament’s bullying watchdog.

The Repair Café, which runs once a month at Trinity Theatre, currently has about nine electrical repairers when all of them are available.

Downing Street is understood to be undertaking a fact-finding exercise and considering how to respond to allegations a Ministry of Defence official made to the Guardian newspaper.

Writing a Will does not have to be costly or complicated

“But we need more,” said Mr Murphy.

In addition to saving furniture, toys and equipment from landfill, the initiative also raises funds for charity after covering its costs.

Processes

“So far this year, we have raised £1,600 and this should top £2,000 by the end of this month.”

The twice-sacked minister denied the official’s allegation of a campaign of bullying while he was defence secretary but did not deny making the extraordinary remarks, including telling the civil servant to ‘jump out of the window’..

Local charities include West Kent Mind, Taylor Made Dreams and the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, along with national charity the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

“This helps people to understand the repair process – and might even convert an amateur into a tinkerer,” he added.

AROUND 25 per cent of the Sun was blocked out on Tuesday as the Moon passed between it and the Earth.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “There have been further allegations reported this morning. Those are serious allegations that have come in.

“Importantly, you can’t leave your item and come back and collect it, you need to be with the repairer as they repair it,” Mr Murphy explained.

Those interested in volunteering can contact the Café at: twellsrepaircafe@gmail.com

In the South East, the eclipse began at 10:08am on October 25, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 10.59am, when the Moon covered close to 15 per cent of the Sun.

“It’s true that no formal complaint has been made but we want to consider proper processes before commenting further.”

But many Skygazers across the UK were disappointed that their view of the celestial phenomena was spoiled by poor weather, with those in northern Scotland having the best views.

The next Repair Café will be held at Trinity Theatre on Saturday November 26 from 9:45 to 1pm. Last repairs are accepted at 12:30pm or whenever a repair station reaches capacity.

Lerwick in the Shetland Isles is expected to have a better view, with 28 per cent of the Sun obscured at mid-eclipse.

an abdication of leadership from No 10, and make a mockery of Sunak’s promise to govern with integrity.

Having a Will gives you control over who receives

It was unclear how the Government will investigate, but the Cabinet Office’s Propriety and Ethics team would be one option for handling a complaint.

“The findings must be made public – if the Conservatives have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear.”

Rotary Club plants crocuses for awareness of World Polio Day

Cost of household basics has risen up to two thirds

In a statement, Sir Gavin said: “I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across Government.”

PLANTING has finished in this year’s Rotary International polio awareness campaign, with 4,000 purple crocus bulbs now in the ground ready to make a spectacular display in spring.

Downing Street did not say whether Mr Sunak has set up any meetings with Sir Gavin, who holds the vague brief of “minister without portfolio” in the Cabinet Office.

The Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells distributed about half of the bulbs to schools and organisations around town and completed the job at Dunorlan Park earlier this month (November 14).

The Prime Minister has been coming under sustained pressure over his decision to bring his ally back into Government despite knowing about a complaint made by Ms Morton.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said the latest remarks would be “utterly, utterly unacceptable” if proved to be true but said reports are in the “realm of media speculation”.

The new crocuses were placed on the edge of the area planted in earlier years, in the hope of creating a spectacular purple display that gets bigger every year.

Any investigation could take several weeks, with Mr Stride suggesting Sir Gavin will still be in post by Christmas as any process “will take some time and we’ve got to wait to see what comes out of that”.

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In a series of expletive-laden texts, Sir Gavin accused Ms Morton of seeking to ‘punish’ MPs out of favour with then-premier Liz Truss by excluding them from the Queen’s funeral, warning: “There is a price for everything.”

Volunteers

“Normally, we try to do the planting for November 24, World Polio Day,” said Ian King, chairman of the projects committee for the Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells.

The Liberal Democrats demanded an independent inquiry into Sir Gavin’s conduct so the Tories do not ‘mark their own homework’.

“Because it’s difficult to get enough people together, we did it a bit earlier,” he said. Mr King also thanked the Friends of Dunorlan Park and other volunteers who helped plant approximately 2,000 bulbs near the Pembury Road car park.

“The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been vaccinated,” Mr King explained.

Mr Stride, who spoke of an “aura or mystique around” Sir Gavin, said no minister is ‘unsackable’.

Labour has continued to maintain the pressure on the Government, with frontbencher Yvette Cooper accusing the Prime Minister of making ‘grubby political deals that aren’t in the national interest’ to appoint Sir Gavin and Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

“The crocuses will hopefully produce a spectacular display early next year to remind people of the importance of eliminating this devastating disease from the world.”

Rotary International helps to plant millions of purple crocuses every year, to raise awareness of its efforts worldwide as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

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The party’s Cabinet Office spokeswoman, Christine Jardine, said: “Anything less would be

Sir Gavin, who was knighted after being nominated for the honour by Boris Johnson earlier this year, was regarded as a key figure in Mr Sunak’s campaign over the summer to become party leader.

This year, St Barnabas C of E Primary School, Southborough Primary School, Oakley School, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park and the 2nd Southborough Brownies also received crocus bulbs from the Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells.

THE UK’s most squeezed households are seeing the price they have to pay for some of the cheapest food in the supermarket soaring by nearly two thirds, new data has revealed. The price of the least expensive pasta that under-pressure shoppers can get has risen by 60% in the last year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

THE terror suspected of firebombing an immigration processing centre in Dover died of asphyxiation, an inquest has heard.

shelves has jumped by 65%.

Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, threw two to three homemade incendiary devices at the centre at Western Jet Foil in Dover, Kent on October 30.

prices from supermarket websites over the past year to compare the cost of the cheapest available produce.

minutes after the attack in the car park of a nearby BP petrol station.

of the cost-of-living crisis on poorer households.

opened on Tuesday morning at County Hall in Maidstone by coroner Bina Patel.

price by 46%, chips rose 39%, bread was up 38% and biscuits up 34%.

Western Jet Foil at 11.22am on October 30 and Leak was found deceased at the petrol station on Limekiln Road at 11.30am. Paramedics confirmed his death at 11.48am.

inflation to better understand what impact rising prices have on the poorest households. Some items also decreased in price. Orange juice dropped 9%, and minced beef was down 7%.

Dover firebomb suspect died from asphyxiation

energy meters are finding it difficult to pay their

difficult to afford their rent or mortgage payments

energy prices, today’s fresh insights using a new innovative data source show they are now filtering through to other important items, with the cheapest price of some staple food items rising by around two thirds in the last year,” said national statistician Sir Ian Diamond.

found in the driver’s seat of his white Seat car.

date of January 27 2023.

on the ONS to update the way it measures

UNDER-FIRE Gavin Williamson

Home Office, the investigation was officially designated a terror attack Facebook posts on a now-deleted account under the name of an Andy complaints about people claiming

money for not looking for enough work ask them

REPAIR SHOP

Fixing up an old record player

CROCUS CREW Rotary Club members in Dunorlan Park

Keir Starmer rules out return to single market and the EU MPs criticise the new party expense rules

SIR Keir Starmer has said the current trade deal with the European Union is ‘not working well’ but he vowed not to take the UK back into the single market, saying ‘we have to make Brexit work’.

Speaking to the CBI conference in Birmingham yesterday (Tuesday), the Labour leader told delegates: “We are not going back to the EU. That means not going back into the single market or customs union.

“But we have to make Brexit work, the deal the Government has got us is not working well. It’s holding business back. It’s holding growth back.”

He said getting a ‘pragmatic answer’ to make the Northern Ireland Protocol work and reducing trade barriers are areas that could yield improvements.

Business

“I do think we can have a better Brexit. I think we have to make Brexit work,” he said.

“I think what’s happened so far has been a Government that simply said the words ‘get Brexit done’ and put in place a deal which I think most people in this room would say is not working well for business, is not working well for exports, is not working well for growth.”

Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that some cherished Labour policies would have to be shelved if he entered Downing Street in order to focus on dealing with the battered economy he would inherit.

The Labour leader, who sought to woo business leaders with a promise of a ‘new partnership’, offered a ‘pragmatic’ approach to economic migration and a commitment to boosting productivity across the country.

But he said the economic chaos under the Tories meant that if he won the next election some ‘good Labour things’ he would like to do would have to be shelved in order to focus on restoring the nation’s economic credibility.

But he acknowledged the need to allow them to recruit the staff they needed now, while ensuring that in the longer term, Britons had the skills needed to fill vacancies in the economy.

“Of course we will be pragmatic. Of course we understand that we need to act now so that we help business and drive growth.

“But we have to address and run towards the challenge that is skills, run towards the challenge that is ensuring we have everybody back in the workforce, because there are hundreds of thousands of people who aren’t working now who were working just a few years ago.

“This is, for me, an economic argument, not a push for political tactics.”

He said trade unions ‘must be a crucial part of

Hancock loses party whip heads to I’m a Celebrity…

THE watchdog responsible for MPs’ expenses has been criticised for being ‘naive’ and ‘irresponsible’ by allowing claims for Christmas parties.

those who make these decisions than with the most watched programme on TV?

“Politicians like Matt must go to where the people are – particularly those who are politically disengaged.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has told MPs for the first time they can expense the cost of food and drink for Christmas staff parties to taxpayers, although alcohol will not be covered.

effect.”

our partnership’.

“Our common goal must be to help the British economy off its immigration dependency.”

Human

Leadership

But he would not commit to ‘arbitrary’ numbers on bringing down immigration.

A loss of the party whip means Mr Hancock is no longer part of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and will sit as an independent MP until the whip is restored – if it ever is.

Sir Keir stressed the way Labour had changed since he took over from Jeremy Corbyn in 2020, saying he had turned the party ‘inside out’.

“This is a different Labour Party and there is no going back, we are ready for partnership.”

He is not the first MP to lose the party whip for appearing on the show. Nadine Dorries was stripped of the Conservative Party whip for appearing on the show in 2012 but was later readmitted into the Tory party.

An ally of Mr Hancock said: “There are many ways to do the job of being an MP.

He said Labour would ‘give Britain the clear economic leadership it needs’ and told business chiefs the party would ‘work with you to drive our country forward’.

“Whether he’s in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.

“Not just a pro-business party, but a party that is proud of being pro-business, that respects the contribution profit makes to our jobs, growth and our tax base,” he said.

“Where better to show the human side of

Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds suggested the expenses watchdog had been a ‘little bit naïve’ putting out such guidance.

Resigned

“Matt’s of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is – a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations.”

Publish

He told Times Radio: “People have not been asking for this. I don’t think anyone will use it.

Mr Hancock who resigned from Boris Johnson’s cabinet after being caught on CCTV during an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo, is entering the jungle for the ITV show alongside Seann Walsh and Boy George, when I’m a Celebrity returns to ITV on Sunday (November 6) at 9pm.

“This is our regulator … the independent body that runs the MPs’ expenses system, which is a system for staff and rent of your office and all of that kind of stuff, you know, being a little bit naive, to be honest, because if they publish stuff like this, you will get a story like this.

This year, the celebrities return to the Australian jungle for the first time since 2019. For the past two years, the ITV show has taken place in Wales due to Covid regulations.

“I understand why people cover it in this way but I doubt anyone will be using it. People will not have been asking for it. And [maybe] Ipsa need to be a bit more savvy in terms of how they present what they’re doing on this.”

Most of the cast for the 2022 edition of show has been announced, and includes DJ Chris Moyles, royal family member Mike Tindall and Loose Women star Charlene White.

Labour frontbencher Jess Phillips – in a post on Twitter retweeted by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly – said Ipsa had been “irresponsible”.

“Just want to say no one asked for this, no one I know will use it,” she said.

Mr Hancock was among supporters of Rishi Sunak who welcomed the new leader to Conservative headquarters last week but was overlooked for a ministerial job under the new Prime Minister.

“The guidance wasn’t made by MPs and yet we will be pilloried for it. I think it’s really irresponsible to issue this guidance as if MPs have been clamouring for it when I’ve literally never heard anyone do that.”

He had also reportedly been considering the role of chair of the Treasury Select Committee but pulled out on Monday.

Former Brexit Secretary David Davis said the expenses watchdog had ‘missed the mood of the age’.

Sir Keir told the Confederation of British Industry conference that firms had to wean themselves off reliance on low-paid, cheap labour from overseas.

Thomson Snell & Passmore joins volunteering scheme

Jeremy Hunt under pressure as UK borrowing hits £13.5 billion a month

By Sarah Carter

A PROFESSIONAL volunteering scheme, started by a communications professional who regretted missing out on opportunities to share his skills before being diagnosed with cancer, has signed up its first Kent-based law firm.

PRESSURE on the Chancellor is rising as Government borrowing struck £13.5 billion in October as it booked the first costs of the energy support schemes for households.

Jeremy Hunt warned there is ‘no easy path to balancing the nation’s books’ after the scale of increased spending was unveiled.

Fifth Day was founded earlier this year by Fred Banning, who received a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2020 – just two weeks before he was due to be interviewed for a non-executive position at a charity.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the reading was £4.4 billion higher than the same month last year and was the fourth highest figure for October on record.

As a non-lawyer in a law firm, he said: “I wish I’d found a way to combine a career I loved with a role that enabled me to give back more to people less fortunate.”

The figure for October was, nevertheless, below the expectations of economists, with a consensus of experts predicting borrowing of £21 billion for the month.

Talent

Estimated

With 30,000 non-legal staff working in the UK’s top 100 law firms, he said there was a huge pool of un-tapped talent.

Total public sector spending grew to £91.2 billion in October, after central Government spending increased by £6.5 billion to £76.8 billion for the month.

Fifth Day’s newest recruits, Thomson Snell & Passmore already offer paid time for volunteering.

The ONS estimated that this included around £3 billion on the cost of energy support schemes, including £1.9 billion for the £400 home energy discount payments.

The law firm’s chief executive Sarah Henwood said: “We’re also keen to spread the word about this new initiative far and wide with local charities, so that they can sign up to benefit from the many skilled volunteers across the Fifth Day network, which includes a wide range of law firms.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “It is right that the Government increased borrowing to support millions of business and families throughout the pandemic and the aftershocks of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

steps to protect jobs, public services and the most vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, public sector receipts – money gained from the public sector, largely through taxes – were £77.6 billion for the month.

SARAH HENWOOD

Working in partnership with Reach Volunteering, Fifth Day is currently offering roles ranging from marketing and data analysis to fundraising, administration, procurement and more, as well as trustee vacancies.

“But to tackle inflation and ensure the economic stability needed for long-term growth, it is vital that we put the public finances back on a more sustainable path.

Fred Banning added: “It is really heartening that so many law firms, at both a national and regional level, have embraced the concept of

“There is no easy path to balancing the nation’s books but we have taken the necessary decisions to get debt falling while taking

The Government also felt the impact of continued increases in the interest payments paid by the state on its debt, after a raft of interest hikes by the Bank of England and rises in inflation.

non-legal pro bono. I’m so pleased to have Thomson Snell & Passmore on board.

“It’s no secret that we’re in for a tough winter in the UK, and the work of third-sector organisations has arguably never been more important.

In October, the interest payable on central Government debt hit £6.1 billion, including £3.3 billion from debt interest payments linked to Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation.

“This is a really tangible way for individuals to get involved and help, with the support of their employers.”

The fresh data comes days after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said Government

Card shop pops up in town for Christmas

Fears for Christmas cash as G4S vote for industrial action

AROUND 1,200 G4S security staff who deliver cash and coins have voted to strike in December, prompting fears of shortages ahead of Christmas.

The industrial action could impact the supply of cash and coins at banking clients such as Barclays, HSBC and Santander, and supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Aldi.

The GMB union said it will be the first ever strike at G4S after union members voted to walk out, with a 97% vote in favour of action.

Tabled

It said the strike is scheduled to take place from 3am on December 4.

G4S Cash Solutions initially offered members a part pay freeze and have since tabled an offer of a 4% increase and lump sum bonus based on contracted hours.

The security giant was taken over by American firm Allied Universal for £3.8 billion last year following a takeover battle.

national charities raise £500,000 this Christmas season.

borrowing for the year is set to be higher than it originally forecast in March.

birthdays and holidays, and now a shop dedicated to Christmas cards, stationery and gifts has sprung up for the season.

It predicted that the public sector will borrow £177 billion by the end of the financial year, which would be the second highest figure since 1994.

Cards for Good Causes (CFGC) was unable to run its Christmas shops during the pandemic period, but it is back this Christmas, based in the United Emmanuel church at the corner of Mount Ephraim and Grosvenor Road.

Shocks

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB national officer, said: “There are low paid workers doing a dangerous job, transferring the cash so many of us still rely on every day.

Good causes this year include the RNLI, Diabetes UK, Alzheimer’s Society UK, Epilepsy Action, MS Society, the British Heart Foundation and many more.

CFGC is itself a charity, which has raised over £40 million in the last 10 years.

“All they are asking for is a wage they can live on, that they can feed their families on, that they can treat their children this Christmas on.

Supporting

OBR estimates on Thursday also indicated that higher interest rates mean that the cost of servicing Government debt will double to over £120 million next year and make public finances ‘more vulnerable to future shocks’.

As the UK’s largest multi-charity card and gift retailer, CFGC sells a wide range of charity cards and gifts, stocking fillers, wrapping paper, diaries, calendars, decorations and tableware. The Tunbridge Wells shop will be one of over 100 CFGC pop-up spots, aiming to help local and

It came as the OBR also forecast that the UK economy is already in a recession which will last ‘just over a year’.

“G4S Cash staff provide an absolutely vital service. If they walk out, we can expect genuine cash shortages over festive period.”

A G4S spokesman said: “We are continuing to engage with our employees and their union and hope to reach an amicable agreement without the need for industrial action.

Jeremy Lune, CEO of CFGC said: “We can’t wait to meet everyone this year in our shops! Please come volunteer with us, join us as a manager, or come and get your Christmas gifts while supporting the charities of your choice. I wish everyone a very festive Christmas and hope to see you soon.”

“In the event of a strike, we have contingency plans to minimise disruption to cash services across the country.”

The Cards For Good Causes pop-up shop is open from 10am to 4pm at the United Emmanuel church, 1 Mount Ephraim until December 17.

Number One Community Trust, the charity that has been serving the residents of Showfields and Ramslye estates since 1995, is appealing for even the smallest of donations to help maintain the vital support they offer to their local community.

Established as a registered charity in 2002 and managed by a Board of Trustees of which many live and work in the local community, the trust aims are to enhance the quality of life of all its residents; working together to offer a range of events, activities, and community projects over the next 30 years and beyond with your help.

Located in the heart of the community and led by a team that includes a mix of volunteers and paid employees of all ages, who are all local and live in and around the estate.

Residents are able to enjoy a community centre, café and pre-school, alongside a range of activities, events and projects designed to promote the physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing of local residents, such as youth clubs, fitness classes and library. As well as this, the centre works to improve the social and economic outlook of its community through the advancement of education and training, providing employment opportunities for those with learning disabilities, as well as encouraging environmental improvements in the local neighbourhood. Alongside its highly subsidised café and holiday lunch club, which offers wholesome lunches for children in the school holidays for just £1, one of the Trust’s

key provisions is a Tuesday Food Larder, which is now in need of regular food donations to continue.

With rising costs and the threat of winter loneliness, the centre is a lifeline for so many low-income families, the elderly, local children, and those that are struggling. As such, this Christmas, along with their recently appointed ambassador, Rosemary Shrager, the trust is raising awareness of its community in need of support and calling on Kent residents and businesses to help by contributing to the Food Larder and or donating on a one off or regular basis.

Please help and donate, even just £1, by visiting numberonecommunity.org or to find out more about the charity and other ways to get involved.

EDUCA TION Times

“We will be one school with one vision and ethos”

Dulwich Prep in Cranbrook has announced that at the start of the new academic year it will have a larger number of older pupils, a new upper school head, and also a new name. The Times finds out more...

THE Governors of Dulwich Prep, an independent day and flexible boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 to 13 years, recently revealed an ‘exciting new chapter’ for the school.

This includes the appointment of a new Head of School from the start of the 2023-24 academic year, an expansion to GCSE level, and also a new name.

From September 2023, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook – which went from Nursery to Year 8 – will become The Dulwich School Cranbrook, taking pupils from Nursery to Year 11.

Having played a crucial role in establishing plans for the school’s extension to 16 plus, Headmaster Paul David will continue to progress these plans through to launch next year, before stepping down from his headship at the end of this academic year, when he will be replaced by Sophie Bradshaw.

The school’s new GCSE offer will include core subjects, while additional options will build on Dulwich’s strong reputation for Fine Art, Ceramics and Textiles, PE, Music, Drama, Dance and Design Technology.

Mr David said: “After what will have been 13 happy and fulfilling years at Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, it now feels the right time to hand over the reins to a new Head to

take the school forward. Having been supported by an extraordinary staff community, a superb leadership team and a knowledgeable Board of Governors, I feel immensely proud to be handing over a school in great heart, with an exciting future ahead.”

Susanna Rynehart, Chair of Governors added: “Together we are The Dulwich School Cranbrook – one school with one vision and ethos. One school needs one overarching Head and we are thrilled to confirm that Sophie Bradshaw will also become our new Head of School when Paul

leaves us at the end of the summer term.

“We were inspired by Sophie’s warmth, energy, ideas, leadership-style and future-facing outlook and we are confident that she is the right person to lead Dulwich at this exciting time in our evolution.”

Opportunity

Sophie Bradshaw is currently Deputy Head of Croydon High School, an independent school for girls aged 3 to 18 years. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am honoured to be given the

opportunity to oversee, harness and promote such a special school at an extraordinary time in its development.

“To have the unique opportunity to work alongside Paul to finalise the School’s GCSE offer before launching The Dulwich School Cranbrook in September 2023 puts us in an incredibly strong position,” she added.

“I am very excited to work with the entire Dulwich community, to collectively realise the School’s aspirations for the future.”

To find out more about the school, visit: dulwichprepcranbrook.org

NEW HEAD

Sophie Bradshaw

Matthew Scott Police and

Crime

Commissioner for Kent

Bars and clubs in Tunbridge Wells have signed up to a scheme to ensure this Christmas is a safe one

So, the festive season is almost upon us and, certainly if you believe the adverts, we’ll soon by donning our glad rags to go out to celebrate.

However, it’s always worth considering personal security during the party season. There are so many stories in the media and on social media which can instil a belief that a drink could be spiked, or you could be assaulted or harassed.

Awards

Truthfully, these incidents are uncommon, but it’s always worth addressing such concerns.

I had the pleasure of presenting Best Bar None awards to seven of the busiest bars and clubs in Tunbridge Wells this month.

This scheme is a fantastic way for venues to demonstrate a safety commitment to their customers and staff.

To join, a premises must prove it has robust safety and prevention measures in place, like a bag and clothing search policy; regular fire and building checks; it has to display clear signage about smoking, drugs, age limits and even pricing; it should conduct things like toilet searches; it must have tested evacuation procedures; any door staff have to be registered with the Security Industry Authority and maybe most importantly all staff have to undergo regular and comprehensive training, so they feel confident should they have to challenge a customer who does not want to conform to the rules.

The bars and clubs who’ve signed up are assessed regularly by the Tunbridge Wells Safe Town Partnership and can display their Best Bar None certificates, as proof of their security commitment.

So, congratulations to Beau Nash, Aura Nightclub, Compasses, St. Johns Yard, Opera House, Pitcher and Piano

and Fuggles Café. Let’s hope we can expand the scheme next year.

In other news, you may have read that I have proposed Tim Smith be appointed the new Chief Constable of Kent Police. This is subject to confirmation by the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel which will meet early next month.

Wellbeing

Over the course of two days Mr Smith, who is currently serving as the Temporary Chief Constable, has set out how he would improve performance, tackle violence against women and girls, collaborate with other organisations and support officers and staff with their wellbeing and development.

I am confident that he can deliver on behalf of all of the residents and business in Kent and Medway and we will work together to make Kent safer.

Sean Holden

Tunbridge Wells Conservatives

Cllr Seán Holden has been the Conservative councillor for Benenden and Cranbrook since 2008 and the county councillor for Cranbrook Division since 2013. He runs a property business with his wife Corinna and before that he was a television reporter working for TV-am, ITV Meridian and ITN. In 2001 he was the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Chatham and Aylesford.

Three minutes to debate spending £100,000

‘Trust me I’m a politician’ was the theme beaming over Tunbridge Wells Town Hall on November 10. The crazy-paving coalition of Liberal Democrats, Labour, the Tunbridge Wells Alliance and independents who run the borough council, were blustering their disbelief at being called to account by the Scrutiny Committee for £100,000 of taxpayers’ money, despite the Cabinet having previously debated its disposal for an entire three minutes.

Cabinet Member, David Hayward, found it ‘difficult to believe anyone would seek to discredit this administration’.

In fact, it was ‘shocking’ to be called-in for democratic oversight by the council committee set up as the final defence for taxpayer’s money.

The real shock was that the financially inept, self-proclaimed ‘transparent’ Cabinet, having allocated £100,000 to a new Community Support Fund, was again being called-in for making a major money decision without consultation –apparently without officers’ advice or any clear idea of how it would be spent.

It was a rerun of their car-crash decision to raise parking fees and end free parking in Southborough and Paddock Wood.

This decision had been like a prize supermarket trolley dash, piling up stuff in three minutes.

You know; grab a line for election leaflets here; seize a tube of whiter than white Virtue Signal there; choose a bottle of Holier than Thou water. Don’t worry about the £100,000 costs. Someone else is paying.

The borough council’s ruling coalition agreed on October 27 to put £100,000 into their fund for local people most sharply feeling the cost-ofliving crisis. No councillor has disagreed with the principle.

But they are custodians of public money and there are checks to ensure it is not wasted or lost. This time the ‘transparent’ cabinet dodged all checks, agreeing in three minutes, Nancy Warne’s proposal to spend £100,000 of supposed parking income surpluses they haven’t yet got. That’s £555 for every second of the so-called ‘debate.’

Independent councillor Matt Bailey led the Scrutiny call-in. He said: “It is crucially important that Cabinet makes decisions about taxpayer money based on sound evidence and expert advice. This has not happened on this occasion.”

It didn’t go to the finance committee which previews decisions; there was no report from finance officers; no evidence of consultation; no word of how disadvantaged people would get

cash, indeed who would be included and who left out.

Labour’s Hugo Pound was seemingly impatient with democratic oversight. He said: “We do not want to spend time and money determining terms of reference and making sure mechanisms for distributing money are undertaken until we have it.”

The real plan was beginning to look like ‘splash the idea around and brag about your goodness in election leaflets’.

Apart from Conservatives Lance Goodship, Bev Palmer and me, the committee, packed with Coalition foot soldiers, wouldn’t trouble Cllr Pound with democratic oversight.

Cllr Alex Britcher-Allan said: “Do you feel, in your heart of hearts, you could look at every taxpayer and feel you did follow process to the letter?”

Incisive eh? Bet they didn’t expect the Spanish Inquisition.

Coalition followers duly voted that no more needed to be said. After all, there had been three full minutes’ debate among politicians we could trust to know best.

Matthew Scott was first elected the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent in 2016 and re-elected in 2021. He sets policing priorities, commissions services to support victims, sets the council tax precept, manages the force’s budget, and holds the Chief Constable to account. He serves as the national PCC lead for Mental Health, and is chair of the board for the BlueLight Commercial organisation.

PUB SAFE The Pitcher & Piano is part of the scheme

EMPTY The cost of living fund was started without any funds as reported in the Times

And another thing…

In defence of our ‘amazing’ NHS Trust

Some of you will have seen the BBC 1 and Channel 4 news bulletins on Thursday, November 10 regarding the current situation of the NHS waiting lists etc.

The report was presented by their Health Editor, Hugh Pym, that long time purveyor of doom and gloom.

When it comes to the NHS, it was another example of total misrepresentation of the true picture, something Mr Pym seems to actually enjoy.

Similarly so with regard to the BBC producers. Even on the very rare occasions that he presents a bit of good news on the NHS, he usually adds a caveat along the lines that ‘of course this may not happen’. He can’t seem to resist the temptation. Move away Mr. Pym and make way for a more positive, optimistic and factually correct editor.

Following a haematuria in May this year, I was referred by my GP to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and was immediately (next day) entered upon the NHS two-week cancer pathway.

Over the past five months until now I have had numerous blood tests, CT scans, thorax

HRCT scans, cystoscopy and colonoscopy and the speed and general organisation of these diagnostic tests has been remarkable and the attention I have received from three separate departments at both hospitals has been amazing.

Particularly so under the present circumstances following delays due to the covid pandemic. I have received the very best and most courteous attention from consultant, radiologists and all NHS personnel at every level. Again a truly remarkable journey.

Let us hope and pray Mr Pym personally escapes the need for attention to personal major health issues, and if he does need attention, he would be wise to reconsider his approach to reporting on the NHS to be more accurate with regards to facts and figures and far more optimistic towards the future.

He will find he will need that optimism to survive what may befall him. Doom and gloom has no place under these circumstances I can assure him. Take note BBC1, Channel 4 and Mr Pym.

Ken McGill Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s difficult financial situation has been caused by local Conservatives wasting over £10million on the failed theatre project, combined with Conservative governments choking off grants for local authority spending.

Only by influencing and changing national government can our council be freed to deliver the services that local people need and expect.

Voters can find out from a party’s manifesto what’s in a party’s ‘tin’ and they can use elections to send messages to local and national government about what they want.

An alliance of independent members might be a quick way of focusing opposition to one big issue, like the theatre project.

Otherwise, it is not much help to voters struggling to work out where they stand on wider issues. If independents can, and do, vote in any way they think fit then how do voters know what they are voting for?

National political parties are based around common values and their members live in local communities. Through their structures parties can influence national policy, help correct government mistakes, and agitate for the resources needed to run effective local councils. This is something independents can’t do.

Martin Betts Chair, Tunbridge Wells Labour

No,

local politicians are not ‘whipped’

Last week (November 16) I had a column in the Times where I talked about the need for honesty

in politics. I had no delusions that having written it, politics in Tunbridge Wells would suddenly become a bastion of decency and honesty and integrity.

In the last few days, we’ve been subjected to another barrage of nonsense about the council’s finances from Tunbridge Wells Conservatives.

It’s depressingly predictable and there’s not space to unpick the claims - though Mark Ellis is doing a good job of explaining what’s wrong with the claims online.

But they’re not the only ones.

On Friday I was part of panel speaking to pupils of Skinners’ and Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School about local politics.

David Knight of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA) explained to the audience that local branches of national parties are ‘whipped’ by the party in Westminster as to how to vote. This is a claim Nick Pope made in the previous Times column too and it’s not true.

As many readers know before becoming an independent I was chair of TW Lib Dems and I can honestly say at no point did higher level of the part intervene to tell us how to vote. I believe Tories and Labour have also decried this as factually untrue. And I’m pretty sure we’ve told Nick and his party they’re talking rubbish before - so they really ought to know better.

Sadly we expect this from the Conservatives, but I thought TWA’s selling point was they were different.

James Rands (Independent) Culverden

Why not ask the public if they like policies?

Cllr Lidstone wrote (Times, November 16) about how we should continue to spend £50,000 of local taxpayers’ money every year on borough council elections. He feels this is a way for people to express their opinions on council policies.

There are cheaper and more effective ways to find out whether the public likes council policies. You can ask them.

The Council runs many public consultations that are advertised extensively through TWBC’s quarterly Local magazine (delivered free to every household in the borough) as well as through various digital channels. The cost of each additional consultation is negligible.

The Council recently ran such a consultation on the Lib Dem-led coalition’s barmy plan to abolish free parking concessions in Paddock Wood and Southborough.

The response from local people was a firm and unequivocal “no”. This result was pure and

untainted by national politics that inevitably affect the results of borough council elections.

So we can have the best of both worlds. We can move to normal four-yearly elections (saving £50,000 pa) but continue to give local residents a direct and regular say on Council policies via the public consultation process.

Cllr Matt Bailey (Independent) Paddock Wood West, TWBC

National politics is relevant at local level

In his recent Comment piece Alliance Cllr Nick Pope (Times, November 9) asserted that ‘national politics has little relevance in running an effective local council’.

We would respectfully disagree. It is national politics that sets the framework for everything that a local council does.

Conservative governments have tightened the financial screws on local councils leaving most to struggle to maintain even their most basic services.

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

PEPPY SAYS...

Christmas arrives as the town’s lights are turned on in the annual ‘Big Reveal’

By Victoria Roberts

THOUSANDS of people descended on Tunbridge Wells town centre at the weekend for not one, but two Christmas light switch-ons.

Light schemes, designed and funded by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District (BID) since 2020, were turned on all over the town on Saturday (November 19).

The event started with carols in Chapel Place, thanks to singers from the King Charles the Martyr church.

Mingling around the Christmas tree, revellers

were treated to free hot food and drink from the chestnut stand, panettone from Arte Bianca, chocolate from Goupie and festive canapés from Larratt & Co butchers.

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Godfrey Bland, switched on the lights officially at 4pm.

Sparkling

The organisation, which is funded by a levy paid by all businesses in the town centre, also contributed to lighting up the frontage of Royal Victoria Place this year, through a grant to landlord British Land.

BID also match-funded lights in The Pantiles, with landlord Targetfollow and arranged for infrastructure works to bring the area up to the correct standard.

The fun in The Pantiles started after the Chapel Place switch-on, with The Pantiles Big Reveal event at 5pm to 8pm, sponsored by BID and organised by The Zero Waste Company.

The official switch-on took place at 8:30pm.

As the evening wore on, events turned into the Party on The Pantiles, with live music from Miss Holiday Swing and appearances from Elf, gingerbread characters and the Jack in the Beanstalk panto stars.

New areas in the BID’s Christmas light scheme for the first time this year include Castle Street and trees in Calverley Road and precinct.

Yet none of the official events prevented individual shops from joining in with the fun, and plate glass windows all over town are sparkling with seasonal decorations.

At G. Collins & Sons on the High Street, prancing reindeer and illuminated Christmas trees formed a bright banner across the entire shop front.

The Pantiles Christmas markets are on every weekend until Christmas, with food, shopping and festive music.

Crowds take to the ice as rink returns

THE ice rink returned to Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells at the weekend for the twelfth year running.The Council-run ice rink officially opened on Friday (November 18)

Open throughout the whole of December, except Christmas day, both the main and smaller outdoor rinks and festive stalls will now stay open until Monday January 2.

The rinks will be open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 12pm to 5pm on weekends. Tickets start at £13 per adult and £8 per child under 16 for advance booking.

High Street jeweller G. Collins & Sons has donated 230 SKATE tickets to pupils and teachers at Broadwater Down Primary School.

Entertainment

By night, the smaller rink transforms into a Bavarian curling rink for groups of up to six people. Book a lane for £52 for the whole group (around £8.60 each for six people).

Prices for skating and the curling vary according to different times across the week.

SKATE will also be hosting a number of events and entertainment including appearances from Once Upon a Wish, which will return every weekend alongside the Snow Sisters who will be performing songs live on the ice on

December 3, 4 and 10.

For the younger skaters, The Mermaid Princess and Sleeping Princess will also be joining the ice on November 26, 27 and December 17, and will be seen creating mischief with the Santa’s elves on Christmas Eve.

Every Friday night, Mint DJs will be playing a mix of club, house and dance anthems across the rink while a selection of local bands from The Forum will be performing live every Thursday evening.

Sunday evening will see local choirs, while Soul Train and the Green Street Blues will be singing festive carols.

Festive

The Polar Bar and Fine Grind will be available in the main skate tent with Santa’s grotto and festive stalls set up across the Grounds.

SKATE will also be hosting Christmas decoration workshops where you can make six personalised decorations to take home.

The workshops will be held in the Polar Bar on November 29 and December 7, 13 and 14. Tickets start at £35.99 and include mulled wine, warm cider or a hot chocolate.

Tickets for all events can be booked at: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/skate-tunbridgewells

SPARKLING BRIGHT Christmas illuminations on the High Street SKATING

Santa Claus is coming to town…

IT WOULDN’T be Christmas without a trip to see Santa Claus, and thankfully, there are plenty of places in Tunbridge Wells where both young and old can get to see Father Christmas this year.

Royal Victoria Place will be hosting Santa throughout December (2-24) but he will also be available on November 18, 20, 25 and 27.

Tickets cost £7 per child, which includes a wrapped gift from Santa and can be booked at: bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/RVP

Grotto

Santa is also visiting The Amelia Scott in December (10-24). No booking is required, just a £5 entry fee to the grotto – though kids of GO card holders go free. Times are 11am to 4pm, except Christmas Eve, when it’s 10am to 2pm.

Three Elite Leisure Collection (ELC) venues, part of the group which owns One Media, publisher of the Times, are also hosting Father Christmas this year.

Although the Santa’s Grotto at Salomons Estate has sold out, the great man and his little helpers will attend the three-course Sunday roast on December 11, at £32.50 per adult and £16.95 per

RUDOLPH and his reindeer pals will be taking a day off from sleigh pull-training in the lead-up to Christmas when Santa swaps his sleigh for a special Southeastern train delivering festive cheer.

Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Express, with all profits going to Railway Children, a charity that has been supporting young people on the streets for more than 25 years.

Santa and his elves will make their way through the carriages, giving a present to each child on the train. Festive entertainment will

also be provided as the Express travels through the Kent countryside.

The Santa Express leaves Maidstone West on Sunday December 18 at 11.28am, travelling the Medway Valley Line to Strood, before doubling back along the line to Paddock Wood, then returning to Maidstone West at 1.05pm.

Family tickets are £50, adult tickets are £15 and those aged 5 to 17 years can travel for £12.50.

More information and tickets are available at: bit.ly/SoutheasternSantaExpress

Help Teddy Mayor spread a little magic this Christmas

The Mayor’s Toy Appeal helps to bring joy to children and teenagers in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells who are in need, or whose families find Christmas an especially difficult time of year.

We are looking for appropriate gifts for children aged between 1 and 18. Gifts can be bought locally or from our Amazon Wishlist or see the tags on our ‘ Giving Trees ’ at St George’s Childcare, Chilston Road and in Royal Victoria Place.

child. Book at salomons-estate.com/dine-withsanta or meet him at the Christmas Eve breakfast on December 24 (at £18 per person).

Gift

One Warwick Park will also host Santa for breakfast at £17.00, which includes a gift for every child. See: onewarwickpark.co.uk/ whats-on/2022/10/breakfast-with-santa Meet Santa for breakfast at Bewl Water near Lamberhurst on December 17, 18, 23 and 24 from 9am to 10:30am.

Tickets cost £15 per person (adult or child) and can be purchased by emailing info@bewlwater. co.uk. A soft play session is included.

FATHER CHRISTMAS TAKES TO THE STREETS

For those not able to make it to a grotto, Santa will be hitting the streets with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table (RTWRT) to meet the public and collect donations for Nourish Community Foodbank in his sleigh.

In December last year, RTWRT received around four tonnes of food for Nourish.

Donations can be left on the pavement for Santa to collect when he does his rounds.

From December 9, you may spot Santa as the night draws over town in the following locations from 4pm to 7pm:

December 9 – Broadmead

December 10 – St Johns

December 11 – Culverden

December 12 – St Marks

December 13 – Claremont

December 14 – Ravenswood/Dorking Rd area

December 15 – Hawkenbury

Scan here to see our Amazon Wishlist.

For drop off locations and more information, visit: www.twmta.co.uk donatePlease your gifts between 19th Nov and 10th Dec

ALL ABOARD THE SANTA EXPRESS

SLEIGH DRIVE The Round Table Santa

Where to tuck into turkey and all the trimmings

By Lilly Croucher

If you’re looking for somebody else to take the strain for Christmas dinner with turkey, stuffing but none of the washing up, Tunbridge Wells has plenty of festive options for everyone.

This year, Tunbridge Wells has plenty of festive options for everybody, from large families, to work parties and dining couples, everyone is welcome this Christmas.

The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting a festive dining experience with winter warmers and all the trimmings for you and your family. The Ivy will be offering their à la carte menu with a Christmas twist featuring sparking cocktails and magical desserts.

Celebrating

For larger groups, The Ivy has its Christmas three-course set menu available for £55 per person and a premium menu for £60. They will also be serving up a festive Afternoon Tea for £26.95 per person.

The Christmas menu will be available for the whole of December, including Boxing Day.

Bookings can be made at: theivytunbridgewells.com/book-a-table/ The Barn pub in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating the Christmas season with festive dinners across the month of December.

Christmas Day sees an indulgent six-course menu including champagne for £78 per adult, £38 per child under 13 and £14 per child under five.

For the rest of December, The Barn’s festive lunches feature a two-course set menu for £15.95 and three courses for £18.95.

Looking for somewhere to host your company Christmas party? The Barn is offering lunch or dinner Christmas celebrations for £30 per person for three courses, including coffee.

Wrapping up New Year celebrations in style, The Barn is hosting a five-course dinner including champagne at midnight this New Year’s Eve for £65 per person and an early dinner (without champagne, before 8.30pm) for £35 per person

For New Year’s day, a light two-course lunch for £15.95 is available (£7.95 for children under 13)

Book Your Christmas celebrations at The Barn here: barn-pub-rest.co.uk/christmas-party-

venue-tunbridge-wells/ or call 01892 510424

Two Elite Leisure Collection (ELC) venues, part of the group that also runs One Media, publisher of the Times, will be serving up a feast for the whole family this Christmas.

Salomons Estate will be preparing a fourcourse banquet on Christmas Day, with tables available from 12pm to 4pm at £90 per adult.

You can extend your stay this Christmas with a special offer of an intimate Christmas lunch for

two plus a two-night stay in the luxury country estate for £595.

Salomons will also be serving festive lunches from December 2 to 16 with two courses from £27.50 or 3 for £32.50

Book by emailing reception@salomonsestate.com

One Warwick Park Hotel also be offering four delectable courses for their Christmas day lunch in their stunning dining rooms. Join the hotel for the most magical day of the year, bookings start at £80 per adult.

Luxurious

Treat yourself and your loved ones to something a bit luxurious with a private banquet in their own dining room and personal waiter this Christmas.

One Warwick Park Hotel invites you to this indulgent dining experience for groups up to 12 at £28 per person (rooms available from £75, including a dedicated waiter)

Book at: sales@onewarwickpark.co.uk

For a cosy, relaxed Christmas by the fire with mulled wine, The Hare pub in Langton Green is offering a full Christmas dinner with three courses of festive cheer. Their menu starts at £89.95 per adult and £44.95 per child (under 12).

Their festive menu is also available on boxing day, two courses for £37.95 and three courses for £44.95, and throughout December, two courses for £29.95 and three courses £35.95.

Book at: brunningandprice.co.uk/hare/ christmas_event/christmas-day-2022/

For a leisurely lunch, the Hotel Du Vin is offering a delicate four-course menu for £49.95 including champagne this Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Bookings can be made at: hotelduvin.com/ locations/tunbridge-wells/christmas-2022/ boxing-day-new-years-day/

Christmas Menus

Picture: Shutterstock

Christmas is the time of year for giving

Annual appeals more important as cost-of-living crisis bites hard across the borough

By Victoria Roberts

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching, and many people are looking forward to spending time with family, over-indulging in food and drink, and exchanging gifts.

However, for some people, the season brings worries, as they struggle to make ends meet, or find it difficult to make connections.

At Nourish Community Foodbank, the cost-of-living crisis means the charity will not launch a big campaign this year.

However, with food donations at their lowest in six years, Nourish expects to support over 300 households over Christmas, said Operations Director Dawn Stanford.

Donate

On mornings between December 12 and 17, donors can bring essential items for the first 12 days of Christmas to the charity’s warehouse in Kingstanding Way.

Alternatively, texting ‘FOOD £20’ to 70085 will provide everything a family needs to be able to have Christmas dinner together. You can donate a different amount by texting ‘FOOD’ and how much you want to give.

Nourish has also uploaded four card designs to its page at: dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/ charities/nourish-community-foodbank/ christmas

You can choose how much to give – for example a £20 donation which would help buy Christmas dinner for a family in need.

nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk

Marquee magic at Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market

HOSPICE in the Weald’s annual traditional Christmas Market will be held at the Hospice in Pembury, from 10am to 4pm on November 26-27, with an additional VIP shopping event on November 25.

A £5 entry donation admits shoppers to stalls selling local, seasonal and handmade goods, all under marquees in the Hospice’s gardens. Festive songs, hot drink and food stalls add to the Christmas cheer.

Children also have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto (£5 per child). Book in advance via the website.

VIP shoppers on Friday November 25 can pay £20 entry to beat the rush, while enjoying canapés and a glass of bubbly.

hospiceintheweald.org.uk/events/christmasmarket/

Staving off loneliness

including family tickets and lunch at SKATE Tunbridge Wells, luxury leather travel wallets and tags from G. Collins & Sons, a £250 holiday voucher from Classic Collection Holidays at Baldwins Travel, and more.

Friendship

Any amount raised can help, with £5 to £10 paying for a hot, home-cooked meal for someone struggling to buy food.

Bringing gifts to those that might go without

Pressures

For three decades, the appeal has been ensuring disadvantaged children in the borough receive presents, which also offers hard-pressed parents a relief from the pressures of the season. Toys come by way of donations, either in cash or new toys bought by generous residents. Last year, the Toy Appeal ensured 550

Volunteers are needed to sell Christmas trees at Aspens, Pembury Road, between November 26 and December 23. Contact samantha.kirknessking@aspens.org.uk

Aspens,

LONELINESS is the focus of Age UK Tunbridge Wells’ ‘Bring a Smile’ Christmas raffle, helping the local independent charity raise funds for its day centre and other services.

The local organisation is raffling a range of prizes, many from local companies or attractions,

Meanwhile, £20 could help Age UK Tunbridge Wells make telephone friendship calls to older people at the loneliest time of year, and £50 could keep an older person warm and fed at the day centre rather struggling at home.

JustGiving.com/campaign/ AgeUKTunbridgeWells-bring-a-smile-raffle

The charity is also holding an online quiz and raffle on December 6 at 7-9pm: register.enthuse. com/ps/event/AspensMerryQuizmasandRaffle

Donating to Nourish this Christmas is Tunbridge Wells-based designer children’s retailer Childrensalon, which is giving one meal

Tunbridge Wells children that may have gone without a gift from Santa received something to open on Christmas Day.

Each child was given a main present, ranging from Lego sets and soft toys to radio-controlled cars and Barbie dolls, along with a number of stocking fillers.

The appeal runs until December 10, and cannot accept second-hand toys, guns or candles.

Drop off points include: Maddisons (The Pantiles), The Amelia Scott, Barsleys (Paddock Wood), St George's Childcare (Chilston Road), Royal Victoria Place (Tunbridge Wells)

More details are at: TWMTA.co.uk

(worth £5) to Nourish for every sale on childrensalon.com on December 6 (St Nicholas Day).

The company will also donate ten per cent of sales on Black Friday (November 25) to Toybox and African Promise.

THE MAYOR’S Toy Appeal opened this weekend, collecting presents through its Amazon Wishlist, or asking people to buy locally and drop off at various spots around the area.

the charity for those on the autism spectrum and with learning difficulties, is also fundraising for a floor projector to bring a virtual playground to life underfoot. See aspens. enthuse.com/cf/bring-christmas-joy-to-thechildren-we-support

TREE SELLERS NEEDED

BAGS OF HELP

Donations at Nourish and (inset) Operations Director Dawn Stanford

TOY STORY

Former Mayor Chris Woodward (left) with organiser Karen Collins

12 Noon - 2.00pm 3 courses, coffee & mince pies £80pp

2.45pm - 5.00pm Welcome drink, 4 courses, coffee & petit fours £95pp

Spend Christmas Day with us and enjoy a seasonal feast at one of our two special sittings taking place at midday and 2:45pm. Let us take care of you (and the washing up) on December 25th

STARTERS

Scallop ceviche with pickled golden beetroot, apple & sorrel gel (GF) (DF)

Terrine of ham hock, celeriac apple slaw, pickled vegetables (GF) (DF)

Lightly spiced parsnip soup, sourdough croutons, parsnip crisps (GF on request)

MAINS

Roasted free range turkey, sage and onion stuffing, smoked bacon wrapped chipolata, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, turkey jus (GF)

Sweet potato, chard, goats’ cheese and pine nut loaf, garlic and herb stuffed mushroom, wilted greens with a butternut and caraway purée (V)

DESSERTS

Selection of cheeses with farmhouse chutney, celery, grapes and artisan biscuits (GF on request)

Christmas pudding with brandy butter and vanilla cream sauce

Dark chocolate marquise, orange marscapone, lemon verbena shortbread

Shopping centre’s artistic endeavours

arts

From now until December 23, the Tunbridge Wells Pop-Up Gallery will be open in Royal Victoria Place, showcasing the talented and diverse work of 15 local artists. Eileen Leahy finds out more…

ANDY YOUNG

SUZY PHILLIPS

WES GROVE

CLARE SUMMONS

PHIL WEY PHOTOGRAPHY

BECCA GALBRAITH

At this time of year we’re all consumed with Christmas present buying and deciphering how we can ensure we buy the perfect gift for a loved one.

If you’re looking for something super special then we have the answer: a piece of unique artwork.

And luckily this has never been easier to source courtesy of the fact that many of our favourite local artists have gathered together to launch a pop-up gallery in Royal Victoria Place for the second year in a row.

Running from now until December 23, on the shopping centre’s top trading floor, visitors can browse and buy the work of 15 artists and craft makers.

“They truly brighten up a previously closed store with a vast range of colourful artwork,” says a spokesperson for the creative collective behind the Tunbridge Wells Pop-Up Gallery.

“You will see dazzling glassware crafted by Hilary Shields and Clare Summons, gorgeous Raku ceramics from Wes Groves and silver, gold and bronze individually crafted jewellery from Andy Young, Rob Ketch, Karin Keidel-Henderson and Charlotte Tabor of Cara Jewellery.

There will also be hand-printed textiles from Kate Hasted.”

Eye catching

The spokesperson adds: “Adorning the walls of the pop-up is a wide selection of paintings and photography which features everything from portrait artwork from Maria Turner, to dramatic land and seascapes from painters such as Di Drummond and Suzy Phillips.

“These pieces are complemented by eyecatching photography from Lena Bruce and Phil Wey. There are also contemporary florals from

painter Amelia Jay and beautiful woodland animal scenes from artist Becca Galbraith.”

This is the second year the artistic group have taken on this particular space and many will be there in person to chat to visitors about their work.

“We think this could be the answer for those individual gift ideas and cards you search for,” the spokesperson said.

The Tunbridge Wells Pop-Up Gallery is open every day until December 23 and is located on the top trading floor in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells opposite HMV.

It’s open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm

‘We

‘This is the second year the artistic group have taken on this particular space at RVP and many will be there in person to chat to visitors about their work’

MARIA TURNER

DI DRUMMOND

ROB KETCH

HILARY SHIELDS

CHARLOTTE TABOR

A PIECE OF HISTORY FROM THE DIAMOND SETTER

What is hallmarking?

Have you ever considered the hallmarks that are struck or lasered onto your jewellery?

Precious metals are rarely used in their purest form and usually alloyed with other metals for workability, durability, and wearability. But it isn't possible to detect an article's precious metal content by sight or touch.

Fortunately, it is compulsory in the UK that gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are independently tested and hallmarked by a third-party institution to make sure that every piece of jewellery made in this country conforms to all legal standards of purity or fineness.

This guarantees provenance by telling you as a consumer where the piece was assayed or tested, what the article is made of and who sent the article for hallmarking. Nowhere in the world are consumers more highly protected than in the UK.

Awareness

A consultation with The Diamond Setter can pave the way to learning more about hallmarking. "It is surprising to meet people who are unaware of hallmarking in the UK. People should always look for the hallmark when buying jewellery and ask the store what each symbol represents. This will ensure they are getting what they pay for." says Lorraine of The Diamond Setter.

Hallmarking also helps uncover the origins of older jewellery. As Gavin, Master Jeweller and Diamond Setter says, “When customers bring us an inherited piece of jewellery, we can trace the year it was brought or made and even who the maker was. It is so heartwarming to uncover the history of a piece that a customer has inherited from a loved one. They find it fascinating."

Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark – the first and probably the last in our lifetime.

The British Hallmarking Council announced last year, "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, seventy years of service, having acceded to the throne in 1952. To celebrate the occasion, the body which oversees UK hallmarking, the British Hallmarking Council, has sanctioned a commemorative component mark."

We have been including this special mark since it launched in November last year.

When The Queen sadly died in September, the commemorative mark was abruptly withdrawn, but public appeals from jewellers and consumers alike prompted the Assay Office to consult with the King's Assay Master. Consequently, the four Assay Offices of the UK brought back the Platinum Jubilee Mark and it will remain available until the end of 2022, as originally scheduled.

“We are so thrilled to be able to continue to offer this unique service to

our valued customers. This is only the 7th commemorative mark to be released in history, the like of which we may never see again in our lifetime", say Gavin and Lorraine.

The Memory Collection

So, if you wish to own or gift a one-of-akind piece of jewellery with Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Mark, head to The Diamond Setter website or their Studio at Salomons Estate. There you can view

‘The Memory Collection’, a series of one-off pieces created by Gavin and Lorraine and perhaps treat yourself or a loved one to one of a handpicked selection of diamonds and gemstones to treasure for life and pass on to future generations.

Gavin has been creating jewellery for more than 20 years both in the UK and internationally. His wealth of experience includes working for the Rolex watch company in the early 2000s. The Diamond Setter offers a no-obligation consultation for creating bespoke jewellery, wedding and engagement rings, redesign and remodelling and any jewellery repair jobs. Gavin’s workshop is onsite, meaning no jewellery leaves the property unless it is going for hallmarking. They also have an onsite laser engraving service.

Gavin and Lorraine look forward to welcoming you at The Diamond Setter Studio soon.

Taken from the London Assay Office

Say ‘salud’ to this trio of sparkling Cava wines from Catalonia

In 1972 Cava became enshrined in Spanish law as a protected appellation for fizzy wines made by the method where the secondary fermentation (which creates the bubbles) takes place in the individual bottle – the method used for nearly all of the planet’s finest sparklers.

Traditionally, the wines were made from three homegrown varieties: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, which are just as interesting as Champagne’s trio of three signature grapes.

Unlike Champagne, however, Cava (which translates literally as ‘cellar’) is not an actual place but rather a wine style. It’s a speciality of the Penedès region of Catalonia in northeast Spain and centred on the town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.

Cava can be made in several Spanish regions and is extremely important in export markets. Indeed, nearly three-quarters of the D.O.’s total sales are international. Other significant areas allowed to make Cava include Navarra, Rioja and Valencia. In 2021 over 250 million bottles of Cava were sold, a colossal figure (Champagne’s sales were 322 million).

My selection of three characterful Cavas below has been made with value in mind. There are lots of great examples – including Freixenet’s top range, Gramona and Recaredo – but I’d avoid the industrial, cheap party pop under £10 that is always on discount.

This virtuous Catalan trio showcases different styles and embraces a pink wine and a foodfriendly, bone-dry, ‘Gran Reserva’ vintage Cava. Two out of the three have organic certification as well. Serve, ideally in a tulip glass, between 8-10°C.

1) Must-try, super-fruity pink, organic, vegan-approved Cava

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé Delicat Organic (£11.95-£12, Soho Wine, Ocado, Cheers Wine Merchant; alc 12%)

In 2021 rosé Cava experienced a striking growth of nearly 30%, showing consumers’ continued interest in pink wine. Given the price, this well-composed, finely-tuned organic rendition is far more appetizing and elegant than might be expected (it’s only a little over £10 after all) and would be so easy to love as an aperitif! Red cherry, blueberry, wild raspberry,

floral, earthy, herbal (bay leaf) and white pepper scents are welcoming, fresh and vital. The palate is supple and offers a tangy cranberry acid crunch. Surprisingly long, unwavering finish too. Bring on the shellfish paella!

It’s a sassy bargain rosé Cava, with intensely rich, red and black fruits that will woo one and all. The lively acidity and energetic mousse guide this colourful pink wine to a resounding finish. Such an enchanting package (check out the Gaudi sleeve)! Plenty of flavour with terrific balance. 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. Suitable for vegans. The Champagne Company is selling this dandy, delectable Cava in a gorgeous gift set for £20 at thechampagnecompany.com ¡Viva España!

2) Seek this one out, it’s a brand new, extremely estimable, wine to the emerging premium UK Cava market Cune Cava Brut NV (£12.99 mix six, Majestic; alc 11.5%) What a find! This is an admirably energetic, truly refreshing, beautifully put together, dry Cava that’s easy to love. It feels suitably cheerful and celebratory for this festive season and is a welcome brand-new addition to the UK’s premium Cava scene. It’s made by CUNE (pronounced ‘coo-nee’) – one of Rioja’s great names and has a strong textural element, remarkably lively acidity, a long finish and a modicum of

complexity to boot. Lovely drinking and fuller-bodied than many. I applaud the wine buyer who jostled to get this classy vinous Cava that ticks all the boxes on Majestic’s autumn list. Seek it out on your next mix-six purchase and try it with tapas. A real find!

3) Bone-dry, food-friendly vintage ‘Gran Reserva’ organic Cava from loamy, calcareous clay soils

Juvé & Camps, Singular Gran Reserva Brut Nature Xarel-lo 2016 (£15.83-£21, The Fine Wine Company and Harvey Nichols; alc 12%)

Juvé & Camps owns 271 hectares of 100% organic vineyards and specialises in well-aged varietal wines. Their sparkling vinous output is irreproachable and like many quality Cava producers, the focus is on drier, gastronomic styles. This is a fascinating ‘Gran Reserva’ Cava that showcases 100% local Xarel-lo (aka Pansa Blanca), a fine and distinctive Catalonian white grape variety producing still and sparkling wines with considerable body, some tannin and medium-plus acidity. It’s bone dry and has a distinct greengage, apple, herbal and earthy flavour, a silky mouthfeel, a little tannic grip, plus a suggestion of brioche. Drink now or over the next couple of years. Really appetising but firm enough to be drunk with light dishes: I’m thinking rice, salmon or tuna. Serious texture – thanks to lees ageing – and quite a deep colour, without being too cerebral. Serve this one around 10°C. Delicious drinking!

Follow #CavaWeek #BetterWithCava @ DO_Cava & @QuixoticWine

THE

HALL THEATRE,

ROAD

TRINITY THEATRE, CHURCH ROAD All event information and tickets available from www.trinitytheatre.net 25/11 All Floyd 01/12 Midwinter Revels 03/12 Richard Durrant Christmas Concert

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD Open all day, free entry, booking advised www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk 01/12 Julian Burdoch 02/12 Charlotte Lubbock Duo 03/12 Dan and Harry

THE AMELIA SCOTT CENTRE

THE MASONIC CENTRE, ST JOHN’S ROAD

All information and tickets available at www.twjazzclub.co.uk

03/12 Richard Exall’s Shooting Stars Quintet

CALVERLEY GROUNDS ICE RINK, THE FORUM WINTER SESSIONS

Music from 7pm-9pm, free entry all details at www.twforum.co.uk 24/12 Ash Dodd + Civil Complex 01/12 The Street Lights + Nimueh

THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM, CAMDEN ROAD

THE ALLOTMENT, ST JAMES ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

28/11 TWUNT Ukulele Jam session

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGH STREET

Open all day, free entry music from 3.30pm to 6pm

27/11 Jonny Gray

04/12 John Whitehorne of THE Varlies

EVEN FLOW CAFÉ, ST JOHN’S ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm 24/11 Open Mic Night

SANKEY’S BAR & RESTAURANT, MT EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 7.30pm

03/12 Sean Fennessey & Friends

THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

02/12 Acoustic Night with Alchemy Acoustic 03/12 Common Company

THE RED LION PUB, RUSTHALL

Open all day free entry music from 8.30pm

The Hearthside Sessions: 03/12 Joe Ackerley

GAMBIT JAZZMEN

All event information and tickets available at www.theamelia.co.uk/ whats-on/ 03/12 The Amelia Scott Christmas Concert featuring Rock Choir and The Front Line Singers

THE FORUM BASEMENT AT THE SUSSEX ARMS

All information and tickets available at www.twforum.co.uk 02/12 Safety Jacket + Bobbysmiles

All event details and tickets available at www.thegreenduckemp2orium.com/ events

03/12 Nothing On-Christmas-Cockney Sing-a-Long with Tom Carradine 06/12 Carradine’s Christmas sing along!

THE GUN & SPITROAST INN, HORSMONDEN

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

23/11 Jam Session all welcome 30/11 Jam Session all welcome

PAUL COOK

SEAN FENNESSEY

JONNY GRAY

Discovering the shape of future fitness

Sarah Gorman has worked in the fitness industry for over two decades. She has been TV star Davina McCall’s personal trainer and launched her BlendFit company 15 years ago. Now the local mother of three talks to the Times about her new app,

help connect people committed to regular exercise and reveals why

appearing in the special Thrive Dance show at Trinity this coming Sunday…

It’s a funny thing when you’re asked what your job title is and you get a bit stuck as to what to say! The reason? Well I’ve been working within the fitness industry for over 20 years but I do squeeze quite a few other roles into what I do and so narrowing it down can be tricky!

I am a personal trainer, class instructor, fitness educator and a fitness presenter with a social media presence that I hope influences and guides people on their health and fitness journeys.

I also teach a whole range of classes from barre, Pilates, boxing, strength training, TRX and dance, with a firm focus on being able to have fun within the class, whilst achieving the results that clients are wanting in their bodies, health, fitness and mindset.

I created the BlendFit Method over the past 15

years to provide an eclectic approach to training – blending disciplines to create energetic and fun classes to get people strong, mobile, fit and healthy. By blending various disciplines together into one class you can effectively train your entire body, and mind, enabling you to feel you have given focus to your whole self.

Followers

I have recently had this approach developed into my BlendFit app, which has just launched and I am really so excited about it! I know there are lots of fitness apps out there, but I believe mine has a personal feel to it and so I would ask you to become part of the community I’ve created along with my followers.

There are five live classes a week on the app, every week. And if you can’t make the lives they all go into an archive so you can catch up when it’s convenient for you.

There are challenges and programmes on there as well as a nutrition section. My hope is that the app will grow and I’m looking to collaborate with other instructors so that you will have a range of teachers to train with and the content will just get more exciting.

As a 46-year-old business owner and a single mum of three, I believe that I have a good understanding of how difficult finding time to focus on yourself can be. Like many other women my age I am feeling and seeing changes in my body as well as in my mindset and I want

to be able to help relieve some of those symptoms and issues and help to build strength and positivity from the inside out. Getting people to move is hugely important to me and I think this comes from my dance background. I’m currently working with the incredible Cascade Dance (cascadedance.co.uk) who are hosting an exciting new platform solely for adult dance artists and companies based in the South East. THRIVE will take place this coming Sunday November 27 at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. It’s going to be a much-needed platform showcasing 12 diverse contemporary works performed by adults aged 18 to 75. Why not come along and see for yourselves how fun it’s going to be?

Tickets to Thrive at Trinity, which takes place at 6pm this Sunday November 27, cost £13. To book, visit: trinitytheatre.net

For more information about Sarah, her BlendFit exercise regime and the new app, visit: sarahgorman.fit

‘As a 46-year-old business owner, single mum of three,

I believe I have a good understanding of how difficult finding time to focus on yourself can be’

created to

she’s so excited about

‘I teach a whole range of classes from barre, Pilates, boxing, strength training, TRX and dance, with a firm focus on having fun within the class’

BOXING CLEVER

Sarah Gorman (above and left)

The past, present and future of Bewl Water

Molly Miller from Bewl Water talks about the history of the reservoir and looks to to what the Lamberhurst beauty spot has in store in the future...

SURROUNDED by 800 acres of parkland, forests and miles of walking and cycling trails, Bewl Water straddles the boundary between Kent and East Sussex and is a popular visitor attraction with something for everyone.

Open all year round, Bewl Water is a favourite landmark for walking and many healthy outdoor recreational activities such as sailing and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, and bird watching and participate in several events that take place on-site each year such as boat races, marathons and their popular Big Dog Day Out.

Although privately owned by Southern Water, the grounds were leased to Elite Leisure Collection (ELC) in 2015 which runs several businesses in Tunbridge Wells.

While Bewl’s goal of inspiring everyone to spend more time outdoors and enjoy their natural surroundings has formed a core part of their approach, the reservoir hasn’t always been the diverse landscape it is today.

While many are familiar with the man-made site, few remember its fascinating history. Bewl Water was part of a project in 1973 to increase water supplies to the area where it now provides households in Medway, Thanet, and Hastings. The towns’ growing population meant that measures were needed to provide Kent and Sussex with a more reliable water source.

Isolation

The Bewl Valley was chosen because of its proximity and sparse population. Its helpful less permeable clay and isolation from any major roads or railway also gave the grounds an advantage.

The Queen therefore gave Royal Assent to what was known as the Medway Water Act on July 26, 1968, and in 1973 the project began.

After receiving the green light farmers and their stock had to relocate and whilst many were successfully moved to Cousley Wood and to the Weald and Downland Museum, eleven buildings and several lanes remained and are now under the reservoir.

Construction started by damming the valley from clay excavated from the ground which was then flooded and filled with more than 31,000 million litres of water – enough to cover six London busses stacked on top of one another.

The 30-metre high and 1,800-metre-long dam cost £11 million to build and is now the largest body of inland water in the South East.

Since being acquired by Southern Water, the emphasis has been on sustainability and conservation – principles that strongly influenced the development of the site when the grounds were leased to Bewl Water.

Bewl Water is valued by locals and visitors as a landscape resource and is managed carefully in conjunction with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Activities such as the Aqua Park, a popular

destination during the height of summer, laser tag and soft play provide further opportunities for young people and families to be active outdoors.

Classified as a Local Wildlife Site, over 400 protected species live on or around the water which includes a dedicated nature reserve on the southern side. Irregularly shaped with many quiet inlets, the reserve’s multiple roles include the conservation of species, biodiversity and of ecosystems.

‘Establishing these areas remains one of the most effective efforts for protecting our endangered species and their natural environment,” said Business Director Andrew Daniels.

Bewl Water spends £1.3million a year running and maintaining the grounds which includes investing in its environmental performance and long-term sustainability.

Managed in harmony with its native wildlife,

the reservoir also works alongside the support of The Woodland Trust to conserve the grounds and its ancient woodlands – a partnership that plays a key role in the site’s development.

“We have a 17-mile shoreline with meadows and woods on the estate where most of it is cut only once a year to allow native grass and wildflowers a full season’s growth to encourage small mammals, birds, insects, and butterflies to flourish,” Head Ranger Daniel Baker said who has worked at the site for over 20 years.

Southern Water and Bewl have also partnered with assistant Ecologist Tom Alexander and his colleague, Lorna Brooks in a trial that has helped control the growth of Crassula – a plant species that can deprive a waterbody of oxygen and light.

Exceptional

Crassula was collected from the reservoir and infected with a mite that was found to reduce the plant’s growth by up to 50% in laboratory trials. It was replanted at Bewl Water in 2020 where the cutting-edge project could eventually be rolled out nationwide.

“We have an exceptional team of rangers that work tirelessly with our partners to help manage the reservoir,” Daniel said.

‘Recent protection and shoaling measures have increased our native fish numbers whilst the introduction of floating solar-powered sonic wave emitters have successfully controlled the outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae around Bewl Water’ he continued.

But it’s not just native wildlife that falls under the reservoir’s protection efforts, with over 140,000 visitors each year continuous investments must be made to keep the grounds safe.

On Monday [November 21] the Bewl Water

The plans include replacing two wooden bridges in Pine Bay, a section which often suffers from wet and muddy conditions during the winter and while the project will take place over the coming months, visitors will still be able to access certain areas between Rosemary Lane and Tinkers Wood.

“This investment marks a major step forward in maintaining, upgrading and sustaining the Bewl Water round reservoir route,” Daniel explained.

The ongoing conservation programmes aim to secure the estate’s future and maintain Bewl Water both as a wildlife refuge and a popular visitor attraction that helps people of all ages get outside, be active and connect with nature.

Development proposals that were submitted earlier this year also play a vital role in Bewl Water’s future.

‘The applications have been carefully considered with the support and guidance of our advisors, the District Council’s professional planning team and the Tourist Board’ Andrew explained.

‘The proposals rely solely on the re-use of existing, outdated, and underused buildings and are landscape-led, sensitively working around the estate’s biodiversity’.

Bewl Water has three proposals before planners, which would convert the former bistro, fishing lodge and fishing hut into holiday accommodation – a development encouraged by the Tourist Board who continue to tell Bewl Water that there is not enough accommodation of a good enough quality onsite as the growth of the staycation market continues to rise.

Bewl Water says it's improving biodiversity and will reduce light pollution from the new developments which will also have the latest energy-saving technology, including ground source and water-sourced heat pumps.

‘Our aim will always be to preserve the reservoir and secure its future. We want Bewl Water to be here for another fifty years and to make this happen we must continually invest in its economic, environmental, and sustainable development’ Andrew continued.

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

ranger team began rebuilding sections of the round reservoir public footpath and bridleway.

Property prices stall as end of stamp duty holiday takes effect

HOUSE price growth stalled between August and September, although the average property value was still £26,000 higher than a year earlier, according to official figures.

Across the UK, the average house price in September was £295,000, which was £26,000 higher than a year earlier, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Average house prices increased by 9.5% over the year to September 2022, slowing from 13.1% annual growth in August 2022.

Slow

Across the UK, typical property values remained unchanged between August and September 2022, which also caused the annual percentage change to slow, the ONS said.

ONS deputy director for prices, Matt Corder, said: “House prices were flat between August and September, the first time we have not seen an increase in almost a year.

“The fall in annual house price inflation is mainly because of the sharp rise in house prices in September 2021 at the end of the stamp duty holiday last year.”

The average house price in Scotland increased by

7.3% over the year to September, slowing from an increase of 8.8% in the year to August. The average house price in Scotland in September was £192,000.

In Wales, property values increased by 12.9% annually, slowing from 14.3% annual growth in August.

The average house price in Wales was at a record level of £224,000 in September.

In England, house prices increased by 9.6% annually, slowing from 13.7% annual growth in August.

The average house price in England also sat at a record level of £314,000 in September, which was unchanged from August.

Within England, the South West had the highest annual house price inflation, with average prices increasing by 11.9% in the year to September. The North East had the weakest annual price growth, at 5.8%.

The average house price in Northern Ireland increased by 10.7% annually, pushing typical property values to £176,000.

The house price figures were released on the same day the ONS revealed that inflation jumped to a higher-than-expected 11.1% in October – the highest rate since October 1981 and up from 10.1% in September.

Can Gareth Southgate keep the housing market afloat?

A GOOD performance by the England squad at World Cup 2022 in Qatar could result in a house price boost if historical market trends are anything to go by.

Estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester analysed historic housing market trends looking at the level of inflation adjusted house price growth across the English market and how this rate of growth differed depending on England’s previous World Cup performances.

They also looked at which areas of the market have seen the best property price performance since the last World Cup.

Muted

Focussing on the so-called ‘years of hurt’ which follow England’s one and only tournament championship in the 1966 World Cup, the data shows that failing to qualify for a World Cup – as was the case in 1974, 1978, and 1994 –would have also resulted in the most muted housing market performance.

In fact, house prices during years in which England didn’t make it to the World Cup increased by just 0.8% on average, so it’s a good thing for the nation’s homeowners that they’ve made it to Qatar 20222.

In years where the England team have made it to the initial stages of the tournament and into the last 16, house prices have increased by an average of 2.8%.

But, if the squad can match their recent World Cup and Euros success and make it to the final stages, this positive national sentiment could help boost domestic house prices to the greatest extent.

In years where England have reached the quarter or semi finals of a World Cup, house prices have increased by an average of 5.3% since 1970.

But what if England makes it to the final?

Well, there’s only one historic data point to look towards in this scenario – the famed 1966 victory – and the stats suggest that anyone who is hoping to see

house prices rise as much as possible might actually want to cheer against England.

Growth

England’s ‘66 success was followed by positive house price growth, but values increased by just 3.6%. This is 1.3% less than price growth for a quarter or semi-final elimination.

When it comes to England’s top property performers since the last World Cup, it’s North Devon that lifts the trophy, with house prices up by 60.3% since June 2018.

It’s the phrase that rings in the ears of estate agents at this time of year. There is a dreamy allure to enjoying this festive, family centred time in your new home, taking time in the holiday season to get unpacked and settled. Deborah Richards, Managing Partner of award-winning sales and lettings agent, Maddisons Residential, shares her expert insights that home buyers and sellers might consider at this time of year.

There is a practical side to moving ‘just in time’ for Christmas; my advice is that solicitors will need to be able to exchange contracts in the first or second week of December and beware that removal firms often get booked up long in advance for December moves.

However, moving in time for Christmas does also come with its drawbacks. Is it worth filling the freezer when this will all just need to be packed up, along with all those presents? Young children might worry that Father Christmas may not get the change of address in time or feel saddened that the decorations are not going up.

Getting fully unpacked the other end always takes time and you probably don’t want to spend Christmas surrounded by boxes, unable to find that special serving dish you love to use. Your new oven will not be the familiar old friend you have just left, and many trades are not available over the festive period. What if you cannot get online (my children would certainly never forgive me!), are unable to understand your new heating system, or worse – and you need urgent repairs?

All in all, it is understandable that the excitement of being in your new home leads to a desire to spend your first Christmas there. However, maybe use the extra time with your family to relax and recharge, toast the old house for the good times it has provided, and then get organised and packed, ready for a fun start to the new year in your new home. What a way to start 2023!

Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, leading independent estate agent in Tunbridge Wells offering expert sales and lettings with excellent customer service.