Times of Tunbridge Wells 9th Feb 2022

Local, National and International

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

UR E er YO E ap FRwsp

Times

All the news that matters

Ne

Winter Lantern Parade makes its return Photograph by CREATE

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

SKIN IS OUR

LARGEST ORGAN The Winter Lantern Parade returned to Camden Road on Saturday following its Covid hiatus. Full story page 3.

Taxpayers set for legal bill after planners reject reservoir plans

By Jonathan Banks TAXPAYERS in Wealden are set to foot the bill for tens of thousands in legal fees after the Council’s planning committee defied its own legal advice and rejected an application to save a derelict fishing lodge at a local beauty spot.

Last week at a meeting of Wealden District Council’s [WDC] Planning Committee [North], council officers urged members to approve plans to turn the disused fishing hut in Bewl Water, near to Lamberhurst, into four holiday apartments.

The lodge has sat unused for six years and is set to collapse, but Bewl’s owners had plans to save the building by converting it into a holiday apartment for

anglers to raise much needed money to maintain the reservoir– the largest inland open body in the South East. A similar plan had been proposed in 2015 and was granted planning permission.

Policy Council officers told the committee last week [Thursday, January 3] that the plans were ‘compliant with national and local planning policy’ for the leisure destination. But a rejection, proposed by Green Party councillor, Patricia Patterson-Vanegas [Forest Row], was put forward based on the impact on the AONB, loss of water-based amenities and the effect the plan would have on the district’s ‘dark skies’.

The committee was told that rejecting the plan on those grounds would leave Wealden District Council at risk of legal action.

Mr Robins warned the panel: “I think there are problems with the reasons for refusal and there is a risk in us not being able to defend those reasons. “The impact on the ecology of Bewl Water has not been proven and the change of use is fully compliant with the policy and guidance.”

He added: “We will not win a refusal reason based on ecological impact. The expert view of our ecologist is that there is not a problem here so I would urge caution to refuse it in that regard.”

Continued on page 4

WE TAKE CARE OF YOURS AT

20% OFF use code

TWTIMES22 to book online at

elloraskincare.com 47 London Road Tunbridge Wells TN4 0PB

2

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

this week… Fears for Council’s budget as Tory TUNING IN: West Kent Radio is ready to get out of the studio into the community. P6

LAST CHANCE: Time is running out to enter the Times Business Awards before February 14. P8

CENTERING CHILDREN: Tunbridge Wells-based Spurgeons is ‘desperate’ to create a new children’s centre. P11

minority to be tested for first time

By Richard Williams and Victoria Roberts

THE Council’s budget could be rejected by opposition councillors, the Times has learnt, as the ruling Conservatives have their minority status at the Town Hall tested for the first time later this month.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) annual financial strategy for 2022/23 sets out Council Tax rates and how the authority is to pay for services such as waste collection.

This year’s budget also includes the use of Council reserves to plug a £1.9million deficit caused by a reduction of income during the Covid pandemic.

It is set to be voted on in twoweeks’ time.

The February 23 budget vote is a statuary obligation of the Council, and if it fails to pass, it could plunge the authority into crisis.

Meaningful

ROLL WITH IT: A thrown bread roll was the prompt for Nish Kumar’s latest show, coming to town in April P24

It will be the first meaningful vote to take place at the Town Hall on Mount Pleasant Road since the Conservatives became a minority administration, following the loss of the Speldhurst by-election at the end of last year.

The Tories, who had been running the No Overall control authority with the help of the Mayor’s casting vote, also lost two more councillors last month following the resignation of cabinet member Matt Bailey and fellow Paddock Wood councillor Bill Hills.

The Tories find themselves as a

minority with just 21 councillors compared to a combined opposition of 26, meaning they need cross party support to pass the budget.

However, opposition councillors have refused to say whether they will back the Tories’ financial plan for next year when it goes before Full Council this month, despite the budget having already been approved through its various committee stages.

Conclusion Cllr Hugo Pound, who leads the Labour group that has five councillors at the Town Hall, told the Times the group had discussed the budget and made a decision, but how they would vote was ‘not for public consumption’.

He added: “We don’t want to distort other people’s views or judgements.”

Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader at TWBC, Ben Chapelard, who has the largest opposition group of 12 councillors at the Town Hall, said: "Liberal Democrats councillors will read through the Conservative budget carefully before reaching a conclusion as to whether we can or cannot support the Conservative minority administration's budget proposal for 2022-23.”

It is unclear what would happen if the budget is rejected by opposition councillors, as the Council is unable to function unless one is passed.

It could bring down the Conservative administration, or the move could see opposition

members censured for failing to uphold the legal requirement to pass a budget.

It could also see intervention by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government who could intervene and direct the council to take any action that he considers necessary to pass the budget.

Lee Coyler, Director of Finance at TWBC said: “The Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires that councils must approve a budget and set the Council Tax. “A well-rehearsed budget setting process has been followed during the year with the draft budget being unanimously agreed by the Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board and Cabinet. Following public consultation the Finance & Governance Cabinet Advisory Board again supported the budget on Tuesday, January 25.

“Full Council is the final stage in the setting of the budget and the level of Council Tax, where councillors can make their final comments and exercise their vote.

“This is an important statutory responsibility performed by councillors that approves the funds to deliver essential local services not just those of the borough council but also the County Council, police and fire authorities along with all parish and town councils which have issued legal precept demands on the borough council.”

Cllr Tom Dawlings, leader of the Council and the Conservatives head of Finance who proposed the budget, said it would be a ‘thoroughly irresponsible’ for opposition parties to reject the budget.

He said: “We are the billing authority for Kent County Council, the police and fire service so it would be thoroughly irresponsible.”

He continued: “The strategy has to be right, and we can’t make major decisions about what we should and should not be doing to provide services until the pandemic is over and the Council’s income level has re-established itself.”

Tax rise confirmed by police chief as County Hall is set to vote on its hike CONTACTS EDITOR RICHARD WILLIAMS richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 240626 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 576037 NEWSDESK VICTORIA ROBERTS newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779615 DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 0775 7847841 robin.singer@onemediauk.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF

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

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor.

One Media and Creative UK Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

PRINTED BY MORTONS PRINT LTD Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR

By Richard Williams THE Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Kent has been the first to confirm that he will be putting up his share of Council Tax. The decision by Matthew Scott to increase the policing cost to residents, known as the ‘precept’ by 4.58 per cent from April, comes as councillors at Kent County Council (KCC) are set to vote tomorrow [Thursday] on a five per cent hike in their share of Council Tax.

Paid The rise announced by the Conservative PCC will see an additional £10-a-year paid by a B and C council taxpayer.

Mr Scott said the rise was needed to cope with growing ‘financial challenges’ faced by the county's police force and was agreed last week at the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel.

He said: "I think this is something that is absolutely needed and has delivered value for money in the past.”

The latest police tax uplift will help to secure 195 new recruits by March 2023.

TAX RISES County Hall in Maidstone and [inset] Matthew Scott Mr Scott hopes this will help to reduce offence levels, particularly relating to burglary and tackling County Lines drug gangs.

He added: "The financial challenges which policing has experienced has never really gone away over the last few years.

"I would not do this unless I thought it was absolutely necessary."

The PCC in Wealden, Katy Bourne, has also indicated she wished to increase her precept by around £10 or 4.7 per cent.

The rises may not be welcomed by residents who will face a number of increases in Council Tax this year, including a £60 estimated increase for B and C homes proposed by KCC

that is to be voted on at County Hall tomorrow (Thursday).

Councillors at the authority’s Maidstone headquarters are set to decide on whether to green light a proposed 2.99 per cent increase in the tax on residents as well as a 2 per cent increase in the ‘ringfenced’ cost of social care.

This will see Council Tax bills increase for a band C home rising from £1,260 to £1,320.

It is the maximum amount council tax can rise without KCC holding a county wide referendum.

It may also not be the last council Tax rise announced this month.

On February 23, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] will also

vote on its Council Tax rate for 2022/23.

The authority, which is tasked with collecting the tax from residents, although is only entitled to around 10 per cent of what it collects, is expected to increase its share by the maximum permitted amount of 2 per cent. This will add at least an additional £5 on bills.

It comes as both KCC and TWBC are trying to plug deficits created by the Covid pandemic.

Shortfall The county council has a £60million black hole in its finances while TWBC has a shortfall in its finances of nearly £2million caused by falling income from Business Rates and parking fees.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service may also put up their share of Council Tax as might parish and town councils who also get a small share.

In total, residents of some properties could be set for a rise of up to £100 in Council Tax bills from April.

The news comes as household energy bills are set to soar by £693 a year from the beginning of the same month, energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed.

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF

Eight charged with Caley Road killing EIGHT people are to go on trial later this year accused of murdering a 25-year-old man in Tunbridge Wells.

Xhovan Pepaj, who was discovered on Caley Road at 3.15am on December 4, last year. He had suffered fatal stab wounds.

A 17-year-old from Ilford - who can’t be named for legal reasons, along with Ciaran Stewart, 18, Donte Simpson-Palmer, 18, Mohammed Miah, 25, Nathan Turner, 28, Zach Cutting, 23, Ray Renda, 21; and Nathan Rainforth, 20, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court last Friday [February 4] to enter not guilty pleas to murder and manslaughter.

The men, who are from various areas of the South East but predominately Essex, also deny being part of a conspiracy to rob Mr Pepaj of cannabis plants and have all been remanded in custody.

Their trial is expected to begin on October 3 and is likely to take up to 10 weeks.

Chimney sweep dies A FAMILIAR local character has died, friends have announced.

Master Chimney Sweep James Hughes, known as ‘James the Sweep’ passed away peacefully in hospital on January 18 after two decades working across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Southborough and nearby areas.

Mr Hughes’ funeral will be held at 10am at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium on Thursday, February 24.

PM hopeful to wait TONBRIDGE MP Tom Tugendhat has said he is willing to wait and see what results the changes made to Boris Johnson’s top Downing Street team bring.

The MP and chair of the Common’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee has previously said he would stand for Tory leader if Mr Johnson is voted out.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this week: “I think the Prime Minister has just done his reset, let’s see what Number 10 brings out because there’s an awful lot of talent going in, as you know, there’s an awful lot of talent coming out, and let’s see what changes are.

Mr Tugendhat went on to say: “This is a time when we need to be really focused on what politics is actually here for, and that’s helping others and not getting into some sort of personal psychodrama.”

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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

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

01892 519854 or email:

greg.clark.mp @parliament.uk

NEWS

3

Tunbridge Wells lights up once more as lantern parade returns

By Victoria Roberts HUNDREDS of families defied the winds and descended on Tunbridge Wells at the weekend, as the annual lantern parade returned bigger and better after last year’s cancellation.

The Winter Lantern Parade wound its way down Camden Road on Saturday [February 5] and saw 1,500 people brave the high winds to take part while shops and cafés stayed open late.

Nell Price, organiser at Camden Road Education, Arts & Theatre Enterprise [CREATE] told the Times: “This year was absolutely the most people we have ever had for the parade. We managed to bring out the big lanterns because the winds just dropped in time,” said Ms Price.

“There were two bands, Bloco Sogo and TS Brilliant [Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets]. They really drove it, and created that party atmosphere.”

The parade went through town towards Grosvenor & Hilbert Park.

“Even when we got there, a lot of the families stayed on to look at the big lanterns up close.”

The Winter Lantern parade was started in 2008, but had to be held virtually last year as a ‘Winter Lanterns At Home’ event.

For an irreverent look at the Winter Lantern Parade see Peppy, page 17.

LIGHTING THE WAY CREATE member Lucy Edkins at the parade

A new website for all the news that matters

Easing of Plan B sees Covid rates rocket as one in four not boosted

By Robert Forrester RATES of infection with coronavirus have risen sharply in Tunbridge Wells since the easing of restrictions last month, with the area seeing the fifth largest spike across the UK. However, admissions to the Trust which runs Tunbridge Wells Hospital have remained stable.

The government’s Plan B restrictions, introduced in the wake of the Omicron variant, were lifted last month with the end to work from home guidance on January 19 and the legal requirement to wear face masks in shops and public transport on Jan 26.

Rates of the virus had rocketed to around 1,500 cases a week in Tunbridge Wells during the peak of the Omicron surge in early January, but this has been on the wane since.

Infection

GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES

Local News

THE website for the Times of Tunbridge Wells has been relaunched with new features, a bold new look but with the same dedication to breaking news and bringing all the biggest exclusives as and when they happen.

Timeslocalnews.co.uk was launched more than five years ago, and in that time has been the most trusted source for all news in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas of West Kent and Wealden.

With tens of thousands of users each week, the website is known for being the first to bring the news to the people in the local area.

It was timeslocalnews.co.uk that broke the news over Christmas that the Cinema Site in Tunbridge Wells had changed hands yet again.

It was also timeslocalnews.co.uk that accurately broke the news that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council had fallen to No Overall

Control following the local election results in May – despite the BBC and other news outlets misreporting the results.

The website has now been revamped and rebranded to better reflect the digital strategy of the newspaper.

Times editor Richard Williams said: “The website timeslocalnews has always complemented our weekly newspaper perfectly by providing our journalists with a platform to bring the people of Tunbridge Wells breaking news as and when it happens, seven days a week. This refresh will ensure it continues to provide an important function in the digital space for years to come.”

The website, which has been refreshed using local Crowbrough web developers Studio 44 and is available on both PC and mobile devices at timeslocalnews.co.uk

But according to official figures published last week, rates of the virus have begun to rise again.

A further 1,483 cases were reported in the seven days to January 29, up from 1,128 the week before.

This has seen the rate of infection per 100,000 people – used to compare different areas of the country – increase from 948.4 to 1246.9.

The rise in infections is the fifth highest across the 377 local authority areas in the UK with just Exeter, Hart, Lisburn & Castlereagh, and the Forest of Dean seeing higher rises.

Around 47 per cent of local authorities have seen a rise since the ending of Plan B restrictions with 54 per cent seeing a fall.

It comes as the latest vaccination figures from NHS England show that 25 per cent of adults in Tunbridge Wells were yet to have their booster jab by the end of January.

Just under 70,000 people aged over 18 in the area have now had three shots of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the data, accounting for 75.9 per cent of all adults.

But one in four (24.1 per cent) are yet to have their third jab.

Despite the rocketing rates, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people being admitted to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone Hospital.

4

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

‘Political’ planners refuse own legal advice and reject derelict lodge plans Water had not been transparent with plans and had not communicated with them.

This was countered with Bewl Water’s planning consultants, Kember Loudon Williams (KLW), proving they had in fact asked the Parish Council on at least four occasions if they could present plans to them.

Continued from front page He went on: “A refusal anchored around the loss of water-based amenities has a better chance, but I've got to state it is a weak reason to refuse the application as we have previously granted one so would have to explain to a Planning Inspector why we have refused it now.”

Despite these warnings, the committee rejected the plan by six members to five.

A spokesperson for Bewl Water, which is run

by Elite Leisure Collection, said the company was now appealing. He added that leader of Wealden District Council, Cllr Bob Standley, and chair of the planning committee, Cllr Johanna Howell, had ‘deliberately misled’ the committee and that the council leader had already given Bewl’s plans the greenlight.

Advice

‘The legal fees, cost of the appeal as well as our costs will end up being paid by Business Rate and Council Tax payers in Wealden’ He told the Times: “I believe the likes of Bob Standley and Johanna Howell have deliberately misled the committee, most of whom are not familiar with Bewl Water, by stating the building has been purposely left derelict and redevelopment of the lodge into accommodation will impact fishing. This is not the case.”

“In a meeting on September 10, 2021 where we presented the plans to Wealden MP Nus Ghani and Cllr Bob Standley, Cllr Standley stated in the meeting he would support the conversion of the

DILAPIDATED The run down fishing lodge that is nearing collapse lodge into accommodation.

“The current building can’t be used as it is not safe and if it is not converted it will just fall down and remain an eyesore.

“There was no ecological reason to reject the planning application.

“The councillors on the planning committee just do not want any sustainable development on Bewl Water.

“What they do not understand is that managing something like Bewl has a large cost attached to ensure it is kept maintained so

everybody is able to use it.

“The revenue from the holiday lets would be used to maintain Bewl. An appeal is now going in and we are 100 per cent certain we will win as we have abided by all the planning regulations.

“The legal fees, cost of the appeal as well as our costs will end up being paid by Business Rate and Council Tax payers in Wealden. It could run into tens of thousands of pounds all because of an orchestrated effort to prevent any development at Bewl water.”

The local Parish Council commented that Bewl

MP backs forest’s parking charges decision

By Victoria Roberts

Fenwick to sell flagship store DEPARTMENT store Fenwick, which has one of its stores in Royal Victoria Place, is to sell its Bond Street flagship site to developers for £500million.

The decision to sell one of its most iconic stores comes after plans to offload the entire business collapsed during the pandemic, national newspapers have reported.

The department store chain that was founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1882 also has stores in Bracknell, Brent Cross, Canterbury, Colchester, Kingston upon Thames and York as well as the Tunbridge Wells and Bond Street branches.

PARKING charges at Ashdown Forest have been backed by Nusrat Ghani, as part of a plan to financially support ‘the jewel of Wealden countryside’.

Citing the results of a six-week local consultation on funding plans for the Forest – the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood – Ms Ghani pointed out that 70 per cent of respondents had agreed that more funding solutions were needed to support the future of the Forest.

The Times revealed last week how Ashdown Forest, where AA Milne based his tales and the site of the original Pooh-sticks bridge that was immortalised in his work, will be now charging visitors to park and comes after the beauty spot had its funding cut last year by East Sussex County Council.

DAVE BROOKER

Losses

Enhancing “It is vital for the future and health of the Ashdown Forest that its funding is sustainable,” said Ms Ghani.

She continued: “While parking charges will not be the only source of funding, they will be vital for improving car park spaces, access tracks and litter collection, enhancing visitor experience.

“Looking after the Forest and ensuring we maintain a healthy, clean and vibrant heathland is of critical importance.”

However, the move has not gone down well on social media channels.

Commentors on the Facebook page ‘Ashdown Forest’ said they were ‘disgusted’ at the move.

“Will go elsewhere there's plenty of other places,” was one reported reaction.

“This is disgusting!!!” said another.

“I've lived here most of my life and now I have to pay to walk in my own area? Locals should be

Initially the Parish Council refused to meet as they said they were taking ‘legal advice’ as to whether they could meet.

They have now accepted that Bewl Water did communicate correctly and are meeting at the attraction later this week.

The chairman of Wealden District Council, Cllr Johanna Howell [Frant & Wadhurst], defended the committee’s decision.

She told the Times: “Planning can be very, very subjective and we often go against what the officers say. “We have a very good record of winning appeals, but we represent the community in our wards and some taxpayers may feel the cost of an appeal is worth it.”

However, Julian Black at KLW which drew up the plans for Bewl Water, said the decision ‘had the feeling of political bias’.

He said: “I do not understand the basis of decision, in planning terms.

“The application complies fully with the Council’s adopted planning policies and it’s tourism strategy.

“It is an existing building not a new build, so there is a long established presumption in favour of its re-use for economic development/ rural diversification purposes.”

given permits if this is the case,” said another.

The charges proposed during the consultation add up to £2 an hour, £2.50 for two hours, £4 for four hours, £6 for the whole day or £80 for an annual pass.

Repairs The Forest plans to carry out a tender process for a parking system for its 47 car parks and have suggested that parking charges could begin this summer.

Chief Executive James Adler said: “As soon as possible we will use the funding that visitors provide to repair the car parks most in need.

“We will build a rolling programme of repairs

both to the car parks but also the access tracks for walkers and horse riders.

“We hope the changes will make the Forest more accessible. Regular visitors will be able to purchase an annual pass and know that their contribution is preserving the place they enjoy for future generations.

“Ashdown Forest is an absolutely stunning and unique area, loved by many people. It is also the home of Winnie-the-Pooh.

“We have been explaining that the Forest has been struggling financially even though we welcome more than 1.4 million people every year. Our visitors will now be contributing to the Forest and helping to keep this wonderful place thriving.”

The group was on the brink of being sold to Thai conglomerate Central Group in 2020 but it pulled out as the pandemic took hold, and the group snapped up Selfridges in a £4billion deal in December last year.

According to the Times national newspaper, it has now been forced to put its Bond Street store up for sale following losses that have risen to £112million after the upmarket department store chain was forced to close shops during the Covid-19 crisis.

Sales for the year to the end of January halved from £323.7million to £140.5million, Fenwick reported last year, while pre-tax losses went from £47 million to £112 million.

The department store chain has no debt but its pension scheme had a £28.3million deficit at the last reporting date.

The Bond Street site is considered to be the group’s flagship store and has planning permission to build four floors of offices above the store, where it has traded since 1891.

Luxury conglomerate LVMH, which recently acquired and revamped Paris department store La Samaritaine, is understood to be among the interested parties.

Trinity Theatre

and

The Three Inch Fools

PRESENT

THE MIRACULOUS MIS-ADVENTURES OF

10th-16th FEBRUARY 2022 01892 678 678 www.trinitytheatre.net

Trinity-RobinCast-Sizes.indd 1

31/10/2021 03:02

6

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Listeners going radio gaga for West Kent broadcaster

By Victoria Roberts HAVING made the jump from a hospital radio to an FM station with a potential audience of tens of thousands, West Kent Radio (WKR) launched onto FM in October last year and is already making a difference to people.

With a live stream that reaches more than 30,000 people each month, the broadcaster now has two FM transmitters, at Bidborough and Mount Ephraim, covering Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Tonbridge, parts of Sevenoaks, and extends toward Edenbridge and Paddock Wood.

“Since we started [Thursday, October 28], 113,000 people have started a webstream, the equivalent of 113,000 separate visits,” presenter and founder Nigel Peacock told the Times.

He said that while the FM audience will not be known until the station commissions listening figures after a year’s operation, government estimates suggest 117,859 live in the transmission area, 48 per cent of which – 54,036 people – fell into the 45 years and over age group targeted by the station.

Local Although the music style is aimed at that demographic, Nigel stressed that the station welcomes everyone.

“We don’t have a typical listener; we just like to talk to you. When we talk to radio, we don’t say ‘hello, listeners’, we say hello to you. It’s a subtle difference.”

“The last two years have also helped to underline the importance of ‘local’,” station trustee Claire Backhurst added.

“There are more people around and about on the streets. People do stop and look at our shopfront [on Camden Road], and recognise us from people talking about it,” she said, referring to the station’s growing reputation.

And the station has already made a difference to a number of local organisations and artists.

Country music singer and musician Anna Howie who was recently profiled on Phil Mills’ ‘Pure Unsigned’ programme, told the Times: “It is hard for independent artists to get national radio play, but the road to that all begins with presenters like Phil and organisations like West Kent Radio,” she said.

‘The last two years have helped to underline the importance of ‘local’ for so many of us’ Although she has played locally at venues such as The Forum, Trinity Theatre, The Royal Oak, Local and Live in Calverley, and the Grey Lady (where she is headlining on May 1), she told the Times that a dedicated community station made a crucial difference.

“I am in the process of releasing new music (my album ‘The Friday Night Club’ is out on March 25), and local radio is vital for artists like me in getting the music out to wider audiences.

Phil Mills is an avid music lover. I see him out at gigs all the time. He sees artists live and then spreads the word and the music by playing them on his show.”

Chris Murphy, of the Tunbridge Wells Repair Café (TWRC), said the publicity given by West Kent Radio as well as coverage in the Times of Tunbridge Wells, helped the organisation record its highest ever number of visitors in November.

“I think we have an amazing range of local media that is so passionate about promoting local people and events,” he said.

“One thing I know is that without the support of all of these we wouldn't have the amazing Repair Cafe we do, and as such I will continue to engage and support all of them. Together, we are stronger.”

Help for small businesses

PRESENTER Nigel Peacock broadcasting last week

FROM HEALTH IN HOSPITAL TO WELLBEING IN THE COMMUNITY West Kent Radio started life as a hospital station, but when the chance of an FM licence came up, the team of volunteers got a chance to take care of the community, too.

Turning its health experience into what presenter Nigel Peacock called ‘a broader commitment to health and wellbeing’, the station now offers news, weather, traffic, community initiatives, local music, sport and more.

Around 8.3 per cent of the population in the station’s transmission area has a long-term health problem or disability that limited their

day-to-day activity to some degree, according to government estimates for 2020, quoted in the station’s application to broadcast.

Recent guests have included an eye surgeon, interviewed about eye health for Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, and a health and fitness coach helping to support Age UK and Involve Kent.

Nigel said: “We have a long contact list of people we would like to come in, but there are also people who get in touch with us,” he added. “We haven’t done everything we want to, yet.”

Photographer Wanted CAN YOU TAKE A PICTURE?

Advertise with us from as little as £75.00 + VAT!

Are you a qualified photographer looking for work, or perhaps a love for photography and would like to be paid for your passion?

Largest circulated newspaper in the area

The Times of Tunbridge Wells and its sister magazine SO Tunbridge Wells are looking for a freelance photographer to take shots for both our newspaper and magazine. Competitive freelance day rates paid.

Out every Wednesday Total weekly reach: 57,000 + Contact Robin Singer on: 0755 784 7841 robin.singer@onemediauk.co.uk

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Contact 01892 240 626 richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Grammar School gets a new campus after sidestepping rules on new sites

A BOYS grammar school has opened a new campus, despite rules banning the building of any more selective school sites, thanks to a legal loophole.

The £15million Sevenoaks campus of the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) was officially opened last week by Kent County Council (KCC) Leader Roger Gough and Dr Philip Drew, Chair of Governors.

It follows a campaign for more grammar school provision in Sevenoaks. The town had been the only sizeable one in Kent without a grammar school.

Under existing rules, the town was unable to have its own grammar school due to rules banning any new selective institutions, but KCC has been able to take advantage of a loophole that allows existing grammars to expand onto satellite sites if they are ‘genuinely part of the existing school’.

The tactic has been described as ‘backdoor expansion’ of grammar schools by those

opposed to selective education.

However, Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks, said the new campus would ‘increase the choice to parents in Sevenoaks and means that students don’t have to travel so far to get to school’.

“It shows that politics done right can make a difference, it just takes guts and determination,” she added.

NEWS

7

TN postcode among the most dangerous place for learners L-PLATE drivers are involved in 77 accidents each year, figures show, making the Tunbridge Wells postcode the seventh riskiest place in the UK to learn to drive.

According to national driving school, Bill Plant, there are 75,135 provisional licence holders in the TN postcode area, but 10 in every 10,000 ends up in an accident.

Having driving lessons in the Colchester postcode area is the most likely in all of Britain to be involved in a road traffic accident, with 25.2 per 10,000 provisional licence holders in the postcode area have been involved in an accident in 2020, with most taking place in Essex.

By Robert Forrester

Local News

Driving lessons in Guildford come in second place as one of Britain’s learner driver road collision hotspots.

Tunbridge Wells is seventh worst and the most dangerous place for learner drivers but it is not the riskiest place in Kent to pass your test. Canterbury learners were involved in 78 accidents with 12.3 in every 10,000 provisional licence holders involved in a crash.

The figures, based on a Freedom of Information Act requests sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and based on the number of provisional licence holders by postcode area has shown that Peterborough is the safest place to learn to drive.

JOIN THE BRITISH AIRWAYS RECRUITMENT DAY

Campus The ‘satellite school’ is initially taking three forms of 30 pupils in Year 7.

It will eventually grow to a school of 630 pupils, increasing the existing school’s population by around 50 percent – TWGSB currently has around 1,200 pupils.

Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough, who attended the opening of Seal Hollow Road site last week, said: “I salute the school’s courage and achievement in opening this campus.

TWGSB is deeply committed to the students they represent.”

Man accused of killing Sissinghurst woman faces second murder charge THE man accused of killing a Sissinghurst mother who disappeared on Remembrance Sunday after last being seen at a petrol station in Cranbrook last year has appeared in court, where it was revealed he has been charged with a second woman’s murder.

Mark Brown, 40, from St-Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, has now pleaded not guilty to the murder of Alexandra Morgan and claimed her death was an accident.

But Lewes Crown Court heard on Friday [February 4] how he has now been accused of killing another young woman from Hastings.

Concerns were raised for 33-year-old Leah Ware's welfare in May. Police have now accused Brown of murdering her on or around May 7 last year. Her body has not been found.

Cranbrook At court, Brown pleaded not guilty to the murder of Alexandra Morgan.

The mother of two from Sissinghurst went missing on November 14 last year and was last seen buying petrol at a Shell service station in Cranbrook.

Although the 34-four-year-old's car was recovered shortly after her disappearance, extensive searches in areas near Hastings and Sevenoaks Weald had failed to locate her body.

However, police have now revealed the 34-yearolds remains have been found.

ALEXANDRA MORGAN Appearing in court via a video link from Bellmarsh Prison in a grey sweater and grey trousers, the unshaven Brown spoke only to confirm his name and make his not guilty plea to Alexandra’s murder.

His defending counsel, Danny Moore, told the judge that Brown's defence would be that Miss Morgan's death had been an accident.

He is set to make a formal plea to Leah Ware’s murder in March when a trial date will be set.

After the hearing, Senior Investigating Officers DCI Neil Kimber of Kent and DCI Andy Wolstenholme from Sussex said: “Whilst we have located the remains of Alexandra we have yet to find Leah and our investigations remain ongoing. We are appealing for anyone with information regarding either Leah or Alexandra to contact us urgently.”

If you’re a natural with people, it’s time to take your career to the skies. Join us on 15 and 16 February 2022 from 10am-5pm at the British Airways i360 in Brighton. We’re holding a Recruitment Day to hire London Gatwick Cabin Crew for 2022.

When you join our London Gatwick Cabin Crew, you’ll do Britain proud. You may not have flown before as Cabin Crew, but you will know how to show customers just how much we care on our short-haul routes. We are the airline that connects Britain with the world like no-one else. When you wear the uniform, you are part of our most visible brand advocates.

Register now at https://britishairways.oneresourcing.com

BA_EuroFlyer_CabinCrew_Recruitment_132x250.indd 1

04/02/2022 16:12

8

BUSINESS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Gardening suppliers are hoping Business Awards will be a Corker

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Ten chances to be shortlisted There are ten different categories at this year’s awards, ranging from Creative Business of the year award to Best Family Business.

And as long as you meet the criteria, there is no limit on how many categories your business can enter.

Start-Up Business of the Year Award – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of February 14.

Creative Business of the Year – To recognise those businesses based on innovation and creative thinking.

Entrepreneur of the Year – The award for the most dynamic individuals who and are able to demonstrate significant success in growing their company.

Times Business Awards are in collaboration with:

Young Business Person of the Year – Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the closing date on February 14, 2022 and need to show they have a clear vision/ strategy for their business.

Resilient Business – The winner of this category will have risen to the recent challenges of the pandemic and diversified or come up with a new business strategy to adopt to the ‘new normal’.

the night of Thursday, March 24.

He said: “When we applied three years we perhaps rushed the entry a little but we took a lot more time over it this time around as we had a lot more to shout about this time.”

The company has now applied for five Times Business Awards categories, including Creative Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Outstanding Business of the Year.

“The last couple of years have of course been testing but it has been incredible for us with the business growing and we now have a team of real experts to help take us to the next level.

“Tunbridge Wells is our main area of delivery and as a local business it would be so satisfying to win a local award for our business.

“And I know the team really deserve a good night out and it would be great for them all to come and celebrate our success together.”

By Robert Forrester AN OUTDOOR living and landscape supplies company is entering the Times Business Awards for the second time thanks to ‘incredible’ growth over the last couple of years.

Corker Outdoor, based in Paddock Wood, runs a specialist merchant site, catering for landscapers and garden designers, as well a series of garden outdoor showrooms popular with Tunbridge Wells residents.

In 2019, the company entered their first Times Business Awards hoping to snatch the best Creative Business accolade but narrowly missed out. Now the team, bolstered by strong growth over the last two years that has seen their size increase from a small family run firm to a business that now employs 25 members.

Oliver Corkery, co-owner, told the Times they are better prepared to take home an award on

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO ENTER THE NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR

Pre-dinner drinks courtesy of Elysian Residences

the gala night at the night

The deadline for entrants to the Times Business Awards is fast approaching but it is still not too late to enter.

If you have already received an application form, do return it –if you get your entry in early, you might even find your business profiled in the Times.

If you are yet to apply, register your interest and choose your category please go to timesbusinessawards.co.uk or email info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk Every year sees more and more organisations put themselves forward for the first time, but past winners and entrants are just as welcome.

If you have entered the awards before, you can still re-enter this year and it’s completely FREE.

Best in Food and Drink – For those local business that provide truly remarkable food and/or drink in the area.

Best Family Business of the Year – This category recognises those businesses that not only have the passion and commitment that comes with a company run by a family concern.

Best Business 25+ employees – For larger firms that have consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan.

Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers and SMEs employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance.

Outstanding Business of the Year – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices.

business

awards

2022

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

The hills of Tunbridge Wells are alive with electric-bikes

BUSINESS

9

Salomons secures top wedding award

By Victoria Roberts A LOCAL bike shop doubled its e-bike sales in 2020 as more people in Tunbridge Wells turned to pedal power during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Neil Ridulfa of Energise e-bikes in St John’s Road, said they have proved incredibly popular in the area due to the many hills in the town that he said were, ‘the number one reason why people look at e-bikes’.

But he added that he cannot get enough supplies of the technological cycles to meet current customer demand.

“Production has never been able to catch up with itself,” he told the Times. “We’re in the process of putting together projections for next year, but it’s pretty difficult for us to predict. But we do expect sales to go up this year.

Mainstream “A typical story is that they rent an e-bike on holiday, then come back and buy their first bike, a basic model. But if they use it for more than just going to the post office or around town, they come back and go for a more sophisticated model, with more mileage per charge.”

Neil said e-bikes, which boost the rider’s own pedal power with a lithium-ion battery and a small motor, are becoming mainstream and are

CYCLE Energise e-bikes in St John’s Road and [above right] one of their e-bikes

even outsold electric cars in 2020.

Because e-bikes’ motors only work in conjunction with peddle power, this means e-bikes are legal, unlike the controversial e-scooters that are banned from roads and pavements in Kent.

He said that journeys that are too long by traditional cycle can be accomplished by e-bike.

“Lots of customers do a variety of trips, but if they commute, it could be ten miles both ways, up to 20 miles. Suddenly, a long journey that you would have taken by car becomes a nice energising journey by e-bike,” said Neil, adding they also help people that struggle on a conventional cycle.

“You might be protecting a knee injury or a back injury but don’t want to sit on the sidelines.

Also, you don’t want every bike ride to feel like the Tour de France!”

He added around 70 miles of assisted riding costs about 10 pence of electricity.

“But you can turn up the power ‘assistance’ in order to cycle into work with a ‘glow’ rather than sweating”, explained Neil, adding: “And you can stay in that glowing spot, no matter what the terrain.”

A TUNBRIDGE Wells wedding venue has won a top award from the UK’s most popular online wedding planning directory.

The Salomons Estate in Broomhill Road has won a best wedding venue award from specialist website Hitched.co.uk, which polled thousands of married couples for their recommendations after getting married in the UK. The Hitched portal, part of the Knot Worldwide Group, covers every aspect of wedding planning, and averages over 1.2 million unique users a month.

“Within so many venues in contention, the award is testament to the hard work, commitment and high levels of bespoke service we provide for all our wedding couples, helping to ensure their day is as it should be, one of the most enjoyable and memorable days of their lives,” said Fiona Massingham, Salomons Estate Events Manager.

Salomons is owned by the Elite Leisure Collection, which owns One Media, the publisher of the Times of Tunbridge Wells.

Finance provider is bought for £3million A FINANCIAL service provider in Tunbridge Wells has been acquired by a publicly-listed company, but will be keeping its local base and team.

Capital Currencies will keep its Tunbridge Wells office and local team of four, said Craig Strong, who will remain as managing director of the business, now owned by Cornerstone FS. The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) served by both businesses would now be able to choose between Capital Currencies’ personal service and Cornerstone’s cloud-based international payment, currency risk management

and electronic account services, Mr Strong confirmed.

In a market announcement before the acquisition, Cornerstone said the deal was worth ‘up to £3 million, …[in] a mixture of cash, new ordinary shares and convertible loan notes’.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Cornerstone's history as we deliver on our aim, as stated when we joined the market last year, to grow via acquisition as well as organically,” said Cornerstone CEO Julian Wheatland.

Award winning care homes Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. With some of the highest care ratings in the UK, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of your journey.

If you’re considering care, call Amelia on 01732 809599 or email amelia.moore2@careuk.com

Trusted to care.

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

Rated

9.7

out of 10 on carehome.co.uk

610 BUSINESS Local News NEWS Community News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December Wednesday February159 | 2021 2022

More new hires for Thomas expanding law firm Mansfield Visiting minister adds a sapling to Eridge Park’s Queen’s Green Canopy

Expert commercial dispute resolution lawyers

By Jonathan Banks

A SPECIALIST law firm in Tunbridge Wells has welcomed two new lawyers to its rapidly expanding team.

Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has made a number of new hires over the last two years and has welcomed Vicky Mansell who joins the private client team as a senior associate, and Joanne Leach joins the employment team as a solicitor, having qualified with multinational law firm Lawrence Graham.

JOANNE LEACH

VICKY MANSELL

examinations and guiding families through the lengthy process of state and independent school STEPPING INTO THE –AlokMs Sharma, Lord Abergavenny and Nusrat Ghani applications.

Befofre starting her BEECH legal career Mansell plant aas beech tree onspecial behalf of the Eridge Village Hall She charity brings over four years of experience in worked a qualified needs teacher, accruing a wealth of experience in protecting the conducting tribunal litigation, advising on workplace issues and aspects of rights andminister promoting independence for CABINET Alok Sharma has planted a the Queen acceded to on theemployment throne, but her commercial and corporate transactions.

She is a vulnerable people, children, the beech tree at Eridgeincluding Park, south of Tunbridge platinum jubilee will be celebrated in June 2022, member of the elderlyasand those with mental and physical Wells, part of the Queen’s Green Canopy in line with herEmployment coronation. Lawyers’ Association. disabilities. and heritage initiative. environmental Neill Thomas, Managing Partner at Thomas She isfrom also a specialist wills,climate probate, special Fresh running thein COP26 Mansfield SolicitorsHosted said: “I am pleased to educationalinneeds and this disability law and conference Glasgow November, Mr a welcome twocotinued: new solicitors to our fast-growing passionate advocate for thoseofwith learning, Sharma, who is also Minister State at the Mr Sharma “I know that East Sussex, team. It is important forcounties, our firm is to taking recruitthis mental and physical issues Cabinet Office, was the guestresulting of Eridgefrom Parkbrain along with many other lawyers with aand diverse of be backgrounds. injury,owner including brain tumours.

She is an at the task estate the Marquess of Abergavenny seriously theyrange should “The addition of Vicky and Joanne, with their accredited mediator by the College of Mediators end of January. congratulated.” education sector expertise, further enhance in“As Civil and Commercial and is a I am [climate conference]Mediation COP26 President, He had been visiting greenwill businesspeople and the wealth experience andby specialist SENDofMediator. aregistered big supporter the Queen’s Green Canopy and students inof the area, hosted the MP for knowledgeNusrat that we can use to provide all our Joanne Leach rangains her own successful tuition the environmental we achieve through Wealden, Ghani. clients contacts theadded: very best advice and education consultancy business, preparing increased tree planting,” said Mr Sharma, who At theand planting, Mswith Ghani “Trees are a and service.” children demanding school entrance agreed tofor plant the sapling on behalf of the vital part of the UK’s strategy of tackling the Eridge village hall charity. climate crisis and I was delighted to welcome the The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative calls for COP26 President to Wealden to plant a tree in tree-planting across the UK. Meanwhile, 70 Eridge Park as part of the initiative.” ancient woodlands will be celebrated, and 70 Chantal Wilson DL, representing the Lordancient trees will be identified, to mark the Lieutenant of East Sussex, Eridge Village Hall monarch’s platinum jubilee this year. committee representatives and East Sussex Last Sunday, February 6, marked 70 years since councillors also attended the planting.

Education

Our lawyers are experts in every aspect of commercial dispute resolution law, including litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Whether you need help with debt recovery, breach of contract or a director, shareholder or supplier disputes, we want to understand your problems and disagreements and work with you to deliver prompt and pragmatic solutions.

Brother and sister celebrate 25 years in the mobile world

national brands such as Caterham Cars, Saracens

By Robert Forrester consultant wants Disabled make splash Rugby Club, to Sanofi, Premier League, Onwatch Plc, Baxall Construction and Crew Clothing to TWO Tunbridge Wells siblings have reached a name just a few. able to swim milestone for their business after celebrating not 25 for charity despite being Richard added that the pandemic has provided years at the forefront of the mobile phone industry.

By Victoria Roberts

Richard Groves and Jo Wimble-Groves started Active Digital inWells the mid 1990s, just as the A TUNBRIDGE careers consultant is mobile to take phone boomin began. to the water a sponsored swim to raise money toldcharity the Times: wasisa just greatone time to forMranGroves arthritis – but“It there get into mobile.

It know was the first businesses snag.

She doesn’t how totime swim. were starting sufferer to give their employeesarthritis, a mobile A long-time of rheumatoid phone. Begum, wants to raise money for Versus Husnara “We feltathat there was an opportunity an Arthritis, charity that provided her helpfor during independent, impartial, mobile telecomsit the Covid pandemic and B2B decided to combine company, primary delivering a with facingwith her a fear of thefocus deep on end. great customer experience.

Flotation Fleets

Call us today on

01892 337541

For more information visit our website:

www.thomasmansfield.com TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

She told the Times: “I have never learned to He said provide a wide swim, butthey I thought – why not range give itof a flexible go? tariffs including plans as wellto being “I need to wait unlimited for the Covid situation settle able toI give advice on giving devices to down. thinkhelpful I’m going to start after the school younger children. half-term holidays. When the weather is a bit As newittechnologies have emerged over the two warmer, will be easier. and half decades duo have been operating, “Mya plan is to use the some sort of flotation device the pair have onlearned their own digitalIt will be because I havebeen never to swim. transformation journey,who and will nowbe provide my husband, I suspect, chaperoning technology andbecause support he’s for businesses going me in the pool, a strong swimmer.” through theirs.

Ms Begum said she wanted to highlight the help “We have a broad of clients, ranging from Versus Arthritis has range provided her as well as raise local Kent businesses to Ms large awareness of arthritis,through a disease Begum corporations of moreher than 2,000 developed at running age ninefleets that affects joints and iPhoneher andiniPad devices,” added Jo.suffers from a leaves chronic pain. She also “But we offerimmune the same customer compromised system fromfocused, medications concierge to each. We partner very she has to approach take. closely with fantastic brands such as O2, Apple, “Someone with arthritis is someone living with and Microsoft. aSamsung, compromised immune system,” she stressed, “We are be one of thelast best adding: “I very had aproud Covidtoantibody test week, performing partners for are O2 across UK and and the antibody levels not verythe high.”

Ireland and namedand Director’s Despite allwe thewere obstacles, her fearChoice, of the Partner of Ms the Begum Year in 2020.” deep end, is determined to swim at Sheone saidlength the firm’s customers include big least

by May.

the business with furthershe opportunities: “It’s only one length,” said, adding“Despite that the really challenging timesalready that we’ve had on over with thousands of pounds pledged her the last year and she a half, can’t but be to it JustGiving page, waswe ‘kind ofhelp committed excited that this is an amazing time to be in now’. technology, supporting their Ms Begum’s JustGivingbusinesses fundraiser with is called digital transformation.

Husnara's Big Swimming Challenge.

“When you have thousands of people working from home, it’s time to focus on the speed and reliability of their home broadband, the security of their devices, and their ability to communicate and collaborate with colleagues and clients.

“Exciting as the technology itself is, what really motivates us is to find solutions to some of the personal, human challenges that come with digital transformation.”

IT’S TALK: INGOOD AT THETO DEEP END Husnara Begum Jo Wimble-Groves and brother Richard

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Spurgeons are ‘desperate’ to set up a family hub in Tunbridge Wells CHILDREN and families’ charity Spurgeons is ‘desperate’ to set up a family hub in Tunbridge Wells, so it can start offering more services.

The strategy follows the Christian organisations acquisition of local children’s mental health charity Fegans last July, said CEO Ian Soars who transferred from the Tunbridge Wells charity to Spurgeons after the takeover.

“Spurgeons has a bigger reach and delivery capability,” he explained, pointing to the smaller charity’s specialisation in children’s mental health. “In some ways, it doesn’t change our work at all. We’re still focused on children and families, and that razor-sharp focus hasn’t shifted at all.”

He added, the charity has recently recognised a definition of ‘need’ beyond that of financial deprivation, which meant they reach out to everyone.

“Lockdown impacted children regardless

SPURGEONS’ CEO IAN SOARS

Community News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

ended up in Bedgebury once,” said owner Trisha Stimpson.

TikTok She said Sydney was even kidnapped during lockdown, and sold to a lady in the centre of town, who wanted a cat for company, until a neighbour recognised him from Trisha’s posts on Streetkatz, a local charity.

Most of his wandering was in the neighbourhood, where he was well-known enough to have starred in a TikTok video and inspired a cocktail at the Tiger Tavern pub called the ‘Sydney Negroni’.

Lucie Merkl, who runs the Bloom Foundry on St John’s Road said Sydney was her ‘not-my-cat’ shop cat.

She added: “He will be greatly missed. “He is one of those cats who needs to have a children’s book written about him.”

Basis

Get Marie Curie collectors out again to ensure they have blooming spring

11

Nine lives finally up for cat after kidnap, adoptions and becoming a TikTok star

of ethnicity, regardless of parental income. There was a solid period of almost a year when they were not engaging socially, and we need to be aware of that,” he said.

“We work in areas of high deprivation, and we work in other areas, but we see the same need.”

Spurgeons also reached out well beyond its Christian roots to help everyone, he stressed.

“We are a Christian organisation, but we recruit on an equal opportunities basis – people of all faiths work for us.

“When we’re working with children and families, we are there for their benefit. We reflect back the language people like to use. We are sensitive to how people want to be addressed.”

Despite starting his new role in the national organisation on January 4, Mr Soars said he and his team were still working in Tunbridge Wells.

“It’s still our home, and I guess it always will be.

We are still committed to Tunbridge Wells and to West Kent.

“Our current offices aren’t fit for purpose in Tunbridge Wells. We are desperate to set up a proper family hub. We really want a family hub in Tunbridge Wells.

“We’ve got a lot of really great staff doing counselling out of the schools – but it would be good to offer counselling out of the office…. If anyone knows has anything, property-wise, let me know!”

NEWS

A FAMILIAR feline face in St John’s Road has died, after making the area its home for the last ten years, Sydney, known locally as the ‘St John’s cat’, was adopted by owner, Trisha Stimpson, along with the cat’s half-brother Sooty from the Last Chance Animal Rescue a decade ago.

Over the years, the cat who was constantly on the prowl for company and friendship, often sneaked into vans passing through or stopping at the BP garage.

“The furthest I can guarantee he reached with his own four legs is the Robin Hood pub [on Sandhurst Road], but inside a white van, he

Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door.

APPROVED

Gotta get a Garolla.

A CANCER charity is seeking volunteers across Kent, to help get its iconic daffodils out onto the street this March for the first time in two years.

Marie Curie’s annual fundraiser, which sees daffodil pins handed out in return for donations, was cancelled for two years in a row due to the pandemic, but collectors will hopefully be back on the street again this year, said the charity.

Donations go towards paying for end-of-life nursing in patients’ own homes, as well as the information and support line.

“Getting volunteers back out on the streets in their big yellow hats was not just a way to bring in funds for the charity, but would also bring people back together,” said charity’s Kent community fundraiser, Florin Diaconu.

“Volunteering at a collection is not only a great way to support Marie Curie but also a chance to meet new people in your local community. Our team will support you from the moment you sign-up too, making sure you have everything you need to safely encourage the public to donate and wear one of our iconic daffodil pins.”

The appeal lasts for the month of March.

Volunteers can sign up at mariecurie.org.uk/ collect.

Cllr David Scott NOW ONLY

£895

WAS £1,354 INC VAT

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: FREE EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING

Deputy Leader With responsibility for Royal Tunbridge Wells INVITES YOU To meet him and guests on ZOOM 7:30pm Thursday 10th February 2022 Conference calls to be held twice monthly Pre-register a topic or a question or simply listen in Meeting id: 833 2915 3706 Password: 269217 Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservatives

TWO REMOTE CONTROLS

Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override.

ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR

Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage.

Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free.

GOTTA GET A GAROLLA

CALL US TODAY ON

01892 640 283 MOBILE

07537 149 128 www.garolla.co.uk

12

NEWS

National News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

PM reshuffles cabinet as he refuses to apologise for his ‘inappropriate’ Savile remark to Starmer BORIS Johnson has embarked on a minireshuffle as he continued to resist calls to apologise for his controversial attack on Sir Keir Starmer over Jimmy Savile.

Chief Whip Mark Spencer, who has been criticised for his handling of discipline among MPs, is moved sideways to become Leader of the Commons.

He replaces Jacob Rees-Mogg who becomes Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency in the Cabinet Office.

Chris Heaton-Harris, a long time ally of Mr Johnson, takes over as his parliamentary enforcer as the new Chief Whip.

The announcements came as the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle delivered a fresh rebuke to Mr Johnson over his claim in the Commons last week that Sir Keir failed to prosecute Savile when he was director of public prosecutions.

Chamber Sir Lindsay said he had requested a situation report from the Metropolitan Police after the Labour leader was surrounded on Monday by a mob accusing him of being a “paedophile protector”.

Sir Lindsay said: “I know it has been reported that some abuse was directed at the leader of the Opposition yesterday, related to claims made by the Prime Minister in this chamber.

“But regardless of yesterday’s incident, I made it clear last week that while the Prime Minister’s words were not disorderly they were inappropriate.

“As I said then, these sorts of comments only inflame opinions and generate disregard for the House and it is not acceptable.

“Our words have consequences and we should always be mindful of the fact.”

The abuse targeted at Sir Keir saw renewed calls for Mr Johnson to apologise for his claim, which critics said was completely unfounded.

They included at least six Conservative MPs – including one former Cabinet minister – after the Prime Minister’s long-standing aide Munira Mirza quit last week in protest at his refusal to withdraw the comments.

Downing Street, however, made it clear that he

MOBBED Keir Starmer being shielded by police after the incident on Monday

would not be apologising.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman acknowledged his original words last week in the Commons were “capable of being misconstrued” and said that was why he subsequently issued a “clarification”.

“The Prime Minister clarified his remarks last week to make clear he was not suggesting Keir Starmer was individually responsible for the Savile decision,” the spokesman said.

He added: “I think the Prime Minister was making a political point about taking responsibility for organisations as a whole.”

Account Although Sir Keir was head of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2009 when a decision was taken not to prosecute Savile, he had no personal involvement in the deliberations.

Supporters of the Prime Minister argue that they are entitled to hold him to account for the failings of the organisation in the way Mr Johnson is being held accountable for lockdown parties in Downing Street.

Technology minister Chris Philp insisted the Prime Minister could not be held responsible for the “unacceptable” actions of the

‘Starter for ten’ Bamber Gascoigne dies aged 87 TV PRESENTER and author Bamber Gascoigne has died at the age of 87 following a short illness.

Gascoigne, best known as the original host of BBC’s University Challenge, died at his home in Richmond, the Grange Park Opera has announced on behalf of his family.

In 2014 the TV star inherited 14th century Surrey estate West Horsley Place from his aunt, the Duchess of Roxburghe, where Grange Park Opera built an opera house in the woods.

A statement from the opera said: “TV presenter and author Bamber Gascoigne has today (8 February 2022) died at his home in Richmond after a short illness.”

Quizmaster Gascoigne took on the role as the first quizmaster of University Challenge in 1962 until the end of its initial run in 1987.

Lines he often used became classic University Challenge catchphrases such as ‘Your starter for 10’, ‘Fingers on buzzers’ and ‘I’ll have to hurry you’.

The quiz show was revived in 1994 with Jeremy Paxman as the quizmaster.

Gascoigne also wrote the satirical novel Murgatroyd’s Empire, which was published in

demonstrators.

He said that some of those taking part had been involved in similar incidents targeting Communities Secretary Michael Gove and the BBC journalist Nick Watt.

“They did mention Jimmy Savile. They also mentioned Julian Assange repeatedly, they mentioned Covid, they also mentioned the opposition more generally,” he told Sky News.

“I don’t think you can point to what the Prime Minister said as the cause of that. You certainly can’t blame him for the fact that that mob were clearly behaving in a totally unacceptable way.

“You certainly can’t say that what he said in any way prompted, provoked or justified the harassment and intimidation we saw last night.”

Mr Johnson tweeted on Monday evening that the “behaviour directed” at the Labour leader was “absolutely disgraceful”, but did not address the nature of the abuse.

Julian Smith, who previously served as Mr Johnson’s Northern Ireland secretary, said what happened to Sir Keir Starmer outside Parliament was “appalling”.

“It is really important for our democracy and for his security that the false Savile slurs made against him are withdrawn in full,” he said.

Fat busting pill has won NHS approval THOUSANDS of obese people will be able to get a fat-busting drug on the NHS after a watchdog approved its use.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said people on the weekly injections saw their weight drop by 12% on average after 68 weeks.

Nice has issued draft guidance recommending semaglutide (also known as Wegovy and made by Novo Nordisk) for adults with at least one weight-related condition and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35.

Weight BAMBER GASCOIGNE 1972, as well as writing and presenting the documentary series The Christians in 1977 which explored the history of Christianity.

Other presenting projects included the documentary series Victorian Values in 1987 and The Great Moghuls in 1992.

In 1984, Gascoigne was famously played by Griff Rhys Jones in a sketch for the comedy series The Young Ones.

Gascoigne was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018 in the Queen’s birthday honours for his services to the arts.

In some cases, those with a BMI of 30 may be able to access the drug, which is given via a pen injector.

Nice said anyone from a south Asian, Chinese, and black African or Caribbean background will also be able to access the drug at a lower BMI and can be advised by a medic.

Helen Knight, programme director in the centre for health technology evaluation at Nice, said: “We know that management of overweight and obesity is one of the biggest challenges our health service is facing, with nearly two-thirds of adults either overweight or obese.

“It is a lifelong condition that needs medical intervention, has psychological and physical effects, and can affect quality of life.”

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

NHS waiting list in England won’t fall for two more years The NHS waiting list in England will not start to fall for at least another two years and could even double in size, according to the Government’s new recovery plan.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid set out in the Commons how the NHS would tackle the backlog of care built up during the Covid-19 pandemic, including new targets for reducing long waits and getting people checked for illnesses more quickly.

increasing activity through dedicated and protected surgical hubs.

The plan also sets out how patients will be helped to make use of the NHS App to better manage appointments, bookings and the sharing of information.

Diagnostic

Eliminating The ambitions include eliminating waits of longer than a year will end by March 2025, ensuring 95 per cent of patients needing a diagnostic test will receive it within six weeks by March 2025.

By March 2024, 75 per cent of patients who have been urgently referred by their GP for suspected cancer will be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days, and by March next year, people should wait no more than 62 days between an urgent referral for suspected cancer and the start of treatment.

Around six million people in England are on the NHS waiting list for treatment, including hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery and tests.

According to the plan, if all 10 million people estimated to have stayed away during the pandemic came forward for treatment, and

activity was not increased above pre-pandemic levels, the waiting list could hit 14 million.

Mr Javid said: “Assuming half of the missing demand from the pandemic returns over the next three years, the NHS expect waiting lists to be reducing by March 2024.

“Addressing long waits is critical to the recovery of elective care and we will be actively offering longer waiting patients greater choice about their care to help bring these numbers down.”

The plan will focus on “four areas of delivery”, including increasing health service capacity together with the independent sector; prioritising diagnosis and treatment; reforming care such as making outpatient appointments more focused on “clinical risk and need”, and

As previously announced, some nine million additional treatments and diagnostic procedures will be brought in by 2025, while the admin burden on staff will be cut.

NHS England said this will mean that over a three-year period, patients will be offered around 17 million more diagnostic tests – an increase in capacity of a quarter compared with the three years prior to the pandemic.

The plan further promises to create dozens more community and NHS-based sites for surgical procedures and “convenient, quick diagnostic checks, towards our ambition of a network of surgical hubs and diagnostic centres covering the entire country”.

This is in addition to the network of 122 surgical hubs already operating.

Teams of specialists will be deployed to help patients prepare for their operations, and groups of clinicians and teams will be able to get instant access to test results, offering patients faster clinical advice.

Row erupts over Welsh Banksy after Pupils delight at dealer wants to move it to England meeting the future ‘Queen Camilla’

A ROW between an art dealer and a local council over a mural painted by the artist Banksy in South Wales has erupted after the artwork is set to be moved to England.

Season’s Greetings, which depicts a message about the impact of pollution on communities, appeared on the outside of a steelworker’s private garage in Taibach, Port Talbot, on December 19 2018.

It is thought to be the only genuine ‘Banksy’ on display in Wales.

Art dealer John Brandler bought the artwork from garage owner Ian Lewis for an undisclosed six-figure sum, agreeing to keep it in the country.

Mural It was then put on display in an empty shop unit in Ty’r Orsaf, where it remained for the past four years. The Banksy artwork has now been removed and is due to be transported to England. It is believed the mural will go on show at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich.

There has been criticism of the decision to move the artwork, with many seeing it as a ‘missed opportunity’ for the town.

However, the artwork’s owner, John Brandler, has said the controversial move is down to Neath Port Talbot Council who he claims sent him a letter last year asking him to ‘take it away’.

The local authority said it had been in

discussions about keeping the piece in the town, but Mr Brandler had demanded a yearly six-figure sum for the loan of the mural.

A council spokesperson said: “The council was informed it would have to meet the costs of its removal and installation into a new venue, to continue to cover the insurance and to pay a fee in the region of £100,000 per year for the loan of the work.”

But the owner of Brandler Galleries in Brentwood, Essex, said his original intention was to set up a street art museum in the town, exhibiting Banksy works and the works of other famous artists and draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area.

Mr Brandler said: “I wanted it to stay in the town, and when I bought it that was one of the conditions of me buying it. I wasn’t the biggest offer the owner had but I came up with the idea of lending it to the town and I said it should stay here for at least three years.

“And then at the end of last year, I got a letter from the council saying ‘right, your three years are up now take it away’. I was quite happy to leave it here.

“What a missed opportunity for the town, 150,000 people coming here need tea, coffee, beers, sandwiches, everything.

“Everyone I spoke to in the town wanted it to happen, shop keepers, taxi drivers, but the authorities didn’t want it to happen.”

THE Duchess of Cornwall has delighted school pupils who were thrilled to meet the woman who will one day be Queen.

Camilla was undertaking her first public engagement since the Queen, in her historic Platinum Jubilee message, backed her daughterin-law to be crowned.

When the former Mrs Parker Bowles married Charles 17 years ago, aides insisted she did not want to be Queen and ‘intended’ to be known as Princess Consort instead.

But the wife of a king automatically becomes a queen consort and only a change in legislation would prevent her from doing so.

The duchess, who will be known as Queen Camilla when the Prince of Wales becomes king, toured Roundhill Primary School in Bath on Tuesday.

It was the first time the 74-year-old duchess had been out and about on royal duty since the Queen’s intervention.

Eleven-year-old Lillian Abulrub and nine-yearold Wren Taylor-Loder joined the duchess as she bedded in a new tree for the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Lillian said: “It was really exciting, because she’s going to be the Queen, so it was great. She was really nice.”

Describing it as a “once in a lifetime” moment, Wren added: “I was thinking I have met this person now and she is going to be the Queen.”

National News

NEWS

13

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

business

awards

2022

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HAVE YOU APPLIED YET ?

Time is running out to enter the 2022 Times Business Awards.

The deadline for entries is fast approaching so get your application forms in quick if you want to take part in the gala night of the year at the Salomons Estate Science Theatre on March 24.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: MONDAY 14TH FEBRUARY

HOST: Star of daytime TV Eamonn Holmes will be presenting the 2022 awards

There are ten categories to choose from ranging from Creative Business of the Year to Best Family Business. If you have not yet applied for an entrance form it is not too late - and best of all applying for the Times Business Awards is completely FREE! For details or an application form visit www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk or email: info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

15

Student receives top prize for her grand designs Last month a local housing developer awarded sixth form student Jessica Marshall its Encouragement Prize for her talented A Level design work. The Times finds out more….

OVER the past 13 years Millwood property developers, who have an office in Brenchley near Tunbridge Wells, have run a special design competition which celebrates the achievements of local A-Level students studying creative subjects.

“Jess’s attitude towards her learning is exemplary” an incredible local student. Jessica has shown exceptional resilience with her ability to achieve despite the difficulty of the last few years.

Everyone at Millwood would like to congratulate Jessica for her achievements and it is my pleasure to be able to reward her for her hard work.”

Delighted This year Hillview School For Girls student Jessica Marshall won Millwood’s annual Encouragement Prize “She was the clear winner based on her outstanding academic achievements,” a Millwood spokesperson told the Times. “Her A-Level work in art and design was just incredible.”

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Millwood’s usual annual ceremony was unable to take place this year, but Jessica was still able to be celebrated for her achievements. She met with Millwood’s Sales Manager Harvey Sallows to showcase her work and received a special trophy, £50 book token and £50 in cash.

Jessica, who is in Year 13, is studying A Level Textiles and Photography.

Mr Sallows commented: “It is great to see the return of our Encouragement Prize, and it gives me great pride to acknowledge the excellence of

Ability

FIRST PRIZE: Jessica Marshall is presented with the Millwood Encouragement Trophy by the company’s Sales Manager Harvey Sallows

Mrs Hilary Burkett, Headteacher and Hillview School for Girls, added: “I am delighted that Jessica has won the Millwood Encouragement Prize. She is an exceptional student who has demonstrated real determination and tenacity over the past 18 months.

“Her attitude towards her learning is exemplary, managing the time demands of studying multiple Visual Arts subjects without error. Jessica is a real credit to the school and we are delighted to celebrate this achievement with her. I’m sure this is the first of many awards and I look forward to watching her career with interest.”

this school is us. we are the future.

open morning

Tuesday 1sT march 9.00am Book online kenT-college.co.uk

16

NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones Bishop of Tonbridge

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

The Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones is the seventh Bishop of Tonbridge. He has oversight and leadership of the education, youth and children, and community engagement work of churches across the Diocese of Rochester, which includes Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

Flourishing communities benefit from having a good mix of personality types IN TODAY’S debates about identity, little attention is given to personality, but the poles of introversion and extroversion seriously shape how we relate to the world.

Susan Cain has summarised the differences helpfully in her book ‘Quiet’: Extroverts are the people who will add life to your dinner party and laugh generously at your jokes. They tend to be assertive, dominant, and in great need of company.

Extroverts think out loud and on their feet; they prefer talking to listening, rarely find themselves at a loss for words, and occasionally blurt out things they never meant to say. They’re comfortable with conflict, but not with solitude.

Energies Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pyjamas.

They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen

more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation.

They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.

If you didn’t know your personality type before, you may have a good idea after reading this.

There is a growing tendency to value loud and colourful personalities at the expense of quieter

ones. The emergence of the modern world set this trend in motion.

When people coalesce in urban settings, they know little about most of the people they meet from day to day and immediate impressions count for more than in a smaller setting where people know who you better. In this context, the ability to ‘sell’ yourself becomes a prerequisite of success.

Flourishing communities benefit from having a

good mix of both personality types. We should respect people for the personality they have, rather than trying to make them something else.

Both introverts and extroverts have great depths to offer, but they will be inhibited if the subtle message is that they can’t because they are too loud or too quiet. A broader understanding of these personality types would also encourage relationships.

There are many times when both personality types have to act out of character for the benefit of others.

The introvert may need to lead or to liven up others, to prevent introspection and build momentum. The extrovert may need to listen more carefully to others to meet a personal need or resolve a conflict, to cite a few examples.

Like an elastic band, we may resort to our natural state at the first opportunity, but to be stretched this way for a time is to show we are thinking of other people’s needs before our own, which is the beating heart of a caring community.

New year, new you.

Our new year courses are enrolling now.

New visions New outlooks

Designed to help you learn new skills or gain qualifications, from Drawing & Painting to Italian, Yoga and much more.

Join our specialist tutors on easy to access courses, online and in real time, or in centre.

Enrolling is quick and easy, just visit our website or call the KAE team.

Your new year starts here.

Book your course today.

kentadulteducation.co.uk 03000 41 22 22

Kent Adult Education is part of Community Learning and Skills

Bringing learning to life

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

17

NEWS

And another thing…

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

Thatcher to blame for housing crisis Cllr Hall is wrong to use the Showfields Regeneration Scheme as an opportunity to knock the Conservative administration in the Town hall.

The lack of social housing, which is not necessarily the same as affordable housing, is mainly due to the 1980 Housing Act when, under a Thatcher government, council tenants were given the ‘right to buy’.

This had a nationwide effect and there is very little housing available for social rent in and around Tunbridge Wells as most properties are now privately owned – as Cllr Hall knows.

Not unsurprisingly, nobody wanted to buy the shoddily built 1960’s flats and maisonettes in Showfields which are owned by Town and Country. These are well past their sell-by date and are to be demolished.

The proposed regeneration will provide an additional 37 homes, all will be built to modern standards of insulation and energy efficiency, and there are plans for improved community facilities around the estate which residents have been consulted about.

Staff and governors at Broadwater Down Primary School are working closely with Town and Country to support our families during this uncertain time, helping the many who wish to stay locally so their children can continue to learn and thrive at our nurturing and inclusive community school.

Using the plight of these residents for political point scoring is not helpful.

Hopefully the elections in May will give Broadwater residents a councillor who is sensitive to the needs and issues of the community and more interested in fighting their corner regarding the regeneration rather than using it for party political in-fighting.

Penny Kift Broadwater Comedy of Downing Street In 2005 there was comedy in London called ‘Who’s Daddy’. The two authors were writers for Spectator magazine and included scenes with the then editor.

charging points across thousands of council parking spaces is a token effort.

The council has failed to access government grant funding for new charge points and is now well behind the curve if it wants to keep up with growing demand.

Finally it’s worth noting that EV drivers do not expect or demand free charging; most if not all will be willing to pay the going rate for an extensive and reliable charging network.

David Metcalfe Bells Yew Green

The comedy centred on a few political figures but included an account of the editor’s daily start at the office - which was always with champagne flowing.

Is it any wonder Sue Gray’s report says what it does about alcohol in Downing Street when that editor was one Boris Johnson.

And a national newspaper sacked that same editor some time before for fabricating a news story from Brussels.

Sadly, people fail to learn from the past, or forget it - with far from comic results as we see now.

John Elliott Tunbridge Wells

Shocking use of an image This bill is shocking! it is seriously charged! overcharged even; safety measures are advised!

The Januray 26 edition had a picture showing an Electric Bill (sic). You were probably using a stock photo from a library.

Electric: adjective, electricity: noun: Electricity Bill.

Hugh Masters Pembury

PEPPY SAYS

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

WORKING FROM HOME (WFH) is apparently here to stay. Staff at the Home Office, for example, have been told they need only pop into the office four days a month. Bully for them. But here’s an idea. WFH will save people hundreds, if not thousands of pounds a year in travel cost etc. They will also spend an extra hour in bed each day with no commuting. Seems fair then that those who choose to stay home should have salary cuts, certainly no pay rises. Money saved should be handed to people like NHS staff, who are underpaid and have no option but to turn up for work. (Go on Boris, dare you!)

OOPS! Spare a

UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor

Your recent article announcing praise for TWBC’s provision of electric vehicle charging is so wide of the mark it’s difficult to know where to start.

A better place than any would be the factual inaccuracy; the £4 per kWh maximum price for charging an EV as quoted by Centrica is an error. Centrica, to their credit, have acknowledged this and corrected their ‘research’.

When it comes to charging points provided

by TWBC a total of 8 (mostly broken) fast

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

EV article was wide of mark

Best is yet to come this year A beautiful sunny winter’s day at the end of January. We’ve enjoyed a few of them since Christmas and Spring certainly seems to be in the air, particularly when we see daffodils in bloom. All signs of positivity and growth in nature and we are still in mid-winter.

Talking of positivity reminds me of the excellent article by Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in January’s SO magazine titled ‘Why Three is the magic number when it comes to flourishing in life’.

Naomi says with the start of a new year many of us reassess where we’re at and where we’re going and encourages us to look at three simple ways we can really flourish in 2022. Worth reading if you can still pick up a copy.

On the same subject, and I noticed when I bought my pocket diary from the Heart Foundation charity shop in Mount Pleasant that their 2022 diary had at the top of the red front cover the words This year I will… That was an obvious pointer to making some New Year resolutions I thought.

Now a month into the New Year how are they going? So far so good, remembering that old adage ‘Failure can’t live with persistence’!

The way forward? I believe the best is yet to come this year, and with vision, positivity and goodwill (a power of three) along with good old-fashioned optimism, we’ll all achieve more than without them. Good luck as we pursue our hopes and dreams.

Brian Bissell Southborough

thought for Bexhill and Battle (and Heathfield) MP Huw Merriman who last week got in a bit of word-mess talking on TV about his boss Boris. He declared that the PM needed to ‘ship up’ or ‘shape out’. Calverley knows that sinking feeling when the mouth malfunctions.

GOLF might not be your bag but something is happening that should worry everyone.

Professionals earn mega bucks playing tours in America and Europe. Now they’re being tempted to play in a new Saudi golf league.

They’re being lured with payments up to £20million just to turn up. They will also have to agree gagging orders. Presumably this will stop them talking about Saudi’s abuse of human rights. No free speech, torture used as a punishment, public beheadings, women discriminated against, no protests… but you can play golf. Hopefully the image burnishing PR stunt will fail and greed will not win.

HOPS. Most people know what they are.

Especially drinkers. They’re used in the brewing of beer, something close to Calverley’s heart. Imagine the surprise then when entrepeneur, TV personality and social media guru Steven Bartlett asked on Dragon’s Den, he’s one of the panel, ‘what are hops?’

Mind you he is only 29.

SPAT OF THE WEEK: BBC foodie Jay Rayner refused to appear on GB News TV saying: “I’m terribly sorry. I’ve just checked my diary and it appears I have to stay in and stick pins in my eyes.” GB anchor Colin Brazier responded: “Could you use one of those pins to prick the film of self-adoration which seeps from your Radio 4 broadcasts?” Better than watching the telly!

FINAL THOUGHT: Maybe we should feel just a touch sorry for the newly dethroned Prince Andrew. These days he has to open and close doors for himself.

Chin Chin, dear reader

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Life&Times

ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • HOMES • INTERIORS • TRAVEL • MOTORS and MORE...

Comedy - Page 24

Antiques - Page 34

Travel - Page 36

Merry mayhem

Amelia Gabriel on performing at Trinity P20

20

Arts

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

arts

“The world’s a pretty stressful place so it’s a privilege to create work that uplifts and brings people together”

Next week Trinity Theatre and The Three Inch Fools theatre troupe stage their joint production of The Miraculous Mis-Adventures of Robin Hood. Here Amelia Gabriel (pictured right), who plays Robin and is a Tunbridge Wells native, tells Eileen Leahy all about this must-see comedy – and why her home town helped her to go into acting….

Arts

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

So Amelia, let’s start by you telling us a little bit about yourself. You’re from Tunbridge Wells aren’t you.....?

I am indeed! I was born in Tunbridge Wells and grew up across Kent and East Sussex, in Wadhurst, Hawkhurst, and Stonegate.

Where did you do your training?

At the Royal Academy of Music where I trained in Musical Theatre. I now work as an actor, singer, and musician. Since graduating in 2019, I’ve been very lucky to work on shows at the Arcola Theatre, Hertford Theatre, VAULT Festival and tour all over the UK with the theatrical troupe the Three Inch Fools.

Did you get into performing from a very young age?

When I was about five years old, my primary school took us to see the Christmas pantomime at the Assembly Hall. I was invited up on stage at the end to take part in a cheeky monkey dance which essentially involved me shaking my bum to an audience of 1000. This was the moment I caught the performance bug!

“The Miraculous MisAdventures of Robin Hood is a hilarious musical reimagining of one of Britain’s best-loved folk tales” How did a love of acting develop from this moment onwards?

I grew up singing in church on Sundays at Sacred Heart, Wadhurst and took part in the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival’s poetry reading competition. I then got my first glimpse of musical theatre at the wonderful Lamberhurst School of Dance, and a taste of amateur dramatics with The Rotherfield Players.

Did you pursue your love of music at school?

I ended up being offered a music scholarship and full bursary to Mayfield School, where I had proper singing lessons for the first time and amazing teachers who supported and encouraged me in every way possible.

There are so many organisations through which you can get involved in the arts locally from Trinity Youth Theatre to Am Dram societies and choirs - and I feel very grateful to have had so much local support and opportunity.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?

To my parents’ delight, I initially decided to go

AMELIA GABRIEL

to university, take a degree in English and get a sound and sensible job with stability and security. Then, to my parents’ horror, after having done more plays than essays whilst studying, I decided theatre was where my heart was. So I took a Masters in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music and have never looked back.

21

“I feel very grateful to have had so much local support and opportunity”

first piece of live theatre they had seen for a very long time, so there was something very special for us onstage and audience members aged 6 to 96 alike coming together and having a really fun night out.

It’s a hilarious musical reimagining of one of Britain’s best-loved folk tales, and it’s an absolute romp. In the show, I play a hapless actor who is cast as Robin Hood, but has no idea how the story goes, let alone how to fire a bow and arrow!

Much mayhem and merriment ensue, with live music, sword-fighting, Morris dancing and awful archery. My cast mates Dexter, Robin, Eddie and Emily are tremendously talented. Between us we play twenty-one characters and thirteen instruments; so it promises to be fast-paced, farcical fun for all the family!

What’s next for you after this production?

I am back on the road with the Three Inch Fools this summer, touring Twelfth Night and a new adaptation of The Gunpowder Plot! I’m also hoping to release my first EP of original folk songs, many of them inspired by the landscape and folklore of Sussex and Kent.

You’ve been touring it around the country what have audiences enjoyed most about the performance?

We toured the show all across the UK, performing outdoors at castles, cathedrals and village greens from Ilfracombe in Devon right up to Inverness. Our audiences absolutely loved it.

For many people who came to watch, it was the

And finally how does it feel to be performing in your home town?

Having toured all over the UK, it really is true that there’s no place like home. It feels very special to be back performing on Wealden clay at Trinity Theatre where I saw lots of wonderful stuff growing up, so it’s a very lovely full-circle moment feeling like we might be lighting up the eyes of a whole new generation of performers in our audiences.

The Miraculous Mis-Adventures of Robin Hood runs from February 10 – 16 at Trinity Theatre. For tickets and timings visit www.trinitytheatre.net

Robin Hood cast with composer Stephen Hyde

What do you enjoy most about you do?

The world can be a pretty stressful and chaotic place - especially at the moment, and it’s therefore a real privilege to create work that aims to uplift, inspire and bring people together.

There’s nothing more rewarding than when a child comes up to you at the end of a show and tells you that they want to do what you do when they’re older.

You act and sing - do you have a preference or are the two synonymously linked for you?

It’s a combination of the two. I act and sing and play a few instruments too (piano, banjo, violin, guitar, recorders). At the end of the day, it’s about telling a cracking story, and I love it when lots of different disciplines - whether that’s text, music, puppetry, movement - come together to do just that.

You’re appearing in the seven- day run of The Miraculous Mis-Adventures of Robin Hood - can you tell us briefly what it’s all about?

FINE TUNING THE MUSIC FOR ROBIN HOOD...

Composer Stephen Hyde tells the Times how he came up with the play’s original score…

How did this production of Robin Hood come about?

The Three Inch Fools have for many years been producing Shakespeare plays — the name is itself a Shakespearian insult! When we teamed up with the wonderful Sean Turner who is Trinity’s Artistic Director in 2020, we knew we wanted to do something that felt in the same vain: quick-paced multi-rolling, storytelling through song and all out revelry — but with a contemporary twist. The audience get to see an ensemble of actors putting on a play (rather than just the play itself), and we get a close look at the cogs behind the drama as it unfolds. In fact, one performance (pictured above) took this meta framing device to a whole new level when I was called upon to step in for one of our actors at last minute! The fact I was playing a character who claimed to have ‘written the show’ brought more comic irony than we possibly could have hoped for!

What kind of songs can we expect to enjoy?

The show sits in a folk musical world, with

acoustic fretted, wind and percussion instruments. But you also get big numbers with big vocal performances from our incredibly talented cast — just perfect for an indoor theatre venue! We have hints of jazz, Disney, barber-shop, musical theatre and an all-out sea shanties too, as we wend our through the world of the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, the aspirational Maid Marion, the preening Prince John and the endearing Robin Hood. Expect crisp rhythms, big sounds and hummable tunes.

What was the inspiration for your score?

I took it from some of my favourite folk ensembles, such as the High Kings, Trials of Cato and the Dubliners — with their banjos, mandolins, Irish whistles and cajons — rugged folk heroes that felt perfect for our band of merry men.

But I also looked to Disney and Pixar soundtracks as inspiration for some of the tunes; plus old school musicals like Oliver! and those by Rodgers & Hammerstein. I may have already mentioned that there’s a sea-shanty inspired romp in there too…

22

Going out

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

going

HEVER CASTLE

OUT

The Times’ culture editor Victoria Roberts provides a round-up of interesting local events and activities over the next week …

W

ITH half term coming up, local beauty spots and indoor venues have been focusing on family activities over the next week or so.

It’s snowdrop season at Hever Castle, which opens its gardens from Wednesday, February 9. A downloadable guide will help visitors on their treasure hunt for the nine-inch high ‘Colossus’ snowdrop, as well as unusual yellow-tipped and green-tipped varieties. Val Bourne’s free snowdrop talk on Saturday, 12 February at noon will reveal all… including the meaning of the word ‘galanthophile.’

Penshurst Place will also be opening for the first time this year for Half Term, February 12-20, when they’ll be running a family trail through the gardens.

Looking ahead to the second weekend of half term, youth ensemble Trinity Youth Theatre is putting on Legally Blonde: The Musical.

February 18-19 at 2pm and 7:30pm.

The Hop Farm kicks off its spring season with Circus Zayair, which holds its first performance on Friday February 11, with a heated ‘Big Top’ tent making performances and plans completely weatherproof.

Outside the circus, all indoor entertainments are open all day, from the café and children’s soft play to the magic castle and gingerbread hut café. All outdoor attractions are open, including the driving school, giant jumping pillows, adventure playground and animal farm – with spring lambs and piglets. Warning: the weather is not the only thing to beware of! This year, real-action dinosaurs and their babies will be roaming the park…

Meanwhile, Theatrix Arts will present A Dragon’s Tale, followed by puppet-making workshop at Tonbridge Castle. Saturday, and Sunday, February 19/20. Performances start at 11am and 2pm. Tickets from Eventbrite.

going live

family fun

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

The E.M. Forster Studio Theatre’s Comedy Night headliner is the sardonic Maisie Adam, familiar from the small screen’s ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘8 out of 10 Cats’.

Irish observational comic Rory MAISIE ADAM O’Hanlon is the supporting act and comedian and radio presenter Ross McGrane the compere. Friday, February 11 at 7:30pm.

The Oast Theatre (Tonbridge) at 7:30pm (except Sunday, February 16 at 3pm). will finally complete its run of ‘All our Children’, which had just three performances before lockdown in March 2020. Set in 1941, the play dramatises the dilemma facing Dr Victor Franz when the Nazis begin forcing him to send children from his clinic on river-boat rides ‘to see the castles’. Playwright Stephen Unwin will attend the performance on Friday, February 18. Tickets from theatre.

In ‘The Miraculous Mis-adventures of Robin Hood’, a handful of actors with armfuls of instruments gambol through the greenwood, re-enacting the folk hero’s exploits. Trinity Theatre, February 10-16 at 1pm and 7pm.

Children’s films on at the Odeon this week include Disney’s hit ‘Encanto’ (PG) starting Thursday, February 10 (mornings) and a Julia Donaldson double bill of ‘Superworm’ and ‘The Gruffalo’ (both U) starting Saturday, February 12 (mornings).

Also showing at the Odeon is Kenneth Branagh’s new outing as Hercule Poirot, ‘Death on the Nile’ from Friday, February 11 (matinees and evenings). ‘jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy Act 1’ (15) is on Thursday, February 10 at 7pm and 9:15pm. (matinees, evenings).

‘The Last Bus’ (12A) follows Timothy Spall as widower Tom, travelling from John O’Groats to Land’s End – using only his free bus pass. Rusthall Community Theatre. Doors at 7pm on Saturday, February 12. The discussion group meet immediately after the film, with those unable to attend the showing joining in

by Zoom.

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

For club nights this week, check out The Forum’s disc- and head-spinning ‘Vinyl Tap’ at FIREFLIES the Sussex Arms on Friday, February 11 at 8pm, or Back to the 80s at The Forum on Saturday, February 12 at 8pm.

The Assembly Hall has two regal tributes onstage this midweek, with the ‘Killer Queen’ on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30pm, followed

by Ben Portsmouth as King Elvis on Thursday, February 11 at 7:30pm.

Cranbrook will be hopping on Saturday night too as AC/ DC tribute band Hells Bells will storm the Vestry Hall, with no warm-up and no support, just their own high-energy act, which is totally “LETHAL”, according to rock keyboardist Don Airey.

Saturday, February 12. Doors open at 7pm for 7:30pm. Tickets from We Got Tickets.

Meanwhile, The Hive, Cranbrook puts on Motown Magic for its diners, featuring the Fireflies. Saturday, 7:45-9:45pm. Free entry with your Gourmet Burger meal, and a prize for best Motown outfit. Reservations at The Hive.

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

Soft play is still open for the smallest children (babies to eight-year-olds). Booking at Bewl Water website.

Circus Zyair is on at the Hop Farm over all of half term, starting on Friday, February 11. Enjoy the clowns, acrobats and jugglers before the troupe put your nerves under strain with the highwire and the ‘wheel of death’. Tickets from www.zyair.co.uk.

The Spa Valley Railway is getting up steam to open on Saturday, February 12, with departures from Tunbridge Wells West station (next to Sainsburys) and Eridge Station, via High Rocks and Groombridge. During the half term, tickets for 2-15 year olds are £1.

Hever Castle has all of half term covered, with its ‘Nature Week’ offering ticket-holders for the castle gardens a nature-themed scavenger hunt, an endangered species trail and a craft activity (all daily and all free). Ticket-holders for the castle can also follow the ‘wildlife’ treasure hunt indoors.

Penshurst Place will be running a family trail through the gardens on February 12-20.

You are normally not encouraged to feed the deer at Knole Park, but this weekend you can, with the Estate’s Park and Deer Keeper. Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13 at 9:30am.

Booking through Knole Park’s What’s On page.

Seated Moving with Music exercise sessions target mobility, coordination, posture – and mood! Although each weekly get-together is followed by a Senior Sing, SOFT PLAY AT BEWL WATER the exercise activities are not exclusively for older people, and anyone with limited mobility is welcome.

Wednesdays at 10-11am (Trinity Theatre) and 2-3pm (Oast Theatre, Tonbridge). Voluntary donation of £3. No need to book.

Contact encore@trinitytheatre.net with any queries.

Photo by Matt Crockett

on stage and screen

Books

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

DYSTOPIAN AMERICA

HISTORY OF MEDICINE

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara

Kay’s Marvellous Medicine: A The Choice by Edith Eger Gross and Gruesome History of (published by Rider, priced £10.99) the Human Body By Adam Kay This powerful memoir tells the story of

(published in hardback by Picador, priced £20.00) Yanigihara’s most recent novel tells three stories, each a century apart between 1893 and 2093 and set in three different (and alternative) versions of New York – in 1893, a young male heir falls for a (fortune hunting?) artist; in 1993, a young Hawai’ian man is living with an older lover in an AIDSriddled Manhattan; and in 2093, various pandemics have led to a young woman living with her assigned husband in a grim, authoritarian and sterile world. All three narratives are different but bound together by recurring themes, motifs and nomenclature as they each seek to question the social and political concepts of the American dream.

At over 700 pages, this is a book you will need to invest some time in – it also requires strength to read in hardback form!

– but it’s worth it as it’s an all-engrossing read with real depth of characters. It has little of the heart-breaking trauma of ‘A Little Life’ but raises unsettling questions as it delivers a potentially bleak view of the future. Definitely one which will provoke interesting debate..

8/10

Hannah Kirsop grew up in Kent and now lives in Horsmonden with her family. She loves to read and share recommendations and runs Bainden Book Club for a group of local women to discuss interesting fiction and non-fiction in a range of genres. You can find www.baindenbookshelf.com online or on Instagram: @baindenbookshelf

The bookcase…

Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …

Love Marriage by Monica Ali Published n hardback by Virago, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.99). Available February 3 In Love Marriage, Monica Ali’s hotly-anticipated new novel, the Brick Lane author weaves a fast-paced but nonetheless poignant tale of families confronting hidden secrets.

The culture clash set up as the novel opens, between junior doctor Yasmin Ghorami’s Indian parents and the world of her future mother-in-law in Primrose Hill, could seem hackneyed, things veer off in unexpected directions.

Yasmin’s parents had a ‘love marriage’, but there is more to their story than meets the eye.

And when it comes to Yasmin’s own marriage, all is not as blissful as first appears. Ali has written an engaging family drama, with some frank and refreshing sex scenes.

Despite being set some years before the pandemic, Love Marriage brings home the dedication, sacrifice and flawed humanity of NHS workers as never before..

Review by Catherine Lough

23

ONE YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

(published in hardback by Puffin, priced £14.99)

Well-famed for his adult book ‘This is Going to Hurt’, Kay has turned his hand to educating the junior end of the spectrum about medical matters and this is his second handbook in that series.

With variety offered by both chapters focussing on specific body parts as well as medical pioneers such as Marie Curie, the book takes us back in time to learn about what past civilisations thought about the human body, its parts and their functions.

The writing style and illustrations appeal hugely to the intended audience as do the facts he chooses to include – resuscitation via bellows in the bottom being a hit here!

Laugh-out-loud funny for youngsters, this is a wonderfully entertaining and educational book which majors on ‘Horrible Histories’ style humour complemented by facts and some compassionate sections for his audience including the one on mental health.

10/10

psychologist Edith Eger. Her story begins in Kosice, Slovakia where she and her family thought of themselves as double minorities – ethnic Hungarians living in a Czech country, and Jews. As she sets the scene for her life, the action swiftly takes us to May 1944 when Edith, aged 16, and her family were sent to Auschwitz. Her grandparents and parents were immediately taken to the gas chambers, sentenced to death by Josef Mengele for whom ballerina Edith was later forced to dance.

What follows is an inspiring tale of resolve and strength with some happy outcomes as Edith and her sister Magda survived the war – Edith, as her moving hand was spotted by a soldier in a pile of dead bodies – and they reunited with their sister Clara. Interspersed with some stories from her later years as a psychologist, this is a profoundly moving and uplifting story of the power of hope.page-turning read but the superficially simplistic story has some more probing themes which offer a

8/10

Control: The Dark History And Troubling Present Of Eugenics by Adam Rutherford Published in hardback by W&N, priced £12.99 (ebook £6.99). Available February 3 Adam Rutherford takes us on a journey into the history of eugenics to its current-day practice, revealing how it was born with the background of Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Embraced by the world and indoctrinated into political movements and policies, it led to genocide in some countries. It could be seen as a companion to Rutherford’s How To Argue With A Racist – it’s an insightful and compelling look into the story of eugenics, showing how its legacies are still prevalent in our language and literature today. It’s a hard one to put down. While no story on this topic would be complete without a bit of a biology lesson first, Rutherford makes it easy to digest.

Review by Sharron Logan

9/10

Brown Girls By Daphne Palasi Andreades Published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99). Available February 3

8/10

Daphne Palasi Andreades breaks away from traditional storytelling in this captivating debut. Instead of focusing on a set of characters and following them through life, the book is told from the perspective of ‘we’ – brown girls from Queens. We follow these brown girls, who come from all different backgrounds and have a whole range of experiences, from childhood through to adulthood. While their

8/10

lives aren’t the same – they fall in love with different people, have different jobs and dreams – there is a definite shared experience in being a brown girl, and a brown woman, in America.

The writing is beautifully lyrical, both heart-warming and heart-breaking. At times you might wish there was one particular character to follow and connect with, but there’s still much power to be found in Brown Girls.

Review by Prudence Wade

24

Comedy

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Axed Mash Report star set to bring his irreverent act to Tunbridge Wells As the host of a show that was cancelled by the BBC, Nish Kumar has become part of the news - as well as satirising it on stage. Victoria Roberts chats to him about his creative process and what people can expect from his Assembly Hall show when it comes to town in April...

N

ISH KUMAR, who is on his way to Tunbridge Wells for a one-night appearance at the Assembly Hall in April, is well known for his political comedy and commentary.

Last year he made headlines himself when his BBC show The Mash Report was axed by the broadcaster amid accusations it was ‘too woke’.

He is now on BBC spin-off channel Dave, with The Daily Mash and is coming to Tunbridge Wells with his latest touring show, ‘Your Power, Your Control’ where he spans the spectrum of the political and the personal.

As he says in his introduction: “It has been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with Covid and the political situation. You will be amazed by my capacity to somehow take all these things personally.”

He said audiences usually get about ten to fifteen minutes of fresh, topical material, along with the core of the show – lasting about 70 minutes – which were first seen at the Edinburgh Fringe.

However, no matter how much experience Nish brings to the tour, or how much topical material he throws in, audiences also introduce something to each gig, he acknowledges.

“It’s absolutely been a hectic couple of years. It definitely feels like more people are engaged by events. Every show ends up being slightly different.

“They’re more involved in the bigger venues… maybe they actually feel like they’re less on display? But generally, when people come to see you on tour, they’re invested.”

He doesn’t wear a mask while performing, but

The current show has its genesis at the Edinburgh Fringe – a testing-ground for many comedy acts before the touring circuit – but last year’s festival was different than normal.

“Normally, you do the Edinburgh Fringe and then you tour straight after. Last year, there wasn’t a full Fringe,” he told the Times.

He said that the start of this stand-up show was inspired after one memorable show.

Scandals “It was a particularly bad gig when I had a bread roll thrown at me, at a charity event. So I start with that then I expand into wider politics,” he said, explaining that it is a particularly good time to find new material with the number of scandals occurring in government over lockdown gatherings.

“I’m exhausted hearing about the number of parties. I have no idea how they managed to do all of it,” he quipped.

“I’m constantly keeping an eye on what’s going on. I try to keep on top of what’s going on with it all.

Covid-19-era audiences have turned from the classic ‘sea of faces’ into a ‘sea of masks’.

Omicron “There has been a fluctuation of regulations.

The first show that I did, in August, was broadly masked. Then it relaxed into September and October and with Omicron, [back to] masking up – maybe surreptitiously taking a sip of their beer, but broadly masked.

“Initially, audiences were warier. They’ve been a bit weird and self-conscious, but then they’ve just become accustomed.”

Nish says no matter how busy his schedule, he always takes a couple of days off a week.

“On Monday and Tuesday, I’m in a vegetative state in front of the TV, recuperating. It’s important to get your rest where you can,” he insisted.

Nish’s performance in Tunbridge Wells is in April, but it isn’t his first time in the town, having opened here for comic Milton Jones in 2015 and he said he hopes his audience in April will not be throwing anything.

“Fingers crossed, they’ll be on side,” he said.

Nish Kumar’s show, ‘Your Power, Your Control’ is on at the Assembly Hall on Sunday, April 24.

25

- COUNTRY PUB INN - c.1515

Nestled in the small hamlet of Cousley Wood located on the edge of Bewl Water, 5 miles from The Pantiles. The Old Vine provides a warm welcome to one and all. Established in c. 1515, the pub oozes charm and character, with open fireplaces and original low wooden beams.

Lobster, Lemon Sole, Crab, Chowder, Spider Crab Claws, All Delivered Fresh Daily.

We Also Cater for The Meat Lover with Tomahawk Steaks, Lamb Cutlets, Roast Chicken Etc. Ideal for a Sunday roast after a walk to Bewl !

Whether you're looking for a quick drink, a tasty meal or need a party venue, we have something for all.

• • • • • •

Food served all day Afternoon tea served with a complimentary glass of fizz - 2.30-5.30pm - £19.00 Large rear garden Warm welcome for all the family Well-behaved dogs welcome & dog meals available Local beers including Harveys from Lewes and Curious Brew from Chapel Down

Tel - 01892 784 467 - 01892 783 666 The Old Vine Cousley Wood Road, Wadhurst East Sussex,TN5 6ER

Monday: Closed Tuesday - Sunday: 12 noon - 11 pm

26

Food & Drink

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

food & drink

Take the heat out of your pocket and into the kitchen with these money saving ideas Family food guru Annabel Karmel and finance expert Jasmine Birtles explain to Lisa Salmon nine budget-friendly tips for shopping and cooking as prices rise...

A

Here, Karmel and Jasmine Birtles, founder of the money-making and saving website MoneyMagpie (moneymagpie.com) share their tips for savvy ways to cook and shop to help keep food bills down…

S FOOD shoppers are hit by the highest price rises for almost 10 years, it’s becoming increasingly expensive for families to put meals on the

table.

Food inflation rose from 2.4% in December to 2.7% in January, with price rises reaching the highest rate since October 2013, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). “Food prices continue to rise, especially domestic produce which have been impacted by poor

1. Stock up on staples Karmel says a well-stocked store cupboard full of cans and tins means you can still cook up a nutritious but cheap family dinner. She points out that beans and pulses are versatile, affordable and packed with nutrients, and they also count towards your 5-a-day. “It takes no time at all to create a quick tinned tomato-based sauce for pasta or use a tin of chickpeas to make a veggie curry, mini falafels, burgers, or a quick hummus,” she says.

‘It’s possible to stop buying things like clothes and household goods when there are price rises, it’s tougher to cut down on an essential like food, particularly when you’re feeding a family.’ harvests, labour shortages, and rising global food prices,” says Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive.

While analysts at Kantar have predicted annual food shopping bills are set to rise by around £180 on average.

It’s possible to stop buying things like

clothes and household goods when there are price rises, it’s tougher to cut down on an essential like food, particularly when you’re feeding a family.

“Providing for our families can be challenging at the best of times, but throw a global pandemic, inflation, and increased

costs of living into the mix and it’s enough to get you into a stew,” says family cookery writer Annabel Karmel. “But there are many ways to cut costs, not quality, and feed the family on a budget, including batch-cooking hearty, staple meals… like stew!”

2. Go down a brand “If you usually do your supermarket shopping at Waitrose, try Morrisons instead,” advises Birtles. “And if you normally buy branded products, try the supermarket equivalent product instead. It doesn’t always work out cheaper, but much of the time it does.”

3. Eat veggie when you can Birtles suggests eating vegetarian meals for at least one day a week, if you’re not already a vegetarian. “It does tend to be cheaper, and there are loads of veggie

Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers

Asian Art Valuation Days Monday 7th March - Tunbridge Wells Friday 11th March - Lewes One of the most buoyant areas of the market in today’s auction world, driven principally by Chinese porcelain and works of art, the Asian Art department at Gorringe’s has seen some of our most exciting results over recent years.

As the Chinese economy has flourished in recent decades, more and more discerning collectors from the growing wealthy Chinese middle classes are competing to repatriate works of Chinese porcelain, jade and other items of artistic, cultural and historic significance – following centuries of such pieces being removed from their country of origin by British and other European collectors.

In a complex market, premiums are paid for pieces with detailed provenance relating to the item.

Our head of Asian Art, Dan Bray has over 25 years of experience in this field, having developed a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the nuances which can make all the difference in value for objects within this market.

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

www.gorringes.co.uk

A fine large Chinese moulded celadon-glazed bowl, Qianlong seal mark and of the period (1736-95) Sold by Gorringe’s in 2021 for £160,000

Food & Drink

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

can be shared, not thrown away, and the Too Good To Go (toogoodtogo.co.uk/en-gb) app, which lets you buy and collect food that restaurants, hotels, shops and manufacturers haven’t sold in time at a great price, so it gets eaten instead of wasted. “There are some amazing deals that can be had on there,” promises Birtles. “It’s better for shops and

by restaurants and shops,” laments Birtles.

restaurants to sell food they can’t use for a few pennies or give it away, rather than just throw it in the bin.”

MoneyMagpie is launching a campaign for ‘Freeganism’ (moneymagpie.com/save-money/ we-must-make-freeganism-legal-heres-why), asking for common sense to be used in food production and distribution so good food isn’t thrown away and can be used by families. “It hurts to think of all that food being thrown away

7. Batch cook “You can cook up a big meal at the beginning of the week and freeze the remainder,” says Karmel, whose latest book is the Fun, Fast and Easy Children’s Cookbook (Welbeck, £14.99). “If you can, double up the ingredients in your family meals and freeze one half for another day, this will save you both money and time.”

6. Buy wonky Keep an eye out for wonky or so-called ‘imperfect’ fruit and vegetables which are often sold at a reduced price, advises Karmel, or check the discount bins for any low-priced, value items.

recipes online,” she says. “At least one day a week without the expense of meat can really bring the shopping bills down.”

4. Shop seasonally Keep an eye on what’s in season each month and seek out these ingredients, advises Karmel.

“It encourages us to shop and support local, plus, in-season fruit and veg is often cheaper, ” she says.

5. Use surplus food websites and apps As well as shopping at cheaper supermarkets, try websites like Approved Food (approvedfood. co.uk), which sell food that’s near or just past its best before date. Approved Food specialises in surplus and short-dated stock, pointing out that more than seven million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away in the UK every year because it’s past its best before date, even though it’s still perfectly good to eat. “They have out-of-season food, and quite a lot of packets and tins which are coming up to their best before dates and are really cheap,” says Birtles.

She also recommends using the Olio (olioex. com) app, which connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food

Beauty Rooms for hire at

Our serviced beauty rooms, perfect for therapists, hair stylists, clothing stylists or other beauty therapists looking for a private and relaxing space. Located on Nevill Street, opposite The Pantiles, our beauty rooms are in the idyllic location.

Just £50 a day.

Long-term lettings are available upon request. All beauty rooms will be serviced, cleaned and looked after for you.

Email reception@onewarwickpark.co.uk to enquire.

8. Look out for yellow stickers

27

Supermarkets often reduce food late in the day just before it reaches its use by date, and Birtles suggests buying lots of ‘yellow sticker food’ and freezing it immediately. “You can get really cheap fish and meat and just stick it straight in the freezer,” she says.

9. Use leftovers “Nothing should ever be thrown away,” advises Birtles. There are plenty of websites with delicious, easy leftover recipes, like Love Food Hate Waste (lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes).

“If you’ve got stale bread, for example, turn it into breadcrumbs, put it in a bag and store it in the freezer to be used later. We have to be more like the chefs and use absolutely everything we have” Karmel adds: “A blender is your best friend when it comes to making the most of your fruit and vegetable leftovers, and smoothies and soups will be your go-to. Savoury muffins and frittatas are also a fantastic base for using up any vegetables you’ve got left at the end of the week and making it go further.”

28

Drink

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Time to head to the dark side….

In his monthly Times column, Fuggles café and bottle shop founder Alex Greig toasts some dark and delicious beers to say a big cheers to the end of winter….

D

uring February we celebrate the darker side of beer at our pubs with our ‘Dark Life’ beer festival. It’s the perfect time of year to grab something warming and comforting – it’s been a long winter after all!

The joy of darker beers is that they span so many styles – from classic stouts through to the slightly more whacky and creative, you’ll be amazed by the variety of flavours. These range from smoked beers through to ‘pastry’ stouts!

They’re also great to cook with as well and make great pairings for cheese, desserts and big hearty meals. So even if you think you don’t like dark beers, I reckon you’ve just not found the right one yet. Here are my top picks…

Ramsgate Brewery – Gadds, Chairman Of The Board Barley Wines are delicious, especially when, like this one, they’re finished in Calvados barrels. Fruity and well hopped with wonderful complexity, I tend to find this style is a winner with most strong cheeses – particularly an extra mature cheddar in this case.

Cellar Head - Fireside Rich and fruity, full bodied and one of those that sends you back for more as it’s really quite delicious. Hopped with English grown hops too, it sits nicely between a stronger bitter and a

“The joy of darker beers is that they span so many styles” porter – or, try it in a sauce – a beer reduction can make a brilliant addition to any homemade marinade and the fruitiness of the beer will carry through nicely, especially on some sticky ribs!

Arpus - Blueberry & Maple Imperial Stout Latvian brewery Arpus really know how to

make bold and flavoursome beers. This is a dessert on its own really. Big and thick, it has been aged with blueberries and maple syrup which with the decadent, boozy chocolate notes from the stout itself make a lovely combination.

As I say, it’s a dessert in its own right – but if you fancy something to lift it to the next level may I suggest a chocolate fudge brownie before you settle down by the fire….

Looking to explore a bit more? All of these and more are available at www.fugglesbottleshop. co.uk – or why not pick up one of our dark beer mixed sets – starting at £22 for a selection of six in store?

Schlenkerla This world-renowned brewery produces beers in Bamberg, Germany – an area famous for cultivating a style known as ‘Rauchbier’. This is owing to the stunning Beechwood smoked malt that the brewery has always traditionally produced there. Schlenkerla produces a variety of beers all using its own smoked malt. This gives the beers a distinct style and an utterly delicious smoky flavour. I always liken the Marzen to a packet of Bacon Frazzles… Aside from making these beers wonderfully moreish, they’re also great to use in cooking too – especially in stews and casseroles.

Wiper & True – Barrel Aged Plum Porter Plum + Porter is a classic combination, the fruity plums just work really well with the chocolatey, coffee notes of a porter. Add to this some time in a Cognac Barrel (six months in this case) and you end up with a deliciously well-rounded beer, all finished off with a bit of a marzipan thing going on. Grab a slice of fruit cake and enjoy this one!

Five Points - Railway Porter I’ve been drinking this beer for years now and it’s never failed to disappoint me. It’s really smooth and very, very drinkable. With notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee it’s a good stand up to a nice blue cheese.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE: From left to right: Ramsgate Brewery – Gadds Chairman Of The Board (8.5% - £5, 500ml) Cellar Head – Fireside (5.2% - £4, 500ml) Wiper & True – BA Plum Pudding (7.6% - £7.50, 440ml) Arpus - Blueberry & Maple Imperial Stout (12% - £6.50, 440ml) Five Points – Railway Porter (4.8% - £3.60, 330ml) Schlenkerla – Rauchbier Marzen & Eicht Doppelbock (5% / 8% - £3.80 / £5, 500ml)

COUNTRY HOUSE

COUNTRY HOUSE

aFTernoon Tea aFTernoon aFTernoon aFTernoon Tea Tea Tea

COUNTRYCOUNTRY HOUSE HOUSE

aFTernoon Tea

For a unique and elegant treat why not indulge in one of our delicious afternoon tea.

nique and elegant treat why not indulge one of our delicious afternoon tea.

This new Afternoon Tea experience is served in Fora a unique and elegant treat why not indulge our magnificent country house Dining Rooms For unique For aand unique elegant and treat elegant whytreat not indulge why not indulge one ofone our delicious afternoon tea. the grounds. in in one ofinour delicious ofoverlooking our delicious afternoon afternoon tea. tea.

w Afternoon Tea experience is served in agnificent country house Dining Rooms overlooking the grounds.

This new This Afternoon new Afternoon Tea experience Tea experience is served intraditional servedin in This new Afternoon Tea experience is is served Enjoy a variety of tempting our magnificent our magnificent country house country Dining house Rooms Dining Rooms our magnificent country house Dining Rooms sandwiches and homemade scones with fresh overlooking overlooking the grounds. the grounds.

oy a variety of tempting traditional ches and homemade scones with fresh and jam. Guests can also indulge in a ion of sweet delectable delights; from macaroons to homemade cakes.

Enjoy aselection variety Enjoy aofvariety tempting of tempting traditional traditional of sweet delectable delights; from Enjoy a variety of tempting traditional sandwiches sandwiches and homemade and homemade scones with scones fresh with fresh macaroons to homemade cakes. sandwiches and homemade scones with fresh cream and cream jam.and Guests jam.can Guests also can indulge alsoin indulge a in a cream and jam.

Guests can also indulge in a selectionselection of sweet of delectable sweet delectable delights; delights; from from macaroons to homemade to homemade cakes. cakes. selection ofmacaroons sweet delectable delights; from

raditional ernoon Tea

overlooking the grounds. cream and jam.

Guests can also indulge in a

COUNTRY HOUSE

Traditional Prosecco macaroons to homemade cakes.

Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea

aFTernoon Traditional Traditional ProseccoProsecco Tea Afternoon Afternoon Tea Tea Afternoon Afternoon Tea Tea £22.50 £27.50

Prosecco Afternoon Tea

For a uniqueTraditional and elegant treat why not indulge Prosecco in one of our delicious afternoon tea. Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea

22.50 £27.50

sUnDaY sUnDaY sUnDaY lUnCH lUnCH lUnCH sUnDaY lUnCH

NooN TEA iS AvAiLAbLE oN MoST WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS GHoUT JANUARY AND FEbRUARY Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at Salomons Enjoy a delicious Enjoy a delicious Sunday Sunday at Salomons roast at Salomons Estate.

Whether it’s aroast family get-together, Estate. Whether Estate. Whether it’s a family it’s a get-together, family get-together, a celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, a celebration, a celebration, or simplyoran simply excuse antoexcuse indulge, to indulge, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at you can enjoy you can a relaxing enjoy afternoon relaxing afternoon at at Enjoy a delicious Sunday roasta at Salomons Salomons Estate.

Salomons Salomons Estate.

Estate.

Estate. Whether it’s a family get-together,

a celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Salomons Estate. Three Two course Two course course Three course Two course Three course

sUnDaY lUnCHchoice menu choice menu choice menu choice menu choice Enjoy menu menu a delicious Sundaychoice roast at Salomons

£22.50 £22.50£27.50 £27.50

£22.50 £27.50

This new Afternoon Tea experience is served in our magnificent country house Dining Rooms overlooking the grounds.

AFTERNooN TEA iS AvAiLAbLE oN MoST

Enjoy a variety of tempting traditional & SATURDAYS AFTERNooN AFTERNooN TEAWEDNESDAYS iS AvAiLAbLE TEA with iS AvAiLAbLE oN MoST oN MoST sandwiches and homemade scones fresh THRoUGHoUT JANUARY AND FEbRUARY cream and jam.

Guests can also indulge a WEDNESDAYS WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS &inSATURDAYS selection of sweet delectable delights; from THRoUGHoUT THRoUGHoUT JANUARY JANUARY AND FEbRUARY AND FEbRUARY macaroons to homemade AFTERNooN TEA iS cakes.

AvAiLAbLE oN MoST

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

TraditionalTHRoUGHoUT ProseccoFEbRUARY Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea

£22.50 £27.50 AFTERNooN TEA iS AvAiLAbLE oN MoST WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS THRoUGHoUT JANUARY AND FEbRUARY

£24.50 £24.50£29.50 £29.50 £24.50 £29.50

Two course choice menu

Estate. Whether it’s a family get-together, a celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Three course Salomons Estate.

choice menu

£24.50 £29.50

DATES FoR DATES SUNDAY FoR SUNDAY LUNCH: LUNCH: Two course Three course TH TH JANUARY JANUARY 2022 2022menu 16 16 DATESchoice FoRmenu SUNDAY LUNCH: choice TH TH FEbRUARY 2022 13 FEbRUARY TH 13 JANUARY 20222022 16 TH TH 13 THMARCH 13 2022 MARCH 2022

£24.50 £29.50

13 FEbRUARY 2022 13TH MARCH 2022 DATES FoR SUNDAY LUNCH:

DATES FoR SUNDAY LUNCH: ase go To ToJANUARY make To make a reservaTion a reservaTion please please go Togo To 2022 13TH FEbRUARY16 2022 2022 state.com or callwww.salomons-estate.com, 01892www.salomons-estate.com, 515152 13 FEbRUARYemail reception@salomons-estate.com email reception@salomons-estate.com or call or 01892 call 01892 515152515152 13TH MARCH 2022

OUSE

TH

TH

To make a reservaTion please go To www.salomons-estate.com, email reception@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152 13TH MARCH 2022

To make a reservaTion please go To www.salomons-estate.com, email reception@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152

To make a reservaTion please go To www.salomons-estate.com, email reception@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152

love

what your agent has to offer...

SO

LD S

TC

Love...

Love..

Love...

Love.. what your agent what your ag Love...

Love.. what your agent what your ag has to offer... has to offer. what your agent what your ag SOUTHBOROUGH

Substantial, detached, family home with garage and driveway is situated in the sought after location of Park House Gardens in Southborough, nestled between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Park House Gardens is a quiet and peaceful no through road which has its own friendly community. Positioned on one of the largest plots in the cul-de-sac, the rear of the property faces South, so the garden, kitchen/breakfast room and dining room enjoy the sun all day. 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and 2 bathrooms.

LD O S

ST

C

CROWBOROUGH

Substantial family home in the popular town of Crowborough.

This property is nestled within the highly sought after Warren area, boasting approximately one third of an acre of land with a substantial garden backing onto the Ashdown Forest with direct private gated access to the forest. The property offers 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms and 2 bathrooms and boasts garage, drive and amazing views from the rear.

SO

LD S

TC

GROOMBRIDGE

has to offer... has to offer. has to offer... has to offer.

Located in the beautiful village of Groombridge. Situated within a row of quaint terraced houses this home is close to a number of traditional pubs and walks for a “country-living feel”. A cosy living room boasting a woodburner set within a traditional fireplace with exposed brickwork. This living room benefits from built in storage creating a great space for families. 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms and 2 bathrooms.

Personal and professional service required, Personal and professional service More properties urgently to get a Personal and professional service Personal scan and professional service quick idea the value here:marketing Traditional andof modern marketingof your home, Traditional and modern

Personal and professional service Personal and professional service Traditional and modern marketing Traditional and modern marketing Personal and professional service Free market appraisals Realistic advice & realistic fees Realistic advice & realistic fees Traditional and modern marketing Traditional and modern marketing Realistic & realistic fees Realistic advice & realistic fees Traditionaladvice and modern marketing Accompanied vieweings Free market appraisals Free market appraisals Realistic advice&&realistic realistic Realistic advice & realistic Realistic advice feesfees Family run business with bothfees K & M working Free market appraisals Free market appraisals Accompanied viewings Accompanied in the businessviewings Free market appraisals Free market appraisals Accompanied viewings Accompanied viewings Family run business with both 01892 515188 Familysales@kmjproperty.co.uk run business with both www.kmjproperty.co.uk K & M working in thewith business K & M working in thewith business Accompanied viewings Accompanied viewings Family run business both Family run business both K & M working in thewith business K & M working in thewith business Family run business both Family run business both K & M working in the business

K & M working in the business

Property News

property news

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

31

2022 strongest start of a year for housing market since 2005 THE housing market has had its strongest start to the year since 2005, according to Nationwide.

Annual house price growth increased to 11.2 per cent in January 2022, accelerating from 10.4 per cent in December 2021, the building society said.

But it said it is likely that the property market will slow this year.

Reduced housing affordability is likely to dampen market activity and house price growth, as people’s household budgets are also squeezed by the wider surge in living costs, it warned.

Pace Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “Annual house price growth accelerated to 11.2 per cent in January, the strongest pace since June last year, and the strongest start to the year for 17 years.

“Prices rose by 0.8 per cent month on month, after taking account of seasonal effects, the sixth consecutive monthly increase.”

Across the UK, the average house price in January was £255,556.

Mr Gardner added: “While the outlook remains uncertain, it is likely that the housing market will slow this year.

“House price growth has outstripped earnings growth by a wide margin since the pandemic struck and, as a result, housing affordability has become less favourable.

“For example, a 10 per cent deposit on a typical first-time buyer home is now equivalent to 56 per cent of total gross annual earnings, a record high.

“Similarly, a typical mortgage payment as a share of take-home pay is now above the long-run average, despite mortgage rates

remaining close to all-time lows.

“Reduced affordability is likely to exert a dampening impact on market activity and house price growth, especially since household finances are also coming under pressure from sharp increases in the cost of living.

“Consumer price inflation reached 5.4 per cent in December, its fastest pace since 1992.

“This is more than double the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target, and inflation is set to rise further in the coming months as the energy price cap is increased.

“This rapid rise in inflation has been an

important factor denting consumer confidence in recent months, especially how people see their own personal financial situation evolving, although as yet, this has done little to dent housing market activity.

Expectations “High inflation and growing confidence that the Omicron variant will not derail the wider economic recovery has led to increased expectations that policymakers will increase interest rates further in the months ahead.

“This will further reduce housing affordability if it feeds through to higher mortgage rates, although to date a significant proportion of the rise in longer term interest rates seen in recent months has been absorbed by lenders.”

Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, added: “The high level of market valuations requested by prospective sellers in January indicates that supply will pick up as more owners decide now is the time to act.

“A number of prospective sellers had hesitated due to the distortive effect of a stamp duty holiday and a global pandemic.”

Buy-to-let sector value up £239billion since 2017 RESEARCH has revealed revealed that the UK’s buy-to-let sector has grown substantially in value over the last five years, increasing by almost £240billion.

Octane Capital analysed the level of privately rented stock across each region of the UK in relation to current market values to find the total worth of the buy-to-let sector. They then compared this buy-to-let bricks and mortar value to 2017 to reveal how it had changed over the last five years.

followed by the South West (£34bn) and the East of England (£27billion).

CEO of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, said: “The government has tried its hardest to dampen investment into the private rental sector in recent years, with a string of legislative changes around tax relief, stamp duty and tenant fees reducing the profitability of buy-to-let investments.

Demand

Values Their research shows that there are an estimated 5.5m private rental properties within the UK rental sector and based on current market values, Octane Capital estimates the total value of the nation’s buy-to-let stock to be £1.7trillion.

With just over 1m private rental homes, the London market accounts for 19 per cent of the UK’s total buy-to-let properties. With the capital also home to the highest property values, it sits top where the total worth of the buy-to-let sector is concerned at over £500bn in value.

The South East is home to the next most valuable buy-to-let market at £247bn, with buy-to-let values also exceeding £100bn in the East of England (£168bn), South West (£156bn), the North West (£110bn) and the

West Midlands (£104bn).

While the level of privately rented homes has remained largely flat across the UK over the last five years, the total value of the buy-to-let sector has seen a significant boost due to strong house price growth.

Octane Capital estimates that the UK’s buy-to-let market has climbed by £239bn since 2017, a 16.8 per cent increase.

While London house price growth has lagged behind the rest of the UK, the capital has still enjoyed the largest uplift in buy-to-let market value with a £57bn jump,

“The pandemic has also proved problematic for some landlords who have suffered lengthy void periods due to factors such as the tenant eviction ban and a reduction in rental demand across our major cities, in particular.

“Despite all of this, the sector has stood tall and continues to provide the vital rental market backbone that so many are reliant on.

“At the same time, the nation’s landlords have benefited from a considerable level of capital appreciation on their buy-to-let investment and the value of the sector as a whole has increased substantially.

“Let’s just hope that whisperings of a higher rate of capital gains tax remain just that, as any further increase could spur a reduction in available stock, causing the total value of the market to decline in the process.”

32

Homes & Interiors

Home is where the heart is...

With Valentine’s Day on Monday, February 14, spoil a loved one with a romantic gesture says Sam Wylie-Harris

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

W

HETHER you’re staying in or going out, Valentine’s Day celebrations begin at home – so why not make it a day to remember with a special pressie to pimp up their pad, or yours?

A desirable display, sexy seating, a little love message, or something sweet or super-groovy is where it’s at in the loved-up world of interiors.

Here’s what’s on the hot list and pulling our heartstrings right now…

Mirror, £129, Mirrored Stool, £129, Feathered Shade Brushed Gold Table Lamp, £67 (was £99), Freemans This dazzling dressing table set has a sprinkling of Hollywood stardust, especially with its mirrors and silver detailing, matching velvet stool and feather table lamp to set their heart aflutter. Fabulous.

1

12. Peachskin Quilted Bedspread in Petal Pink, £98 (other items from a selection), The French Bedroom Company And so to bed… This beautiful bedspread in soft pink can be styled up with romantic ruffle pillows for maximum impact. Plus its midweight, so suits most seasons and drapes like a dream. Bliss.

12 4

10

6

9

7 1. George Home Body Vase, £12, Direct.asda. com With its curvaceous body and attractive silhouette, this va-va-voom vase will bring a smile, with or without a bouquet.

2. Silver Valentine’s Rose, £24, Engravers Guild of London Who wouldn’t want to wake up with an everlasting rose on their pillow? Plated in sterling silver, a gift box and engraving are included.

3. Retro Cursive Love Embroidered Cushion Pink/Coral, £45, Stripy Heart Embroidered Cushion Pinks, £49.50 (others from a selection), Bombay Duck (Pictured on page 32) Pop art and pom-poms – a magic combo. These stylish slogan cushions can be scattered here, there and everywhere.

4. Ola Dusty Pink Velvet Tub Chair, £495, Oliver Bonas This glamorous cocktail chair is perfect for posing. Cheeky Cosmopolitan cocktail optional.

5. Pink Round Bedside Rug with Red Heart, £32, Rockett St George Flirty and fluffy, even Cupid would be lovestruck with this attention-grabbing rug.

6. Twist Candle Pink, £26, Monday Pretty in pink, this handmade decorative double-act is almost too good to light, and oh-so fun to look at.

33

5 2

£9.72 (was from £14.95, frame not included), Desenio With rosé champagne on the cards, this funky poster is the perfect backdrop for loved-up selfies or styling a romantic corner for celebratory cocktails.

7. Darling! Heart Trinket Dish Darling Rose, and Heart Trinket Dish Lovely Aqua, £9.50 each, Bombay Duck Whether for knick-knacks, baubles or bonbons, shout it loud with these neat novelty dishes.

8. Midas Kiss Gold Lips Planter, £49.95, Antique Gold Peace Hand Vase, £36, Ribbed Martini Cocktail Glasses – Set of 4, £44, Anouk Red Velvet and Rattan Armchair, £575 (other items from a selection), Audenza It’s bound to be love at first sight with this decadent red velvet accent chair, which channels glam Seventies nightclub vibes.

However, if it’s a little over budget, the gold lips planter deserves a date-night kiss.

9. Pyramid Glasses Poster, currently from

8

11

10. Peony Blooming Marvellous Mug, from £12.50, Sophie Allport A sweet way to show your feelings, peonies symbolise love, happiness and good fortune.

11. STAR by Julien Macdonald Lyra Mirrored 2 Drawer Dressing Table, £259, Dressing Table

Medical Receptionist x2

• • •

£5,470 to £8,080 Depending on experience Tunbridge Wells, Kent Kingswood Surgery

Kingswood Surgery, Medical Receptionist x 2 vacancies - Part Time 10.5 hours per week & Part Time 15.5 hours per week An opening for two medical receptionists has arisen within this 11,500 patient practice located in central Tunbridge Wells. This role may suit a trained medical receptionist looking for additional hours or a new applicant with no previous experience in the role, either way appropriate professional training will be given. We are looking for a flexible receptionist to cover the following regular sessions: Vacancy one- 10.5 hours per week • Monday: 1.00pm - 6.30pm • Tuesday: 8.00am -1.00pm In addition, the candidate needs to be aware that there will be a requirement to provide cover on a Friday morning or afternoon, in the event of absence through sickness, illness or holidays for which they will be paid for the hours worked at the contracted rate.

Vacancy two- 15.5 hours per week • Tuesday: 1.00pm – 6.30pm • Wednesday: 8.00am - 1.00pm • Thursday: 8.00am –1.00pm In addition, the candidate needs to be aware that there will be a requirement to provide cover on a Monday morning, in the event of absence through sickness, illness or holidays for which they will be paid for the hours worked at the contracted rate.

If you are quick to learn, have the resilience to meet the challenges of a pressurised environment, energetic but calm, people-oriented, computer-literate, adaptable and good humoured, this could be your ideal opportunity.

For further details please e-mail the Lead Receptionist lynn.denney@nhs.net or call 01892 511833

34

Antiques

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Finding The Royals In Tunbridge Wells

antiques

Joseph Trinder talks about the thrill of finding regal connections in local homes...

Joseph Trinder

and silver which dates from around 1880.

Although created in the reign of Victoria, this piece went on to find a home in the collection of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Margaret, sister of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

TINY Enamel locket

Vitality

D

Purchased by our vendor in Christie’s sale of property from Her Royal Highness’s collection in 2006, this exceptional ring is both elegant yet simultaneously quite the statement piece – perhaps evocative of the graciousness and vitality of the princess who once owned it.

Estimated to fetch between £6,000 – £8,000 this piece may well achieve more as international collectors compete fiercely to own pieces with such exceptional history.

URING routine valuation visits in and around Tunbridge Wells, I often visit as many as 15 or more properties a SPARKLE Diamond Ring week – as readers of my previous articles will know – part of the thrill of my vocation is never knowing what I might come across next…

Two items recently discovered in different Tunbridge Wells houses are separated by over 300 years of history but united by links to the British royal family – both of which will be offered for sale in Gorringe’s upcoming March fine spring sale.

The first of which is a fine antique diamond ring, designed as a heart, pavé-set with oldcut diamonds mounted in gold

‘An almost impossibly rare survivor from one of the most tumultuous, periods of English history’ This ring is sold alongside an original Kensington Palace issued certificate of Provenance.

Our next find, discovered only last week but dating back to the mid 17th century, depicts an ancestor of the Princess Margaret, Charles I of England. Marking his execution in 1649, this tiny enamel locket on gold houses a portrait miniature of the ill-fated and divisive British monarch, the inner cover illustrating tears falling from an eye above the date Jan. 30th, 1649, with

a Latin inscription which translates ‘tempered with tears’. At just 14mm wide, it is little larger than this auctioneer’s thumbnail put packs a huge emotive punch.

An almost impossibly rare survivor from one of the most tumultuous, formative and studied periods of English history – this is both a work of superlative beauty as well as being a window into the past, a jewel of our shared heritage and identity. Estimated at £1,500 - £2,000 this is a real piece of palm-sized history that could certainly out-perform expectations.

Illustrate Here we have two discoveries local to Tunbridge Wells, one owned and worn by a princess, the other noting sympathetic reverence at the untimely death of a King – although very different, they both perfectly illustrate how we are each only temporary custodians of our treasured items, before they are passed to another generation, another owner to enjoy and care for.

What discoveries might be made in your home? Find out by booking a free, no-obligation valuation visit by contacting me directly via joseph@gorringes.co.uk or call the office via 01892 556860.

Antiques

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

35

A sliver of silver along the Silk Road Alexander Pushkin, of Pushkin Antiques in the High Street, talks about the collectibility of Chinese silver China Trade Period” (1685-1757), “The Early China Trade Period” (1757-1842), “The Late China Trade Period” (1842-1895) and “The Post China Trade & Republic Period” (1895-1940).

During the formative and early China trade periods, from early 18th century to the Treaty of Nanking (1842), a significant amount of Chinese silver was produced by Canton-based workshops.

These pieces were often made in the neoclassical American and British Georgian styles and are distinguished by exceptionally heavy weight and high quality.

Anonymous Alexander Pushkin

A

S WE celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome in the year of the tiger, the symbol of bravery, wisdom and strength, this brings me nicely onto the subject I’m particularly passionate about and have built up quite the worldwide following. This subject is Chinese Export Silver.

Silverware produced in China from 1780 to the 1940s. The name is somewhat misleading, since it is not silver that was produced exclusively for the West. All silver produced in China during this period bears the name, yet it is impossible to determine which items were specifically for the West.

This wide and complex silver-making period is best divided into four major manufacturing periods: “The Formative

This phenomenon rose out of the dramatic reduction of silver mining in South America, which in turn created a scarcity of silver in Britain and America. The silver workshops, in the main, remained anonymous to Westerners but the merchant shops they produced for have become well-known. Sun Shing and Lin Chong and others with undocumented full names, used to mark their silver with pseudo English marks (the most peculiar case is probably the maker “WE WE WC”, imitating the London hallmark of William Eley, William Fearn and William Chawner). It is not known quite why the “pseudo-hallmark” phenomenon happened; there are several conjectured reasons.

During the second half of 19th century

the centres manufacturing silver wares multiplied (Shanghai, Jiujang, Tienstin, Beijing and Hong Kong above all) as a direct result of the Treaty of Nakning and the granting of treaty ports. Chinese silver came more and more into fashion as Chinese society in these cities gradually became Westernised and middle class. The fashion for the “oriental” in America and Europe made this silver popular, and Western retail silversmiths regularly sold it.

The production ranged from everyday items such as tea sets, jugs, mugs, bowls and boxes to exceptional and impressive trophies and presentation pieces, becoming more elaborate and intricately decorated, many with traditional Chinese motifs applied onto Western forms.

Decorative Some of the most common decorative elements to be found on Chinese silver of this period are bamboo leaves, chrysanthemums, orchids, plums, cranes, dragons and crowded figural scenes representing Immortals, gods and battles.

To Western eyes, these are simply decorative; to Chinese eyes, every motif or combination of motifs convey a meaning.

‘The most common decorative elements to be found on Chinese silver of this period are bamboo leaves and orchids’ The countless variations and imaginative use of the “dragon, considered symbol of power and reference to the Emperor, became the most recognisable element distinguishing the late 19th century and early 20th century Chinese export silver.

It became the signature of prolific silversmiths and retailers such as Wang Hing, Tuck Chang, Luen Wo, Leeching, Kwong Man Shing, Da Xing, Cumwo with Tu Mao Xing, a manufacturer and retailer, now considered the “king of dragon makers”.

The silver marks commonly used on silver produced during this period have Chinese chop marks often combined with Latin alphabet initials.

If you are intrigued by the subject of Chinese silver, why not visit our website pushkinantiques.com/ chinese-silver or simply book an appointment at out High street gallery and discover a whole new world of silverware.

HUNGRY FOR A NEW JOB? JOIN OUR AWARD WINNING TEAM DESIGN Some of Miller’s work can be found at Pushkin

Elite Leisure Collection is an award-winning independent group of local companies operating across the hospitality, leisure and media sectors. Founded in 2008, we always aim to recruit, train, development and support our team to consistently deliver a high level of quality and service. Following a probationary period, by joining our team, you’ll enjoy free gym membership, contributory pension, healthcare, reward incentives and staff perks along with a competitive salary. Due to continued growth and internal advancements, we are now recruiting for the following roles across our venues in Tunbridge Wells:

• • • • • • •

Chef de Partie – £24,570 p.a.

Sous Chef - £29,250 p.a.

Food & Beverage Assistant - £22,230 p.a.

Food & Beverage Manager - £33,000 p.a.

Restaurant Manager - £30,000 p.a.

Receptionist - £22,230 p.a.

Operations Manager – salary depending on experience

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to marketing@onewarwickpark.co.uk

36

Travel

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

travel

Explore these watery wonderlands...

Danielle Desouza discovers the best places to see beautiful waterways both here in the UK and in Ireland but also in the wider world too. Let’s dive in...

W

ETLANDS are watery wonders. Going by a host of names – such as swamps, marshes, bogs, fens and mires – 40% of the world’s animals and plants depend on them to survive.

And for anyone longing to see more of the natural world, they are stunning places to visit, offering fantastic birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Ecosystems But these vital ecosystems are endangered, which is why World Wetlands Day (February 2) and the WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) are highlighting the importance of preserving them.

Tom Fewins, WWT’s head of policy and advocacy, says wetlands are “an essential part of our life support system”. They filter out pollutants from the environment, store rainwater like a sponge and are one of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet.

But Fewins says: “Over the last 500 years in the UK, we’ve lost 90% of our wetlands and globally, we’ve lost 35% since 1970.”

Now WWT are campaigning to create 100,000 hectares of new wetlands, while responsible tourism can also help these special areas thrive. Here are some of the best wetlands to visit, both at home and abroad.

1. Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire David Attenborough is an environmental icon, so it is no surprise that a reserve has been named after him. The Attenborough Nature Reserve was established in 1966 and was even opened by him. During the winter months, starlings take to the sky in great

numbers, which is a beautiful sight to behold. The 60-acre reserve also hosts a range of activities for children to teach them about the importance of nature. You might well spot great crested grebes, otters, bats, butterflies, shrews and harvest mice.

chubby charismatic birds with beautiful brown heads, with a big sort of yellow plume down it, and you only see them at a certain time of year”. You can also see peregrines and the ground-nesting bird, lapwing, which are quite “spectacular”.

2. London Wetland Centre, Barnes, London London may not initially spring to mind when one thinks of a wetland, but the 105-acre London Wetland Centre is home to an array of wildlife. Fewins says this is the perfect time of year to visit as “you get to see wigeons, which are ducks which migrate over from the east and they are big,

3. Cley and Salthouse Marshes, Norfolk Cley Marshes in the oldest Wildlife Trust nature reserve in the UK. The 371 hectare site was first purchased in 1926 to act as a bird breeding sanctuary for birds such as avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers, and it attracts up to 110,000 guests each year. The reserve is made up of coastal shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons,

SALTHOUSE MARSHES

freshwater grazing marsh and reedbeds.

The Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre also hosts free exhibits across the year from local artists, with a nature theme.

4. Llanelli Wetland Centre, Carmarthenshire “Caribbean flamingos [are] a real draw to the site and are really popular with visitors,” says Kelly Lewis, marketing officer at WWT. Blacktailed godwits and lapwigs can also be found at the 450-acre Llanelli Wetland Centre. “During the summer holidays, we’ve got a canoe safari that opens so visitors can go out and have their own little explore,” Lewis adds. The

Travel

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

“Over the last 500 years in the UK, we’ve lost 90% of our wetlands and globally, we’ve lost 35% since 1970” site also has a puddle jumping championship from February 19 to 27, where competitors will battle it out to make the biggest splash by jumping into a puddle.

5. Castle Espie, County Down This wetland on the shores of Strangford Lough is a 60-acre haven, home to Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds. “At this time of year, the real selling point for the site is that it attracts thousands of migratory birds and one of the special species is brent geese,” says Lewis. Castle Espie also recently attracted TV cameras, as it was one of three live locations to host BBC Two’s Winterwatch 2022.

6. Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, County Kerry Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre is a Natura 2000 site, meaning it is part of a network of nature protection areas in the European Union.

Habitats at this 8000-acre reserve include coastal reedbeds and marsh and river channels.

Wintering wetland birds found here include whooper swans and pale-bellied brent geese, which feed on the extensive eelgrass beds which cover the Eastern part of the bay. Take a guided tour to fully absorb the picturesque views and landscape, and the wetlands are stunning at sunset.

LLANELLI WETLAND CENTRE

TRALEE BAY

7. The Okavango Delta, Botswana Those in search of the ultimate wetland adventure should have The Okavango Delta in Botswana at the top of their wish list. This vast delta is formed where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert. A ‘pulsing wetland’ it is affected by seasonal flooding, and each year water spreads over a 6,000 – 15,000 sq km area, drawing in species such as elephants, crocodiles, cheetahs and hippos. The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is between July and October.

8. Everglades National Park, Florida, USA An international superstar in the world of wetlands, Everglades National Park is a staggering 1.5 million acres in size and is a world heritage site, an international biosphere reserve and a wetland of international importance. Its coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes and flat pinewoods are home to hundreds of animals species including the elusive Florida panther, West Indian manatee, American crocodile and American alligator.

OKAVANGO DELTA

LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

LLANELLI WETLAND CENTRE

37

38

Wednesday February 9 | 2022

Motoring News Skoda’s Enyaq iV Coupe makes debut

This week…

Skoda’s Enyaq iV

n

Custom Ducati

n

DBX707

n

Ducati launches custom motorcycle creation service

DUCATI has launched a new service that allows its customers to create unique motorcycle specifications.

Called Ducati Unica, it allows buyers to join the firm’s design teams at the Ducati Centro Stile and explain what they want from their new product, collaborating directly with the designers and technicians.

Project

SKODA has unveiled its new Enyaq iV Coupe, widening the firm’s line-up of electric vehicles.

Essentially a sleeker and more aerodynamically styled version of the regular Enyaq iV, the Coupe features a sloping roofline and a standard-fit panoramic glass roof – the largest fitted to any Skoda model on sale today. It stands 6mm taller and 4mm longer than the standard Enyaq.

At the front of the Coupe, there’s the option to fit the ‘Crystal Face’ which adds 131 LEDs to the car’s grille to give it a striking, illuminated looks.

From launch, there will be just a single battery option – a 77kWh usable capacity unit – though three different power variants will be available.

In the rear-wheel-drive Enyaq Coupe iV 80 you get 201bhp, while both the Enyaq Coupe iV 80x and Enyaq Coupe iV vRS feature a second motor on the front axle, giving them all-wheel-drive.

Torque The former has a total output of up to 262bhp, while the latter – which is the very first electric vRS model – brings 295bhp and 460Nm of torque to the table. Because of this output, the vRS will manage 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 111mph.

These models also feature a 15mm drop in ride

height at the front and 10mm at the rear and receive standard-fit 20-inch alloy wheels and a gloss black grille surround and rear diffuser.

These vRS models also get the ‘Crystal Face’ feature as standard. A new shade unique to the vRS – called Hyper Green – is also available.

Inside, the Enyaq Coupe iV features a 13-inch screen which is bolstered by a secondary 5.3-inch Digital Cockpit. A head-up display with augmented reality can also be added as an optional extra.

Pricing for the new Enyaq Coupe iV has yet to be announced but will likely be revealed over the coming months.

Through periodical visits throughout the build process, these one-of-a-kind creations can be followed in-person to experience ‘first-hand the level of dedication and attention to detail that Ducati reserves for each customisation project’.

By working with the Ducati Unica team, customers can define details such as precious materials, dedicated finishes, special colours and Ducati Performance accessories, which are fitted on top of a base bike from the Ducati line-up.

The Italian firm will document the whole process, from early sketches to the delivery ceremony.

Andrea Ferraresi, Centro Stile Ducati Director: “Design is a distinctive element of our creations.

We wanted to give Ducatisti the chance to identify themselves even more with their own bike, making it a direct expression of each person’s style.

“Therefore, we created Ducati Unica, an exclusive program that testifies to the excellence of Made in Italy of which Ducati is a representative in the world. An exciting and unforgettable experience of customisation to be experienced directly within our Centro Stile.

“The moment in which Ducatisti finally see their bike is very exciting for us at the Centro Stile and a source of great pride.”

The Aston Martin DBX707 is a 697bhp luxury SUV ASTON MARTIN has revealed the most powerful version of its luxury SUV yet.

Called DBX707, it’s had its 4.0-litre V8 powertrain tuned to provide an incredible 697bhp and 900Nm of torque. That’s a boost of 155bhp and 200Nm over the regular DBX V8.

The British firm said it set out to make the DBX707 the ‘fastest, most powerful and best handling’ SUV. Its goal was to create a model that not only had impressive numbers, but was also engaging and enjoyable to drive.

Shifts ‘Every area of the car has been enhanced to boost performance’, according to the brand, with the engine getting new ball bearing turbochargers and a bespoke calibration to extract more power.

A new nine-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic is said to be able to handle the increased torque as well as offering faster shifts.

This contributes to the DBX707’s 3.1-second 0-60mph time.

Further improved equipment includes standard fit carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers that provide a 40kg saving, while other changes are said to improve confidence for the driver.

There’s a choice of two 22-inch alloy wheel designs as standard with an optional 23-inch upgrade that is also said to improve handling. It also retains the standard air suspension system but with a bespoke tune to further improve ability in the corners.

Sports The exterior has styling tweaks such as new air intakes, a new front splitter, bonnet louvres and a new rear wing.

Inside there are sport seats fitted as standard with comfort versions available at no extra cost, and a choice of three interior styles that dictate what upholstery you get.

Aston Martin chief executive officer, Tobias Moers, said: “Right from its first introduction the DBX has represented Aston Martin’s dynamic and design values in a way that proves not all SUVs have to conform to the same compromises.

“With the DBX707 we have pushed the boundaries in every area to create a car which sets new standards of performance and desirability.

“The fastest, most powerful, best handling and most engaging car of its kind, it propels Aston Martin to the pinnacle of SUV performance.”

Production of the DBX707 will begin in Q1 2022, with first deliveries expected in Q2.

39

Wednesday February November | 2021 2 10 | 2022

H ENGINEERING PROUDLY UNDERTAKE THE RESTORATION OF CLASSIC & VINTAGE VEHICLES.

WWW.H-ENGINEERING.COM

H E n gin eerin g Ltd, L ittle Ca cketts Farm , H ay m an s H i l l , H o rsm o n den , Ke n t , T N 1 2 8 BX

info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042