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Shopping centre marks 30 years but losses see its value plummet
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• Value of the shopping centre has fallen by over half • Only 50 of the original 99 retail units currently filled • RVP’s losses amount to £82million over three years EXCLUSIVE By Richard Williams THE flagship shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating 30 years in the town, but a Times investigation has revealed that the ailing Royal Victoria Place (RVP) has lost half its value in the last four years and is haemorrhaging money. RVP first opened its doors on October 21, 1992, when the late Princess of Wales opened the centre to huge crowds who wanted to see Diana and be the first to shop in the new shopping centre. The centre marked its anniversary last week with themed balloons and hundreds of cakes from their resident café, family-run business Taste Wells.
Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at RVP said: “We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone and had a fantastic time celebrating with visitors this past weekend. “Royal Victoria Place has given Tunbridge Wells residents a wealth of memories, stores, and services over the last 30 years, and we can’t wait to continue to support our local community this upcoming Christmas and beyond.”
Accounts But the last 30 years have not all been kind to the shopping centre. The latest owners of RVP, British Land, bought the site in 2018 from Hermes
Investment Management for £96million. Analysis of its most recent annual accounts that were filed by British Land just last month show that the value of the centre has now fallen to below half its 2018 sale price in just the last four years. According to Companies House, accounts filed by BL Tunbridge Wells LTD – the British Land subsidiary that runs RVP – show the shopping centre was devalued to just £44.7million in March this year. The same accounts also reveal that over the last three years, the shopping centre has lost more than £82million in accumulated annual losses, partly due to the Covid crisis, as the cost of running the centre has outweighed the value of its plummeting rents. While the retail landlord has now reduced RVP’s annual losses from a peak
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RVP financial woes laid bare as it marks 30 years Continued from front page of £38million a year in 2020 to just over £11million in 2022, its accounts show it only brought in £6million in turnover in the last year. Around 10 per cent of its collected rents in the centre – around £800,000 a year – also has to be sent to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, which owns the lease to the site. Despite a range of new independent businesses opening in the centre over the last 12 months, including The Green Duck Emporium,
hairdressers Belgravia and Gymboree Play & Music, only around 50 stores currently occupy RVP which was built with 99 units. Central Market, a food hall that was set up in the empty arcade Ely Court that adjoins the shopping centre, went bust last year.
Shelved British Land has also shelved plans for an £80million upgrade to RVP devised by previous owners Hermes that would have seen a cinema
and bowling alley added to the complex. Instead, the retail portfolio holder spent £11million on a new floor and signage. A planned leisure facility that would have filled the BHS unit that has sat empty since the retailer collapsed in 2016 was also recently rejected by British Land. British Land were approached for comment and asked what their plans were for RVP, but nobody responded to our requests. The Times asks: ‘What’s the future of RVP?’ See Comment page 21.
County Hall to make swingeing cuts to fill £70million black hole By Victoria Roberts THERE will not be ‘a single department within Kent County Council’ (KCC) that will be immune to cuts, county councillors have been told. In June, the authority had projected a budgetary black hole of £50million for the current financial year, but the overspend is likely to reach £70million, Leader Cllr Roger Gough (Conservative) told members of KCC’s Full Council at the end of last month. Around £45million of this was due to inflation, Cllr Gough said, with council expenditure rising while revenues did not increase.
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this week… FIRM FOUNDATIONS The Men’s Shed movement helps build friendships and skills for wellbeing P10
ENTER STAGE BRIGHT Panto season is nearly here, and the Times previews the local offerings P25
COUNTY FINANCES Peter Oakford (inset) at County Hall CONTACTS EDITOR RICHARD WILLIAMS richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 240626 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER VICTORIA ROBERTS newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779615
Prudent “We were always anticipating that, postpandemic, public spending would remain relatively tightly held and local government is seldom, if ever, at the top of the pecking order when it comes to that,” he told councillors. “We will go on pushing extremely hard for additional financial support for this council, and indeed councils as a whole will. “But I think it is only prudent to accept the environment as we see it, certainly as a basis for our planning.” Council leaders have warned that further cuts to the already-stretched services supporting Kent’s residents are going to be ‘extremely challenging and hit hard’. Cllr Peter Oakford (Tunbridge Wells North), KCC’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We are facing huge cuts that we are going to have to make and savings we are going to have to make next year to balance the budget. “There is not a single department within Kent County Council that will not be facing some form of cut in its budget going forward. I would be very
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DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk
surprised if there is if we’re going to balance the budget.” The warning comes as the County Councils Network (CCN), of which KCC is a member, has written to the Treasury to say that the prospect of funding reductions would be ‘unthinkable and devastating’ for services across the country and be ‘worse than austerity’.
Situation CCN says a bare minimum approach under those circumstances could be the only option for some councils to stave off bankruptcy. Mr Oakford said: “We cannot doubt the gravity of this financial situation and there is a clear picture of the causes, above all the surge of inflation coupled with the increasing demand on services, especially social care.
“We have been acutely aware that postpandemic spending would be tight and local government would feature further down on the priority list. “We know the Chancellor has some very difficult decisions to make and we look to him and Michael Gove, back as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to consider the pressures we face in Kent and to work with us to best safeguard the services that matter most to people and which support the most vulnerable.” Mr Oakford continued: “Around £1.3billion of our annual budget is subject to inflationary pressures. We are, of course, seeing the same level of increase on our costs as residents and we are currently experiencing £70million of unbudgeted inflationary and demand-led pressures this year alone.”
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Radio station celebrates its first year on the air WEST Kent Radio (WKR) celebrated its first birthday as a broadcaster last week (October 28). Formed out of hospital radio at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury, WKR gained its broadcasting license from regulator Ofcom and started transmitting on October 28, 2021. The station is now working with the regulator to improve its FM reception, and has been shortlisted for a Community Radio award, said trustee Claire Backhurst. The station is set to broadcast from the switch-on of Christmas lights in Tonbridge this November 27. Listen to WKR at 106.7 FM (Tunbridge Wells) and 95.5 FM (Tonbridge), westkentradio.co.uk/ player, smart speakers and various apps.
Teen jailed for stabbing A TEENAGER has been jailed for three years after admitting stabbing another boy in a Tunbridge Wells park. Tristan Azevedo, 18, was playing football with a friend in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park on June 1 when he was hit in the face and then stabbed in the back. Mr Azevedo was taken to a London hospital where he spent 12 days recovering. The 16-year-old attacker, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted wounding with intent and possessing a knife in public. Passing sentence, Judge Catherine Moore said despite taking his age, welfare and rehabilitation into account, only a custodial sentence was appropriate. The court had heard that the boy had previously been given a nine-month referral order by the youth court for an offence of battery. He was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court last week for 36 months.
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Toy Appeal finds a new face to ensure Christmas isn’t cancelled By Richard Williams AN ANNUAL appeal that provides presents for children in Tunbridge Wells who are at risk of going without at Christmas has found a new organiser to run the charity event. The Mayor’s Toy Appeal has been running in the town since 1987 and aims to ensure children in the borough that might go without due to financial hardship in the family receive Christmas presents. Toys come by way of donations, either in cash or new toys bought by generous residents.
TOY STORY Outgoing Karen Collins with last year’s Mayor Chris Woodward and (inset) Trevor Crawford
Doubts Last year, the Toy Appeal ensured more than 550 Tunbridge Wells children who may not have received a gift from Santa had something to open on Christmas day. However, Karen Collins, who has organised the appeal on behalf of the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells for the last 12 years, is to step down, casting doubts over the initiative’s future. But following an appeal for a new organiser in the Times, Trevor Crawford has now taken over. Mr Crawford, who relocated to Tunbridge Wells following his retirement from a career in publishing, printing and exhibitions is to be the new head of the appeal. Ms Collins said Mr Crawford will be shadowing her during this year’s appeal before taking over the reins next year. She told the Times that this year’s Mayor’s Toy Appeal, being run for current Mayor, Cllr Godfrey Bland, will run from November 19 to December 10 and can be found in Royal Victoria Place (RVP) by the Taste Wells café.
“We are very grateful to RVP for their generosity in giving us their free pop-up space, outside of which there will be a ‘giving tree’, featuring labels of toys we are in need of,” said Ms Collins.
Wishlist “We are looking for appropriate gifts for children aged between 1 and 18. Gifts can be
bought locally, or from our Amazon Wishlist or see the tags on our ‘Giving Trees’ at St George’s Childcare, Chilston Road and in Royal Victoria Place.” She added that when the appeal begins, residents can drop off gifts of new toys at one of these locations: Maddisons, The Pantiles; St George’s Childcare, Chilston Road; The Amelia, Mount Pleasant Road; Barsleys, Paddock Wood or Royal Victoria Place.
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
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Arriva strikes deal with the bus drivers’ union INDUSTRIAL action for the largest bus operator in Kent has been called off after a 14 per cent pay deal was offered to drivers. More than 480 drivers at Arriva Kent who are members of the Unite union have been holding strikes for the last two months. Drivers went on strike for a total of six days during the dispute, which began in early September. The walkouts have been caused by a row over pay and conditions. Now a pay offer of 13.92 per cent, backdated to April 23, was approved by drivers last week, with a majority of 59 per cent of union members agreeing to the deal. Arriva said on that it was ‘pleased’ the pay offer had been accepted and that it meant that no further industrial action will take place across the region. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “This is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates what can be achieved by workers sticking together and acting in unity.”
Attempted murder charge A SECOND suspect has been charged as part of an investigation into an attempted murder in Tunbridge Wells. Keith Williams was arrested in connection with a violent assault at a property in Upper Grosvenor Road on August 18, this year, where a man suffered stab wounds. The 44-year-old of Kingscroft Road, Banstead, Surrey appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday October 25 to face charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent. Officers have also previously charged 44-yearold Kojo Ohene, of Upper Grosvenor Road with attempted murder. Both suspects are currently remanded in custody and will appear before Maidstone Crown Court on November 8.
Town’s flexi-tickets TUNRIDGE Wells is the third most popular origin point for flexi-season tickets on the Southeastern network, the rail operator has confirmed. The flexible tickets – which allow eight journeys, at any time, within a 28-day period – were introduced in May 2021 following a campaign by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark. A total of 3,753 flexi-seasons between Tunbridge Wells and London have since been issued. Mr Clark said: “The extremely high take-up of flexible season tickets by commuters in my constituency vindicates my years of campaigning to overhaul the old system that had not changed since the 1950s.”
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Council letter may have been the ‘trigger’ for cattery owner’s death By Victoria Roberts and Lilly Croucher at County Hall, Maidstone THE feared closure of his business following a Council inspection may have been the ‘trigger’ that caused a cattery owner to end his own life, an inquest heard last week. Assistant Coroner for North West Kent, Alan Blunsdon, heard how Wayne Littlechild, 39, was found dead at Catnap Cattery in Liptraps Lane in Tunbridge Wells, where he also lived, on June 27. The inquest at County Hall in Maidstone last Thursday (October 27) heard that Mr Littlechild’s body was discovered early in the morning by a lodger. An ambulance arrived after 6am, before his stepmother – who also lived at the address – was aware of what had happened.
Visit A post-mortem revealed Mr Littlechild had died by hanging. Following an interview with his stepmother, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Groves, giving evidence via video link, told the inquest that Mr Littlechild had received a letter from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) calling him to appear at a Licensing Committee meeting on July 7. It had followed an earlier visit by an inspector from the Council. The Council’s Licensing Committee was to hear a recommendation to remove the cattery’s license and Mr Littlechild had been asked in the letter to submit evidence by June 27 – the date on which Mr Littlechild was found dead. Asked by the Assistant Coroner whether the letter could have been a ‘trigger’ in Mr Littlechild’s subsequent actions, DS Groves confirmed it could. “The letter is strongly written,” he said, adding that it was ‘fair to say’ Mr Littlechild could have been ‘worried or upset’ by it. DS Groves also said Mr Littlechild’s GP surgery and health records had shown no evidence of any recent low moods, although he had visited the surgery following the death of his father, Barry Littlechild, in 2016 but was not prescribed medication. The police found evidence on Mr Littlechild’s phone and iPad that he had researched methods of suicide in the week preceding his death. The inquest also heard from Mr Littlechild’s stepmother, Olga Johnson, who told the coroner:
“My view is that the letter from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was appalling. It was all in legal speech and I think that must have frightened him. “We did have a conversation about it. I said to him: ‘We can go together on the 7th of July.’ It sounds as though I didn’t win that one.”
Letter She added: “He had Crouzon Syndrome [a genetic condition which may lead to learning disabilities]. There is no way they should have written that letter in those terms.” Before summing up, Mr Blunsdon said that the proceedings were not a trial and that participants ‘may never know’ why Mr Littlechild took his own life. But he noted the timing and content of the letter, saying it had been received on or after June 17, and that ‘after he received the letter it was probable that Wayne then began to undertake research on the internet into taking his own life’. He added that although the timing of the letter may be ‘coincidental’ he was ‘satisfied’ that the
letter played on his state of mind thereafter. Mr Blunsdon concluded that Wayne Littlechild had died by suicide. Catnap Cattery was closed last weekend and Ms Johnson said family and friends planned to gather in the home cinema for a film and to remember Wayne. A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “We again express our condolences to Mr Littlechild’s family and friends. “Without commenting on the sad circumstances of Mr Littlechild’s death we should make it clear that every letter the Council sends about a licensing matter is checked, and correspondence in relation to licensing must on occasion include legal references. “There were concerns about the cattery that prompted licensing checks. The cattery continued operating after Mr Littlechild’s death, but following a meeting of the Licensing Committee in September the licence was revoked, coming into effect on 1 November.” The Samaritans listening service is open 24 hours a day at telephone number 116 123 for anybody who is affected by similar issues.
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PCC holds police chief to account over the force’s handling of abuse By Victoria Roberts THE Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in Kent has held a special meeting to discuss how Kent Police can improve its handling of domestic abuse cases, following criticism by a government inspector. Back in April, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services released a report urging improvement in the force. The report said: “Kent Police is outstanding at recording crime with very effective crime recording processes. The force is good at both preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour and treating people fairly and with respect.”
Risk But it added: “Kent Police’s response to domestic abuse is of particular concern. The force is rightly proud of some of its work protecting vulnerable people. “However, domestic abuse investigation teams have not been properly resourced with suitably qualified staff. As a result, some victims have received an unacceptable level of service and have continued to remain at risk. “Investigations have often been delayed or are of a poor quality, reducing opportunities to achieve positive outcomes for victims.” Following the criticism, PCC Matthew Scott (Conservative) arranged a meeting on Monday (October 31) to discuss the failures highlighted in the report. During the meeting, Temporary Chief Constable Tim Smith told Mr Scott the force had brought 69 more officers into local policing –
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Council finds funding for Weald sports centre TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has approved an additional £330,000 for the green renovation of a local sports centre, after potential infrastructure delays put government funding for the project at risk. TWBC was to pay £239,800 from the capital budget toward the project to reduce carbon emissions at the Weald Sports Centre in Cranbrook – adding to almost £1.2million of government funding through Salix Finance. However, utility UK Power Networks said it would take longer – and cost more – to upgrade energy infrastructure supporting the project. In order not to miss the deadline for Salix funding, TWBC agreed to inject £330,400 extra for the upgrade work – less than the anticipated £490,000 injection. The Cabinet approved the new funding at a meeting on October 27.
Crowborough chargers
MEETING: Mr Scott [inset] and at a previous meeting
including 43 in the Local Policing Team and 26 in the Vulnerability Investigation Team. He also promised allocations would be spread ‘fairly and proportionately’ across the force area, and that scheduled training would never be allowed to outrank operational needs. He added that Kent Police has been working on new ways of dealing with domestic abuse. More detectives have been taken on in the force's Vulnerability Investigation Team, and Rapid Video Response (RVR) has been introduced, which allows officers to speak with victims who are not in need of urgent help via video calls. The force was also looking to monitor reasons that victims withdraw from prosecutions, as well
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
as pursuing ‘evidence-led’ cases, he said. The Temporary Chief Constable told the PCC that he expressed ‘confidence’ that when HMICFRC re-started its next inspection next year, the force would have addressed many issues and be ‘moving in the right direction’ on others. Mr Scott said: "We have seen an increase in our resources in our control room, domestic abuse investigations, and also into response policing as well and we needed to address those concerns. "It's still early days, these things do take time to turn around but I have confidence in the Chief Constable, he's told me that things will improve soon."
WEALDEN District Council has confirmed the first phase of new electric car chargers in Councilowned car parks will include Croft Road in Crowborough. Following feasibility studies, the district authority’s contractor, Connected Kerb now plans to install charging points at Lower Road in Forest Row, Croft Road in Crowborough and Wealden Car Park by the Greyhound in Wadhurst in the coming months. Wealden District Council (WDC) said there was potential to expand to an additional 22 sites throughout the district in subsequent phases, with a target of installing EV charging in all WDC-owned or managed car parks. Councillor Pam Doodes, the Council’s lead member for Climate Change, said it was ‘really positive that our collaboration with Connected Kerb has taken a major step forward’.
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
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Co-working spaces are booming as hybrid ‘trend’ looks set to stay By Victoria Roberts A BOOM for home and hybrid working due to the pandemic has seen new co-working offerings popping up all over town, a communication specialist has said. According to Fraser Young of communications and remote office solutions company, MF Telecom Services, the ‘trend’ for hybrid working since Covid has seen a rise in new collaborative working spaces in Tunbridge Wells. “Rather than having employees back in the office full-time, the trend for organisations is to offer a hybrid working practice,” he said. “But what if it’s not practical to work from home?” Mr Young continued, stressing the disadvantages of working in a ‘cramped spare room or makeshift desk on the dining table’.
Opportunity Co-working spaces offer a more ergonomic workplace, as well as the opportunity to be with other people – a particular benefit for creatives and start-ups. “They bring together a mix of people and give individuals a chance to collaborate and grow without the internal politics or direct competition often found in traditional work settings,” said Mr Young. “Bringing together like-minded individuals also means a gathering of different skill sets. In addition, you get to collaborate and grow in a way you might not do at a traditional office,” he said. “For those who’ve felt the pressure of lockdowns and being stuck at home, co-working spaces offer a sense of community.
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Law firms celebrate making their mark in the industry guide LOCAL legal firms are celebrating their industry positions as the latest industry guide has been published. Thomson Snell & Passmore said it has retained top Band 1 rankings in five practice areas, with 12 departments in the prestigious Chambers UK Guide for 2023. Its Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Clinical Negligence, Family/Matrimonial and Personal Injury teams all retained Band 1 rankings for Kent, while the Court of Protection team retained its UK-wide Band 1 ranking.
Promoted
CO-WORKING Demand for shared office space such as at Deskrenter (pictured) is booming “Many offer more than just a desk, with regular social gatherings and events organised for members. However, there is no pressure to socialise – at the end of the day you can just walk away from your desk,” he explained. Even larger organisations and corporates are now beginning to see the benefits of offering their staff co-working options, which can give colleagues the chance to work together in different combinations and different settings. Even Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) is creating a co-working environment in the Town Hall, which Council officers will share with private companies and individuals. The project remains on schedule to be completed by winter 2023. “It’s the flexibility that is appealing. You can rent a desk for as little as £25 for a half day. This flexibility means you’re not tied into a contract if
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it doesn’t work for you,” said Mr Young. He advised companies and individuals to consider what facilities and what kind of space they need. “It might just be the light, the layout or the amenities that you need to feel happy with. However, always check the security options, particularly if you’re leaving any personal property on site at the end of each day. “Equally, the security of the WiFi is a huge consideration. You’re more likely to get secure WiFi at a coworking space than at a public place such as a café, but do check this.” He recommended Office Tribe on Mount Pleasant and London Road, The House in Monson Road, and Other Space on Mount Pleasant as among the best collaborative working spaces that have emerged in Tunbridge Wells over the last two years.
Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Dispute Resolution department was promoted to Band 2 for the South of England, and its Transport and Logistics team entered the rankings with a UK-wide Band 4 ranking. In the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, the over 450-year-old firm’s private client team was recently ranked Band 1. Elsewhere in Tunbridge Wells, Cripps celebrated being ranked in 15 separate practice areas and six top-tier rankings in the South/Kent area in the latest edition of Chambers UK. That included a new Band 1 ranking in Intellectual Property, said the firm. Other entries in The Legal 500 were also cause for celebration, with Cripps being recognised as one of the South East’s foremost law firms in corporate, real estate and private client work. The firm said it was ranked in the top tier for 15 of its practice areas in the South East, and was recommended in a further four areas. The 170-year-old firm was also rated a Top Family Law Firm by eprivateclient, a website and news service for private client practitioners.
Growing team prompts office move for digital design agency By Sarah Carter A GROWING Tunbridge Wells digital agency has relocated to a larger town centre office. Founded by graphic designer Rob Stevens in 2008 in Speldhurst, Target Ink has expanded into a new office on Mount Ephraim, with a breakout studio and outdoor space. Matt Neve does most of the agency’s design work, but recent hire Steve Rowley has brought a joint sales and design background. Meanwhile, freelancers, such as photographers and programmers are also part of the team and
HITTING THE TARGET Rob Stevens, Matt Neve and Steve Rowley
the new office provides essential hot-desking space, as well as a ‘chilled out’ area for everyone, said Mr Stevens.
Talent “Sub-contractors are a key part of our business model and we have access to some of the best talent in this area,” he said. “Tunbridge Wells is at the centre of a real digital revolution and I’m proud that Target Ink is part of that.” Mr Stevens has plans for networking sessions
and get-togethers in the larger premises and especially the outdoor space, when the weather permits. “I want to create a space which feels creative,” he said. “We’re busy and we need talent, so if I can make this a ‘destination’ workspace, that’s a bonus. I want Target Ink to be an aspirational place to work.” Target Ink’s local clients include Sankey’s, Mother Goose, CooperBurnett, Squerryes and Diamond Interior Contracts. For more information visit: targetink.co.uk
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Foodbank turns to Digitom for its new campaign videos
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TN Card to bring arts and craft producers to market LOCAL loyalty scheme the TN Card is planning a pre-Christmas shopping evening for its crafters and producers, after the success of its first ‘Makers’ Market’ on the late May Bank Holiday this year. The evening of shopping, food, drink and carols is open to all, at £3, but TN Card-holders enter free. TN Card founder Jess Gibson said: “We’ll have the Trinity Theatre panto crew singing carols, 20 local producers and makers, food and drink – it’s going to be a really lovely community evening.” The retail scheme also launches its 40-page Christmas gift guide on November 28, featuring over 200 gifts at TN Card businesses and offering discounts or promotional gifts to card holders.
Stables presentation attracts involvement SCENE A still from the Digitom video for Nourish A TUNBRIDGE Wells-based digital agency has created a series of campaign videos for its chosen charity, Nourish Community Foodbank. Based on true stories, but with a voiceover to preserve the privacy of families and individuals, the videos by Digitom take viewers through the life-changing events which brought Nourish to the door for Eve, Natalie and Luke. ‘Eve’ had spent all her savings on fixing her boiler, and when she was hospitalised, she said: “The doctors said I was suffering from poor nutrition.
“When I eventually got home, I was referred to Nourish to help me out for a few weeks.”
Difference Tom Chown, founder and creative director of Digitom, said: “I’m really pleased that we can support another worthy cause this year and help create a campaign that will hopefully make a difference. “I’m not sure why a developed country has seen such a large growth in the demand for food
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banks the last decade, but I hope we can do some good to help those in need.” Nourish’s operations director, Dawn Stanford BEM, said: “We are very pleased to have been named Digitom’s charity of the year, and the team has produced a campaign of wonderful videos for us called ‘The Stories Behind the Numbers’. “This is what fantastic corporate giving looks like, and we are very grateful.” For more information and to see the videos visit: nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk
A PUBLIC meeting on development proposals for the Salomons Estate’s Grade 2* listed stables and coach house attracted over a dozen members of the community. The redevelopment of Runcie Court is part of the estate’s ten-year masterplan to restore period features and landscapes across the estate. The increased accommodation and function room space will promote local tourism and generate funding to restore the main building, Salomons House, which is owned by Elite Leisure Collection, publisher of the Times. In his talk following the development presentation, local historian Chris Jones, curator of the Salomons Museum, said David Lionel Salomons and local architect William Barnsley Hughes had ‘produced a stunning creation in red-brick and Portland stone, with fittings and carpentry to the highest standard’.
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Meet the men who are shedding
Each month Thomson Snell & Passmore will be answering frequently asked questions from across the practice. If you have a legal question you would like featured in this monthly Q&A please submit it to info@ts-p.co.uk.
One Couple, One Lawyer – your questions answered. Couples can now appoint one lawyer between them to handle all aspects of their divorce, including child and financial arrangements. This can help keep the process as amicable as possible, as well as make it faster and more cost effective. But how does the One Couple One Lawyer process work? Here, our trained mediator and expert family lawyer Kirstie Law answers your questions. Is sharing a lawyer suitable for all couples? No – with family law, there are a range of ways to resolve a case, including mediation, collaboration and arbitration, and it is for the individual couple to decide which method is best for them. How do I know if One Couple One Lawyer is right for me? The process starts with an initial meeting with you both to explore and discuss the various ways of resolving cases out of court. If you both feel one couple one lawyer is the most appropriate option for you then you would each have an individual meeting with the lawyer to ensure you both understand the process fully and to discuss any concerns before signing up to the agreement. How does the One Couple One Lawyer process work? The process is relatively straightforward, involving a series of joint and individual meetings to discuss and agree arrangements with regards to finances and children. How does the One Couple One Lawyer process differ to mediation? A mediator has to be impartial and should not give a couple legal advice. This process enables the lawyer to openly give the couple advice and if an agreement is reached, to draw up a consent order to make the agreement binding. Will I have the opportunity to take independent advice if I want to, using the One Couple One Lawyer process?
MEN AT WORK Inside the Sherwood Men’s Shed
By Victoria Roberts A MAN in a shed is no longer a story of loneliness thanks to a national movement, which has made firm foundations in the local area and is growing all the time. The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia two decades ago, born out of an acknowledgement that older men can struggle to build social networks, especially after retirement age. Set up in 2015 behind the TN2 Community Centre, the Sherwood Men’s Shed consists of a large shed with workbenches and equipment, a ‘cabin’ for storage and making tea, and an outdoor work area. Thanks to the outdoor area – built with funding from Kent County Council – the Shed operated through the pandemic. Chairman Tim Tempest said: “The outdoor area meant we BUDDY BENCH A Men’s Shed creation in Grosvenor & Hilbert Park
Yes, both parties have the opportunity to take independent legal advice if they wish, as part of the process. We may also recommend involving a barrister to give an early neutral evaluation or assist with proposed settlement terms, if appropriate. How long does the One Couple Once Lawyer process take? This depends on how complicated your finances are and how able you both are to commit time for meetings etc. As a general guide, where a couple are co-operative, we would expect matters to be concluded within approximately three to four months. How much does the One Couple One Lawyer process cost? Costs will vary from case to case depending upon your particular financial situation e.g. whether there are pensions or businesses. We will discuss the likely costs with you in the initial meeting but this method will generally be more cost effective than other methods because one lawyer is providing you with the information jointly rather than you both having to take advice. If I start the One Couple One Lawyer process but then feel it is not right for me, may I change? Yes, if the process does not feel right for one or both of you, we will talk to you about alternatives including mediation, collaborative law and arbitration. What if we can’t come to an agreement using the One Couple One Lawyer process? We would then help you to decide which alternative means of resolving issues would be best in your case.
could be Covid compliant and have six people here. We were able to meet the needs of the particularly vulnerable members.” He explained: “The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature, while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They are about social interaction, friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge and of course, a lot of laughter.”
Enthusiasts Active members come and go, and the group has at times included women, but there are about 30 members on the list, and six or seven people turn up on Tuesdays and Thursdays all year round. They plan to take a vote on opening over the Christmas period, said Tim. “Sometimes people are eager to get out again. Not everyone will come, but there’s always going to be someone here.” As for himself, he said. “I guess I need the structure, and organising, so I don’t grind to a halt.” John, the Shed’s ‘whizz with the lathe’, told the Times: “I’m here for my mental health. I keep myself busy coming down here. I’ve been here about three years, and I do quite a bit of voluntary work.” John is one of the members who keeps motorcycles and has found fellow enthusiasts in the group. “They’ve fostered friendships based on interest outside the Shed,” explained Tim.
Disability campaigner marks 13 years in battle to close the gap for working carers A LOCAL disability campaigner is marking 13 years of campaigning for working carers to receive short-notice paid leave from their employment – just after receiving a leadership award for the second year running. Chris Jeffery, chair of Mending the Gap, has been fighting to get paid emergency leave for people who work and look after disabled family members, ever since November 9, 2009. Currently, working carers must take unpaid leave or use holiday entitlement.
Unrealistic Chris has appeared in front of MPs at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on disability and the APPG on health, and has been named CEO Monthly’s Working Carers’ Equality Chairman of the Year for the second year in a row. He was diagnosed with major kidney and bladder disorder 37 years ago, and his wife Jenny is his carer, although she also suffers from diabetes and arthritis. He told the Times: “I’ve been doing this 13 years, and I’m going to see this out even if it sees me out. This helps keep me going.”
“With the cost-of-living crisis, the government offers of unpaid leave is unrealistic,” he said. For his most recent operation in September, Chris’s wife Jenny had to take unpaid leave from her retail job. “The NHS, Government and local authorities pay paid leave, but about 99.5 per cent in the private sector have to take unpaid leave. “If carers feel supported, they will be able to return to the job market, knowing they’ve got a support mechanism,” Chris said. Chris was due to appear at the APPG on disability again in October, but it was delayed due to the Conservative leadership election and the official mourning period for The Queen. However, he said: “Government still believe unpaid leave is the be-all and end-all of a solution. “But there’s an unpaid army out there. If they give up, what happens?” Chris’s campaign found at mendingthegap.co.uk or on Twitter: @mendingthegap
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
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the burden of loneliness “We have a WhatsApp group and if someone is having a bad day, we say: ‘We need you. You’ve got to keep coming to the Shed.’” “We’ve only ever had to exclude one person in all the six or seven years we’ve been going. People get on.” With just a ‘peppercorn rent’ to pay to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the group is completely self-funded, thanks to its sales of wooden toys and ornaments, as well as commissioned wood projects “We never say no,” said Tim. The ‘Shedders’ have upcycled oak shelves from the old Tunbridge Wells library into garden benches and bistro tables, and also made a display unit for the #SheMatters charity shop in Monson Road. “Our biggest project to date was the construction of the planters situated in the courtyard of the Amelia Cultural Centre,” he added. Sherwood Men’s Shed will be selling items at the Paddock Wood Day Centre on November 5 (10am-12pm) and The Pantiles Christmas Market this December. Details at: facebook.com/kettlesalwayson/
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AND THE MOVEMENT HAS NOW SPREAD TO GROOMBRIDGE A SECOND local Men’s Shed opened in July, in a purpose-built structure in the Groombridge Village Hall car park, which the Shedders designed and fundraised for. “Groombridge is a tight community, which is why we did it,” said chairman Jim Litchfield. “We raised all the cost – about £80,000 – ourselves. We all did jobs in our own sheds before we opened, and to make enough for the first (fundraising) pop-up shop.” The organisers have a list of about 50 who have expressed interest, but about seven turn up whenever the Shed is open, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “We have only been open since the end of July, so we are in the early days,” added Jim. “Just turn up and we will give you a membership form.” There is currently no membership fee, though
members are encouraged to make a contribution. Their next fundraising project is making a objects including birdboxes and walking sticks, for a pop-up Christmas shop in December. However, Jim stressed that Shedders were free to engage in their own projects: “There are no fixed rules. One chap was doing something for his boat the other week.” The group was recently approached by an organisation interested in the Shed being used by people with dementia – or as a respite for dementia carers themselves, and discussions are now going on. The shed is open on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Their pop-up Christmas sale will be at Groombridge Village Hall on December 15. GroombridgeMensShed.co.uk
Reservoir anglers see ‘rapid increase’ in fly fishing catches ANGLERS visiting Bewl Water have seen a big uptick in the number of fish they are catching thanks to a recent restocking programme and a drop in water temperature. Last Wednesday – October 26 – was ‘The Grand Max’ day at the Lamberhurst beauty spot. The annual international boat fly fishing competition fielded 11 teams of six, paired in a random draw, who fished exclusively on floating line and to international fly fishing rules.
Results Organised by the Bewl Water Fly Fishing Club and sponsored by Anthony Fordham, whose company brand Seaguar Grand Max is a leader in fluorocarbon line and provided the title for this annual, long-standing event. Andrew Daniells, Director of Bewl Water (which is run by Elite Leisure Collection, owner of One Media the publisher of the Times), said: “The
weather was a mixture of cloud and sun with a hint of wind. Some [anglers] had a method and scored and others struggled, but that’s fishing! “The competition finished at 5.30, early but necessary to accommodate the weigh-in, the evening dinner and prize-giving. “Results were good and more [places] like Bewl should be fishing at this time of year, but what with the summer drought, our water temperature and the problems the fisheries have had growing the stock l was truly amazed at the outcome and l don't think there were any blanks.” He added that Gert Janssens had the biggest catch of the day at 19lb 9oz while the team winners were Team Vision and second place went to the overseas competitors, Fly Fishing Forever. “A good days fishing, great camaraderie with excellent food and organisation from BBFC and the Bewl Water management team,” added Mr Daniells.
The View includes both a bistro and a restaurant, open Tuesday to Friday. The bistro is open from 10:30 for a selection of barista coffees, impressive tea selection and a range of other beverages. The comfortable setting and friendly service provide a great atmosphere to enjoy homemade cakes and savouries. The View Restaurant offers a classic lunch service, from 12pm -3pm (last order 2pm) with a freshly prepared seasonal menu, dishes of the day and comprehensive drink list served at your table. A dinner service also available on Thursdays from 6pm – 9:30pm (last order 8pm). The restaurant and bistro boast a fantastic panoramic view of the rolling Kent countryside, quite simply stunning.We provide complimentary parking and when you arrive announce yourself at reception and we will come and meet you and escort you, in the lift, to the restaurant where you will enjoy a warm welcome, fantastic service and an experience that you won’t forget. Don’t forget to book in for your Christmas lunch! Head to our website northkent.ac.uk for more information
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Our newly approved Lee Stafford Academy based at Tonbridge campus offers a comprehensive range of hairdressing and barbering treatments and services, to the public. They use a range of high-end professional brands that deliver results, all treatments are observed and monitored by highly professional lecturers, and should you want to try anything, find out more or order any of the products used during your visit, you can ask the student you booked in with, the class tutor or the hair & beauty reception. During their studies the students need to experience a high number of hours working in a salon environment.We can offer you a range of treatments with high levels of service and results for a fraction of the salon cost! You can book by calling our welcoming Tonbridge salon reception on 01732 372811, our reception is open from Monday to Wednesday
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National News
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Hancock loses party whip as he heads to I’m a Celebrity… jungle
Worst month for manufacturers in over two years
FORMER health secretary Matt Hancock has signed up to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which has cost him the party whip. The West Suffolk MP, who was forced to quit as health secretary after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by conducting an affair in his ministerial office, has had the Conservative Party whip removed after news of his plans to join the ITV show reached Westminster. Chief whip Simon Hart said: “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”
UK MANUFACTURERS faced their worst month in more than two years in October, an influential study has revealed. The UK’s manufacturing sector scored just 46.2 last month in the purchasing managers index survey, according to S&P Global and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. It means that the sector shrank for the third month in a row – anything below 50 is considered a contraction – and notched up its worst score since the early days of the pandemic. The score dropped from 48.4 in September as companies said the UK market was weaker, their customers had already built up high levels of stocks and clients lacked confidence.
Human A loss of the party whip means Mr Hancock is no longer part of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and will sit as an independent MP until the whip is restored – if it ever is. He is not the first MP to lose the party whip for appearing on the show. Nadine Dorries was stripped of the Conservative Party whip for appearing on the show in 2012 but was later readmitted into the Tory party. An ally of Mr Hancock said: “There are many ways to do the job of being an MP. “Whether he’s in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are. “Where better to show the human side of
those who make these decisions than with the most watched programme on TV? “Politicians like Matt must go to where the people are – particularly those who are politically disengaged.
Resigned “Matt’s of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is – a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations.” Mr Hancock who resigned from Boris Johnson’s cabinet after being caught on CCTV during an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo, is entering the jungle for the ITV show alongside Seann Walsh and Boy George, when I’m a Celebrity returns to ITV on Sunday (November 6) at 9pm. This year, the celebrities return to the Australian jungle for the first time since 2019. For the past two years, the ITV show has taken place in Wales due to Covid regulations. Most of the cast for the 2022 edition of show has been announced, and includes DJ Chris Moyles, royal family member Mike Tindall and Loose Women star Charlene White. Mr Hancock was among supporters of Rishi Sunak who welcomed the new leader to Conservative headquarters last week but was overlooked for a ministerial job under the new Prime Minister. He had also reportedly been considering the role of chair of the Treasury Select Committee but pulled out on Monday.
Pressure “UK manufacturing production suffered a further decline at the start of the fourth quarter, with the sector buffeted by weak demand, high inflation, supply-chain constraints and heightened political and economic uncertainties,” said Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “New work intakes fell at the quickest pace since May 2020 as demand in domestic and export markets weakened. “While the downturn has lessened the pressure on prices, the weak pound and high energy prices mean elevated cost inflation remains a prime concern for manufacturers.” Businesses were helped somewhat by a slowdown in rising costs, as growth input costs and output charges slowed. Price rises were reported for chemicals, electronics, energy, food, metals, packaging, paper and timber.
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Wednesday November 4 2 | 2020 2022
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Minister warns America goesagainst to the‘demonising’ ballot box migrants afterleading ‘invasion’the comments with Biden polls unfit to lead a nation grappling with Covid-19 and facing foundational questions about racial justice and economic fairness. Mr Biden entered election day with multiple paths to victory while Mr Trump, playing catch-up in a number of battleground states, had a narrower, but still feasible road to clinch 270 Electoral College votes.
Visions
MIGRANTS New arrivals at Manston of pictured on Monday MILLIONS Americans went to the polls yesterday [Tuesday], adding their ballots to the more than 99 million already by early THE immigration minister hascast warned against voters. demonising people seeking to come to the UK Donald Trump, 74, isSuella hoping to avoid becoming after Home Secretary Braverman said the first incumbent president lose a on the England faces an ‘invasion’ ofto migrants re-election south coast.fight since George HW Bush in 1992. National polls show Democratic Robert Jenrick said words have tocandidate be chosenJoe Biden, 77, withas a broad lead, but the race is close very carefully, he distanced himself from the in key battleground statesof needed Cabinet minister’s choice words.to win the presidency. In a combative Commons performance on Record early voting hasdenied been fuelled bylegal the Monday, Ms Braverman ignoring pandemic and themore US isaccommodation on course for itsamid highest advice to procure electoral in more than a century. warningsturnout that a temporary holding centre at The election comes after America’s worst-ever Manston in Kent is dangerously overcrowded. week for new coronavirus cases, with more than 1,000 people dying each day. Review The first polls close at 23:00GMT (18:00EST) in the eastern US, but will spending be open until 06:00GMT With the Government £6.8million a Wednesday day putting in upAlaska. migrants in hotels – at an Rules around mail-in average cost of processing £150 per person perballots night –vary she across country, so in counting insistedthe she was right to some order states a review of the will way not the finish systemon iselection working.night. During day offrom campaigning, each But shetheir facedfinal criticism some opposition candidate declaredthe thesituation other fundamentally MPs for inflaming after she said the Government is committed to ‘stopping the invasion on our southern coast’. Questioned about her comments, Mr Jenrick told the BBC: “It is not a phrase that I have used, but I do understand the need to be straightforward with the general public about the challenge that we as ministers face.” MONDAY’S attack Viennaclaimed that left Ms four people On Sky News, MrinJenrick dead was ‘clearly an Islamist terror attack’to Braverman had used the word ‘invasion’ Austria’s leader said [Tuesday]. describe the scale of yesterday the challenge. The Monday a “In asuspect job likeinmine you night’s have toattack choose– your 20-year-old armed with an Iautomatic rifle and a words very carefully. And would never fake explosive vestcoming – was identified as a young demonise people to this country in Austrian-North Macedonian dual citizen pursuit of a better life. I understand andwith a previous terror conviction for attempting to join the so-called Islamic State group in Syria. Unverified video showed the suspect, dressed in white coveralls, firing off bursts apparently at random as he ran down the Austrian capital’s cobbled streets. Police searched 18 properties as well as the suspect’s apartment, detainingit14 people at THE Government has revealed is looking associated the assailant are not being introducingwith penalty points forwho drivers wearing questioned, ministerkilled Karl Nehammer their seatbeltinterior as occupants in crashes who said. were not belted up reached record levels. Two men two women died from Some 30 and per cent of people killed intheir cars on injuries the attack, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz Britain’sinroads last year were unrestrained, said. He added that data a police officer who tried to according to recent published by the get in the way the attacker was shot and Department forofTransport. wounded, and another 21 people were hurt. Vienna’s hospital service said seven people Figure were in life-threatening condition after the attack, APA In areported. written answer published last week to a “Yesterday’s attack wasthen-transport clearly an Islamist parliamentary question, minister terror attack,” Mr Kurz said onthe Tuesday. “It was Katherine Fletcher described figure as an attack out ofhigh’. hatred — hatred for our ‘unacceptably fundamental values, for our way of life, She continued: “Wehatred have been considering hatred democracy in which people have optionsfor to our tackle this including theall potential equal and dignity.” meritsrights of introducing penalty points. The attacker, identified Kujtim Fejzulai,for was “This might form part ofas the Department sentenced 22 months in prison in April 2019 Transport’stoplanned call for evidence on motoring because he had tried to travel to Syria to join IS. offences.” HeA was granted between early release in December under partnership National Highways and
Control of the Senate was at stake, too: Democrats need to net three seats if Mr Biden captures the White House to gain control of all of Washington for the first time in a decade. The House was expected to remain under Democratic control. The record-setting early vote — and legal skirmishing over how it will be counted — drew unsupported allegations of fraud from Mr Trump. Fighting to theobligation end for every vote, Mr Biden appreciate our to refugees,” he said. headed to Philadelphia and his native Scranton “The scale of the challenge we’re facing is very, on Tuesday as part of a closing get-out-the-vote very significant.” effort before awaiting election results in Around 40,000 people have crossed thehis hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. English Channel in small boats so far this year Mr Mr Trump, after a morning appearance Fox and Jenrick acknowledged the numberoncould News, planned to visit his campaign reach 50,000. headquarters Virginia. Home Officein officials previously warned the total for 2022 could exceed 60,000. “Invasion is a way of describing the sheer scale of the challenge,” he said. “That’s what Suella Braverman was trying to express. She was also speaking, I think – and this is an important point – for those people who live on the south coast, who, day in, day out, are seeing migrant boats landing on their beaches.” The Home Secretary has denied claims that she ignored legal advice and rejected calls by officials to procure more hotel accommodation for migrants amid mounting concern about the situation at Manston. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said the Home Office needs to “get a grip” of the situation. He told Sky News: “What’s happening at Manston, when I visited, was people were sleeping on the floors, on the rubber mats down on the floors, and then very thin blankets or mattresses. “Lots and lots of people in a room, all squished juvenile law.very uncomfortable. in together, Mr Nehammer APA has that lots Fejzulai “The room for told families and had lots posted of adifferent photo on his Instagram account beforeroom, the families all sharing the same attack that showed him withchildren. two of the weapons very young children, older he“For apparently used.that would be acceptable, a few hours, “(The suspect) was fake of but where people areequipped spendingwith longaperiods explosive andisn’t.” an automatic rifle, a handgun time there,vest it just and a machete to carry out this repugnant attack on innocent citizens,” Mr Nehammer said. He added that the evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second assailant involved in the attack. People in Vienna were urged to stay at home if possible on Tuesday and children did not have to go to school. Some 1,000 police officers were on duty in the Warwickshire Police is trialling a van withcity on Tuesday multiple morning. cameras which films passing vehicles to detect occupants not wearing a seatbelt and drivers holding a phone. Punishment Some 512 vehicle occupants without a seatbelt The identified shooting began after 8pm were on theshortly M40 and A46 overnear a period Vienna’s synagogue as many people were of just 64main hours. enjoying a last night of open restaurants and bars RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams before a month-long coronavirus lockdown, said: “These stark figures underline just how which started chief important it isat tomidnight. buckle upVienna in bothpolice the front and Gerhard Puerstl said the attacker was killed at the rear of the car. 8.09pm. “Putting points on the licences of offenders “We will and chase down would be aunearth welcome move, but this the must be perpetrators, behind them and like-minded accompanied those by better enforcement. people the punishment they “Whileand up give untilthem this point offenders had to be deserve,” Kurz said. “We will those caught notMr wearing a seatbelt bypursue a policeallofficer, who anything do with this by all therehave is now cameratotechnology onoutrage trial in the UK available means.” that can be make the process far simpler and Austria held a minute’s silence at midday on more effective. Tuesday, accompanied by to thebetolling bells in “If this technology were rolledofout the capital.introducing Mr Kurz, President Alexander alongside points on licences,Van livesder Bellen and other leading politicians laid wreaths. would undoubtedly be saved.”
Vienna attack ‘hatred for our values’ says Austrian Chancellor
Penalty points being proposed for drivers failing to clunk-click
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Education
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
NEWS
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EDUCATION Times
A pitch-perfect match for local boys’ grammar in county football game Year 7 pupils from Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys celebrate an impressive match result in the Kent Cup trophy for 2022…
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Grammar School for Boys’ (TWGSB) Year 7 football team have had a fantastic result in the Kent Cup. Their match in the competition took place on Friday October 21 against Eden Park High School from Beckenham. The TWGSB team had a convincing victory, winning by an impressive 10-0 over their rivals. Their kit sported the logo of mental health charity West Kent Mind in order to raise awareness for them, the important work they do and the services they offer. The TWGSB team is made up of Year 7 boys from both Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks
girls’ provision for the Weald of Kent which opened five years ago. This year’s current crop of Year 7 TWGSB Sevenoaks students have been hailed as
‘The team’s win was a nice way to finish what has been a very busy term of fixtures’ ‘pioneers’ of this new facility so the fact some of them played a pivotal part in such an impressive Kent Cup game has been made all the sweeter as a result of both campuses working together. “The team’s win was a nice way to finish what has been a very busy term of fixtures,” a TWGSB spokesperson told the Times. West Kent Mind said: “Congratulations on your brilliant match result. Thank you to Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys for helping us raise awareness of mental health in our community.” West Kent Mind serves the Tunbridge Wells area along with Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks specialising in supporting and giving advice to those who need somewhere to turn to for advice if they are suffering from a mental health problem. For more details, visit: westkentmind.org.uk
‘The TWGSB team had a convincing victory, winning by an impressive 10-0 over their rivals’
campuses. The latter was officially opened on January 26 this year by Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough and Dr Philip Drew, the selective school’s Chair of Governors. At the event Mr Gough celebrated ‘the brave and committed people who first saw the need and were willing to engage with the campaign’ for a grammar school to serve the Sevenoaks area. The campus sits alongside a
KENT CUP: The TWGSB Year 7 team
PUBLIC NOTICE
Licensing Act 2003 -
Application for the grant of a Premises Licence An application has been made by: NYT Aura Ltd for the premises Aura Nightclub, 48-50 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XF A summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: • Opening hours: Mon to Sun – 00:00 to 00:00 • Plays, Films, Live and Recorded Music, Performance of Dance, Anything of a similar description: Sun to Wed – 10:00 - 02:00; Thurs to Sat – 10:00 – 03:00 • Supply of alcohol - Sun to Wed – 10:00 - 02:00; Thurs to Sat – 10:00 – 03:00 • Late Night refreshment – Sun to Wed – 23:00 – 02:00; Thurs to Sat – 23:00 – 03:00 Any person wishing to view details of an application can contact the licensing team on 01732 227004. Any person wishing to make representation about the proposals should make them in writing by 21.11.2022 to: Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, PO Box 182, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is Unlimited.
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Weekly Comment
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Rob Wormington Liberal Democrats
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Rob Wormington represents St James’ ward for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, where he also sits as Chair of the General Purposes Committee. He was first elected to the Council in 2021.
Losses of changing our election system will outweigh the benefits THE COUNCIL is currently consulting on whether to keep the electoral system we have, where we elect a third of the councillors three out of every four years (elections-by-thirds) or move to elections where we elect all councillors at the same time, every four years (all-out elections). The trigger for this consultation is the local council ward boundary changes, about which much ink has been spilled on these pages in recent weeks. These changes are being proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission, who have drawn up proposals for a new ward map for Tunbridge Wells.
gaps between elections and put their feet up, rather than focusing on the job they are elected and paid to do.
Candidates
Historic Many people, especially in the rural areas of the borough, are understandably very unhappy with what has been suggested because the proposals split up some areas with historic links and join together other areas with no links. The council can ask the boundary commission to consider a different ward map, but only if we move to all-out-elections. We definitely understand why this is important to many people, however, many of us within the Liberal Democrats, and the Borough Partnership more widely, believe that the losses of changing
our electoral system outweigh the benefits. There are three main reasons why we think having elections-by-thirds are a good thing: Firstly, electing by thirds gives voters the opportunity to tell the Council when it is getting something wrong. This is exactly what happened with the Calverley Square disaster. We were able to stop the Conservatives building over Calverley Ground and wasting about £100 million by quickly and effectively voting the supporters of the project out of office. If we had been working with all-out elections
Matt Bailey Independent
the scheme would have gone ahead, the council would be bankrupt and one of the most beloved parts of Tunbridge Wells would have been concreted over. Secondly, we also believe that the need to go before the public most years forces councillors to keep in regular touch with their communities. In areas where there are all-out elections, councillors often don’t make the effort to keep in touch all year round, they only do it at election time. Some councillors (not Liberal Democrats I hasten to add!) would take advantage of the big
Finally, in all-out elections parties need to find candidates for all seats being contested. Because it is harder for smaller parties to find candidates, some areas often do not end up getting a candidate from all parties, or in some cases, more than one party. In Maidstone, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, all places with all-out elections, there are frequent elections with only one candidate, who wins by default. We think this is bad for democracy. At last week’s Cabinet meeting, a former senior Tory admitted that some Conservatives want to change the election rules for this very reason. They think that some of the other parties will not be able to find enough candidates to be able to challenge them effectively. This means that they would win in a number of places by default and could focus their resources elsewhere. We think this is a very bad reason for making such an important decision. If you would like to take part in the consultation, you can find it on the Have Your Say section of the Tunbridge Wells council website.
Cllr Matthew Bailey was first elected to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 2019. He represents Paddock Wood West as an independent.
As an independent I do not have to worry about party bosses IN JANUARY, I left the Conservative group on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and became an independent councillor. The following ten months have been the most productive period I’ve spent on the Council. I can now spend my time focusing solely on representing my ward and doing the best possible job for residents across the borough. There has been plenty to do. In July, TWBC’s new Liberal Democrat, Labour and Alliance coalition decided – without any consultation with local residents or businesses – to abolish the free parking periods in TWBC’s Paddock Wood and Southborough car parks and raise other parking fees in the borough by as much as 75%.
Inspirational They also decided to introduce parking fees for the first time in Dunorlan Park without even notifying the charity that preserves and promotes the park. The reaction to these badly thought-out proposals was inspirational and shows what can happen when we forget party affiliations and work together. Petitions were started against the various parking fee hikes and signed by thousands of local people. Hundreds of concerned residents
attended emergency meetings in Paddock Wood and Southborough and took to social media to express their disgust at the plans. Prominent local groups – and leaders from across the political spectrum – also spoke out. The head of Paddock Wood Town Council said the new fees would reduce shopper footfall and encourage illegal parking. The chairman of the Paddock Wood Business Association warned of business failures if the plans went ahead, while the Mayor of Southborough spoke of the ‘disastrous’ impact the new fees would have on her town. Greg Clark MP and the Kent Federation of Small Businesses urged the Council to reconsider. A local pastor spoke about the impact on low-income households in his parish. And councillors from various political parties pointed out the very obvious pitfalls in the proposals. Finally, in the face of near-unanimous opposition, a red-faced coalition was forced into a U-turn and dropped the most contentious parts of its plans. It was a victory for people power and – ultimately – for common sense. As an independent councillor, I was able to campaign with councillors from other parties as well as various groups and individuals in my ward. It was, to quote the head of Paddock Wood Town Council, ‘local democracy
in action’. I believe this shows how valuable independent borough councillors can be. We don’t have to worry about getting into trouble with our party bosses, offending coalition partners or upsetting undemocratic electoral pacts. We can speak truth to power and focus on the people the Council should serve. There will be much more to do over coming months. The Lib Dem-led coalition must do more this winter to help vulnerable residents suffering from high energy costs. It must also improve day-to-day maintenance
of Tunbridge Wells town centre by cleaning up litter and removing flyposting and graffiti. And it must follow through on the Council’s pledge to improve the local environment to make it feel safer for women and girls. I will continue to push for action. But we need more independent councillors to fight in the corner of local residents and hold those in power to account. If you’re interested in becoming a community champion yourself, please feel free to contact me at mattbailey@ communitychamps.uk. Your town and borough needs you!
Letters
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Wednesday November 2 | 2022
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
ABC site plans should not be rubber stamped
Why the single use plastic? I enjoy reading the Times of Tunbridge Wells each week but given the big issues the world over faces with plastic I was disappointed to see this week’s Times wrapped in plastic. I realise you’ve done that to secure the Royal TW Together booklet, but I’m questioning if it was really necessary to use plastic wrapping? Surely we’ve all got to use less plastic. Not wishing to be negative as I fully appreciate that the Times of Tunbridge Wells is a free weekly paper, just questioning the need for plastic? Toby Johns Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: Unfortunately, this is a health and safety requirement but we are in discussions on how to avoid using plastic going forward and hope to find a better solution soon.
Wealden all appealed to the secretary of ‘levelling up’, to reconsider the demands of housing with proper roadways for one. Tunbridge Wells, which is a confluence of roads leading from Eastbourne, Brighton, Maidstone, East Grinstead and the M25, just approve all projects. No wonder we have perennial gridlocks in town. Then we have the council’s proposals of being green. The pollution caused by the gridlocks does not help. Are new builds asked to consider greater recycling or use of solar energy and parking, rather than add to the burden of existing services. So stop just rubber stamping new builds and either think up a cohesive plan or appeal against the housing requirements demanded by the government, as done by our neighbouring towns. John Pearce Tunbridge Wells
Climate housing disaster needs action Extreme weather could destroy 167 million homes around the world by 2040. It’s the equivalent of all the homes in the UK wiped out six times over. The UK Government owes it to every generation to make courageous decisions and take urgent action to slow down the impact of climate change. At ShelterBox, a charity specialising in emergency shelter after disaster, we see the impact human-driven global heating is having on the lives of people we’re helping across the world. In the Horn of Africa, we’re responding to the worst drought to hit the region in more than forty years. In Pakistan, we’re helping people affected by severe monsoon flooding that has washed away lives, homes, and livelihoods. We must recognise the human crisis in front of us and provide emergency shelter to help millions of people facing climate disasters right now and support vulnerable communities against future disasters. Extreme weather uproots people, only for them to be displaced again and again – like in the Philippines, or the Lake Chad Basin where people are caught between conflict and climate. Instead of cutting spending to humanitarian aid, the UK has to work together with global leaders to share technology, knowledge, and funding, and prioritise climate resilience. The UK has been a leader on these issues in the past and it can be again. This is not the time to delay – clear resolve, strong leadership, and bold action is needed. Sanj Srikanthan CEO ShelterBox
PEPPY SAYS...
CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)
I have read with interest over the last few weeks in the Times about the Council’s attitude to the derelict cinema site. Yes, we may have a massive housing shortage, but to rubber stamp all new builds with retirement homes is ridiculous. Retired people would hope to move to the outskirts of the town, not into the middle of it. Then we have all the issues of lack of infrastructure – roads, surgeries, dentists, services et al. Just plugging them into the existing infrastructure only makes the existing ones creak at the seams. Tunbridge Wells, like Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Crowborough all grew out of being locations for changing horses when mail was being sent to the coast during the 19th century. These rural towns gradually expanded to what they are today, but the infrastructure was not there to cater with later demands. Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and
No MP should be permitted to abstain. The only plausible reason is to hide their opinion from the electorate who have a right to know which side of the fence they are on. Amanda Wood Tunbridge Wells
Why did MP abstain? Would Greg Clark care to inform the town that he represents as to why he abstained on the Fracking vote in parliament on October 19, 2022.
Brittens Music School
Dear sir sir...
HAVING paid £96million for the flagship RVP back in 2018, British Land has not had much luck with its Tunbridge Wells portfolio. Not only is the shopping centre worth less than half of the amount they paid for it just four years ago, but also the retail landlord has been losing on average £25million each year just keeping the doors open. While many of its problems can be blamed on Covid – with British Land reportedly writing off £1billion from its UK retail portfolio during the pandemic – RVP’s losses surely cannot continue to be stomached by one of the UK’s most successful retail landlords.
British Land have already made it clear that their future retail investments are now focused on out-of-town retail parks and the company clearly has no interest in throwing more money after bad to invest in the centre. The company shelved Hermes £80million upgrade plans, which could have breathed new life into the centre – as could the recent plans by Elite Leisure Collection (who also run One Media, which publishes this newspaper) for a go-kart track that was rejected by British Land, despite it being backed by both the Council and Greg Clark MP. It is clear RVP cannot remain a shopping destination if it continues to lose the amount of money it has lost over the last three years. Covid may be over, but nobody is expecting a renaissance in shopping centre trade any time soon, certainly not enough to see RVP return to the black as their accounts show rents are still falling despite the pandemic being over. It is likely that the only option for the retail landlord is to sell it to somebody willing to invest, which will lose British Land more than £50million in the sale, or to convert its use to flats or offices. So the Times asks British Land: ‘What are your plans for Royal Victoria Place? The people of Tunbridge Wells would like to know.’ Calverley returns next week…
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Property special
Wednesday October 19 | 2022
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Life&Times Arts – P20
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ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • EVENTS • ANTIQUES • TRAVEL • PROPERTY • LIVE MUSIC and MORE...
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Why this latest exhibition has its sights set on making the fashion world more accessible and accountable... Sean ´ Holden Cllr Seán Holden has been the Conservative councillor for Benenden and Cranbrook since 2008 and the county councillor for Cranbrook Division since 2013. He runs a property business with his wife Corinna and before that he was a television reporter working for TV-am, ITV Meridian and ITN. In 2001 he was the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Chatham and Aylesford.
Tunbridge Wells Conservatives
Bits have started falling off the puny coalition of chaos already
Hotchpotch The TWA is a hotchpotch in its own right. Its activists, of various political hues, have the improbable air of doing this council thing for a bet. Its leader David Hayward, a cabinet member, made it clear to Cllr Chapelard, writing in The Times of Tunbridge Wells that he is a ‘titular leader’– a leader in name only, who ‘definitely has no say or control over anything to do with the Alliance’. Nonetheless, Cllr Hayward lined up behind the Lib Dems, voting for parking increases.
made themselves from budget documents they probably didn’t well understand. Parking increases which will sting us all in this cost-ofliving crisis, are supposed to help to fill a supposed budget black hole they supposedly inherited from Conservatives.
Shortfall
PROTESTS Proposed price hikes have prompted outcry The coalition’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Andrew Hickey, ducked out early – leaving the Lib Dems and going independent over parking charges. Three elected Lib Dem councillors now sit outside the party. Labour’s rank and file are turning against leadership decisions, especially that to end free parking in Labour-held Southborough. A predictable u-turn and a belated, cobbled together consultation has followed the huge public outcry from residents, businesses and town councils like Paddock Wood and Southborough about their views being completely ignored. Five petitions emerged with thousands of signatures. Rumblings grew within the coalition. The Alliance suddenly remembered its election promise to keep free
parking. The Lib Dems suddenly remembered their PR stunt of staging cabinet meetings across the borough was meant – said Cllr Chapelard – to ‘show our face and that we are listening to all parts of the Borough’. Cabinet Member Justine Rutland admitted to the council’s scrutiny committee that not listening to any residents was a ‘terrible and regrettable oversight’ though apparently not regrettable enough for any formal apology. The hastily concocted, biased consultation finished this week, but still there’s no assurance the coalition will listen to the thousands of voices already raised, or even to the (probably far fewer) raised in the consultation should they also reject price rises. In truth, the coalition fears a paper tiger they
It’s fake news. Conservatives presented a budget shortfall in February because income levels were still below normal after the pandemic. But they were clearly recovering so it was necessary to see where they would go before deciding on further action. In Tunbridge Wells, vacant shops were being filled, benefiting from the Amelia Scott’s 100,000 visitors since it opened in April. There is growing income from business rates and the Conservative scheme to rent spare Town Hall space to businesses. Coalition claims that Conservatives reinforced the budget from the council’s healthy £32 million savings during the pandemic are not true. Council borrowing was nil. The coalition’s planned parking fees rise potentially harms recovery, jobs and businesses who say they’ll lose footfall. Of course, now Putin’s war and the related inflation have upended things. Maybe they’d like to, but the coalition can’t blame Conservatives for that. Go Ukraine!
Last week The Amelia Scott launched Body Beautiful which looks at diversity on the catwalk. The Times finds out more about this revolutionary show…
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Picture: National National Museums Museums Scotland Scotland Picture:
‘THINGS fall apart; the centre cannot hold’. The great Irish poet, W B Yeats’ premonition of disintegration had grander themes than the puny ‘coalition of chaos’ trying to run Tunbridge Wells’ council, but the words fit. Bits started falling off the coalition jalopy when it chugged into its first major policy disaster – the unconsulted plan to raise car park charges by 25-75 per cent. A hasty, retrospective consultation ended on September 5 and is being assessed. But already, the coalition’s centre is not holding as the Liberal Democrat Leader Ben Chapelard grapples with the hotchpotch of his own party, Labour, a smattering of independents and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA). It took power only in May, though it seems like years ago.
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Food & Drink
Arts
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Wednesday September 28 | 2022
Wednesday Wednesday November November 22 || 2022 2022
Forage in nature’s larder to improve your diet and boost immunity this autumn ational ational Museums Museums Scotland’s Scotland’s unique unique new new fashion fashion exhibition exhibition has has opened opened at at the the Amelia Amelia Scott. Scott. The The first first exhibition exhibition of of its its kind kind in in the the world, world, Body Body Beautiful: Beautiful: Diversity Diversity on on the the Catwalk Catwalk looks looks at at how how fashion fashion creatives creatives are are embracing embracing inclusivity inclusivity and and body body positivity positivity by by exploring exploring five five key key themes: themes: size, size, gender, gender, age, age, race race and and disability. disability. Body Body Beautiful Beautiful examines examines how how today’s today’s fashion fashion industry industry is is challenging challenging perceptions perceptions and and championing championing alternative alternative ideals ideals of of beauty beauty on on the the catwalk, catwalk, in in advertising, advertising, in in editorial editorial and and behind behind the the camera. camera. The The exhibition exhibition looks looks at at how how the the fashion fashion nly a into handful of gardeners industry question existing practice industry is is calling calling into question existingknow practice that the fruits of theirbehind rose labours and more inclusive the and why why becoming becoming more inclusive behind the – the aarose hip – contain to 40 scenes reappraisal of ideals scenes will will ensure ensure reappraisal of the theup ideals of of beauty. beauty. times the vitamin C content of an orange. Tasting rather like a tart apple or plum, the rose hip is an often over‘Body Beautiful looks at how looked autumnal joy. But did you know that rose hips also make a fantastic tea to drink, jelly to the fashion industry is calling eat, or skin-rejuvenating cream? And by this into question time of the year we canexisting all do with apractice little bit of rejuvenating! and why becoming more If you have been growing organic roses and inclusive behind the scenes have left them untreated, you can head out into willnow ensure a reappraisal the garden and harvest your rose hips for all manner of treats and tinctures. of the ideals of beauty’
than than ever ever before. before. This This is is due due to to aa combination combination of of factors factors including including the the low low cost cost of of clothing, clothing, poorer poorer quality quality of of items items resulting resulting in in them them not not lasting lasting as as long, long, and and the the fast fast pace pace at at which which fashions fashions change. change. All All these these combine combine to to have have aa devastating devastating impact impact on on the the planet.” planet.”
THE THE LEN LEN PHILLIPS PHILLIPS SWING SWING ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRA
Inspiring
Did you know you can enrich your courtesy of mother nature? Vikki Rimmer spoke The has local in The Amelia Amelia Scott Scott has asked askeddiet local residents residents in the the borough borough about about their their sustainable sustainable fashion fashion stories them part to Hever Castle’s head gardener Neil Miller to discover the power of rose hips, which can stories and and is is now now sharing sharing them as as part of of aa community community gallery gallery display. display. Bethan Minter, Creative Bethan Minter,Vitamin Creative Learning Learning Co-ordinator Co-ordinator be 40 times more potent than Cof her and can also be made into lots of teas and jellies at at the the Amelia Amelia Scott Scott gave gave an an example example of her own own
O
Blooms
Visitors Visitors will will have have the the opportunity opportunity to to see see iconic iconic I visited Hever Castle & Gardens and pieces from famous fashion names including pieces from famous fashion namesrecently including head gardener Neil Miller took me into the shrub Vivienne Westwood, Jean Dries Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Paul Gaultier, Gaultier, Dries rose garden inspired by American poet Emily Van Max Van Noten Noten and and Max Mara. Mara. Dickinson and her England rose garden. Body is aa touring exhibition Body Beautiful Beautiful isNew touring exhibition The Damask andMuseums shrub roses in this and produced by National of produced by roses National Museums of Scotland Scotland and beautiful border are laden down with what can is is free free to to attend. attend. only describedis In fact some theis The exhibition on until 25 and Thebe exhibition isas on‘fruit’. until November November 25of and is rose hipsat are sosame big, they tomatoes! running the time as takes running at the same timeresemble as the the venue venue takes aa All roses produce hips iffashion. their blooms are left local look sustainable local look at at sustainable fashion. uncut. The best and most flavoursome varieties “The footprint of “The environmental environmental footprint of the the fashion fashion are the shrub roses like Rosa rugosa and the industry and fashion cannot be industry and fast fast fashion cannot be ignored,” ignored,” Damask roses. Again, ensure you are only an spokesperson tells the an Amelia Amelia spokesperson tellsthat the Times. Times. collecting hips from plants thatat NOTrate been “We clothing aa faster “We are are consuming consuming clothing athave faster rate
sustainable sustainable fashion fashion story story saying: saying: “In “In my my early early 20s 20s II wore wore aa lot lot of of bodycon bodycon dresses. dresses. II had had one one THE CENTENARY THE NEW NEW CENTENARY favourite which was favourite which was dark dark blue, blue, knee knee length length with with BUILDINGS BUILDINGS aa subtle, scroll subtle, scroll leaf leaf brocade brocade pattern. pattern. II wore wore it it so so regularly regularly the the seams seams fell fell apart. apart. As As II loved loved it it so so much much II didn’t didn’t throw throw it it out, out, but but put put it it away away until until II got got around around to to fixing fixing it… it… which which II never never did. did. “When “When my my son son was was 18 18 months months old old we we were were going going to to aa wedding. wedding. The The evening evening before before II realised realised that that II didn’t didn’t have have aa smart smart jumper jumper for for him him
to to wear. wear. II then then remember remember this this old old dress dress and and turned turned it it into into aa jersey jersey jacket jacket for for him. him. He He looked looked very very smart smart and and was was very very comfortable.” comfortable.”
Inclusive
Bethan Bethan also also described described aa Tudor Tudor costume costume the the Amelia Amelia Scott Scott team team made made for for aa different different project project as as another another example example of of sustainable sustainable fashion: fashion: “The “The costume costume was was made made from from recycled recycled materials. materials. Red Red faux faux satin satin and and yellow yellow brocade brocade fabrics fabrics came came from from charity charity shop shop curtains. curtains. The The skirt skirt and and bodice bodice were were lined ‘Visitors will have the lined using using the the curtain curtain lining lining from from the the recycled recycled curtains. A A shirt shirt was was made made from from an an unwanted unwanted opportunity to see iconic pieces curtains. bedsheet. bedsheet. from famous fashion names “The “The hat hat was was made made from from scraps scraps left left over over from from the dress dress and and its its attached attached veil veil was was made made from from an an including Vivienne Westwood, the old old net net curtain. curtain. Beading Beading was was from from an an old old bead bead Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van garland garland left left over over from from Christmas,” Christmas,” Bethan Bethan says. says. Body runs until 25. For Noten and Max Mara’ Body Beautiful Beautiful runs until November November 25.Hever For HIP GARDEN Neil Miller selecting the crop at more more information information visit: visit: theamelia.co.uk theamelia.co.uk
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Food & Drink
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
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Competition to find best curry heats up with Kent finalists By Robert Forrester
CEREMONY Awards Chairman Yawar Khan at last year’s finals
A NUMBER of local restuarants have made the finals of the hottest cooking awards in the country. The longlist for the Asian Curry Awards 2022 has been revealed, along with the announcement of the creation of an inaugural Pat Chapman Memorial Award, to honour its long-time chairman of judges, who died in July.
Finalists The Asian Curry Awards cover all Asian and Oriental cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese. Among the record number of finalists at this year’s awards are six curry restaurants based in Kent. These are: Bombay Cooks in Ashford, Shampan in Westerham, Cinnamon Square in Hildenborough, Everest Inn, Ashford, Saffron Gold in Tudeley and INDI18 in Tonbridge. Spice lovers can vote for their favourite Asian restaurants and takeaways by visiting: asiancurryawards.com
Judges A record number of nominees will now be whittled down by online public vote – before visiting judges determine the eventual winners – who will be honoured at a glittery awards ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on November 20, sponsored by food delivery firm Just Eat. With restaurateurs facing a ‘quadruple whammy’ of rising food prices, increased energy
Picture: Shutterstock
only one of its kind that acknowledges the full panoply of Asian cuisines and is widely regarded as the sector’s most prestigious.
costs, staff shortages and customers experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, Yawar Khan, Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the nation’s 30,000 restaurant and takeaways, urged the public to cast their votes, as a prestigious accolade can give a significant boost to an establishment’s bottom line. “Every week I hear from another owner closing their restaurant because they cannot see an end in sight to the economic situation – but an award win can bring a
massive upsurge in trade,” said Mr Khan. “For customers wanting to help their favourite restaurants survive, their votes can be crucial.” This year, award-winners will also be included in the ACF’s new ‘One Hundred Top Curry Restaurants’ guide, which is being published across the UK on a region-byregion basis at the website Top100curryRestaurants. co.uk, with a printed version being available next year. The awards event, organised by the ACF, is the
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Food & Drink
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Oh, sherry amour! Let’s raise a toast to National Sherry Week This week Times Drinks Editor James Viner toasts the ninth International Sherry Week (November 7-13) – the annual fiesta that brings together the lively global community of ardent sherry lovers – with a selection of four sherries that won’t drain your wallet…
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OSSIBLY Spain’s most individual wine, food-friendly sherry is made in the region around the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, the southernmost of Spain’s autonomous regions and the only European region with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The ‘Zona de Producción’ of DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry (established in 1935) is located on the prized dazzlingly white, crumbly, water-retentive albariza soil, essentially a mixture of limestone, silica and clay. Its wines fall along a gamut of some seven styles—from those (such as crisp, dry and lightly fortified fino and manzanilla) that look like white wine to fuller-bodied sherries, including the oloroso below, that are more mahogany-coloured and nutty, yet still dry. Embracing four key styles at under £15, here are my three top dry sherry picks and one must-try sweet wine. 1. Stonking salty-savoury, bone-dry fino sherry The Society’s Fino (£6.95, The Wine Society, 75cl, alc 15%) Dry and pale lemon in colour with low acidity, palate-reviving, lightly fortified fino and manzanilla sherries are aged ‘biologically’ under the so-called foamy film of yellow-white flor (‘flower’) yeasts, which shield the wine from oxidation while reducing levels of glycerol (and body), releasing aromas of apple skin, bread dough, hay and almonds. This textbook fino comes in a 75cl bottle and is made for The Wine Society by Sánchez Romate. It’s fabulously refined and tangy with glorious
freshly baked sourdough, green apple peel, yeasty/almondy aromas and a salty edge. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or drink with runny-centred tortillas, asparagus with hollandaise, green olives, jamón ibérico, Marcona almonds, gazpacho, vinaigrette salads, sushi and fish and chips. 2. A pale, pristine, light-bodied, super dry, tangy ‘biologically aged’ sherry Waitrose Blueprint Manzanilla NV, Lustau (£8.99, Waitrose, 75cl, alc 15%) Manzanilla is a dry sherry aged under a veil of indigenous flor yeast in the lower temperatures and higher humidity conditions of the coastal
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town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Nab this one from Waitrose, which has the best own-label range of sherry on the high street. Made by Lustau, it has whistle-clean scents and flavours of iodine-like sea spray, preserved lemons, chamomile, green moss, mint, bread and a salty tang all mingling together, in a 75cl bottle. For such a great bone-dry, filigreed wine it’s outstanding value and the essence of umami. One for salted almonds, almost anything fried (like calamares fritos and fritto misto), sashimi, smoked salmon, bouillabaisse and seafood such as prawn tapas and oysters. Serve between 5-7° C in an all-purpose white wine glass (NEVER use a small glass for sherry).
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3. Warm, complex, powerful and full-bodied, oxidatively aged dry Oloroso sherry Pedro’s Almacenista Selection Oloroso Sherry (£12.99, mix 6, Majestic, 75cl, alc 20%) Unlike lightly-fortified fino and manzanilla, fuller-bodied, oxidatively-aged dry oloroso (‘fragrant’) sherries such as this outstanding example will be fortified to around 17 per cent abv. These wines, therefore, have detectable levels of glycerol resulting in a slightly sweet taste and higher levels of acetic acid. Majestic’s Pedro’s range of ‘Almecenista’ sherries is magnificently intense and complex. Golden mahogany in colour and
wonderfully aromatic, this unblended Palominobased oloroso fills the mouth with bursts of toffee, toasted walnut, tobacco, balsamic, vanilla, leather, dried fruit and spice characters. Downright enticing and very satisfying, this vinous gem pairs brilliantly with game, meat stews, poultry, creamy cheeses, tuna and mushroom dishes. Serve between 12° and 16° C in a white wine glass. An open bottle will last a couple of months (preferably in the fridge to slow down deterioration). 4. An unctuous, dark mahogany, velvety, sweet, syrupy and fruity ‘PX’ sherry, the world’s darkest and stickiest dessert wine Tesco Finest Pedro Ximénez Sherry NV, González Byass (£6.50, Tesco, 37.5cl, alc 15%) Unlike the other ‘Vinos generosos’ above (wines with a maximum residual sugar of 5 g/l), this remarkable sweet sherry is made from overripe (either late-harvest or sun-dried on straw mats), thick-skinned, sugar-rich, low-acid white Andalusian Pedro Ximénez (PX) grapes. The result is a sweet, sensational and hedonistic array of blackstrap molasses, sticky dates, raisins and dried figs whipped together with hints of toffee and prune, all of which linger on the long, joyful finish and aftertaste. Viscous, intense, and sweet (it’s around three times the sweetness of Sauternes), this is ebony-coloured and delicious. Serve it slightly chilled, as Spanish grown-ups do, as a sundae topping, by pouring it over rum-raisin or vanilla ice cream. Also great slightly chilled with dark chocolate, blue, or hard cheeses with pectin-packed quince paste (membrillo).
Join us for a magical morning of festive fun…
Look out for our FREE magical Christmas Coming soon... Scan here for more info
a t n a S h t t i s w a f k a Bre at wl Water Be
JUST
£15
PER Enjoy a soft PERSO N play session AND a delicious breakfast with the main man!
17th, 18th, 23rd & 24th December
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK
Gift from Santa Soft Play Session Breakfast Buffet Christmas Colouring Outdoor Christmas Elf Trail
info@bewlwater.co.uk for availability bewlwater.co.uk | @bewlwater
Going Out
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
25
The panto season is coming – oh, yes it is!
Mission In ‘The New Musketeers’, a new production co-written by Dannie Harris, Matthew Howell, Jack Michael Stacey and Trinity’s artistic director Sean Turner, the famous Musketeers are lost at sea, leaving it up to their servants to complete an important mission. In ‘The Aliens Who Saved Christmas’, written by Winnie Southgate, little aliens from the audience can join the grown-up extraterrestrials
onstage as they battle to save Christmas. From December 16. ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ is a live musical version of the classic story, playing from December 20.
Picture: Robert Day
GEARING up for the Christmas season, local theatres have revealed their offerings, and it’s a cracker of a year, from brand-new gems to favourite old chestnuts, all waiting for the curtain to rise in December. Performing a Christmas twist on the classic panto ‘double entendre’, Trinity Theatre offers a triple entendre this year – a cast of nine, playing multiple roles across three separate productions from December 14 to January 2.
Ensemble The nine-member acting ensemble is Jack Michael Stacey, Dannie Harris, Matthew Howell, Irfan Damani, Winnie Southgate, Max Kinder, Jesse Ashby, Hollie Anne Price and Will Taylor – joined by 11-year-old Ellie Canning as Susan Walker in ‘Miracle’. At the Assembly Hall Theatre, Little Wolf Entertainments’ ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ brings headline star Cliff Parisi of ‘Call the Midwife’ and ‘EastEnders’ to town as the villain Walter Waltzer. Joining him are James Peake as Dame Trott and Stewart McCheyne of ‘Andy and the Band’ (CBBC) as Simon Trott. Running from December 10 to New Year’s Eve
TWODS M&MG Times of TW Ad 160x264mm + 3mm bleed 300DPI.indd 1
PANTO GIANTS Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Assembly Theatre from December 10 on December 31. At the E.M. Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, the Wicked Productions presentation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is this season’s crowd-pleaser. Set in the sleepy French town of ‘Château de Toilet, the well-known love story of Belle and the Beast is ‘helped’ along by ‘glamorous’ Dame Darcy Derrière and village idiot Phillippe Philoppe – both trying to thwart the arrogant bully Clarence Casanova. Starring Tom Swift as Phillippe, Rhys
Whiteside – back by popular demand as Casanova – and John Martin as Dame Derrière. The Pantomime legend Keith Higgins plays Pip, and Amanda Swift returns to Tonbridge as Fairy Potts. The production introduces West End star Darren Tough as the Beast and Eilish StoutCairns as Belle. Running from December 9 to January 2, the panto season’s not over till this show’s done and ‘It’s all Behind Us!’
23/09/2022 16:20
Events
26
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Looking at the beauty of Bewl through a lens Molly Miller from Bewl Water talks about the return of the annual photo competition at the reservoir…
T
he arrival of autumn welcomes the return of Bewl Water’s photography competition, Best of Bewl where amateur and professional photographers are being encouraged to get outdoors and capture everything from woodland to water. The competition follows the beauty spot’s announcement last week that the change of season has brought new activities to Bewl Water as they encourage more families to get out in their natural surroundings. One activity includes three new self-guided walking trails that allow walkers and cyclists to see the reservoir at their own pace and take in the season’s colourful palette.
route to the chestnut tree lined Chingley Woods. The stone path is fine for pushing buggies all the way to where the path opens to a meadow at Hatheralls Bay which is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views across the water.
Views This sheltered inlet will reward you with wonderful wildlife encounters as it’s popular with Canada Geese, Great Crested Grebe, and Tufted Duck. The new walking trails will allow those looking to get outdoors this autumn the opportunity to explore the unique landscape of Bewl Water where three competition entrees have already captured its wonderful views. Dawn Turner, Gary White and Swoop Media’s colourful photography submissions are just a small part of what visitors can expect from the new trails. Bewl Water is run by Elite Leisure Collection, owner of One Media, the publisher of the Times.
SUNRISE By Jason Stubbs
FISHING By Gary White
Midwinter
Surrounding the waters are 12.5 miles of trails that follow a collection of forest paths and country lanes and the new green, blue and red routes will help visitors navigate their way through. Starting from the terrace outside the Waterfront Café, the green route is suitable for buggies and toddlers and takes 30 minutes to complete. Follow the path through the ancient woodland and keep walking down towards the fishing boat jetty on the water’s edge where you might spot the fishing boats coming back in. Turn left (water on your right) and cross the decking bridge past the wooden gazebo before heading to the adventure playground for some play time fun.
If its wildlife and meadows you’re after, take the blue route. Approximately 1.5 miles, this route takes an hour to complete and is also suitable for buggies and toddlers. AUTUMN COLOUR By Dawn Turner Starting at the Waterfront Café, visitors should follow the footpath across the top of the Reservoir Dam, passing the two towers. There will be sheep and rabbits in the meadows behind the dam and often kestrels hovering overhead. When you reach the gate into Chingley Woods, you can either return (1 hour walk) or continue the adventure. The final route of the three is the most challenging and takes 2.5 hours to walk, however is still suitable for buggies. The 3.5-mile red route follows the 1-hour blue
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT
Wealden Times
Midwinter Fair
Your favourite shopping event is back and it’s better than ever!
Over 260 exhibitors
Fashion, Interiors, Gifts, Food & Drink
E TS TICK ABLE AVAILTHE ON OR DO TO AND OOK PRE-B
Seven indoor, heated marquees
17th -19th November 2022 The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood TN12 6PY Tickets now on sale at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk
Music Matters
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
27
To buy or not to buy that is the question What’s the best way to get your hands on a new musical instrument? Kim Thornewell from Brittens Music talks us through the options…
Y
OU’VE MADE the decision to learn an instrument. You’ve made a call on which instrument you want to learn. You’ve found a teacher. Now you just need to find an instrument. But to rent or to buy? That is the question… Renting is probably the simplest answer to your musical question. Less money is required up front and you pay a fixed monthly fee. On top of the budgeting aspect, another positive about renting is the flexibility. This can be a big pro, especially if you are getting an instrument for your child.
Package With a rental instrument, you can seamlessly exchange instruments for a different size as your child grows, without adding extra financial pressures to your budget. For example, your 9-year-old child could start with a half-sized violin, and exchange it for a larger model later. Most rentals come with an option to add a basic insurance and repair package. At Brittens Music, for a small amount extra you can add this cover which includes accidental damage too! We also have a repair workshop on site, which means we can assess any damage and take the appropriate course of action quickly. What was once the love of their lives that was whipped out at every available moment and played to adoring grandparents, can soon
become a forgotten phase. If this happens, it’s easy to exit your rental agreement or even switch to another instrument. However, if you know your mind and are sure that you will stick with playing, owning your own instrument has many positives. Your own instrument can become a trusted friend that matures with you over time.
Rental A pre-loved instrument can be a cheaper option when buying an instrument. Try to get trusted advice before making your final choice. Renting offers a lower cost option in the short term. It also offers more flexibility and is easier to budget for. However, although there is a larger cost at the start, if you are committed to playing an instrument, buying is more cost-effective over the longer term. There is also a third way. Rental schemes such as the one offered at Brittens Music, let you offset the first six months of your rental payments towards buying your instrument. This means that if you decide you do want to stick with the instrument, you have already paid for part of your instrument cost. For more information on Brittens Music’s instrument rental scheme, or advice on buying an instrument, drop into their shop on Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells to speak with Kim or another team member, or visit their website for more information: brittensmusic.co.uk
SLIDING SCALE Kim Thornewell with a young musician (inset)
HUNGRY FOR A NEW JOB? JOIN OUR AWARD WINNING TEAM 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, develop 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, Healthshield, 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:
•
Food & Beverage Assistant - £23,400 per annum
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Housekeeping - £9.50-£11.00 per hour DOE
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Kitchen Porter - £9.50 per hour
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Reception Manager - £29,000-£30,500 per annum DOE
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Commis Chef - £10 per hour
We are always looking for great people who are passionate about hospitality, so if you’re looking for a role in food and beverage, front of house, housekeeping or in our reception teams we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to marketing@onewarwickpark.co.uk or scan the QR code to apply online.
28
Property
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
property news
Dandara has just a ‘handful’ of its 1887 homes left AN APARTMENT development that replaced the ‘unattractive’ Union House in Tunbridge Wells, has now almost sold out according to the developer behind the plans. The development, 1887 The Pantiles, was constructed by Dandara South East on the site of the former 1980s office building and has won plaudits for its heritage design, is now fully complete with only three of the 127 properties remaining for sale. To further entice buyers, Dandara is making a contribution to stamp duty costs on the final homes. Louise Norman, Sales and Marketing Director for Dandara South East, said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for buyers to secure a home in this beautiful building in one of the most historic locations in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
‘We can even supply the furniture for an additional cost. They are the ideal buy for investors, as they offer strong rental yields, or for holiday lets’ “The final mews homes come complete with floor coverings, light fittings and window dressings, which is ideal for busy people who don’t have time to wait in for carpet-fitters or measure for blinds. “We can even supply the furniture for an additional cost. They are the ideal buy for investors, as they offer strong rental yields, or for holiday lets,” Ms Norman explained.
Contemporary Included in the final release is the Mews 9 showhome, priced at £580,000, which features ‘a fresh, playful, contemporary design with a large, sunny open-plan living space, kitchen and dining area, and a sleek kitchen with taupe coloured gloss and walnut units contrasting with white stone worktops’. Mews showhomes 10 and 11 have similar
layouts and are priced at £565,000 with allocated parking as with all the properties. Ms Norman added: “This is a rare opportunity for buyers to purchase one of the final homes in this incredible building, although it will be sad for us to leave 1887 The Pantiles as we have come such a long way since we first saw plans for the site. “It was hard then to imagine that one day we would be putting the finishing touches to an incredible building like this, which has done so much to enrich the life of not only its residents but Tunbridge Wells. It has been an amazing experience to be part of this transformation.”
Halloween house prices commanding frightful prices on property market RESEARCH has shown that when it comes to Halloween related road names, streets with Grave and Dead within the name command by far the highest price amongst the nation’s homebuyers. Estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk analysed sold price data from the Land Registry for residential property sales across England and Wales over the last 12 months to reveal which of 13 spooky street names command the highest price and how these market trends have changed over the last year.
Grave The research shows that since last Halloween, roads with Grave in the name command the highest Halloween house prices, with an average sold price of £536,350. This is closely followed by roads with Dead in the name, the only other Halloween road name to command an average sold price of over half a million pounds (£510,000). Lantern is also proving popular, with homes on streets named as such commanding an average sold price of £385,000, followed by Witch (£325,000) and Sweet (£313,500). When it comes to Halloween house price growth, Dead and Grave also rank high when comparing current sold prices to those seen the previous year, with respective rates of growth
Santander boosted by interest rate hike BANKING giant Santander has seen its profits boosted by higher interest returns but cautioned that rates could peak at 6% in 2024 if inflation remains stubbornly high. The Spanish retail bank reported pre-tax profits of £1.5 billion for the nine months to September 30, 4% higher than the £1.4 billion it made last year.
Earnings
sitting at 17.6% and 15.3%. However, it’s roads with October in the name that have seen the strongest performance, up by 26.6% in the last 12 months But not all Halloween homeowners have seen their property deliver a treat when it comes to annual house price growth. Properties on roads with Spider in the name have plummeted -15.8% on an annual basis, with roads containing Hell (-11.7%), Night (-9.4%), Broom (-4.8%) and Lantern (-2.5%) also seeing a drop. CEO and co-founder of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said: “Halloween may not be as widely celebrated as Christmas, certainly in comparison to those across the pond from whence it came. But for some, spiders and spooks are far more
preferable to the fairy lights and sleigh bells that follow for months on end almost immediately after. “However, if you’re hoping to make a Halloween inspired property purchase to secure a little spookiness on a permanent basis, the chances are it may cost you as some of the scarier road names command far above and beyond the national average. “But much like the property market as a whole, there are some bargains to be found, with homes on road names containing Blood commanding a far lower average house price compared to those with Grave or Dead. “Of course, you do run the risk of a house price fright, with some Halloween house prices falling by as much as 12% so far in 2022.”
Higher net interest income this year drove up the group’s earnings, jumping 11% to £3.3 billion from £3 billion last year. And its net interest margin – a key metric for lenders showing the returns they make on loans – grew to 2.04% in the first nine months of this year compared to 1.91% in 2021. Santander said that the increase is partly a result of higher interest rates amid the Bank of England hiking up the base rate in recent months, which has made it more expensive to borrow. Furthermore, the bank’s net mortgage lending nearly doubled this year, totalling £9.8 billion compared to £5.2 billion last year. But the UK’s fourth biggest lender revealed that it has set aside £256 million in credit impairment charges as it warned that rising mortgage rates will be challenging for households and businesses. Banco Santander reported pre-tax profits of 3.8 billion euros (£3.3 billion) in the third quarter, up 2.7% from 3.7 billion euros (£3.2 billion) last year.
Festive Gala Nights
at Salomons Estate
10TH DECEMBER ONLY £54pp
We’re rolling out the red carpet this Christmas, step into the glitz of our Hollywood Glamour themed gala nights! Book a table for your work do or a festive night out with friends or family, our Christmas parties boast the best in yuletide spirit… DRESS TO IMPRESS HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR THEME! WELCOME GLASS OF PROSECCO | THREE COURSE FESTIVE MENU CASINO TABLES | PHOTOBOOTH | DJ & DANCING UNTIL 1AM
STARTERS
MAIN COURSE
DESSERT
Leek, potato & chestnut soup with feta cheese & thyme croute (v) (can be made vegan & gf on request
Roasted free range turkey breast, apricot stuffing, pigs in blanket, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables & turkey jus (gf, df)
Chocolate tart au citron, white chocolate ice cream & raspberry gel
Duck liver parfait, spiced clementine chutney, toasted spring onion & sesame seed bread Hot smoked halibut, radish, cucumber ribbon, sautéed pearl onions with dill crème fraiche (gf) (can be df on request)
Roasted haddock fillet, cumin roasted new potato cake & braised leeks with a fennel & tomato sauce (gf, df) Butternut squash, leek & spinach gratin, celeriac ribbon, sunflower seed purée with wilted greens & rosemary potato cake (v) (vegan on request)
Locally sourced cheeseboard with farmhouse chutney, celery, grapes and crackers (gf available on request) Ginger & caramel apple pudding, rhubarb compote with cinnamon whipped cream (can be made vegan & gf on request)
ESTABLISHED
TO BOOK Call 01892 515152 or email reception@salomons-estate.com Booking essential for all Christmas events
@salomons_venue @salomons.venue @salomons_estate
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK
30
Antiques
Wednesday November 2 | 2022
Uncovering rare and wonderful items in autumn
antiques
Auctioneer and valuer Nick Hall talks about the antiques and collectibles the business found during their upcoming November sale...
It will also appeal to anyone with an eye for quality and a taste for fine dining and entertaining to carry on the 400 plus years of conversation and laughter around it. The table measures approximately 8½ ft long (264cm) and is estimated to fetch £3000/5000 will you be dining at the top table. The third item brings us right up to date with a fine piece of modern art by the fabulous and highly collected Fred Cuming RA, who sadly passed away this year aged 92. Fred won many awards and had numerous shows and exhibitions in London and throughout the UK as well as in America.
NICK HALL
A
s an auctioneer and valuer one of the great joys of the job is being on the road visiting clients, following leads and discovering and assessing items then having them consigned for our auctions. The intriguing diversity of the rare and wonderful objects in come across is perfectly encapsulated in three items that are coming up for sale in our November 5 auction. The first, and earliest of the items, is a rare beast indeed. Being a fossilised skull of one of the earliest types of hyena, officially known as Ictitherium, that lived approximately 10 million years ago.
Gallery
An unusual talking point of an interiors piece or a cool addition to a collection of natural history I’m sure the bidders will be
Hunted They lived across Eastern Asia, these fearsome carnivorous creatures with massive skulls and large teeth, long bodies and powerful legs that would have likely hunted in packs.
TOP PRICES PAID FOR:
VALUATION ROADSHOW by TV’s Clive Attrell from ITV and BBC Television Clive has a well-established and successful antiques warehouse on the High Street in Hastings Old Town. You may also recognise him from Dickinson’s Real Deal, on which he was an appraiser for over two years, and numerous other television productions.
Clive is always in the area and FREE private/home valuations are available by appointment.
NOVEMBER
hunting in packs to buy this lot, estimated at £800/1200. The second item is one of those antiques that you wish could talk to you to reveal its secrets of the people and conversations that have happened around it over the centuries. Being an Elizabethan oak Refectory table, c.1600, this fabulous piece of historical furniture can sit up to ten people around it and has a wonderful colour and patination having been lovingly polished over the years. This rare piece of early English dining furniture will no doubt attract great interest from private collectors and specialist dealers.
Wed 9th Nov (PM) ASHFORD Kings Head
Woodchurch Rd Shadoxhurst TN26 1LQ 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Mon 7th Nov (AM) TENTERDEN The White Lion
57 High Street Tenterden TN30 6BD 9.00am - 12.00pm
Thu 10th Nov (AM) SISSINGHURST Village Hall
Sissinghurst Cranbrook TN17 2JQ 9.00am - 12.00pm
Mon 7th Nov (PM) STAPLEHURST Village Centre
West Hall High Street TN12 0BJ 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Thu 10th Nov (PM) WITTERSHAM Village Hall
The Street Isle of Oxney TN30 7EA 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Tue 8th Nov (AM) HAWKHURST The Royal British Legion
High Street Cranbrook TN18 4AG 9.00am - 12.00pm
Fri 11th Nov (AM) BIDDENDEN Village Hall
Tenterden Road Biddenden TN27 8BJ 9.00am - 12.00pm
Tue 8th Nov (PM) HEADCORN Village Hall
Church Lane Headcorn TN27 9NR 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Fri 11th Nov (PM) APPLEDORE Village Hall
76 The Street Ashford TN26 2AE 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Wed 9th Nov (AM) ROLVENDEN Village Hall
Maytham Road Cranbrook TN17 4ND 9.00am - 12.00pm
AVERAGE 5-15 MINS WAITING Clive Attrell and his experienced team ensures waiting times are kept to a minimum
• SWORDS • DIAMONDS • MILITARIA • PRINTS / BOOKS • CLOCKS • TOYS / GAMES • PAINTINGS • POSTCARDS • BRONZES • OLD COINS • FIGURINES • JADE ITEMS • MEDALS • SOVEREIGNS • WATCHES (working or not) • SILVER (in any condition) • GOLD (in any condition) • OBJECTS OF INTEREST • COSTUME JEWELLERY • CHINESE CERAMICS • KRUGERRANDS
Hastings Antiques Warehouse, 54 High Street Old Town, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EN
Clive Attrell is Kent County Council Trading Standards Approved: Reg No 15618
OFFERS Remember Clive is always ready to make you a genuine no obligation offer.
GOLD WANTED
SILVER WANTED
RINGS WANTED
FREE Clive Attrell is always in the area and FREE private/home valuations are also available by appointment.
WATCHES WANTED
There is NO obligation to sell so let Clive offer you is advice for FREE. He will advise you personally on your items & absolute discretion is guaranteed.
www.freeantiquesvaluations.com
For general enquiries call Polly on: 07824 359169
In 2001 he was given the honour of being the featured artist in the Royal Academy Summer exhibition with an entire gallery devoted to his work. In 2005 Fred was personally commissioned by Professor Stephen Hawkin for a work which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. Fred was an active participant within the Rye art scene and member of Rye Society of Artists, and would often be seen on Camber Sands with his sketch books near his home and studio. In this sale we have a lovely oil on board of Camber Sands by Fred, estimated to fetch £1000/1500. See you at the sale or if you have items you’d like to sell and would like advice contact us at: enquiries@bentleyskent. com
CASH OFFERS
MEDALS WANTED
COINS WANTED
JADE
WANTED
WHAT THE PUBLIC SAY... “ I wanted to get around £200 for my items, when Clive gave me £500 cash I was over the moon.” Mrs Kelly from Crowborough
“ Clive was very interesting to talk with, he clearly has a genuine passion for antiques which helped him identify my items. He offered me a very good price and I am very happy indeed.” Mr J. Peters from Rye
Keep this advert for future reference
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WWW.H-ENGINEERING.COM H Engineering Ltd, Little Cacketts Farm, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Kent, TN12 8BX info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042