The Times of Tunbridge Wells 8th December 2021

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

lon Boutique Hair Sa

482176 01892sta w.com thoma

Businesses appeal for your support to keep them going Customers urged to keep bookings and ‘move away from clickmas’

SKIN IS OUR

LARGEST ORGAN WE TAKE CARE OF YOURS AT

SUPPORT Independent traders such as these from Camden Road need your help this Christmas

By Richard Williams

20% OFF use code

TWTIMES22 to book online at

elloraskincare.com 47 London Road Tunbridge Wells TN4 0PB

RESTAURANTS, hotels and pubs are urging customers to help them keep the spirit of Christmas alive as they face a wave of cancellations because of worries over Covid.

The Tunbridge Wells hospitality sector alone has already seen tens of thousands of pounds in revenue wiped out over the last week as businesses have pulled the plug on festive celebrations despite there being no official guidance telling people to cancel gatherings.

The plea for support comes from Sarah-Jane Adams, Chief Executive of the town’s Business Improvement District [BID] who said yesterday [Tuesday]: “Businesses are relying on the increased footfall that Christmas brings to keep

them going.”

Her words come as AXA Health, which employs around 2,000 people in the town, has cancelled its Christmas parties and told staff to hold festive get togethers over Zoom or wait until the New Year.

‘Your visits, bookings and spend makes more of a difference than ever’ A spokesman for the health insurer told the Times: “We want to make sure our employees put themselves and their families first as we come into the festive period.

“Therefore, we’ve asked them to hold any team celebrations virtually or move them

to the beginning of 2022, when restrictions will hopefully ease and more is known about the new Omicron variant.”

Thomson Snell & Passmore, one of the town’s largest solicitor firms which employs nearly 250 people, has also called off their annual party.

CEO Sarah Henwood said: “Like all employers, we have been keeping a close eye on the impact of the new Omicron Covid variant.

“While we would like to be able to hold an event this year, the safety of everyone at the firm is always our top priority and having carefully considered the situation, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our firm wide Christmas party.

See more on page 2.

r EEape FRwsp

Local, National and International

S , DrE A OK SoIuTM O INYRIS NBRURE CH RA AT C E in F

Times

All the news that matters

Ne

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

2

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

‘Businesses rely on the increased footfall Christmas brings’

this week…

Continued from front page.

ALL CHANGE: Two key local Tory party members have stepped down following the recent Speldhurst & Bidborough byelection. P3

“We do however plan to hold a firm wide event as early as we can next year.”

Other employers have issued guidance around work parties.

At law firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish, Managing Partner Gavin Tyler said while there are no firm-wide Christmas parties, workers may hold their own.

Plans WE MEAN BUSINESS: Don’t miss your chance to enter next year’s amazing Times Business Awards for 2022. P9

THE STAGE IS SET: Trinity Theatre tells us all about its new Christmas production which starts tonight! P28

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Looking for somewhere to experience fantastic food and a superb ambience? Try The Lyle. P37

CONTACTS EDITOR RICHARD WILLIAMS richard.williams@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 240626 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk.co.uk | 01892 576037 NEWSDESK newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779615 DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 01892 779580 advertising@onemediauk.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

But he added: “However, we’ve been clear that our people are under absolutely no obligation to attend any event. Additionally, anyone who does attend a work Christmas gathering is asked to carry out a lateral flow test on the day and stay at home if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid, colds or other ill health.”

The moves come despite the Prime Minister telling people they do not need to cancel their festive plans, despite the introduction of new measures such as mask wearing in shops.

Hospitality businesses say that this ‘mixed messaging’ means hundreds of people in the town will no longer be celebrating Christmas during the sector’s busiest periods of the year.

At the Tunbridge Wells Hotel in The Pantiles three parties cancelled in just 24 hours.

Owner, Julian Leefe-Griiffiths, said: “What makes us mad is the mixed messaging coming out of government. Many are saying this variant is less dangerous and Sajid Javid the Health

Secretary is saying carry on with your Christmas parties, but the general tone from government is safety and cancellation.

“So it’s not exactly the ideal Christmas present for hospitality.”

Gerry Stevens at the Vittle and Swig on Camden Road says she has lost around £15,000 worth of bookings.

She told the Times: “We have had five parties cancel, around £15,000 worth in total. It is difficult because I don’t want to get a bad reputation, so I’ve not been keeping deposits and am just hoping they rebook in January.

“But I blame the government as this has been badly handled with a lot of mixed messages.”

At Salomons Estate, parties there have also been cancelled with others cutting down on numbers and many organisers are demanding their deposits back.

Scaling back A spokesman said: “We have had two large businesses cancel Christmas parties in the last week, including one with 70 guests. Other firms are scaling back and reducing numbers.

“The government is putting hospitality businesses in a very difficult position with their mixed messages. Some people are requesting their deposits back, but we have to ensure any cancellation fees so that our third-party suppliers are covered.”

Other venues including the Spa Hotel and St John’s Yard are all said to have lost Christmas party bookings since the emergence of Omicron.

ENFORCING MASK RULES IS A ‘SHARED EFFORT’ SAY POLICE KENT POLICE say they will respond to complaints of people defying mask rules in shops, but the force expects retailers to ‘play their part’ in enforcing the rules.

Mandatory mask wearing was reintroduced last week in the wake of concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The move means it is now against the law to enter a shop or travel on public transport without a face covering, unless exempt.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that it is the role of the authorities to enforce these regulations, but Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Brookes of Kent Police said it was ‘a shared effort’.

He said: “Our approach to policing the coronavirus regulations remains the same as when they were previously in place and we will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to comply, with enforcement only used as a last resort.”

He continued: “We expect service operators and retailers to play their part and encourage customers to comply.

“Reports of abuse and violence towards staff will not be tolerated and it goes without saying that our officers will work closely with partner agencies, businesses and security staff to prevent and respond to any crimes reported in retail settings.”

CANCELLATIONS The Tunbridge Wells Hotel has had three works parties called off Sarah-Jane Adams. Chief Executive of the town’s Business Improvement District says Christmas spend is more vital than ever to many traders and businesses in the town and is urging people not to cancel their Christmas parties.

She said: “This year, your visits, bookings and spend makes more of a difference than ever to the traders of Tunbridge Wells, big and small.

“With many not knowing if they would even make it to this point, businesses are relying on the increased footfall that Christmas brings to keep them going, not just financially, but morally.

“Businesses are still operating with Covid secure measures in place, and following the latest guidelines, and if you can, we would encourage you to move away from another clickmas, keep any existing hospitality bookings or make new ones, and drop by to do your shopping in person.”

HALF OVER 50S HAVE HAD BOOSTER AS VIRUS RATES RISE MORE than half of the over 50s in Tunbridge Wells have now had a booster jab, latest figures show.

Data released by NHS England and population statistics by the Office for National Statistics show that there have been 25,633 booster jabs delivered to the over 50 cohort, around 53.4 per cent of all those over that age.

The figures were released a week after the government widened the eligibility for the booster jab to all those over the age of 18.

Meanwhile rates of the virus have continued to rise. In the seven days to November 29, there were 805 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the

Borough, up from 681 a week before, and one of the highest weekly rates ever recorded in Tunbridge Wells.

It gives a rate per 100,000 of the population of 676.8.

Rates in Tonbridge have gone up from 495.6 to 589.1, while Wealden has seen rates increase from 543.8 to 672.3.

Despite this, the latest figures on the number of people with Covid-19 at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] had 37 patients on its wards with the virus on November 30.

Back in January 2021 MTW was trying to cope with more than 300 Covid patients in the wards at its two hospitals.

New Editor appointed at the Times THREE years ago, Richard Williams joined the newspaper as its Chief Reporter. Since then, he has been deeply involved in shaping the tone and content of this newspaper.

Today (Wednesday December 8) he formally takes over at the title as its Editor.

Team He started out in journalism 20 years ago working on local papers in Birmingham before moving onto national newspapers and magazines.

Richard, a father of three who lives locally with his partner, has also written numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction.

He replaces Richard Moore who has been Editorial Director since the Times was launched six years ago.

Richard Moore has decided to retire after more than 50 years working as a journalist including spells at the BBC and on national

STEPPING DOWN Richard Moore

above all, be given to Markerstudy, the company that had the vision and the faith to launch a free newspaper committed to supporting the community and local business. My personal thanks to you all.”

Challenge NEW ROLE Richard Williams newspapers.

He is also stepping away from the sister publication SO magazine which he co-founded 14 years ago.

“When we launched cynics told us that local newspapers were dead and that it would never take off,” he said.

“Happily, we have proved them wrong by putting out a quality paper that fairly reflects and supports, what’s happening in our community.

“It has been an interesting journey, not without a few bumps, watching it grow into the biggest

local newspaper with every copy being picked up.

“All this has only been possible because of the dedicated team of professionals at the Times going above and beyond every week, to get the paper out on the streets.

That will continue.

“It has also only been possible because of the support from both our readers and our advertisers; something we have never taken for granted.

“Credit for this newspaper must,

On taking over as editor, Richard Williams added: “Richard Moore not only helped launch the Times, but also under his editorship it has gone on to become one of the best quality local newspapers in the Southeast, if not the country.

“The challenge for the team going forward is to maintain the same high levels of editorial standards and content that our readers have grown to expect.

“On behalf of everybody at the Times, we thank Richard Moore for his hard work over the years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF

County Hall and MP object to airport plans BOTH Kent County Council (KCC) and Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark have written to Gatwick Airport last week to strongly oppose plans to use its northern runway for aircraft.

The airport plans to bring into commercial use its reserve runway, which would expand flights by 35 per cent. The move is set to create 18,400 new jobs and bring £1.5billion in economic benefit.

But in a letter to the airport’s CEO Stewart Wingate, Greg Clark said he wanted to put on record his ‘strong objection’ to the proposed expansion.

He said: “Gatwick has shown no serious intention of alleviating the discomfort of thousands of my residents, and it should first address the existing noise problems from its operation over Tunbridge Wells rather than seeking to increase the volume of flights.”

His letter comes as KCC also wrote to ‘strongly object’ to the runway proposals last week.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Osman’s book blunder NOVELIST and TV host Richard Osman has admitted how an error in his first novel caused the people of Tunbridge Wells to become ‘furious’ at him.

The Pointless presenter set a scene in The Thursday Murder Club in a café in Waitrose, despite the Royal town not having a branch of the supermarket.

Speaking on the Graham Norton show as he discussed the novel’s sequel, The Man Who Died Twice, he said: “In the first book the one thing they didn’t pick up on was something we’ve had so much trouble with.

“It wouldn’t occur to you that this was wrong, I set the scene in Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells, and there is no Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells.

“They were furious already that there is no Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells, and now this has made it much worse for them.”

Drink drive clampdown DRIVERS are being reminded of the consequences of getting behind the wheel while over the limit as Kent Police launches its seasonal drink and drug driving campaign.

Kent Police say officers will also be requesting roadside breath tests from all drivers who commit a moving road traffic offence in the run up to the festive period, irrespective of whether or not they suspect a drink driving offence.

Drug-wipe sample kits will also be used on drivers suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs.

NEWS

3

Bollywood brings historic match to big screen as county cricket set for a return

By Richard Williams A FILM telling the story of a classic international cricket match in Tunbridge Wells is finally set for release and comes as county cricket matches could be set to make a return to the historic Nevill Ground.

The venue, which is near to Hawkenbury, is currently used by Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club in the summer months and by Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club in the winter.

Yet the historic ground, which is owned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, has a history of hosting county and international games.

It was first used by Kent County Cricket Club in 1901, just three years

New festival rules MUSIC festival organisers will have to abide by new sound management plan after the Council’s licensing committee took action following complaints.

Cllr Lance Goodship [Conservative], who represents the Sherwood ward had called for the licence at Colebrook Park in Tunbridge Wells to be revoked after receiving over 700 complaints from residents.

The lakes have hosted festivals ranging from Al Fresco electronic music to funk and soul during the last 12 months.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council ruled out removing the outdoor music licensed and instead agreed a new sound plan with the site owners.

To hear from licensing chairman Bob Backhouse on why the council made its decision, see letters page 17.

Local News

after it was built and has hosted over 180 county matches in its time.

The ground also played host to a single One Day International during the 1983 Cricket World Cup featuring India and Zimbabe.

That match has gone down in cricketing folklore when India’s Kapel Dev scored 175 not out after the Indian side was reduced to 9/4.

Immortalised The game has now been immortalised in a Bollywood film called ‘83’ starring Ranveer Singh as Kapel Dev, and many of the key scenes were recorded at the Nevill Ground.

The film was shot in 2019 but the Covid crisis has meant its release has been put back several times. It is now set to hit selected UK cinemas on December 24 after its premier at the Red Sea International film Festival next week.

However, the Nevill Ground has fallen into disrepair since its 1980s heyday when the film was set, and it hasn’t hosted a county cricket game since 2016 when it hosted a T20 fixture.

Now, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader Tom Dawlings says

BOWLED OVER Cricket at the Nevill Ground and [left] the poster for the new film ‘83’ talks are under way not only to get county cricket back to the ground, but also to refurbish it.

He told the Times: “One thing we are looking at are some of our contracts. Parks could be looked after by local companies rather than a large national company to do them all.

“Many of the sports facilities are looking tired and the Council can’t afford to build new ones so we have to think about what we can do. We want to encourage the sports clubs to see what they can do, such as

fundraising.

“The Nevill Ground is a fantastic facility. But it has a stand that is barely used and a club house that is dated, which is such a shame as it used to have huge crowds watching cricket.

“Kent County Cricket want to come back. I have been to see them, and they are very keen to come back and that will bring footfall.

“What could be better than to come watch a day’s cricket in Tunbridge Wells and then visit the restaurants, it will be great.”

Tories reshuffle after election losses TWO senior members of the Tunbridge Wells Conservative party have stood down following last month’s by-election defeat that saw the Tories become a minority party at the Council for the first time in more than 20 years.

Last month, the controlling conservative group at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) lost the Speldhurst & Bidborough by-election to the Tunbridge Wells Alliance.

The Tory candidate Rowena Stanyer was beaten by 58 votes to Alliance candidate Matthew Sankey.

Control The result leaves the Tory group on the Council having to generate opposition support to pass any policies as they only have 23 councillors compared to the combined 25 of the opposition parties.

The defeat came after TWBC fell into No Overall Control in May following a local election campaign that saw the Conservatives rely on the Mayor’s casting vote to elect Leader Tom Dawlings so they could keep running the Council.

The latest defeat has now seen two key figures at the local Association step down, amid complaints the

Chairman Paul BarringtonKing

party is ‘outdated’ and not ‘doing enough to fight and win elections’.

Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Conservative Association (TWCA) Paul Barrington-King and the party’s chief campaign co-ordinator for West Kent, Andrew Kennedy, have taken criticism for the recent lacklustre election results.

Tonbridge & Malling councillor, Andrew Kennedy, denied his stepping down was to do with the by-election and told the Times that he announced in January he would be handing over the position to Robert Findon in December.

While Cllr Barrington-King, who is both a Borough and Kent County council member, also denied the by-election had anything to do with his leaving the chairmanship of the party last week.

He said was stepping down after

being recently appointed as Kent County Council’s Scrutiny Committee Vice Chairman as he wished to ‘rationalise my responsibilities’.

But he said that he was leaving the party ‘very well prepared’ for the local elections in May and that the Speldhurst & Bidborough by-election defeat was the result of ‘tactical and unrepresentative opposition’.

He said: “Rowena Stanyer gained an incredible 46 per cent of the vote in her first election that would have succeeded in many campaigns, but was sadly defeated by tactical and unrepresentative opposition. We will be very well prepared for next May.” A new chairman will now have to be voted in by Tory members.

However, one senior party official said there had been widespread criticism of the recent election CAMPAIGN HEAD Andrew Kennedy

campaigns.

He said: “The Conservative group on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has gone from having a large majority to being a minority administration, so the recent election strategy cannot be viewed as a roaring success.”

Association members are said to be concerned that just four years ago the Conservatives had 44 seats on the 48-seat Council. This has now been reduced to just 23.

Blame is said to lie not just with the controversial Calverley Square development that was scrapped in 2019 at a cost of £11million, but also with the party’s inability to adopt new methods of communicating with residents, according to members.

Members say the TWCA did not have a working website for 18 months prior to May’s local elections and has not had a social media strategy for nearly two years.

Conservative councillors also refused to take part in virtual hustings prior to the May elections last year, and there is widespread fear among members that the party could be ousted from running the Council in May if things do not improve, handing over control to a coalition of Labour, Lib Dems and Alliance.

Six arrested in murder probe after body found in Sherwood KENT Police have arrested six people after a man was found dead at the weekend in the Sherwood area of Tunbridge Wells.

A large-scale police operation was launched in the early hours of Saturday morning in Caley Road where officers from the Kent and

Essex Serious Crime Directorate say a man was discovered fatally injured at around 3.15 am.

Five people from Essex, a man aged 28, a man aged 25, two men aged 18, and a 17-year-old male, have all been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and being concerned in supplying a controlled drug.

All five are in police custody while officers conduct their investigation, although a sixth person, a 33-yearold woman from Essex who was

arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been bailed.

Officers say they would like to hear from anyone who saw anything or who has information that could help with these enquiries.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100.

X X

4

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

MPs under fire over second jobs but what about their first jobs?

MEMBERS of Parliament have come in for some strong criticism in recent weeks following issues around standards in public life and second jobs away from Westminster.

Tory MP Owen Paterson resigned last month after he was found to have lobbied for two companies paying him more than £100,000 a year. Another Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Cox, apparently earned hundreds of thousands of pounds as a top QC while also an MP. There’s nothing to stop an MP having a second job… but what about their first job representing constituents. How much time and effort to do they put into that?

In a bid to find out we asked Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark to provide us with his diary entries for the seven days from Monday, November 15. Here’s what he sent us…

Each day we receive 300 emails

Monday, November 15 Like most mornings I meet with my team first thing (8am) to discuss what issues and casework constituents have raised overnight and how to respond. On an average day I receive about 300 emails and I always try to give a personal reply as quickly as possible, so there is lots to discuss.

Then I turn to write my regular column for this newspaper. Today I write about my reflections on the appalling David Fuller trial and how we must increase our protection for women and girls against violence.

I travel to the House of Commons where I speak in the Chamber in two short debates. The first is a question to the Prime Minister, who is making a statement about the COP26 summit which concluded on Saturday. The second is to Sajid Javid, the Heath Secretary raising two matters that constituents have contacted me about: asking for the Covid booster dose to be included in the NHS app, and for clinically vulnerable people who need third doses to be able to book online.

I spend the rest of the evening in other meetings with MPs before voting to approve the report and sanction against Owen Paterson, before the House adjourns at 10.30pm.

Hours worked – approximately 14.5

Meeting GPs to discuss pressures Tuesday, November 16 After my morning meeting with my constituency team, I meet with the clerks of the House of Commons Science & Technology Committee, which I chair, to talk through tomorrow’s session.

During the afternoon I attend a debate to press for the release of Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe from detention in Iran.

This is followed by a meeting of Kent MPs where we meet with GPs from across the county to discuss the current pressures they are facing

Tackling violence against women

Wednesday, November 17 I start the day reading this week’s copy of the Times of Tunbridge Wells.

At 9am I take the chair for this week’s session of the Science & Technology Select Committee.

Our 11 members from three different parties take evidence on satellite launch facilities in the UK, with witnesses from new launch sites in Scotland and Cornwall and companies including Virgin Orbit and Lockheed Martin.

In the afternoon, I attend the Liaison Committee, which consists of senior MPs interviewing the Prime Minister. I am on a group that co-ordinates the line of questioning and I arrange for a section to be devoted to tackling violence against women and girls.

Late in the afternoon I am answering questions myself – this time in a Q&A session with sixth formers at a school, conducted by Zoom from my office. We vote that night to further tighten up rules on outside employment by MPs. Hours worked – approximately 12

SPEECH Mr Clark in the Commons

attractions during the months ahead.

I was hoping to pop by the opening of the Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds, but time is short and I have to be in Paddock Wood to meet the local scout troop at 7.30 pm, where we stage a lively mock House of Commons debate about the future of electric vehicles.

Hours worked – approximately 12

SCOUTING FOR TALENT A lively debate with Paddock Wood scouts and what is needed to resolve them.

Later in the evening the Finance Bill, implementing the measures of the recent Budget, is debated and I vote for it to have its Second Reading.

Hours worked – approximately 12

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Inquiry in person.

During the afternoon, between answering constituents’ correspondence, I meet with the head of a charity – Listening Ear – that helps support the families of people who have committed suicide.

Hours worked – approximately 10

Lively mock debate with scouts

Friday, November 19 On many Fridays Parliament doesn’t sit, and so it is a day that I can reliably make visits in the constituency without needing to be within eight minutes of the voting lobby, as is the case on other days.

This morning has an NHS theme, I start with a call with Miles Scott, the Chief Executive of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Hospital Trust. I then have a meeting with the head of the Kent NHS to try to persuade him to provide a motorised wheelchair to a constituent who is in desperate need of one to get around, and to raise the case of a constituent who is housebound but has not been able to get a Covid vaccine.

At 11am I head over to Scotney Castle to meet the General Manager and his team and see what plans they have for one of our most important

Day off watching sport

Saturday, November 20 I start my day off delivering leaflets with Conservative colleagues for our excellent candidate, Rowena Stanyer, in the Speldhurst and Bidborough by-election taking place the following Thursday.

After that, it is a sporting afternoon! I go to see my 15 year old son play in a rugby match and then I manage to race back just in time to see the second half of Tunbridge Wells FC’s FA Vase match at the Culverden Stadium.

Hours worked - nil

Getting a head start on the week

Sunday, November 21 Sunday morning is when I normally like to go for a long run with my dog Teddy as a pacemaker out of Tunbridge Wells and into the surrounding beautiful countryside. The late autumn leaves looked amazing today, but with plenty of mud Teddy needed a thorough washing in the bath when we got back.

Sunday evenings I try to get a head’s start on the week by going through the emails that have come in over the weekend – my inbox is almost as busy then as it is during the week.

Hours worked – approximately 3

Supporting victims’ families

Thursday, November 18 After my daily constituency team meeting, I meet in the House of Commons with Sir Jonathan Michael, who has been appointed to conduct the Public Inquiry that I called for into how the crimes of David Fuller were able to happen undetected. I have been meeting families of Fuller’s victims and made the case to him that they should be able to testify to the HEARING Chairing the Science and Technology Committee

SO, WHAT DOES OUR MP COST PER HOUR?

CASTLE CONSTITUENTS A meeting with the team at Scotney Castle

All MPs earn a basic salary of £81,932 a year.

Ministers also earn a separate salary for holding a government job.

Greg Clark is a backbencher who has no government job, but he does receive £15,235 for being Chair of the House Commons’ Science and Technology Committee.

Mr Clark has also registered £6,168 worth of expenses for 2020/2021 to pay for such things as travel, accommodation and office costs.

Analysis of Greg Clark’s week shows the

MP for Tunbridge Wells worked approximately 63.5 hours on constituency or MP business during the week of November 15 for a weekly wage of £1,868.

Based on the time he spent working, the member for Tunbridge Wells earned roughly £29 per hour for that week, excluding expenses.

This is the same sort of hourly income as higher education teaching professionals, a senior police officer but less than what the average GP or headmaster earns an hour.

GABRIELLA LOVES CHRISTMAS...

01892 540216 | gabriellajewellery@outlook.com | www.gabriellajewellery.co.uk 9 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YQ (located between the High Street and the Pantiles)

BOOK NOW

SKATETW.CO.UK PANTO | FRI 17 DEC–MON 03 JAN

SKATING | FRI 19 NOV – MON 3 JAN

COMEDY | WED 19 JAN

MUSIC | THU 20 JAN

MUSIC | FRI 21 JAN

MUSIC | SAT 22 JAN

MUSIC | FRI 28 JAN

COMEDY | SAT 29 JAN `22

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk T U N B R I D G E W E LLS for full details and to book tickets visit our website

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Local News

NEWS

7

Grammars make the grade as Hundreds call police over hospital crimes best schools in UK announced

By Richard Williams

By Robert Forrester THREE local grammar schools are in the top ten state schools in the Southeast, according to a national guide that has identified the highestachieving schools in the country.

Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2022, which was published by the national newspaper at the weekend, has listed the best secondary schools in the region.

Tonbridge Grammar School, The Judd School – also in Tonbridge – and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School are all in the top ten of best performing across the Southeast.

Tonbridge Grammar School was ranked second, narrowly missing out on top spot to Reading School in Berkshire.

TOP MARKS TWGGS is one of three local grammars to make the list

Hotline

Pass rate It was ranked highly for its 89.1 per cent of pupils gaining A* to B grades at A-level. It was ranked as the 11th best selective school in the entire country.

The Judd School ranked fifth in the Southeast and 18th in the whole UK for its 86.9 per cent A* to B pass rate at A-levels.

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School [TWGGS] was ranked ninth in the Southeast with its 78.8 per cent A-level A*to B pass rate putting it at the 41st best school in the country.

None of the independent schools in Tunbridge Wells made the Parent Power top ten list for the Southeast for private schools, although Sevenoaks School was ranked as the tenth best in the country.

And no primary schools in the local area made the top list of best schools in the Southeast.

Parent Power is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s highest-achieving schools.

MORE than seven hundred people have now contacted police in relation to crimes committed by convicted murderer and sex offender David Fuller since police launched a hotline number.

Following a change of plea at Maidstone Crown Court, the Heathfield electrician was convicted of the 1987 murders of Caroline Pierce, 20, and Wendy Knell, 25, in Tunbridge Wells. He also admitted 51 further offences, including 44 charges relating to 78 identified victims at mortuaries in the town.

Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: “The need for clarity about school examination performance has never been greater after two years of teacher assessed grades, during which for completely understandable reasons, the numbers of top grades increased dramatically.

“We felt it was important to go back to the last sets of moderated public examination outcomes from 2019, 2018 and 2017 to get the most accurate and current view of school academic achievement. By taking a three-year average, we mitigated against relatively poor performance in a one-off year.

“At a time when some schools are making hard to substantiate claims of academic prowess based on outcomes from 2021 and 2020, we believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.”

Fuller is set to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court next week [Wednesday, December 15] and is facing life imprisonment for the two historic murders.

After the court hearing ended last month, Kent Police, who have been investigating Fuller’s crimes at both the hospital in Pembury and its forerunner, the Kent and Sussex Hospital on Mount Ephraim, launched a hotline for people who feel they may have information about the

investigation or are worried their loved ones might have been a victim of Fuller.

Within days, around 400 people had contacted the police. This figure has now risen to 748, as more people have come forward, the Times can reveal.

Information An independent inquiry has now been launched to examine how Fuller, 67, went undetected for more than 12 years.

Fuller was an electrician who had a swipe card that allowed him unsupervised access to all parts of the hospital because of his role as a hospital electrician.

Mortuary staff typically finished around 4pm, whereas Fuller worked from 11am to 7pm.

There was no CCTV in the post-mortem room which is typical in mortuaries to preserve the dignity of patients during port-mortem.

For those with information about the investigations or have concerns about family members, the hot line number is 0800 051 5270.

People can search the police portal mipp.police. uk for Operation Sandpiper.

BODY Caroline Pierce was found in Romney marsh

STRANGLED Wendy Knell was discovered dead in her bedsit

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL Our Bespoke home insurance comes with up to £30,000 enhanced temporary cover for those little things that make Christmas special.* For high-value home insurance that takes care of the details, choose NFU Mutual Bespoke.

Call NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells on 01892 337488 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.

* Cover applies 1 month before and 1 month after a special event.

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

D-37038577 BespokeChristmasAdvert_A5L_1020.indd 1

29/10/2020 16:06

8

BUSINESS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Local News

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Wedding team scoops big award after record year for people tying the knot

By Robert Forrester AN EVENTS team has walked away with an award for their wedding services at a Tunbridge Wells country estate after a record year of marriage ceremonies and celebrations.

The Salomons Events Team has taken first place in the ‘Best Events Team’ category at the Kent Wedding Awards [KWA] 2021/22.

It comes following one of the most difficult years for the wedding sector that has had to cope with lockdowns and other Covid restrictions.

Each year over 7000 couples choose Kent to get married, and the KWA celebrates the best venues in the county.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic,

the Salomons Estate in Broomfield Road, which is run by Elite Leisure Collection, owner of the Times, had a record year in 2021, with over 60 weddings booked after many were delayed from the previous year due to the coronavirus.

This came after registars found themselves booked up in the summer following the high number of cancelled ceremonies last year due to the virus.

Service Salomons, which was the former home of Lord Mayor of London and one of the first Jewish MPs in the House of Commons, Sir David Salomons, has over 36 acres of sprawling gardens and woodland, and a variety of rooms and

spaces including a Victorian theatre which can seat 220 guests.

Judges from the KWA said of the Salomons events team that they ‘were particularly impressed with their high levels of customer service and bespoke wedding packages’ at the estate.

Testament Fiona Massingham, Events Team Manager at the Salomons Estate, said: “It’s a great accolade for the team to win the award after a difficult year.

“And is testament to the hard work and great customer service they’ve all put in over the last 12 months.”

All winners of the KWA can be seen at kentweddingawards.co.uk

WINNING SMILES The Salomons events team

Dealerships sold again to owners of WeBuyAnyCar

By Richard Williams THE Tunbridge Wells car dealerships that were part of a group sale last month for £64.4million is to change hands again after the new owners have reportedly struck a deal with the company behind WeBuyAnyCar and Cinch.

As revealed in the Times in October, Marshall of Cambridge Holdings [MCH] took ownership of Motorline, the multi-brand car dealership group that ran the Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Nissan and Volkswagen forecourts in Longfield Road, as well as similar branches across the South East.

Following that acquisition, Marshall said its brand coverage amounted to 85.4 per cent of the market as it now had sites in 37 counties in England and Wales.

However, last week, Constellation Automotive had an offer of £201.6million for a 64.4 per cent controlling stake in Marshall’s vehicle subsidiary Marshall Motor Holdings [MMH] accepted.

RE-ACQUIRED The former Motorline dealerships have been sold again

BID creates a short film to shine a light on its festive contributions THE company that runs the Business Improvement District [BID] in Tunbridge Wells has created a film to explain to traders what some of their contributions are spent on.

The BID was set up in 2019 and is paid for by businesses that fall within its boundaries via an annual levy.

RTW Together, which runs the BID, receives around £330,000 a year in contributions that it spends on promoting the district.

Among the schemes paid for by the BID are the Christmas lights in Tunbridge Wells, which RTW Together took over from the council last year.

Acquisition Marshall was the Volkswagen Group’s largest franchised retail partner and added a further four Volkswagen, three Audi, three Škoda and four Volkswagen Group TPS businesses with its acquisition of Motorline last month.

In a statement, Marshall Holdings said: “This was not an easy decision as MMH is the longest established business in MCH. However, whilst there remains a lot of support and admiration for MMH and the team, it has become increasingly clear that our strategic plans are taking different paths."

The takeover is conditional on approval by the Financial Conduct Authority. Full completion is not expected for several months.

DHL signs a 15-year business park lease DELIVERY giant DHL has signed a lease to become the first tenant at a new business park in West Kent.

Panattoni are developing the former Aylesford newsprint site into a £180million business park after being granted planning permission from Tonbridge & Malling Council last year.

DHL will be Panattoni Park Aylesford’s first tenant after the world logistics company signed a 15-year lease.

Tenants

Showcase This year the BID spent around £65,000 on the lights, including a £15,000 contribution from the Council, which were switched on last month.

BID Director Sarah-Jane Adams, said: “We hope this lighthearted film will demonstrate the tangible link between town centre businesses and the funding they provide towards the lights scheme for Tunbridge Wells town centre.

“We encourage everyone to give it a watch and share it on social media, to support the businesses who took part, and to showcase our community of traders in general.

“Your town centre needs you to visit this Christmas, so please drop by and do some shopping if you can – or enjoy the experience of

The WeBuyAnyCar owner confirmed last week that it had received ‘an irrevocable undertaking to accept the offer’ from MCH for the business.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Santa Stars in the BID video seeing Santa visiting some of your local favourites via this project.”

The film was created by local filmmaker Simon Cossons, himself a resident of the town centre.

He added: “I moved to Tunbridge Wells during lockdown and am only now getting the chance to explore the area. It’s really great to be able to get to know these businesses and capture the sense of community spirit on camera.

“Working with the BID is hopefully the start of a

collaboration to document the vibrancy of the town and the things that are happening here.”

The town centre’s Christmas lights are provided and funded by RTW Together, with 2021 being the second year of the BID’s new scheme with Kent firm Gala Lights. This year sees the introduction of a new reindeer light sculpture in Calverley Precinct, replacing last year’s snowman.

The short film can be viewed at rtwtogether. com/christmas

Panattoni has submitted two planning applications to Tonbridge & Malling Borough which will agree the fine detail of the building’s layout, access and appearance for their soon to be announced logistics and distribution tenants.

Anthony Watkins, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “When we acquired the Aylesford site we knew it would be enormously attractive to the logistics and warehousing industry.

“The response from leading players has been fantastic.

“The good news for our tenants, and the Kent economy, is that we are now planning for the park to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2023, which is at least a year ahead of our original schedule.”

Preparation work on site is already under way on the new DHL building, with the new £7million link road due to be completed before DHL takes occupation in July 2022.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Local News

BUSINESS

How to get involved in the Times Business Awards 2022

By Richard Williams MORE than half the sponsorship opportunities at the Times Business Awards 2022 have already been taken, which means those companies looking to raise their profile at one of the top social and networking events of the year are running out of time and options.

One of Britain's most well-known faces from breakfast and daytime TV, Eammon Holmes, will be presenting the accolades at a black tie gala dinner at Salomons Estate on Friday, March 24.

While six of the ten main award categories are being sponsored by local businesses, there are four opportunities remaining.

They are: Creative Business of the Year - Is your business success based on innovation and creative thinking in your strategy and everyday operation? This category is for any company over two years old in any sector that can demonstrate creativity as well as adding value to the success of their business.

Best in Food and Drink Award – The winner of this category will be a local business that provides truly remarkable food and/or drink in the area. Whether it is a fine dining restaurant, gastropub, café, bakery, cake shop or drinks company the winner of this award will have demonstrated how they have put their town on the map.

Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers and small businesses employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance. They must understand customer expectations, have an engaged workforce and be continually innovating to support future growth.

Young Business Person of the Year – Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the closing date on February 14, 2022 and need to show they have a clear vision / strategy for their business and are committed to growing it. Areas such as increasing headcount, developing and inspiring staff, and involvement in the local business community are all good examples of this.

GALA NIGHT [Above and below] How businesses celebrated previous award nights

Why you should sign up?

Those who sign up to be sponsors will be in good company, as you can see from those businesses who have already taken a category.

Start-Up Business Award – Pushkin Antiques, whose new shop on the High Street has been wowing customers since it opened earlier this year.

Entrepreneur of the Year - Brewin Dolphin, one of the largest British wealth management firms in the UK with offices in Tunbridge Wells.

Resilient Business – Handelsbanken, the Swedish banking firm, has been a keen supporter of the Times Business Awards in the past.

STAR GUEST TV’s Eamonn Holmes will be presenting the awards

Best Family Business – Childrensalon, one of the largest employers in Tunbridge Wells is itself a family-run concern.

Best Business 26+ Employees - The Finance Hub is a new loan company based on The Pantiles who are keen to get involved with the local business community.

Outstanding Business of the Year - Thomson Snell & Passmore are the world’s oldest law firm, according to the Guinness Book of Records, and the Tunbridge Wells solicitors has supported numerous Times Business Awards in the past.

Pace hots up with entries mounting daily ENTRIES for the Times Business Awards 2022 are coming in thick and fast, ranging from those who have entered before, to companies that are putting themselves forward for the first time.

The awards provide the ideal platform for local companies who want to raise their profile and shout about the innovation and hard work that has gone into their business.

The glittering black tie gala, where the winners will be announced, will take place on Friday, March 24, 2022 at Salomons Estate and is one of

the key networking events of the year, with a range of businesses and business leaders already confirming attendance.

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

Every year sees more and more organisations put themselves forward for the first time, but past winners and entrants are just as welcome. Of course, past success is no guarantee you will be successful again and competition can be fierce, but as the old saying goes: you have to be in it to win it.

To sponsor the awards Sponsor packages cost from as little as £995 for category sponsors and £4,495 for headline sponsors, which includes tickets for the gala evening at the Salomons Science Theatre on March 24.

Firms that are interested in getting involved should email info@timesbusinessawards. co.uk or visit the website timesbusinessawards. co.uk

WANT TO BE A HEADLINE SPONSOR? As well as four category opportunities left for the 2022 Times Business Awards, there is also the chance to become headline sponsor.

Previous headliners have included: Cripps, Pemberton Greenish, one of the largest law firms in the South East, renowned Tunbridge Wells jewellery firm G Collins & Sons, and property developer Elysian Residences.

HERE’S WHAT PAST SPONSORS SAY: “Thomson Snell & Passmore has been proud to sponsor these awards since they began. The awards celebrate all the good that the local business community does, and the innovative and brilliant people who own, manage and work for these companies.

We are proud to call Tunbridge Wells home and look forward to what the local business community will do in 2022 and beyond,” Sarah Henwood, CEO, Thomson Snell & Passmore.

“Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells are delighted to once again be sponsoring an award at The Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, which make a welcome return in 2022 after a challenging last 18 months or so.

“It is with this in mind that we are pleased to sponsor the ‘Resilient Business’ Award which is very apt for the times that all local businesses, business owners and individuals alike have been through during the Covid Pandemic.

“The awards and the specific award itself, aligns very much to our business through long term support of local businesses and entrepreneurs. Long term relationships are the backbone of what we do, with all our customers served by our local branch made up of local people, to assist through good times and bad.

“We look forward to an excellent evening of fun and entertainment with our thanks to The Times of Tunbridge Wells for continuing to support and promote all things local.”

Nick Green, branch manager, Handeslnaken Tunbridge Wells.

business

awards

2022

9

10

NEWS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Community News

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Budding F1 star is on a drive to find sponsors to keep racing dream alive

By Richard Williams

A PAIR of fitness coaches are to scale the height of Everest by taking 17,420 steps for charity.

Josh Carr and Tom Burgess from Sweat-IT, a gym located in Lye Green between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough, are hoping to scale the same height as the world’s tallest mountain 29,000 by using box-steps.

Box-steps are a 20” high step used to keep fit and the pair estimate they will have to carry out more than 17,000 steps to match the 29,000 feet [8,849 metres] height of the Nepalese mountain.

The team will be attempting to complete the challenge in under 24 hours in aid of local charity, The Children’s Respite Trust.

The pair hope to raise £5,000 for the charity and have already received more than £13,000 on their Justgiving page.

Josh Carr said: “Where better to hold such an extreme physical mission than our very own training club.

“We will be updating our social sites for updates on the guy’s whereabouts on their journey up the mountain.”

You can donate to SweatIT’s Everest challenge at justgiving.com/fundraising/Sweatiteverest

A 14-YEAR-OLD Tunbridge Wells schoolboy is on pole position to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen by entering the world of Formula One after a series of race wins in adult categories.

Toby McAllister-Brown started racing go-karts at the age of five, and after dominating junior leagues, scored seven race wins during a series of adult events at the Buckmore Park circuit, near Chatham in Kent earlier this year.

Toby is now set to race in the Buckmore Park Adult Championship 2022, Club100 Junior Championship 2022, Club73 Young Drivers Championship and is also hoping to enter the Sodi World Series to compete with go-kart drivers from around the globe.

Clumsy The Beechwood School pupil wants to follow in the footsteps of his favourite F1 star, Sebastian Vettel, who began racing go-karts at a similar age before going on to become a four-time world champion.

Emily McAllister-Brown, Toby’s mother, told the Times: “I am so very proud of my son and all he is achieving, at school and on the track.

“Toby maybe clumsy at home but on the track he simply dances on tarmac.

“His dream is to be a British Champion Racing Driver, with the hope of being an F1 driver.

Unfortunately, this career isn’t necessarily achieved through talent but through huge financial support. Many drivers have to pay or receive sponsorship to keep their drive alive.”

She added that Toby’s school has been highly supportive of his racing achievements.

FASTLANE Toby McAllister [right] and [above] racing his go-kart Joshua Rowe, Head of Middle Division and PE at Beechwood School said: “We are so proud of Toby and all he is achieving with his karting endeavours. He works hard at school often diligently using his free time to keep up with his studies, without ever complaining.

“His enthusiasm and passion for the sport shines through in all he does, we hope that one day we will see him winning Grand Prix all over

Duo to climb Everest one step at a time

the world.”

Clinton Bell, Team Manager at Buckmore Park, which is where F1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button used to race, added that Toby was ‘one of the most passionate drivers to have raced under me. Very driven in his pursuit of success’.

Anybody keen to sponsor Toby can contact emily@mbdanceschool.co.uk

BOXING CLEVER The Sweat-IT team

TUNBRIDGE WELLS FURNITURE & COLLECTABLES Quality new and preloved furniture and accessories

Beautiful gold, white & blue Libra vases Prices from £50

Occasional Chair Stunning dark blue velvet.

Original price £700. Sale price £450.

Nobilis Saint-Honore daybed in duck-egg blue RRP £1,970.

Our price £300

O V E R 2 5 0 B E E R S | TA S T Y W I N E S | C I D E R S DR AUG HT BE E R FILLE D FRESH ON SITE C O C K TA I L S | T E A , C O F F E E & M O R E

N OW Occasional Chair Bronze/gold silk with dark wood legs. Excellent condition £450

Eichholtz Montana console table RRP £2,200. Sale price £1,000

Sofa & Chair Company upholstered ottoman Now half price £350.

O P E N

SHOP INSTORE OR ONLINE C L I C K & CO L L EC T | D EL IVERY

EARN FUGSPOINTS

Located at 7 Nevill Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TA|Contact:

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

info@twfurniturecollectables.co.uk

fugglesbottleshop.co.uk

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 3pm Monday & Tuesday by appointment only

1 6 C AMDEN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Childrensalon give £100,000 to charity A TUNBRIDGE WELLS fashion retailer has pledged to donate a fifth of its sales revenue from Black Friday to two charities.

Childrensalon, which has its distribution centre in Decimus Park in the town, is to hand over £100,000 to Sistah Space and African Promise, matching their charitable commitment last year, when 20 per cent of their total Black Friday sales were donated to two chosen charities.

Black Friday was orginally the first Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, but has become a key day for retailers to hold sales across the globe.

It was orginally the first day in the calendar year that retailers were said to enter the black finacially.

Passionate Sistah Space is a community-based charity bridging the gap in domestic abuse services for African heritage women and girls.

African Promise works to improve the quality and provision of primary education in rural Kenya, and thanks to the donation from Childrensalon, will be able to ensure these 3,000 primary school children can enjoy a guaranteed lunchtime meal everyday for the next two years.

Asher Harriman-Smith, Co-CEO at Childrensalon, said: “We deeply believe in the causes that Sistah Space and African Promise champion and upon getting to know them, have been so impressed by the level of life-changing impact they deliver to the communities they support.

“The size of these small but passionate charities belies just how much they’re already achieving.

“We feel proud we can help elevate their work and hopefully draw continued awareness to them, so the support they receive grows.”

Local News

NEWS

11

Foodbank gets a helping hand to deliver Christmas campaign

By Robert Forrester A DISTRIBUTION company has partnered with Nourish Community Foodbank to support its 12 Days of Christmas campaign after appointing them the company’s first charity of the year.

S&S Distribution, which is based in Tonbridge, has installed a collection pod at its Vale Road site to take donations and will also be asking its collection and delivery drivers to collect from customers throughout the area.

It comes as Nourish has seen the number of people needing its service more than double during the pandemic.

The charity says they believe the number of people requiring help could double again by Christmas, with up to 200 per cent more referrals than before the pandemic.

Children In the last year alone, Nourish helped over 10,000 people and provided over 91,000 meals.

As in previous years, the idea behind the 12 Days of Christmas campaign, which launched on December 1, is calling on the local public and businesses to donate one item per day ranging from tinned tomatoes and long-life juice to gravy, long life milk and a treat in the run up to the festive period.

Claire Champneys, Commercial Manager of S&S Distribution said: “Nourish Community Food Bank serves as a lifeline to so many families in our region and we are delighted to be supporting them as they continue to struggle to meet the ever-increasing demands.

“The statistics speak for themselves. Out of the families and individuals Nourish serves, 48 per

Tech savvy Data Executive for digital media business Fast growing indie B2B publisher, Edify Digital Media, is looking for a junior data professional to join its expanding team to work across its international print, online and digital products.

This role will suit someone looking to start or refocus their career in publishing. The candidate must have excellent attention to detail and an interest and willingness to learn on the job.

For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to broaden their experience and develop skills in using leading CRM and inbound marketing platforms. Experience of Salesforce and/or HubSpot would be advantageous but is not essential.

You will report directly to the CRM and Data Manager.

You can be based anywhere as we support remote working.

Responsibilities: • Data management (including data inputting/cleaning/qualifying/ merging and deduping) • Ensuring all conference and webinar registrations are added to company CRM. • Processing subscription or membership renewals and completing the necessary admin and system updates.

• Running data related searches and reports.

• Anything else data related as requested.

Renumeration package: Salary: £18K per annum. Company pension.

28 days holiday rising to 33 days (including bank holidays) after two years-service.

Closing deadline for applications: Friday, January 7th, 2022.

Please apply with a covering email and CV to Clare Worton, CRM and Data Manager, email: clare@edifydigitalmedia.com

www.edifydigitalmedia.com

cent are children under 18, one in ten are either ill or have had an accident, one in seven are victims of domestic violence and it is estimated that one in five children in our region live in poverty.

“These are just heart wrenching figures, and we plan to do our utmost to provide as much support to them as possible.”

Dawn Stanford, Operations Director at Nourish, added: “We are delighted that S&S Distribution have appointed us as their very first charity of the year.

FEEDING FAMILIES Dawn Stanford of Nourish

“In addition, we are so grateful for their support over the busy Christmas period ahead. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our local community and S&S Distribution have taken us to their hearts and we look forward to finding out about their fundraising initiatives over the next 12 months.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the 12 days of Christmas campaign can drop their 12 items off at Nourish’s pop up shop at Royal Victoria Place on December 11 and 12, open from 10am to 4pm.

12

NEWS

National News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Weather warnings are in place as the UK is battered by Storm Barra STORM Barra began battering the British Isles in from the Atlantic yesterday [Tuesday] bringing gales, up to eight inches of snow and a tornado warning.

Most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland was on alert and covered by Met Office wind warnings amid fears over travel disruption, while a band of snow on the storm’s leading edge was set to bring blizzards in the far north.

Ireland bore the brunt of the weather system yesterday leaving some 56,000 homes without power that may not be reconnected for a number of days, Government officials have said, after the country was battered by winds 80mph winds.

A UK Met Office yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland was also ordered yesterday, and there were around 4,000 electricity customers left without power.

The storm front moved into the South West of England on Tuesday afternoon, where 77 mph winds and rain lashed Devon and Cornwall.

Floods were reported in a number of coastal areas and parts of Scotland was hit with high winds and blizzards.

Alerts Forecasters said Barra was officially a ‘weather bomb’, another name for an ‘explosive cyclogenesis’, which is when there is a rapid fall in pressure of 24 millibars in 24 hours in the central section of an area of low pressure.

Barra fell from a pressure of 1017mb at 6am on Monday to 961mb at 6am on Tuesday, meaning there was a 56mb drop in 24 hours which therefore developed over double the criteria required for it to become a weather bomb.

Met Office meteorologists added that forecast maps were showing small breaks in the ‘line convection’ – a narrow band of very intense rain and gales - which can be signs of some rotation of weak funnel clouds or tornadoes.

The Environment Agency has issued 37 flood alerts and five warnings for England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has four alerts and one warning in place and Natural

GALES A fallen tree blocks the A702 near Coulter in South Lanarkshire

Resources Wales has six alerts in place.

Meanwhile Northern Powergrid said 500 homes in North East England, which are mostly in remote and sparsely populated areas, were still without power – 11 days after Storm Arwen struck the country on November 26.

Boris Johnson admitted that ‘too many people have spent too long without power’.

Asked if the situation in the North was acceptable, the Prime Minister told reporters: ‘No, I don’t think it is. Too many people have spent too long without power. I have spoken over the last few days to some of the people involved, particularly to the authorities at Northern Powergrid who explained some of the massive technical difficulties they have had.’

He said the firm blamed high winds and frozen equipment but those explanations were ‘no consolation to thousands of people who have been without power’. He added: ‘At the moment they have restored power to 99.9 per cent of

those who were without power but what is clear is there are still hundreds more who don’t have it.’

The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: ‘It’s obviously unacceptable that these homes, these families are without power, we’ve seen the situation improve but that will not be of help to those who are still facing this challenge.’

Arwen lashed the UK after crossing the Atlantic nearly a fortnight ago with gusts of almost 100mph, and the worst-hit areas were North East England and Scotland. Barra also came in from the Atlantic and the same regions are again set to see the biggest impacts, along with Ireland which has been hit since the early hours of this morning.

Engineers also warned that Barra could ‘hamper progress’ and ‘limit our ability to work safely’, but the problems come despite the Prime Minister saying homes affected by the power cuts would have supply restored by today.

Schoolchildren fallen behind education watchdog warns NEARLY all children in England have fallen behind in their education and suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ofsted has warned.

The watchdog has called on schools to offer pupils sport and extra-curricular activities to ensure children “regain a sense of normality” in their lives.

Chief inspector Amanda Spielman warned that many of the youngest children’s progress and development ‘faltered’ amid the pandemic, with some regressing in basic language and social skills.

Potential Loneliness, boredom and misery became ‘endemic’ among the young – and the loss of education, disrupted routine and fewer activities led to physical and mental health problems for many children, she said.

The younger generation should not be ‘denied’ its chance to enjoy childhood and fulfil its potential in the year ahead, Ms Spielman has urged.

Her comments come after the latest Department for Education (DfE) figures show that the number of children and staff off school for Covid-related reasons in England has risen in recent weeks.

Education unions have warned that disruption to schooling is likely to worsen following the emergence of the newly-identified Omicron coronavirus variant.

Speaking at the launch of Ofsted’s annual report, Ms Spielman said: “A new variant

WARNING Amanda Spielman

how schools, colleges, nurseries, and social care providers responded to the pandemic.

Ofsted found that, despite the best efforts of many thousands of parents, teachers, social workers and carers, the challenges of the pandemic were so great that “nearly all children fell behind in their education.”

Achievers

inevitably creates some uncertainty, some anxiety. It’s a concern.”

She added: “We do need to avoid any further disruption to children’s education when they’ve already sacrificed so much as far as we possibly can.”

When asked about the disruption in schools this term, the Ofsted chief inspector said on Tuesday: “I’m quite sure that any teacher would close a school or cancel Christmas events and nativities with a very heavy heart.

“But I will say that children have just lost out on so much over the last 20 months that as far as possible we want them to enjoy the experience and routines of school life as much as they can in the current climate.”

The watchdog’s report assesses education and children’s social care over the 2020-21 academic year.

During this period much of Ofsted’s routine inspection work was suspended – but the inspectorate undertook monitoring visits to see

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Ms Spielman said: “The lower achievers are the ones who’ve learned least through periods of remote learning and closed schools.

“So it’s very important that we stay very clearly focused on the ones who will need help and who won’t simply recover through schools doing what they always do so well.”

In the report, the Ofsted boss added: “In primary and secondary schools, children struggled with a hokey-cokey education: in the classroom, at home, separated in bubbles, isolating alone.

“Further education (FE) students and apprentices saw their classroom doors closed, their placements curtailed and their job prospects limited.

“And prisoners seeking a second chance through education were unable to leave their cells to learn.”

Children with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) were unable to access the local support services they rely on, while many vulnerable children “disappeared” from teachers’ line of sight, the report said.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Labour stalwart Harriet Harman is to step down LABOUR MP Harriet Harman has announced she will not run for her Camberwell and Peckham seat in the next general election.

The former minister, who has been praised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as a ‘champion for women and social justice’, said she intends to step back after nearly 40 years in Parliament.

Ms Harman, 71, is known as the ‘Mother of the House’ as Britain’s longest-serving female MP, having first joined the Commons as MP for the south London seat in 1982.

Honour In an email to constituents, she said: “I feel I can leave the House of Commons now, confident that Labour is gaining strength under the leadership of Keir Starmer and the new team he has appointed.

“It has been an overwhelming honour to be Member of Parliament representing and working for the people of Camberwell and Peckham for nearly 40 years.”

Sir Keir said the Labour veteran “paved the way for future generations”.

“Harriet, your commitment to Labour and Camberwell and Peckham for almost 40 years is phenomenal,” he said.

“A champion for women and social justice – you’ve paved the way for future generations.

“It’s been a privilege to work with you, I look forward to continuing to do so for a while yet.”

Ms Harman served as acting Labour leader in 2015 and deputy Labour leader from 2007 to 2015, and has held numerous cabinet and shadow

cabinet roles.

Ed Miliband, who led the party with Ms Harman as his deputy between 2010 and 2015, described her as “a feminist, fighter, conviction politician”.

“Harriet taught me so much as my first political boss and was a brilliant deputy,” he said.

“She has achieved so much and will be sorely missed from the House of Commons.”

Meanwhile, shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said Ms Harman has been a ‘trail-blazer for women’.

“She’s incredibly effective, very loyal, fierce, formidable and very kind. She taught me so much,” she said.

And London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My friend Harriet has given the people of Camberwell and Peckham, the Labour movement and our country a lifetime of outstanding service.

“This news is a loss to many. On behalf of our city, thank you! We wish you the best, Harriet.”

Feminism Following Tony Blair’s victory in the 1997 election, Ms Harman became secretary of state for social security and the first minister for women.

She added in her email: “I entered the Commons as one of only 11 Labour women MPs in a parliament that was 97% men. Now there are 104 Labour women and across all parties women MPs are a ‘critical mass’.

“But there remains much more to be done till women genuinely share political power with men on equal terms and until women in this country are equal.

Former Foreign Secretary defends his handling of Afghan evacuation ESCAPE Afghans being evacuated earlier this year

DOMINIC Raab has launched a defence of his handling of the evacuation of Afghanistan after a whistleblower alleged he led a ‘dysfunctional’ and ‘chaotic’ operation while foreign secretary.

Raphael Marshall, who worked for the Foreign Office during the effort, claimed that just 5 per cent of Afghan nationals who applied to flee under one UK scheme received help.

Crisis Some were murdered after being left behind in Kabul after the Taliban swept to power in August, he alleged in devastating written evidence to the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.

He alleged that Mr Raab ‘did not fully understand the situation’, was slow to rule on cases and requested they were reformatted ‘in a wellpresented table’ before making a decision.

Mr Raab, who was moved to become Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister after his handling of the crisis, sought to

defend his record, having already been heavily criticised for holidaying in Crete as the Taliban were storming back to power in Afghanistan.

“It’s inaccurate in certain respects, the suggestion that junior desk officers were making decisions is just not correct,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday morning.

“There’s a difference between processing and deciding, so I’m afraid I don’t accept that characterisation.

“On the charge it took several hours to make decisions, we’re not talking about days, it’s not been suggested weeks, but several hours to make sure we had the facts, and that, as between myself, the Home Secretary and the Defence Secretary, decisions were made and actually I would suggest that’s a reasonably swift turnaround.”

‘Foreign Office officials and Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir Laurie Bristow, are due to give evidence to the select committee on Tuesday afternoon.

“I will leave the House of Commons with my feminism, my belief in Labour and my enthusiasm for politics undimmed.”

Her announcement comes after fellow Labour veterans Barry Sheerman and Dame Margaret Hodge announced their plans to stand down at the next general election.

Review ordered into six year old’s murder THE Government has announced a major review into the circumstances which led to the murder of six-yearold Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.

It aims to determine what improvements are needed by the agencies that came into contact with Arthur in the months before he was murdered by stepmother Emma Tustin at their home in Solihull.

The National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel will lead the review and will provide additional support to Solihull Children’s Safeguarding Partnership to “upgrade” the already existing local review which was launched shortly after Arthur’s death in June 2020.

The action comes after it emerged in court the boy had been seen by social workers just two months before his death, but they concluded there were “no safeguarding concerns”.

Pain Tustin, 32, was jailed for life at Coventry Crown Court on Friday, with a minimum term of 29 years, after being found guilty of his murder, while his father, Thomas Hughes, 29, was sentenced to 21 years for manslaughter.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Arthur’s murder has shocked and appalled the nation.

“I am deeply distressed by this awful case and the senseless pain inflicted on this poor boy, who has been robbed of the chance to live his life.

“I have taken immediate action and asked for a joint inspection to

MURDERED Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

consider where improvements are needed by all the agencies tasked with protecting children in Solihull, so that we can be assured that we are doing everything in our power to protect other children and prevent such evil crimes.

“Given the enormity of this case, the range of agencies involved and the potential for its implications to be felt nationally, I have also asked Annie Hudson, chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, to work with leaders in Solihull to deliver a single, national review of Arthur’s death to identify where we must learn from this terrible case.

“We are determined to protect children from harm and where concerns are raised we will not hesitate to take urgent and robust action. We will not rest until we have the answers we need.”

A targeted area inspection will be also commissioned and led jointly

by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and HM Inspectorate of Probation.

National News

NEWS

13

10 14

NEWS

Community News Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday WednesdayNovember December10 8 | 2021

The Post Office saved Times EDUCATION by villagers reopens

“I am excited to be a part of this partnership and look forward to introducing new initiatives”

By Taylor Catton

A NEW fully refurbished village Post Office has opened its doors again, three months after it was bought by the local parish council.

As reported by the Times in August, Groombridge Post Office was set to be closed.

Educational group West Refurbishment Withyham Parish Council held a public Kent Independent State consultation that found that 98.8 per cent of those in the Kent/East Sussex border village School Partnership has voted in favour to keep the shop.

A similar number of residents happy for their appointed a partnership council tax to be used to pay staff and run the store, so the parish council bought it. co-ordinator to further its work with students

Following a refurbishment, the post office and community store, now called ‘The Shop on the Corner’, reopened on October 28.

Unfortunately, the new store has had to reopen without long serving postmistress Rosie Wyatt, who has retired after 32 years of service in the village.

People within the village have spoken of their ‘delight’ being able to retain their local Post LOUISA at PRIESTLY Office.

One Groombridge resident said: “I am delighted that the Post Office has been saved, it is a vital hub of the community and seeing it looking so bright and welcoming is great.”

The Shop on the Corner and Post Office is next to the village bakers and boasts easy access and ample parking.

LAST WEEK the West Kent Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) announced that it has appointed Louisa Priestley as its first dedicated partnership co-ordinator.

The ISSP was established in 2019 and is the partnership of eight local secondary schools working to share resources and provide high aspirational learning opportunities for pupils across the area.

The new co-ordinator will help manage and run partnership events which include an annual lecture and day of masterclasses, as well as the West Kent ISSP’s involvement in the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Race.

BACK IN BUSINESS Staff at the revamped Groombridge Post Office

Delighted

Julie Lodrick, Headmistress at Kent College said; “I am delighted that the West Kent ISSP is now “The West Kent ISSP is a sufficiently established and resourced that we partnership of a number of local have been able to appoint a co-ordinator. With schools including Kent College, Louisa’s energy, enthusiasm and commitment, there is no doubt that the partnership will Oakley School, The Skinners’ continue to grow and flourish by providing a School, The Skinners’ Kent range of exciting opportunities for all the pupils in our schools to extend and develop their Academy and Tunbridge Wells learning beyond the classroom.”

Girls’ Grammar School” On her new appointment as ISSP co-ordinator Louisa Priestley commented: “I am excited to be a part of the partnership and am looking forward to designed to be academically challenging, thought-provoking and offer stimulating reinstating our annual programme of events and DAILYinNEWSPAPER/GROCERY opportunities.DELIVERIES Students were able to select from introducing new initiatives due course.” classes including Anatomy and Art, Engineering The West Kent ISSP is a partnership of The NEWSAGENT and Ethics, Politics and Media, Engineering and Judd School, Kent College, Oakley School, The OFF LICENSE Textiles and Beginners’ Italian. In 2020, a lecture Skinners’ School, The Skinners’ Kent Academy, ran on the theme ‘Adventures in Sound’ before Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, CORNER The SHOP the pandemic prevented further activity. The Malling School and Mascalls Academy.

SHOP lecture and masterclasses will return in 2022 and The partnership operates with a HERMES Heads’ Group PARCEL continue with this topic. which meets each term to oversee the projects, NATIONAL LOTTERY Running alongside this is the West Kent ISSP’s and an Operational Steering Group comprising involvement in the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox senior teaching staff who meet regularly toSTATIONARY drive Race 2022. Forming part of a new schools race the the initiatives forward.

GREETINGS CARDS event is open to all local schools to build a go-kart In 2019, on the 500th anniversary of Leonardo TOBACCONIST from an agreed set of plans held centrally by Kent da Vinci, an evening lecture ran at The Judd College. The project will be for Year 9 and above School, which was followed by a day of students. masterclasses at Mascalls Academy. Aimed For further information visit www.wkissp.com at students in Years 7 and 8, the events were

FRESH BARISTA COFFEE, MILKSHAKES, SMOOTHIES, HOT FOOD AND FRESHLY BAKED PASTRIES AVAILABLE EVERY DAY MONDAY-FRIDAY 06:30-17:00 SATURDAY 08:00-17:00 SUNDAY 09:00-17:00

5 LONDON ROAD, CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX ALSO NOW WELCOMING ALICE FOR ALL YOUR FLORAL NEEDS Weddings - Funerals - Events ORDER ONLINE peoniesfrompluto.co.uk

THE ISSP HEADS GROUP

@peoniesfrompluto

TUESDAY - FRIDAY 08:00-16:00 SATURDAY 08:00-13:00 CONTACT: 07847 699107 info@peoniesfrompluto.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Education

NEWS

15

WINTER WONDERLAND

TREAT THE FAMILY TO A TRIP BACK IN TIME

BY RAIL THIS NEW YEAR Book online and save on Compartments or Freedom tickets.

31st December 2021 - 3rd January 2022 www.kesr.org.uk 1056 KESR WINTER WONDERLAND TIMES OF TW HALF PAGE AD FAW_2.indd 1

12/11/2021 11:40

Day Boarding at Benenden Now welcoming day boarders in Years 9 and 12

New School Hall and Music School Opening 2022

Details at www.benenden.school/day

16

NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Matthew Scott Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

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

Crime and antisocial behaviour don’t stop at Christmas I WISH all readers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope that you get the opportunity to celebrate this important time with friends and family.

It has been another difficult year with the pandemic, and I thank everyone working in our health, care and other public bodies for all the work they did to help people in need, ensure people got vaccinated and treated those who suffered with coronavirus.

I also pay tribute to everyone who will continue their work over the Christmas period, with our police, NHS, firefighters and other key workers carrying on – we all owe you a debt of gratitude for keeping us safe.

I wanted to use this opportunity to raise awareness of a few issues which a particularly pertinent this time of year so that you can keep your loved ones safe from crime and antisocial behaviour over the festive period. Here’s a few pieces of advice and support that you may find useful.

specialist domestic abuse line via 0808 168-9111 if you need support or advice.

2. Kent Police will continue to run their seasonal campaign against drink driving,

because too many people still get behind the wheel after they have had too much to drink.

If you are going out to celebrate, do not put yourself and other people at risk by driving.

3. In the winter months, Kent Police will also raise awareness to prevent burglaries. We have seen great progress in reducing this awful crime.

But you can still make your property safer. Make sure you lock your windows and doors, keep valuable items out of sight and locked away, hide any keys away out of view, and consider using timer switches for lights to make your house look occupied.

4. E-scooters have risen in popularity, but many don’t know that they’re actually illegal on public roads and pavements if they are privately owned. You could get six points on your licence and a fine, and the device will be seized if you’re caught by the police. You may come under pressure to buy one, but please don’t, buy them something else!

1. Over Christmas, we know that domestic violence can increase. If you or someone you know is affected by this, please ensure that Kent Police is told. Please ring 999 if there is immediate danger. Victims can contact our

DOMESTIC ABUSE Violence in the home can increase at Christmas

Paul Stepto Green Party

5. Once Christmas is over, be careful with your waste and recycling. Don’t advertise what you’ve got for Christmas by leaving the box outside on collection day – someone might take a fancy to your gifts. Break down the boxes, destroy any labels with your address on them or take the empty boxes to a recycling centre.

Once again, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Paul Stepto is one of Tonbridge’s two Green Party councillors on Kent County Council [KCC]. Cllr Stepto is also leader of the Greens and Independent group at KCC.

What does being a Green mean we stand for?

OUR BOILER broke down last month. The engineer who came to fix it looked thoughtful and said, ‘Hmmm… rather old, isn’t it?’. He was right, so we decided to replace it.

‘But you’re a Green,’ I can hear some of you shout, ‘why did you get a new gas boiler?’ The answer is that we did consider a heat pump but that would have been eye-wateringly expensive and entail major works to the house. I consider myself a pragmatist and, anyway, the new boiler will be a lot more energy-efficient than its predecessor.

POWER The Green party is in favour of solar and other renewables in place of coal or nuclear energy

Decarbonise If this makes you wonder about the Green Party’s policies on energy, here’s a short selection.

Our primary aims are to decarbonise and obtain electricity and heat from renewable sources from within the UK. This would provide security of supply and make us less vulnerable to the whims of fossil fuel-rich despots.

We recognise that the first thing to be done is cut the amount of heat that’s lost from buildings.

Installing a heat pump in a building that is cooling through its walls, roof and windows would be like making a cup of tea in a colander!

The UK’s buildings are the least energy-efficient

in Europe so there is great scope for creating the businesses, jobs and technologies that are needed to upgrade existing properties. New buildings would be constructed to energyefficient, very low carbon standards.

The next step is to transform the heating of buildings to solar thermal, heat pumps, biofuels, stored heat, hydrogen, and electricity. Kent

County Council, whose aim is to make its estate zero emission by 2030 is already successfully implementing a number of these solutions. The use of natural gas for heating would be phased out.

We also want central and local government to collaborate with communities and businesses in developing energy plans and setting energy and

emission targets for buildings, industry, and transport.

Clean electricity generation would be substantially increased, based primarily on renewable, very low carbon sources, mainly from offshore wind supported by onshore wind, marine, solar photo-voltaic, biofuels and hydro power. Continuity of supply would be ensured by using the UK’s renewable energy sources, a variety of storage technologies, links to other countries’ grids and minimal use of natural gas to balance demand and supply.

We would establish infrastructure to ensure decarbonisation of the natural gas power supply, industrial decarbonisation, and capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

We would phase out nuclear power, coal and the incineration of waste. Biofuels would be sustainably sourced within the UK. We do not support the idea of mini nuclear power stations as a sustainable electricity source as this ignores both the enormous cost of building nuclear plants (Sizewell C’s projected price tag currently stands at £18 billion) and the expense and risks of storing waste that remains toxic for over 1,000 years.

I hope that this scamper through some of our ideas on energy has been thought-provoking and you will visit the Green Party website to find out more.

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Letters

NEWS

17

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Scotland is victim of zealotry I am opposed to the separation of Scotland from England not from mere sentiment, but concern for the welfare of ordinary Scots who are in danger of being herded and driven by political zealotry.

My main worry is how they will survive economically - I see the baby being jettisoned with the bath water.

However, having said that, one cannot but have some affinity with The First Minister’s recent words: ‘I defy anyone to look at the broken, corrupt, self-serving Westminster system........... and conclude that it provides a secure basis for the future of Scotland’.

The view is that the electorate didn’t so much vote for Johnson as not vote for Corbyn. In similar fashion Scotland could go the same way.

The Conservatives do need to get a grip: get rid of the current leader, whose sell-by date is long past, and get in a grown-up team of serious politicians.

Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells

We are clamping down on complaints of noise Recent summer evenings have had residents in Sherwood, Pembury and High Brooms suffer noise pollution from musical events that have punctured their peace.

On hot, summer evenings, people have had to shut their windows and tolerate low, drubbing bass notes into the early hours.

Local councillors have had complaints and the Environmental Health officers have had to log the complaints and monitor the noise levels. A Hearing was held by a Licensing sub-committee on 1st December to remedy this intolerable situation.

Councillor Lance Goodship of Sherwood presented a petition of 3008+ residents from the immediate areas and the committee considered his statement, and that of a Pembury resident and two Environmental Health officers.

All rock n’ roll on The Pantiles A pleasant retro trip down memory lane back to the Seventies is available to all currently at the former Corn Exchange on The Pantiles.

Classic shots of Warhol. Bowie, Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls, Lou Reed, Nico, and of course Debbie Harry can be seen at a Design Centre exhibition, alongside Tunbridge Wells’ Sex Pistol Sid Vicious and lead singer Johnny Rotten, as well as their erstwhile managers Viv and Talcy Malcy.

Sadly though no shots of Wayne aka Jayne County, who recorded the classic Toilet Love before punk rock went down the proverbial pan after a brief flush of chart success.

In the far corner but roped-off one can still see where the loos for a Day in the Wells were conveniently located. Perhaps they could be posthumously resurrected for public use?

Dr Alan Bullion Southborough Town Councillor

The leaseholders responded with a noise mitigation plan which promises a zero environmental impact for future events in 2022 with modern sound control techniques which can monitored and the speakers adjusted to stop any loud emissions.

Our Tunbridge Wells Borough Council officers will see the data and respond accordingly. This plan was very time consuming, but a good result was achieved for residents.

It was made clear that a revocation of their Licence is an option if they fail to deliver.

It is a good example of local councillors working with residents and the Town Hall officers to help satisfy local complaints.

Councillor Bob Backhouse Chairman of Licensing Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Election no celebration for Labour Alain Lewis’ (Labour Party) piece (Times, December 1) reminds me of the Russian saying which, by coincidence, appeared in the Times on the same day: “If you don’t have a home, it can’t burn down. If you don’t have a wife, she can’t betray you. If you don’t have a dog, your neighbour can’t poison it”.

And: “If you don’t field a candidate, you can’t lose.” No, I made that bit up. They did, but it was a paper one.

They didn’t win Speldhurst, but neither did the Conservatives, so much celebration in the Labour camp.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

PEPPY SAYS

This week Peppy comments on the consequences of the Speldhurst & Bidborough by-election

Yes, let’s celebrate Washington What an excellent suggestion from Mike Pearson (Times, December 1) to celebrate George Washington’s birthday. which occurs on February 22nd.

The first president of the United States of America, he would have been 290 years old in 2022.

As he was renowned, especially among politicians, for his truthfulness it would be a fine tribute to one of America’s founding fathers if his birthday were to become ‘World Truth Day’ in his honour.

A day when the truth must be told regardless of the consequences.

Whilst politicians at all levels may struggle to accept this concept I am sure that it would receive unanimous support from divorce lawyers.

Victor Bethell Tunbridge Wells

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

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

FESTIVAL: Colebrook Lakes hosts numerous musical events

United only in opposition It was interesting to read last week (Times, December 1) about the Speldhurst & Bidborough by-election and the lack of commitment by the major parties to contest the seat.

It is clear, then, there are now just two political parties in Tunbridge Wells – the Conservatives and an opposition. What other message is the electorate meant to read from such a move as not contesting a council seat?

It is quite obvious to anybody that has followed Tunbridge Wells town hall politics over the last few years that there is a concerted effort by the opposition parties to get the Conservatives out – a strategy that has every chance of working, but what then?

Do the Lib Dems, Labour and Alliance have anything in common other than their hatred of the Tories?

I strongly suspect they do not, and as night follows day, we can be sure as soon as the Conservatives are ousted by this coalition the in-fighting will start.

Working together is all well and good, but if you plan on getting rid of the party that has been running the Council for 20 years, shouldn’t you really have a plan on what will happen when the subject of your ire has gone?

But we all know what will happen. It’ll be bickering, power grabs and chaos. We’ll all be looking back to the Conservatives that were ousted and realise they were probably not so bad, after all.

Maybe, if this spirit of co-operation was extended to include all the parties and councillors at the Town Hall, not just the cool kids in opposition, we may actually start to make progress.

Jane Harrington Tunbridge Wells

KMJProperty (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd 01892 515188

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

www.kmjproperty.co.uk

IT’S BEEN AN EXCITING YEARAND IT’S NOT OVER YET!

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

OIRO £700,000

Located on the border of Langton Green is this detached three double bedroom property in need of some TLC, with driveway and garage.

Built approximately 10 years ago the accommodation comprises entrance hall, living room, dining room, downstairs cloakroom, study & kitchen, 2 double bedrooms plus a large master bedroom (which was originally planned as 2 bedrooms giving a 4 bedroom house).

Family bathroom and en-suite to master bedroom. Potential to extend subject to all usual consents. Rear Garden. No Chain.

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

OIRO £675,000

Located within a stones throw of some of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular schools, is this substantial family home. The accommodation comprises a cosy living space boasting a classic fireplace for those cosy family evenings, dining room benefitting from ample built in storage and kitchen giving access to the garden. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, one of which has a built in shower, the master bedroom benefits from an ensuite, family bathroom. 2 further double bedrooms are on the second floor. The garden benefits from lawn and a courtyard area creating the perfect space for entertaining or family time in the sun.

RUSTHALL

www.company.com

£490,000

Located in the Denny Bottom area of Rusthall and benefitting from a driveway, this 3 bedroom property, is split across 3 levels, with two separate entrances.

Accommodation comprises a fitted kitchen, and a reception room that could be used as a dining room. On the first floor of the property is a single bedroom/ study, a living room which also has the front entrance to the property and bathroom. On the second floor you’ll find two double bedrooms.

Useful loft room, outside wfh space and rear garden.

KMJ PROPERTY HAS EXPANDED! Both the K & the M of KMJ Property are now working full-time in the business and we have opened a second office, in Crowborough.

We also gained recognition from, and membership to, the FIA (Federation of Independent Agents).

So, if you are looking to take the guesswork out of who to instruct, then why not use an FIA agent which is also a family business!

www.kmjproperty.co.uk

01892 515188

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Life&Times

HOMES • INTERIORS FOOD • DRINK • HEALTH WELLBEING • ARTS CULTURE • TRAVEL • BOOKS MOTORS and MORE...

Best bar none...

Why The Lyle is shaking up the local dining scene P37

20

Homes & interiors

13 luxe gifts: Blow the budget on these beautiful buys for the home

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Homes & interiors

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

11

21

7 3

5

1

Style up the season with posh pressies full of promise, says Sam Wylie-Harris From practical to playful, decorative to dinky, here’s how to light up their world of interiors (or yours) with these handsome homewares…

1. GPO 746 Rotary Retro Phone – 1970s-style Landline Telephone with Curly Cord and Authentic Bell Ring – Carnation Pink, £47.99, Amazon Cute as candy, who wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of this corded classic?

2. Dachshund Planter, £50, Cox & Cox Puppy love… this sausage dog leads the way for planting succulents or herbs, side by side.

3. Absolut Elyx Copper Coupes (280ml), £60, Absolut Elyx Boutique Chic copper coupes will make those celebratory champagne cocktails taste that much more special, in addition to being embellished with a winter wheat motif in tune with vodka martinis.

6 10

4. Bronx 12-Piece Dinner Set, £52, Next One of the best tablescaping tricks of the trade, black stoneware tops the style stakes and makes anything you plate up look delicious. Includes four dinner plates, four side plates and four bowls.

5. STAR By Julien Macdonald Agate Set of Two Bookends, £55, Freemans A surprise pressie bound to please… something you wouldn’t necessarily splash out on yourself, but adds a certain je ne sais quoi and new dimension to the scheme of things.

6. Habitat Kayleigh Drinks Trolley – Brass, £125 (other items from a selection, Habitat) Celebrating the art of the cocktail and home entertaining, a glitzy bar trolley can be staged with all your favourite spirits, wheeled out to add some razzmatazz to anything you proffer – and this one’s especially easy on the eye.

7. Benny Bear Side Table, £179, Graham & Green The simple bare necessities… we’re wild about this beautiful beast which can double up as a side table, coffee table or prized work of art.

13

4

12

8. ProCook Cast Iron Casserole, 24cm/4.7L Round Graduated Red, £64, ProCook The hardest working kit in the kitchen and a must for casseroles, Bolognese sauces, soups and comfort food, this cast iron dish is suitable for all hob types and oven safe. A great housewarming gift to stand the test of time with a 25-year guarantee.

9. Heather Office Chair, Ivory White Boucle & Brass, £159, Cult Furniture Cushy job… this elegant Scandi-style office chair upholstered in a chic ivory boucle comes with a choice of brass or chrome legs. There’s also the added bonus of hugging the contours of the body and wheels for easy movement.

10. Royal Brierley Harris Ink Blue Spirit Decanter, £130, Large Tumbler, £50, Dartington Colourful crystal is trending and this inky blue spirit decanter boasts sweeping cuts which sparkle like a starry sky. Guaranteed to add more than a merry measure to happy hour celebrations and tempting tipples.

11. Rigaud Cyprès Candle, £70 (Large), Rigaud Paris Cited as the world’s first scented candle and hand-made in France, this green Rigaud candle’s inspired by the ‘richness of the Mediterranean forest,’ and offers crisp notes of pine needles, topped with lavender and warm woody scent of cedar wood. Oh là là.

12. All over Pleated Velvet Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £50 to £80, Next Five-star style without the price tag but all-important look of luxe. This lavish bed set features decorative pleating galore and you can always up the ante by splashing out on a glamorous faux fur throw for the finishing touch.

13. Arianna Deluxe Black Dressing Table with Hollywood Mirror Lights, £255, Carme Home Think Tinseltown glamour with LED lights and 10 large bulbs framing the adjustable mirror, this dreamy dressing table is a thing of beauty with well-organised drawers and open compartments for all their bits and bobs. Plus, its accessorised with a matching stool with plush, padded seat.

Just darling.

8

9

2

Former School - Ideal Offices, Clinic, Medical Centre etc.

Grade II Listed Building In Delightful Rural Setting Would convert to large family home subject to planning BRICKLEHURST MANOR, WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX

Set in 2.43 acres with tennis court, swimming pool & landscaped gardens.

Ground floor, 12 rooms - 3,127 sq ft ★ 1st floor, 11 rooms - 2,507 sq ft.

Additional ancillary buildings 1,427 sq ft ★ Parking for 20 cars plus.

Freehold For Sale - £2.5 million - Offers considered Viewing recommended but strictly by appointment

WANTED Shops - Warehouses - Industrial Units - Offices - Investments

IMPORTANT NEWS Very Busy & Vibrant Commercial Property Market Lots Of Enquiries More Properties Needed Call Today

Tel: 01825 764488 Website: www.lawsoncommercial.co.uk Email: info@lawsoncommercial.co.uk

Property News

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

23

Property Focus

Town’s house prices continue to rise past half million mark

By Richard Williams THE average cost of a property in Tunbridge Wells has continued to increase past the £500,000 mark according to the two largest online vendors.

As reported in the Times during the stamp duty holiday, the average house price in Tunbridge Wells had exceeded the half million mark on both Zoopla and Rightmove, earlier this year.

Now figures from the two online estate agents for December show that the cost of moving to Tunbridge Wells is continuing to grow.

According to Zoopla, the average price for property in Tunbridge Wells stood at £522,002 in December 2021.

While Rightmove say the average property price for their sales in the town have now hit £536,322 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Tunbridge Wells were semi-detached properties, according to Rightmove, selling for an average price of £486,442.

Detached properties sold for an average of £839,395, with terraced properties fetching £422,746.

Overall, sold prices in Tunbridge Wells over the last year were six per cent up on the previous year and 13 per cent up on the 2018 peak of £474,738.

RISING PRICES The cost of an average home in Tunbridge Wells such as the Knight’s Park estate [pictured] continues to increase

KERB APPEAL Knight’s Wood

Corner plots fetch Hottest homes by the sea higher asking prices BOURNEMOUTH on England’s south coast has been named the most in-demand seaside hotspot for buyers in 2021, according to a property website.

Rightmove, which carried out the analysis, defined the most in-demand coastal areas as those which received the highest numbers of buyer enquiries made via its website in 2021.

It also identified Padstow in Cornwall as this year’s top coastal asking price hotspot, with the average asking price surging by a fifth (20 per cent) compared with last year.

Findings

By Robert Forrester HOMES built on a corner of a street can command up to 44 per cent higher price than other houses, according to latest research.

London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves found homes that are built on corner plots are not surrounded on all sides by other properties, they tend to be slightly larger than the rest of the street, and they also enjoy superior natural light and ventilation. As such, they come at a premium price.

In the capital, the estate agent says this can see corner homes command an asking price up to 44 per cent higher than other homes in the area.

The data shows that the average price paid for a corner plot home across London is £835,621, while comparable nearby properties command £739,458 – a modest premium of 13 per cent. When analysing each London borough, however, this

premium can become significantly larger.

In Islington, corner plot homes command an average price of almost £1.7million, while comparable surrounding homes go for £1.1million. This marks a corner plot premium of more than 44 per cent - the highest in London.

Desirable Corner plot homes in Westminster are almost 40 per cent more expensive at an average price of nearly £1.8 million.

Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, said: “A corner plot is not only more desirable due to the fact they are often more spacious and offer slightly more outdoor space, but they also provide the added privacy that comes with having just a single neighbour.

“In a built-up area such as London, this can be particularly appealing but while demand is higher, they are also harder to come by due to the limited level of stock.”

The significant price tag jump as demand for coastal properties booms could make getting on the housing ladder more of a struggle for some people.

Morecambe in Lancashire had the biggest jump in coastal buyer searches compared with last year (up by 32 per cent), followed by Blackpool (21 per cent ) and Great Yarmouth (15 per cent ).

Saltcoats in Ayrshire, Scotland meanwhile was named as the coastal location where homes are typically snapped up the most quickly – with properties finding a buyer in 19 days on average, 25 days quicker than the national average of 44 days.

Rightmove compared activity on its website between January 1 and November 24 2021 with the same time period in 2020 to make the findings.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data said: “After a year where coastal locations really captured the imagination of British buyers, it’s interesting to reflect on how the overall picture looks at the end of the year.

“In terms of average asking price growth,

homeowners in Cornwall and Devon are the real winners this year, with properties in some areas outpacing the national average, though this does mean that it is increasingly difficult for some locals to get onto the ladder.

“The speed of this year’s market really is astounding, seen in the time to find a buyer in some areas, particularly in Scotland.

“Overall, this has been the year that either through changed lifestyle priorities, or the ability to work remotely, living in coastal areas has become possible for more buyers, which is reflected in the data we’re seeing in this study.”

Here are the most in-demand coastal locations in 2021, according to Rightmove’s analysis of enquiries via its website, with the average asking price followed by the percentage increase in the asking price compared with 2020: 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, £317,449, 4% 2. Southampton, Hampshire, £249,053, 4% 3. Brighton, East Sussex, £461,796, 5% 4. Blackpool, Lancashire, £137,301, 8% 5. Poole, Dorset, £406,566, 5% 6. Southport, Merseyside, £215,838, 5% 7. Eastbourne, East Sussex, £306,546, 6% 8. Worthing, West Sussex, £354,361, 6% 9. Hastings, East Sussex, £295,096, 10% 10. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, £252,339, 5%

Arts & Antiques

antiques

24

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Stocking fillers do not have to be kitsch TV antiques expert Eric Knowles walks on the wild side with some alternative gift ideas...

H

ELLO everyone. I’ve always maintained that Christmas gifting should be a source of joy and wonderment.

Unwrapping a (badly) hand-knitted jumper, a pair of socks or a fluffy dressing gown – whilst outwardly appreciated – won’t necessarily make the pulse race or eyes widen. A limited-edition photograph of Debbie Harry, on the other hand, would certainly be an unexpected festive surprise which may provoke more of a reaction.

Pride

Here at The Pantiles Arcade, an exhibition of rare 1970s rock ephemera is stuffed with iconic and nostalgic images: John Lennon standing in front of the Statue of Liberty making the peace sign (he was applying for US citizenship at the time); A youthful Iggy Pop flips the bird to his audience, and the Sex Pistols sneer for attention alongside The Clash, Grace Jones, Elton John and Tina Turner. All images are signed by the ART DECO photographers and will take pride of place Collectibles are an inspired and in your loved one’s man cave - or she shed. appreciated gift If these images do not grab your now on display, alongside necklaces by in any contemporary setting. These pieces attention, then we have Space Age Oscar de la Renta (as seen in the BBC series are near the top of my Christmas wish list, mid-century table lamps, effortlessly cool especially an opalescent, geometric Lalique McMafia), Trifari and Bergdorf Goodman Mad Men style chrome and black leather (as worn by Madonna and the stars of Sex vase - you can never have too many armchairs, and a foot-long 1950’s Ferrari And The City). opalescent, geometric Lalique vases. toy racing car by Toschi, investment-grade More exciting stocking-filler ideas include My dear wife would no doubt counter that glassware and historically resonant work by Malcolm Appleby MBE, one of you can never have enough designer Tunbridge Ware.

Britain’s leading silversmiths. While jewellery, another area of speciality here at Art Deco clocks, lighting and decorative No.49. A pristine collection of vintage pieces that would be entirelyCOUNCIL, appropriate in accordance TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH with the provisions of s.53 & 70Malcolm’s of the controversial condiment set resides on the dining table at 10 Downing Christian Dior - until recently in thethat the fees The Great(Miscellaneous Gatsby’s mansionProvisions) exemplify Act, 1976 Local Government HEREBY GIVE NOTICE TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH in accordance the provisions of s.53 & 70Street of the(and shows Eve handing Adam a possession of a British TVhire personality – is era designfor collectables work chargeableanother under theofabove theCOUNCIL, grantthat of hackney carriagewith and private vehicle, driver licences

EYE FOR AN ANTIQUE Eric Knowles nuclear bomb - maverick Appleby never shies away from making a political statement), his exquisite love tokens, bangles and cufflinks can equally well become treasured keepsakes for your friends and family. Decorated with happy hearts, flowers, dragons and “beasties” (bees, stags and flying angel cats to you and me), these masterful, miniature works of art start at just £55.

Whether it is Mick Jagger, René Lalique, Patti Smith or Emile Gallé who float your festive gifting boat, our emporium of awe-inspiring loveliness in the historic Pantiles is open every day except Mondays. I might even be persuaded to wear my Santa hat, to add to the sense of occasion!

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, inProvisions) accordance with the provisions s.53 & 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Act, 1976ofHEREBY GIVE NOTICE thatlicences, the fees are andLocal private hire operator licences, together with additional costs to such Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) 1976 HEREBY NOTICE of that the&fees TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL,Act, in accordance withGIVE the provisions s.53 70appertaining of the PUBLIC NOTICE chargeable under the above for the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences chargeable above for the grant of hackney carriage and private vehicle, licences Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE hire NOTICE thatdriver the fees proposed tounder be the varied from 1 April 2022 as below:private hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to vehicle, suchcosts are chargeable under the above for the grant of carriage and private hire driver appertaining andand private hire operator licences, together with additional such licences, are Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that the fees chargeable under the above for TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, inhackney accordance with the provisions oflicences, s.53 &licences 70 of the Local to Government (Miscellaneous proposed to be varied fromlicences, 1 April 2022 as below:and private hire operator together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are theproposed grant of hackney carriage private hire vehicle, licences and privatefee hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are proposed to be varied from 1 April 2022 as below:to bevaried varied 1 April 2022 as below:Computerised Knowledge test (to bedriver paid Proposed proposed to be fromand 1from April 2022 as below:Computerised Knowledge test (to be paid Proposed fee on on booking test which must bepaid passed booking test which must betest passed Computerised Knowledge (to be Proposed fee On initial application 1 year licence £218.50 Computerised Knowledge test (to Proposed fee before an application can be submitted. £52be paid on booking test which must be passed before an application can be submitted. £52 before an application can be submitted. £52 On renewal 1 year licence £203 on booking test which must be passed EQUO an online test for all newcan driversbe andsubmitted.

Proposed fee before application Private Hire Vehicle Licence £52 subsequent renewals until £69 EQUO online test for all passed. new drivers and Proposed fee EQUO online testuntil for all new drivers Proposed fee On initial application for 1 year £265 subsequent renewals passed. £69and subsequent renewalsProposed until passed. £69 On renewal for 1 year £245 Driver Licence fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 EQUO online test for Proposed all newfeedrivers and ProposedProposed fee (3Driver years) Licence 2022/23 fee 2022/23 Initial application £227 (3 years) subsequent renewals£227 until passed. £69 Other Costs Initial application £227 £227 Driver Licence Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 DBS fee (every 3 years) if £40 Proposed Costs 2022/23 not subscribed to the DBS fee (every 3 years) if £40 (3 years) DBS Update Service not subscribed to the Driver Licence Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Statutory fee no increase Initial application £227 £227 If DBS subscribed DBS UpdatetoService application (3 years) Update Service, NIL If subscribed tono DBS additional charge no Update Service, NIL DBS admin fee £51 Initial application £227 £227 DBS fee £40 additional charge 3 years) Total Fee(every due £267if £227 Replace Vehicle Plate £26 Fee due to the £267 £227 booking notOnTotal subscribed Onfee booking DBS (every 3 years) if £40 Replace Vehicle Plate Holder £20 DBS Update Driver Licence ServiceProposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 (3Driver years)Licence to the Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 not subscribed Replace Vehicle Internal Plate Holder £2 If subscribed to DBS (3 years) DBS Update Service Renewal application £234 Update Service, no £234 NIL Replace Driver Badge £10.50 Renewal application £234 If subscribed to DBS £234 additional charge Replace PHV Door Sticker £9 DBS fee (every 3 years) £40 Update Service, no £40 NIL if DBS notFee subscribed the fee (every Total dueto3 years) £267 £227 Change of Ownership £80 DBS Service if notUpdate subscribed to the additional charge On Ifbooking subscribed the DBS DBS UpdatetoService Copy of existing paper licence £13.50 Total Fee due £267 £227 Update Service, NIL If subscribed tono the DBS additional charge no Update Service, NIL Change of address details for a £13.50 On booking Driver Licence Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 additional charge Total Fee due £274 £234 replacement licence Total Fee due £274 £234 (3 years) Add or remove a name from a vehicle or £13.50 (New) Driver Licence Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23 Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence operator licence (3 years) Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence £234 Renewal application £234 Proposed Fees 2022/23 Change of name and address for a driver £13.50 On initial application for 1 year

Proposed Fees 2022/23 £300.50

badge (badge not included)

Renewal application £234 £234 On initial 1 year £300.50 DBS fee application (every 3foryears) £40 (which Vehicle exemption certificate £51 includes £30 towards the Unmet Demand Survey) if On notrenewal subscribed to the (which includes £30 towards the Unmet Demand Survey) General Admin Fee £51 for 1 year £280 DBS fee (every 3 years) £40 DBS Update On renewal for 1Service year £280 (which includes £30 towards the Unmet Demand Survey) Cheques referred to drawer £10.50 if not subscribed to the If subscribed to the DBS (which includes £30 towards the Unmet Demand Survey) Private Hire Operator Licence Replacement vehicle due to damage for up £77 DBS Update Service Update no NIL Private Service, Hire Operator Licence to 2 months On initial application 5-year licence £593 If subscribed to the DBS additional charge 5-year licence On initial application £593 Fee should be made up of various elements On renewal 5-year licence £582.50 Update Service, no NIL Total Fee £274 £582.50 £234 depending on type of vehicle e.g. If On renewaldue 5-year licence On initial application £390 additional charge3-year licence insurance company already have a bracket On initial application 3-year licence £390 etc…

On renewal Total Fee 3-year due licence £274 £395 £234 On renewal 3-year licence £395 AHackney copy of this Carriage Notice shall,Vehicle for a periodLicence of twenty-eight days from the date of first publication 8th December 2021 be available on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website https://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/licensing/ copy this Notice for afees period of twenty-eight days from the date of first publication 8 licensing-public-notices and Licensing Department, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS. Any objectionsAto theofproposal to shall, vary the must be made by midnight 5th January 2022 via email licensing@ Proposed Fees 2022/23 December 2021 be available on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence tunbridgewells.gov.uk or Licensing Department, Town Hall,https://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/licensing/licensing-public-notices Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS and Licensing Department, Town th

On initial application for 1 year

£300.50 Proposed Fees 2022/23

On initial application for 1 year

(which £300.50includes £30 towards the Unmet

Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS. Any objections to the proposal to vary the fees must be made by midnight 5th January 2022 via email licensing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or Licensing Department, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS Demand Survey)

Arts & Antiques

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

25

American style at home and the office Alexander Pushkin, of Pushkin Antiques in the High Street, talks about legendary US designer Herman Miller... added to the brand’s title. In 1923, Michigan Star Furniture Co was changed to Herman Miller Furniture Company, and then, in 1960 the name was shortened to Herman Miller, Inc. Initially it was bedroom suites in historic revival styles that brought fame to the young prosperous manufacturer. At first it only produced traditional wood furniture, and it was so until 1930, when the company’s new employee, designer Gilbert Rohde, came up with a brilliant series of modernist pieces that became an instant success. Throughout the company’s long and rich history lots of prominent designers joined the firm and experimented with the furnishing’s styles and shapes.

Herman Miller is known not only for its exceptional home and office furnishing, which are classic design pieces, but also for the policy run by the company. The firm is known to have engaged several campaigns, promoting sustainability, as well as lots of initiatives, that helped the company follow the principles of environmentally sustainable design and production.

Alexander Pushkin

Ottoman

H

ERMAN Miller Inc is a worldfamous manufacturer, producing home furnishing and office equipment. The company was founded in the USA in 1905 and has produced high-class design pieces of furniture since then. Both stylish and functional, exceptional pieces by the manufacturer soon became synonymous with comfort, convenience and bold design.

Revival Founded in 1905, the company was first called the Star Furniture Co and specialised in producing home furniture. In 1919, the company’s name was changed to the Michigan Star Furniture Co and later, as Herman Miller, the company’s president’s father-in-law, bought 51% of the company’s shares, his name was

Each time pieces by Herman Miller were presented at notable global expositions, they were in the spotlight. In 1933 at the Century of Progress exposition in Chicago, the manufacturer debuted a collection of new design furniture pieces. As time went by, the company hired various talented designers, architects and inventors, including Robert Propst, Isamu Noguchi and Alexander Girard.

Some furniture pieces, created under these prominent artisans’ guidance, became the company’s most notable and recognisable.

One of the most famous pieces is the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Along with the Noguchi table, Marshmallow sofa and Ball clock, the Eames lounge chair is one of the most distinguishable design icons produced by Herman Miller. It is Herman Miller, who stands behind the invention of the so well-known office cubicle.

DESIGN Some of Miller’s work can be found at Pushkin

Nowadays stunning pieces by the worldfamous American manufacturer are kept in permanent collections of the most important museums all over the globe and could be found in the finest homes and offices.

Noble and elaborate items by Herman Miller are still in high demand and sought after. You can see a great example of the Eames lounge chair in tanned leather at our 64 High Street

Arts & Antiques

26

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Travel through time

PUTTING A FESTIVE SPARKLE ON THE HIGH STREET

Josh Collins from G. Collins & Sons talks about the history of Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe

P

ATEK Philippe has been pursuing traditional Genevan watchmaking artistry without interruption since 1839. Its founders, Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe set out to make watches of unequalled quality and these timepieces represent the absolute pinnacle of watchmaking; a quest still pursued by the Stern family today.

A complication in watchmaking terminology is anything a mechanical watch might do beyond telling the time. Patek Philippe upholds a tradition in creating complications that are useful in everyday situations, such as Annual Calendars, dual time zones and World Time displays. The World Time or ‘heure universelle’ mechanism was created in the 1930s by the celebrated watchmaker, Louis Cottier.

Patek Philippe’s World Time references are highly desirable for two reasons – elegance and practicality. World Time watches show the time simultaneously in all 24 time zones. Thanks to a moveable outer display with 24 reference cities on it and a 24-hour disc, the watch displays the local time in each territory with the press of a pusher located at the 10 o’clock position on the watch case.

Stunning

TIMEPIECE A Patek Philippe watch

As the first manufacturer to mount a World Time complication on a wristwatch, Patek Philippe’s first official World Time model was reference 1415. With its stunning teardropshaped lugs and rotating bezel with 28 cities engraved on it, it was fitted with several dial versions including the plain silvered and cloisonné enamel. With its beauty and easily readable mechanism, the World Time watch perfectly demonstrates the company’s passion for exceptional timepieces.

Alongside the World Time function, chronograph complications have always played a leading role amid the vast repertoire of Patek Philippe timepieces. Therefore, the objet d’art

in a mouth-watering Sunday lunch at STEAK, for all the family to enjoy.

Children have an exciting colouring competition to keep them entertained, and a prize for the winning family!

G. Collins & Sons has put a little sparkle into the High Street as the annual festive decorations have gone up as the countdown to Christmas begins in the Tunbridge Wells shopping district revealed is the World Time Chronograph: the first watch in Patek Philippe’s regular collection to unite these two complications.

This year, Patek Philippe released Ref. 5930P-001, which combines these two functions of the self-winding flyback chronograph and World Time – an iconic complication in the history and collections of the brand. Inspired by a one-ofa-kind model from 1940, Ref. 5930 was launched in 2016 in a white gold version with a blue dial; reinterpreted this year with a sporty and cosmopolitan spirit, combining the brilliance of a platinum case with a green dial and strap, with wing-type lugs typical of the 1940s-1950s World Time watches, this timepiece shows the mastery of Patek Philippe’s fine craftsmanship skills alongside their tradition for reinterpretation and innovation.

The Ref. 5930P-001 timepiece is powered by the

Calibre CH 28-520 HU, the second in-house Chronograph movement. This automatic timepiece uses a total of 343 components, and as it runs at a frequency of 28,800vph, it provides a minimum of 50 hours of power reserve. The movement, topped with a 21ct gold winding rotor, can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.

Here at G. Collins & Sons, we pride ourselves on our long association with Patek Philippe.

This partnership between both family-owned companies arose from our shared values and our mutual passion for the finest craftsmanship and innovation that goes hand-in-hand with great respect for tradition and dedication to outstanding customer service. Patek Philippe and G. Collins & Sons have worked in harmony to form a very strong relationship, providing our clients with the very best timepieces.

Arts & Antiques

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

27

“We hope the public will find this a stimulating art show” The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society’s Winter Exhibition is now underway. Running until December 12, it showcases a variety of interesting and inspirational works by its members.

Here its Vice Chair, Suzy Phillips, (pictured below in blue) tells Eileen Leahy why she enjoys being part of this creative collective which was established in 1933 and is as popular as ever What do you think visitors will enjoy most about going along to it?

The exhibition will have a wintery feel in terms of subject matter and colours used. Visitors will receive a warm welcome and be stimulated by the range of styles and techniques on show. Our paintings are for sale and buying directly from the artist is much cheaper than from a commercial gallery. We hope this may solve some Christmas card and present dilemmas too!

So Suzy can you tell us a little bit about the history of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society (RTWAS)?

Since 1933 the RTWAS has been providing inspiration for artists and would-be artists in its home at Sussex Place on the Lower Pantiles. It consists of two gallery/workshop spaces and it’s well equipped with technology new and old for artists to draw, paint and learn together.

When and why did you become involved?

I joined the Art Society seven years ago, encouraged by my art friend Jane Gray who later became its Chair. Like me Jane is an abstract artist and was helping the Society to move towards more contemporary work. Our current Chair, Ros Plumley, has carried on with this progression. As an artist you can feel isolated so it’s lovely to meet and work with a range of people and learn together from all the different activities the Society offers.

And what is your official position at RTWAS now?

Ros persuaded me earlier this year to become the Vice Chair to help her develop a strategy for the Society and introduce some changes. We share a vision for an inclusive Society open for all abilities and mediums.

What do you enjoy most about it?

It is a very active society. We have events on most weekdays varying from portrait and life groups to painting techniques tutorials. We also

Why do you think it’s so important for the RTWAS to host these types of exhibitions?

Getting involved in exhibiting your work adds an extra challenge as an artist. It gives you something to aim for. The whole framing process is an art in itself, and providing a professional image is important to us. And it’s not just the public but also our family and friends who can view how we have been spending our time in our studios and our other workspaces! have professional demonstrations and presenters. There are regular seasonal members’ exhibitions as well as fortnightly Private Exhibitions showcasing a couple of members’ works. A few years ago, I introduced Weekend Pop Ups which provide both an opportunity for members to have their own two-day show and acts as a great marketing event for the Society.

These have more recently included photography exhibitions. People frequently come in saying they are surprised by the range of activities we offer and subsequently become members!

So what can we expect from this year’s Winter exhibition?

We have had a great response from members new and old and over eighty paintings have been submitted alongside unframed work and greetings cards. The curation was quite a challenge with the different styles and mediums but hopefully the public will find this a stimulating show. The exhibition will provide a ‘Winter Wonderland’ of images in paint and mixed media and reveal the diverse range of artwork produced by our members.

The RTWAS Winter exhibition is on until Sunday December 12 from 10.30-4.30 every day in both Gallery spaces.

The RTWAS is a friendly members-led organisation run by and for members. They have a great voluntary committee who work hard to provide a range of learning events and opportunities for adult members of all ages.

They would love more people to join them as there really is something for everyone.

See www.rtwas.org for details.

Arts

arts

28

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

A princely production for Christmas Trinity Theatre is the first of our local venues to launch its se show. The Prince and The Pauper kicks off tonight (December 8) and it promises to be fantastic fun. Eileen Leahy discovers more about how they have adapted Mark Twain’s tale of mistaken identity for the stage, and how its new artistic director Sean Turner feels about staging his first festive offering in Tunbridge Wells….

A

FTER last Christmas, when we were plunged into Tier 4 status because of the ongoing coronavirus all festive fun was consequently cancelled, so it’s fair to say we’re certainly in need of a sprinkling of seasonal goodwill this year.

One of the first places to provide the residents of Tunbridge Wells borough with a little Christmas magic is Trinity Theatre which starts its run of The Prince and The Pauper tonight (December 8).

Based on Mark Twain’s original tale of mistaken identity it’s been adapted for the stage by Jemma Kennedy who has delivered a playful and raucous version for audiences to enjoy.

“Jemma Kennedy’s adaptation brings Mark Twain’s classic story storming into magical multicolour life,” a Trinity spokesperson says. “In this wildly funny tale of haves and have-nots, we embark on a Tudor journey that revels in the merriest

GROUP EFFORT The show’s cast of music and bursts into life on our stage in full fantastical vibrancy!”

The show, which is running until January 2, is the first one the theatre’s new artistic director Sean Turner will have directed and judging by the hype it certainly promises to be well worth waiting for.

“After the last couple of years, I wanted to do a show that is full of laughter, adventure and wonderful music to bring us all back together in the best way I know how - joyful theatre!” says Sean who was appointed to the artistic director role earlier this summer.

“After the last couple of years, we want to do a show that is full of laughter, adventure and wonderful music to bring us all back together “ He has commissioned a new score courtesy of musician Stephen Hyde and engaged the talents of local designer Tara Usher to create the costumes and set design too.

There are some in-house appointments for the play’s main ensemble but the net had to be cast fairly wide for the two main actors. “You had to have two identical twins as the leads and there are not too many of them around who are also actors!”

Sean adds that a lot of the cast members had to also play music too. “Happily we

Arts

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

29

found some incredibly talented individuals who play a number of instruments,” he smiles.

If you’re not familiar with the plot then in brief it takes place in Tudor London and revolves around two boys, one called Edward who is the heir to the throne of England, and Tom who is the unloved son of a beggar.

Edward’s father King Henry VIII lays on his death bed, but his son is reluctant to face the trials of kingship whilst across London in Pudding Lane, an impoverished Tom Canty dreams of a better life. A chance encounter between the two reveals they look almost

“Our amazing team of volunteers have worked so hard bringing some real festive magic to the theatre for Christmas” identical and as you can imagine a farcical comedy drama ensues as trickery and crossed wires come into play.

The production’s sponsors are financial advisors Panoramic Wealth and local developer Dandara. Both will be helping out with Trinity’s special Pay It Forward performance on December 22 where NHS workers are invited to enjoy The Prince and The Pauper for free.

“We are proud to show our thanks to our incredible NHS for their hard work and compassion over the last two years which has been an incredibly difficult time for them,” says Jill Jefferies of Panoramic Wealth. “In addition to that we love to continue our support for Trinity as this has been a tough time also during the pandemic as for the arts, hospitality and the like. It is so incredibly important that we do not lose our lovely theatre. Having lost these pleasures for the last couple of years it really brings it home that we need to keep these treasures going for us all to enjoy going forward.

I truly believe that the arts give our mental wellbeing a real boost especially during tough

times such as the pandemic.”

Trinity is determined for it to become the venue of choice to head to for great seasonal entertainment.

“We all want to come together this December,” the spokesperson explains. “And if you are looking for a fun-filled family afternoon or

evening out, then it’s got to be Trinity Theatre this year. It’s time to us your Christmas tradition, and we can’t wait to welcome you safely into our theatre family home.”

They go on to say that with a team of creatives including some exciting in-house talent from the venue’s youth theatre, this year’s show will be

SPOTLIGHT ON TARA USHER: THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS-BASED DESIGNER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VISUALS ON THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER How did you get to be commissioned to work on The Prince & The Pauper?

The power of social media actually! I reached out to Sean after the announcement that he would be taking over as Artistic Director and all the exciting plans he had for it. Having grown up going to Trinity, I wanted to be part of the new life for it so got in touch with Sean over Twitter and we met for a coffee the next week. It all felt instantly very familiar and warm and just a lovely place to be.

What are you excited most about being involved with this project?

The music is particularly special, it has been so beautifully woven into the storytelling by composer and Musical Director Stephen Hyde, and feels like a mixture between beautiful historical folklore songs which then burst into big musical pop numbers when they need to. All the storytelling devices - the music, the design, the movement, the lighting – are all coming together so brilliantly, I just can’t wait to see it on the stage!

Can you let us know how you approached both the set and the costume design?

As with anything historical, it starts with a lot of research and nailing the basics down. So I started with a lot of paintings and embroidery of Tudor London and seeing patterns in the way that slightly off-kilter perspective was often used to cram as many landmarks into one painting as possible. You also see the horizon of London being used in the background of many royal paintings in order to ground them but often it just gave more of a sense the alienation between the two – ‘the haves versus the have nots’. I wanted to give a sense of both of these but through the eyes of a child (or a prince!) in a fun way that the whole family would

understand.

Is inspiration for both purely logical or are you going more left field with your visuals for the show?

There are definitely some instantly recognisable locations which you will be able to pick out but in the style of an illustrated pop up storybook, which unfolds to reveal hidden corners of London. There’s also a distinct separation between the grimy, stripped back streets of London – in an almost Horrible Histories-esque style and the more luxurious palace gates and beyond, which overlooks it all.

You're from Tunbridge Wells so how does it feel to be a part of the Christmas offering in

THE STAGE IS SET Tara Usher’s design

the town - and to be involved with Trinity's production?

For the first time in a few years, I actually feel Christmassy! There’s something about being in the town you grew up in, doing what you love with a great bunch of people – who are just so happy and grateful to be back working after a horrible couple of years for the industry. It feels really special and magical.

much more than your standard festive fare.

“This is the coming together of Tunbridge Wells theatre royalty and some national names joining us for our Christmas adventure, and we want to share it with you, so join us and our incredible cast as we bring Mark Twain’s classic to life, right here on our stage in Tunbridge Wells!”

Elizabeth Finch-Moore, Marketing & Communications Director at Trinity adds: “Our amazing team of volunteers have worked so hard bringing some real festive magic in order to dress the theatre for Christmas.

“From special trips out to the sticks to source and cut down trees, to creating seasonal sensory displays using traditional Tudor cinnamon and dried oranges, the theatre really does boast the true spirit of Christmas past and present!

“This year if you join us for The Prince and the Pauper you’ll be walking back in time to a beautiful, handmade Tudor Christmas, complete with not one, not two, but three of Wadhurst’s finest enormous Norway Spruces - it’s enough to make Trafalgar Square green!”

A Princely Scandal hits Tunbridge Wells - The Royal Seal Is Missing!

Have you worked for Trinity before?

No I haven’t, this is the first time I’m working professionally in a local theatre rather than in London or regionally and so I’m very much enjoying not having to commute anywhere, especially over the Christmas period!

TRINITY THEATRE is setting residents a ‘Prince and the Pauper Treasure Hunt’ challenge.

“Royal rumour has it, The Royal Seal is being traded through Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and surrounding areas on its journey out of Kent,” they tell the Times. “Will you help find it and claim your reward? Keep your eyes peeled; could it be in a shop window or perhaps resting neatly on a bookshelf, maybe even tucked away in a castle?

“With eight chances to return the seal, we challenge eagle-eyed families to track it down, claim the glory and save Christmas!

“Return the Royal Seal to our in-person box office to claim your bag of chocolatey gold and four tickets to Trinity’s Christmas Show The Prince and the Pauper.”

Follow Trinity Socials for QR code release of Royal Seal Journey (at eight venues).

To book tickets, which cost from £18 – £22, head to www.trinitytheatre.net/events/the-prince-andthe-pauper The show runs from December 8 to January 2 2022.

30

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Say cheers to these brilliant beers

Alex Greig, founder of Fuggles bars and bottle shop, starts his monthly beer column for the Times today. His first bar opened in 2013 on Grosvenor Road and he now has one in Tonbridge and a new shop on Camden Road too. Here are his top tipples for Christmas...

W

E LOVE finding and enjoying something different here at Fuggles – we’re constantly on the look for something new, interesting, fun and unique to drink – be that beer, wine or anything else! So with that in mind, why not ditch your usual and try something different this year?

Now, who doesn’t love Christmas Day being an excuse to crack open a bottle of bubbly? With

this in mind, why not try a bottle of Pet Nat. Put simply, this is natural sparkling wine. And it’s not new, it was around before we had Champagne. It’s got a few benefits as well, no added sugar or preservatives and generally lower in alcohol – so it’s a healthier option. The wine is bottled before fermentation is finished; giving it its sparkle (whereas with the traditional method of making Champagne it undergoes a secondary fermentation with additional yeasts and sugars). But enough of the tech – what to drink?

Pet Nat’s are all wonderfully unique and different, unfiltered and brimming with flavour.

We’ve a few in at the moment but I’ll personally be cracking open a bottle of Meierer OMG – a stunning Pet Nat Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany. It’s wonderfully fruity, loads of tropical fruits and sweet lime, balanced out with some acidity and a touch of rustic funk.

Meierer ‘OMG 2019’ - 11.5%, 750ml - £25 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk

CALLED TO THE BAR Fuggles sells many different beers, ales, spirits and wines

And what about the beers? To be honest at this time of year I’m like a kid in a sweet shop - so much to choose from! We love the UnBarred’s Mango Pale, brewed down in Brighton. It’s beer-y mango juice and it’s absolutely delicious.

UnBarred ‘Mango Pale’ - 6%, 440ml - £4.20 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk FUGGLES FOUNDER Alex Greig

I’m also a huge fan of traditional English bitters and luckily we have a cracking range in.

Cellar Heads’ ‘Fireside’ is a proper winter

Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door.

APPROVED

Gotta get a Garolla.

NOW ONLY

£895

WAS £1,354 INC VAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOTTA GET A GAROLLA

CALL US TODAY ON

01892 640 283 MOBILE

07537 149 128 www.garolla.co.uk

warmer, rich, fruity and smooth. Next time you’re in give it a try!

Cellar Head ‘Fireside’ – 5.2%, 500ml - £4 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk

It wouldn’t be Christmas without something Festive from our Belgian friends. I’ll be having a bottle of Abbaye des Rocs Noel in my stash this year – it’s dark and slightly spicy, with notes of

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

raisin, dates and clove. Simply delicious and a must-try for any beer lover.

Abbaye des Rocs ‘Noel’ - 8%, 330ml £4 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk I’ll also likely be sharing a bottle of Bon Secours Tradition – it comes in a stunning 2 litre flagon (which makes a great gift!) This strong Belgian blonde ale will work really nicely with a roast.

Full bodied, aromatic, citrus fruits and a hint of spice with good bitterness, perfect to share round the table!

Caulier – ‘Bon Secours Tradition’ 8%, 2L - £24 from fugglebottleshop. co.uk What about the final course Christmas pudding, or a selection of cheese? We have a couple of stunning Danish Cherry Wines that we love.

They’re similar to port in a sense and produced in the same way as wine, but full of gorgeous intense cherry flavours.

Frederiksdal Likor has a lovely complexity to it and works brilliantly in cocktails (try it instead of Cassis in a Kir Royale) and pairs really well with a Blue Cheese. Alternatively, their Sur Lie is lighter and has more dark chocolate notes. Lovely with anything!

Frederiksdal Sur Lie – 14%, 500ml £28 from fugglesbottleshop.co.uk Frederiksdal Likor – 17%, 500ml - £35 from fugglesbottleshop.co.uk Finally, it doesn’t have to be boozy – the low and no alcohol category has come on leaps and bounds and the range is huge these days – from lagers, to pales, dark beers and radlers. Get in

31

the festive spirit with Lervig’s ‘No Worries – Driving Home For Christmas’ – a 0.5% Christmas beer, dark and fruity! Rothaus, from Germany, do a wonderful Radler – a mix of lemonade and lager. Perfect for all day supping and great refreshment at the stove!

Lervig – ‘No Worries’ 0.5% 330ml - £3.20 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk Rothaus ‘Radler’ – 2.4%, 330ml £2.80 from fugglebottleshop.co.uk Merry Christmas to all from us at Fuggles – we hope you have a great one! Next month we’ll be talking all things low and no-alcohol!

DRINK UP Fuggles’ festive choices for Christmas

y t da en ur m at nt o S pm oi y t .30 pp da 5 A es – by Tu m ay n 0a d pe .3 on O 9 M & ay nd Su

DAILY NEWSPAPER/GROCERY DELIVERIES NEWSAGENT OFF LICENSE CORNER SHOP HERMES PARCEL SHOP NATIONAL LOTTERY STATIONARY GREETINGS CARDS TOBACCONIST

Fused Glass for interior and outdoor spaces designed and made in Tunbridge Wells by Claudia Wiegand Artwork Home Accessories Personalised Gifts Jewellery

FRESH BARISTA COFFEE, MILKSHAKES, SMOOTHIES, HOT FOOD AND FRESHLY BAKED PASTRIES AVAILABLE EVERY DAY MONDAY-FRIDAY 06:30-17:00 SATURDAY 08:00-17:00 SUNDAY 09:00-17:00

5 LONDON ROAD, CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX ALSO NOW WELCOMING ALICE FOR ALL YOUR FLORAL NEEDS Weddings - Funerals - Events ORDER ONLINE peoniesfrompluto.co.uk @peoniesfrompluto

TUESDAY - FRIDAY 08:00-16:00 SATURDAY 08:00-13:00 CONTACT: 07847 699107 info@peoniesfrompluto.co.uk

Splashbacks Installations Bespoke Commissions Architectural Projects 3a Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1LS www.glassbyclaudia.com

32

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Dine in style at The Lyle

Having only been in business for just over a year The Lyle on Forest Road is certainly making a name for itself as the place to dine in Tunbridge Wells. Eileen Leahy dropped by last week in order to discover the secret ingredients to its stellar success so far . . .

The stylish overhaul of this historic building into a refined restaurant which looks like it could easily compete with some of London’s finest, is hugely impressive and if the food has the same impact then my guest and I are in for a very good evening.

Quality We’re warmly greeted by our host and shown to our cosy corner table which is adorned with a crisp white linen cloth, gleaming glassware and shiny silver cutlery. Like the bar, the restaurant is full of contented diners happily chatting away, clinking glasses and clearly enjoying their culinary choices. It’s interesting to note that although The Lyle doesn’t boast a central location in town that clearly doesn’t matter given how busy the place is.

As we settle into perusing our menus we’re introduced to our waitress for the evening. Ruby, who is also The Lyle’s Head of Front of House, is extremely cheery and clearly passionate about her role. She delights in telling us about the provenance and inspiration behind the menu and choices of wine she believes will complement certain dishes. She even goes as far as pouring us little measures so we can make our minds up.

To kick off proceedings Ruby suggests we order a serving of the restaurant’s fresh sourdough style bread which is baked daily and comes accompanied by a trio of signature butters (£4).

In addition to a perfectly rounded quenelle of salted butter, there is also a delicious charred onion and parmesan offering and an intriguing

Photographs by Alan Harbord Photography

I

T’S HARD to imagine that the grand period style-building that is now the perfect home to The Lyle restaurant was once a run of the mill pub serving pints, a Sunday carvery and portions of takeaway fish and chips.

But that in fact is exactly what it was before its new owner took over the sizeable Forest Road establishment in 2020.

My husband and I were invited along to dine there last week and couldn’t believe the transformation the building - and its epicurean offering - has undergone. In fact it is almost impossible to imagine it in its former guise as The Spread Eagle pub.

Outside the building has had a great deal of work done to it in order to improve its alfresco offering and bring its period charm back to life.

Currently it looks positively picture perfect and so inviting thanks to the thousands of twinkling festive fairylights festooned upon it.

Inside it feels more spacious than before and without doubt far more sophisticated and luxurious. The décor is deeply stylish and firmly on point courtesy of its dark navy panelled walls, leather banquettes, burnt orange and pistachio velvet scalloped chairs and bronze statement wall lights which could easily double up as works of art. First impressions count and The Lyle has aced it when it comes to reflecting an air of effortless chic.

A glimmering brass panelled - and very well stocked - bar is the hero statement in the space.

It curves around the main run of the restaurant and on the night we visit is busy with couples sipping cocktails and groups of friends sharing flutes of fizz.

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

33

XXXXXXX xxxxxx xxxx

sounding smoked beetroot and balsamic one. As we tear chunks of the warm bread and slather them with the different butters our taste buds immediately perk up. The onion one is sweet and fully flavoursome while the smoked beetroot is a perfect balance of earthy and tangy with real staying power on the palate.

Sophistication The kitchen at The Lyle is headed up Gary Jarvis, who was sous chef at The Ritz and Head Chef at The Curlew in Bodiam. His reputation for excellent food that’s the perfect blend of classic and adventurous and looking as good as it tastes is clearly very much in evidence here too.

As we ponder the menu with a glass of perfectly chilled aromatic Viognier from the Languedoc region in South West France it’s hard to make an immediate decision on what to eat as the choice of starters and mains is extensive. It’s also a nice touch that each dish comes with a wine recommendation from the establishment’s

adventurous sommelier. In addition to European and New World classics there’s also a decent showing of English wines as well as varietals from Sardinia and Bulgaria.

My husband likes the sound of the slow cooked pork belly with beurre noisette cauliflower purée, candied hazelnuts, and coriander (£12) and also The Lyle prawn cocktail (£13.50). And as soon as Ruby informs us the latter is an ingenious take on the retro dish – usually served up in a goblet and slathered in Mary Rose sauce - his decision is made. She further explains how Head Chef Gary has turned the 70s classic on its head, deconstructing it so you are presented with four meaty chargrilled king prawns presented on slivers of charred baby gem and served with a tangy tarragon mayonnaise, reduced prawn bisque, apple and radish. On savouring it my husband declares the smoky, piquant prawn dish a taste triumph.

I meanwhile have opted for the seared scallops (£14.50) which are pan fried in dried roe powder and come served with a pickled kohl rabi and a

remoulade, smoked roe mayonnaise and confit lemon. “Gary uses every bit of the scallop,” reveals Ruby and I can testify it works: the scallops are plump and beautifully pan fried to perfection and further complemented by the complexity of the additional ingredients. Who knew the humble roe could be so diverse?

Our mains arrive perfectly timed after we have

“The kitchen at The Lyle is headed up Gary Jarvis, former sous chef at The Ritz and Head Chef at The Curlew in Bodiam”

TASTE MAKER Head Chef Gary Jarvis

TOP TABLES The stylish interior at The Lyle

scraped our plates clean and finished our glasses of Viognier. For the main event at The Lyle you can choose from its A La Carte menu which like the starters has a good variety of vegetarian dishes too, or you can order from its Grill Menu or go for one of its special Lyle Pies.

Ruby describes the Steak and Onion Suet Pudding which is elevated to fine dining status with a c,eleriac, pancetta and mushroom filling, (£22) as being like a hug in a bowl. But after our generous starters and sourdough I fancy something a little lighter and my husband has already spied the filet steak and triple cooked truffle chips (£36) on the menu. He declares it one of the best steaks he has ever had and gives the feisty peppercorn sauce accompanying it a ten out of ten.

I like the sound of the roasted halibut which has been braised in butter lemon and curry salt and comes with charred leeks, sweetcorn purée and an aromatic lobster sauce (£28). But eventually I opt for the Gressingham duck which is pan seared and served correctly pink with an indulgent and sticky confit leg croquette, baby fennel, fennel jam, samphire and a sweet yet fragrant lavender jus (£26).

It is butter soft, and every bite is a delight. On Ruby’s recommendation we opt for a side of tender stem broccoli to share which comes sprinkled with toasted almonds and is cooked al

dente. We both go for a glass of red with our mains after Ruby has talked us through the various viticultural options. The hearty Malbec my husband has with his steak and the Sardinian red she suggests to partner the duck are both spot on.

By now the bar is in full swing with waiters shaking up cocktails and artistically pouring them into all manner of chilled vessels. Mojitos, Martinis and Old Fashioned are collected by numerous waiters and theatrically distributed to customers from trays.

As we take a look at the dessert menu I’m pleased to see you can choose a Dessert Cocktail (£10 each) – a sort of hybrid pud and post dinner digestive and the perfect way to end a meal in my book. Admittedly a lot of them do sound incredibly indulgent such as the Lemon Cheesecake which is anointed with Pinot Grigio Limoncello, gingerbread syrup, cinnamon, Frangelico, cream but my what a way to end dinner! Having said all that by now I am feeling fairly full so Ruby suggests an espresso Martini instead.

Meanwhile my husband, who has more of a sweet tooth, enjoys looking at all the other mouth-watering pudding choices (£9.50 each).

They include Blackberry Bavarois with gingerbread, clotted cream and blackberry egg custard and also Sticky Toffee pudding with apple, ginger and caramelised almond. But as tempting as they sound he decides to go for Textures of Lemon - a palate cleansing citrus dish. Once again Gary has used all elements of the fruit including pith, zest and juice to create a delectable lemon shortbread, topped with lemon posset and purée, lemon sorbet, confit zest and lemon tuilles. It’s a zingy yet indulgent confection which I sneak a few bites of and it perfectly rounds off our incredible dinner.

The Lyle has been a fabulous dining experience. Amazing food -much of it locally sourced; a warm and friendly ambience and hugely sophisticated.

In short the ideal recipe for success for a restaurant of this quality and calibre.

Long live The Lyle!

Books

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

SOCIETAL MORALS

ONE YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

The Righteous Mind: Why good people are divided by Politics and Religion

by Jonathan Haidt

The Girl with the Louding Voice

by Abi Daré

(published by Penguin Classics, priced £8.99)

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

This book is about so much more than politics and religion.

In it, American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores more broadly how our moral intuitions are founded, based on a set of six foundations – Care/ Harm, Fairness/Cheating, Liberty/Oppression, Loyalty/Betrayal, Authority/Subversion, and Sanctity/Degradation – and how the development of these morals both ‘binds’ us to those who think and react similarly, thereby creating communities, and ‘blinds’ us to those who don’t.

This is a surprisingly ‘readable’ and hugely interesting book with a host of real-life experiments included which not only break up the theoretical parts but throw up some surprising insights into our morals and how they have shaped the culture in which we live. Perhaps most importantly, the book also helps to educate us in understanding why others may have different moral intuitions and why that might not necessarily make them wrong.

9/10

The bookcase…

This week we feature some festive reads to get you into the Christmas spirit…

A Scandinavian Christmas: Festive Tales For A Nordic Noël by Hans Christian Andersen, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Selma Lagerlöf & Vigdis Hjorth Published in hardback by Vintage Classics, priced £12.99 (ebook 99p)

7/10

This Christmas collection brings together a strange and beguiling series of stories, penned by Scandinavia’s literary greats, spanning three centuries. The old classics shine brightest: the pitiable match girl left to battle the freezing cold alone on a winter’s night; the steadfast and brave tin soldier, slowly pooling into liquid silver in the fireplace, along with his true love. These are married with stories from the last 20 years – a drug-filled escapade leading to a pair of friends dug out of a makeshift ice cave after they fall asleep in the snow; two fathers teaming up to delight each other’s children with festive cheer. The tales are laced with a melancholy that characterises the piercing stillness of a December night.

Beautifully decorated, this is a hardback any household would be proud to have adorn their coffee table.

Review by Jemma Crew

35

(published by Sceptre, priced £8.99)

Adunni is still grieving the loss of her mother when, aged fourteen, she is sold by her father to local taxi driver Morufu as his third bride.

Leaving behind her two brothers, Adunni is forced to abandon her dreams of continued schooling and becoming a teacher, and is – by contrast – educated before her time in some of the harsh realities of her new status. Despite her circumstances, Adunni continues to dream of having a ‘louding voice’ and relentlessly pursues her dream notwithstanding all the difficulties that threaten to stand in her way.

This is a well written and engaging book with a challenging storyline in places, but it is the positive and redemptive spirit of Adunni that will remain with you at the end.

8/10

At Christmas We Feast: Festive Food Through The Ages by Annie Gray Published in hardback by Profile Books, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.39) Annie Gray’s book is dedicated to Christmas food from the fourth century to today, complete with recipes from every era. Not all will make your mouth water (the Tudors had a weird affinity for mixing sweet and savoury dishes, even adding actual meat to their mince pies), but it’s an enlightening study of how Christmas dinner – something that seems so solid and secure – has dramatically changed over the years. It’s as much a social study as it is a food book, with Gray conscious to note how different classes did Christmas over the years. While

interesting, it’s perhaps too dense – there are too many details and Gray assumes a lot of knowledge of historical figures who aren’t necessarily household names. It might have been better if Gray described dishes from each period, rather than giving the actual recipes – it’s hard to imagine us cooking boar on December 25. The most surprising aspect of the book isn’t some weird tradition from bygone years – it’s actually learning Gray had pizza for Christmas dinner last year.

Review by Prudence Wade

6/10

The Perfect Christmas Gift by Katie Ginger Published in paperback by HQ, priced £8.99 (ebook £2.99) Christmas-obsessed primary school teacher Bella has the perfect life.

A boyfriend she loves, an adorable cottage in a quaint country village – this is what she thought life was supposed to be. She was settled and comfortable, until she arrives home one day to find her boyfriend packing his belongings to move in with another woman. As Advent ticks down, Bella throws herself into helping the less fortunate in her village and forms a close bond with her next-door

8/10

neighbour Nick and his young son Freddie. Will this festive season be a wash out or can they find peace with each other?

Katie Ginger quickly sets a warm tone in her writing and you are soon sucked into the emotional roller-coaster that Bella finds herself on, as she tries to dig herself out of her depression and build up the community around her.

Your Christmas wish will be the story doesn’t end quite so soon – it’s a heartwarming tale just right for the season.

Review by Rachel Howdle

Travel

travel

36

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

A SCENIC CITY ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU IN 2022...

From France to Slovenia, these urban spots are ripe for exploring

BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC ARLES, FRANCE

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET BLENHEIM PALACE

L

OOKING for 2022 travel inspiration?

Time Out has revealed its top city break tips for Europe, highlighting places that are ready for a resurgence after tourism was largely put on hold during the pandemic.

“For the past 18 months, travellers have largely explored closer to home, with trips to the countryside especially popular, but in 2022 we’re predicting that the city break will make a triumphant return,” says Time Out’s global editor-in-chief Caroline McGinn.

From cosy winter weekends to sunny summer escapes, these cities are waiting to welcome you…

‘Culture vultures will find plenty to satisfy their appetites with the return of Festival Ljubljana’ Arles, France Synonymous with Vincent van Gogh, who painted one of his famous sunflowers series in the city, Arles is an art-lovers’ paradise. Located on the Rhone River in the South of France, the city is Provence’s Capital of Culture 2022 and will be hosting Les Rencontres de la Photographie festival, the Carrières des Lumières immersive art experience and a variety of exhibitions in the new LUMA arts district.

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Brno, Czech Republic Overlooked by Spilberk Castle and the historic Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, the second largest city in the Czech Republic has undergone a modern revamp in recent years. In 2022, the Industrial Project will see several former manufacturing building reopening to the public, and notorious former prison Kaznice is being redeveloped.

Travel

37

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

Kaunas, Lithuania Famous for its modernist architecture, Kaunas has been named European Capital of Culture 2022 and will play host to exhibitions from artists including Marina Abramović, Yoko Ono and William Kentridge. To discover the city’s many brilliant buildings, grab a Modernist’s Guide to Kaunas (free online or at the Tourist Information Centre) and head out on foot.

Odense, Denmark Opening in December, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is the new jewel in Odense’s cultural crown, celebrating the life and works of the much-loved fairy-tale author. Denmark’s third-largest city, just 90 minutes by train from capital Copenhagen, is home to the Danish Railway Museum and in 2022 a new light railway will link the picturesque old town and newer neighbourhoods.

Ljubljana, Slovenia Already a firm favourite with European city breakers, Ljubljana is worth a repeat visit in 2022, when it will host Velo-City, the annual World Cycling Summit, with free bike hire in the city centre. Culture vultures will find plenty to satisfy their appetites with the return of Festival Ljubljana after year off due to the pandemic, featuring dance, classical and opera concerts; street theatre festival Ana Desetnica starting at the end of June; and the annual jazz festival in July.

KAUNAS, LITHUANIA

ODENSE, DENMARK

ARLES, FRANCE

38

Motoring news

Wednesday December 8 | 2021

Motoring News

This week… n BMW’s XM concept n Suzuki’s S-Cross n Untaxed car concerns

‘Hugely concerning’ that one in every 50 vehicles is untaxed

BMW releases striking Concept XM BMW has unveiled a new model that previews an upcoming performance SUV from its M brand – the Concept XM. The production model – badged XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, USA. It will arrive as BMW M’s first standalone vehicle since the legendary M1.

Available in plug-in hybrid guise only, the XM will combine a turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 740bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. Thanks to its electrification, it will be able to travel for up to 50 miles on electric-only power, too.

“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of

BMW M GmbH. “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production car – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”

Splitter Most noticeable of all are the huge front grilles, which are in between split headlights.

Underneath, there’s an M-badged splitter and side air intakes. Around the back, you’ll find

twin tailpipes – a BMW M design hallmark – while the rear window is almost completely flush with the end of the car.

Inside, the XM combines modern and classic touches.

For instance, there’s vintage-looking brown leather which sits alongside carbon fibre to create a distinct appearance. Carbon fibre interwoven with copper thread is used around the vents and displays, while BMW’s Curved Display screen gives access to all major functions.

In the back, there are large seats finished with diamond quilting, while the headliner has been made into a focal point thanks to a threedimensional prism structure.

The number of untaxed vehicles on UK roads increased in 2021, taking the number up to almost one in every 50 vehicles.

New government figures reveal the percentage of vehicles dodging vehicle excise duty (VED) is now 1.9 per cent, up from 1.6 per cent in 2019, excluding motorcycles.

Figures suggest this means about £119 million of revenue was lost over the course of a year, though some of this will have been recovered through DVLA enforcement.

The government has concluded from its data that the estimated number of vehicles evading VED “was statistically significantly higher than in 2019”. The estimates have come from roadside analysis of vehicles at 267 sites across the UK.

Breakdown This has prompted experts to call on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ‘step up enforcement’.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at RAC breakdown service, said: ““It’s hugely concerning that we’re seeing ever greater numbers of unlicensed vehicles on the roads, with the total number now standing at nearly three-quarters of a million.

“While we’d like to think the abolition of the paper tax disc back in 2014 isn’t responsible, the fact remains evasion has increased significantly since then to the point where a shocking two in every 100 vehicles on the road aren’t taxed.

“We urge the DVLA to step up enforcement and to do all it can to bring evasion down, as it is clearly not fair on those who do pay their fair share to drive on the road.”

When looking at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on VED evasion, the government notes in its report that during 2020, at the height of the pandemic, it limited enforcement activity.

It also notes that the recent economic recession could be affecting drivers’ ability to afford VED.

MOTORSPORT The concept could see the M badge on an SUV

New Suzuki S-Cross arrives priced from £24,999 SUZUKI has introduced a new version of its S-Cross, bringing a whole new look and hybrid technology to the firm’s crossover.

Debuting a chunky, more SUV-inspired design, the S-Cross will start from £24,999 when it goes on sale in the UK in January 2022.

It incorporates a piano black front grille and LED headlights, while around the back there’s an integrated rear spoiler and lights which merge into a full-width trim section.

Grade Standard equipment for the S-Cross is comprehensive, with entry-level Motion cars boasting 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems.

A range of assistance systems, including traffic sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring, are included as standard too.

An additional grade – called Ultra – adds

17-inch polished alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery and a panoramic sliding sunroof. Both on-board navigation and a 360-degree parking camera come included as well.

A single engine is available on the S-Cross. It’s a turbocharged 1.4-litre Boosterjet that helps the S-Cross to complete the 0-60mph sprint in 9.3 seconds and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission.

It’s coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which powers low-voltage systems such as the lights and air conditioning to help take the strain off the engine.

In its most efficient setup, it’ll return up to 53.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Suzuki is also offering the S-Cross with its AllGrip all-wheel-drive system.

Fitted as standard on Ultra-grade cars, the system features four different driving modes relating to different surfaces and is capable of feeding torque to the wheel with the most traction on the road.

ALL WHITE NOW The Suzuki S-Cross

39

Wednesday November 10 | 2021

H ENGINEERING PROUDLY UNDERTAKE THE RESTORATION OF CLASSIC & VINTAGE VEHICLES.

WWW.H-ENGINEERING.COM

H E n gin eerin g Ltd, L ittle Ca cke tts Farm , H ay m an s H i l l , H o rsm o n den , Ke n t , T N 1 2 8 BX

info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042