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DIZZI AXA rules out option of PERSIAN CUISINE
full-time working at home ‘Huge benefit working in office and learning from one another’ By Richard Williams
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THE town’s biggest employer, AXA Health, says it will not adopt a 100 percent working from home business model. And in an exclusive interview with the Times it has also again confirmed that it is committed to remaining in Tunbridge Wells. The news comes after the company announced it was closing two local offices and introducing permanent hybrid hours with time split between office and home, a change that has impacted some town centre retailers who have lost customers.
Challenges AXA CEO Tracy Garrad, who is responsible for 2,000 staff in Tunbridge Wells, told the Times: “There is huge benefit in working in the office and learning from one another so we have been very honest [with staff] and said from the start we would not adopt a 100 per cent working from home model. “We also do have a handful of workers that cannot physically be at home because of the nature of their jobs.” She had only been in her post at the health insurer around a year before the pandemic hit, which caused significant challenges for the business. Among the decisions Tracy Garrad made as the company emerged from the pandemic was to switch to hybrid working – with some staff in the office on some days but working from home on others.
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
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Three million jabs keeps admissions to hospital down By Robert Forrester MORE than three million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered across the county. NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG] says in total 1.4million first doses have been given to people, 1.2 million second doses, and 400,000 booster jabs. According to the CCG, 90 per cent of people over the age of 50 have had two doses of the vaccine, 68 per cent have had their booster, 69 per cent of people over 18 has had two doses, 60 per cent of 16 to 17-year-olds have had one does, and 41 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds have had one dose.
Rising COMMITMENT AXA’s head office in Hawkenbury and CEO Tracy Garrad The move has meant that two of its Tunbridge Wells offices are now surplus to requirements, and AXA has put up for sale Eynsham House and Phillips House on Crescent Road opposite the Assembly Hall.
‘We are conscious of the closures affecting the High Street’ As disclosed in the Times last month, the sale has caused concern among traders in the town who are worried about the loss of lunchtime trade with fewer workers visiting the town centre. Around half of AXA’s 2,000-strong workforce in the town were based in the one of the two closed offices. “By October 2020 we decided that it was time to ask our workforce
about the future,” Tracy Garrad explained. “Around 92-93 per cent of the workforce up and down the country responded to our survey about flexible working, co-working and what they enjoyed about the office.
Persona “About 91-92 per cent were in favour of a hybrid working model. Only around 7-8 per cent did not want to work from home again and a small handful enjoyed working from home so much they didn’t want to return to the office.” She revealed how they worked out the ‘persona’ of each different department and worker before coming up with a sliding scale of how much work they needed to do
See more on page 2
Chief Nurse Paula Wilkins said: “The programme continues to grow and the roll out of vaccines is our main weapon in making sure we keep our family and friends safe during the winter.” Rates of Covid-19 are rising across the area. Latest figures show there were 649 positive cases identified in Tunbridge Wells to the seven days to November 20, this was up from the week before when there were 560 recorded cases. Similar rises have been seen across the area with Tonbridge seeing rates increase from 484 to 588, Sevenoaks from 611 from 663 and Wealden from 715 to 868. However, hospital admissions across Kent have fallen for the third week in a row. Latest figures show there are 153 patients with the virus in the county’s three hospital trusts – down from 160 the week before. As of November 23, there were 41 people with Covid-19 at either Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells Hospital, down from 68 cases from November 1. The news comes as the government has announced all over 18s will also be offered a booster jab following concerns over the Omicron variant. Temporary Covid measures, such as the reintroduction of mandatory mask wearing in shops and on public transport were also introduced yesterday [Tuesday]. See more on P13
• One-way system in High Street is to stay – page 3 • Balance of power by-election results - page 5
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
this week… Nightclub to reopen after police BEST IN SHOW: Read all about how you can enter the Times Business Awards for 2022 and attend the ceremony. P7
closure following spiking attacks By Richard Williams
ON THE MOVE: Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre has finally moved back to its original premises in town. P8
RIDING HIGH: Mayfield students celebrate a slew of sporting successes including in the equestrian arena.P16
A TUNBRIDGE Wells nightclub is set to reopen tonight [Wednesday] with new safety measures in place after it was forced to close following a series of spiking incidents. As the Times reported on its front page last week [November 24], Kent Police received a number of complaints from people who fell ill after drinks were spiked and two people reported being injected with syringes at the Pitcher & Piano in Church Road.
Hospital In total, seven people were victims, two men and five women, some of whom were taken to hospital after being administered what medics believed were opiates, in the early hours of Sunday, November 21. An investigation by Kent Police is underway into the attacks and the force says officers are working with
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the venue while carrying out enquiries into the circumstances, including a review of CCTV footage. Following the spiking incidents, the force last week asked Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to review the licence of the Church Road bar and nightclub. The Council suspended the licence for seven days in order for the venue to install better security and safety measures.
District Commander for Tunbridge Wells, Chief Inspector Lizzie Jones added: “The application to review this licence was made due to the seriousness of the allegations received and the concerns of officers that the bar should have more effective safety measures in place for their customers. Last week [Wednesday, November 24], the licensing committee at the Council suspended the Pitcher &
Piano’s licence for seven days. The committee told the venue that ‘immediate action’ was needed to improve safety measures to better protect visitors to the bar. These include better quality CCTV with a wider coverage, provision of cup covers for drinks, improved lighting and use of metal detectors at the entrance, and a 25 percent reduction in the number of people allowed into the premises. The suspension was lifted today [December 1] when the bar is expected to reopen with an amended licence that has these additional conditions included to reduce crime and disorder as well as promote public safety. The Chair of Licensing Committee, Cllr Bob Backhouse, said: “It is important that the Licensing Authority uses its powers to ensure premises are run as they should be. In recent weeks we’ve all become aware of incidents of drink spiking and people being stabbed with needles.
‘We are very committed to Tunbridge Wells’ Continued from front page
CHRISTMAS IN CRANBROOK: Don’t miss our special guide to all you can do and see in this Weald of Kent town. P33
CLOSED The PItcher & Piano was shut last week
in the office and how much could be done at home. But she admits the business is ‘conscious’ of the impact closing two of their town centre offices will have on trade in Tunbridge Wells. “Firstly, I want to say the business has been located in Tunbridge Wells for a long, long time. Tunbridge Wells has been very good to us in terms of the people and the quality of the people.” She continued: “We are conscious of the possibility of it [the office closures] affecting the High Street. But there is a flip side to the economics. “When I occasionally go into London, I find I’m treating myself more often than when I’m at home. “If you are in the office five days a week it’s unlikely you will go out
and buy lunch five days a week, but when you are working two or three you might. People are also not spending as much on commuting, which is putting extra money in their pocket. “I can’t say it won’t have any effect, but it is really too early to say. Perhaps things will be clearer by the middle of next year.”
Review She added: “We are very committed to the hubs and centres that we have including those in Tunbridge Wells. “Of course, it has to work for the business, and we may make changes along the way so it will be kept under review. “I do have a place in Tunbridge Wells and spent all of lockdown here and it is clear there is a strong sense of community here. And AXA
AT THE TOP AXA CEO Tracy Garrad spent lockdown in Tunbridge Wells benefits from the community and the people. “We have very good relationships here and work well with the Council, and of course Tunbridge
Wells has excellent commuter links. There is also plenty of lovely countryside and a great puppy and dog community, which I love being part of.”
VIRTUAL GP SERVICE TAKES OFF DURING PANDEMIC ALONG WITH CANCER SCREENING TRACY Garrad took over the reins of AXA Health, formerly known as AXA PPP, in January 2019, following a career that has seen her become Chief Executive of First Direct and Chief Executive for HSBC in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. She had only been in post at the health insurer around a year before the pandemic hit, which caused significant challenges for the business. Speaking to the Times, the Lancashire born CEO, who is responsible for the 2,000 employees who work for the health insurer in Tunbridge Wells explained how the business quickly adapted to lockdown. She said: “Our first priority was operational resilience and also to the safety of our people. We very quickly moved to working from
Satisfaction
satisfaction scores we’ve had.” Ms Garrad said the pandemic has also seen an uplift in new customers for AXA Health. “The NHS is a fantastic institution, and we see part of our role in the UK in supporting the NHS,” she said, adding: “We all pay taxes and National Insurance and all have to support the NHS.
“The pandemic was challenging, particularly when the government took control over private health facilities, but we had already been working on some new services such as our Virtual GP, and we put more things online for people. “We saw the number of people using our Virtual GP service go from 3,500 a month before the pandemic to 42,000 a month, and the services we have put online has over the last 12 months seen the best customer
“It is also true that the NHS has a multi-billion pound deficit that was getting bigger each year even before the pandemic. “Our customers need services and if they have the money to contribute themselves, they will do so. Everything people do to contribute to private health insurance over and above their taxes benefits the NHS.”
home and had around 92-93 per cent of our staff around the country were working from home. It was very challenging logistically. “As a company we have 2.8million people with health and well-being plans, and Tunbridge Wells is our biggest hub.
Deficit
The business also found itself on the frontline of providing healthcare when it discovered many of its members had been missing out on essential cancer screening. “In lockdown we became concerned because fewer people were coming forward with a new diagnosis of cancer,” she explained. “We had thousands of members that should have had screening but hadn’t because the NHS was doing less of it. “So we set up our own screening programme because we felt it was just the right thing to do. “Of course, early diagnosis means better survival rates and the requirement for less intervention, so that benefits us as a health insurer but that was not the main motivation.”
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
NEWS IN BRIEF
Tunbridge Wells bank set to close next year BANKING group TSB is to shut its Mount Pleasant Road branch next year as part of a raft of closures. TSB says the Tunbridge Wells bank is among 70 it will close as customers switch to online banking. The business said that it would have 220 branches left at the end of June 2022, compared to 290 today, and it will mean 150 jobs will go. Full story see National News page 15.
Mass for murdered MP ST AUGUSTINE’S Roman Catholic church in Tunbridge Wells is to hold a mass for the late MP David Amess, who was killed in a suspected terrorist incident at his surgery in October. The Commemorative Mass for Sir David takes place Friday December 3 at 10.00 am. Andrew Sharp OBE, a member of the Crescent Road church, told the Times that while Sir David did not have any particular connection with Tunbridge Wells, the ‘show of shared grief and demonstration of unity across the political spectrum serves as a reminder of the importance of our democracy across the UK and here in our own community’.
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One-way system will remain but pedestrians-only is no-go By Richard Williams THE ONE-WAY system on Tunbridge Wells High Street is to stay in place after a consultation showed both the public and businesses backed the scheme, although the Borough Council has ruled out making the High Street a pedestrian only area. The one-way system that sees vehicle only able to enter the High Street from the lower end and exit onto Mount Pleasant Road, was introduced as part of the Government’s Active Travel initiative. The temporary scheme was introduced to encourage more pedestrian and cycle friendly high streets in the wake of the pandemic, and as it had to be rolled out quickly, was done without public consultation. Permission for the scheme was set to expire in March 2022 unless the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] opted to renew it. The Council has now asked residents, businesses and visitors what they think of the scheme and whether it should be retained. It showed that nearly two thirds of
businesses [63 per cent] backed the one-way system as did 71 per cent of residents and 63 per cent of visitors. A similar number of businesses (59 per cent), residents (67 per cent), and visitors (62 per cent) also told TWBC they think the scheme should be made permanent.
Consultation The one-way system had attracted criticism when it was first introduced due to the temporary plastic barriers deployed by Kent County Council to narrow the road, which had been described as ‘ugly’ and ‘unsightly’. These were replaced by planters and parklets earlier this year. A total of 665 people responded to the consultation, with many saying the High Street had been made a more pleasant environment and had reduced traffic. The Cabinet at TWBC say following the consultation, the one-way system will now be retained, but it has ruled out making the area a pedestrian-only zone.
NO RETURN The one-way system on the High Street is to stay Head of Planning and Transportation, Cllr Alan McDermott, said: “There was a good response to the consultation, and I thank people for taking the time to let us know their views. “People were very patient while we were waiting for the parklets and planters to arrive and it’s nice to see the positive comments about them. We will act on the feedback where we can and I hope people will see from the report that they have been listened to. “In the longer term it may be
possible to make further modifications to give the scheme a more permanent look and feel as was suggested by some of the responses to the survey, but it is thought unlikely that it will be fully pedestrianised because of the need for residential access and deliveries.” He added that temporary measures that will be introduced include providing disabled parking spaces, installing bollards to prevent pavement parking and providing designated delivery bays.
Extra 20,000 ambulance call outs put service on high alert By Robert Forrester THE ambulance trust that provides 999 services across the region is at its highest state of alert after the number of calls increased by more than 20 per cent, latest figures show. The South East Coast Ambulance Service [SECAMB] is one of eleven ambulance trusts in England, and all of them have been placed on a new action plan aimed at getting waiting times down following a surge in callouts, staff shortages and delays getting patients into hospital as emergency departments. The crisis is at such a point that the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) believes patients
CAll OUTS SECAMB has responded to 20,000 more emergencies this year ‘could be experiencing unacceptable levels of preventable harm’. The AACE added that one in ten patients in England had ‘experienced severe harm’ as a result of delays in getting people into hospitals.
In September, 208,000 handovers from ambulances to hospitals missed the national 15-minute target. All ambulance trusts, including SECAMB, have now been placed on Resource Escalation Action Plan
(REAP) Level 4 that allows trusts to maximise the numbers of staff they have on the front line, which can see more patients facing shifts worked by clinicians who do not primarily meet patients. SECAMB, which serves Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury says they have seen call outs increase by more than a fifth compared to the same period last year. Latest figures for October show a 22 per cent increase in call outs to the service compared to 2020. A spokesman for SECAMB said: “We answered approximately 89,000 999 calls across our region in October. This in excess of 20,000 more calls than in October 2020 or October 2019.”
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Missing opposition parties open the door to Alliance election win By Richard Williams THE balance of power tipped at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council last week after the controlling Conservatives lost a by-election and became a ruling minority party. The Speldhurst & Bidborough by-election last Thursday [November 25] was called after the death of Tory councillor Julian Stanyer in September. Alliance candidate Matthew Sankey took the seat from the Conservatives, narrowly beating Cllr
DEFEAT Rowena Stanyer lost out on taking over from her father at the Council by just 58 votes
Stanyer’s daughter, Rowena Stanyer, who had hoped to hold the Borough seat for the Tories. She lost out by 58 votes. The by-election became a two-horse race after the Liberal Democrats decided not to put forward a candidate. The last time there was a council election for the ward the Lib Dems polled 13 per cent of votes.
Stakes Cllr James Rands from the party, told the Times: “Despite being reduced to only half of councillors on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council the Tories were using the mayor’s casting vote to carry on regardless. Given the stakes we put the heartfelt desire of voters to be shot of this failing administration before party interest and stood aside for a candidate aligned with our values.” While the Tunbridge Wells Labour Party did contest the seat in Speldhurst, the group admitted it fielded a ‘paper candidate’ and did not distribute any leaflets or canvass the area. The by-election followed a local election result earlier this year that saw the Conservatives lose overall control and had to rely on the mayor’s casting vote to keep hold of the Council and to elect Leader Tom Dawlings.
The party had 24 seats and the opposition parties also held 24 between them, but the Speldhurst result means the party is now a minority with 23 seats. Opposition parties have 25 between them, with the Liberal Democrats being the largest of these with 13 seats. The Alliance has six councillors and the Labour Party five. There is also one independent councillor at the Town Hall. The Tories will continue running the Council and are the largest party, at least until the local elections in May, when another 16 seats at the Town Hall are to be balloted, although their minority status means they will need to rely on opposition support to pass any future policies. The party has run the Council since 1998 when the Liberal Democrats were last in charge. Leader of the Council Tom Dawlings said he was ‘disappointed’ with the Speldhurst result, but he is prepared to work ‘collaboratively’ with opposition parties. He told the Times: “I am of course very disappointed by the result because I think Rowena was an excellent choice of candidate for the Conservatives and, with her evident interest in her community and, from personal experience, for the safety of women and girls, she would have been a benefit to the Council.
“Although the opposition groups will now have 25 Councillors, the Conservatives with 23 Councillors remain the largest group. My aim since becoming leader six months ago has been to work collaboratively with the opposition groups. “We are doing that very positively with the plans for using the surplus space in the Town Hall for co-working and I hope we can continue to work collaboratively for the benefit of our Borough and residents.” Matthew Sankey [below] added: “I do not wish to make a comment to the Times of Tunbridge Wells.”
Vigil held to support female victims of violence By Robert Forrester THE Town Hall entrance was lit up orange last week as scores of people gathered in the centre of Tunbridge Wells to hold a vigil in support of a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women. Various community groups gathered on Thursday night [November 25] to mark the UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Readings Among those who spoke were the chair of the local branch of the United Nations Association, Jane Beeley, Caroline Auckland president of the Tunbridge Wells Soroptimists, William Benson, Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and Lib Dem Cllr Justine Rutland.
There were also several poetry readings, followed by a two minutes’ silence. The vigil took place after a number of highprofile murders involving female victims, including the case of Sarah Everard who was murdered in Kent by a serving Met police office, and the conviction of David Fuller for the Tunbridge Wells 1987 double-killing of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce. Jane Beeley said: “This is a peaceful, non-political community event: a coming together to reflect, pause, reclaim the night, and exchange ideas around safety, fear and the night sphere. “We chose the early evening to come together to meet outside in front of Tunbridge Wells Town Hall which is lit up in orange to reflect the colour of the UN’s campaign (#OrangeTheWorld). We wish to continue the conversation about the safety of women and girls both at home and abroad.”
SAFETY People at the vigil outside the Town Hall last week
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Developer secures £40million loan for bus depot conversion By Richard Williams THE developer that had tried to convert the much-maligned abandoned ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells before being forced to pull out, has secured the finance for its conversion of the former Arriva depot in St John’s Road. Elysian Residences had wanted to build a £80million ‘later living’ complex called ‘The Belvedere’ on the land at the top of Mount Pleasant Road, featuring around 100
apartments, a boutique cinema, restaurant and shops. The site had been empty for more than 20 years, but the developer had to pull out of the deal in October 2020, blaming uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The company, which reiterated its ‘commitment to Tunbridge Wells’ when the deal fell through, found a new site to build its retirement complex on the former home of the Arriva bus depot in St John’s Road. LAST STOP How the bus depot development will look
The developer has now been given a £39.3million loan from Silbury Finance to build the 89 luxury apartments, penthouses and hotelstyle facilities. The loan has been provided to UK Retirement Living Fund (ReLF), which is managed by Schroders Capital and advised by Octopus Real Estate.
Luxury The scheme is the second project to be developed by a joint venture between ReLF and Elysian. The urban retirement village, due to open in 2024, will consist of three luxury apartment buildings, with a lounge/library, restaurant/bar, function room, guest suite, gymnasium and treatment rooms, with homeowners able to access 24-hour care if required. In line with Silbury’s commitment to funding new developments that meet the highest environmental standards, the JV will benefit from a discount on the facility’s exit fee if it achieves a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. “This transaction increases our exposure to both the high growth retirement living sector and a highly reputable sponsor, and keeps us firmly on track to meet our first-year lending target of £350m,” said Silbury Finance founding partner Gavin Eustace. “At the same time and reflecting that the built environment needs to address carbon emissions at the design and construction stage, not just operationally, the innovatively structured facility offers an incentive to the borrower on exit if it meets certain criteria,” he added.
Law firm makes the legal grade A TUNBRIDGE WELLS law firm has made the grade by being published in the latest legal directory that ranks the top solicitors in the UK. Thomas Mansfield Solicitors based in Mount Pleasant Road has broken into The Legal 500 ranks law firms on the quality of expertise, client service and its standing in the market.
Family The achievement comes as the team, led by Susi Gillespie, continues to grow rapidly, adding headcount and increasing the complexity of client mandates. Thomas Mansfield’s family team advises on divorce and separation and a broad range of family law issues, including mediation and collaborative law. The directory commends the team for its ‘strong presence in the South East with offices in a very wide range of towns and across London and a clearly established reputation for providing excellent representation and client care, whilst also keeping fee levels/structures transparent and at a reasonable and realistic level’. Family lawyers Abigail Eriksson-Lee and Alice Scambler were singled out as ‘extremely able partners in the team’ who ‘think commercially and strategically to achieve the best possible results for their clients’. Rankings are based purely on merit and reflect feedback provided to the directory from a broad cross-section of clients, lawyers within competitor practices and other professionals. Head of family law, Susi Gillespie, said: “I am exceptionally pleased to see the team recognised by The Legal 500. We have experienced an extended period of strong growth, which has seen the team double in size over the last 18 months. “Achievements such as this and the positive feedback we receive from our clients remind us how worthwhile our work is.”
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Could your company be shortlisted for the 2022 Times Business Awards? By Robert Forrester The Times Business Awards 2021 announced last week are set to be an even bigger and better than in previous years as firms in the area return to normality following a challenging couple of years. This year, to recognise the difficulties that businesses have had to endure during the pandemic, there are some new categories alongside some of the old favourites. There are ten options ranging from Entrepreneur of the Year and Creative Business of the Year to Start-up of Year all celebrating the wealth of talent in our local area from established businesses to start-ups. This year there will also be a Resilient Business
How to enter ...
Award for those firms that found themselves having to diversify or change tack during the pandemic. The guest speaker at the gala night on March 24 at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells will be the popular face of daytime TV Eamonn Holmes. He has been a regular favourite on our TV for decades following a career that has spanned 40 years. The Ulsterman, along with his wife Ruth Langford, were the face of ITV’s This Morning for 15 years until Eamonn stepped down earlier this year. He follows in the footsteps of former politicians Michael Portillo and Edwina Currie as well as BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce and Strictly star Anton du Beke who have also presented the awards.
The closing date for entries to the Times Business Awards is Monday, February 14, 2022. Each category will be shortlisted to three entries. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Monday February 21, 2022. Winners will be announced at the gala dinner. Tickets are available priced at £99 per person or £950 for a table of 10. Numbers are limited and based on the previous years the award dinner will be a sell-out. For more information visit: timesbusinessawards.co.uk
SPECIAL GUEST Eamonn Holmes
Why enter the awards
TOAST OF THE TOWN Businesses celebrating the 2019 awards
THIS is a unique opportunity to showcase yourself and your company alongside some of the outstanding businesses and business people within the borough of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. You can be part of a vibrant annual awards ceremony that recognises, celebrates and promotes local business excellence. Winning a prestigious business award will add credibility to your company, raise your profile through valuable media coverage, generate new business, inspire your staff and provide an exclusive networking opportunity for you at the awards ceremony which takes place on March 24 at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells.
TWINKLE TOES Previous guest host Anton du Beke in 2019 UNWIND Dancing an live music ends the night
THE TIMES BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORIES 1. Start-Up Business of the Year Award – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of February 14, 2022 that have translated an idea into a successful business venture. 2. Creative Business of the Year - Is your business success based on innovation and creative thinking in your strategy and everyday operation? 3. Entrepreneur of the Year – This award is
open to dynamic individuals who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate significant success and drive in growing it. 4. 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. 5 Resilient Business Award – The winner of this category will have risen to the recent
challenges of the pandemic and diversified or come up with a new business strategy. 6. 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. 7. Best Family Business of the Year Award – This category recognises those businesses that have the passion and commitment that comes with a family-run concern.
8. Best Business 25+ employees – This category recognises larger businesses employing more than 25 people and looks for consistent growth and strong performance. 9. Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers. 10. Outstanding Business of the Year – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success.
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Businesses band together to bring the magic of Christmas to poorly children By Robert Forrester AN EVENTS company has teamed up with 24 businesses from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas to host a Christmas ball aimed at bringing ‘a sprinkle of magic’ to children suffering neuro-diverse conditions or life limiting illnesses. Once Upon a Wish Events, which has been providing entertainment and parties for children for the last four years, has united a range of businesses including Elite Leisure Collection – owner of the Times newspaper – RTW Together, Arty Farty Retreat, Jays Barbershop and The Talentz and many more. Jess Nelson, Director of Once Upon a Wish Events said “Seeing week in week out the joy our services bring to children but knowing there are children out there that can’t always feel that joyful breaks my heart and is something I have endeavoured to try and make a difference to by visiting local schools, hospital wards and the like with my events team.
Reaching “I’ve always felt as though I could deliver something on a bigger scale and after the two years we’ve had as a society, I felt compelled to make this year the year we did something spectacular for some really special children.” She added: “I began reaching out to local businesses and was overwhelmed by the support provided by businesses of all shapes and sizes, who, like me, wanted to help bring some extra Christmas cheer. “We were then given support by RTW Together who operate the local business improvement district and recently welcomed a
Push for more kerbside electric vehicle charging By Richard Williams A CROSS-PARTY group has been gathering signatures to petition the County Council to provide more electric vehicle recharging points in Tunbridge Wells. According to the latest data, Tunbridge Wells has the second highest number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Kent, with 37.8 per 100,000 people. Only Canterbury has more (39.0 per 100,000 people). The average for the county is 26.7. The first on-street charging point was unveiled on Mount Pleasant Road earlier this year, and it has EV chargers in Crescent Road, the Great Hall and the Yew Tree Road car park.
in July asking where they would like charge points to be installed. They received over 750 responses, but the results have not yet been made public. We suspect a lot of these 750 respondents asked for on-street charging. “The Council backed charging facility on Mt Pleasant is welcomed but appears to be somewhat ‘tokenistic’. Without a serious commitment to the required infrastructure, people will remain reluctant to switch to lower emissions transport.” Cllr Lidstone added: “It will require support from Kent County Council [KCC] to implement anything, but I feel we need to be challenging upwards here and telling KCC they need to start taking this problem seriously. I don't see that happening currently.”
Discussions However, David Mooney from the Tunbridge Wells Green Party, Lib Dem councillors Marguerita Morton and Peter Lidstone, as well Labour councillor Luke Everitt believe more should be done. The foursome was in Tunbridge Wells town centre this month and gathered 75 signatures to petition the Council for more charging infrastructure. By 2030, the sale of cars powered solely by petrol and diesel engines is to be banned, but without adequate charging facilities, people without driveways or garages have nowhere to recharge electric cars. Mr Mooney told the Times: “Discussions with residents show these need to be fast and, as well as available in destination locations such high streets and car parks, they must also be near residential areas with limited off-street parking. “Tunbridge Wells Council did survey residents
LEADING THE CHARGE [L-R] Peter Lidstone, Marguerita Morton and David Mooney
Charity returns home but stops its drop-in A CANCER charity has finally returned home after nearly two years of having to abandon its centre due to the pandemic. The Pickering THUMBS UP: Polly Cancer Drop In Taylor [right] with the Centre had to leave team at Pickering its Monson Road address in March last year following lockdown. Due to the need to socially distance, the charity, which supports people with a cancer diagnosis, was unable to return to its drop-in centre and has been holding its meetings in a range of venues. Throughout the pandemic, Pickering has continued supporting around 25 clients a day with support and help.
Refurbished
FESTIVE SPIRIT Once Upon a Wish Events want to put the magic back into christmas headline sponsor in the Elite Leisure Collection.” The event will take place at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday, December 5 and will be made up of two sessions. One session will provide children that due to neuro-diverse conditions such as autism find that they usually need to avoid these types of events. A second session will be provided for children that have been impacted by life limiting illnesses or significant bereavement. The team at Once Upon a Wish Events have been running a nomination-based ballot system and will shortly be sending out invites to roughly 60 children who will be spoilt when they get to come and spend some time with their favourite
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
fairy tale characters, being entertained with Christmas fun and games before meeting the big man himself and being given a special gift and plenty of fun along the way. Nelson continued: “Having the desire and some of the resources required to put a smile on these little ones’ faces, I just needed the missing piece, which was the backing of the 24 local businesses that have all come together to support what I hope to be the first of many events of its kind. “As a mum of two and local businesswoman I am proud to have facilitated such an activity and cannot wait to kick off the Christmas season by hosting such a special event, thank you to all of those who have helped to pull this together.”
“We first went to Calverley Grounds in the summer last year when the weather was warm,” explained co-founder Polly Taylor. “We then went to the Spa Hotel, but that closed in one of the lockdowns so we ended up at the Camden Centre, and finally in the theatre at Salomons Estate.” She added that while the Monson Road centre was empty, it had been refurbished thanks to donations from several local businesses including Tunbridge Wells supply chain company, Wincanton, but that work had been delayed. “Firstly, I want to thank everybody that has accommodated us over the last 20 months or so, it meant so much to know our clients had somewhere to go,” said Polly. “But it is wonderful to finally be back home. The only thing is we have to be careful of numbers so we can no longer accept people dropping in, but if somebody needs to see us, please contact us first by phone on 01892 511880.”
Crowborough Olympic hopeful is banking on his rugby experience A BRITISH skeleton bobsled hopeful vying for a place at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games is hoping his experience playing rugby will secure his spot in Team GB. Former Bennett Memorial Diocesan School pupil, Matt Weston from Crowborough is among the British contingent vying for the chance to head to Beijing and sprint 40 metres before leaping onto a sled face-first, snaking through ice-coated twists and turns at over 80 mph. But he says he believes his background playing rugby in for Kent and Sevenoaks RFC has provided excellent preparation.
Buzz “I focus a lot more on being in a team,” said Weston, whose favourite film is—appropriately— The Fast and the Furious. “I think it helps quite a lot. I think we’re all very good team players. It also helps in the fact that you’re kind of used to getting beaten up as well. “Going down the track, some these ice walls aren’t that smooth, so you do get beaten up quite a bit. So having that rugby background and getting used to being knocked around a bit is quite good.” Team GB has stood on every Olympic podium since skeleton was reintroduced, after a 54-year absence, at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, and in July received an extra £90,000 from UK Sport to support their prep for Beijing and beyond. And this year, the medal buzz seems to be around the British men—Weston, Marcus Wyatt and Craig Thompson—to pick up where the now-retired Parsons left off. “I think that just adds to a lot of the excitement and positive feelings toward this season,” added the 24-year-old, who is bidding to add to the
MATT WESTON 1,000+ Olympic and Paralympic medals achieved by TeamGB since National Lottery funding to elite sport started in 1997. “We’re in a really good position physically, and in terms of [the cycle], going into this year all getting World Cup medals last year, we’re in a really, really strong place. And I’m excited to see what we can do,” Weston said. To become Olympians, Weston and his teammates will need to finish in the top 25 in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s world rankings, with a number of critical events taking place in the coming months. They had a chance to test out the new dragon-inspired Olympic track at a test event last month—Wyatt walked away with silver, while Weston and Thompson finished 17th and 19th, respectively—both ahead of reigning Olympic champion Yun Sungbin.
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New Year booster target to combat Omicron variant
BORIS Johnson has outlined the government’s plan to offer booster vaccines to everyone over the age of 18 by the end of January. Speaking at a Downing Street news briefing on Tuesday, the PM said the rollout of booster programme will go in age order, and that there will be more than 1,500 community pharmacy sites in England offering the jabs. Mr Johnson said that ‘temporary vaccine centres will be popping up like Christmas trees’, adding that some 400 military personnel and the ‘jabs army of volunteers’ will also help with the rollout.
Concern Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed the government would be expanding the booster programme rollout on Monday. It comes a day after Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that all adults will be offered a Covid-19 booster vaccine as part of a reaching expansion of the jabs programme to deal with the potential impact of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. The move will see millions more people in the UK become eligible for a third booster dose and has come in the wake of growing international concern about the new variant. More than 20 cases of the Omicron variant have so far been identified across the UK, though experts expect this number to rise in the coming days. Explaining the government’s plan to expand the booster coronavirus vaccine programme, the PM said: “The target that we’ve set ourselves is to
offer a booster to everyone eligible by the end of January. “As with the first jabs, we will be working through people by age group going down in five-year bands, because it is vital that the older and the more clinically vulnerable get that added protection first.
Frustration “So, even if you have had your second jab over three months ago and you are now eligible, please don’t try and book until the NHS says it is your turn.” He continued: “I know the frustration that we all feel with this Omicron variant, the sense of exhaustion that we could be going through all this all over again. “But today I want to stress this, today that’s the wrong thing to feel because today our position is and always will be immeasurably better than it was a year ago. “What we’re doing is taking some proportionate precautionary measures while our scientists crack the Omicron code. And while we get the added protection of those boosters into the arms of those who need them most.” Mr Johnson also revealed he will be getting his Covid-19 booster jab on Thursday after 18 million Britons have already received theirs. “It’ time for another great British vaccination effort. We’ve done it before and we’re going to do it again - and let’s not give this virus a second chance,” the PM said.
Soaring rise in untaxed cars
AN EXTRA 85,000 untaxed vehicles are being driven on UK roads compared with two years ago, official figures show. Statistics published by the Department for Transport shows an estimated 719,000 vehicles are being used despite their vehicle excise duty (VED), commonly called ‘road tax’ not being paid. This represents 1.8 per cent of vehicles, up from 1.6 per cent in 2019 when the total was 634,000. Motorcycles were excluded from the most recent research.
Disc Some 45 per cent of vehicles being used without VED have been untaxed for more than two months, suggesting there is a persistent minority of motorists who are intentionally not taxing their vehicles. Lost revenue from non-payment of VED has soared since the abolition of the paper tax disc in October 2014. Figures for Britain show the potential total has risen from £35 million in 2013/14 to £113 million
in 2021/22. Abolishing the paper disc removed the visual in-vehicle reminder of the expiry date for VED, although notifications are sent by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The Government said at the time that the decision would eventually save the DVLA about £7 million a year. Every vehicle registered in the UK must be taxed if it is driven or parked on a public road. The amount varies based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions. Failing to pay typically leads to an £80 fine, although if a case goes to court the maximum penalty is £1,000. DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: “We work hard to drive down vehicle tax evasion and the vast majority of motorists are doing the right thing with over 98% of vehicles on the road taxed correctly. “Estimated evasion rates fluctuate and the pandemic is highly likely to have impacted some motorists’ behaviours. Those who choose to evade will be tackled using our proven package of comprehensive enforcement measures.”
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MI6 chief reaches out to the tech sector to counter Chinese threat THE head of MI6 has warned about China’s use of financial and data power to wield influence as he set out the need for Britain’s spies to work with the global tech sector to maintain cuttingedge capabilities. Richard Moore said Beijing used ‘debt traps and data traps’ to get countries and individuals ‘on the hook’. The increasing complexity of the technology being used around the world meant MI6’s ’boffins’ were unable to meet the challenges alone and outside help was needed, he added. Mr Moore used rare public appearances on Tuesday to set out the need for a ‘sea change’ in the culture of the Secret Intelligence Service. The changing nature of the work meant that a James Bond-style Q figure is no longer able to provide all the technological capabilities required by MI6, he said.
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“Given the challenges to the way in which we go about recruiting and running secret agents, if you look at some of the technology that is available to authoritarian regimes around so-called smart cities, technologies, surveillance etc then clearly, in order to stay ahead of that, we can’t do all of this in-house,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today. “As you say, we can’t do it in our Q labs, the boffins behind the wire-type model doesn’t work for us anymore.” Mr Moore highlighted China as one of the countries which had been able to harness the power of technology, coupled with its economic might, to assert itself on the global stage. Its artificial intelligence capabilities allow Beijing to “harvest data from around the world”, he said. “And it’s also trying to use influence through its economic policies to try and sometimes, I think, get people on the hook.” China will use its ability to control data and its financial power as “leverage” against targets. He said the “debt trap” has allowed China to be given the use of ports – which could be used as naval bases – in countries which are unable to repay loans. He added: “The data trap is this: that, if you allow another country to gain
SPY MASTER Head of MI6 Richard Moore
access to really critical data about your society, over time that will erode your sovereignty, you no longer have control over that data. “That’s something which, I think, in the UK we are very alive to and we’ve taken measures to defend against.” China “does not share our values and often their interests clash with ours” and Chinese President Xi Jinping is “very clear that we are now in a more assertive stage with China”, he said. Although he was not seeking an “adversarial relationship” with China “we need to be very robust in fighting our corner”, he added. In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Moore said: – Assessments of the speed with which Afghanistan would be taken by the Taliban were “clearly wrong” but it was “overblown to describe it in terms of intelligence failure” because not even the Taliban had predicted the fall of Kabul so quickly. – There is a “chronic problem” over the situation in Ukraine, and Moscow presented an “acute threat” but it needed to be made clear to the Kremlin that the West was “not trying to encircle Russia”. – MI6 had to recruit from “all sections of society” through an online process rather than relying on personal recommendations as “there are risks that you tap on the shoulder people
who look like you”. – The UK has a “great science and tech sector” and said free societies in the West had advantages because “we do have an ability to get the entrepreneurial animal spirits going in a way that perhaps authoritarian regimes don’t”.
Criminals Mr Moore, known as C in Whitehall, will use a speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London to flesh out why outside expertise is needed. “MI6 deals with the world as it is, not as we would like it to be,” he will say according to advance extracts of his speech. “And ‘digital attack surface’ criminals, terrorists and state threats that seek to exploit against us is growing exponentially. “According to some assessments, we may experience more technological progress in the next 10 years than in the last century, with a disruptive impact equal to the industrial revolution. “As a society, we have yet to internalise this stark fact and its potential impact on global geopolitics. “But it is a white-hot focus for MI6.” Mr Moore , who took over MI6 in 2020, also said the organisation has to become as diverse.
Woman murdered baby before abandoning it in woods
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THE wife of a former soldier has been found guilty of the murder of her newborn baby by abandoning him in woodland after she discovered she was pregnant too late to have an abortion. Silipa Keresi was convicted at Winchester Crown Court of the murder of Maliki Keresi who was found dead, wrapped in a bath towel, in woodland near to the defendant’s home in Hythe, New Forest, Hampshire, on March 5, 2020. The trial heard that the 38-year-old, from Fiji, who is married to a former Commonwealth soldier in the British Army, was stressed at the time by the process of applying for permission to stay in the UK combined with financial difficulties. The defendant told the court that her life had been “hell for the past couple of years” with her family being homeless while living in a small hotel room,
surviving on contributions from a food bank. She said: “I felt my life was just chaos.”
Trial Keresi also said that her husband, Dharma Keresi, who left the Army in 2017, used to beat her and hit her with his army belt. Kerry Maylin, prosecuting, told the trial that in November 2019, Keresi visited the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) seeking a termination. But she had left the appointment distressed after a scan revealed she was 26 weeks and 5 days pregnant – past the legal limit of 24 weeks for an abortion. Miss Maylin said: “Silipa Keresi appeared very shocked, she became visibly uncomfortable, she got off the bed abruptly and tried to leave.”
She said that several attempts were made by the midwife service to contact the defendant during her pregnancy, including a visit to her home, but she failed to attend appointments. A post-mortem showed that the baby boy breathed and excreted following birth and would have suffered from hypothermia, the court heard. The autopsy found that Maliki had no abnormalities or injuries and the cause of death was given as “omission of care”. A police appeal to find the mother was launched after the discovery of his body and the defendant was traced after a midwife came forward. The judge, Mr Justice Garnham, adjourned the case for sentencing on Thursday December 2, and remanded Keresi into custody. He told her: “There is only one sentence available to the court which is life imprisonment.”
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Jobs to go as TSB announces 70 of its branches will close BANKING group TSB says it plans to close 70 bank branches across the UK next year as customers switch to online banking. The business said that it would have 220 branches left at the end of June 2022, compared to 290 today. Among the closures will be the Mount Pleasant Road branch in Tunbridge Wells, which will shut on May 19 next year. Despite the closures TSB will remain the country’s seventh largest branch network. TSB said that it will mean 150 fewer roles but that all staff who work at the closing branches will be offered alternative roles at the bank.
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There have been ongoing rumours that changes are on the cards for both Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT), as far back as a report from the Office for Tax Simplification in 2020. Rumours are heightened since the economic impact of Brexit and the pandemic became clear.
overall network 4.55% smaller at 5,599. The closures meant less than two-thirds of the UK population (60.1%) are now within 2km of a bank branch, down from 61.8% in the first quarter of 2021. It also saw a drop in the proportion of those within 5km of a branch, down to 87.5% from 88% in the previous three months. Lenders such as Virgin Money and HSBC have recently shut branches as the Covid crisis has ramped up the shift towards online banking, with Lloyds Banking Group, Sabadell-owned TSB and the Co-operative Bank also among those to shut branches since the start of the pandemic.
Variant already hitting easyJet billion the previous year, which was the first full-year loss in its 25-year history. On an underlying basis, pre-tax losses widened from £835 million to £1.14 billion.
Performance
AIRLINE easyJet said it is already seeing some impact on demand from the new Omicron variant of coronavirus as it revealed annual losses of more than £1billion. The low-cost carrier said it has seen signs that demand is softening in its current quarter due to the emergence of the new strain of Covid-19, with winter bookings starting to weaken and some travellers transferring trips to early next year. City destinations in particular have been affected, according to the group. But chief executive Johan Lundgren said the impact so far is not on the level seen previously when restrictions were imposed, although he stressed it is “too soon to say” what the ultimate hit will be. New restrictions came into force on Tuesday in an effort to control the new variant, with the Government ruling that
NEWS
Despite no big announcements about Capital Gains or Inheritance Tax in the recent Budget, I am concerned about potential changes to them in the future. What action can I take now?
Transactions It is two years since TSB set out a plan to scale back its branch network but the shift to digital banking has accelerated during the pandemic as customers have been stuck at home. Nine in 10 transactions are now done online, and 90% of mortgage appointments are video calls, TSB said. There is “no prospect of branch transactions returning to pre-Covid levels”, the bank said. There is a Post Office or a free-to-use cash point within a mile of every branch that is set to close. TSB chief customer officer Robin Bulloch said: “Closing branches is an incredibly difficult decision to take, but we have to respond to the changes in the way people bank and provide the right mix of services for all our customers now and into the future.” It is not the first closures at the bank. In September last year, the banking giant announced it would close 164 branches. And according to the City Watchdog, the pandemic has seen the number of bank branches in Britain shrink. Data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows that 267 bank and building society branches were closed permanently between April and June this year, leaving the
National News
all travellers returning to the UK must now take a PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Restrictions Many countries have also moved to tighten their borders, with the UK Government announcing a ban on travel from 10 countries in southern Africa where the variant is thought to be in circulation, and restrictions are growing across Europe. EasyJet said: “It’s too soon to say what impact Omicron may have on European travel and any further short-term restrictions that may result. “However, we have prepared ourselves for periods of uncertainty such as this.” The comments came as the company posted statutory pre-tax losses of £1.04 billion for the year to September 30, compared with losses of £1.27
Despite the current uncertainty, easyJet said it is still hopeful of a recovery to pre-pandemic levels of trading over its current year. The group said it expects to ramp up its flights programme to around 65% of pre-pandemic levels in the current quarter to the end of December, although this has been reined in from a previous target of 70%. It aims to increase this to 70% in the three months to March, with a return to around 2019 levels in the summer quarter. It also said it has seen demand accelerate recently, with a “strong performance” for October half-term, the ski season and Christmas. But easyJet held off from giving full financial guidance for the year, given the “continued level of short-term uncertainty”. Mr Lundgren said: “We have seen an encouraging start to this year, with strong demand returning for peak winter holiday periods coupled with increasing summer demand, with fourth-quarter capacity expected to be close to full-year 2019 levels.” He added: “We remain mindful that many uncertainties remain as we navigate the winter, but we see a unique opportunity for easyJet to win customers and take market share from rivals in this period.”
These taxes can have a considerable impact on your estate. As house prices continue to rise, especially in the South East, and with tax thresholds for IHT frozen until 2026, many more families may find themselves with an IHT liability after the death of a loved one. However, CGT remains at one of its lowest levels for decades, and one thing that was announced in the recent Budget was that CGT rates would be frozen for the time being. As such, many people may look to realise gains and pay tax at the current rates, rather than risk paying higher rates down the line. In fact, now is an ideal time to review your tax and estate planning, and there are a number of steps that can be taken to potentially reduce your exposure to both CGT and IHT. For example, assets can be transferred between spouses and civil partners at “no gain, no loss”. During their lifetime, couples can take advantage of two annual CGT allowances. With some advance planning, on the first death couples can potentially obtain an uplift in the value of assets, thereby wiping out inherent capital gains, enabling the surviving spouse to make gifts. It is worth noting that technical changes have been proposed, which would end such planning opportunities between couples. Gifting assets in life is another common approach. Many choose to do this via a trust, which is a legal arrangement where ‘trustees’ hold assets for ‘beneficiaries’. They are often created as part of an estate planning exercise, usually with a view to reducing the amount of IHT that is paid on a person’s death. This is because by transferring property or other assets into trust and surviving seven years, the gift of the assets into the trust will typically fall out of play for IHT. There are implications in terms of CGT with this approach, and while it is often possible to “hold over” the gain so no CGT is payable at the point of transfer into the trust, many may choose to realise gains now, before CGT rates increase. Tax planning is an extremely complex area, and doing nothing can have significant tax consequences. It is wise to plan ahead and seek advice at the earliest opportunity. Our team has extensive experience of helping individuals and families to pass on their wealth to the next generation, and can identify the options best suited to each family’s unique needs and situation. Get in touch at info@ts-p.co.uk .
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact Helen Maddison-White on 01892 701342, email helen.maddison-white@ts-p.co.uk or Helen Stewart on 01892 701398, email helen.stewart@ts-p.co.uk
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Education
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
EDUCATION Times
Students celebrate a great year of sporting success This academic year is proving to be a stellar one when it comes to impressive results for Mayfield students. The Times finds out more about the independent girls school’s achievements in sporting fields as diverse as duathlons, fencing and showjumping . . .
By Eileen Leahy MAYFIELD School is celebrating a run of incredible sporting achievements over the past few months. The independent Catholic girls’ school, which was established by Mother Cornelia Connelly in 1872 and is located in the village of Mayfield, has seen a number of its senior students achieve outstanding results despite being unable to play a lot of their fixtures or attend certain events over the past 18 months due to Covid. “It has been a great start to the school year for Mayfield girls in the sporting arena, with success in cricket, duathlon, fencing and horse riding a MAYFIELD’S RIDING HIGH Mayfield spokesperson told the Times. “Isabel in Year 12 (left) is an accomplished triathlete and recently won the South of England Inter-Regional Duathlon Championships in Gravesend. This involved a 2.6km run followed by a 10km cycle and then a final 1.3km run. She also competes in the Sussex Cross Country League.” Commenting on her sporting feat Isabel said: “I love competing and Mayfield has supported me to achieve a balance in both competitive sport and
academic excellence, allowing me to be the best I can be.” The Mayfield spokesperson went on to add that Year 10 student, Lucia, had recently been selected to represent GB at Fencing, and will now be competing in competitions in Bulgaria and Germany prior to Christmas as part of the Sabre U17 squad. She is currently ranked 6th in Great Britain after coming 3rd in a recent British Ranking Competition in Manchester. Georgina Fletcher, Mayfield’s Director of Sport, added: “I’m delighted with the achievements of our girls this term. Our ethos for sport at Mayfield encourages all girls to take part in physical exercise, and sports such as hockey, netball, football and cricket have all proved extremely popular – with a number of girls going on to play at county level. With the right encouragement and support we believe all girls can discover a
sport they enjoy and in which they can excel.” The Mayfield Equestrian teams recently competed in the 2021 NSEA National Schools Championships at Keysoe, with one team winning the Show Jumping 1.10m National Team title, and another becoming National Dressage Team Champions. Jill Barker, Mayfield’s Director of Riding, told us: “I’m really proud of the girls’ performances. They worked extremely hard.”
“I love competing and Mayfield has supported me to achieve a balance in both competitive sport and academic excellence”
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Call 0800 066 5373 Email future@LV.com Visit LV.com/future Our phone line is open 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturday. We’ve extended our usual opening hours to provide additional member information and support on our proposals. For Textphone first dial: 18001. Calls will be recorded and/or monitored for training and audit purposes. LV= and Liverpool Victoria are registered trademarks of Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited and LV= and LV= Liverpool Victoria are trading styles of the Liverpool Victoria group of companies. Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited, registered in England with registration number 12383237 is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, register number 110035. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. 36376-2021 11/21
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Weekly Comment
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Alain Lewis
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Alain Lewis is one of the three Labour Borough Councillors for Southborough and High Brooms Ward. Alain is also a Southborough Town Councillor where he served as Town Mayor for two years. He works in the Adult Education Department of Kent County Council and is a Trustee for the Rusthall Community Cinema.
Labour Party
Voters are finally losing trust in the Conservatives LAST Thursday there was a quiet, but significant, political earthquake in Tunbridge Wells. The Alliance took a seat from the Conservatives in the Speldhurst and Bidborough by-election, resulting in the Tories losing control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the first time since 1998. Voters are losing trust in the Conservatives. Nationally we’ve seen a list of MP corruption stories, there are cost of living and migrant crises, the Northern Ireland peace agreement is in peril, and social care remains an unresolved mess. On stage our PM witters meaninglessly about Kermit the Frog and Peppa Pig! Locally the Conservatives have failed big time. Tunbridge Wells was a ‘go to’ place for shopping and entertainment, but no longer. It is now characterised by empty shop units and the derelict cinema site. Tories have wasted nearly £11million on the scrapped Calverley Square Project. They have messed up on the bins and leisure centre contracts. Unbelievably, at the beginning of 2018 the Conservatives dominated the Council with 43 seats and 5 for other parties. As a result of Thursday’s by-election, they have 23 seats and other parties have 25. Now is time for all opposition parties to work together for the changes we desperately need.
Labour’s priorities are to see a revival in our towns and villages; to provide more genuinely affordable housing, particularly social housing, for families and young people living across the Borough; and to step up the Council contribution towards tackling the climate and bio-diversity emergencies.
Conviction
never properly costed, and that came with nothing more than a ‘back of a fag packet’ business plan in place. Their over optimistic income forecast has proved to be completely unrealistic. We strongly believe Councillors should move away from the assumption that they are they fountains of all knowledge, there to tell people what they want. Councillors are members of a
community – they have to listen and work together to provide what people want and need. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is rudderless at the moment, and we need to change this. With the Tories losing control we now need new leadership and a post-Covid regeneration plan to provide hope to residents and revive the fortunes of our Borough.
We also want the Council to take a firmer lead in working with Kent Police on gender-based violence and misogyny. The recent conviction of a brutal killer of two local young women and the spiking of women’s drinks in a town centre bar shows how much we have to do. As well as being a Borough Councillor I am also proud to be a member, and ex-Mayor, of the Labour led Southborough Town Council. It operates in a way I would like to see the Borough Council working in the future. At Southborough Town Council we believe in working with and being at the heart of our community. We have been listening to a wide variety of views to shape the services that we provide, including the final development of our new Civic Centre. We are working hard to balance the books on this Conservative project. A project that was
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Letters
NEWS
19
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 be extremely hard on account of the numerous airports. I have just got used to them as being a necessity. John Pearce Tunbridge Wells
Young people should be safe on a night out I was horrified to read about what had happened at the Pitcher & Piano involving people being spiked and jabbed with needles. How horrific. I can’t imagine the worry if one of my children had been injected by a syringe - there could be anything in it, not to mention the possiblity of infections. This bar should never be reopened unless they can guarantee young people are safe. I know I won’t be letting my two go out late in Tunbridge Wells unless the people who are doing this are caught and punished. Jane Harrington Tunbirdge Wells Young people should feel safe to let their hair down over the weekend, without the fear of being spiked, use of needles is even more
Fewer American imports please We’ve imported Halloween, Radio 3 goes all John Sousa and Charles Ives every year celebrating the 4th of July, now we have ‘Wines for Thanksgiving’ last week. Whilst I accept there are ex-pats over here, I wonder if a provincial US newspaper would devote a half-page to English food for Bonfire Night. What next, Washington’s birthday? Mike Pearson Frant Road
Airports are a necessity I have read with interest over the months the various comments for and against the expansion of Gatwick Airport. The thing is if Britain wishes to be a progressive country then it’s necessary to expand. People may not like it, but that is the reality. Most countries have built massive airports not just for tourism, but trade and boosting their economies.
terrifying. As someone who has been spiked in a nightclub before I know how scary the effects can be. Hopefully the odious people responsible are held to account. Aaron Brand Tunbridge Wells
Hugh Masters Pembury
Prices deter bus users I read with interest the article on how the public could reduce their carbon emissions in Tunbridge Wells [Times, November 24]. A huge reduction could be made if bus prices were reduced encouraging people to leave their cars at home, you almost need a bank loan to bring a family into the centre by bus.
Victor Bethell Tunbridge Wells
Jean Meadows Tunbridge Wells
Parking policy needs a rethink Marguerita Morten of the Lib Dems wrote last week [November 24] that she wants to engage with the public on how the council can reduce its carbon footprint by identifying the largest sources of emissions within the borough. So I’ll point her to the car parking that’s allowed on every road into and out of the town;
Shopping local expensive Peppy’s cartoon last week [November 24] spoke volumes: local food deep pocket! We’re urged to ‘shop local’ to reduce our carbon footprint, but you’d never feed a family of four at their prices. Robert Moore Tunbridge Wells
I know two ladies that have been spiked there (few years ago) but I’m not sure what a bar can do apart from keep an eye on suspicious activity. Part of Pitcher & Piano’s problem is its layout. Visibility for staff is zero when people are squashed in. Barry Tamkin Facebook Travel is not solely for holiday makers, but of considerable use for businesses. Virtual meetings may be common, but face to face meetings have greater clout. Sadly, teleportation has not yet been invented, so in the meantime air travel continues. Comments like ‘screaming aircraft all night’, ‘flights every 4 minutes’, sound more like the flight path to Heathrow in the 1980s. In the past 30 years aircraft have used much quieter engines and even the giant A380 is gone in seconds. I recall noisy aircraft from the 1970s & 1980s but hardly affected now. Also, the suggestion that flights come over ‘every 4 minutes’ is not the case. There are time periods in the day when a lot come over and then a long quiet spell. So, much as one may be annoyed by these, just something to get used to. The ultimate is to move to an area of the country where no flights come by; that would
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
PEPPY SAYS
CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)
SPIKED: Last week’s front page
There are too many houses In response to Councillor Hall’s reply to my letter [Times, November 21] may I point out that as I live in a town like fifty thousand plus other souls I am naturally an Urbanite as opposed to a country dwelling Ruralite like herself. I was born and raised in Oak Road (gas works end), educated at Skinners school and have worked in Tunbridge Wells mainly in retailing all my life. The way this town has been destroyed by her party grieves me. Houses now cover the areas where open fields and woods once were. Likewise the allotments in many places. Look straight across from the top of Highfield Road in High Brooms and you will see masses of houses where the woods once were. The loss of habitat to the local wildlife is appalling. Looking at the oversize developments in the town it can be seen that Tunbridge Wells has become a property developers paradise. Finally, Dr Hall, I am not aligned to or a member of any political party.
the council allows it to attract commuters who work in Tunbridge Wells and those catching trains to somewhere else. Where to start? Bayhall Road; Major York’s; London Road/Mt Ephraim; Liptraps Lane; Longfield Road; Frant Road; Upper Grosvenor Road. Add to this, the residential side roads which, for some of these, the council sells parking permits – whilst not guaranteeing a space which is a bit of a con. All these require moving traffic to constantly stop, to brake and downshift through the gears adding to fuel consumption and emissions. Recently, brake disc microparticles and tyre dust have been identified as health hazards. Where to start? It’s under her nose. Can we expect a radical rethink of this policy? Don’t hold your breath - though you should. So how ‘green’ do you want to be, councillor?
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Life&Times
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Local poetry competition is a great success for Friends of the Museum P28
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Property News
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Buyers from Hong Kong flock to Tunbridge Wells
23
Advertisement feature
Property Focus
KERB APPEAL Knight’s Wood
WHY SHOULD I LIST MY PROPERTY BEFORE CHRISTMAS?
By Richard Williams A LOCAL developer has sold 22 properties on a new Tunbridge Wells housing estate to buyers in Hong Kong. Dandara, which is behind the Knights Wood development near to the Odeon Cinema, say the properties have been reserved in the last month and equate to approximately 80 per cent of the housebuilder’s sales in this period. Local estate agent Knight Frank also reported an increase in sales in the area from Hong Kong buyers earlier in the year. The historic spa town is increasingly soughtafter, with house prices having risen over 52 per cent in the last decade.
Visa During the pandemic, the property market became particularly heated, with the Financial Times reporting 2,801 sales in 2020 alone – representing the highest number in five years despite a temporary pause on transactions for seven weeks. The rush continued this year with sales agreed by Hamptons in the first quarter of 2021 up by 146 compared to the year before. The news also comes after the British government introduced a special visa this year allowing Hong Kong citizens to move to the UK for five years. It came after China tightened its grip on Hong Kong which was under British rule for 156 years before it was handed over to China in 1997. Dandara’s Knights Wood development in Tunbridge Wells is within easy access to London in under an hour, as well as the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where residents can immerse themselves in countryside.
Louise Norman, Associate Sales and Marketing Director at Dandara, said: “We’ve seen interest from buyers in Hong Kong in the last few months in particular, who are primarily families looking for spacious homes with gardens. “The development has attracted families since its launch due to the large number of Ofsted rated Good and Outstanding schools nearby, including our primary school on site, as well as being in the catchment area for some of the country’s best grammar schools. “Our buyers are drawn to the space available in our homes at Knights Wood as well as the green space and beautiful woodlands surrounding the development. With a health club, multi-screen cinema and restaurants just a short walk away, it’s not surprising that the development is proving popular locally and overseas. “The allure of Tunbridge Wells is also a prominent factor. The area really does offer the best of both worlds with easy access to London and the countryside – it has something for everyone.” Dandara says it prides itself on offering welldesigned, high-quality homes. The homes themselves have been designed with an ‘urban village’ style, picking up references in their framework and materials from the traditional Georgian architecture of Tunbridge Wells, reinterpreted in a thoroughly modern style. Every home also benefits from off-road parking, a car port or a garage. Masterplanner JTP and multi-disciplinary design company Axis Mason have created a collection of public realms at the development, from open streets to intimate courtyards, to bring life and character to the area. Homes currently available at Knights Wood start from £625,000 for a four-bedroom property.
Town is Kent’s happiest and 50th best place to live in UK TUNBRIDGE Wells is the best place to live in Kent if you wish to be happy and ranks as the 50th happiest place in the UK, according to Rightmove. The online estate agent’s Happy at Home Index is in its tenth year and it has surveyed 21,000 people in 210 towns across Great Britain.
Visa Hexham in Northumberland, a picturesque market town, has once again been crowned the
happiest place to live in Great Britain in 2021, after also coming first in 2019. Richmond Upon Thames in London came second, and Harrogate in Yorkshire is in third place. The unhappiest place in the UK at 210th place was awarded to Barking and Dagenham and at 209th is Brent, both of which are in London. In the South East, the happiest place according to Rightmove is Hove. Maidstone came bottom of the list. Tunbridge Wells is the tenth happiest place in the region and comes top of all Kent’s major towns.
December is here and you may be thinking that there is little benefit in listing your property now, as festivities take over and priorities shift towards baubles and brandy butter! But the Maddisons Residential team know that buyers who continue their search during the Christmas period are highly motivated so, by listing your property now, you could find yourself celebrating a speedy sale alongside Santa’s arrival! Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential explains how to capitalise on the unique advantages that the Christmas season brings. List it, quickly: By listing your home this side of Christmas, you stand to benefit from the current lack of stock, coupled with the seasonal lull in listings – allowing your home to shine as a new listing just as the wider market slows down. What’s more, as buyers who haven’t got compelling motivations and deadlines ease off their search as they put up the tinsel, you’ll benefit from attracting only the most dedicated house hunters, which is great if you’re looking for an efficient, swift sale. Boxing Day buyer boom: Even if you don’t manage to wrap up a sale before Christmas, you will put yourself in good stead for the Boxing Day boom. Last year, Rightmove reported a jump of 54% in online searches as people yearned for a New Year move. So, by listing your property before Christmas, you boost your chances of a January sale! Top Tip: If you do decide to list before Christmas, have your photos taken before your Christmas decorations go up to avoid them being time-stamped. But you don’t have to remain a scrooge; potential buyers will love a friendly, festive theme as they arrive for viewings!
Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, a leading, award-winning independent estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert advice on all aspects of sales and lettings, combined with excellent customer service.
www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk 18 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk
Arts & Antiques
antiques
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
25
A festive treasure hunt with fork and spoon looking for that elusive sixpence TV’s Eric Knowles reveals how the tradition of placing coins in Christmas puddings began
H
ELLO everyone. It’s a function of advancing years to notice changes to those little rituals and routines which you have observed for a lifetime, as they evolve in to different forms. I’m sure, for instance, that you can all recall the things that made Christmas special in your childhood home, and how you may have adopted and adapted the same rituals now that you’re ‘organising’ your own festivities. In the Knowles household for instance, way back in the day, I can well remember the annual hunt for a farthing or a sixpence that had been put in to the Christmas pudding – it was a deemed to be a huge transgression for anyone to either apply their custard or to start eating before someone had managed to find it.
The whole Christmas coin narrative dates back to the early middle ages when tokens of one form or another – coins, rings, even dried peas – were baked in to cakes to be eaten over the festive period. The finder was able to claim sovereignty over the household for the day, and avoid some of the more onerous domestic chores on a shortterm basis. A current equivalent would be not having to load or unload the dishwasher in the wake of Christmas dinner, or perhaps being excused from SING A SONG A Roman coin
Foil-wrapped Nowadays, this tradition seems to have faded away almost entirely – no doubt due in no small way to the heavy hand of health and safety directives with regard to baiting foodstuffs with potential choking hazards. We do, however, still retain vestiges of such ceremonial goings on by way of the foil-wrapped chocolate coins which find their way in to Christmas stockings or join other ornaments and decorations on the tree.
visiting a particularly cantankerous relative. It has to be said that the antiquarian allure of coins had somewhat passed me by, until I signed up as Chairman of The Hoard and became involved with the company’s retail outlet down at The Pantiles Arcade. The sale of these
fascinating little pieces of history was one of their already-established specialities and, I have to say, I’m getting drawn further and further in to the realms of numismatic fascination.
Roman I was amazed, for instance, to be given a coin bearing the image of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to inspect – he of wall-building renown. It was impossible not to notice the rather curious nature of Hadrian’s image – the lower part of his face was covered, quite deliberately, in tiny dots. This it transpires was a depiction of his beard – he was one of just two Emperors to have had such abundant facial foliage, the other being Nero. It was unusual for a Roman head of state not to be clean-shaven, and supposedly Hadrian cultivated his beard to hide some sort of disfigurement, be it an old battle wound, or scarring left by illness or infection. I was quite taken with the fact that this personal detail about a really rather well-known historical figure only became apparent – to me, at least by looking at a coin, just one example of the wealth of information that can be gleaned from such intriguing little artefacts. Although I’m unfortunately not likely to find such treasures in this year’s plum pudding, I do feel one or two judicious additions to my Christmas list may now be required…
ANTIQUES EXPERT Eric Knowles
26
Arts & Antiques
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Pick of the lots...
Gorringe’s Joseph Trinder offers some key advice on taking items to auction and what to expect when they go under the hammer
Joseph Trinder
I
N MY daily valuation visits, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with new clients all the time and am always delighted to hear of people’s interest in the auction world, our sales at Gorringe’s and the notion of finding Christmas gifts through auction this year. It is perhaps however easy for someone with a role such as mine to forget that not everyone is familiar with the wonderful and rather unique world of the auction room – I thought I’d take this opportunity therefore to dispel a few myths and offer a few pieces of advice/practical information for those of you who might soon be taking part in an auction for the very first time. One of the most common myths that I am asked about (which always produces a smile) is the old fear “will I accidentally buy something by scratching my nose, should I just sit on my hands” the answer is a heartily offered “no” on both counts! Any good auctioneer worth his or her salt will never have the issue of mistaking such a gesture as a bid – you will find the atmosphere relaxed, inviting and friendly. I am however reminded of a recent encounter from the rostrum, where a gentleman enthusiastically waved his hands to
show his partner the seats he’d found in the front row. Realising the potential for fun, I paused the auction for just a second and looked down to the chairs with a wry smile – the poor chap went a shade of crimson as we were joined in laughter by our other room participants – part of the fun of attending a sale in person. My next piece of advice is to take your time and do your research – we always recommend viewing in person if possible as, despite the quality of our photography, nothing is really a substitute for handling your potential purchase in ‘real life’.
online or over the phone – the ability to sense when a competitor may be slowing down and faltering etc together with simply being a wonderfully fun day out.
Requests
Confidence Yet, if you can’t get to Lewes to do so then fear not, we offer free, comprehensive and transparent condition reports and extra photography to all prospective bidders – ensuring that you are fully informed as to the condition, any blemishes or restoration etc which may be present on anything you are considering buying from us – leaving our bidders will full confidence before the sale. Another piece of key advice is to simply speak with our specialists – we are proud to boast a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable specialists with focus across all areas of the market at Gorringe’s – you’ll find them friendly, approachable and accommodating - so do ask if you would like to learn more about a piece you are considering buying. Once you’ve viewed and decided to bid, the
FOR SALE An early 19th century gold, silver and diamond encrusted pendant next question is – “How do I do so?” In today’s world we offer a number of ways in which you can interact and take part in the sale, which I’ll outline here: Firstly though, of course as an auctioneer I must say, that bidding in person really is my recommendation – both selfishly as I adore a room full of atmosphere during the sale, but also as attending in person gives you a nuance in the experience which is perhaps not quite captured
However, we of course accommodate bids from clients further afield in a truly global market, offering no less than three online bidding platform options in our fine sales – any member of the team will be pleased to tell you more about each of them. We then of course offer bidding by telephone, where a colleague will call you before your lot is offered and steward you through the process – an ever popular way of taking part, I recommend getting phone requests in early as we inevitably become fully booked quite quickly with such strong interest throughout our sales. There is also of course commission bidding this is where you leave a maximum potential bid with the auctioneer and we work on your behalf in executing that bid, attempting to buy the lot as cheaply for you as possible. Again, the word count signals my conclusion here - so I would summarise by encouraging anyone interested to just take the leap and attend your first auction, you will find it an engaging, interesting and potentially very rewarding experience and we look forward to welcoming you to Gorringe’s this month with weekly sales on December 6 and 13 and our fine quarterly Christmas sale on December 7.
Arts & Antiques
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
27
Keeping a watch on time
Alexander Pushkin, of Pushkin Antiques in Tunbridge Wells High Street, talks about Rolex, one of the most famous watchmakers in the world, and their fascinating history...
I
selling them to other jewellers, who would put their own retail names on the dial, remains little-known. However, that is exactly how the story of the world’s most recognizable brand began. Rolex SA is both a pioneer and a record holder in many fields. Already in 1914 Rolex was awarded a Class A precision certificate by Kew Observatory, that was normally granted to only marine chronometers. For instance, it was Rolex that in 1926 presented the world’s first waterproof wristwatch to the public, the Rolex Oyster. In 2018, Forbes recognized the luxury manufacturer as the world’s 71st most valuable brand. Rolex is also known as the brand that produced two out of the ten most expensive
N THIS this week’s article I would like to talk about perhaps my favourite watchmakers Rolex SA. These luxury watchmakers originated in London, England and are currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1905 and originally called Wilsdorf and Davis after its two co-founders, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, but in 1908 the name was changed to Rolex, the name didn’t have a specific meaning, but was made to sound more exciting and adventurous. Today the brand is considered by many to manufacture one of the world’s most expensive and durable watches, while owning an exceptional timepiece by Rolex is believed to be a symbol of exquisite taste and opulence.
Alexander Pushkin watches ever sold at auctions. Along with the likes of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Vascheron Constantin, Rolex tops the list of manufacturers of the most expensive and luxurious watches in the world.
Sports
TIMEPIECE A classic Rolex
With more than 800,000 timepieces produced annually, Rolex remains the most in demand and desirable brand among a wide range of clients from extreme sports lovers to the connoisseurs of exceptional and exquisite designs. Among world-known customers and brand ambassadors for Rolex are such athletes as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Roger Federer. As well as being a desirable brand, over the last few years Rolex watches have become extremely wise investments, with watches selling in some cases twice or even three times over the list price, due to high demand and year long waiting lists. At Pushkin Antiques we offer a large selection of Rolex timepieces for men and women, which can be found on our website www. pushkinantiques.com/rolex
Started as a tiny manufacturer, Rolex soon became one of the biggest players in the global watchmaking market. In 2005, 100 years after the company was registered, it was recorded to produce more than half the annual number of watches certified by Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the institute in charge of the accuracy and precision of Swiss watches.
Valuable The fact that originally the company specialised in importing Swiss movements by Hermann Aegler to England, placing them in watch cases made by local artisans and then
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Arts
arts
28
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Making valuable connections through the power of poetry In September the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Museum, Library & Art Gallery launched a poetry competition which invited people of all ages to put pen to paper in order to reflect on friendship. The winners were recently announced so Eileen Leahy caught up with the competition’s organiser and Friends’ Chair Anne Stobo to discover the inspiration behind it and who won which category THEY say you should never underestimate the power of words and that is certainly true for one local community group who have found real connection courtesy of a poetry competition launched earlier this year. The Friends of Tunbridge Wells Museum, Library & Art Gallery (FTWMLAG) decided to do so after an anonymous supporter offered £100 as prize money.
Prize FTWMLAG was established 15 years ago to provide a connection between the staff of the cultural departments of the council and members of the general community. Since 2006 they have organised walks, talks, quizzes, garden parties, visits and many other activities. Through these events FTWMLAG has raised funds for numerous projects, enabling the museum and library to purchase or restore various items.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Licensing Act 2003
Application for the variation of Premises Licence
WINNING LINE UP: Poetry competition winners at The Amelia
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Arts
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
“It was an absolute pleasure to read the submissions for the Friends of the Tunbridge Wells Museum poetry competition. The theme of friendship clearly resonated for many people” This includes £10,000 for the conservation of a Georgian gown which will be on display next year in the new Amelia Scott Cutural Centre. The group also helped Tunbridge Wells Borough council’s successful Heritage Lottery bid in 2015, which in turn enabled The Amelia Scott building project to go ahead. The FTWMLAG poetry competition was launched in September and was open to all ages from adults to adolescents and those under 12. “Centred around friendship we had enquiries from across the ocean and entries from all across the county,” continues Anne. “It was not an easy task for the judges which included Mara Bergman, a poet and children’s writer and Emily
TABITHA BOLTER Under18 Bennett who is a creative writing lecturer. But they said they enjoyed the process enormously and unanimously agreed on their winners.” These included for the Under 12 category, Isla Waugh with her poem ‘John’; Tabitha Bolter’s poem ‘Zoom In – sonnet No 42’ for the Under 18 category; and Irene Wright with her poem ‘True Friendship’ in the Runner Up adult category. The winner in the Adult category was Martin Davies with his poem ‘Ivy’ and the judges also highly commended Peppy Scott with her Poem ‘Truest Friends.’
Resonated
ISLA WAUGH Under 12
Commenting on their involvement with the competition Mara Bergaman told the Times: “It was an absolute pleasure to read the submissions for the Friends of the Tunbridge Wells Museum poetry competition. The theme of friendship clearly resonated for many people, especially following the long months when most could not actually meet up with friends in person. Here were poems that affirmed how friendships have been treasured through
ANNE STOBO (LEFT) WITH JANE MARCH difficult, as well as happy, times. The winning and commended poems spoke to me from the very start. I have participated in a writers and artists project with the Friends of the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, and was so pleased to be asked to help judge this competition.” Meanwhile Emily Bennett said: “I was very excited to receive an email from Anne inviting me to be part of this fantastic event. As a creative writing tutor for Kent Adult Education, I love creativity in all forms and the variety of poetry entered into this competition was both imaginative and inspiring. The winning poem explored the theme of friendship in a thought provoking and emotive way, followed closely by the runner up who used format and rhythm to portray an unbreakable friendship. All of the poems were heartwarming to read, and I feel very fortunate to have been a judge in this competition.” Councillor Jane March, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure presented the prizes: £100 cheque to the winner, a £75 Adult Education Voucher to the runner up £20 and £10 book
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tokens to the under 18s in the courtyard of the new Amelia Scott building on Friday November 19. In addition to the awards ceremony, Jeremy Kimmel, Arts, Heritage and Engagement Director at The Amelia gave the group a very informative taster explanation of the concept and ethos behind the new centre. “He emphasised that its design had been ‘people led’ and that every aspect of the building was green. We eagerly await its opening in the Spring,” says Anne. “In these very unusual times The Friends have been pleased to have the opportunity to promote both the spoken word and the power of friendship! And as we move forward into this very exciting new phase, please think of joining us and becoming a Friend.” For more information on The Friends of Tunbridge Wells Museum, Library & Art Gallery visit their Facebook page @FTWMLAG
“The poems affirmed how friendships are treasured” RUNNER UP: IRENE
Food & Culture
wine
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
It’ll be a white Christmas thanks to these top tipples Need help selecting a special bottle of wine for all those parties? Let Times Drinks Edtior James Viner be your guide for the festive season. Here he selects a trio of top dry white wines which will be perfect for special lunches or aperitifs too....
H
ere’s a mixture of marvellous whites from my tasting notes (available at the time of going to print) from the high street and online that I believe would bring much-needed cheer during the ongoing pandemic and match many classic seasonal dishes. Take into consideration that most retailers offer discounts for bigger orders and frequently for mixed dozens. Read on to discover my three standout buys and my selection of the six best white wines under £10. Try these...
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1) Creamy white from New Zealand that will match the roast Christmas bird plus gravy, bread sauce & roast veg 2019 The King's Legacy Chardonnay, Marisco Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand (Majestic, £11.99, Mix 6, 13.5%) Now you’re talking! White burgundy lovers ahoy – modern premium Kiwi Chardonnay is top value and, like this one, very rewarding. Expect a loquacious palate of lemon curd, stone fruit, quince, green apple, plus just the right amount of creamy, leesy flavours along with faint notes of oak spice, orange and toasted hazelnuts. Sourced from two vineyards, this Chardonnay has some authority and a serious pulse (the Kings Series has more concentration than the top-selling Ned brand from this large Brent Marris-owned Waihopai Valley producer). A delightful wine with drinkability stamped all over it. Smoked salmon, creamy pasta, seared scallops, fish pie, fish with beurre blanc and Christmas turkey here we come.
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2) After a white to match turkey? This one from South Africa is it! 2020 The Society’s Exhibition Chenin Blanc, Alheit Vineyards, Western Cape, South Africa (The Wine Society, £13.50, 13%)
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!
This gorgeous Western Cape Chenin Blanc is a sumptuous New World festive drink. It’s versatile, fresh and stylish, with ripe stone fruit, apple skins, camomile, beeswax and so much flavour packed in, but also blessed with lively acidity. Thoroughly satisfying to drink with a wide range of foods, including prawns, poached salmon, spice-rubbed roast pork and the festive bird with all the trimmings. You can certainly see the beauty now with more to come over the next three+ years. Delicious! Join an inimitable club that has no external shareholders to please: the gift of a lifetime share of The Society costs £40 (with a £20 credit towards the first order) and is painless and easy to do. 3) Splash-out textbook limpid Chablis that’s perfect with seafood and homemade cheese gougères. Just a whiff of this will perk up your taste buds... 2018 Chablis Vieilles Vignes Les Pargues, Domaine Moreau-Naudet, Burgundy, France (Lea & Sandeman, £23.95, case of 12 price, 13.5%) For many wine aficionados, Christmas without Chablis – the classic steely wine of Burgundy’s northernmost vineyards in north east France – is unthinkable. All the stony and limpid premium-plus Chablis you’ll need, made from low-yielding, 50-70-year-old Chardonnay vines (yes, Chablis is Chardy!), this has the lemony tang, tell-tale expressive racy mineral and evocative oyster shell/rock pool salinity to
make you chortle with cheerfulness. Les Pargues is a one-hectare lieu-dit (named site) which has a similar exposition to premiers crus Vaillons and Montmains. From ear to ear the quality is simply stupendous. Blossoms on the finish. Fermented with wild yeasts, most of the final blend was aged in old 600-litre French (steamed, not charred) barrels, hence the wood influence is extremely subtle indeed. But the X-factor and great sense of place here are both quite unmistakable: take a bow cult Chablis supremo Virginie (Mimi) Moreau! But what to drink with it? I caught up with Jack Chapman, Head of Private Clients at London’s fine wine merchant Lea & Sandeman (recently granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM the Queen) to find out more: “The most immediate and predictable pairing you’ll be offered for Chablis is seafood – with good reason, it works wonderfully. However, for a real treat, drink it with homemade cheese gougères. For the uninitiated, these are more or less little choux pastry cheese doughnuts. Incredibly easy to make and I’ll eat my shoes if they don’t quickly become a go-to dinner party snack.” À votre santé and bon appétit! NEXT WEEK: On December 8 Fuggles’ Alex Greig will commence his monthly beer column for the Times. James Viner will continue to contribute his expert wine columns on the other weeks.
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
In association with Cranbrook’s Co-op
Christmas Special 33
Discover the joys of visiting Cranbrook
The picturesque town of Cranbrook in the Weald of Kent is looking forward to the festive period with a range of activities, places to go and things to see this Christmas period .... CRANBROOK offers a wide range of independent shops and many places to eat and drink, all within easy walking distance of the regularly serviced bus stops and the numerous free car parks. There are some wonderful events in the run up to Christmas in and around Cranbrook. On Saturday, December 4, the Kitsch and Stitch Christmas Fair will be in the Vestry Hall from 10.30am to 3pm - with many local craft and vintage stalls, ideal for decorations and presents. The Cranbrook Town Christmas Market will take place on Friday December 10 from 5pm to 8pm in the Jockey Lane Car Park. There will be around 40 stalls selling everything from mulled wine, festive gifts and fine tea to homemade candles, pickles, arts and crafts, and lots of delicious food including vegan and
vegetarian offerings. Also, on Friday, December 10 there will be a late-night shopping experience in the town with many shops opening till 9pm and a festive atmosphere along the High Street and Stone Street.
Finish The St. Dunstan’s Christmas Tree Festival also takes place on Friday, December 10 from 5pm until the end of the Christmas Market and will also run all day on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12, from 11.30am- 4pm, when it will finish with sing-along carols. Saturday, December 18 will be the last Cranbrook Farmers Market of the year, in the Vestry Hall from 9.30am to 1pm. Local produce,
Supermarket members’ boost for good causes
CHRISTMAS came early for local good causes as the Co-op in Cranbrook revealed a festive funding boost to make a difference in local communities. The Co-op in High Street, Cranbrook – which re-launched in March following a major makeover to transform and improve the store - has celebrated donations to Tenterden and Cranbrook Hygiene Bank – who have received £6,798 through Co-op’s Membership programme, Sissinghurst Primary School PTA – who received £6,653 and, Cranbrook Windmill which benefitted by £7,441. Co-op’s Membership scheme provides in-store offers and sees Members rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance. In addition, Co-op also donates a further 2p in every pound to community causes – so Members make a difference locally when they shop. Since 2016, Co-op members have raised £100M for communities, causes and charity partners. The Co-op’s Local Community Fund has supported over 25,000 causes across the UK. Co-op’s Cranbrook store is powered by 100% renewable electricity, and since its relaunch it has also added a new recycle unit for ‘soft plastics’,
sweet treats and craft stalls, all in one place. CODS will stage their fun, family friendly Christmas pantomime – Dick Whittington and his Cat in the Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook from December 28 – 31. Tickets available from ticketsource.co.uk/cods or from Lambert and Foster in the High Street. Nearby Sissinghurst, too has plenty to offer this Christmas with many village businesses offering festive treats. Trinity Church will host carols and hold a range of special services for all ages, with its picturesque illuminated Christmas tree lighting up that corner of the village. In Benenden, the C.E. Primary School is holding an Outdoor Market from 3.30 to 7pm on Friday December 3 in the school courtyard with a vintage 1912 carousel, a children’s choir, Santa storytelling, lots of treats to enjoy and hampers
to win. Why not enjoy a mulled wine while you carry out some great Christmas shopping... More details available on the town council website: visitcranbrookandsissinghurst.co.uk
FESTIVE St Dunstan’s Church
MANAGER Laurence Hernandez at the town’s new Co-op
which ensures all of Co-op’s own food packing is recyclable by accepting materials which are unlikely to be collected by UK councils - including: crisp packets, bread bags, single-use carrier bags and bags-for-life, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and pet-food pouches. The store also added online Click & Collect through Co-op’s own online shop – coop.co.uk/ shop and, expects to roll-out online home deliveries too before the end of the year.
Transform The spacious new-look High Street store includes customer car parking, a bakery, free ATM, Costa coffee express, photo booth, hot food and, Amazon parcel collection, alongside a focus on fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials. Laurence Hernandez, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We were thrilled to carry out such a significant investment to transform our store earlier this year, we have had a fantastic response after we worked to develop the range, choice, products and
services locally that will create a really compelling offer and convenient choice. I am proud to be able to play a part, and give back to this wonderful community – whether it is our soft-plastic recycling, or support for local causes, Co-op really is committed to making a difference.” Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op, added: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen more Co-op members than ever play an active role in supporting their community by selecting a cause. Our insight has told us that support for mental wellbeing, access
to food and education and employment for young people, are key for helping communities as they get back on their feet. We’re delighted to see the incredible amount Co-op members have raised over the past five years, by listening closely to our local communities and providing the long-term investment and support they need, our members and customers have all helped make their communities places where we can all be proud to live and work.” More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visitingcoop.co.uk
CHRISTMAS A T PA G E S BEST SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATES & SWEETS POP IN & SEE WHAT WE OFFER, MORE THAN EXPECTED, WITH A GREAT RANGE OF CARDS, DECORATIONS AND GIFT WRAP. OFF LICENCE, TOYS, JIGSAWS, BALLOONS & BASIC ESSENTIALS.
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
In association with Cranbrook’s Co-op
Christmas Special 35
Putting English wine on the map Balfour Winery is one of England’s most respected and renowned wineries, a pioneer for both English traditional method sparkling wine, and a new wave of English still wines. When 10,000 bottles of Balfour Brut Rosé, made from the first harvest in 2004, won a gold medal at the 2007 International Wine Challenge, Balfour Winery and Hush Heath Estate were officially on the wine map. Over the following years, the winery’s co-founders Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn created a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room with the help of a team of viticultural and winemaking experts. The stylish contemporary building, The View, opened in 2018 and offers spectacular facilities with sweeping views across Hush Heath Estate.
Experience The Estate is home to some of England’s most vibrant flora and fauna, and for nature and wine lovers alike, it offers an unparalleled experience. Guests can stroll through the beautiful vineyards
on a free self-guided stroll or join an expert-led tour and tasting experience. Balfour Winery also hosts a variety of events which include delicious food. Whether it is a three-course meal or sharing platters, the menus are created with seasonal and local produce. All dishes are paired with Balfour wines, chosen by Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias.
Going potty for a sweet tooth A SWEETSHOP in Cranbrook is celebrating its first festive season. The family-run MRS T Potts Shoppe of Sweets began with the purchase of a house on Stone Street, and became a reality at the beginning of the summer this year.
Atmosphere Now as ‘Purveyors of Perfection in Confection’, the store says it likes to think it ‘takes our customers back in time with an abundance of nostalgic sweet filled jars and an old fashioned atmosphere, we even sell by the quarter’. There’s always the enticing smell of popcorn
on the go which draws the people from Cranbrook inside. And aside from providing smiles on the faces of all ages and a friendly ear, the shop also specialises in personalising jars, boxes, bags and buckets as gifts for all occasions including corporate events, weddings and birthday parties. The recent Spooky Halloween Trick or Treat event raised over £200 for The Kent Air Ambulance. Popcorn, candy floss and pre-bagged sweets were all complimentary and the owners say they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the amazing attendance and generosity of the local town.
Offering wealth advice in the Weald of Kent
This December, explore The Balfour Winery Christmas Shop and enjoy 25% off selected cases of wine and discover their beautiful Christmas Hamper full of delicious food and wine. Shop online at balfourwinery.com/shop or visit in-store at Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate, Staplehurst, TN12 0HT. Open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week.
A FAMILY-RUN weath mangerment firm is on its second generation of advisors. Gary Jefferies’ career within the financial planning world stretches back to the mid 1980s. Since then, he has advised numerous businesses owners and Family Trusts as well as clients planning for their later years and those enjoying life at retirement. His son Ross also now also works for the family firm, Panoramic Wealth. As a family, the Jefferies’ roots have been running their own business since the 1930s. “We are very much a family-owned business with no outside influence and with a succession plan in place, and we will continue to do so for many more,” Gary told the Times.
Passion The firm’s passion is helping clients and businesses achieve their dream living the life they desire. “We care for our clients in the same way in which we would wish for our own family,” continues Gary. At Panoramic Wealth clients are typically families protecting their legacy, giving their future generations a great start in life and businesses starting up, growing in stature all the way through to the owners exiting. “Whilst being a local business, we like to feel that we part of the local community. Therefore, Tunbridge Wells and its surrounds is not only where our office happens to be, but where we live and where our children went to school. We also support the local sports and arts communities.” This year the firm is ‘delighted’ to be sponsoring Trinity Theatre’s special performance of The Princess and the Pauper for key workers this Christmas. “It’s a stage where our children performed while they were at school,” says Gary. For more information call 01892 559555 or email: journey@panoramicwealth.co.uk
Feel good, fly high Open Week
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Wednesday December 1 | 2021
No time to be stuck in a ruck A SPORTS club with a long-established history within Cranbrook has returned to normal service following the pandemic. Cranbrook Sports Club provides an important role within the community, and prides itself being a community club, run by volunteer members, for its members.
Halt Covid-19 restrictions saw a halt to most activities at the club, but members were encouraged to remain active during lockdowns with various challenges, and now that players are back on the pitches, the club is thriving! Sunday mornings are very busy, seeing over 350 mini and junior members taking part in training sessions and matches throughout the
rugby season, which typically runs from the beginning of September till the end of April. From age 4 years up to 104 years, the adage that there is place on the rugby pitch for everyone, very much encapsulates rugby at Cranbrook!
The senior men’s teams are going from strength to strength under the leadership of Chris Catt, the clubs Director of Rugby. Nearly three months into the 2021/22 season, which saw the 1XV promoted to the London 3 South- East league, the squad are securing some great match victories with notable wins over local teams Maidstone and Heathfield and are currently sitting 3rd in the league table. The Nomads (2XV) are having a very strong start to the season and are currently topping the Kent 3 Rural league.
Christmas Special 37 Children gear up for first post-lockdown nativity
For the first time in over 15 years, The Gerbils (3XV) are also playing regular matches, with debuts in the senior teams for some of the clubs 18-year-olds, who are enjoying rugby under the guidance of the more experienced players. The Ladies’ squad, who were also promoted this season, and are now establishing themselves well within the NC1 South- East league. This very sociable squad continues to grow, with 30 ladies training twice weekly. The cricket nets are now packed away for the winter, in a season that saw many successful games but most notably, the U11’s winning the Weald of Kent League. If you are interested in joining this successful, sociable, and welcoming club then do get in touch via the club’s official website cranbrookrugby.com Florence Atherton
THE children of Dulwich Prep Cranbrook are gearing up for the festive season with a whole host of Christmas plays, nativities and concerts. The traditional nativity story unfolded in the school grounds complete with animals last year, and then premiered on social media so that parents and families could join in. Everyone has a role as the school and it is very keen that every child experiences the joy of performance and the unforgettable thrill of thunderous applause. Dulwich Prep Cranbrook is an independent school for children aged 2-13, based in the Weald of Kent. To find out more contact the Registrar: registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org
SCRUM DOWN The Rugby club at one of their league games
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PANORAMIC VIEWS ACROSS THE WEALD
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CAUGHT up with Gary Jefferies and his son Ross at their office in central Tunbridge Wells. Panoramic Wealth is completely family-owned company with traditional family values at the very heart of everything they do! It might be after 5pm, the sun has long set over the TW skyline but Panoramic Wealth is still buzzing with the energy that a warm family business like this thrives on. Gary sets the scene prior my interview with them both Most importantly in our lives, since early 2020 has proved to us, is to live life to the fullest. Our philosophy at Panoramic Wealth is that money acts only a vehicle to achieve what you wish to accomplish; visit different destinations and making endless memories. Pensions, Investments, Protection and Mortgages don’t themselves make us as humans tick but effective financial planning can allow us to enjoy what we love. With our guidance clients travelled the world, retired early and even bought campervans (for those staycations!) which is infinitely more impactful on their lives than any financial product could ever be. What have you learnt since last year’s initial lockdown that has made you re-evaluate the strengths of being independent, local, family run business?
GARY: We have always been a huge advocate of independence, especially for financial planning firms. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and with no outside ownership, we are fully in control of how that happens. Each and every client is unique so being independent allows us to treat them as such without having to shoehorn them into a financial plan that may or may not suit them. Some of our existing clients have now been with us for over 30 years which is what we wish for when it comes to the relationship we build through trust and expertise. As the younger presence within PW, what areas of the business are your focusing on and is it an intentional strategy for you to attract a younger base to the business? ROSS: Typically, their first experience requiring financial advice will be when aspiring to join the property ladder rather than Investments or Pensions. In light of this I also provide advice on mortgages. I want to welcome those who are new to investing. Often considered non-profitable and so no one is precluded from building their financial future, we have a minimum monthly investment amount of only £20.00. Do you see PW in a unique position where with Ross on board you can now deal with both generations / next generation of your clients ? It seems unusual to have that opportunity as a family owned business yourselves to now being in a perfect position to advise families of all ages! GARY: We often advise different generations across the familial unit so it can be a great resource to be able to advise them from a similar position where as we understand their different perspectives. Many of our clients wish to build, grow and leave a legacy and by having a constant presence of Ross and I, there is the
smooth transition down the family whilst having the confidence that their family will continue to be well looked after. Tell us a bit about the challenges then of getting onto the property ladder these days, must be as expensive as ever? How can PW help in the process? ROSS: One of the biggest hurdles to get over when it comes to getting onto the property ladder is saving for a deposit, with house prices continuing to rise, this will need to be more than ever. What we are seeing, and ensuring happens smoothly, is the Bank of Mum and Dad helping out here where they can.
And lastly – as we are in the season of goodwill and gifting to our families - what should we be mindful of when it comes to gifting money and wealth to our kids to help them with a deposit for a house for example? ROSS: We are seeing more and more families looking to pass monies down through their family but there are various aspects to be cautious of. Over gifting could leave you short when required to meet care fees in later life. Cashflow planning, something we love using with our clients, can show your current income and expenditure and track it across various scenarios you may encounter later in life to show how much you could afford to give away today without over stretching yourself.
CALL US ON 01892 559555 OR EMAIL US ON JOURNEY@PANORAMICWEALTH.CO.UK.
Christmas Menu 2021
Goats Cheese, Melon and Beetroot Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds and a Honey & Balsamic Dressing Seafood Bisque topped with Croutons served with a Saffron Aioli and Crusty Sour Dough Bread Lamb, Pea and Mint Croquettes served with Tzatziki and Dressed Leaves Smoked Salmon and Spinach Mousse served with a Lemon & Lime Dressing and Melba Toast 'Bayham Estate' Venison Brochette served with an Apple & Blackberry Chutney and Toasted Sour Dough
✼✼✼✼✼✼ Turkey, Parma Ham & Emmental Parcel with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and a White Onion Sauce Rainbow Chard, Spinach & Red Lentil Stirfry served with Saffron Rice, Piccalilli and a Garlic & Coriander Flat Bread Medallions of Pork Fillet with Prunes & Kentish Blue Cheese served with a Rosti Potato and Seasoned Spinach 8oz Rib-Eye Steak served with a Field Mushroom, Grilled Tomato, Hand Cut Chips and a Green Peppercorn Sauce Baked Salmon Tail served with New Potatoes, Pak Choi and an Olive, Lemon and Tomato Butter
✼✼✼✼✼✼ Baked Lemon Tart served with a Raspberry Sorbet Profiteroles filled with a Baileys & Almond Cream with Chocolate Sauce Baked Fruits of the Forest Cheesecake served with a Mango Coulis Christmas Pudding topped with Brandy Butter with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Kent & Sussex Cheese Selection served with Walnut & Raisin Bread
2 Courses £29.00 3 Courses £33.00
Wednesday December 1 | 2021 41 Gardening
Wednesday December 1 | 2021 41 Gardening
Trees you can plant to help protect the planet A Forestry Commission expert selects his five top trees to plant to reduce climate change
C
LIMATE action is finally beginning to take centre stage and we’re all being encouraged to grow more trees. World leaders have pledged to protect more land from deforestation, but what can you, your community group or your neighbours do to make a difference? The environmental benefits of trees range from locking in carbon and attracting wildlife, to reducing flood risk and allowing the planet to breathe. David White, the Forestry Commission’s woodland and climate change adaption adviser, says: “We need to build on the tree planting progress we have made this year and at Cop26, and National Tree Week (November 27 – December 5) is the perfect time for people to get involved by joining a planting event in their community or buying a tree for your garden. But it’s also important to choose the right tree for the right place, and for the right reasons.” “Whatever tree you choose, make sure to source it from a nursery with clear Plant Health Management Standards, like those with Plant Healthy (planthealthy.org.uk) certification,” EUCALYPTUS
adds White. “Doing so helps protect gardens, forests and ecosystems against destructive plant pests and diseases.” These are White’s five favourite trees for tackling and adapting to climate change… 1. Hornbeam – a renewable alternative to fossil fuels A beautiful native tree, the Romans used hornbeam to make their chariots because of the strength of its wood. It also provides shelter, roosting, nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and small mammals, boosting biodiversity, and produces a high-quality fuel for fires – as a replacement for fossil fuels. Tree care: Hornbeam can be coppiced or pollarded, meaning it’s a good choice for gardens. If you chose to grow it in a hedge, it keeps its leaves all year round so will give you privacy. In autumn it will bring a riot of colour to your garden. 2. Eucalyptus – for sequestering carbon “It’s a very fast-growing tree, which locks up carbon all year round and the large leaves act as a natural air conditioning unit,” says White.
“There are hundreds of different types of eucalyptus trees – all require full sun, however, some species will tolerate areas with semishade. They also adapt well to a wide range of soils, from hot, dry sites to slightly wet, as long as the area is well-draining.” Tree care: Prune annually to control growth. They can be cut back quite ruthlessly, so if you’re tight on space, they lend themselves to being in a container on a patio. Their lovely silvery foliage looks good all year round. 3. Small-leaved lime tree – for enriching soil and biodiversity “As they fall and start to decompose, the golden leaves from this handsome tree are brilliant for improving the health of the surrounding soil, supporting other plants to flourish around it,” explains White. “They are also host to an abundance of insect life, in turn attracting birds and other animals in the food chain, while the flowers have a rich, heavy scent that is especially alluring for bees.” Tree care: This large deciduous tree can grow to over 20 metres, so think carefully about where you plant it. Native to Europe and Britain, it grows best on moist but well-drained, nutrientrich soils. It needs plenty of sunshine, excellent drainage and improved soil, and shouldn’t be exposed to standing water. 4. Serbian spruce – for resistance to pollution in urban areas “The sweeping branches of this evergreen conifer are designed to shed snow in colder environments, so they can survive in the harshest of landscapes and extreme, cold conditions. They’ve also shown resistance to air pollution, so can grow in areas with poor air quality,” White observes. “With Christmas not far off, why not think about investing in an evergreen conifer? The Serbian spruce is a graceful, slender tree with dark foliage, with an unusual look that comes from its dark glossy green needles on the upper side of the branch and cream colour strips on the bottom.” Tree care: This tree can do well even in harder soil, but it’s still a good idea to break up the soil
SERBIAN SPRUCE and mulch prior to planting. It grows straight and relatively narrow for a forest tree – spreading manure isn’t necessary, and pruning is also not normally a priority. 5. Holm oak – will survive storm-lashed coastal areas and polluted cities “[Holm oak] is resistant to salt spray from the sea, so is often planted as a windbreak in coastal areas, which are facing tougher weather conditions because of climate change,” says White. “It is also tolerant of many growing conditions, including polluted air, so it is versatile and suitable for urban areas too, acting as hedging, windbreaks or topiary for gardens in the city. “Left to grow on its own in a field or forest, it will become a large, structural tree with a rounded crown.” Tree care: Holm oak don’t like freezing conditions and during severe winters they are prone to dying or losing their leaves, so may do better in the south of the UK. For more information visit the Forestry Commission’s database to help you decide on the right tree for the right place: Right Trees For a Changing Climate (righttrees4cc.org.uk).
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One nighT in Vegas sanTa aT salOmOns This December number of Las Christmas meansSalomons one thing,Estate Santaisisstaging visiting aSalomons Estate! Vegas themed party nights so you can celebrate in style with With presents for all the children why not come and visit Santa Claus friends, family colleagues. and his Elves in and our cosy grotto.
FunNight for allinthe family featuring colouring, our Fridays Christmas ‘One Vegas’ Party NightsChristmas Available Thursday, and treasure trail with a free child’s hot chocolate & Gingerbread include: Saturdays throughout decorating. December Glass of prosecco arrival. 19th,on 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December 3 course choice festive menu. TimiNGS 10am-5pm CasinoGrotto tables.slots available from Arrival from 7pm, 1am finish. Disco and dancing until 1am. Dinner service time will be Dress to impress / Vegas Vibes. confirmed nearer the time. per child Adults free of charge per person Booking can only be made online via our website.
£15.50 £49.50
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make it a Holly Jolly Christmas with the show that has Friday 24th December Everything in it and will definitely leave you Feeling Good. Enjoy a festive breakfast experience for the whole family, as only host a breakfast feast at Salomons Estate. SantaOne andnight his Elves Thursday 9th December 2020 per person Available for groups of Glass of prosecco onper arrival. person (adult or child) 8 people or more. 2 course choice festive menu available between 8am-11am TimiNGS (main and Tables dessert). from 7pm, Live singing from ‘Bubléand continentalArrival Price includes fullthe English breakfast buffet with dinner served 7.30pm, Experience’ tribute act. gift from Santa for every child. live entertainment 9.30pm-11pm Disco and dancing until 1am disco and dancing until 1am finish. Dress to impress.
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per person
Christmas 2021 at salomons estate
per person 24th December from 9am to 5pm.
(smaller portion, and available servefor at home. children aged 12 and under only) Each course is supplied ready to cook with easy to follow instructions, leaving to simply, serve and enjoy. *Delivery is an 24hr additional £10. advance booking required, bookings cancelled on the day will be asked to you pay 50%.
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Vegas themed party nights so you can in and styleenjoy with a Sunday 26th December Gather your friends, family, neighbours orcelebrate colleagues friends, family and colleagues. festive lunch within our stunning country house, set within 36 acres of There’s no better way to wrap up your Festive celebrations than picturesque landscape, the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. in our luxury Boxing Day Thursday, Brunch. Fridays and ‘One Night in indulging Vegas’ Party Nights Available Available 20th November-24th December include: Saturdays throughout December Available 10.30am-1pm Enjoy a of two course or course lunch from our festive lunch menu. Glass prosecco onthree arrival. 3 course choice festive menu. TimiNGS 2 courses 3 courses Casino tables. Arrival from 7pm, 1am finish. per person Disco and dancing until 1am. Dinner service time will be person per our person a mimosa and one dish from brunch menu. Dress includes to impress / per Vegas Vibes. confirmed nearer the time. minimum numbers and venue hire charges apply for private dining. We look forward to seeing you this festive season! Drawing room (minimum 45 people) Theatre (minimum 70 people) perGold person Conservatory (minimum 20 people) and Leighton (minimum 20 people)
£14.50 £24.50 £29.50 £49.50
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Everything in it and will definitely leave you Feeling Good. Sunday 12th Saturday 25thDecember December Enjoy a three course Sunday roast suitable for the whole family as Santa One night only Sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas Day in the stunning surroundings makes his way round to hear all your stories and Christmas wish lists. Thursday 9th December 2020 of our picturesque estate. Let us take care ofper theperson hard work this Available for groups Christmas, Adults so you can enjoy your day with loved ones. of Children Glass of prosecco on arrival. 8 people more. Enjoy a four course carvery, including tea/coffee andor mini mince pie 2 course choice festive menu and a chocolate gift for all the family. TimiNGS (main and per dessert). person per person Arrival from 7pm, Live singing from the ‘Bublé includes gift from Santa for everyserved child. 7.30pm, dinner Experience’ tributea act. per adult live entertainment 9.30pm-11pm Disco and dancing until 1am Tables available between 12pm-4pm disco and dancing until 1am finish. Dress to impress.
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FesTiVe aFTernOOn Teas
Books
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Times book reviewer
HANNAH KIRSOP
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
OFT FORGOTTEN CLASSIC - FEMINISM
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (published by Penguin Classics, priced £8.99)
When widow Helen Graham arrives at Wildfell Hall with her son, she provokes local gossip as she supports herself through selling her own art with many branding her a witch. Befriended – and loved – by local man, Gilbert Markham, he persuades her to share her story which she does via her diary –a private and intimate section of the book which graphically outlines her past as she falls in love with the intoxicating Arthur Huntingdon then watches his decline into alcoholism and abuse until she is finally brave enough to leave. Presented through a series of letters from Markham to a friend as well as Helen’s diary, this is a contemporary and striking story about a woman escaping an abusive relationship in Victorian England. At the time, it was considered a profoundly audacious book as Helen, despite her situation, flouted many of the Victorian social conventions but its tale of bravery, survival, success and strength means that it continues to resonate, and feel modern and empowering today.
The bookcase… We hope you also enjoy these other books we’ve picked for you to read this week…
Sisters Of The Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange Published in paperback by Chicken House, priced £7.99 (ebook £7.99). Lucy Marsh’s books are aimed at older children and young adults, but Sisters Of The Lost Marsh will also delight grown-ups looking for something with a historical, mystical air. The story follows six motherless sisters who live on a farm on the edge of the Lost Marsh, a place steeped in mystery, superstitions and folklore. Their father is obsessed with one such
8/10
superstition – The Curse of the Six Daughters – and it is his belief in this curse that leads to the disappearance of eldest daughter Grace after a mysterious Full Moon Fayre. The storytelling is spellbinding and atmospheric, so much so that you feel like you are there. Not only is the writing beautiful, but the book is a work of art in itself with some gorgeous illustrations.
Harsh Times by Mario Vargas Llosa Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £20 (ebook £12.49). Politics has always held a foremost place in both the fiction and career of Nobel Laureate and former Peruvian presidential candidate Mario Vargas Llosa. His latest novel, Harsh Times, focuses on the turbulent 20th century history of Guatemala, with its US-backed coups and accusations of Soviet infiltration. This covers a broad cast of historical figures, ranging from presidents Jacobo Árbenz and Castillo Armas to the Dominican spymaster Johnny Abbes García. The story is loosely arranged around the fictionalised life
of Marta Borrero Parra, teenage mother, then mistress of the President,
then propagandist in exile. Vargas Llosa relates a recent encounter with the ‘real’ Marta in the book’s closing chapter, though the question of how far he – and she – can be believed is left open. Vargas Llosa writes with sympathy and interest about all his characters, weaving fact with imaginative speculation. At times the novel reads like an engaging history book; Vargas Llosa invites the reader to wonder whether his account is any less true than those of conventional historians. Review by Joshua Pugh Ginn
7/10
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OFT FORGOTTEN CLASSIC - THRILLER
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (published by Penguin Classics, priced £7.99)
This atmospheric and haunting novel hooks the reader from the start as the young protagonist, Walter Hartright, has an eerie encounter with a woman wearing a white dress on a moonlit road in London. Soon afterwards, he takes up a position as drawing master at Limmeridge House where there is a marked resemblance between his student, Laura Fairlie, and the ‘Woman in White’. This similarity and the introduction of shady characters Sir Percival Glyde, Laura’s fiancé, and his friend Count Fosco sow the seeds of this mystery story for the reader as we begin the journey through the intricate plot. Told with multiple narrators, letters and diary entries, this is an oft forgotten gothic classic and a densely plotted pageturner, which is as gripping as any modern thriller – an epic novel of love, betrayal, deception and revenge.
Forgetting And Finding Myself by Charlotte Raven Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99) A journalist whose career thrived during the hedonistic Nineties, Charlotte Raven was forced to swap illegal narcotics for a raft of pharmaceutical drugs when, at the age of 35, she was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease (HD), a rare, incurable genetic condition that causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain and, eventually, death. Faced with this, the writer set out to chronicle her experience in a blog, eventually becoming this chatty, irreverent memoir. Frank about her own perceived flaws (narcissistic, selfish, bad with money) and the debilitating effects of the disease (clumsiness, brain fog, dwindling sex drive, suicidal thoughts, anxiety,
loneliness, depression), the author doesn’t pull any punches, but it’s not all doom and gloom: a glimmer of hope arrives in the form of a much-hyped drug trial in which she – and just about every other HD patient in the UK – longs to become ‘patient one’. Considering this is a book about, essentially, a terminal illness, it’s a surprisingly pithy and entertaining read. The author’s candour and self-deprecation make her all the more likeable, and it’s refreshing to discover a memoir about someone in tragic circumstances that doesn’t stray into glib ‘seize the day’ self-help territory. Review by Katie Wright
8/10
The Every by Dave Eggers Published in paperback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.99).
7/10
The Every serves as the sequel to The Circle, Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel offering a barely disguised deconstruction of a certain internet search engine. Now we find the company has merged with an online merchant somewhat predictably dubbed ‘the jungle’. Clearly, Eggers is not trying to cover his tracks – that is not the point. He wants to question the creeping, often creepy influence of technology on our lives. Our heroine is Delaney Wells, a former park ranger determined to
bring down this behemoth from within. But in around 600 pages as addictive as any mindless scrolling, we discover just how difficult this particular logic is to dispel. The Every is a humanist document, a plea for individualism over groupthink, but it is not delivered in judgmental tones. Eggers asks questions on every page, but delivers few answers, leaving the reader to reach their own conclusions. That, after all, is what our minds are for. Review by Joshua Pugh Ginn
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Travel
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Why go to Europe when some of the best Christmas markets are closer to home?
travel
Get into the seasonal spirit with the best festive events taking place in the UK and Ireland, says Sarah Marshall...
T
WELVE months always feels too long a wait for Christmas to roll around again, so two years has been almost agony. But at the moment festive plans are still forging ahead this season, with many winter wonderland events and festive markets being held in the UK and Ireland. Find unique gifts and foreign foods sourced globally, sold alongside regional farm produce and crafts made by local artisans. Vintage funfair rides and workshops turn a shopping spree into a day out, while historic backdrops – ranging from medieval castles to 18th century stately homes – create a magical atmosphere. Yes, it’s been a long time coming – but Christmas 2021 has been worth the wait…
week) are extra. Go big on festivities Where: Lincoln From a humble collection of 11 stalls, Lincoln’s Christmas Market has expanded to become one of the biggest yuletide events in Europe. Set against the city’s cathedral spires and castle turrets, more than 250 vendors sell handcrafted jewellery, candles, ceramics and art. Mulled wine and a selection of street food kitchens provide shoppers with much-needed fuel.
Celebrate Christmas Past Where: Stratford-upon-Avon The streets of Stratford-upon-Avon are steeped in history, providing an atmospheric setting for a historical festive fair. Held from December 9-12, the town’s Victorian Christmas Market features stalls helmed by vendors in period costume, along with a stage in Henley Street hosting a programme of entertainment and a traditional funfair with a carousel. A novel way to experience the festivities is by canal boat. It’s a six-hour journey from Drifters’ canal boat hire base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen, passing through 17 locks in the Warwickshire countryside. How: The 48ft Teddington 4 narrowboat (sleeping four) is available December 10-13 for £605, including bed linen, towels, cancellation protection, first pet, parking and tuition on arrival. A £50 non-refundable damage waiver and fuel deposit (£50 for a short break, £90 for a
Combine the four-day event, taking place from December 2-5, with a stay at the 450acre Bainland Lodge Retreats, a 30-minute drive away. Accommodation is divided between 78 luxury lodges, shepherd’s huts, safari tents, tree-house retreats and new family villas. How: From £549 for a 3-night stay in a one bed property. Visit bainland.co.uk or call 01526 352903.
Yes, it’s been a long time coming – but Christmas 2021 has been worth the wait…
Make it an international affair Where: Belfast If you can’t get to the continent this winter, Belfast City Hall offers a fine alternative. Designed to resemble a European village, chalet-style stalls will sell food and gifts until December 23. Savour tasty treats from 32 nationalities, including crepes from France, Dutch pancakes and German bratwurst. Get an aerial view of the site by riding a vintage helter-skelter – although perhaps not advisable
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET BLENHEIM PALACE
Travel
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
after a few too many mulled wines – or play safe with an old fashioned carousel. How: To enter, you will need to provide a Covid passport, proof of vaccination, proof of a negative Covid test or lateral flow test taken in the previous 48 hours, or evidence of a positive PCR test taken in the previous 30 to 180 days.
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Meet king Santa and his merry elves Where: Warwick Castle Medieval kings and queens were renowned for hosting grand banquets. The tradition continues with a supreme spread of festive foods at Warwick Castle’s Winter Stalls. Eat German sausage and pretzels cooked on an open grill, or dine on locally farmed slow roasted pork with homemade chutneys. Wander around the 64-acre grounds to admire a Light Trail and zip across an ice rink. New this year, an Elf Workshop invites families to make a board game and listen to bedtime stories from Santa. How: Tickets for Castle entrance and Stories With Santa cost £26pp. Both the ice skating and Light Trail cost £14.50pp each. Visit warwickcastle.com. Deck the halls of a stately home Where: East Lothian A cross between a Victorian carnival and a contemporary fair, a new Christmas Winter Wonderland event at Gosford House puts an alternative spin on the festive season. Held in the grounds of an 18th century stately home in East Lothian, just outside Edinburgh, the event will take place from December 17-23. Enjoy an afternoon tea, whisky tours, mini train trips and a Christmas tree maze. Workshops include Christmas table styling by Style Your Spaces, wreath making from Feathergrass Florals and ballet classes from Art East, former Royal Ballet principal dancers. How: Tickets from £4.50 for a child and £6.50 for an adult (plus booking fee) per day. Visit roguevillage.com/gosford-house-winterwonderland Stay at the Papple Steading retreat, featuring four self-catering properties. A one-bed Ploughman’s Bothy costs from £695 for seven nights. Book through Crabtree & Crabtree (crabtreeandcrabtree.com; 01573 226711). Walk through the pages of a fairy tale Where: Blenheim Palace
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A baroque Oxfordshire palace provides a superb setting for a month-long market held until December 19. Browse wares from more than 70 traders housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court after taking part in some of the venue’s excellent seasonal activities. Inspired by The Nutcracker, the palace’s state rooms have been transformed into a fairy-tale land of candy canes and gingerbread men, while a new illuminated trail creates a glittering tunnel through the woods. How: A combined ticket for the above attractions costs £50 for adults and £30 for children. Visit blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 810530. Stay locally at The Bear in Woodstock. Rooms cost from £122 per night. Visit macdonaldhotels. co.uk/bear/ or call 0344 879 9143. GOSFORD HOUSE
BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET WARWICK CASTLE
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Motoring news
Wednesday December 1 | 2021
Motoring News The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS might be the ultimate sports car
RALLY SPORT The new GT4 RS THE 718 Cayman GT4 is already a stunning sports car, but there’s always been the sense that Porsche has held something back, so it doesn’t step on the toes of its flagship model, the 911. Now, however, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS has been revealed, bringing more performance, upgrades and lightweight materials, to make it the most hardcore Cayman yet. The mid-mounted engine is the same naturally aspirated flat-six found in the 911 GT3 car. It makes 493bhp, almost 80bhp more than the regular GT4, with the red line set at a screaming 9,000rpm and peak torque increased from 430 to 450Nm. A seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox has been fitted with low ratios that are optimised for track driving. The GT4 RS can go from 0-60mph
in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 195mph, which is 0.7 seconds and 8mph faster than the GT4.
Lighter There have been weight-saving measures used throughout, making it 35kg lighter. This has been achieved through various measures, including the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics on the bonnet and front wings, reducing insulation material and using lighter carpets. Exterior styling is more aggressive, with a prominent fixed rear wing that has been developed from the 911 RSR GT race car. Other features include air intakes where the rear windows of the regular car used to be, vents in
the front wheel arches and a new rear diffuser. An optional Weissach upgrade package adds a carbon-weave finish to various parts, such as the RÁPIDO cooling air intakes, upper trim and rear wing. new BR20 Titanium has been used for theThe exhaust system as well as the roll cage that’s fitted as standard, while the upper dashboard is upholstered in Race-Tex. To demonstrate the value of all these upgrades, Porsche took the new GT4 RS to the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. It lapped ‘The Green Hell’ in 7min 9.3secs, almost 24 seconds faster than the regular GT4. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is on sale from today and priced from £108,370. The first UK and Ireland deliveries are expected in spring 2022.
Toyota details prices and specifications for new Aygo X TOYOTA has released further details about its newest compact crossover – the Aygo X. Pronounced ‘Aygo Cross’, the new car – which starts from £14,795 – can be reserved from December for a fully refundable £99 fee, ahead of first deliveries arriving in spring 2022. All models of Aygo X are powered by a 71bhp three-cylinder petrol engine, with the option of either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. Toyota is set to announce performance and efficiency figures closer to the car’s launch, too. The range kicks off with Pure specification, which comes kitted out with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and air conditioning, as well as a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, among other functions.
Up next is Edge. Priced from £16,495, this brings 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a larger eight-inch infotainment display. Exterior-wise, Edge trim features a bi-tone paint finish, while buyers of this grade will also be able to specify a CROSSOVER power-operated canvas roof. The Aygo X At the top of the ‘regular’ grades sits Exclusive. Starting from £17,715, this features synthetic leather upholstery, wireless phone charging and Toyota’s Smart Connect multimedia system with a nine-inch display. Through this, owners can access cloud-based navigation and live traffic information. A Limited Edition model – priced from £19,640 – features a new Cardamon Green metallic paint,
which is one of the Aygo X’s new shades, as well as bright orange highlights on the wheels, sills, and front and rear bumpers. The front seats are heated and part-leather trimmed.
This week… n
The new Cayman GT4
n
Aygo details revealed
n
End of the handbrake
Just 17 per cent of cars have a manual handbrake
LESS than a fifth of new cars come with a traditional hand-operated handbrake, according to new research. The decline of the manual handbrake is picking up pace, falling from 30 per cent in 2019 to 24 per cent in 2020, now sitting at 17 per cent in 2021. The study by online car marketplace CarGurus shows that even smaller models are now making the switch, with the Vauxhall Corsa dropping the manual handbrake in the past year. Other cars to have made the change include the Seat Leon and BMW 4 Series. Many major manufacturers, including Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, no longer have any vehicles on sale with a traditional handbrake.
Manual The only manufacturer to offer a manual handbrake across its range is Italian sports car manufacturer Abarth. Car Gurus says the latest drop has come from two factors. The first is that Mitsubishi has stopped selling cars in the UK, removing a few traditional models from the market, while the second will have a much bigger impact – sales of electric vehicles are growing. So far in 2021, there has been an 86 per cent increase in the number of electric vehicles sold in the UK, while plug-in hybrid vehicles have increased 90 per cent. Chris Knapman, editor at CarGurus UK, said: “Last year, we forecasted the existence of the manual handbrake on new cars only has a few years left, and our latest data causes us no reason to believe otherwise, with there being an even greater decline in 2021 than there was between 2020 and 2019. “The rapid shift towards electric vehicles will only speed up the demise of the manual handbrake, leaving many traditionalists, who are looking for the tactile feel and mechanical simplicity of a manual handbrake, scratching their heads. CarGurus has taken a look at the cars on sale today with a manual handbrake and put together a few highlights. In the coupe segment, the Ford Mustang comes highly recommended, while the Mazda MX-5 is a great affordable sports car. In the supermini segment there’s the Seat Ibiza, or if you’re looking for a large SUV there’s the Toyota Land Cruiser.
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Wednesday November 10 | 2021
H ENGINEERING PROUDLY UNDERTAKE THE RESTORATION OF CLASSIC & VINTAGE VEHICLES.
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info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042