Times of Tunbridge Wells 4th-17th November 2020

Wednesday November 4-17 | 2020

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By Richard Williams RESIDENTS, businesses and the local authorities are readying themselves for the second national lockdown, which starts tomorrow [Thursday].

From midnight, the new lockdown will see hundreds of businesses shut in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, and residents encouraged to stay at home.

Unlike the first lockdown, schools in the towns will remain open, and people will be able to meet one other person from outside their household as long as it is outdoors.

But the new measures, which are meant to last until December 2, will see all pubs and restaurants forced to close, as well as

CHANGING TIMES: READER MESSAGE

all non-essential retailers, but takeaway and delivery services will be permitted.

Businesses and organisations have responded to the new restrictions:

Tunbridge Wells Hospital says it will be open as normal with no plans to cancel non-emergency treatment n Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce says lockdown is ‘devastating’ for businesses which cannot afford to ‘dip in and out’. n Tunbridge Wells Hospital says it will be open as normal with no plans to can-

favourite local newspaper although it will be less frequently. We will now publish every other week; the next edition being Nov 18 and then Dec 2.

LIKE every other business the Times is having to adapt to lockdown. The good After that it’s back to weekly. Copies will be available at most of the usual news is you will still be able to get your

cel non-emergency treatment. n Tunbridge Wells Borough Council says it is ‘well placed to respond to the latest lockdown announcement’. n A short service is expected to go ahead on Remembrance Sunday at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells with restricted attendance. n The Assembly Hall and Trinity Theatre are being forced into ‘temporary hibernation’ having just reopened. n County Hall says recycling and household waste tips will remain open. Refuse collections will continue.

PHOTO: Lottie Bulmer

As employees start their return to work, it’s important to make the workplace a clean, safe, and inviting place to be.

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Full story on page 2 and 3 pick up points. You can also follow news at timeslocalnews.co.uk Inside this paper is your November edition of SO magazine that went to press last week. It will also be published in December. Enjoy!

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

this week… Councils say they are prepared as

towns and county enter restrictions

By Richard Williams

SHARING IS CARING How reluctant commuters are behind the rise in demand for local shared office space. P10 FOODIE FUNDRAISER A Tunbridge Wells businessman’s bid to raise money for an African charity through a sponsored diet.

P12 GOING BACK TO SCHOOL Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat visits local colleges as part of Annual Colleges Week. P13

PAINTING THE TOWN RED - AND MANY OTHER COLOURS TOO We speak to Tunbridge Wells artist and illustrator, Elaine Gill about how she brings local landmarks to life. P34 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES RSinger@markerstudy.com | 01892 739763 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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

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

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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BOTH the Borough Council and County Hall have said they are well-placed to handle the latest lockdown.

Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Alan McDermott, says refuse collections and other essential services will continue during the Covid restrictions, but theatres and leisure centres will close.

He told the Times: “The Council is well-placed to respond to this latest announcement having put in place very effective systems during the first lockdown.

“We have not yet received all the detailed guidance from Government but we have enough information to know that we will continue to provide essential services.”

Cllr McDermott continued: “Help for businesses has been announced and, although we don’t have the precise details yet, I am confident that we will do all we can to process applications and get payments issued to those who qualify.

“It is a shame that having worked so hard to reopen the Assembly Hall Theatre in a safe and secure way, we must now close it again along with leisure centres.”

Key services provided by County Hall will also continue, with recycling centres, social care for children and adults, bus services and schools, all set to be unaffected by the lockdown.

KCC Leader and Sevenoaks councillor Roger Gough said: “Once again we face an enormous challenge from coronavirus and its impact on our lives, our economy and our communities.

“My priority is to ensure that we continue to

deliver, within Government guidelines, the important and trusted services we have always provided for the people of Kent.

“Our focus throughout this pandemic has been to look after the most vulnerable people in the county by maintaining essential day-to-day services, and the health and wellbeing of our residents remains our priority as we move into another national lockdown.”

Relief He continued: “I know how hard the prospect of another national lockdown is, and we will do everything we can to support local businesses, many of which have already suffered and will have to now remain closed until December.

“Ultimately, we will come through this and there will be relief for businesses, livelihoods and people’s lives. It is now vital that we not only follow the guidance and stick to the rules, but that we continue to work to ensure that a robust Test and Trace system is in place.”

SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE People in Tunbridge Wells who need help should call 01892 526121.

Support services are also available at www.oneyoukent.org.uk and www.kent. gov.uk/wellbeing Families with children or young people can visit www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeingfamilies If you need urgent support, get in touch with Kent Together at http://www.kent. gov.uk/KentTogether or call 03000 419292

Hospital will remain ‘open for business’ THE NHS Trust that runs Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury says services will continue despite the latest lockdown, which comes just as waiting lists have finally returned to normal levels.

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital NHS Trust [MTW], says they have no plans to cancel non-emergency treatments as they did during the last lockdown.

She said: “Our hospitals remain open and are safe to visit thanks to strict infection prevention processes, social distancing measures and visiting restrictions in place.

“We are continuing with planned and emergency care and urge people not to delay coming to hospital unless they are told otherwise.”

Suspended She continued: “We are monitoring national guidance and will implement any additional measures if needed. People are asked to check the Trust’s website and social media channels for the latest information and to keep following the government’s advice - wash hands, cover face, make space to prevent the spread of infection and help protect the NHS.” Seven months ago all elective surgeries and non-emergency treatments were suspended during the last lockdown.

The hospital restarted non-emergency treatments on July 6, but saw waiting times in August drop to just 57.8 per cent being conducted before 16 weeks.

The Government target for 16-week waiting times is 92 per cent.

But MTW has said that at the end of October, the Trust finally got back to ‘near-normal levels of

RECYCLING CENTRES TO REMAIN OPEN

activity’, with 90 per cent of all elective surgeries and procedures now being conducted within 16 weeks.

A spokesperson said last week: “Thanks to the hard work of our staff all our services have been fully open for a number of months and we will achieve the target set out by NHS England and NHS Improvement of carrying out 90 per cent of planned procedures by the end of this month.

“We are carefully reviewing each patient to ensure we treat those who have greater clinical need first and have already made good progress in reducing our waiting list.

“We expect to further reduce this significantly over the coming weeks.”

The Trust has been working alongside private clinics, such as Nuffield Health in Tunbridge Wells and Benenden in Cranbrook, to ensure NHS patients can be treated while Covid infection control and social distancing measures limit hospital capacity.

Elsewhere in the country where coronavirus levels are much higher, patients have been told they can expect waiting times for non-emergency surgeries to take up to two years.

KENT County Council have confirmed that during lockdown the recycling and household waste centre in North Farm, Tunbridge Wells will not be closed.

During the last lockdown in March, the authority was heavily criticised for being slow to open all of Kent’s recycling centres due to social distancing concerns.

However, this time around, the authority has said its 21 Household Waste Recycling Centres [HWRCs] will stay open.

In a statement, KCC said: “Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will remain open to the public for essential use throughout the new national restrictions announced by government at the weekend.”

People wishing to make use of the recycling centre in Tunbridge Wells will still have to book either by the online portal on the kent.gov.uk website or by calling 03000 41 73 73.

Ice rink and theatres prepare for ‘temporary hibernation’ closure THE Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre and the EM Forster at Tonbridge School will all be forced to close this week.

JJ Almond, Director at the Assembly Hall said they have ‘paused’ all their shows as well as preparations for the Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds, which was due to open this month.

Alex Green, CEO of Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells says while lockdown is ‘naturally disappointing’ they had planned for possibility.

He said: “As an arts organisation, it is naturally disappointing not to be able to put on activities which go to the heart our vision – enriching people’s lives through the shared artistic experience and social interaction. The safety of Trinity’s team and our audience is a priority, and as such, we planned for the possibility of an autumn lockdown.

Evaluate “In the meantime, as part of our scenario planning, our programming, box office and marketing teams will spend the coming days postponing events and engaging in shutdown down preparations; to go into temporary hibernation where we will maximise the use of the government furlough scheme.

“During this time, we will be offering online training opportunities to our team to support their personal development and underpin their skill base for the future. As of Thursday, we will close to the public for November and will continue to evaluate our re-opening as the government position unfolds.”

Kat Portman Smith, Director of the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we shut the doors again.”

She continued: “The best way for anyone to support their local arts venues is to buy tickets for shows as they reopen.”

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

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Cancelled fireworks display organisers appeal for donations

Low key Remembrance service is expected to go ahead in lockdown

By Robert Forrester

A SHORT service at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells on Remembrance Sunday, is expected to go ahead, despite the new lockdown.

Even before the announcement on Saturday, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council had confirmed that this Sunday’s [November 8] service would be a low-key affair.

But the lockdown had cast doubts over whether even this scaled back event could take place.

TUNBRIDGE Wells Round Table, whose firework fundraiser has been cancelled due to Covid restrictions, have urged people to continue donating.

The annual firework show was founded in 1957 and raises around £30,000 each year for worthy causes each year.

It is the largest gathering in Tunbridge Wells and normally attracts around 12,000 people.

However due to Covid, the firework display has had to be cancelled, and instead, the association is asking for donations via text.

Fireworks committee member, Andrew Mockford said: “We’re committed to giving the people of Tunbridge Wells and beyond a great evening of entertainment, whilst enabling them to give something back to the local community.

Difficult “Over many years, we’ve been in the privileged position of being able to fulfil requests from numerous worthy causes.

“Without the public’s continuing support, this wouldn’t have been possible.

“This year, we’ve set up a text donation service for those wishing to contribute.

“It would be fantastic to be able to offer support to people over the forthcoming months, during what is likely to be a very difficult time for several individuals and charities.”

To donate £5 to the cause, text DUNORLAN to 70085.

LEST WE FORGET How Tunbridge Wells remembered last year

Guidance Council Leader Alan McDermott, said at the beginning of the week: “There had been a small, private Remembrance Sunday service planned which the Council was going to stream for people to watch safely from their own homes. I understand we do not have guidance yet as to whether this may continue.”

But the Government has since issued guidance advising Councils’ Remembrance services do not have to be cancelled.

A Number 10 spokesman said: “We are certainly not cancelling Remembrance Sunday events but we must be mindful of the risks such events pose, especially to veterans who are often elderly.

“What we are saying to local authorities in England is that they may organise remembrance services but they should be outside and social distance should be maintained.

“We will be updating the guidance shortly.”

Unlike previous years, Sunday’s service will see just a short service with only a small number of invited guests attending, and there will be no singing, no march past and no Mayor’s reception.

Just two wreaths will be laid, one by the Mayor and the other by President of the Tunbridge Wells Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will be live streaming the commemoration and is asking people to watch at home.

Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Joy Podbury said: “Paying our respects to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and later conflicts is very important, and so it is with deep sadness that I am making this extraordinary request and asking people not to attend the service at the War Memorial this year.”

You can watch the live stream of the event, which will start at 10.45am on Sunday November 8, on twbc.online/remembrance

Toy Appeal launch delayed as Mayor fears more children will miss out this Christmas

By Lottie Bulmer

FUNDRAISING RESULTS: Fenton Clark – Thomas with his adapted Trike the Round Table fundraised for. Last year’s show raised over £30,000 for good causes.

[Credit: Gavin Rimmer at Freshpix]

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CHILDREN are at risk on missing out this Christmas, the town’s Mayor has warned.

The Mayor’s Toy Appeal is set to return for its 31st consecutive year, but its launch has been delayed due to the new lockdown.

Current Mayor, Joy Podbury, was set to launch this year’s appeal on Monday [November 9] and said she was already worried the economic impact of Covid could see even more families facing hardship this Christmas.

She said: “Due to Covid restrictions, some of our residents are experiencing a reduction in income. As a consequence, the Toy Appeal volunteers are expecting an increase in demand.

“I would like to encourage as many residents as possible to support by buying local, as it is crucial for our local economy, but if unable to do so please make your donation to the Mayor’s Account.”

Launched in 1989 by the Mayor and manager of St George’s Childcare, the Toy Appeal has

TOY STORY Last year’s Mayor James Scholes and the appeal team provided presents for thousands of children each Christmas.

Last year the Appeal, which was run on behalf of Mayor James Scholes, received record donations and helped over 600 children.

But with the worries of a pandemic and a recession looming, organisers are also concerned that the numbers of toys donated this year won’t be as high.

Karen Collins, who runs the appeal on behalf of the Mayor’s office said: “We’re hopeful we get enough donations because times have been hard for everybody.

“I’m worried that not only we won’t get enough donations this year, but also because things have been so tough for everybody there are going to be more children at risk of going without this Christmas.

“We’re also asking that toys are all new this year, partly because of Covid, but also because the children deserve them more than anything.”

She added that the Toy Appeal is undertaking a slightly different process this year, with no collection points to ensure Covid security.

Donations instead must be taken to either the Town Hall on a weekday and given to organisers, or to Metro Bank in Fiveways, which is also open at the weekend, after December 2.

People can make a cash donation at www. twmta.co.uk from November 9, and the website also contains a link to the Amazon wish list.

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Town loses out on £300million of investments in 12 months

By Richard Williams THE total amount of development investments lost to Tunbridge Wells in just over a year, now totals more than a quarter of a billion pounds.

Last week councillors rejected planning permission for a £25million car dealership in Pembury.

Hendy Group had wanted to build a ‘motor village’ and said the development would create 50 jobs and help retain 130 more. They also believed it would bring around £500,000 of economic benefits to the town each year.

Central

Blocked But last Wednesday [October 28], councillors voted by eight votes to three to reject the dealership’s plans, which were earmarked for a site near to Tesco.

The decision to reject the motor village is only the latest in a number of investments that have either been blocked or pulled from Tunbridge Wells in a little over 12 months.

At the end of September this year, Elysian Residences decided to put the site of the former ABC Cinema on Mount Pleasant Road back on the market.

They had been planning an £80million retirement complex complete with cinema, retail

have either been scrapped, postponed, or downgraded in a little over 12 months.

A number of projects are continuing in the borough, including the £19million Amelia Scott cultural hub in the town centre, along with similar community hubs in Southborough, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook.

Dandara’s residential development at the site of the former Union House by The Pantiles is also ongoing.

DOWNGRADE British Land invested just £11million in RVP units and restaurant.

Earlier in the year, British Land finished an £11million renovation to Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, after shelving a much bolder £70million upgrade proposed by former owners Hermes, which would have included a cinema.

Motor village denied in favour of Park and Ride REJECTED The Pembury Motor Village

And last year, at the end of October, councillors voted to scrap the £108million Calverley Square theatre and civic centre, despite the Council having invested £11million in developing the project.

In total, £283million worth of developments COUNCILLORS last week voted to block the planned £25million motor village in Pembury.

The committee heard that the Council had received around 550 official objections to the development, mainly from Pembury residents who feared the plans will only add traffic to the already congested A264.

They were also concerned the site had previously been earmarked for a Park and Ride in Tunbridge Wells.

After nearly four hours, the committee decided to reject the application following a proposal by Labour’s Sherwood councillor, Hugo Pound.

He asked the committee to refuse planning permission based on the ‘balance that the social, economic and environmental benefits were not achieved and that there were not exceptional grounds which warranted overturning the current allocation of the site as a potential Park and Ride location’.

Hendy Group has said they were now considering their options but have not ruled out an appeal.

Paul Hendy, Managing Director of Hendy

But the fate of £200million Kingstanding Business Park on 30 acres of Green Belt in Colebrook Lakes in the North Farm area of Tunbridge Wells is yet to be decided.

The development, if approved, could create up to 4,000 jobs for the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge regions and attract businesses into the area.

The business park would also secure the future of Childrensalon in the town, one of Tunbridge Wells’ largest employers, who may decide to move elsewhere if the business park plans are shelved, taking 500 jobs with them.

The Kingstanding development is also central to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s commitment in its draft Local Plan to grow jobs and the economy.

The decision to grant planning permission will hinge on whether developers U & I Group, can satisfy an objection by Kent Highways and Highways England on the impact the park will have on the road network around the junction to the A21.

If the project fails to get approval, it will mean close to £500,000,000 of investment in Tunbridge Wells will have been lost since 2019.

Group, said: “We are disappointed that the Planning Committee has failed to listen to the recommendation of its planning officers and rejected our proposals to invest £25million in the borough and play our part in sustaining the local economy.

Committed “At a time when unemployment in the borough has risen by 975 to 3,310 people in the last year and the country faces economic uncertainty it is frankly disappointing to see the councillors reject the creation of 50 new jobs in the town, and strengthen the 130-strong Hendy team.

“We are absolutely committed to preserving the employment of all of our colleagues in the borough and will continue to fight for their futures.

“We will now consider our options, and should we decide to appeal we are confident that we would win.”

For more on motor village plans, see And Another Thing … page 21.

Voting down of theatre project led to developers withdrawing THE Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has pinned the blame for developers pulling out of the town to the cancellation of the Calverley Square development.

Alan McDermott says a number of projects in the town have been abandoned following the decision to cancel the £108million theatre and civic centre project last October.

The project was scrapped at a cost of £11million.

Decision Cllr McDermott told the Times: “The election of May 2019 changed the political balance of the Borough Council. With the Conservative Group losing 13 seats and with many of the new Councillors against the Calverley Square project the decision was made at full Council not to go ahead.

“Calverley Square would have brought up to £40million a year into the town and was supported by many businesses including British Land [the

owners of RVP] who have subsequently stopped their £80million redevelopment, and the owners of the cinema site who are trying to sell.”

He added that the latest decision not to grant planning permission for Hendy’s motor village has put at risk £800,000 of community improvements, which would have been paid by the developers under Section 106 rules.

He said: “Hendy’s £25million investment had a considerable number of vocal locals against it, but it would have secured 150 jobs and brought a further 30 jobs and apprenticeships into the Borough at a time when unemployment is rising particularly in the young.

“The planning decision to turn down the application puts at risk the £800,000 of local improvements, with no guarantee that we will receive it if there is an appeal and the Planning Inspector approves the planning application.

“In the future, as in the past, as a Council we are still determined to remain a destination town and support developers and local businesses.”

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Calverley Square would have generated £40million

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Town sees a surge of £1million house sales since start of year

By Richard Williams SINCE lockdown began, Tunbridge Wells has seen nearly a 60 per cent increase in the number of homes being sold that cost more than £1million, according to new research.

Recent turbulence in the housing market caused by the Covid pandemic, which saw property sales plummet during March’s lockdown, the number of homes bought and sold that cost more than £1million has rocketed, with 22,586 of them being sold in the UK since January.

An average of 868 £1million plus sales have been agreed each week across the country since the beginning of June, 66 per cent higher than the weekly average of 522 over the same period in 2019, according to Estate Agents Savills, which has conducted the research.

MILLIONAIRE’S ROW Shirley Hall in Langton Green has an £8.75million price tag

Affluent Tunbridge Wells has seen a 58 per cent increase in houses being sold that cost more than seven figures since the start of the year.

Between January and September, 164 residential properties that were priced higher than £1million were sold in the borough, up from just 104 during the same period in 2019.

A similar picture is playing out in other affluent areas of the country, with £1million plus house sales increasing by 28 per cent in the South East since lockdown was introduced in March.

The South West has seen the biggest surge in demand across the UK of millionaire house buyers, with sales rising 38 per cent to 2,002.

The Tunbridge Wells and London-based estate agent puts the surge down to affluent buyers looking for more space and lifestyle change.

“Lifestyle relocation has been a big theme in the market since lockdown began to ease, and this is very clearly reflected in the numbers,” said Robert Jacobs of Savills Tunbridge Wells.

He added that ‘relocation and staycation locations’ across the country such as the Cotswolds, South Oxfordshire, Dorset, Cornwall and Wiltshire have all seen large rises in expensive property sales.

He continued: “For London leavers looking for a less dramatic lifestyle shift, and a more accessible commute, places such as Tunbridge Wells (+58 per cent), Guildford (+42 per cent)

and Winchester (+40 per cent) have proved popular.”

London still accounts for over four in ten sales of £1million plus houses, but Tunbridge Wells has a large number of properties priced in excess of seven figures.

The most expensive house in the area has just been listed on Zoopla for £8.75million and has the highest price tag of any residential property in Kent.

Shirley Hall, in Langton Green is an 18-bedroom country house with a gym, tennis court and 33 acres of land.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Crowborough mother denies killing her baby THE mother of a baby who died with injuries consistent with violent shaking has denied harming her daughter.

Taking the stand in the second week of a four week trial, Tiffany Tate, 22, insisted she didn’t harm baby Holly Roe, who was eight weeks old when she died in 2018.

The Crowborough mother, with the help of an intermediary, admitted saying she felt like throwing her baby against the wall when she would not take her bottle, but added: “There was one time I did say I felt like throwing her against the wall, but I didn’t do it. I’ve been honest about it.”

She denied having ever shaken Holly or having ‘an anger management problem’.

Ms Tate is on trial with her former partner Michael Roe, 33. Both deny murdering their baby or allowing the other to kill her. The trial at Hove Crown Court continues.

Dame Kelly has Covid DAME Kelly Holmes has revealed she is suffering from coronavirus – less than 10 days after returning from a holiday to Cyprus.

The Olympic gold medallist, 50, who is from Hildenborough, shared a list of her symptoms, saying it was like ‘hell’ and that she was exhausted after battling the virus.

Dame Kelly, who returned from her holiday abroad on October 20, told her Instagram following: “I have never laid down for so long. I have officially been Corona(ed).

“It feels like hell.”

The athlete who has had symptoms of the virus for a week said it was ‘Smiles one day, the next day Covid’.

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National recognition for fundraising youngster

By Lottie Bulmer

Circus faces another blow despite County Hall U-turn A CIRCUS has had to close due to the new lockdown measures introduced at the weekend, just after it won a fight against Kent County Council [KCC] on whether it could open.

Circus Zyair said that KCC had nearly driven them to bankruptcy after forcing them to close ten minutes before they were set to open at the Hop Farm near to Paddock Wood last month.

As reported in the Times last week, KCC had over-ridden a previous decision by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and forced the closure of the circus just as they were set to open on October 23.

The authority had threatened the big top owners with a £10,000 fine, blaming rising Covid rates in the county for the ban.

Circus director Adam Ingham said despite the U-turn by County Hall, his firm would still be driven to ‘bankruptcy’ after losing out on at least half of the revenue.

The 28-year-old even threatened to sue KCC, saying: “We have a lawyer and it is now subject to a legal matter.”

But after ‘positive talks’ with County Hall last week, the circus said they would hold performances until November 15 to recoup their losses.

However, following the PMs announcement of a second lockdown on Saturday, the circus said last Sunday’s performance was their last.

In a statement, the circus said: “Sadly we have come to a stage where we will need to cancel our extended hop farm dates that we decided to put on to accommodate you all because of high demand.

“As there will be a whole country lockdown it will not be possible to do any more performances other than Sunday November 1.

“You have been so fantastic supporting us if we could have continued so all of you could visit we would have.”

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Closing Date: 30th September 2020 For an information pack, please visit our website at: www.thebridgetrust.org.uk/support-us or email us on info@thebridgetrust.org.uk The Bridge Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

A SIX-YEAR-OLD double amputee from West Malling has been honoured at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards.

Tony Hudgell was only five weeks old when he developed sepsis, toxic shock and multi-organ failure due to abuse that his birth parents inflicted on him. In 2017, he had to have both of his legs

amputated.

In June this year, after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising for the NHS, he decided to launch his own fundraiser for the hospital that saved his life.

Starting with a target of walking 10 km over 30 days and hoping to raise £500 for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Tony exceeded expectations and raised nearly £1.5million.

Now during a trip to Hamley’s toy shop, he was surprised by television’s Ant and Dec who handed the youngster a Pride of Britain Award.

Tony said: “I am feeling really proud I have won this award. I was really happy when I saw it was Ant and Dec – I’ve always wanted to meet them. I’d have liked to have given them a high five!”

His adopted mother, Paula, added: “We were immensely proud of him winning the Pride of Britain award – for him to know he has the whole nation behind him.

Fantastic

LOCAL PRIDE: Tony Hudgell with mother Paula and Tom Tugendhat

“Not many children can raise £1.5million in a couple of months, and for him to be rewarded for that by Pride of Britain is fantastic. We never expected our little boy to win something like this.”

Always achieving, Tony has also been awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for his fundraising efforts.

As reported by the Times in September, Tonbridge MP – Tom Tugendhat called for the reintroduction of a bill - named Tony’s Law – that would give life sentences for those convicted of child cruelty.

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2 NEWS Local Local News News 10 BUSINESS

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Former London commuters turning to shared office space

By Richard Williams SERVICED office centres in Tunbridge Wells, say they have seen a rise in enquiries from London workers that no longer want to commute to the city.

The Southborough Centre in Draper Street says the serviced office space sector was hit hard following the Covid lockdown when the government ordered everyone who could to work at home to save lives.

“There’s no point pretending that the last few months haven’t been a challenge, but I’ve been a business owner for a long time now and have weathered downturns before – and successful businesses will find ways to adapt to new challenges,” said Southborough Centre owner, Mike Churchward.

Commute “We’ve invested a lot to make our offices, situated in an attractive, converted Victorian warehouse, Covid-secure, and it’s an investment that has paid off.”

He continued: “Many of our tenants have had the confidence to return, and we’re attracting former London-based businesses as well as London companies who are looking for local, satellite offices for staff who no longer want to make a long commute with the increased risks of exposure to coronavirus – fears which were justified when London was moved into Tier 2 of the government’s Covid risk alert.

“Working parents are choosing us because we’re so close to all the local schools in and around Tunbridge Wells, with nearby shops to run errands at lunchtime.”

seen a rise in London workers seeking an interest in the town.

A spokesman for M-Space told the Times they have been getting ‘large London based companies looking for a small local office for staff living in Tunbridge Wells as well as existing local businesses needing a more cost effective and flexible working space’.

“Over the last four weeks we have also had an increase in enquiries about regular use of the co-working space at M Space, implying some people are feeling isolated He added that the working at home alone,” he Southborough Centre has also added. now introduced short-term desk Mike Churchward has also seen hire to provide more flexibility a rise in homeworkers looking for for people. office space, despite government “We understand there’s a lot of MIKE CHURCHWARD advice recommending that people uncertainty for businesses at the work from home if they can. moment, so we’re offering desk hire “We’re getting lots of enquiries from from as little as a fortnight. people trying to sort out office space for once “One company took us up on that because they this is all over – it seems like professionals are were going to be without broadband at home for really keen to get back into communal a few days – it’s an ideal solution to help them workspaces with their colleagues as soon as it’s keep productive.” permitted,” he said. “It’s been a hard time for M-Space, which also provides serviced office the industry, but things are starting to look up.” space in Tunbridge Wells town centre has also

WednesdayNovember October 28 Wednesday 4 | 2020

Tonbridge tops the list for online coffee orders

POPULAR Offices in the Southborough Centre

MOVING IN: Workers in M-Space serviced offices which has seen a rise in interest during Covid

A COFFEE chain that specialises in deliveries says the largest orders come from Tonbridge.

Cobra Coffee, which runs Starbucks stores across the south of England, launched deliveries across nine of its franchises last month, and had more than 850 orders in the first week.

Coffee lovers with the largest orders were in Tonbridge and Horsham where the average spend was between £1 and £1.50 higher than other areas.

Delivery of coffee proved the most popular in Canterbury where 200 orders were delivered to people’s doors.

Welcomed The service, which is offered exclusively via Uber Eats, is now being extended to more Starbucks stores, including in Tunbridge Wells.

Gwyn Kennett, Head of Operations at Cobra Coffee, said: “With so many people currently self-isolating, the Uber Eats delivery service has been warmly welcomed.

“We have definitely seen a high number of deliveries to students and families who are being asked to stay inside at the moment.

“It’s times like these when we appreciate the small things - for some of us, this is having a pumpkin spiced latte delivered to our door.”

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Local News

BUSINESS

Shoe Zone in Tonbridge at risk as company warns of closures

By Robert Forrester A POPULAR shoe shop in Tonbridge is at risk after the boss of the chain said he will close up to 90 stores if the Government does not radically rethink the way it calculates business rates.

Shoe Zone has 460 stores across the UK, including the branch in the Pavilion Centre, but last week chief executive Alistair Smith said about a fifth of them are at risk within the next couple of years.

Rates Mr Smith, who has warned of closures in the past, said the Government’s decision to suspend business rates during the Covid-19 crisis provided a ‘significant benefit’ to the business and helped save high street stores.

“However, the Government has announced the reintroduction of the antiquated business rates system in April 2021 and to make matters worse has delayed the revaluation,” he said.

“The consequence to Shoe Zone will be the closure of up to 45 stores prior to April 2021 and the potential closure of a further 45 stores in the 12 months following the reintroduction.”

He said a 2015 decision by the Government to delay a revaluation of rates by two years cost his business £2.5 million.

The latest delay will be even more costly, Mr Smith said, as rents have fallen significantly but rates are unlikely to have followed suit.

He warned: “Never has the rating system been more unfair. Our rates as a proportion of rent have increased from 26.4% in 2009 to 54.3% in 2019 and forecast to be close to 60% in 2021.

“This is unsustainable for most high street retailers and closures will continue unabated until the Government makes substantial changes.”

The company ended its financial year this month with 460 stores, after closing 40 but opening 10 others over the 12 months. New openings are now on hold until conditions improve.

KICKED INTO TOUCH: Shoe Zone boss has warned of mass closures due to ‘antiquated’ Business Rates

Investment in online secures Next THE future of Next in Royal Victoria Place is now more secure following a pre-Covid investment in click and collect and online delivery.

Like many in the fashion retail sector, the clothing giant has been struggling over the last few years as more customers switch to online shopping.

In 2018 the company announced it was looking at closing town centre stores following the ‘most challenging’ period in 25 years, sparking fears the Tunbridge Wells branch could be among the casualties.

But last week, bosses announced a surprising rise in profits in the three months to October, with sales increasing 2.8 per cent.

The company said it now expects pre-tax profits for the year to hit £365 million – £65 million more than first expected – with net debt forecast to fall by £487 million to £625 million.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the company put down its success to its investment last year in online sales and click and collect.

The company said: “The sales performance by product category remains very similar to the second quarter, with home and childrenswear

over-performing while demand for men’s and women’s formal and occasion clothing remains weak.

Introduced “Online sales remain strong, both in the UK and overseas. In retail, out-of-town retail parks continue to perform better than high streets and shopping centres.”

Before lockdown was announced, the company had warned that any forced store closures caused by a future lockdown could see sales spiral downward.

They said: “A two-week lockdown in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in November would reduce retail full-price sales by around £57million (depending on timing).”

“We have found no evidence of the virus being transmitted in our stores, nor are we aware of any studies that suggest clothing and homeware retail presents a significant risk of infection.”

However, with click and collect still permitted in non-essential stores, the lockdown may be less impactful on sales as the company feared.

Common hosted desktop myths debunked…

Hosted desktops, also known as DaaS, are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses. With a hosted desktop, a businesses’ IT requirements are all put into the cloud, which removes the need for servers, IT hardware and maintenance costs. Lack of knowledge surrounding hosted desktops has led to the circulation of myths, which can turn some people away from using this system. To learn whether these myths are based on fact or just misconceptions, continue reading.

case. Hosted desktops have no upfront capital expenditures and lower continuous OpEx. You only pay for the resources you require meaning the costs are predictable and affordable.

Myth 1: Hosted desktops aren’t secure This myth has no truth behind it, as hosted desktops are actually more secure than the alternative.

With a hosted desktop, data is stored in a central location rather than a vulnerable endpoint. This means that important data is protected from cyber-attacks.

Many public cyber security breaches have been attacks of on-premise systems, and not those on the cloud. Plus, with on-premise data, you are also vulnerable to natural disasters and physical hardware problems.

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Myth 4: Hosted desktops give a bad user experience Hosted desktops actually give an excellent experience for users, as they can be accessed from any location and any device.

Users can take advantage of data centres which provide fast services and choose best-fit protocols for their requirements.

Myth 2: Moving to the cloud is a difficult process This is completely wrong. A hosted desktop provider can help your business move their applications to the cloud quickly and easily. From diagnosis to implementation, the whole process can be done efficiently, leaving you to utilise the benefits of hosted desktops.

Myth 3: Hosted desktops are too expensive Some business owners believe that hosted desktops are too expensive to implement.

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WHAT’S NEXT? Clothing retailer has warned a second lockdown could wipe millions from Next sales

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Community News

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Here for you since 1570. Thank you for being there for us in 2020.

This year has been challenging for everyone. We’ve worked harder than ever to support our clients and referrers and help guide them through these turbulent times.

Good relationships work both ways and we to say thank you for supporting us too.

MILKING FUNDS Businessman Graeme Moore (third from left) with family and friends in Rwanda

Losing pounds to gain pounds

for African charity Msaada

By Lottie Bulmer A LOCAL businessman is starting a sponsored diet in aid of Rwanda support charity – Msaada.

Ten years ago, a chance meeting with an ex-colleague sparked Graeme Moore’s involvement with Msaada.org – a charity which encourages Rwandan people out of poverty by becoming self-sufficient.

Alongside being a successful restaurateur, Graeme became Chairman of Trustees of the charity in 2015 and has raised tens of thousands over the last four years.

Sadly, after having lost his wife, Mary, to cancer in 2018 Graeme was told during a routine doctor’s appointment that he also had the disease.

With his kidney needing to be removed, it became apparent that a lifestyle change was needed, but Mr Moore decided to use the opportunity to raise even more money for Msaada.

Graeme, who wants to raise £10,000 told the Times: “What is certain, and whatever happens, it is clear my weight could be an issue.

“So, at the grand age of 73 and a bit, I am embarking on my first diet ever and my friends and I decided to make it a sponsored one for Msaada charity.

“It would mean so much to me if you could support me and my weight loss by donating whatever you can afford.

“You will appreciate that, sadly, due to Covid, all the

Msaada fundraising events have been put on hold and I have been unable to visit the villagers and schools that we support this year.

“The effects of Covid 19 have impacted the people of Rwanda far more severely than we are experiencing here in the UK. “I am committed to losing at least two stone and raising £10K plus for the charity that is close to my heart.”

Yielding Msaada believes that the only way to draw people out of poverty is to help them become self-sufficient so that they are capable of making their own decisions on rebuilding their lives.

The charity does this by establishing self-help income generating projects and an idea was developed to provide the people of Rwanda with the means to live in dignity through a dairy project.

This sees Msaada provide high yielding European dairy cows to Rwandans to help them become self-sufficient by selling milk and increasing crop yield using manure.

Graeme is nearing his target but is still urging donations.

To support Graeme in this challenge and help raise the final £4,500, please follow the link www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/graeme-moore12

Hospice shop bounces back Homes to free up NHS beds

www.ts-p.co.uk Advert-2020-ToTW 450 Advert-PART 1.indd 1

A HOSPICE charity whose shop was targeted by vandals during lockdown has bounced back to continue raising funds.

Hospices of Hope – which has a shop on Mount Pleasant Road and provides hospice care in Eastern European countries – had branches targeted three times over lockdown but these setbacks haven’t curbed their fundraising.

A spokesperson explained that the charity has had to adapt to the new Covid restrictions, though, with remote fundraising.

She said: “Virtual fundraising wasn’t something we’d planned for, we cancelled in-person events in July.

30/10/2020 10:32

“But there’s a great support from our support base and we’ve tried to keep the events interesting and varied – we had a pamper evening which was really popular and we’re going to do another one.”

Albania Now, the charity has launched a series of free online quizzes to join with teams of up to six players.

The next quiz will be held on November 15 from 5:00 – 6:30pm will raise money for its centres in Albania, Moldova and Romania.

Established in 1991, it is the largest hospice movement in the region but due to Covid, cancer patients have suffered unnecesarily.

A TUNBRIDGE Wells based housing association are trialling an innovative way to free up hospital beds.

Town and Country Housing is working to provide accommodation for NHS patients who require additional support before returning home in partnership with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS (MTW) Trust and local councils.

Temporary The scheme provides patients with a comfortable temporary place to stay between leaving hospital and returning home.

The self-contained apartments are refurbished

by Town and Country and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to make is fully accessible.

Jo Ellis, of Town & Country Housing, said: “We are delighted with this initiative and glad we can support the NHS by providing safe, suitable temporary accommodation which will help free up bed space at Tunbridge Wells Hospital so staff can treat other patients.

“We expect this to be a great success and following the trial, we hope to offer the NHS other potential properties to use.”

Coralle Baillie, Integrated Discharge Lead, added: “The well-being of our patients is at the heart of everything we do.”

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Virtual relay for funeral homes A GROUP of funeral care homes across Kent have banded together to raise money and awareness for mental health charity, Mind.

Branches of Co-op funeral homes - including Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge - have organised a virtual relay where each home completes a sporting challenge before passing the virtual baton over to the next home.

Active It is the second year that Co-op have been partnered with Mind and staff at the Gravesend Centre were keen to not let Covid stop them from fundraising.

Staff members’ challenges have included dog walks, Zumba, and cycling on an exercise bike.

Georgina Grantham, Funeral Service Manager of Gravesend Care Centre, praised the staff’s

innovative way of fundraising for the charity.

She said: “Since partnering with Mind last year, Co-op staff have loved raising money for the charity in exciting ways.

“This time round, Covid restrictions meant that our staff had to think outside the box for ways of fundraising.

“The virtual relay was a fantastic idea, and it was a great way to connect the funeral homes across to region to spread the message of Mind and looking after our mental health.

“Being physically active is just one of the ways you can look after your mental well-being, so to support our charity partnership we decided to get moving to raise money and awareness for the charity.”

To learn more about Co-op’s charity partnership with Mind, visit https://www.coop. co.uk/communities/charitypartnership

FURRY FUNDRAISER Buddy the dog took part in the virtual relay organised by Co-op Funeral care

MP pays colleges a visit TONBRIDGE MP, Tom Tugendhat, has visited local colleges as part of the Association of College’s annual Colleges week.

Hadlow and West Kent College hosted the local MP on October 23, as part of the week that celebrates the work that colleges do to build communities, boost businesses and support individuals.

Principal of Hadlow College, Dr Lindsay Pamphilon said: “It was fantastic to welcome Tom into the College to see our excellent facilities and the enthusiasm of our students and teaching staff.

Aspirations “He has been a staunch supporter of Hadlow College and the important role it plays in training and up skilling the current and future employees of the rural sectors”.

At West Kent College he answered a series of questions from an A Level Politics class including the recent vote on free school meals,

freedom of speech, the US Presidential race, post-Brexit trade deals and China’s sphere of influence and the Royal Navy presence in the South China Sea. Principal Dr. Jim Mawby said “We were very pleased to welcome Tom to West Kent College, giving us an opportunity to showcase some of our wide curriculum offer and allowing him to engage directly with our students. He has taken a keen interest in the development and future of the College, and remains very supportive of the work we do.

“Tom’s visit coincides with the AoC’s College’s week, and it was a good opportunity to discuss the key role that colleges will play in the government’s economic recovery plan, in the future careers and aspirations of young people, and in the further education of adult students; from our Entry level courses to our Higher Education offer.

“We would like to thank Tom for taking the time to visit with us and our students, and for his ongoing support.”

Community News

NEWS

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helping local businesses get back to work

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Our solutions have continually evolved to meet new client challenges and our decontamination service has been created to overcome the issues that businesses now face from COVID-19 and the changing attitudes toward increased hygiene in the workplace.

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National News

Ryan Giggs denies assaulting girlfriend FORMER Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs has denied allegations of assault after police were called to his home.

Wales manager Giggs, 46, was arrested and later bailed over an alleged row with ‘on-off girlfriend’ Kate Greville, The Sun reported.

Two police cars were parked outside his house in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on Sunday evening following reports of a disturbance involving 36-year-old PR worker Ms Greville.

In a statement provided to The Sun, Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called at 10.05pm on Sunday to reports of a disturbance. A woman in her 30s sustained minor injuries but did not require any treatment.

“A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault and section 39 common assault.”

Co-operating Police added the arrested man was later released on bail pending further inquiries, said the newspaper.

A statement released on behalf of Giggs on Tuesday morning said: “Mr Giggs denies all allegations of assault made against him.

“He is co-operating with the police and will continue to assist them with their ongoing investigations.”

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) cancelled a press conference scheduled for Tuesday following what it termed an “alleged incident” involving Giggs.

Wales were due to announce their squad for the friendly against the USA, and Nations League fixtures with the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

In a later statement, the FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales and Ryan Giggs have mutually agreed that he will not be involved in the upcoming international camp.”

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

John Sessions a ‘true talent’ dies at age 67 JOHN Sessions has been hailed as a ‘true talent’ following the death of the actor and comedian.

The star, who enjoyed a career across TV, film and the stage, died on Monday aged 67, his agent announced yesterday [Tuesday].

He was known for regular appearances on shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, QI and Have I Got News For You, and for his work on Spitting Image.

His agent Alex Irwin said in a statement: “It is with great sadness we can confirm that on Monday, the actor John Sessions died at his home in south London.

PM promises ‘light ahead’ amid gloom BORIS Johnson has promised there are ‘better days before us’ in the battle against coronavirus, as England prepared for a second lockdown.

The trial of rapid coronavirus tests across Liverpool and the development of new treatments offered hope, the Prime Minister told his Cabinet.

There is unease on the Tory benches about the lockdown, which will begin on Thursday and last until December 2, but Mr Johnson again insisted it was necessary.

Decisive

Inspired “He will be hugely missed.”

Panel show QI said in a tweet: “John Sessions was a panellist on QI’s first ever episode: Series A, Episode One, ‘Adam’.

“His incredible wit and encyclopaedic knowledge played a huge part in the show’s history and everyone at QI is deeply saddened to learn of his passing.”

Broadcaster Danny Baker shared a poster for radio series Beachcomber… By The Way and wrote on Twitter: “Shocked to hear that John Sessions has died at 67.

“Terrific company always and a true talent. His roles at the heart of this, my favourite radio series, have given endless pleasure to me and will continue to do so always. Travel easy, chum.”

Actor and writer Robert Webb paid tribute to Sessions and fellow comedian Bobby Ball, whose death was announced at the weekend.

“Two very different performers who both absolutely inspired and delighted me at different

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

times. Lovely, funny men,” he said.

Blur musician Graham Coxon said: “John sessions… was mega bright and funny.. that’s a great shame. RIP.” The Scotland-born actor’s big-screen credits included Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V, The Good Shepherd, The Merchant Of Venice and The Bounty.

He was also known for his surreal performances on his one-man TV shows.

His TV acting credits included Stella Street, Victoria and The Loch.

The Prime Minister said the R number – the reproduction rate of the virus – was ‘only just above 1’ and the lockdown would bring it back below that threshold.

He acknowledged that ‘we don’t want to be doing things to repress liberty, we don’t want to do anything to damage our economy’ but ‘we would see fatalities running in the thousands if nothing was done’.

However, the rapid tests could be ‘possibly decisive’ in defeating the virus and there were also better drugs and the prospect of a vaccine.

“Amid the uncertain gloom of November, I see light ahead and I’m absolutely certain that we will have better days before us,” he told ministers.

“Let’s all work flat-out as a Government to repay the confidence of the people who are doing the right thing and following the latest autumn measures.”

Mr Johnson’s efforts to win public support were not helped by two Cabinet ministers appearing confused over the new lockdown restrictions.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick suggested that an entire household could meet up with a friend, before contradicting himself.

And Michael Gove apologised after incorrectly indicating that people could play a round of golf or game of tennis with a friend.

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America goes to the ballot box with Biden leading the polls unfit to lead a nation grappling with Covid-19 and facing foundational questions about racial justice and economic fairness.

Mr Biden entered election day with multiple paths to victory while Mr Trump, playing catch-up in a number of battleground states, had a narrower, but still feasible road to clinch 270 Electoral College votes.

Visions

MILLIONS of Americans went to the polls yesterday [Tuesday], adding their ballots to the more than 99 million already cast by early voters.

Donald Trump, 74, is hoping to avoid becoming the first incumbent president to lose a re-election fight since George HW Bush in 1992.

National polls show Democratic candidate Joe Biden, 77, with a broad lead, but the race is close in key battleground states needed to win the presidency.

Record early voting has been fuelled by the pandemic and the US is on course for its highest electoral turnout in more than a century.

The election comes after America’s worst-ever week for new coronavirus cases, with more than 1,000 people dying each day.

The first polls close at 23:00GMT (18:00EST) in the eastern US, but will be open until 06:00GMT Wednesday in Alaska.

Rules around processing mail-in ballots vary across the country, so in some states counting will not finish on election night.

During their final day of campaigning, each candidate declared the other fundamentally

Control of the Senate was at stake, too: Democrats need to net three seats if Mr Biden captures the White House to gain control of all of Washington for the first time in a decade. The House was expected to remain under Democratic control.

The record-setting early vote — and legal skirmishing over how it will be counted — drew unsupported allegations of fraud from Mr Trump.

Fighting to the end for every vote, Mr Biden headed to Philadelphia and his native Scranton on Tuesday as part of a closing get-out-the-vote effort before awaiting election results in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

Mr Trump, after a morning appearance on Fox News, planned to visit his campaign headquarters in Virginia.

Vienna attack ‘hatred for our values’ says Austrian Chancellor MONDAY’S attack in Vienna that left four people dead was ‘clearly an Islamist terror attack’ Austria’s leader said yesterday [Tuesday].

The suspect in Monday night’s attack – a 20-year-old armed with an automatic rifle and a fake explosive vest – was identified as a young Austrian-North Macedonian dual citizen with a previous terror conviction for attempting to join the so-called Islamic State group in Syria.

Unverified video showed the suspect, dressed in white coveralls, firing off bursts apparently at random as he ran down the Austrian capital’s cobbled streets.

Police searched 18 properties as well as the suspect’s apartment, detaining 14 people associated with the assailant who are being questioned, interior minister Karl Nehammer said.

Two men and two women died from their injuries in the attack, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. He added that a police officer who tried to get in the way of the attacker was shot and wounded, and another 21 people were hurt.

Vienna’s hospital service said seven people were in life-threatening condition after the attack, APA reported.

“Yesterday’s attack was clearly an Islamist terror attack,” Mr Kurz said on Tuesday. “It was an attack out of hatred — hatred for our fundamental values, hatred for our way of life, hatred for our democracy in which all people have equal rights and dignity.”

The attacker, identified as Kujtim Fejzulai, was sentenced to 22 months in prison in April 2019 because he had tried to travel to Syria to join IS. He was granted early release in December under

juvenile law.

Mr Nehammer told APA that Fejzulai had posted a photo on his Instagram account before the attack that showed him with two of the weapons he apparently used. “(The suspect) was equipped with a fake explosive vest and an automatic rifle, a handgun and a machete to carry out this repugnant attack on innocent citizens,” Mr Nehammer said.

He added that the evidence gathered so far shows no indication that there was a second assailant involved in the attack. People in Vienna were urged to stay at home if possible on Tuesday and children did not have to go to school. Some 1,000 police officers were on duty in the city on Tuesday morning.

Punishment The shooting began shortly after 8pm near Vienna’s main synagogue as many people were enjoying a last night of open restaurants and bars before a month-long coronavirus lockdown, which started at midnight. Vienna police chief Gerhard Puerstl said the attacker was killed at 8.09pm.

“We will unearth and chase down the perpetrators, those behind them and like-minded people and give them the punishment they deserve,” Mr Kurz said. “We will pursue all those who have anything to do with this outrage by all available means.”

Austria held a minute’s silence at midday on Tuesday, accompanied by the tolling of bells in the capital. Mr Kurz, President Alexander Van der Bellen and other leading politicians laid wreaths.

World News

NEWS

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Education

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

EDUCATION Times Why these pupils are flying high courtesy of STEAM Despite another lockdown starting on Thursday, November 5, children are still in school and doing incredible things such as this…

STEAMING AHEAD Children at Rose Hill School had a week of STEAM subjects

asking questions that gave them a deeper understanding of natural flight.

“There was a whole school paper glider challenge and our STEAM scholars delivered school presentations on aspects of flight,” a Rose Hill spokesperson told the Times.

“One highlight of the week was a visit from two British Airways pilots who shared their flying expertise and knowledge, discussing jet streams, ailerons, turbulence, drag, thrust and airport logistics.”

Emma Neville, Head of Rose Hill School said: “The end results of a week like this is that pupils who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process will become the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the future.

“We have had a wonderful week and STEAM week continues to be an important part of our curriculum.”

PILOT IN TRAINING British Airways pilots paid a visit to Rose Hill school ROSE HILL School has recently come to the end of an amazing week of activities focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) subjects, with the overarching theme of the week being flight.

The week was co-ordinated by John Agnew, the new Head of Science and Barry Izzard, Head of Design Technology.

Amazed Rose Hill School is one of the oldest prep schools in the country, is co-educational and set in over 15 acres on the edge of Tunbridge Wells. It is well known for its state of the art technology, music and art departments and high pass rate for the 11 plus exam which grants pupils a place at a grammar school.

Rose Hill’s STEAM week was packed with activities including rocket cars which reached speeds of 80mph, a parachute competition, a bird of prey display where children were amazed at the subtle differences in the flying abilities of each bird and enjoyed

FLYING HIGH Pupils learned about natural flight as part of their STEAM week

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Wednesday November 4 | 2020

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Letters

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21

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 newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Motor village decision has got people talking After the Times broke the news online last week that the Council had rejected a motor village in Pembury, readers have had a lot to say on the matter: Inappropriate for village Notwithstanding the valiant attempts of the planners to foist this singularly unpopular and inappropriate development upon the people of Pembury democracy prevailed.

The old days of nodding through anything at will are over.

Perhaps that is why Hendy were so confident as your previous article demonstrated [October 28] and were so surprised by the popular outcome.

Were they promised something by previous councillors do we think?

Cllr David Hayward [Alliance] Pembury

It is the wrong location On Wednesday October 28 the councillors on the planning committee at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council voted to reject the controversial and contentious Hendy planning application.

Pembury residents knew from the outset that the proposed Motor Village, would be sited in the wrong location.

For the past two years Pembury has made its objections clear by demonstrating outside the Town Hall and speaking on numerous occasions to the media.

A petition started by Sue Nuttal on the Pembury Facebook page captured 800 signatures.

Pembury Parish Council stood alongside Pembury residents by overwhelmingly objecting to the Hendy application as did Borough councillors and representatives from KCC. Councillor Hugo Pound (Sherwood), advised to refuse the application based on the ‘balance that the social, economic and environmental benefits would not be achieved and that there were not exceptional grounds which warranted overturning the current allocation of the site as a potential Park and Ride location’.

Paul Hendy Managing Director of Hendy is disappointed his offer of £25million of investment into the Borough was not enough to sweet talk Borough councillors to adopt and

I expected an approval

approve the proposal.

Now Mr Hendy speaking of the appeal which is certain to come is citing rising unemployment due to the pandemic as a reason to adopt the application.

However much money Mr Hendy throws at the Town hall to adopt the application and however he tries to change our minds by using the pandemic as a good reason for it, the people of Pembury have made their voices loud and clear “No to Hendy in Pembury”.

Patrick Gillan [artist], Pembury

Why I voted to reject plans This Council is incapable of producing clear, robust strategies around parking and transport, economic development or culture and leisure.

It lurches from one to a scheme to another. There is no joined up thinking. No engagement with the public. No vision of how to take the town forward.

The Deputy Leader (Jane March) spoke in favour of the development, ignoring the objections of 800 residents. She said it was good for the local economy. But she ignored the social and environmental impacts on Pembury, the hospital and Pembury Road. We deserve better than this, surely?

Cllr Hugo Pound Tunbridge Wells Labour

Well done those on the Planning Committee who voted against the Motor Ghetto – I had opened this article expecting to be depressed by an approval.

Let’s not forget that if Robert Jenrick gets his way with his ‘Planning for the Future’ proposals, decisions like this will be out of the Local Council’s hands.

There is still time to respond to the consultation on that by 23:45 tomorrow Thurs 29 Oct athttps://www. gov.uk/government/consultations/ planning-for-the-future John Hurst, Green Party Via website

You reported last week [October 28] that more and more people want to move out of London into the rural countryside, yet we constantly read of plans for offices, showrooms, warehouses and housing being opposed.

Councillors go against their paid professionals to quash schemes, more concerned about the short-term consequences at the ballot-box than the long term future of the community.

In the 19th century landowners ensured their cereal crops reached a minimum price before imports were allowed - the notorious Corn Laws. Is the Green Belt, which is not enshrined in law, the modern equivalent?

If I am rich enough and can build a house of ‘significant architectural importance’, I can build it - on the Green Belt. One rule for the rich, one for the not so rich.

Vested interest parties use every trick in the emotion book: ‘concreting over’ is a favourite, to ensure that we ossify in a romantic Dowtonesque imagined cosiness of times past - that is where our sentiment lies it seems.

We need houses in the South East.

If stately homes can be built in magnificent settings, where’s the opportunity to be had for the hoi

polloi?

What happened to dynamic Conservatism?

Hugh Masters Pembury

It was not a utopia For the most part, I have respect for the views of Tom Tugendhat and his recent article [October 28] regarding devolution makes a detailed case.

However, he suggests, by implication, that pre devolution provided democratic utopia.

This was, of course, not the case.

Many regions and nations of the UK were not served well by the two party, ‘first passed the post’ system, that simply had to satisfy a mere 40 per cent of the electorate in order to control the political agenda.

This imperfection largely persists today and with Brexit looming, the desires and ambitions of these various parts of the UK to have strengthened local democracy persists.

Tom is right to state no democracy without accountability, but there are other forces at play, which could see a re united Ireland and an independent Scotland and how can a true democrat deny their opportunity?

Martin Dawes Tunbridge Wells

Simply the wrong place We just believe Hendy in Pembury is the wrong development in the wrong place.

Paul Hendy, please look at other options and you may well receive support.

An ambulance today is reported to have to fight its way through Cornford Lane. Apart from everything else we are talking lives.

Sue Nuttall, Pembury Via website

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

PUTTING THE BOOT IN Artist Patrick Gillan was glad the Pembury motor village was kicked into touch

We need more housing

But what about investment?

Who is supposed to come to Royal Tunbridge Wells when half the shops are closed and mainly the residents are commuters.

I do wonder if these councillors are here for the benefit of the people.

James Rowe, Tunbridge Wells Via website

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

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Weekly Comment

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Mike Tapp Tunbridge Wells Labour Party

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Mike Tapp is a former soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, a National Crime Agency Officer, and civil servant - now running a small family business.

He is the Social Media Officer for Tunbridge Wells Labour.

There’s no excuse for not wanting to feed hungry children AS THE sixth richest nation on the planet, there should be no prospect of any child going to bed hungry.

It seems obvious that we should ensure all children in our country have food to eat. A nourished child will more likely lead a healthy life, will have better concentration levels during school lessons, in turn helping to break the tragic poverty cycle.

It was not however obvious to 321 Tory MP’s that voted against the Labour Party motion in Parliament, calling for free school meals during the holidays for all those that receive them normally during term time.

One of these MPs was Greg Clark who failed to stand up against his party to do the right thing.

You may have seen photos of the ‘empty plates protest’ outside the local Conservative Party offices, a symbol of public support for free school dinners led by local Labour activists.

Despite footballer Marcus Rashford’s ‘End child food poverty’ campaign the government still hasn’t budged from its position. Shamefully it still refuses to extend free school meals during the holidays for the most vulnerable children.

In Kent 16.8% of children are living in relative low income families. This represents an increase of 12,622 to 51,145 children over the last 5 years.

The impact of Covid-19 is likely to have made this even worse, leaving many families in need

of further government support.

Pressure on Kent County Council (KCC) has made them move a step in the right direction by offering school holiday supermarket food vouchers worth £15 a week to eligible families who apply for them. But this doesn’t go far enough.

Parents might not be aware of the scheme or have access to the internet. The result is that many thousands of children are likely to miss out on the holiday period food vouchers, through no fault of their own.

IN NEED More than 50,000 children in Kent are in low income families

Challenging KCC have said that over the half term period, it received 30,000 applications for holiday food vouchers and it assured parents that it was processing them as quickly as possible.

Tragically, there are over 50,000 children in Kent eligible for the scheme.

So, what has happened to the other children?

Do we have 20,000 hungry children in Kent? Do they have to rely on the food gifts from charities and small businesses across the county?

Kent Labour spokesperson for Education, Cllr Dr Lauren Sullivan said: “Children deserve the certainty of food. With more people being made redundant more children are facing changing and challenging times. Food should not be a

Nicolas Heslop

Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

worry for children, young people and their parents/carers”.

There is a simple, sensible answer to this problem. Tunbridge Wells Labour is calling for KCC to automatically provide food vouchers for the holidays to the children that already receive free school meals, ensuring that no child will

miss out, regardless of whether the parents make contact.

Please sign our e-petition pressuring them to do this, by visiting the KCC’s Petition website.

Together we can help guarantee that no child will go hungry in Kent leading up to Christmas and beyond.

Nicolas Heslop has been Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council since May 2012, and has represented the Cage Green ward since 1998. His career includes working in Parliament, Whitehall and for campaign groups promoting vocational education and training, such as apprenticeships. He is a regular at the Tonbridge Parkrun, now completing over 200 runs.

Being a councillor is not just about endless meetings THE MAIN reason that councillors stand for election is because they have a passion for serving their local communities and making a difference. That’s why I stood to serve the communities in Cage Green nearly 22 years ago.

Representing my communities isn’t just about endless meetings and debates. I can see why folk might think that. Covid has affected us all – families and businesses – and for the Borough Council, the challenges have been no less challenging.

However, there is more to what we do, making a difference locally which is why I enjoy serving residents in Cage Green. Since Covid, what we do in serving our local communities has been ever more important.

Having represented the area since 1998, I’ve worked alongside many colleagues in different parts of Tonbridge. We all work together and do all we can to keep our town a great place to live.

On a wet and damp Saturday morning last week, I was pleased to support our excellent Tonbridge County Councillors, Michael Payne and Richard Long and the Conservative Borough Councillors for Medway Ward in finding a ‘lost’ footpath.

When I first heard about this project my first question was; how can you lose a footpath? The area in question is the old Tudeley Lane, between what is now the Somerhill Green

development and the entrance to Barnes Lodge and Rosewell House.

For many months our Medway Ward Councillors Matt Boughton, James Lark and Jon Botten have been working with Richard Long and Michael Payne to identify whether a footpath could still exist under decades worth of vegetation, built up since the road was closed. After many discussions with KCC officials, it was confirmed the land ownership was preventing any progress. In fact, the issues dated back to 1948!

Undergrowth That is why we went down last weekend to see whether the footpath still exists. It was a really rewarding day, even in the wind and rain. After a few hours we eventually rediscovered the edges to the old footpath, under all the undergrowth.

We are now campaigning to seek formal designation of the route.

The footpath we found hasn’t been touched for many years. However, now we have found it KCC are going through the process to register it properly, with the aim to get it resurfaced over the coming months.

Supporting Richard, Michael, Matt, James and Jon with this project was a great way to remind ourselves of what really matters. Across Tonbridge our Conservative Councillors are

FOOTPATH FIND:The Medway team from left to right: Jon Botten, James Lark, Matt Boughton, Richard Long and Michael Payne who have found a footpath that has been missing since just after the war doing small projects like this for their community. Whether it is Georgina Thomas running a food drive in Trench or Frixos Tombolis planting new trees in Higham, we look after every street and every home.

But we tackle the bigger issues too. Not only is it finding lost footpaths, but clearing the River Medway of litter. A couple of weeks ago Castle Ward Councillor Karen King worked with Epic Life to use paddle boards to clear the river bank of litter. Anyone walking near the bank in

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground can see the difference made.

We know there are difficult decisions to make in the council chamber. The responsibility, as guardians of the taxpayers’ money and assets, weighs heavily on every decision we take. But this isn’t all what being a councillor is about.

Conservative councillors have been delivering across Tonbridge in the 22 years and beyond since I was first elected. They continue to do so to this today.

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Interiors

The only way is up

23

Both sales and rental markets continue to grow Page 24

ALL WHITE NOW

Why Scandi chic is in again this winter Pages 26-27

Homes & Interiors

Property Focus NEW S

24

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Retail and office space market in the South East continues to fall

By Lottie Bulmer THE demand for retail and office space in the South East has fallen again, according to the third quarterly report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [RICS].

The decline in demand continued in the last quarter, as a net balance of minus 40 per cent of local respondents reported a drop in tenant demand at the all sector level. However, although the figure is firmly negative, this reading is less downbeat than the second quarter of 2020.

Demand Despite these figures, in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge shared office space has seen a rise due to workers avoiding the commute to London (See Business, page 10).

But as expected, demand for South East retail space continued to fall with a net balance of –76 per cent of local contributors reporting a drop. Demand for the region’s office sector also saw a fall with -55 per cent reporting the drop.

Tarrant Parsons, RICS Economist, said: “Sentiment across the commercial property market continues to be weighed down by the challenging economic backdrop.

“In particular, the physical retail sector, which was already struggling prior to the latest crisis, is being hit hard by the accelerated switch into online shopping and a drop in footfall associated with social distancing.

“Likewise, occupier demand across the office sector remains in decline and may continue to come under pressure going forward as businesses reassess their office space requirements following the increased prevalence of remote working.

“That said, some portions of the market appear to be well placed to expand in the face of these structural changes sweeping

Kent commuter belt rent prices rise while London prices fall RENT prices are rising in commuter area towns but falling in the capital.

Due to the rise in home working, tenants are looking for homes with more space with close connections to the capital, leading to an increase in prices in local areas such as Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.

Comparatively, rents in London are dropping, with the smaller properties seeing the most pronounced falls.

Head of lettings at Savills, John Roberts said both Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks were clear ‘hotspots’.

He said: “People now anticipating a mix of home and office working are looking further afield, with some adopting a ‘try before you buy’ approach before a permanent move.

This is creating hotspots in areas such as Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.

“Several properties have received multiple offers and bids over the asking price. As a result of the rise in demand for property in the area, we have limited stock on our books.”

Across the south and east of England, prime rents rose by an average 1.2 per cent in the three months to the end of September the highest quarterly growth in over five years according to the Savills prime lettings index - driven by a combination of strong demand for larger properties and limited supply as some landlords withdraw.

This is compared to prime London rents which fell by an average of -1.3 per cent in the quarter, and by -2.3 per cent in prime central London and -2.6 per cent in north and east London, markets that are impacted by travel restrictions and higher levels of new build stock respectively.

the economy. Indeed, the latest results point to a solid rebound within the industrial sector, with increased capacity in this segment needed to meet the sharp rise in online spending.

“As such, the twelve-month outlook for prime industrial rents and capital values has already returned to positive territory according to the Q3 survey feedback.”

The South East’s rental growth projections remain in negative territory for the office and retail sectors. Over the next year, prime office rents in the region are expected to fall by 3.3 per cent. In the same time period, prime retail rents are predicted to fall by 9.6 per cent. In contrast, local participants in the survey anticipate prime industrial rents to rise by 1.5 per cent in the year to come.

Working from home made easy in new development ACCORDING to the office of national statistics, 24 per cent of people are working exclusively from home, leading to home offices and internet connection being at the forefront of house buyers’ minds.

New buyers, Caroline and Marcus Millichope, are no exception.

The couple moved to Berkeley’s new development - Hollyfields, in Hawkenbury, before lockdown and intended to commute to London.

However, as lockdown started, the couple had to adapt to home working and changed one of the spare rooms into a home office, as Caroline explained.

She said: “In terms of design, the best thing about our new home is its

configuration, “We have a large open-plan kitchen and a casual dining area. The house is nice and wide, arranged over two floors, and has high ceilings.

“Because of all this space, we haven’t been cramped together while working from home since April.”

so fast-speed internet was a must.”

In prime position for any necessary travel, Hollyfields also includes a shuttle service for residents to the station.

Hollyfield homes are priced from £600,000 for a three bedroom house, with Help to Buy available on selected plots, while four-bedroom houses are prices from £823,000.

Connectivity Marcus spoke of the necessity to have high-speed WiFi when being based at home.

He said: “I work in the TV industry, so having fast internet connectivity was one of the most important things for me over the past seven months.

“I regularly need to download hundreds of gigabytes worth of content,

DOING THEIR HOMEWORK: Marcus and Caroline Millichope in their new home with Marcus’ son, Rufus.

Why we are keeping our little black book under lock & key!

The Belvoir Tunbridge Wells Lettings Team have a database of local contractors that we call on to complete maintenance or repair tasks at our managed properties, or simply to advise on what needs to be done.

MUTUAL TRUST These contacts are vital to our business and we work hard to maintain good relationships with all our contractors. Many of these have been built up over years and a mutual trust is in place - we trust them to do a great job on our behalf and they trust Belvoir to give them all the information they need and pay them accordingly.

TENANT CO-OPERATION We ask tenants to agree to their details being shared with contractors as part of becoming a tenant, so they usually control when a contractor visits. If we could not get hold of a tenant to undertake a mandatory check (such as Gas Safety) we could give them 24 hours’ notice that our contractor will enter the property.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Belvoir ensure contractors have appropriate insurance policies in place i.e. Public Liability

insurance as well as any insurance specific to their trade.

We also check they have appropriate and current certification for dealing with gas and electrical appliances.

If we start dealing with a new contractor, we get testimonials from satisfied clients and monitor the first few jobs very carefully to assess the quality of their work.

RESOLVING PROPERTY ISSUES PROMPTLY n Working on behalf of our fully managed landlords with a reliable team of contractors means we can respond to calls from tenants with property maintenance issues and know we can help them. n Our repair reporting system allows tenants to

report problems at their convenience and requires a certain minimum level of information.

Sometimes issues can be resolved by some basic trouble-shooting or over the phone, meaning no cost to the landlord.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE! Our contractors often go the extra mile to resolve problems. That may be trying to resolve the issue at minimal cost to the landlord or minimising the impact on tenants, particularly as the colder months approach and heating problems are inevitable.

Why would you want to deal with such issues on your own without a little black book full of the best names in the business?

Let Belvoir take the strain out of managing your rental property. For a free compliance review of your portfolio call us on 01892 615333, email tunbridgewells@belvoir.co.uk or book into the calendar via this link https://tinyurl.com/y56y3xru

n If a visit is necessary then our contractors can

endeavour to diagnose the problem ahead of time and have the right parts with them to resolve the issue on the first visit.

Belvoir! Case Study

We were asked to take over the management of a lovely property as the previous agent had been found wanting. The tenants had left and there were various jobs to organise to get the property ready to relet - from electrics to carpets and cleaning to gardening. But the biggest job was that the fitted bedroom furniture had been dismantled and moved out of all the bedrooms, without the landlord’s permission, in order to create extra space to grow cannabis! Our wonderful contractor managed to solve the puzzle and put all the pieces back together in the right rooms, without any instructions, so the property was ready to present to a new tenant.

26

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

12 ways to channel cosy Scandi style this winter

When it comes to sophisticated decor with a touch of soft and cosy, nothing surpasses those cool Scandi vibes, says Sam Wylie-Harris

KEEPING COSY Teddy Bear Cocktail Chair – Cream, Teddy Square Footstool, Ivory Sheepskin Rug all available at Dunelm

S

OMETIMES, less is more – and if you’re hankering after a home that’s clean and serene yet also warm and inviting, Scandi style ticks all the right boxes.

Nature-inspired colours that contrast with a monochrome scheme, soft greys, natural stone and timber all feature in Nordic interiors.

Cosy textures, such as faux fur for an extra measure of warmth, which also hint at snug sleigh rides and oh-so cool rural retreats, are another vital ingredient – and we could all do with a snuggling up in comfort right now.

To tie it all together, a light, pale palette compensates for sparse daylight and helps create a welcoming, bright and soothing space.

Here’s 12 ways to create a harmonious haven and channel some cosy Scandi style in your home this winter…

1. Made-to-Measure Real Wood Venetian Blinds, from £64, Apollo Blinds, Auckland Luxury Faux Fur Sheepskin in White (on chair), from £44, The Rug Seller (other items part of room set) One of the joys of white wooden blinds is not only do they look effortless, but you can control light and shade, open up the space and introduce a polished, minimalist feel with just the tilt of a slat. Here, a woven rug and faux sheepskin throw complements an accent leather chair, and a neutral sofa’s warmed by a wooden floor lamp.

2. Dillon Droplet Pendants, from £50, Dillon LED Table Lamp, £40, Next Other than using blinds to make the most of natural light, pendant lighting strikes just the right balance between utilitarian and minimal

LIGHTBULB MOMENT Dillon Droplet Pendants from Next

design, especially these funky fixtures with spiral filament bulb.

3. Teddy Bear Cocktail Chair – Cream, £99, Teddy Square Footstool, £35, Ivory Sheepskin Rug, from £39, Dunelm (other items from a selection or part of room set) With the teddy coat trending big time, it’s only natural this fuzzy favourite should be transcending into interiors – and this teddy chair and footstool couldn’t be more ideal for these testing times we’re living in. Stylish and super snuggly, who wouldn’t want to curl up in cosy corner like this? Aquavit cocktail anyone?

4. Wilko Antler Hurricane Glass Vase, £5, Wilko An inspired choice, it’s tempting to snap up two of these antler glass vases. Simply pop a tea light

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

HYGGE LIVING Isaac Chaise Armchair from Sofa.com

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MAKING SPACE Storage baskets, tin, compost bin and kitchen crate all available from Matalan

SCANDI COOL Portobello 12 Piece Dinner Set, available from The White Company right tablescaping notes and come dinnertime, these durable clay plates will contrast beautifully against the vivid colours of gravadlax, beetroot and prawn mayonnaise with fresh dill.

7. Normann Copenhagen Block Side Table, Black, £205, Nest A modern drinks trolley in black and natural timber, styled with crystal and designer coffee table books, will make everything look bang up to date – as well as proffering the Scandi aesthetic of beauty in ANTLER utility.

HURRICANE GLASS 8. Tibetan Sheepskin Bench AVAILABLE – Mink, £695, The White FROM WILKO Company into each and place them either end of a kitchen or dining room table, or use them to bookend a winter white bouquet.

décor, with its plain weave in soft grey, styled with a cosy woven cushion and wool throw for a smidgen of cosy cabin inspiration.

5. Isaac Chaise Armchair in Canvas Pure Belgian Linen, from £1,140, Sofa.com

6. Portobello 12 Piece Dinner Set, £136, The White Company

When it’s time to put your feet up, this chaise armchair perfectly captures rustic Scandinavian

Nobody does white better than The White Company. This classic white glaze hits all the

Our object of desire… A masterful use of natural oak legs, topped with Tibetan sheepskin for the perfect silhouette. Versatile enough to suit minimalist room sets, you could always add a new dimension by placing the bench in front of a mid-century teak mirror, perhaps.

9. Alma Large Sideboard, £725, Metal Window Mirror, £150, Next With no room for clutter, a large sideboard is your best storage solution. Knick-nacks are a no-no in the world of Scandi interiors, and once you’ve swept everything away (for the ultimate edit, you can always use packing cases as space savers and keep this sideboard for glass and tableware), chances are you’ll appreciate the simplicity of good workmanship.

10. Papavera Vases in Volcanic White, from £95-£245; Giant Glass Ball Paperweight, £75, Faux Pussy Willow Flower Stem – Off-White, £10, Oka Natural stone is another key for getting the Scandi look, and these gorgeous pieces can be styled with pussy willow or greenery, faux or real. And because we’re thinking more driftwood than a dazzling display, a single stem or two will do the trick.

11. Wire Storage Baskets with Handle – White or Grey, £8 each; Fresh Vegetables Storage Tin, £10; Metal Worktop Compost Bin, £8, Stackage Wooden Kitchen Crate, £12, Matalan (other items from a selection) A nifty idea to stop cooking utensils cluttering up your kitchen work surface, we love these storage baskets with carry handles (easy to lift when you’re wiping worktops clean and laying the table) to keep everything just so.

12. Cosy Fleece Duvet Cover And Pillowcase Set – Dark Mink, from £28-£58, Hartford Bed, from £575, Next Bedtime bliss courtesy of a functional fleece?

Absolutely. Cuddling up in cosy bedding has never looked more inviting, especially when you factor in swatches of faux fur on the bedside table and underfoot, not to mention a bedframe upholstered in a muted wool blend. ‘Suite’ Scandi dreams.

CURL UP Wooden Venetian Blinds from Apollo Blinds, Auckland Luxury Faux Fur Sheepskin (on chair), from The Rug Seller

UNDER THE COVERS Cosy Fleece Duvet Cover And Pillowcase Set, Hartford Bed from Next

EASTERLING MARSH PARTNERSHIP Offering a comprehensive range of professional surveying services RESIDENTIAL SURVEYS Our professional, comprehensive residential surveys give home buyers peace of mind.

Comprehensive home surveys We are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and undertake the full range of RICS Home Surveys, as follows: n Condition Report - survey level one n HomeBuyer (Survey) Report - survey level two n HomeBuyer (Survey & Valuation) Report - survey level two n Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey) - survey level three n Market Valuation The RICS HomeBuyer (Survey & Valuation) Report includes a market valuation and a reinstatement calculation for buildings insurance purposes as standard. However, we can offer both these services under a separate contract if required.

PERIOD AND LISTED HOMES Period and listed homes need extra TLC - which means specialist expertise. Fortunately, we have this! If you’re thinking about buying a period or listed property, we can help you identify whether repairs and maintenance have been carried out appropriately, recommending suitable remedial action where necessary. If you’re already the proud owner of a period or listed home, we can help you plan and carry out works to make sure you maintain its integrity while securing its future.

SURVEY FEES Our fees for undertaking surveys are tailored to the age, size and complexity of the property. They will also depend on the type of survey required. Please

Which report is right for you?

To help you choose the most appropriate survey, please contact our team who would be happy to discuss the most appropriate level of survey for your proposed purchase.

Understanding your report We pride ourselves on writing reports that are easy to understand, but we also know that buying a property is a major investment that most people don’t do very often. We want you to have complete confidence about your decisions, so we are happy to discuss in person any concerns or queries you may have following receipt of our survey report.

For more information please contact: Andrew Marsh BSc (Hons) MRICS - Managing Partner Easterling Marsh Partnership 7 Linden Close, Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HH Tel: 01892 577578 • Website: www.empsurveyors.com

do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Where appropriate, we use drone technology in our surveys, enabling us to inspect closely all areas of chimney stacks, roof coverings, rainwater pipes and gutters and main walls, which traditionally would be limited to a visual inspection using binoculars from ground level. (Please note that the use of aerial photography is subject to the property’s location, weather conditions and obtaining the owner’s permission.)

Alternatively, lightweight pole cameras are used for roof inspections. These provide equally meticulous photographs and are very sturdy even in windy conditions.

TW Property Specialist estate agents for flats and apartments in

TW Property

Tunbridge Wells

If you are thinking of selling we would be delighted to come and see you for your personal property valuation

VALLEY ROAD • £174,950 This first floor flat, on the edge of Rusthall village, has been recently refurbished to a very high standard including a new kitchen and bathroom, which has a separate double shower cubicle, and new flooring throughout. The Lounge and bedroom are both dual aspect letting in plenty of natural light. Internal viewing comes highly recommended.

If you are thinking of selling we would be delighted to come and see you

MOUNT EPHRAIM • £219,950

KENSINGTON COURT • £227,000

A quite superb apartment, internally designed to exacting standards and presented to the market in immaculate condition. The accommodation is lit by a number of Velux windows drawing in plenty of natural light.

A spacious 2 bedroom apartment with open plan living area, en suite shower room and a private balcony.

r ty T W P ro p e et For Sale/L

Sales, Lettings, Property Management 34 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LU • Tel: 01892 530109 • Web: tw-property.co.uk

Discretion is the Better Part of Valour The property market has changed astronomically

At SJD we work to source the right developers for

in the past few decades, bringing in a new era

your site - all of our sales are made confidentially

of off-market and private sales.

thus protecting both your identity and your

Unlike conventional methods, we offer discreet

individual interests.

marketing where details of your site are not openly marketed. Private sales generate a sense of exclusivity, boosting the likelihood of a quick and hassle-free transaction.

If you have a development opportunity that you would like to sell off-market, please contact us for a free appraisal.

Contact Stephen Donnelly on

07739 514350 or 01892 579937 Web: sjd-projects.com email: steve@sjd-projects.com

30

Homes & Interiors

Advertisers

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

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Food & Culture

arts

34

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Why art isn’t just for arts’ sake for this talented illustrator...

Successful illustrator Elaine Gill tells Eileen Leahy why she loves her job so much – and why every picture literally does tell a story ILLUSTRATIVE JOB Elaine Gill, local artist

I

am an artist and illustrator, born and bred in Kent. I live in Tunbridge Wells and have a wonderfully supportive family, a very patient husband, three not-so little children and a Border Collie called Bowline, who usually finds her way into my Christmas cards and maps!

From the earliest age I have always loved drawing, painting and generally just creating. By far my most favourite style is pen and watercolour, although I am always looking at and trying different ways to compose an illustration or a piece of artwork.

I really love drawing buildings, especially those that have a story behind them. My childhood helped inspire me to paint as I loved watching programmes such as Take Hart with Tony Hart and making ragdolls out of scraps of my grandma’s materials. As a non-reader, images have always been very important to me, from the beautiful Paddington Bear line-drawn animation to the illustrations of classic books such as the Water Babies. These images told me the story, not the words. I’m dyslexic but I don’t see it as a hindrance, more as the gift of seeing the world from a very different perspective.

At the age of 12 I was given my first set of oil paints, an easel and canvas. I would paint for family and friends and so decided to take O level art. I went on to study childcare at college and after graduating I worked in a private day nursery. While there I painted murals, drew publicity leaflets and provided general art and crafts for the children.

“Everyone has a unique story and it’s wonderful to be able to translate it into a treasured and personal piece of art” We moved to Tunbridge Wells in 2008, and soon after that I became a Learning Support Assistant supporting a wonderful boy with Downs Syndrome at St Augustine’s Primary School. Using illustration alongside Makaton to help with communication has definitely defined my drawing.

Seven years ago for my grandma’s 90th

Food & Culture

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

birthday we visited all the places she had lived and for a special gift I drew the buildings and little details that made her story special. From that moment via word of mouth I began drawing other people’s stories and it began to snowball. I then had to make the tough decision whether to stay in education or to follow my dream. With amazing support from family and friends I decided to pursue my passion for art.

“I really love drawing buildings, especially those that have a story behind them” I love line, architecture and beautiful buildings that tell a story. I’m fascinated by cities and their history and eclectic mix of buildings! Time permitting, it is important to explore other disciplines of art, and I do love to paint landscapes. It’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Before lockdown I attended life drawing and portrait classes with Andrew James. He’s an amazing teacher and life drawing is an excellent way of brushing up your observation skills.

SCOTNEY CASTLE Elaine brings local landmarks to life through her illustrations

Despite being super busy I still take on private commissions. It’s a great way to meet new people and avoid artist’s block. Everyone has a unique story and it’s wonderful to be able to translate it into a treasured and personal piece of art.

The best thing about my job is you just don’t know what’s next on the drawing board, there’s never a dull day! The illustrated stories take up a lot of my time but I do work with authors, charities and magazines and collaborate with

designers and artists. One project people might know is the one I did with local cartoonist Chris Burke and the Platform 2 Project at Tunbridge Wells Station which depicts a historical timeline of the town’s most famous characters. I’ve also worked with the National Trust at Scotney Castle and have had a few exciting and interesting opportunities happening such as an exhibition at Adrian Hill Fine Art in Holt, Norfolk which asked for a piece of my work after seeing it in the Mall.

Once again this year I was thrilled to have the original pen and watercolour painting ‘Liberty London’ selected for The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours at the Mall Galleries London and some of my new paintings for this year include The Nevill Cricket Ground, which has helped raise funds for Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club. I have also done an illustrated map of Southborough, with a little space to illustrate your house.

Now with the second lockdown coming I am looking forward to it. With the last one I had uninterrupted drawing time, and it was great not having to rush out to meetings. Being in lockdown for me means more time at the drawing board. It’s times like these that doing something you enjoy, trying something new without any expectations is so important.

35

We ask Elaine...

Which artists are you inspired by and why?

Definitely Michelangelo and Canaletto for their line, attention to detail, dedication to art and storytelling. To stand in the Sistine Chapel or close up to an original painting is just awesome. I’ve recently discovered the work by the late Jamil Naqsh, which is stunning, moving and heartfelt.

What do you think of the local art scene?

There is definitely something in the water!

Both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have a diverse and exciting community of artists and makers, often supported by local businesses who exhibit or commission local artists. It is always lovely to recommend an artist friend to someone and to share the love of art.

How would you sum up your work?

‘Your Story Illustrated’ is a very special style of my work, illustrating important, memorable and special places to create a treasured, unique and original commissioned piece of personalised art.

Website: www.elainegill.co.uk Instagram: @elainejgill

COVID19 UPDATE - OUR MEDICAL FACILITY REMAINS OPEN As a private hospital we remain open and we will continue to provide the highest levels of care for our patients during this period of increased restriction with no interruptions to consultations or scheduled procedures. For more information on how we are managing this process following the advice from Government and Public Health England please visit www.bellavou.co.uk ‘’We know this is a challenging situation and we are focussed on ensuring the best clinical experience for you during these coming weeks. If you have any concerns or questions then please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01892 257 357 and we will do our very best to help. Alternately, email hello@bellavou.co.uk‘’ Roger Bigwood, Clinic Director

36

Food & Culture

Wine

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

My Sherry amour It’s sherries all-around as Times Drinks Editor James Viner selects four of the most spellbinding and fascinating bottles to get you through the seventh International Sherry Week. Prepare for a virtual sherry fiesta....

JEREZ-XÉRÈS-SHERRY is a chalky triangular coastal region located on the hot, dry, barren moonscape of southwestern Spain, in the province of Cádiz, Andalucía, bordered by the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. It also refers to the classic, undervalued, manysplendoured food-friendly fortified wine – a small quantity of neutral grape spirit is added to increase the alcohol once fermentation has been completed – produced in and around the town of Jerez.

Sherry is made mainly from the versatile, early-picked, pale-skinned Palomino Fino grape grown on the region’s limestone-rich, white, reflective, water-retentive ‘albariza’ soils.

The top-notch, multi-layered and readily available sherries are listed in ascending price order per bottle. Try them with food this International Sherry Week. ¡Salud!

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1) ELITE, UNCTUOUS, DECADENT, SWEET SHERRY MADE FROM SUNDRIED/‘RAISINED’ GRAPES THAT’S NOT UNLIKE CHRISTMAS PUDDING! Tesco Finest Pedro Ximénez Sherry, González Byass (Tesco, £6, 37.5cl) For many years ownlabel sherries have represented the best-value bottles

available in the UK. One of the planet’s most viscous, sticky and sweet wines after Hungary’s Tokaji Essencia, dark Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry is made from sugar-rich, sun-dried white grapes of the same name. It has a dense, almost syrupy texture, and concentrated, opulent flavours.

If you’re wondering what to pour with Christmas pudding or mince pies soon, look no further. Like dribbly, drunken, treacly plums, figs, dates, spicy Christmas cake and molten

2

3

raisins at an all-night festival, covered in burnt toffee, honey and molasses, this is a keenlypriced wine to sip and then smile with. Serve lightly chilled between 10 and 13ºC in a white wine glass with Roquefort, Perl Las, Christmas pudding, pecan pie, mince pies, chocolate desserts or poured over vanilla/rum raisin ice cream – alternatively drink it alone as its own dessert! If kept in the fridge an open bottle will stay fresh for months. Bargain plus.

2) TANGY, COMPLEX, LIVELY, RICH-YET-DRYWONDER FOR TRUE SHERRY AFFICIANADOS No.1 Torre del Oro Palo Cortado Sherry, Lustau (Waitrose, 25% off, £11.99 down to £8.99 until next Tuesday, 75cl) Palo cortado is the rarest style of dry sherry and this one is super sophisticated, gorgeous and intense, with astounding, figgy, orange peel, roasted walnut/almond, coffee, tobacco, vanilla and exotic spice aromas and flavours. It’s a regal sherry to have to hand and I cannot believe that a wine of this sophistication is such a bargain – it comes in a 75cl bottle too! It is made for Waitrose by celebrated Lustau, one of just a few bodegas to release rare single-vintage sherries. The effect is little short of mesmerising. Jamón, Gorwydd Caerphilly, game, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala and Parmigiano please. Will keep fresh for several weeks, especially if stored in the fridge. Serve between 12° and 14°C in a white wine glass.

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3) BENCHMARK SINGLEVINEYARD, BONE-DRY, TANGY, BARREL-FERMENTED FINO, ONE OF THE TWO MAIN SHERRY CATEGORIES

Valdespino Inocente Fino Sherry, Grupo Estévez (Simply Wines Direct/Whisky Exchange/Lea & Sandeman/Slurp, £13.99-£17.95, 75cl) One of the world’s most appetizing wines, Fino is a bone dry, full-flavoured sherry that has aged under a protective, bread-like layer of the film-forming saccharomyces yeast ‘flor’ that flourishes and lives on top of Fino/manzanilla sherry in a butt (a barrel usually made from American oak) five-sixths full. Along with manzanilla, Fino is the brightest, palest, freshest and most delicate sherry, making top-notch food wines. This is one of the best, a zingy flavour grenade of a rare oak-fermented, 8-10-year-old-solera-aged sherry from a single iconic (Macharnudo district) vineyard – think sea salt, crisp apples, herbs, salted almonds, vanilla, yeast and brioche. It makes a great, appetising apéritif and is also just the ticket for all kinds of tapas, salted nuts, paëlla, sushi, tandoori/teriyaki salmon, fish and chips, cured ham, smoked fish, sashimi, Westcombe cheddar, fish curry and shellfish. Always drink fridge cold (like champers) and consume within a week once opened.

4) BREATH-TAKING AGED DRY SHERRY Fernando de Castilla Amontillado Antique Sherry (Virgin Wines/WoodWinters, £25.99-£32, 50cl) Naturally dry Amontillados are Fino sherries in which the protective layer of yeast has died, thus exposing the wine to oxygen. They have more body than Finos and are excellent with more robust cuisine. This sublime, nutty, autumnal example is over twenty years old and was on legendary El Bulli’s wine list. It’s a brisk and beautiful treat to astonish your palate with layers of raisins, hazelnuts, buttered brazils, toffee, fennel, cinnamon, orange peel and light caramel.

One for soups, mushroom risotto, asparagus, smoked fish, Manchego, aged Comté, cold game pie, braised rabbit, chicken liver parfait, albóndigas (meatballs) and jamón ibérico.

Indispensable in a Bloody Mary too! Will keep for months once opened. Serve around 12-13°C.

Y N L O N O T I E C L 10 % OFF* COL- THURSDAY SU NDAY - TH

WE KINDLY REQUEST ALL CUSTOMERS TO ORDER ONLINE FOR CONVENIENCE

*Excluding Friday, Saturday & Deliveries. For a limited period only - offer can be withdrawn at anytime without any prior notice given

Se e w H o iS deliver ing d uri n g loc k down 2 check out #Twdelivers or visit www.twdelivery.co.uk to see which local businesses can deliver to your door #SupportYourHighStreet Promoted by Tunbridge Wells Together on behalf of local businesses.

38

Motoring News

Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Motoring News

This week…

Octavia expansion n Free miles for Audi EV n Remodeled BMW n

Skoda Octavia range expanded with plug-in hybrid variant

Dynamic kind tax will be just 6%.

Meanwhile, official figures put the fuel economy at 282.5 – 188.3mpg, though naturally this depends on how often the batteries are topped up between journeys.

Adapts Skoda says its hybrid system continuously adapts to the driving situation to decide how best to deploy its power, whether combining both petrol and electric power or choosing one or the other.

It comes with a 3.6kW on-board charger that

can top the batteries up from empty in about three and a half hours.

The Octavia iV is being launched in SE Technology and SE L trim levels with either hatchback or estate body styles. Both trim levels are better equipped than their non-hybrid equivalents, too, gaining 18-inch alloy wheels, decorative door sills, and a storage compartment in the boot for the charging cables.

Prices start at £30,765 for the SE Technology hatch and £31,745 for the estate, while the SE L models start at £32,525 as a hatch and £33,605 as an estate.

Audi EV owners can get thousands of free miles by switching energy supplier CHARGE FOR FREE Electric and plug-in Audi owners can recieve free miles

UK owners of Audi’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can receive credit equal to about 5,000 miles of free charging by switching home energy supplier.

The German firm has teamed up with Octopus Energy, which provides electricity from 100% renewable sources, to offer £90 credit.

Audi says that when charged at off-peak times, this would be enough for its e-tron SUV to travel up to 5,000 miles, which is approximately 70% of the average motorist’s annual commute.

Furthermore, anyone who buys the firm’s electric e-tron SUV before December 31 will receive a 7kW home charging unit free of charge.

Octopus Energy has a tariff specifically targeted

CUTTING EDGE The R nineT has been updated

BMW has given its R nineT a sharper edge with more equipment and an upgraded engine.

First showcased in 2013, the R nineT has gone on to become a popular retro-inspired option, combining old-school looks with modern technology.

However for 2021, the R nineT has undergone several enhancements, no least to the boxer engine. Capable of meeting stringent EU-5 emissions, it produces less power at 107bhp (up from the 108bhp in the previous model) as well as 116Nm of torque.

However, peak power arrives 500rpm sooner than in the older version.

As well as newly designed cylinder heads, the engine also receives redesigned throttle valve parts and cylinder head covers.

ADAPTING TO CHANGE Skoda’s Octavia range has introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain SKODA has bolstered its Octavia range with the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The latest iV model from Czech manufacturer boasts an impressive 43 miles of electric range from its 13kWh battery pack, meaning many journeys can be completed without using any petrol.

The powertrain combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 201bhp and 350Nm of torque. That big electric range contributes to a hugely impressive CO2 emission figure of just 22-33g/km, making it an appealing company car buy because benefit-in-

BMW R nineT gains updates for 2021

All bikes in the range now benefit from ABS Pro as standard, which comes alongside dynamic brake control for additional reassurance when braking. A new shock absorber with travel-dependent damping is fitted too, while the spring’s preload can be adjusted by a hand wheel. The R nineT comes with ‘rain’ and ‘road’ riding modes too.

A circular instrument dial takes pride of place in the cockpit, while the new model features LED headlight and indicator lights. A new USB charging socket for adding power to devices has been included too.

A range of new packages are available for the bike too, as well as a series of parts known as ‘Option 719’. This is an exclusive range of parts featuring touches such as milled components and a rear conversion which brings a shorter rear end and a number plate holder behind the rear wheel.

The new BMW R nineT is expected to arrive in spring next year, with prices starting from £13,150.

CLASSIFIEDS

at owners of electrified vehicles. Its Octopus Go tariff claims to offer night time supply rates that are about 50% cheaper than typical Economy 7 rates, with prices of 5p per kilowatt hour available between 12.30 and 4.30am.

Impact Audi owners can dictate when their vehicle charges through the myAudi app to make sure their car only uses electricity at the least expensive times.

On top of this offer, Audi UK is currently providing a 12-month subscription to the e-tron Charging Service at no cost, as well as 1,000

miles of credit. The service provides access to chargers from 18 different suppliers using one payment card and covers about 50% of public chargers in the UK. Andrew Doyle, director of Audi UK, said: “Audi is taking a root and branch approach to the challenge of minimising the environmental impact of its cars at every stage of their lifecycle.

“It makes total sense for us to endorse and work with Octopus, because its 100% clean energy can help our customers to scale back that impact even further at a local level without committing to contracts or paying inflated green premiums. I hope this attractive offer encourages many more of them to do so.”

VOLVO CARS TONBRIDGE

In line with the recent government announcement and following their guidelines we are pleased to advise that throughout this Covid-19 lockdown our

Service Centre will remain open.

Book with confidence.

Prefer to stay at home?

For your safety, we are operating an appointmentbased system to manage the number of people on site at any one time. We are adhering to government guidelines on social distancing and sanitation practises, so you can visit us with total peace of mind.

If it’s not convenient to visit, or you don’t feel comfortable coming to us during this time, that is alright, we are still offering our collection and delivery service, subject to availability. Call us on 01732 832424, or visit www.hsfgroup.co.uk to book or find out more.

For everyone’s safety, please try to book in advance.

Volvo Cars Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1TB 01732 832424 service.tonbridge@hsfgroup.co.uk

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

08:00 - 18:00 08:00 - 18:00 08:00 - 18:00 08:00 - 18:00 08:00 - 18:00 08:30 - 12:30 CLOSED

G. Collins & Sons Diamond eternity bands, ÂŁ1,620 each Available in Platinum, 18ct Rose Gold and 18ct Yellow Gold Handcrafted in our onsite workshop Contact us on 01892 534 018 to arrange contact free purchasing of any item Free delivery is available on all new purchases