Times of Tunbridge Wells 30th November 2022

WELLS

The Times’ annual awards that celebrate the best in business in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area are to return next year. Full story page

Charges at Dunorlan are no longer parked

By Richard Williams

THE Council in Tunbridge Wells could be set to introduce parking charges at Dunorlan Park in early 2023, after it had to backtrack on plans earlier this year.

A consultation is currently being held to re-consider the proposals introduced by the cross-party Borough Partnership that runs Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

As the Times reported in July, the coalition had to U-turn on introducing fees at Pembury Road and Halls Hole Road car parks, but had not held any consultation on the plan, which sparked a backlash and a petition against the move.

The Council also had to scrap parking charges for Paddock Wood and Southborough following a similar backlash.

The charges had been planned to plug a £1million budget gap in the Town Hall’s finances, which was set to rise to more

than £2.5million next year and were announced during July’s budget review.

A consultation is now up and running to ask residents and visitors to Dunorlan Park whether the Council should introduce charges for the popular beauty spot.

The Council says it costs £182,000 a year to maintain Dunorlan and its car park, and charges could ‘mitigate this expenditure’.

Released

Residents have taken to social media to complain about the plans, and last week, organisers of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Parkrun, which takes place at the park every Saturday, released a statement to alert its members to the plan.

The group, which has scores of members who attend the weekly five-kilometre event, said it would not take an view on whether parking charges should be

introduced, but it appealed to the Council to make consideration for the Parkrun, such as waiving fees for its volunteers.

Cllr Chris Hall (Lib Dem), the Council’s head of finance said: “Currently the Council spends more than it receives in revenue so we need to look at new ways of meeting costs including maintaining our beautiful parks.

“I would encourage everyone to submit their views via the Council’s survey by 18th December. If car parking charges are introduced at Dunorlan we need your views on how to make it fair and workable for residents.”

The consultation into charges at Pembury Road and Halls Hole Road car parks at Dunorlan Park is set to run until December 18. The consultation can be accessed at: talkingpointtunbridgewells.uk. engagementhq.com

Pictures: Pam Laker and Georgina Edwards Photography

Knifeman jailed for ‘brutal and terrifying’ attack in front of Tunbridge Wells shoppers

By Richard Williams

A KNIFEMAN branded the ‘Grim Reaper’ by his victim – who was stabbed repeatedly in broad daylight outside Royal Victoria Place (RVP) shopping centre – has been jailed for more than five years.

Michael Rodriguez, 22, attacked Aleksander Dimitrov, 21, with a knife in Tunbridge Wells town centre at around 1.20pm on February 12 this year.

Rodriguez, from Warren Gardens in Hadlow knew his victim, but Mr Dimitrov told police he had ‘absolutely no idea why’ he was attacked ‘so suddenly and without warning’.

He had said Rodriguez had approached him at a location close to Fenwick department store in Upper Grosvenor Road, where an altercation ensued.

Rodriguez suddenly produced a weapon, described as a kitchen knife with a blade measuring at least five inches, which he used to stab his victim in the abdomen several times.

Grim Reaper

Mr Dimitrov tried to run to safety but was pursued by Rodriguez who then plunged the knife into his back.

He told the court in a statement: “He looked so angry, he looked like death, he looked like the grim reaper”.

Rodriguez fled the scene, still in possession of the knife, and Mr Dimitrov was taken to a London hospital with serious injuries, including

to his spleen and kidney.

Officers arrested Rodriguez on the following day, and he was charged with attempted murder.

At an earlier hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Rodriguez denied this charge and the prosecution accepted alternative counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and with possessing a knife in a public place.

Rodriguez was sentenced last week (Wednesday November 23), to five years and nine months’ imprisonment.

He will be required to serve at least two-thirds of this term before he can be considered for parole. The sentence also included an extended licence period of a further two years.

“It is only by luck that the wounds he inflicted were not fatal.

“While Rodriguez has never revealed to us where he disposed of the knife, the evidence in this case clearly shows he had every intention of inflicting serious harm.

“The victim has endured a terrifying ordeal, the consequences of which will no doubt stay with him for the rest of his life and I do hope that this sentence will at least provide some reassurance.”

Schools downgraded after first watchdog inspections ‘in years’

THREE local schools have had their Ofsted rating downgraded after the education watchdog conducted its first inspections for several years.

Grammars, The Skinners’ School in St John’s Road and Cranbrook School, have both been downgraded from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Good’ following the inspections.

Meanwhile, the Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge has been downgraded from ‘Good’ to ‘Requires Improvement’.

The changes came after Ofsted said it inspected

more than 500 schools across England in the last academic year that were previously exempt from regular inspection, having been rated outstanding.

The exemption, introduced in 2012 and lifted in 2020, meant schools that had been judged outstanding were legally exempt from further regular inspection, unless there were specific concerns.

Just 17 per cent of the 370 schools which had a graded inspection retained their outstanding grade when they were re-inspected in the 2021-22 academic year, Ofsted said.

On average, the last inspection for the schools that were re-inspected was more than 13 years earlier, it added.

Exempting outstanding schools deprived parents of up-to-date information. It also left a lot of schools without the constructive challenge that regular inspection provides.

“The exemption was a policy founded on the hope that high standards, once achieved, would never drop, and that freedom from inspection might drive them even higher. These outcomes show that removing a school from scrutiny does not make it better,” she explained.

Goalposts

INSPECTION

The watchdog’s chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, said: “Regular inspection gives parents confidence in the quality of their child’s school.

Repair Café cleans up at Council awards

THE Tunbridge Wells Repair Café cleaned up last week in the official Love Where We Live Awards ceremony, organised by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The organisation’s volunteers, who repair items and save them from landfill every month, won both the overall ‘Love Where We Live’ and ‘Community Group’ awards.

Repair Café organiser Chris Murphy was also shortlisted in the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Category.

Following the ceremony at the Assembly Hall last week (November 24), Mr Murphy told the Times: “It was an amazing evening and a surprise to win two awards!”

Supportive

He added: “I wanted to say thank you to the Times of Tunbridge Wells. You have been so supportive of us and you are most definitely part of the success.”

Ofsted said it will inspect all previously exempt outstanding schools by the end of July 2025. Neither Cranbrook School or Weald of Kent were available to comment when the Times approached them last week, but Ed Wesson, Headmaster of Skinners’ School told the Times: “Skinners’ had a very fair Ofsted inspection in November 2021. I do, however, take issue with the implication that that inspection followed the same criteria as previous inspections. Quite transparently, it did not.

“Ofsted has been clear that there has been a deliberate shifting of the goalposts, with a higher bar set to achieve an outstanding judgement.”

Other award winners included Life and Soul Youthwork, which was named Charity of the Year for its work with children and young people aged 5 to18.

The Team of the Year Award was given to Cranbrook Juniors Football Club.

Loyalty scheme the TN Card won the Green Business Award, while Rachel Harris won the Green Household Award.

Volunteer of the Year went to Mary Breslin and the Young Volunteer Award to Cameron Head.

Emma Walker was named Good Neighbour, and Gymnast Harley Curtis-Lawrence was named Young Sports Achiever of the Year.

Detective Constable Alex Peacock, of the Kent

and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said after the hearing: “Rodriguez was responsible for a simply brutal and terrifying assault which took place in front of several alarmed members of public.

part of its summer line-up with headliners including Bonnie Raitt P25

JAILED Michael Rodriguez (inset) and the scene after February’s attack

Skinners’ was among the schools downgraded

Foodbank marks ten years –and more than 500,000 meals

By Victoria Roberts

THE foodbank that provides help for struggling families in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge marked ten years of operation last week.

Since being founded on November 24 2012, Nourish Community Foodbank has provided 585,342 meals to people in need in the area, including food to support 29,718 children under 18.

The charity has acknowledged that there was some sadness that they had been in operation for a decade and called for a moment’s contemplation of the organisation’s mission and purpose.

Passionate

Dawn Stanford, Operations Director said:

“Nourish turning ten years old has been a time of reflection for us all.

“I am proud to have been at the helm for over nine years of that and to lead an amazing team of staff and volunteers so passionate about helping our clients.”

“On the back of this of course is the amazing support of our community,” she added.

“Nourish is held up and supported by the kindness of others, who give time, money, food and who share our message. They help us to ensure that no one who needs our help is ever turned away.”

The charity has thanked its supporters and

presented a list of cumulative milestones for its decade of operation, drawing statistics from its annual reports.

Nourish says that over the last ten years, volunteers have given over half a million hours of their time, while its delivery drivers have racked up in excess of 650,000 miles, delivering more than 411,000 tonnes of food across the length and breadth of Tunbridge Wells.

The charity has not stopped for Christmas and is running two major campaigns this year.

For the ‘12 Days of Christmas’, donors are asked to give items from the charity’s ‘essential’ list for the first 12 days of December, then deliver food donations to the Nourish warehouse before Christmas week as this is the period of highest demand.

The ‘Christmas Dinner’ campaign asks anyone who is able to spare a

donation to text ‘FOOD £20’ to 70085.

This will provide everything a family needs to be able to have Christmas dinner together, but Nourish stressed that people can donate what they can by texting ‘FOOD’ and a different amount.

More details at: nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk

Charity

has rehomed

the world’s oldest cat

Dame Kelly honours Pickering founder as gala raises £100,000

By Jonathan Banks

EIGHTEEN years ago, Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre opened its doors for the first time, and today it is one of the most popular charities in the town, having helped thousands of people whose lives have been touched by cancer.

On Saturday (November 26), around 200 people – including volunteers, supporters and many of those who have dropped into the centre over the

years – celebrated the charity’s anniversary with a black-tie dinner at the Spa Hotel.

Co-founder Polly Taylor was appointed the charity’s first president and presented with a ‘hug and kisses’ plaque by Pickering’s patron, Dame Kelly Holmes.

The Olympic gold medallist spent ten years in the army and is now a renowned international motivational speaker.

Dame Kelly told the audience: “I have met

millions of people during my life and during my career, but have not met anyone with such a heart of gold as Polly.

“Polly is someone very, very special in my life.

She admitted: “Saturday is normally my night off when I like to stay at home and sit on the sofa, but I just had to come along this evening.”

Turning to Polly she added: “You have genuinely touched our lives and are a wonderful lady.”

Polly recalled a fundraising event held almost 20 years ago, at the project’s very inception –which raised just £37.

Volunteers

The charity’s breakthrough came when TV presenter Gloria Hunniford donated £10,000, and now, decades later, last Saturday’s auction of donated prizes raised more than £100,000.

“All volunteers are special,” said Polly,” but the Pickering volunteers at the drop-in centre are extra-special.

“We never turn anyone away from our front door and we don’t talk of dying, we talk of hope and the dream of living. Pickering takes away the loneliness of cancer.”

Polly announced that she would be taking a step back in the New Year from some of the day-to-day running of the centre, but would still be heavily involved.

Paying tribute to Polly on behalf of the volunteers and the drop-in centre’s visitors, chair of the trustees David Bartholomew said: “Nobody ever forgets the love and hugs that you get from Polly.”

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre welcomes anyone whose life has been touched by cancer in any way, at 27 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells. Further details from 01892 51180 or a: PickeringCancerCentre.org.uk

A CAT charity in Tunbridge Wells has rehomed the world’s oldest cat, just weeks before the animal’s 27th birthday.

Flossie, who was born in 1995 and is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as being the world’s oldest cat, was signed over to Cats Protection’s Tunbridge, Crowborough and District Branch after its owner was unable to look after her.

She was given a new lease of life when the charity matched her to Vicki Green of Orpington – who is also 27.

Ms Green said: “She’s so affectionate, playful and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is. I’m immensely proud that Cats Protection matched me with such an amazing cat.”

PCSOs to be slashed

THE Acting Chief Constable for Kent plans to cut the number of police community support officers (PCSOs) by two-thirds.

The PCSOs, who are uniformed civilians paid to support police officers will be cut from 310 to 102 to help the force fill a financial black hole.

Tim Smith says an extra 134 rank and file police officers would be moved into neighbourhood policing roles and the move would save the force £6.7million.

He added that the change was an opportunity to improve the neighbourhood policing model and would put more officers into uniforms, creating more visible roles in communities.

MP’s Beales appeal

THE LOCAL MP and members of the Council in Tonbridge have appealed to supermarket giant Sainsbury’s to find a new tenant for an empty department store in the high street.

The former Beales unit has been empty since the store entered administration in 2020.

Tom Tugendhat MP said: “Nearly three years ago the former Beales unit closed. Since then it has remained closed and the only people who can change this is Sainsbury’s.”

Sainsbury’s said it is ‘reviewing a number of options’ for the site.

Prolific burglar jailed

A BURGLAR who targeted elderly women in and around Tunbridge Wells has been sentenced to six years in prison.

David Cooper, 52, of Cinder Hill Wood, Matfield entered the house of a woman in the village, taking jewellery including her mother’s wedding ring.

Three days later, he knocked on a door in Hawkhurst and after demanding money, pushed a woman out of the way to enter her home, although no items were found to have been stolen during this incident.

Detective Constable Josh Littley, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, described Cooper as a ‘prolific offender’ and ‘a cowardly and despicable individual’ after he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on November 23.

REFLECTION Dawn Stanford

RECORD BREAKER Flossie

HEART OF GOLD Dame Kelly Holmes hugs co-founder Polly Taylor (right) with chairman David Bartholomew

Residents left with little or no water for over two weeks

By Lilly Croucher

SOUTH EAST WATER has apologised to Tunbridge Wells residents after they have been suffering water outages for nearly three weeks.

Residents in a number of areas in the borough have experienced water supplies going off, low pressure and even their heating cutting out.

The water shortages came more than two weeks after a shutdown of the Bewl Water Treatment Works, causing some drinking water storage tanks and pipes in the area to run dry.

The issues began on Monday November 7, when around 8,000 people in eight Tunbridge Wells villages were left without water after a power cut affected the Bewl Water facility

Pressure

Goudhurst, Wadhurst, Lamberhurst, Matfield, Kilndown, Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Northiam experienced low pressure or no water for several days.

Residents noticed that their water pressure had dropped or even stopped altogether, leaving them without drinking water or being able to wash.

The incidents mainly happened during the evening, with some residents even finding their heating being knocked out after the water pressure dropped, putting those with health problems and disabilities at risk.

Three weeks on and many residents across Tunbridge Wells are still without water.

Joanne Hunt, a resident of Boyne Park in Tunbridge Wells said: “It started on Tuesday (November 22) evening for the first time and it happened three days in a row… I’ve been caught out washing my hair when suddenly the water just stops.”

Dr Amanda Turner, a Psychologist from Tunbridge Wells, also found she had no running

water. She took to Twitter to tell her followers:

“No water for 2nd night running with no warning. Had to melt ice cubes to have a drink! The problem has been on and off for wks.”

She continued: “Tell me why I should pay my bills? Access to water [is] a right. The excuses are wearing thin.”

Elaine, a resident of Southborough, tweeted:

“The good people of Southborough, that's over 10,000 people, have had water issues over the

last few days, low water pressure and today, water is coming through brown.

“What is going on? Where exactly is the issue and what is being done about it?”

South East Water provided bottles of water to those who were flagged as high priority, such as the disabled, but some have criticised the water company’s response to the situation.

Cllr Luke Everitt (Labour), Cabinet Member for Southborough and High Brooms explained that the situation had been getting ‘worse and worse’. He told the Times: “It is not good enough. The communication from South East Water has been

terrible, saying it is fine in the morning but by the evening residents have run out of water.

“This is unprecedented for the area to have a whole week without water, they need to drink and wash, it’s a basic human right.”

He added: “South East Water need to invest in long term infrastructure projects to cope with extreme weather conditions and to reassure their customers and the Government that the level of their investment will lead to a more robust water network.”

Compensate

Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells met with the Director of Operations for South East Water last Wednesday and Thursday (November 23 and 24) to discuss the ‘major water outages’ across Tunbridge Wells.

Mr Clark said: “More must be done to build a resilient system and compensate constituents.”

The water company said that while working to fix the problem, work has been hampered by the excessive rainfall, resulting in the flooding of their water treatment facilities.

The flood defences in place were breached and this prevented the treatment works from operating, resulting in less water being available to the water network.

Douglas Whitfield, the operations director at South East Water, apologised for the outages.

He said: “We are sorry to our customers in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas who have been experiencing periods of low pressure or even no water during the past few days.

“Our teams are working around the clock to move the water we have around the network, restart the sites and restore supplies.

“During this time, we urge customers to be mindful with the amount of water they’re using while we work to restore drinking water capacity in the network.”

HUNGRY FOR A NEW JOB?

WINNING TEAM

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

DOUGLAS WHITFIELD Operations Director at South East Water (left)

Picture: Shutterstock

The Times Business Awards are back!

Biggest business event of the year returns with new categories and new celebrity host

By Victoria Roberts

THE Times Business Awards are set to return to find the best businesses in and around Tunbridge Wells.

The sixth edition of the annual awards ceremony – which is also one of the biggest networking events of the year and is always a sell-out – celebrates the best in business in West Kent and the surrounding areas.

Next year’s gala black-tie ceremony takes place in the Victorian Theatre at Salomons Estate on March 30 next year.

Entries will open on December 14, with a deadline of February 20. The winning businesses will be chosen by this year’s panel of independent judges.

The Times Business Awards has become renowned for showcasing the best businesses the area has to offer since it was launched in 2016.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?

Since the Times Business Awards were first launched in 2016, the event has been hosted by some of the biggest names in politics, entertainment and broadcasting.

Over the years, the awards have been presented by politicians Edwina Currie, Michael Portillo, Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce, Strictly star Anton du Beke, and ‘King of Breakfast’ Eamonn Holmes.

To find out who will be presenting the 2023 Times Business Awards, see next week’s Times of Tunbridge Wells – out December 7.

This year will be no different, with one of the biggest names in journalism and broadcasting attending the March 30 gala dinner at Salomons Estate

Stay tuned for next week’s big reveal of the host for the 2023 Times Business Awards – a name sure to rev up interest in the event.

While pandemic restrictions meant the event could not be held in 2020 or 2021, the Awards made a triumphant return in March 2022, making up for lost time with over 200 attendees attending the gala night at Salomons.

Favourites

The 2023 Times Business Awards arrives with some new categories along with some old favourites.

For the first time, the ‘Green Business’ category will recognise companies for their commitment to the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other green initiatives.

In the ‘Charity of the Year’ award, the Times will be honouring the charities and not-for-profit organisations which play such a positive role in the life of our area. Judges will look for impact, sustainability and imagination.

Entrepreneurial spirit is also acknowledged, with two separate categories for ‘Start-up Business of the Year’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’.

Ten categories to find the best in business

Start-Up Business of the Year Award

Companies which were founded in the past two years that have really been attracting notice.

Creative Business of the Year

This is a strong sector for Tunbridge Wells, covering the creative, design, marketing and PR firms that have made our town their home.

Entrepreneur of the Year

An entrepreneur is more than just a businessperson. Entrepreneurs turn their ideas into opportunities and may run more than one company.

Green

Business of the Year

This new award category will recognise companies for their commitment to the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other green initiatives.

Charity of the Year

In this new award category, judges will assess the charities and not-for-profit organisations which play such a positive role in the life of our area, looking for impact, sustainability and imagination.

Best in Food and Drink

This award is for the local companies producing or serving truly remarkable food and drink. Entries are welcomed from fine dining restaurants, gastropubs, simple cafés and food and drink producers – any company which can demonstrate how it puts Tunbridge Wells or the local area on the map with its gastronomic excellence.

Best Family Business of the Year

The judges will be looking for the business that best demonstrates how running a family business has added significantly to its competitive advantage. The winner will need to show how being a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.

Best Business 1-25 employees

This award category is for the companies with a workforce of up to 25 which has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, both in meeting its customers’ expectations and supporting its employee’s welfare and growth.

Best Business 26+ employees

Consistent growth, financial performance and an engaged, positive workforce are just some of the criteria that set these companies apart from other medium to large businesses in the area.

Outstanding Business of the Year

This award will reveal which company demonstrates the best combination of growth, ambition and quality of management in the area. The ‘outstanding’ company has delivered on a compelling business strategy, while developing its employees’ skills and looking after staff.

Visit TimesBusinessAwards.co.uk for more information.

Other awards celebrate the strengths of the local economy, from family-oriented and creative companies to the food and drink sector.

BREAKFAST KING 2022 host Eamonn Holmes

PAST SUCCESS The winners at the first edition of the event in 2016, with host Edwina Currie (right)

Through a fish-eye lens

Local opticians give vests to help schoolchildren be seen

WITH the start of the predator fishing season, the @BewlWater inbox is bulging with a fine catch of entries for the ‘Best of Bewl’ photography competition.

The annual competition, which opened for entries last month, is aimed at everyone using Bewl Water’s 800-acre site, from woodland to water.

Until December 20, entries may be submitted via social media (@Bewlwater) where the winner will be announced at the end of the season and receive an annual parking pass worth over £300.

which has really been inspiring photographers this week.

Budget supermarket raises foodbank fund

Sean Holden

Tunbridge Wells Conservatives

Both experienced anglers and those new to fishing have been taking advantage of the ideal autumn conditions as the weather gets cooler to capture the moment.

As the largest reservoir in the South East, the waters are home to many species including eels, pike, perch, and brown trout which attract over

Inspiring

‘THINGS fall apart; the centre cannot hold’. The great Irish poet, W B Yeats’ premonition of disintegration had grander themes than the puny ‘coalition of chaos’ trying to run Tunbridge Wells’ council, but the words fit.

The competition is part of the reservoir’s commitment to inspiring more people to get out in natural surroundings and enjoy the great outdoors.

Bits started falling off the coalition jalopy when it chugged into its first major policy disaster – the unconsulted plan to raise car park charges by 25-75 per cent. A hasty, retrospective consultation ended on September 5 and is being assessed.

New self-guided walking trails have been introduced, along with 50% off cycle hire. However, it seems to have been the new season of predator fishing, which started on October 30,

By Victoria Roberts

But already, the coalition’s centre is not holding as the Liberal Democrat Leader Ben Chapelard grapples with the hotchpotch of his own party, Labour, a smattering of independents and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA). It took power only in May, though it seems like years ago.

CHILDREN at schools across Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have received donations of yellow hi-vis vests as part of a national road safety campaign, thanks to two local opticians.

Hotchpotch

Specsavers in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have funded the purchase of over 330 hi-vis vests and distributed them across eleven local schools, just in time for National Road Safety Week (November 14-20).

these schools as these jackets will let them do so much more for their children.”

AN EMERGENCY Winter Foodbank Fund from the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket will support charities, foodbanks, and community groups to the tune of £250,000 this Christmas.

3,500 fishermen each year.

The TWA is a hotchpotch in its own right. Its activists, of various political hues, have the improbable air of doing this council thing for a bet. Its leader David Hayward, a cabinet member, made it clear to Cllr Chapelard, writing in The Times of Tunbridge Wells that he is a ‘titular leader’– a leader in name only, who ‘definitely has no say or control over anything to do with the Alliance’. Nonetheless, Cllr Hayward lined up behind the Lib Dems, voting for parking increases.

Stressing the dangers of darker days and foggy weather as well as poor vision, Ian Hyland, the retail director of the two stores, which are locally-run franchises of the chain, said: “Being unable to see your surroundings can be very dangerous and lead to some serious implications.

“We were so pleased to be able to help all of

The coalition’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Andrew Hickey, ducked out early – leaving the Lib Dems and going independent over parking charges. Three elected Lib Dem councillors now sit outside the party. Labour’s rank and file are turning against leadership decisions, especially that to end free parking in Labour-held Southborough.

Schools which received vests included Speldhurst C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School, Claremont Primary School, St Mark’s C of E Primary School, Southborough C of E Primary School, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, St John’s C of E Primary School and Bishops Down Primary School.

Classes

In a joint statement, the 11 schools said: “The hi-vis vests will be very useful as we are walking several classes to and from The Amelia Scott Centre in Tunbridge Wells for their exciting workshops in the next few months and have several roads to cross.”

A predictable u-turn and a belated, cobbled together consultation has followed the huge public outcry from residents, businesses and town councils like Paddock Wood and Southborough about their views being completely ignored. Five petitions emerged with thousands of signatures. Rumblings grew within the coalition. The Alliance suddenly remembered its election promise to keep free

Aldi already gives customer donations and still-in-date food to foodbanks through the community engagement platform Neighbourly, but the £250,000 represents additional funding in cash, not in goods, an Aldi UK spokesperson confirmed.

make a real difference in Kent.”

There are 54 boats available to hire on the reservoir, which must be booked in advance.

This includes one accessible boat, to ensure greater participation in sport and access to nature, explained business director Andrew Daniells.

Challenging

Conservation

parking. The Lib Dems suddenly remembered their PR stunt of staging cabinet meetings across the borough was meant – said Cllr Chapelard – to ‘show our face and that we are listening to all parts of the Borough’. Cabinet Member Justine Rutland admitted to the council’s scrutiny committee that not listening to any residents was a ‘terrible and regrettable oversight’ though apparently not regrettable enough for any formal apology.

Aldi UK’s corporate responsibility director Liz Fox said: “We know that Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many, but this year is understandably going to be even tougher for a lot of households.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy fishing.”

Those looking to fish at the site can enjoy any method when exploring the 770 acres of water.

However, from the bank anglers can only fly-fish.

The hastily concocted, biased consultation finished this week, but still there’s no assurance the coalition will listen to the thousands of voices already raised, or even to the (probably far fewer) raised in the consultation should they also reject price rises.

And the management ask that all fish to be returned to the reservoir alive with an exception for rainbow trout, as part of Bewl Water’s

“That’s why we’re more committed than ever to doing what we can to give back. We want to make food accessible for all and hope both our additional funding and donation drive will help to

In truth, the coalition fears a paper tiger they

During the Christmas donation drive, starting in early December, there will be signs on shelves, highlighting the most in-demand items which shoppers can buy to donate.

commitment to conservation.

“This rule has been put in place to protect the several species that inhabit the reservoir here at Bewl Water,” said Mr Daniells.

It’s fake news. Conservatives presented a budget shortfall in February because income levels were still below normal after the pandemic. But they were clearly recovering so it was necessary to see where they would go before deciding on further action. In Tunbridge Wells, vacant shops were being filled, benefiting from the Amelia Scott’s 100,000 visitors since it opened in April. There is growing income from business rates and the Conservative scheme to rent spare Town Hall space to businesses.

Neighbourly CEO Steve Butterworth said: “The cost-of-living crisis is impacting communities up and down the country and the charities we support are expecting to see demand increase further.

Bewl Water has even set aside an area of the reservoir as a nature reserve, which is completely off-limits to fishermen and other water sports users.

“Without the support of the public and businesses like Aldi we’d be unable to help those in need. Within our network there are many charities and community groups that will be able to put this funding to good use.”

Coalition claims that Conservatives reinforced the budget from the council’s healthy £32 million savings during the pandemic are not true. Council borrowing was nil.

The many quiet inlets of the irregularly-shaped nature reserve, on the southern side of the reservoir, offer space for species conservation and the peace for diverse ecosystems to develop in peace.

According to a recent survey of Neighbourly charities, 72 per cent will need more food items to help with increased demand this Christmas.

The coalition’s planned parking fees rise potentially harms recovery, jobs and businesses who say they’ll lose footfall.

The most in-demand items included cereal, rice and pasta, tinned food and toiletries.

“Establishing these areas remains one of the most effective efforts for protecting our endangered species and their natural environment,” said Mr Daniells.

Charities and community groups interested in accessing the Fund or working with Aldi longerterm should contact: aldi@neighbourly.com

Of course, now Putin’s war and the related inflation have upended things. Maybe they’d like to, but the coalition can’t blame Conservatives for that. Go Ukraine!

SIGN OF THE TIMES New signs on Aldi shelves will identify the most in-demand items for foodbank donation

SAFETY FIRST The Specsavers hi-vis vests

Christmas

festival comes to King Charles the Martyr Church Pudsey Bear tees off at the Nevill during walk challenge

By Victoria Roberts

RESIDENTS and visitors are being invited to a week of afternoon walks in a winter wonderland of specially decorated charity Christmas trees – with a chance to take one home.

During the Christmas Tree Festival, visitors to the King Charles the Martyr Church can wander through a grove of over 20 charity trees, decorated by charities, sponsors, businesses and church groups, while the choir sings carols. The festival will be held on December 12 to 16 and is open every afternoon from 3:30 to 6:30pm. The trees will be ‘planted’ throughout the 350-year-old church, with ten resting on the pews in the main aisle, four near the altar, two on the stairs at the back and the rest elsewhere in the church.

Donations

Vicar the Revd Laurence Powell said: “Visitors are warmly welcomed to pop a donation in the collection boxes of their favourite charity trees and maybe even place a bid on their favourite tree.”

“The winning bidders will get to take the tree and its decorations home with them, and donations raised from the bids and the collection tins under each tree will go to each of the charities.”

The auction results will be announced during The King Charles the Martyr Christmas Fair on Saturday December 17, from 11am to 2pm.

The church hall at 3 Warwick Park is also one of the town’s designated Warm Spaces this winter, opening every Friday afternoon from 1:30pm to 5pm for hot drinks and other refreshments, free wi-fi and charging facilities. More information about King Charles the Martyr Church is at: kcmtw.org

During

Mascot

lesson and teed off on the green of the Nevill Golf Club.

Then, after calling in at BBC Radio Kent and BBC South East offices in Mount Pleasant, the team headed on into East Sussex.

A spokeswoman from independent Catholic girls’ school Mayfield School said: “Our Year 7 girls were so excited to meet Pudsey when he made a pit stop in Mayfield as part of his Pier-to-Pier challenge for Children in Need.”

Once in East Sussex, the walkers followed the Cuckoo Trail on to the final destination of Eastbourne Pier.

ON PAR Pudsey Bear with students at Mayfield School and (inset) at the Nevill Golf Club earlier this month

America goes to the ballot box with Biden leading the polls

Puddle Ducks splash the cash for charity during pyjama week

Attending Minister for the concerns

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

By Sarah Carter

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

House was expected to remain under Democratic on Tuesday as part of a closing get-out-the-vote effort before awaiting election results in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

LITTLE ducklings have been playing their part in filling the charity buckets for a cancer support charity at the end of October, as part of their twice-annual Charity Pyjama Week.

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.

UK get its little swimmers go into the water wearing their pyjamas, which gives children a chance to experience swimming while clothed.

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

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.

Babies and toddlers in Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough swimming classes joined other Puddle Ducks classes across West Kent and East Sussex splashing the cash donations, to raise a total of £1,207 for the Wolo Foundation.

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

Clive Relf, co-owner of Puddle Ducks West Kent and East Sussex said: “It is so important for children to learn about water safety and survival techniques in the water. Our Pyjama Week helps children to experience how it feels to be submerged in water fully-clothed, and what actions they would take to reach safety.

Support

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

He added: “Everybody had a great time. They really loved the fundraising element of the week, knowing they were supporting families who are local to us.

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

The charity offers practical day-to-day support to families in Sussex living with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Every year, Puddle Ducks schools across the

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

“We have been blown away by the generosity of our little swimmers, their family and friends for providing donations and we want to say a big thank you.”

Grant awarded to encourage new generation of gardeners

Vienna attack ‘hatred for our values’ says Austrian Chancellor

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.

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

suspect’s apartment, detaining 14 people associated with the assailant who are being questioned, interior minister Karl Nehammer said.

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.

A CHARITABLE grant of £2,400 will help create the next generation of market gardeners on the Kent and Sussex border, as children start learning about the environmental and personal benefits of growing food.

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

were urged to stay at home if possible on Tuesday

“Well, reputation some recently,” “But Indonesia for the of the “There’s done originally plan whether indeed “These and people He Truss’s billions cuts The that he required predecessor Chancellor £60 billion spending Thursday. Economists calculated mini-budget tune mortgage During where repeatedly handling Instead,

Two-year-old authority

Initiative

“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.”

Hawkhurst-based Hands of Hope will use funding from the Country Land and Business Association Charitable Trust (CLACT) for its ‘Seeds Planted’ initiative, helping 7 to 18-year-old children learn to grow their own food.

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

James Doran, founder and chairman of Hands of Hope, said the charity supported NHS recommendations – to connect, to be active, to

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.

take notice, to learn and to give back – as well as the Government’s ‘Green Future’ strategy.

“Natural environments can be used as a resource for preventative, therapeutic and educational purposes, using nature-based interventions to improve physical and mental health as well as teaching the next generation of potential market gardeners,” he explained.

“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.”

Funded by the farmers, landowners and rural businesses of the Country Land and Business Association, the CLACT offers grants to organisations that help disabled or disadvantaged young people connect with the countryside and nature.

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.

For more information about CLACT, visit: cla.org.uk/about-cla/charitable-trust/

The death exposure for the Awaab a respiratory one-bedroom lived Aminin Mr Rochdale mould, was told. Giving Joanne having

MONDAY’S attack in Vienna that left four people dead was ‘clearly an Islamist terror attack’ Austria’s leader said yesterday [Tuesday].

captures the White House to gain control of all of

RISHI reputation weeks.

HEIDI MARLEY is one of the many youngsters to benefit from the gardening activities at Hands of Hope

12 Noon - 2.00pm 3 courses, coffee & mince pies £80pp

2.45pm - 5.00pm Welcome drink, 4 courses, coffee & petit fours £95pp

Spend Christmas Day with us and enjoy a seasonal feast at one of our two special sittings taking place at midday and 2:45pm. Let us take care of you (and the washing up) on December 25th

STARTERS

Scallop ceviche with pickled golden beetroot, apple & sorrel gel (GF) (DF)

Terrine of ham hock, celeriac apple slaw, pickled vegetables (GF) (DF)

Lightly spiced parsnip soup, sourdough croutons, parsnip crisps (GF on request)

MAINS

Roasted free range turkey, sage and onion stuffing, smoked bacon wrapped chipolata, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, turkey jus (GF)

Sweet potato, chard, goats’ cheese and pine nut loaf, garlic and herb stuffed mushroom, wilted greens with a butternut and caraway purée (V)

DESSERTS

Selection of cheeses with farmhouse chutney, celery, grapes and artisan biscuits (GF on request)

Christmas pudding with brandy butter and vanilla cream sauce

Dark chocolate marquise, orange marscapone, lemon verbena shortbread

Step into Christmas

WITH NORTH KENT COLLEGE AND HADLOW COLLEGE

Start your festive season by visiting Hadlow College for our Christmas Fair on Friday 9th December between 13:00 – 18:00 outside our Christmas filled shop at our Broadview Garden Centre. You will be able to soak up all the festive cheer and get your early Christmas fix by visiting Santa and his elves or taking the first sip of a gingerbread latte at the coffee stall or mooch around the local business stalls to take part in the tombola and raffle or simply find that perfect Christmas gift! Are you looking for the perfect Christmas Tree? Look no further! Our very own Broadview Gardens & Garden Centre will be selling a variety of Christmas trees starting from as little as £30.00! Bring your wellies and take a stroll in the four hectares of beautiful individually designed themed gardens built by Hadlow staff and students.

Neighbours and rivals settle down for World Cup meeting

AS THE Times went to press yesterday, fans across the country was settling down for the FIFA World Cup Group B match between Wales and England.

Meanwhile, in Qatar, fans gathered at the Red Lion Pub & Restaurant in Doha.

Mike Ritter, 36, from London, said his experience of the tournament in Qatar has been better than expected although joked the ‘football has been worse’ after watching England’s 0-0 draw with USA.

Mr Ritter, who is attending his fourth World Cup and arrived on a shuttle flight from Dubai, told media: “We landed at 10am this morning and fly back at seven tomorrow morning and between 3am and 7am there’s not a lot to do, but hopefully it’s a good result and we don’t really care.”

On what England boss Gareth Southgate should do against Wales, Mr Ritter replied: “Play Phil Foden. He should have come on at half-time against the States, so I think it’s important he gets a game today.”

His friend James Vincent, 36, and living in Dubai, said the long days for the shuttle flights to Qatar left him feeling ‘pretty knackered’, adding: “Hopefully it’ll be worthwhile this time.”

Singing

Mr Vincent said of the trips: “Our flights today and last week were all Wales fans so we’ve been a bit outnumbered, they’re OK, a good laugh, they’re on their best behaviour, at least for now.”

PLEASE NOTE OPENING GARDEN CENTRE OPENING TIMES: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

If you don’t fancy braving the chilly outdoors, make sure to head over to North Kent College, Tonbridge Campus for a mouth-watering four course Christmas meal at our very own ‘View Restaurant.’

You will be able to book to visit from the 1st of December until 14th of December, which includes four festive evenings 1st, 7th, 8th, and the 14th of December. All our menus are freshly prepared, and we take care to ensure we can offer all allergen information if required.

Join us for lunch from 12pm (last order 1.30pm) or our evening service from 5.30pm (last order 7.30pm). We’re open until 9.30pm. We do ask if you are a booking of 6 or more you pre-book. View all our menus on our website here : www.northkent.ac.uk/open-tothe-public/our-restaurants/the-view

TO BOOK PLEASE CALL 01732 372600 OR USE THE FORM ON OUR WEBSITE OR SIMPLY EMAIL THEVIEW@NORTHKENT.AC.UK

Sending you festive wishes from North Kent College and Hadlow College – hope to see you soon!

On his prediction for the Wales game, Mr Vincent said: “I hope to see an England win maybe 2-0, 3-0 will be great, as long as we don’t lose, I’ll be happy.”

Tony Rogers and his three friends were the only

Welsh supporters in the Red Lion pub in Doha, Qatar, surrounded by an ever-growing sea of England fans.

Mike Gristwood, 52, from Swansea, said he and his friends were feeling ‘slightly nervous’ ahead of the home nations match.

“But we’ll be singing our hearts out later and we’ll be that 12th man that gets our boys over the line,” he said.

Steve Pope, 53, said: “Everyone is being very friendly, but they’ve only had one pint so far.

“I think we could beat them 4-0 but I’ll take a 1-0,” Mr Pope added.

“If we get a good result our plan is to hop on the Metro and have a good sing-along and then party all night. If we don’t, it’ll be a case of jumping in an Uber and going back to the apartment to cry.”

“We’ve got to up our game,” said Mr Rogers, 58. “The tactics need to change slightly so we’re not so exposed in midfield. After the Iran match we were all quite down, we just want to come away from here having done something.”

Tennis player honoured at court for her services

– Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 at Flushing Meadows came when she was 18.

In a statement issued by her agent after the ceremony, she said: “It’s been great to receive my honour today from his Majesty the King – I feel extremely grateful.”

Talents

Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith, who collected her honour at the same ceremony, said of Ms Raducanu: “I think it is fantastic seeing a young person (achieve) the success that she had and I think obviously now she faces that incredibly challenging situation of coping with that success and coping also with disappointment.

The

She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire after her US Open victory in 2021 made her the first British woman to win a grand slam since Virginia Wade in 1977 – and the first qualifier of any nationality to do so.

The victory over Canadian – and fellow teenager

“And I certainly think it is wonderful to see young people being praised and being rewarded and let’s make sure we give every young person the opportunities so that they can develop their talents to the full.”

Also on Tuesday, Sir Isaac Julien, the Turner prize-nominated artist and filmmaker, was set to collect a knighthood for services to diversity and inclusion in art.

Former footballer Gary Bennett, patron of the Show Racism The Red Card group, is among the other MBE recipients, as is former Test cricketer Hugh Morris, who was awarded an MBE for services to cricket and charity.

TENNIS star Emma Raducanu said she is ‘extremely grateful’ for her MBE after meeting the King at a special ceremony to receive the honour, awarded for services to tennis.

20-year-old beamed as she posed for pictures after accepting the honour at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (November 29).

Emma Raducanu MBE

England and Wales prepare for kickoff (James Vincent (left), Mike Ritter (right) at the same table in the Red Lion pub, Doha, Qatar)

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells Royal Victoria Place

the right accommodation. These students then received further guidance and support from Sixth Form staff to complete their UCAS applications, write personal statements and prepare for entry interviews. Those applying for Art Foundation courses received specialist support with their portfolios and personal statements.

As in previous years, all Year 13 students engaged in a session designed to introduce them to the field of financial services and the importance of financial planning and budgeting. Matthew Ketley and Beacon alumnus, Andrew Brady, of local independent

financial advisors, Prosperity IFA, led teams of students in a game of ‘Discover Fortunes’, encouraging students to practise their problem-solving skills while learning about different financial profiles and risk categories.

Those students who are considering apprenticeships attended an engaging and informative talk led by two former Beacon Academy students – Max Skinner, who left Sixth Form in 2020 to pursue an Accountancy Apprenticeship with PWC and fellow 2020 leaver, Louise Pettit, who is currently undertaking a Paralegal Apprenticeship with Cripps LLP and attended with Paralegal

Manager (Legal Director), Fiona Chamberlain. Careers Advisor and Assistant Head of Year 12, Mr Gary Williams, said: “Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for students and can offer an appealing route to employment linked with a degree .

“In recent years, a growing proportion of our students have progressed to prestigious apprenticeships both within the local area and further afield, and [into] a wide range of industries, including Construction, Sports Education and Finance.”

Students applying for apprenticeships prepared CVs and took part in mock interviews conducted by local employers. Nine members of the Crowborough Chamber of Commerce attended to conduct mock interviews with students and were able to provide constructive feedback.

Mr Charles Howarth, Assistant Headteacher at Beacon Academy Sixth Form, extended his thanks to the wide range of external visitors that contributed to the event’s success. He said: “We are really pleased with the way that the UCAS and Careers Day has developed over the past three years.

“We value all of the different kinds of progression that our students seek and so getting a good mixture of employment, apprenticeship and university support on this day has been really important to us. The positive responses from our students and our visitors suggest that we are getting this right.”

‘Getting a good mixture of employment, apprenticeship and university support at our careers event has been really important to us and gained many positive responses from students and visitors’

LEGAL EAGLES

Louise Pettit (left) and Fiona Chamberlain

Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

For far too long women have endured the reality of being harassed in public

Last Friday night a group of more than 50 women, organised by Lauren Brook and Jayne Sharratt and supported by the Tunbridge Wells branch of the international women’s club the Soroptimists, walked from Rusthall to the Pantiles as part of Reclaim the Night – a campaign to end the insecurity many women and girls feel when out and about, especially after dark.

Earlier this year a young sixth form student came to see me to describe her own experience of being followed, in Tunbridge Wells in broad daylight, by a man in a car who drove slowly alongside her while directing a barrage of sexual comments at her through the car’s open window as she walked home from school.

Her experience brought home to me what many girls and women endure all too often in public places. It is not acceptable that they should have to suffer the fear, humiliation, and distress of incidents like this.

Yet too many women, for too long, have endured the reality and anxious anticipation of public sexual harassment.

When she came to see me, it made me determined to do what I could to make this abuse a thing of the past.

So on Friday 9 December, I will introduce into the House of Commons a Bill which will for the first time make Public Sexual Harassment an offence.

Extraordinarily, there is currently no offence of sexual harassment in public places, whereas sexual harassment in the workplace, for example, is specifically prohibited.

THE NIGHT The March on Friday (November 25)

And harassing someone in public because of their race, or because they are disabled or are gay are all – rightly in my view – specified as being serious. No comparable protection is offered to girls and women deliberately abused in public because of their sex.

My Bill will close this gap by specifying an offence of deliberate harassment in public places based on someone’s sex.

It is sometimes the case that some behaviour, whilst unwelcome, is not intended to cause

John Hurst Campaign Coordinator for Tunbridge Wells Green Party

harassment, alarm, or distress. It may be misjudged, but that does not make it criminal. Sometimes boys and men, and indeed girls and women, can say or do the wrong thing without meaning to make another person feel threatened or alarmed.

Such behaviour is not within the scope of this Bill. Neither is behaviour that would be considered reasonable by normal society. It is aimed at those who deliberately target people in order to do harm.

Attention

Some would say that the police should not have a specific crime to prevent women and girls to add to their list of things to enforce. To them I say that recent years shown that it is important to give greater attention to the protection of women. Stalking a woman, for example, requires it to carried out multiple times for it to be an offence, whereas this law will make it clear from the outset that it cannot be done with impunity at all if it is deliberately intended to alarm and distress the victim.

And – just as people racially abusing others on our streets is now seen as totally unacceptable rather than a daily occurrence – I hope that the main impact of my Bill will be cultural, so that there will be few prosecutions under the law ever required.

Too many girls and women feel unsafe when alone on our streets, especially at night – twice as many as men. They should not have to put up with that, but too often they do.

If my Bill is approved by Parliament it will be a significant step to providing greater security to my constituents and women and girls across Britain.

We deserve better than these failures to plan for our town

The last fortnight has shown us two examples of the failure of successive Councils to plan positively for our town.

The Initial Findings on the Local Plan Examination issued by Planning Inspector Matthew Birkinshaw rejected the use of Green

Belt land for a massive estate at Tudeley, and the most flood-prone areas of Paddock Wood, something the Green Party has been arguing against for years.

At the Examination in May, fellow Green Adrian Thorne and I pointed out that when it

had become clear that the plan would result in 50 per cent of new houses being in the Green Belt, they should have gone back to the drawing board.

The fateful decision to crash on with Tudeley despite the flashing red lights was taken in 2018 by the Conservative Cabinet led by David Jukes, who also championed the Calverley Square project – which could now have been a stalled construction site on Calverley Grounds, as the costs went through the roof, and the builder started making claims rather than progress.

The Local Plan has been referred back to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to propose the way forward - will the Coalition now change direction and work to protect our green spaces, as their election literature promised to?

The Coalition hasn’t made any difference to local planning so far; the LibDems on the Planning Committee proposed and seconded the 8-storey monstrosity of an over-80’s Care Home on the Old Cinema Site, having failed to steer Council Officers to get the Developer to propose a more vibrant concept that would not dominate the Grade 2 listed buildings on the other three

corners of the crossroads, and which would contain the affordable housing that people really need, and that the Local Plan promises.

After twenty years of failed Conservative stewardship of the grot spot, the site will now see over a century of visual blight approved in the Coalition’s time. The Council has allowed the future of our town to be decided by Developers, not our elected representatives.

To top it all, a snap public consultation was held on a proposal to change the election system to ‘all outs’ (once every four years), rather than the current system of ‘thirds’ (a third of Councillors voted for every year), which was instrumental in 2019 in kicking out the advocates of the Calverley Square project.

Members

The ‘all outs’ proposal was put to a Full Council meeting last month by Conservatives Tom Dawlings and Sean Holden, and with one exception, the Coalition members fell into line. We responded in favour of retaining voting by thirds, as it strengthens the public’s ability to hold the Council to account.

As we have seen across Kent, the first Green on a Council makes all the difference – and next May is only six months away.

Meanwhile we will have to prepare for the Old Cinema Site showing ‘The Bad, the Bad and the Ugly’ every day for the foreseeable future; Tunbridge Wells deserves better than this.

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He is currently Chairman of the Commons’ Science and Technology Committee

RECLAIM

John Hurst is the Campaign Coordinator for Tunbridge Wells Green Party, and its prospective General Election candidate

DEVELOPED The ABC project

And another thing…

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

We are committed to delivering the ABC Cinema development

I would like to thank members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s planning committee for their recent decision to approve our planning application for the cinema site.

We understand the degree of public interest in the site and our proposals. The site has sat empty and unloved for far too long. Our vision is to build a vibrant, connected community in the heart of the town.

A community that not only includes flats but will also deliver new local shops, a new public space and useful amenities that will bring life and vitality.

It has taken a lot of hard work to get here. We appreciate the robust challenge and guidance from the council’s planning officers. We have also received much useful feedback from residents, local businesses and amenity groups, who have taken the time to engage with us during our consultation.

Whilst we are delighted to be moving forward, we know that there remain mixed views on the future of the site; we will continue to engage with local people and amenity groups and listen carefully to ensure we make a long lasting and positive contribution to the town.

The hard work begins now. We live in challenging economic times. However, we are committed to delivering the project and our

White deer spotted in Pembury too I have just finished reading your interesting article (Times, November 23) on a rare white deer spotted on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells Earlier in the year when out walking by myself I was able to get a much clearer shot of a similar specimen (see picture below).

engagement with the Council will continue as we put the finer detail to our plans, before starting construction.

I believe in this project. I believe that, once built, it will be nationally recognised as setting a new benchmark for active, purposeful, community-focussed retirement living.

As a purpose-driven organisation, Retirement Villages Group builds and operates its schemes to deliver long term financial and social value and we are very excited by the prospect of becoming part of this amazing community.

Will Bax, Chief Executive Retirement Villages Group

wandered off into the woods behind.

I thought you might be interested.

Phillip Murrell Pembury

We need support this Christmas Christmas is a time of giving, and at Lymphoma

Action we are asking people to make a difference this winter and show their support for people affected by lymphoma. We are excited to be holding two fun events in December to raise funds to support our work.

At home, work or school, get your friends, family and colleagues to join in the festive fun on Thursday 15 December by donning your favourite Christmassy gear for our Festive Fashion Day.

You can take part individually or as part of a group. It’s a wonderful excuse to wear anything from a jolly jumper to a festive frock.

Our brand new Elf Run is a fantastic way for children and schools to have lots of festive fun. Children (and big kids!) can all get involved - and will receive an elf hat to get into the spirit.

Taking part is simple, set the time, date, distance and venue – you can run, walk or even wheel your Elf Run! Register online when, where and how many elves are taking part and you will be sent everything you need.

There are many other ways to support Lymphoma Action over the festive period. Our Christmas cards are now available to purchase, and we are asking people to light a virtual star for a loved one through our website to help us shine a light on the UK’s fifth most common cancer.

The Lymphoma Action Christmas Appeal is also your chance to give the gift of hope, reassurance and empowerment to those affected by lymphoma. By supporting the Charity with a gift this Christmas – be it a one-off donation, or a regular direct debit – you will help provide information and support to anyone affected by lymphoma in 2023 and beyond.

We are the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. Your support will help us to continue our work in making sure no one has to face lymphoma alone.

For further details on all our Christmas events visit lymphoma-action.org.uk/Christmas.

Claire McInerney Lymphoma Action

The animal was about a kilometre or so off the A21 bypass between Pembury and Tonbridge. I believe the deer saw me, but as I was a good distance away it didn’t appear to be too worried by my presence.

I must have been observing the animal for around four or five minutes before it finally

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

BIT FISHY. To the chippies after Management (Mrs C) requested a pick up on the way back from the pub. (See, Calverley can be a nice person.) Owners say it can be really quiet ‘because of all the football on telly’. Come on. It’s not just soccer. It’s price rises. One regular haddock with chips cost £9.40. No wonder a survey shows people now prefer shelling out on pizzas rather than traditional fish and chips. Who can blame them.

BYE, BYE, GREG? Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark must be biting his nails more nervously than usual this week. His chances of keeping his seat at the next election have nose-dived. He only has a 14,000 majority, which is nothing. Put that against voters asking the big question: After 12 years of Tory rule how has the country been left with higher taxes, a migrant crisis, no clear forward plan and runaway wokery bordering on the ludicrous? Former Tory Council Leader David Jukes once said: “You could put a dog in a pram in TW and if the pram was blue, it would be elected.” Well, the wheels have come off the pram and it’s sliding downhill.

ROYAL HOWLER. Most interesting thing about the World Cup (think football) is watching to see which of the England players remembers that the Queen has died. In a line up at the start of a match they sang the National Anthem and Calverley noticed at least one player (not naming him) sang ‘God Save the Queen’. Captain Harry Kane got it right with God save the King. Small point but quite important, really.

BRAIN FOG. The ‘all-women final’ on the BBC’s Brain of Britain contest on Radio Four has been described by various parties as both ‘historic’ and ‘ridiculous’. One of the four was transgender. It was something that attracted a mixed reaction on social media. So, did it amount to progress or farce?

SURGICAL STRIKE. Much joy at The Guardian newspaper, that bastion of left-wing thinking, when it was revealed that PM Rishi is apparently registered with a private GP surgery. Outrageous. Calverley, though, thinks there’s a bit of a ‘pot and kettle’ situation here. Journalists at the pinko paper are all offered free private healthcare! And for a bit extra they can include family. It matters not how many accept (and no one knows.) The fact it is offered says enough.

FINAL THOUGHT. Calverley is truly offended by university students now insisting it is their given right not to be offended by anything others might consider inoffensive. Wait till they get out into the real world. He, he!

CHIN, CHIN, DEAR READER!

CARTOON BY PEPPY:

( Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

PEPPY SAYS...

AEK IS the acronym of a local creative trio of three talented artists: Agatha O’Neill, Elizabeth Barrett and Kerrie Kent who are currently showing their new collective body of work at Ruby’s of London vegan patisserie.

AEK reflects the talented trio’s first names – Agatha, Elizabeth, Kerrie – and came about relatively simply.

“We needed something (to call ourselves) and we just started using AEK organically. It works for us and the best things usually are so simple,” they tell us.

Their ‘Word a Day’ project started a few years ago and despite a Covid-shaped curve ball being thrown into the mix the artists have still kept the movement going. But how did it all start?

“We just happened to find each other at a time where we all needed a creative shot in the arm.”

Elizabeth and Kerrie knew each other from working on YOU magazine’s fashion desk back in the mid-noughties, while Agatha and Elizabeth were fellow pupils at the Sacred Heart School (now Beechwood). Kerrie and Agatha met each other a few years later when they both worked together on creative projects at Hoopers department store.

“We all naturally bonded over a shared love of creativity,” they tell me.

“We launched ‘Word a Day’ to push ourselves more and to explore a project outside the day-to-day. We did six months of posting our artwork online, with no day missed, and then we held an exhibition at the end of this period.”

That was in 2016 when the women exhibited as part of the UnFest event’s UnArt show run by The Forum. So what does it involve the three of them doing?

“We created a visual for a random word every day. We took it in turns to think of a word, never in advance, so sometimes we had to create on the fly at any point in the day that we could. There were no rules, we

sold our work. Agatha had an exhibition at Trinity, while Kerrie has been involved in various art projects to raise money for The Brompton Foundation as well as other charities.”

So what will their new show bring to the table and how did the show at Ruby’s of London come about?

“Kerrie was approached by Ruby to display her art and suggested we all take part. We all knew and admired the brand, it’s very fresh and quite feminine, but also contemporary with a touch of luxe. So we explored moods and colour palettes to compliment the surroundings. We really were free to create work in our own style and step to our own beat, so each collection has its own unique inspiration. The exhibition will finish on December 16 and each original work is priced at £60.”

What do they think visitors will enjoy most about the new AEK show?

where our lives and jobs have taken us.”

Agatha is an art director working full-time in advertising and is based in London. Elizabeth is a senior designer for a creative agency based in Bristol, and Kerrie is founder and owner of The Brand Studio, specialising in creative branding, design and consultancy.

Exciting

“When you find a natural joy – or compulsion – to create, it lives on, even when (or especially when) life is hard. Between us we’ve had jobs in art direction, journalism, styling, photography, graphic design and publishing. It’s the joy found in creative expression that unites us. So to share it? Well, that’s just the cherry on the Sundae!”

And finally, what plans for 2023 do AEK have as a collective?

didn’t have to be literal and could use any medium we wanted. It was complete and amazing freedom. Also being part of a collective is so much fun.

“We WhatsApp each other way into the night – not always about art – sometimes about life, love and ambition. It’s just great conversations with friends, brought together for a crazy love of creativity and beauty.”

Since the three first exhibited six years ago they haven’t done any more shows together – until now…

“This is the first time we have displayed our art as a trio since then,” they explain.

“We have all individually exhibited and

“We are really passionate about originality and believe that because each single painting is completely unique, both in style and messaging, that people will really take away what it means to them. After all art is what it means to you personally. What you see. What you like, and what you feel. Now more than ever it’s lovely – healthy even – to take a moment, away from your paper, or your screen, to see something new, and get a little lost in your own world.”

So are they all trained artists or just passionate about creating work?

“We have all been mad about art since day one and the thing we all have in common is that we have always created no matter

“Next year is looking really exciting. We’ve had a fantastic reaction to this exhibition so far and have really found a great way to work together as well as alongside one another. We have a new project that we are planning to launch in the spring, which will take inspiration from our ‘Word a Day’ roots, but will really bring our personalities and styles together in a new direction.

“We’re also discussing an even more accessible form of artistic expression for the town – if we find the time. Watch this space!”

The AEK show is on at Ruby’s of London until December 16 and each painting costs £60. (Picture: Marissa Cooper)

‘We just happened to find each other at a time where we all needed a creative shot in the arm’

artsARTISTIC TRIO

(L-R) Agatha O’Neill, Elizabeth Barrett and Kerrie Kent of AEK

Local artists Agatha O’Neill, Elizabeth Barrett and Kerrie Kent are exhibiting their new series of a ‘Word a Day’ work at Ruby’s of London on Monson Road until December 16. Here they tell Eileen Leahy what the show is all about…

‘For our new show we explored moods and colour palettes to compliment the surroundings. We really were free to create work in our own style and step to our own beat, so each collection has its own unique inspiration’

The stage is set for the first events in outstanding new performance venue

A few weeks after the grand opening of Benenden School’s new Century Buildings, the curtain is about to go up on two shows – one of which takes place this weekend. The Times finds out more…

THE COMPLETION of the stunning new Centenary Buildings at Benenden School has enabled the prestigious school to open up its performance spaces to the general public.

The purpose-built theatre will be hosting a professional touring production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ this coming weekend on Friday December 2 and Saturday December 3. The intimate venue will host two performances of the Dickens favourite by the highly regarded company Chapterhouse. The following weekend, the spectacular new Centenary Buildings will be brought to life by the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra, who will be performing on December 10 and 11.

Programme

The Centenary Buildings comprise a light and airy atrium, smaller recital room, a Music School and the main Centenary Hall – an 800-seater multi-purpose space that has established one of the foremost concert halls in the South East. The events in these new spaces will be the first of many, with a full programme of public performing arts events due to be released next year.

Benenden’s Commercial Arts Director Frankie Denton said: “Our buildings, both the newly opened ones and those that are more established, are a stunning addition to the Kent arts scene and we are proud to welcome the public to come and enjoy them.

Enthusiasts

“We are putting together an exciting and wide-ranging programme of events that audiences will love and it’s an incredibly exciting time for us and for the public.

“With its beautiful grounds, outstanding views

Take a trip to Vienna

This coming Sunday, December 4 at 3pm, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra celebrates the music of Vienna with a concert featuring the music of Mozart, Richard and Johann Strauss and Franz Lehar, and the talented Rebecca Bottone as soprano…

THE ROYAL Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra (RTWSO) performs its next concert this coming Sunday (December 4) at 3pm. Feeling it was a little premature to be festive, the orchestra says it decided to create a programme from the most musical of all cities, Vienna.

Composers

“Beyond the traditional waltzes and polkas most often associated with Vienna, we will perform music by composers from Mozart to Richard Strauss, via the ever-popular operettas of Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehár,” RTWSO Chair Frances Armstrong tells us.

“We are excited to be joined for this concert by the

brilliantly versatile soprano Rebecca Bottone, who will share with us her affinity with the music of Vienna. Rebecca has worked with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, and she has performed in countless opera houses world-wide.”

So if you can’t make it to Vienna for the famous New Year’s Concert, then why not join the RTWSO instead at the Assembly Hall Theatre on December4 for a couple of hours of glittering Viennese delight?

More details about the orchestra and the concert can be found at: rtwso.org

Tickets from £22; students and under-18s, £5. They are available directly from the theatre box office at: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on

and purpose-built facilities, Benenden is a hidden gem that we are confident performing arts enthusiasts will be delighted to return to time and again.”

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BENENDEN

A Christmas Carol December 2 and 3, 7.30pm.

Adults £18; under-18s £12

Len Phillips Swing Orchestra December 10 at 7.30pm; December 11 at 3.pm. Tickets £25

Full details and booking is available at: benenden.school/events

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

LEN PHILLIPS SWING ORCHESTRA

REBECCA BOTTONE

Book backed by Southeastern aims to attract more women train drivers

A NEW children’s book celebrating female train drivers that encourages young girls to consider the traditionally male profession as a career option, has been backed by the rail company that serves Tunbridge Wells.

‘My Mummy is a Train Driver’ is the latest in a series of books that challenge gender stereotypes. It aims to inspire young children to consider a future career in rail and to showcase the welcoming and inclusive work environment the rail industry continues to foster.

Sponsored by Southeastern and other train operating companies, the book is a culmination of the personal insights and perspectives of a diverse group of people working in the rail industry.

Experiences

Told through the eyes of a child, the reader learns what it takes to do the job safely, as well as the fun experiences encountered along the way.

Southeastern train driver Jane Fentaman, who lives in Rochester and is based at the Slade Green depot, said: “My children are quite proud of saying that their mother is a train driver. They like watching their friends’ reactions!

“But it does show how naturally surprising it is for children, open-minded as they are, to understand that women can be train drivers too.

“There is a lot that must be done to normalise this as a job that can be done competently, no matter what gender you might be. Children’s books can be a powerful way in which to communicate that.”

In the last five years, the number of female

train drivers at Southeastern has more than doubled to 10 per cent, with women making up 20 per cent of the company’s 4,600-strong workforce overall.

Steve Foster, Director of People at Southeastern, said: “The rail industry in general is considered to be male dominated so it’s very important that we not only attract women to the company, but also support them to stay and flourish in their roles.

“This allows us to attract and retain the best possible talent. Being involved with ‘My Mummy

is a Train Driver’ is a fantastic way to reach young children and influence them before gender stereotypes have set in.”

Southeastern is recognised as an Endorsed Employer for Women by WORK180, which approves employers with a genuine commitment to supporting women at work, making it easy for job seekers

to find the UK’s best workplaces. Southeastern has also won the best place to work at the Women in Rail Awards in 2021 and 2022 and has been included in the Financial Times Diversity Leaders report.

Steve Foster added: “We know there is more to do but Southeastern works hard to provide a welcoming and inclusive culture. It’s encouraging to see our number of female drivers is rising every year and I hope ‘My Mummy is a Train Driver’ will mean a few more children will consider it as a career.”

The book is aimed at primary school-aged children and is now available to buy from all good bookshops or from the publishers’ website: butterflybooks.co.uk

RAILWAY WOMEN

Jane Fentaman (left) and fellow train driver

Lauren Stowers

Blues legend Bonnie Raitt is among acts announced for Black Deer 2023

By Robert Forrester

THE Black Deer Festival has revealed its first wave of artists on the bill for the 2023 edition of the award-winning festival, taking place at Eridge Park in June next year.

The festival, which returned with great success last year after being cancelled for two-years running due to the pandemic, returns on June 16-18.

Following on from big names that featured in 2022, including Wilco, Van Morrison and The Waterboys, the Americana festival has now announced its first acts for next year.

Joining Black Deer’s 2023 line-up is one of the defining faces of Americana, Bonnie Raitt.

In a career spanning more than 50 years, Bonnie has won ten Grammy Awards (as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), released 18 acclaimed studio albums, and has

been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She continues to inspire, with her 2022 Grammy-nominated Americana Album Of The Year, ‘Just Like That...’ being a timely reminder of her songwriting prowess and exquisite precision over her slide-guitar. She is no doubt an artist who has inspired many other names on the Black Deer bill and definitely not one to be missed.

Joining Bonnie will be Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, who have established themselves as an exhilarating and unique offering, effortlessly weaving the sonic styles of folk, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll.

The Teskey Brothers have also been announced. The band has have rapidly amassed a legion of fans around the world with their soulful recordings and stunning live shows that have made them a festival favourite.

Another legend on the Black Deer 2023 line-up

will

Bluegrass

Also on the line-up will be Calexico and Canadian singer-songwriter, Allison Russell, Elles Bailey, Amythyst Kiah who was described by Rolling Stone as ‘one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets’, Liverpool’s ‘Scouse Springsteen’ Robert Vincent, hotly-tipped Canadian bluegrass star Bella White and Arkansas’ Dylan Earl – a Black Deer favourite who wowed crowds at this year’s event during the inaugural Ozark Holler Hottenanny.

Further acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Founders of the Black Deer Festival, Gill Tee and Debs Shilling, said: “We are thrilled to reveal the first names for Black Deer Festival 2023. Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lucinda Williams, Allison Russell… it reads like a who’s who of Americana music past and present. We can’t wait to welcome our community back into the deer park to enjoy it all!”

For further details and tickets visit: blackdeerfestival.com

be Lucinda Williams. Widely considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, with Time magazine making it official by naming her ‘America's best songwriter’.

‘Black Deer Festival 2023 reads like a who’s who of Americana music past and present. We can’t wait…’

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

BONNIE RAITT

Picture: Ken Friedman

Say bonjour to this brilliant French bistro

When Coco Retro launched in 2017, its aim was to serve up the finest gallic-inspired dishes this side of the Channel to the discerning diners of Tunbridge Wells. Richard Williams went along to see if the bistro still has that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’…

French restaurants are not as dominant on our high streets as they used to be.

There are far less Parisian style bistros and haute cuisine restaurants to choose from these days here in Tunbridge Wells given the competition from flavours from elsewhere around the world. Yet there are many who continue to rate French food as the world’s best, and with a restaurant such as Coco Retro in Tunbridge Wells still around to show off some of the best cuisine from Paris and Northern France has to offer, it is hard not to agree with them.

The Vale Road restaurant has been showcasing some of the finest in French food since it opened in 2017, and I’m pleased to say that five years since it opened Coco Retro has lost none of its lustre.

From the moment you step inside, the Parisianstyle dining room, complete with classic French sonic chansons being gently piped through the speakers, along with unmistakable Gallic aromas emanating from the kitchen, you really know this is a place where French food is taken seriously.

You only have to take a quick look at the wine to confirm this. With more than 450 bottles to choose from, and not just from France but the new world too, this is a restaurant that rates its drinks offering as seriously as the food it serves up.

Under starters orders

A quick glance at the ‘Entrees’ menu reaffirms that Coco Retro is a traditional French bistro.

Some of the distinctive classic dishes on the menu include Cuisses De Grenouilles (sautéed frog legs, £8.25), Escargot A La Bourguignonne (snails in garlic sauce £8.10) or the classic French Charcuterie board (£9.95).

For a taste of rustic France, the Terrine De Porc (homemade pork terrine £8.25) is deliciously textured and comes with melba toast an array of pickles.

The calamari (£8.85), in particular is perfectly deep fried and makes a delicate and light starter.

The main event

Traditional French farmhouse dishes do not stop at the entrees menu. Coco Retro’s ‘Plats Principaux’ (main menu) is full of traditional homely French dishes, but there are also influences from across Europe.

The Rouleaux De Porc (rolled pork, £19.90), is slowly cooked in a ‘secret’ herbes de Provence recipe and is a clear standout dish from the traditional French aspect of the menu. But the Ratatouille (£15.20) and chicken Schnitzel (£17.90) offer enough diversity for those wanting more Mediterranean flavours.

Other favourites include Steak Flamande (£19.50) and a classic duck confit (£19.20) in orange and Grand Marnier sauce.

Fish remains plentiful on the main menu too, with the Friture (£20.50) an incredibly fresh plate of fruits de mer, all delicately golden brown and deep fried, complete with Mediterranean salad and tartare sauce.

The specials menu is also always worth a look at Coco Retro too.

During our visit there was 48-day aged Cote De Boeuf (£75.00 to share), consisting of 1kg of finest quality beef marinated in single malt whiskey and aged in Coco Retro’s state of the art refrigerator – absolute heaven for meat lovers.

After dinner

Desserts, as you can imagine, are every bit as well presented as main meals at Coco Retro.

These range from traditional favourites such as Panna cotta à la noix de coco (coconut panna cotta with peach coulis ) to ananas et cerise gateau (rustic pineapple and cherry cake with black forest sauce ) or you can go for a selection of mini desserts. All our priced individually.

One of the most distinct aspects of Coco Retro is just how large the restaurant is.

While the bistro dining takes place on the ground floor, the first floor is more intimate, especially next to the open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work. But perhaps the best kept secret is Coco Retro’s ‘La Cave’, where diners are surrounded by wines from all over the world in the restaurant’s wine cellar.

After a first-class meal I am happy to testify that Coco Retro remains one of Tunbridge Wells’ best dining experiences. Whether you are after a light lunch, a romantic evening or you’re with a large party, there are few places where you will get the combination of excellent French food, friendly service and great value which has kept regulars coming back to Coco Retro.

Pictures: ©Key & Quill

It’s only Rioja and roll... but I like it!

Located in northern Spain, Rioja DOC is Spain’s most famous wine region and runs for 100km of vinous diversity in a north-west to a south-east direction along the path of the River Ebro – the region is named after the río (river) Oja, one of the Ebro’s seven tributaries – reaching about 40km-wide in some areas.

Divided into three large zones, Rioja’s total hectarage is around 66,000ha (England and Wales have around just 4000ha). Around 340 million bottles, mainly red wines based chiefly on the early-ripening variety Tempranillo (the name derives from the Spanish temprano, meaning ‘early’) are sold annually. There’s even sparkling wine – Rioja was one of the few non-Catalan regions permitted when Cava DO was created.

Unlike their counterparts over the border in Bordeaux for example, Rioja wine producers release their wines only when they are ready to drink. UK sales are still strong and in 2021 reached 35 million litres out of 106 million litres exported worldwide (up from 2019’s 29 million according to data from Nielsen). Here are three top red and white options to try – I’ll leave ‘rosado’ wines for the summer (Muga’s 100% Garnacha ‘Flor de Muga’, available from Majestic, £19.99 is top-drawer). Now pour yourself some Rioja and enjoy. Salud!

1. Must-try bargain supermarket own-label white Rioja

Specially Selected Rioja Blanco NV (£6.49, Aldi)

In recent years, sales of white Rioja have grown solidly as a percentage of wine sold in the UK,

up from 8.7% in 2019 to 9.6% in 2021 (Rioja now produces 24 million litres of white wine, up from 21 million in 2018). However, only around 9 per cent of Rioja’s vines are light-skinned and Viura – the same grape as Macabeo in Catalonia’s Penedès – is unquestionably the most planted white variety. This one from Aldi ticks all the boxes for mid-week drinking. Gorgeous lightly barrel-aged, grilled almond and vanilla-scented giveaway non-vintage white Rioja, with terrific orchard fruit and excellent length. Another tiptop Aldi own label. For immediate drinking. Try it with chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, tortilla or other savoury egg dishes.

If you’re a budget-minded drinker, then scoop up Tesco’s ridiculously good value, fruity and lightly vanilla-scented 2021 Marques de los Zancos Rioja Blanco (£5) instead. Lots to like here too.

2. A discounted tip-top red Gran Reserva El Piadoso Rioja Gran Reserva 2014, Bodegas Manzanos (£10 offer, down from £16.99 until January 1, Waitrose)

The regulations for red winemaking by the Rioja Consejo Regulador specify that only 225-litre barriques can be used. Rioja has the greatest number of barrels of any wine region in the world (around 1.3 million). Red Gran Reserva Riojas must be aged for at least five years (two of which must be in oak and the remaining three in bottles). At this price –it’s down from £16.99 to £10 between 30 November and 1 January – El Piadosa Rioja Gran Reserva, with its supple tannins, ripe black fruits and jolly, vanilla and spice pizzazz, is a serious steal. Pour it for a midweek treat or a special occasion dinner – it loves roast lamb. Great value on the £10 offer. If you want a bottle of festive bargain bubbly, nab the Boschendal Brut NV from South Africa, also down to £10 from £16.99 at Waitrose, until January 1.

3. Aristocratic, delicate, ripe, refined and renowned Rioja classic R. López de Heredia 'Viña Tondonia' Rioja Reserva 2010 (£26.99-£44, Majestic, Swig, Hedonism and Berry Bros & Rudd)

One of Rioja’s classics, this refined, beautifully crafted, deliciously complex,

savoury Reserva is a good one for those who like a Rioja with secondary and tertiary characters resulting from six years’ ageing in Appalachian oak and then in the bottle: it tastes of wild strawberries, dried black and red fruits, with grains of black earth, vanilla, truffle, sea salt and incense. The wine’s name—Tondonia— refers to a meander, or bend, along the banks of the Ebro near the winery in the ‘Barrio de la Estación’ of Haro (the unofficial capital of Rioja) through which the old medieval road led to the Basque country. From a superb vintage, this vinous gem will age a treat. Majestic, which has a great deal, is currently on the last bottles of the fine 2009 vintage and will soon move on to the even better (with a textbook growing season) 2010. All in all, a seamless, silky and very fine wine from a cult bodega.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine More info at: riojawine.com

The mighty River Ebro is the only one of Spain’s great rivers to run east (the others flow west into the Atlantic). Rioja was also Spain’s first DO (since 1925)

Six other Rioja names to watch out for (the region has around 570 bottling wineries, including co-ops):

• Abel Mendoza

• Artadi

• Contino

• Finca Allende

• Marqués de Riscal

• Muga

James Viner

Getting together to tackle loneliness as we age

Springett, Chief Officer of Age UK Tunbridge Wells, talks to the Times about the charity’s

Loneliness can define our lives and have a significant impact on our wellbeing, yet in the UK today there are over 800,000 people aged 65 and older who are lonely, and 600,000 in the same age category who are socially isolated.

Income fears, poor health and lack of wellbeing are increasingly becoming key drivers of loneliness, and it is these factors which reduce opportunities for older people to participate in the community more widely.

Resource

Age UK Tunbridge Wells, an independentlyfunded charity administered by locallyappointed trustees is trying to address the causes of loneliness by bringing people together, whether through their day centre or their friendship services.

This winter, the day centre in Wood Street, off Camden Road, will continue to offer a crucial resource for many local older people by being a safe, warm space where they can socialise with one another.

One client, Linda, said: “I’ve been coming to the Age UK Tunbridge Wells day centre for two years and it’s allowed me to build confidence in

MOST will know hospice care as supporting terminally ill patients in their final weeks, but at Hospice in the Weald a host of free support is also available for people at an earlier stage of diagnosis, so they can enjoy and celebrate life for as long as possible.

Much of this is done through the Hospice’s Living Well Centre, based at the Hospice in Maidstone Road, Pembury.

Adjusting to a terminal diagnosis is hard. Sometimes people retreat into themselves and may stop ‘living’. At Living Well, we invite people to relax, have fun, socialise and adjust to their diagnosis as they work towards their own goals.

Therapies

There are many groups, activities and therapies to get involved with. Patients are encouraged to choose how they’d like to spend their time over a goal focused 12-week programme.

Programmes are personalised around what is important to people; they may choose to come to art classes, memory-making workshops or have physiotherapy to help improve their mobility so they can enjoy life for as long as possible. It’s also fantastic to see people make friends and support each other.

We want everyone in the community to know there’s lots of support here – and all free of charge – for people who are newly diagnosed with a terminal illness, as well as for those who are nearing their final weeks, and those important to them.

Being told her cancer had returned and was inoperable was a big shock for Marion, 63, of Horsmonden.

However, with the support of husband Ian,

myself. It’s helped me manage to speak to people without being frightened.

“I’ve experienced loneliness for a few years. Lockdown was the hardest when you couldn’t go outside your front door. That was too much for me, it was very hard. It’s this place that’s making me feel good now.”

Meanwhile, another regular visitor, Jo, said: “I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t come here. There is nowhere else to go. I’d be totally lost.”

The charity is also striving to combat loneliness through its friendship services, either by telephone or face-to-face.

Volunteer befrienders offer support by increasing the levels of meaningful contact for an older person.

Those who volunteer their free time as

befrienders are able to directly support an older person to socialise, improving their confidence and making a positive difference to their life.

This is particularly important at Christmas, as Age UK research has found that almost 1.5 million over-65s said they usually feel lonelier at this time of year than any other.

Focus

That is why tackling loneliness is the focus for Age UK Tunbridge Wells this season.

The charity’s official ‘Bring a smile’ Christmas raffle is raising awareness of loneliness and raising funds for the Age UK Tunbridge Wells day centre.

Raffle tickets are £2 per ticket, with prizes donated by local businesses. Available from: justgiving.com/campaign/ ageuktunbridgewells-bring-a-smile-raffle

children and grandchildren, Marion is enjoying life, making memories and looking forward to a family Christmas.

She said: “I’ve been going to Living Well. It’s calm, happy – everyone is lovely. I’ve had massages and made clay casts with the family of us all holding hands. I thought it would be a nice, personal thing for the children and grandchildren. I’d never really thought about making memories like this before going to

the Hospice.

“Counselling at the Hospice has helped. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders to know Ian and the children have also got someone to talk to. I’ve realised, since going to the Hospice, that there’s something for them, that they aren’t going to be left on their own.

Positive

“I do try to live in hope and be positive. I have bad days but made the decision to enjoy everything for as long as possible and the Hospice is helping me to do that.

“I’m looking forward to Christmas. The grandchildren write letters to Santa, it’s all part of the magic. My ideal Christmas would be to have all the family together.

“I’m so grateful for the support others have given the Hospice which enables me to access all these things. I’m supporting the Hospice’s Appeal this Christmas and hope others will too, so many more families like mine can enjoy Christmas together.”

Hospice in the Weald needs to raise £8million each year to fund its vital work.

Find out more about the Hospice and its Christmas Appeal at: hospiceintheweald.org.uk

Sandra

initiatives to tackle loneliness…

VINCE

JO

JEAN

VAL

MAKING MEMORIES Marion and her family

Finding nature with our four-footed friends

Molly Miller from Bewl Water flicks through the photo album of the season as visitors share their moments in the resevoir’s popular annual photography competition…

WITH golden leaves and crisp, fresh air, autumn is a popular season for walks and it seems nobody is happier about that than Bewl Water’s visitors with furry friends, as we can see from an influx of ‘Best of Bewl’ competition entries.

The annual picture competition encourages amateur and professional photographers to get outdoors and capture everything from woodland to water at the 800-acre site, with the winning entrant set to receive an annual parking pass worth over £300.

Commitment

Visitors can submit their photographs via social media (@BewlWater) using the hashtag #BestOfBewl, with the winner announced at the end of the season.

The competition is part of the reservoir’s commitment to inspiring more people to get out in their natural surroundings, just one of multiple initiatives to improve the estate both as a wildlife refuge and a popular visitor attraction.

On November 21, work began rebuilding sections of the reservoir’s footpaths and bridleways to improve overall conditions and keep visitors safe during the muddy winter.

There are views of the reservoir for most of the 12½-mile scenic route, which can be accessed by cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers.

However, while well-behaved dogs can be exercised off the lead, Bewl Water reminds owners that pets are not allowed to swim in the water.

The safety rule is in line with Bewl Water’s warning of blue-green algae present in the reservoir.

Also known as cyanobacteria, these algal blooms commonly grow in calm, nutrient-rich waters and while not all species are dangerous, some can produce toxins that affect humans and can be fatal to animals.

“We love welcoming dogs to Bewl Water and take their safety very seriously,” said business director Andrew Daniells.

The water is tested regularly by the

Environmental Agency and Southern Water, and in 2019 Bewl Water and the water utility Southern Water installed floating solar-powered sonic wave emitters to help tackle the toxic bacteria. The devices create

ultrasonic pressure using ultrasound, preventing the algae from reaching the surface and reducing the concentration of bacteria.

Sustainability

As algae cannot reach the surface, its exposure to light is greatly reduced, preventing the algae from photosynthesising and ‘blooming’.

“The devices have an accumulative effect and minimal volumes of algae have been detected since,” Andrew explained.

Attracting over 140,000 people annually, the popular dog-walking site spends over £1.3million a year running and maintaining its grounds, investing in its environmental performance, long-term sustainability and safety of all visitors.

Bewl Water is run by Elite Leisure Collection, which also owns OneMedia, publisher of the Times.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALAN WATKINS

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL WOODS

PHOTOGRAPH BY LAURA HOPKINS

Largest private collection of Tunbridge Ware goes for sale

By Richard Williams

MORE than a thousand pieces of Tunbridge Ware are to go under the hammer in what is believed to be the largest private collection of the decorative woodwork that came from the royal town.

Tunbridge Ware is a form of decoratively inlaid woodwork, typically in the form of boxes, that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The decoration typically consists of a mosaic of many very small pieces of different coloured woods that form a pictorial vignette.

Worldwide

A quarter of the collection went under the hammer last week at Warwickshire auctioneers, Bleasdales, with the rest set for sale over the next year.

The collection was put together over a lifetime by Brunel University lecturer, Dr Brian Austen, who is a Tunbridge Ware author and expert.

It features hundreds of individual pieces ranging from a detailed printed and box decorated with a picture of Hastings promenade.

Dr Austen’s collection is to go on on sale in four parts and attracted worldwide interest, with the first lots auctioned off last week (November 23).

The highest price paid for an item of Tunbridge Ware at the auction was £6,520 for a complex walnut and paper-decorated sewing and games, toiletries and writing box from Vienna 1802.

A rare early Tunbridge Ware paint decorated white wood sewing companion went under the hammer for £2,280, while a number of smaller, less collectible items went for as little as £18.

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Our Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly and professional service to families.

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Tunbridge Wells

01892 884 195

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31 Mount Ephraim TN4 8AA

31 Mount Ephraim TN4 8AA

W F Groombridge Funeral Directors www.wfgroombridge.co.uk

W F Groombridge Funeral Directors www.wfgroombridge.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells

01892 884 224

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 224

49 St John’s Road TN4 9TP

49 St John’s Road TN4 9TP

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

SOLD Some of the collection that went under the hammer

AS AUCTIONEERS and valuers, we often get asked to be involved in other interesting and fun events relating to our profession.

Whether it be giving talks to groups, clubs and associations, after dinner speeches, or conducting charity auctions for good causes, being involved as an occasional BBC TV antiques expert opens up further doors into some fascinating and worthwhile events.

One such event I recently attended on behalf of the BBC along with some of my fellow Bargain Hunt presenters and experts, including my colleague here at Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers of Cranbrook, Raj Bisram, was a night of glitz and glamour that was combined with raising money for a very worthy cause.

On a wet and windy November Monday

afternoon I made my way up to London, to the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane to attend the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2022, celebrating

100 years of the BBC, hosted by Amanda Holden.

The Variety Club have been around since 1927, their belief is that every child has the right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. They fund and deliver lifechanging programs that give children and young people across the UK a better future.

In the UK, there are more than 1.3 million disabled children and young people, and nearly four million children living in poverty.

Variety provides practical support that makes

an immediate difference to children and young people under the age of 19, including grants for specialist disability equipment and wheelchairs that aren’t available through government services.

Adapted, accessible transport for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) schools and other non-profit organisations with their famous Sunshine Buses, and memorable day trips and outings through their Great Days Out programme.

Achievements

It was a night mixed with recognising charitable and professional achievements and raising funds for the cause.

Special guests stood up to present awards, including Princess Beatrice, presenting the first and only Duke of Edinburgh Gold Heart Award for National Excellence – a charity award approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II before she died and in memory of her late husband Prince Philip. Other recipients standing up to receive awards were Simon Cowell, Gary Barlow, Naomi Campbell, Beverley Knight, Molly Rainford and Judy Craymer among others.

All in all, it was a great success for the charity and a great fun night mixing with the great and the good and an honour to be a part in some small way for this great charity helping children.

Now it’s back to the grindstone at our saleroom preparing the catalogue for our last auction of the year – one thousand lots of antiques and fine art, collector’s items and interiors pieces.

It’s being held on Saturday December 3 – see you there!

property news

House sales steady but experts warn of ‘looming storm’ ahead

HOUSE sales held steady in October, with the volume of transactions increasing by 2% month-on-month, according to HM Revenue and Customs figures.

An estimated 108,480 sales took place, which was also 38% higher than in October 2021 – when a stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland ended.

Figures released by Moneyfacts.co.uk on Tuesday showed the average five-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped below 6% for the first time in seven weeks.

Borrowing

Mortgage lenders are offering 5.95% on average for a five-year fixed-rate deal.

Mortgage rates jumped following the minibudget and recent Bank of England base rate hikes are also pushing up borrowing costs.

Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Home completions sailed a steady course through October, but the looming storm is likely to sink sales.

“October saw carnage unleashed in the mortgage market, but buyers, with much lower mortgages already in their back pocket, continued to plough on.

“It means October sales were still slightly above pre-pandemic levels, but this is the relative calm before the storm.

“Sales completing in October were largely agreed around July, when demand had been falling for a couple of months, as mortgage rates started to climb and cooled our passion for property.”

Lucian Cook, Savills’ Head of Residential

Research, said the October 2022 house sales figures point ‘to a market that has remained surprisingly robust given the economic backdrop, and confirms that we haven’t seen the big increase in fall throughs that some have predicted’.

Supported

He added: “Sales have also continued to be supported by people looking to lock into existing mortgage deals, that look cheap in the context of current interest rates.

“However, a number of lead indicators – including the increased cost of borrowing and rising cost-of-living – are pointing towards falls in transactions over coming months, as buyers and lenders become more cautious.

“These numbers also continue to show the distortive impact of last year’s stamp duty holiday,” he continued.

“We predict transactions volumes will slow to 870,000 in 2023, with equitydriven prime markets holding up stronger than first-time buyers and mortgaged landlords, who rely more heavily on debt.”

Mortgage approvals are set to dip by 13%

DEMAND for residential properties is expected to dip by 13.4 per cent this year, research has found, further cooling the UK housing market.

Mortgage market analysis by property lenders

Octane Capital has revealed that the level of mortgage approvals seen across the UK property market is expected to dip in 2022

Octane Capital’s analysis of Bank of England mortgage data estimates where the market will sit come the end of the year, how this compares to market performance seen over the last decade and which sectors are driving current market trends.

Activity

Based on this historic market data, Octane Capital expects the total level of mortgage approvals seen across the UK property market to sit at 1.5 million by the end of 2022, averaging 130,764 per month.

This level of total market activity would mark a -0.2% decline when compared to 2021, however, when dissecting the market by the type of mortgage approval, it’s clear that one sub sector is driving this decline.

Octane Capital estimates that mortgage approvals for residential house purchases specifically are set to fall to a total of 818,641 in 2022 – a drop of -13.4%.

In contrast, mortgage approvals for those remortgaging are set to climb by 24% on an annual basis, with those classed as other – existing borrowers increasing the size of their current mortgage with the same lender for example, to fund home improvements – also expected to see a jump of 7.6% when compared to 2021.

However, while topline market performance is expected to stutter in 2022, the total level of mortgage approvals seen across the UK will remain some 2.8% higher than they were five years ago.

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