Times of Tonbridge 6th July 2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

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COULD A FORMER TONBRIDGE GRAMMAR SCHOOLGIRL BECOME PRIME MINISTER? Pages 3 & 18

JAGUARS HAVE MOVED FORWARD IN IMPORTANT IMAGE STAKES Page 77

ANOTHER GATWICK DELAY MEANS MORE UNCERTAINTY FOR RESIDENTS SAYS MP Page 2

PHOTO: SUZANNAH NIKLAS

Festival takes to streets THE Tonbridge Festival is now well underway and art is one of the major features during the ten-day event.

Anne Hook, Chairman of Tonbridge Art Group, is pictured in front of her own paintings which she displayed as part of ‘Art on the Railings’ by the river on Sunday.

And the theme continues today (Wednesday) with an Open Art exhibition & Young Artists’ Showcase in the Hawthorn building at West Kent College.

The exhibition, which is open between 10am and 5pm until Saturday, is free to enter.

For more details on upcoming comedy and music events at the Festival go to the Times What’s On section on pages 90-91.

Or log on to: www.tonbridgefestival.co.uk

Commuters rate train service the worst in whole country

OLYMPIC CHAMPION SETS THE PACE AT PENSHURST COLOUR RUN Pages 12-13

INSIDE BUSINESS AWARD Tonbridge café wins top Kent prize. Page 2

PITCH PERFECT

Rugby club hosts new community event. Page 2

Passenger survey sees Southeastern suffer another setback on value for money

By Murray Jones SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY’s already damaged reputation among Tonbridge commuters has suffered a further blow with the news that its mainline rail services have been rated the worst in the country when it comes to value for money.

A survey has shown only 28 per cent of mainline customers consider Southeastern ticket prices value for money – the lowest rating in the country.

Services covered include the Hastings line, which is vital for commuters, especially on journeys between Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and London.

When the question was put specifically to commuters, the results were even more damning, with only 14 per cent considering their ticket to be good value.

An annual season ticket from Tonbridge to London costs £4,016 and a monthly season is £385.60. A peaktime single ticket costs £16.10 and a return is £26.70.

There was also a 28-point drop from last year in commuter satisfaction with punctuality and reliability, down to 42 per cent.

The findings, in the bi-annual National Rail Passenger

Survey Spring 2016 published on June 30, represent an accumulation of months of frustration for rail customers, who have had to endure endless cancellations, delays and packed carriages.

Phil Rodgers, former Chairman of the Southeastern Rail Action Group, has called for Southeastern Managing Director David Statham’s resignation.

Mr Rodgers, who stepped down from his post in May citing the stress of dealing with the operator, said: “The opinions of those surveyed clearly show information and communication is getting worse. He is a failed leader of his team, and he needs to go.”

‘Network Rail must share some of the blame for this’ John Reynolds, Vice-Chairman of Tonbridge Line Commuters, said: “The survey shows that passengers, especially commuters, are less satisfied with almost every aspect of Southeastern and Southern services in almost every area of their operation.

“It is true that part of the problem is the continuing work at London Bridge, and Network Rail must share

some of the blame for this, but poor punctuality leads to a reputation for unreliability which deters many people from using trains and it is essential that both companies get their act together.

“In particular, they need to provide better information for passengers when there is disruption, to allow people to adjust their plans.”

The results of the survey show plenty of room for improvement in almost all areas, with satisfaction ratings dropping in 34 of the 36 categories being measured.

Most dramatically, there was a slump to 26 per cent with the ‘availability of staff’ as well as 29 per cent with ‘how well the train company deals with delays’.

The decline in almost every area of performance has resulted in Southeastern sharing the worst overall level of customer satisfaction in the country. At just 69 per cent, they are equalled only by the much beleaguered Southern Rail, who are owned by the same parent company, Govia.

David Statham said: “The results were really disappointing but, in many ways, don’t come as a surprise considering the disruption passengers have had to face.”  More rail misery – see page 19

PARTY TIME

Town gets together for refugee week. Page 3

CURFEW CLAMPDOWN Two youths arrested in High Street. Page 3

2 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Early mist clearing to leave a dry day with long bright spells.

July 06, 2016

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21 C

Visibility: Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 58%

Sunrise: 04.52am

Sunset: 21.15pm

Wind: 6mph

Thursday

Friday

20ºC

21ºC

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

19ºC

21ºC

20ºC

19ºC

RIVER VIEW A cloudy start to the week, but warm sun is on the way

Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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QUOTE UNQUOTE I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.

Arthur Rubinstein

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Cornerstone is pitch perfect at new community event with a difference AN INNOVATIVE learning project for disadvantaged students has won the inaugural West Kent Eat Vote Give (EVG) event at Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club.

A large audience voted for Cornerstone Tuition after several organisations pitched their schemes in the hope of winning the £300 generated by the £5 entrance fee for the evening.

The other projects included Free Cakes for Kids Tonbridge, which involves volunteer bakers making cakes, and West Kent YMCA’s Re-Cycle Bike Project, training volunteers on a bicycle maintenance course.

Guests heard a presentation from each project and then had the opportunity to question the presenters on the finer points of their scheme.

A two-course light supper was created and served by the Eat Vote Give team from produce donated by Haywards Butchers and the Co-Op, both from York Parade. The venue was provided free of charge, which ensured as much money as possible for the winning cause.

Winner Tom West, 20, from Tunbridge Wells, founded his venture last year with his friend Sam Carter, also 20, as a registered charity.

Tom said: “We have been tutoring English and maths since March. It was a huge honour

WINNING BID Tom West of Cornerstone Tuition (second from the left) with Salli Thwaite, Sue Masters and Rob Marsh to win the donation from Eat Vote Give and we are very excited by the support we received.

The donation will give us the platform to launch a new programme next year.”

Fred Long, a volunteer for the event, said: “All three contenders were very worthy of the ‘prize money’ but, in line with the EVG ethos, there could only be one winner – in this case it was Tom West for the Conerstone Tuition charity, which offers one-to-one learning.

“They told us the money will go toward expanding their operation geographically and

also setting up a Summer School where children who are eligible for free school meals, will also receive free maths and English tutoring.”

Mr Long added that Eat Vote Give is to continue every three months alternating between, initially, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The next event will be in Tunbridge Wells in September or October. It is currently looking for a location suitable for 70 to 100 people.

If you can help, please contact jilldea@yahoo.com

Referendum fallout causes another hold-up at Gatwick Neil Barston

newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk ANOTHER delay to the decision over whether Gatwick airport should be expanded is causing renewed uncertainty for residents, claims Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin decided to put the issue on hold after the EU Referendum result, which led to an announcement by Prime Minister David Cameron that he is to resign.

Mr McLoughlin believes that the matter should be left until a new leader is in place despite a government-commissioned report which recommended that the South-East’s best option for increasing air capacity would be at Heathrow.

MP Tom Tugendhat, who led a debate at

Westminster on the impact of present flight paths around Gatwick Airport, felt the latest setback is a further blow to campaigners eager for the issue to be resolved.

He said: “Almost a year ago to the day, the Airports Commission led by Sir Howard Davies was clear in its recommendations that Gatwick Airport was not suitable to be expanded. This was a comprehensive report that came to a clear conclusion.

“I am very disappointed to hear that a decision on this report has been delayed yet again. This increases uncertainty for communities who are affected by flights approaching airports in South East England.

“I will be writing to the Transport Secretary to establish why we have to wait even longer to implement the Airports Commission’s recommendation, in full, when their report was so clear on the best

option for the economic prosperity in our country.”

Campaign groups including Gatwick Obviously Not have argued the airport is unsuitable to be extended because existing flight paths have blighted residents and businesses in the Tonbridge area.

Campaigners were expecting a final decision last December, but they were made to wait when it was decided that additional information on pollution and compensation was needed.

The British Chambers of Commerce has claimed the government was entirely in a position to state its decision regardless of the leadership campaign.

Its assessment was also shared by national business group the CBI, which said that further delaying the decision could potentially cost the economy billions in falling behind rival cities’ airport expansion plans.

Award is icing on the cake for cafe TOP AWARD Daron Goldfinch, with colleagues Caroline Sheridan and Alix Adams

STAFF and management at Finch House Café in Tonbridge are celebrating after the company gained a countywide tourism and hospitality accolade.

Director Daron Goldfinch believes the Kent Excellence In Business Award (KEIBA) is a testament to the efforts of his team over the past few years.

As previously reported in the Times, the business won praise for its work within the community including giving unsold food to the homelessness charity Porchlight.

The company, which employs a total of 35 people at its two sites, has also just appointed its first apprentice, Katie Blackstone, to its Tonbridge café – which was also noted by award judges.

After the presentation of the award at the County Showground at Detling, Mr Goldfinch said: “This is a huge thing for us as it will lift our profile and is recognition for all the hard work that staff have put in to the business.

“The connection we have built with Porchlight is working very well as well, and we’ve pushed to create an apprenticeship scheme which means we will have two new people in the company.

“Gaining the award meant a lot, having previously twice been runners-up. We have worked hard on customer service and are part of a mystery shopper scheme looking at every aspect of the business – with staff that are mentioned in the fortnightly reports gaining £25 vouchers, which gives them something to work towards and make us the best that we can be.”

LOCAL NEWS 

Could Tonbridge schoolgirl be the next Prime Minister?

Grammar head says Andrea Leadsom will inspire pupils

By Neill Barston FORMER Tonbridge Grammar School pupil Andrea Leadsom has dramatically emerged as one of the front-runners to become the next Prime Minister.

Serving as the Government’s Energy Minister and MP for South Northamptonshire, she joined the race to replace David Cameron after he announced plans to step down in the wake of the EU Referendum result.

Ms Leadsom, who played a prominent role in a TV debate representing the Leave campaign, has received backing from fellow senior Conservatives including former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

The door to Number 10 was leftwide open when the Brexit leader Boris Johnson made a shock announcement that he was not going to run for Prime Minister.

Ms Leadsom’s key rivals for the leadership are now Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

Ms Leadsom, aged 53, studied in Tonbridge during the early 1980’s, before gaining a political science degree at Warwick University, and spent

25 years as a city banker.

Rosemary Joyce, Head Teacher of Tonbridge Grammar School, revealed to the Times that the leadership contender has been back to the school to see its expanded facilities.

She said: “Andrea is still in touch with the school, and our students were delighted to host her when she visited.

“Whatever the politics, the fact that an alumna, Andrea Leadsom, is in a position to stand for the highest office in the country, is testament to Tonbridge Grammar School and should be an inspiration for what girls and boys from here can achieve.

Ms Leadsom is reported to have gained support from more than 50 MPs for her bid to become Prime Minister.

Speaking at her launch, she stressed that taking back Parliamentary sovereignty was a priority, along with reducing levels of immigration.

Ms Leadsom said: “I am delighted to say I have put in

my nomination papers for the Conservative leadership. My reason for doing so is that I see a huge opportunity from the result of the Referendum.

“Britain can be so much better in the world,” she added. “The future for our children and grandchildren will be so great, but what we have to do now is all pull together and make that opportunity a reality.”

However, she suffered a small setback to her campaign when footage emerged of her speaking at a Parliamentary Affairs lecture in 2013 when she claimed it would be a ‘disaster for the economy to leave the EU’. She has since argued that her views have changed, as she believed the global economy had significantly altered.  Turn to page 18 for a leadership update.

FRONT RUNNER Andrea Leadsom

Wishing tree grows Police arrest youths during at refugee party clampdown in High Street TONBRIDGE Welcomes Refugees hosted a fun-packed family event on Sunday to celebrate Refugee Week.

The One World Day festival held at the Chequerboard community space in Tonbridge included live music, games, refreshments and speakers.

The event literally opened with a bang, thanks to the drummers of local band Bloco Fogo, who created a carnival atmosphere.

There were also musicians from Tanzania and Iraq, and a number of speakers who described their experiences as refugees, or working with refugees.

The event also included a wish tree where people could leave messages. One said: “I wish the world becomes a better place for everyone.” Another stated: “Let’s help each other whatever the boundaries,” and one simply said: “Peace.”

GET TOGETHER Town celebrates

TWO arrests were made in Tonbridge town centre over the weekend as part of a police crackdown on antisocial and abusive behaviour by groups of youths.

A 17-year-old boy from Tonbridge has been bailed pending further enquiries until 26 August and an 18-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells has also been bailed until 29 July.

An official public dispersal order was put in place on the High Street following concerns raised over people causing a public disturbance outside shop premises at the junction of Avebury Avenue.

According to police, the order, which applied to anyone over 10 years of age, ran from Friday 4pm until 4pm on Sunday.

It was put in place as officers believed further incidents of antisocial behaviour were anticipated.

Police confirmed the force had received reports from both residents and businesses about abusive language and intimidating behaviour. This led to two arrests being made during the dispersal order, with a further five instances of

officers instructing people to move on from the area across the weekend.

Speaking on the dispersal order, Sergeant Mark Ginsberg said such measures were used as a preventative means of tackling antisocial incidents.

He said: “We don’t have a big problem with antisocial behaviour in Tonbridge.

However, where and when issues do arise these powers are an effective way of dealing with people, whose actions can cause offence or distress to other members of the public.”

Howard Porter, Chairman of Tonbridge Town Team, stressed his group wanted to ensure everyone enjoys the town centre and respects others’ enjoyment of it.

He said: “We need to remember that Tonbridge has a low crime rate and people shouldn’t be discouraged from going out and enjoying everything the town has to offer because of what are, thankfully, isolated incidents.

“We are confident that the police will continue to do everything they need to do to keep people safe.”

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Farmer helps fire crews save bales AN INVESTIGATION is underway into whether a blaze involving 50 tonnes of baled straw and horse bedding in Hadlow Road, Tonbridge on Friday was a case of arson.

It follows another similar case of suspected arson last month in which 50 hay bales caught light at a property in Hadlow Road.

In the recent case, two engines and a bulk water carrier were called to Tanyard Farm at around 10pm and firefighters tackled that blaze using a main jet.

Two pressure ventilation fans were used to protect the unaffected bales and a local farmer provided forklift trucks to move them away from the flames.

Firefighters stayed at the scene until nearly 5am on Saturday.

Wishes can come true WOODGATE Residential Home in Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge has raised over £200 for its Wish Appeal from a garden fete.

Residents and guests were able to enjoy traditional games, including a coconut shy, beat the goalie and tombola, while a bouncy castle was set up to entertain youngsters.

The appeal aims to grant wishes for residents living in the homes, whether that is a day at a spa or a trip to their home town.

River rescue drama EMERGENCY services were called to Tonbridge Lock area at 1am on Sunday following reports that a man had fallen into the River Medway.

Both Fire and Rescue team and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and conducted a thorough search of the area, after a boat was reported as adrift.

The 57-year-old man was later found by emergency services after he had been able to pull himself out of the water further down the river.

Open house at gallery THE ArtSpring Gallery is holding an Open House Weekend at 167 Tonbridge High Street to mark its opening on Saturday and Sunday between 11am-7pm.

The artist-run gallery will bring together a collection of high-quality work from local and regional contemporary artists who are specialists in their disciplines and will showcase paintings, watercolours, printmaking, digital art, photography, ceramics, textiles, glass and jewellery.

Dance the night away IT’S TIME to take your partner by the hand at a Barn Dance hosted by Tonbridge Angels FC this Friday.

The family-friendly evening held at the Marquee at Longmead Stadium, also includes a barbecue. Tickets are £5 and can be ordered by calling 07947 898271.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

4  LOCAL NEWS

Children join forces for the great Jam Jar Challenge STALL HOLDERS Youngsters raising money at the Pantiles Craft Market

ACROSS Tunbridge Wells youngsters have been out and about raising money for their own adventure playground in Calverley Grounds.

During June they came up with various ideas to collect money that they then put into jam jars.

“The passion and energy children have given to the Jam Jar Challenge has been truly inspiring. Stories of children baking, craft making, bike riding, singing, dancing, helping with household chores and even donating tooth fairy money, have flooded the Calverley Adventure

Grounds Facebook page” said Caroline Roberts, Community Fundraising Coordinator for the project.

The recent Pantiles Craft Market also saw young entrepreneurs (pictured) taking ownership of their fundraising efforts by providing a variety of tempting handmade items to sell on their stall.

“I’m so proud to be part of such a wonderful community all pulling together to raise funds to build a new playground” said Melissa Bandtock, mother of three young children.

Collection efforts end this Friday (July 8)

when jam jar money should be taken into participating schools or directly to Perk and Pearl on Grove Hill Road.

Once the total amount raised has been calculated, ‘Top Fundraiser’ wristbands will be handed to all children who have raised £15 or more, along with a treat and trophy awarded to the top class and top school.

The new adventure playground will cost £225,000. So far £30,000 has been raised. www.calverleyadventuregrounds.co.uk

Recognition for officers first on murder scene THE team of officers who were first on the scene following the stabbing of James Wallington on the North Farm industrial estate last year have each received a certificate of merit for commitment and professionalism during the incident.

Inspector Matthew Atkinson, PC Nicholas Atkinson, PC Andrew Baldry, PC Miles Booth, Sergeant Ian Murphy and Sergeant Michael Perryman received the recognition at the Divisional Commander’s awards ceremony on June 22.

The officers were called to the Cory Environmental Recycling Centre shortly after 6am on March 9, 2015, after reports of a serious assault, but upon arrival found the victim with serious stab wounds.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY PC Andrew Baldry and Sgt Michael Perryman

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Despite their best efforts to save Mr Wallington’s life, the victim’s injuries were so substantial that he passed away at the scene.

However, they successfully apprehended the offender David Squelch, who had stabbed the victim 14 times in just 15 seconds moments after the two colleagues had arrived for work in the same vehicle.

Squelch, a 49-year-old dustman from Paddock Wood, received life imprisonment for murder on March 22 this year after the jury at Maidstone Crown Court rejected his defence that he was out of control during the incident – he must serve a minimum of 22 years.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, which took place at Hadlow College, Chief Superintendent Julia Chapman, the Divisional Commander for Kent Police’s West Division, said: “This is just a selection of the excellent work my officers do on a daily basis to protect and serve people in West Kent.

“Each day they serve with unwavering professionalism and it fills me with great pride to have such a dedicated group of officers.”

6  LOCAL NEWS

‘My feet didn’t touch the ground’ Local hero had to wade through bodies in rare success on first day of the Somme

By Andrew Tong As ceremonies were held across the region to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme last Friday, 12 members of one Tunbridge Wells family travelled to the battlefield in France to remember the heroic part played by their ancestor, Lieutenant Frank Thornely.

At the age of 19, Lt Thornely led a famous charge by the 11th battalion of the Ulster Division on the Schwaben Redoubt at Thiepval on July 1 1916.

The action was immortalised in a painting by James Princep Beadle entitled Attack of the Ulster Division, which hangs in the City Hall in Belfast.

Celia Pearson, Lt Thornely’s daughter who lives in Eridge Park, made the trip to Thiepval with her brother Nick, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Last Friday they were official guests at a remembrance ceremony at the Ulster Memorial Tower – the first monument to be erected on the Western Front in 1921.

A letter (pictured right) from Lt Thornely to his father was read out at the start of the service, with Prince Charles, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster in attendance.

Mrs Pearson, 78, said: “I wanted to walk in the footsteps of my father from the trenches to Schwaben Redoubt. It’s amazing he survived.

“He was one of the few to get to his objective on that first day. And he described how on the way back he was stepping on all the dead bodies.”

Wednesday 6th July 2016

OVER THE TOP Lt Thornely waves his troops forward in Beadle’s painting

LOCAL NEWS 

Lt Thornely was one of four officers out of 20 who was not killed or injured in the assault on one of the German army’s strongest positions.

She visited the site for the first time with her father in 1947. “It was very moving, he wanted to go Lieutenant Frank Thornely back and show us the most important thing that happened to him in his life.

“I was nine, and very aware of everything. My father paced it out, he was enraptured at returning.

He told us his feet didn’t touch the ground and we didn’t realise what he meant until he said he couldn’t put his feet between the dead bodies.”

“He was a captain at 19, and he actually lived in a certain amount of comfort. He told us how he took over a German dugout that had been beautifully lined with wood, like a grand room.

Educated at Uppingham School, that fateful day was his first engagement. “He was always a happy man, I suppose he considered himself to be so lucky,” said Mrs Pearson.

“He kept up with his friends from the division.

Many were gassed and went blind. He visited one of them in the evening, and found him pruning his roses in the dark because he couldn’t see.

“He died at the age of 62 – very young. He loved his sport, he was a great cricketer and horseman.

He had a horse behind the lines, which was killed under him when a shell exploded next to him.”

The battalion of the 36th Ulster Division were the only troops to reach the German second line on that first day, when 19,240 British soldiers were massacred. They avoided getting caught up in the bloodbath because they used a ‘much cleverer tactic’, according to Lt Thornely’s grandson Adam.

“Most of the troops went over at 7.30am when the seven-day bombardment of the Germans ended,” he said. “They just walked over no man’s land.

That was a horrible miscalculation.

“The shelling had not reached the German lines.

They thought they would find the trenches empty but the enemy was waiting. They mowed them down.

“There were huge numbers of amateur soldiers, the ‘Pals Battalions’ as they were known, and

141 DAYS IN HELL  July 1 1916 to November 18 1916

(141 days).  Estimated casualties on the first

day: 57,470, of which 19,240 died – the bloodiest day in the history of the British army.  Allied estimates at the Chantilly

Conference on November 15 1916: 485,000 British and French casualties, 630,000 German.

 Later figures suggest 419,654

British casualties. French official figures state 202,577. German losses are disputed, ranging from 400,000 to 680,000.  More than a million men were

wounded or killed, as the Allies pushed the German lines back by six miles.  The Lochnagar mine was

detonated under the Schwaben Redoubt at 7.28am on July 1, two minutes before the troops went over the top.  It was loaded with 60,000lb

of Ammonal, in two charges of 36,000lb and 24,000lb.  It produced a crater 450ft across.

The soil was lifted some 4,000ft into the air in the first blast.

they were given simple, precise instructions. So they just carried on walking.”

“But Frank’s battalion had crawled into no man’s land before the rest went over the top and they rushed forward as soon as the shelling stopped.”

So quick were they in reaching the German defences that there were many casualties caused by British shelling.

The first day of the Battle of the Somme saw a total of 57,470 British (and Irish) casualties, equivalent to the population of Tunbridge Wells.

The attack by the 11th battalion that day was emblematic of the sheer futility of a battle which would last for almost five months.

Lt Thornely’s troops were exposed on three sides at Schwaben because of the failure of the other attacks, and were ordered to pull back and give up all the land they had gained.

He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions and worked closely with the artist Beadle while on leave, sitting for his portrait and providing detailed information.

The image was featured on a stamp 10 years ago as the Irish government honoured for the first time its citizens who fought in World War One. He also wrote hundreds of letters to his parents – always separate, and with very different content – from 1914 until the Armistice, which have been preserved by the Somme Heritage Centre in Northern Ireland.

“It was an unreal combination of horror and camaraderie,” says Adam. “At one stage he writes: ‘I’m so glad of all that cricket practice because it’s

7

A letter from Lt Thornely to his father on July 7 1916 made me a great bomber’ – that’s what they called lobbing grenades.”

Lt Thornely went to India after the war but returned to Britain in 1944 to take up a post with the War Office. He settled in Goudhurst and then Frant Road in Tunbridge Wells. Celia now runs a bed and breakfast at Deer Cottage on Bunny Lane.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

8  LOCAL NEWS

Mosque calls for help to expand MASJID AL-NOOR, the only mosque in Tunbridge Wells, has launched an appeal for public donations to help fund plans to double in size.

They are aiming to raise £300,000 to extend and improve the building’s facilities, with construction planned to start next year.

Around 200 people attend the mosque and floor space is running low.

Suruk Miah, Chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Islamic and Cultural Association, said the main purpose of the expansion is “not for more people to come but to have more space for people already coming, especially women and children. We have 50 children that attend, it gets very full so we need to give them a separate room”.

When asked about the mosque’s relationship with the community he said: “Tunbridge Wells has always been very accepting. It is a very nice area. I have always had very friendly neighbours.”

Last week, 400 people attended an Iftar Party to mark the end of the Ramadan fast, at the mosque including the Mayor David Neve and Greg Clark MP. For more details, visit www.tunbridgewellsmosque.com

Wednesday 29th June 2016

Wednesday 6th July 2016

‘Beer’ Jiskoot king of crude oil dies aged 92

By Andrew Tong

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk JOOST JACOB ‘BEER’ JISKOOT, who founded a company in Tunbridge Wells which plays a leading role in the oil industry, has died aged 92.

As a systems engineer and designer, he focused on producing specialist industrial blending and sampling equipment.

Jiskoot Quality Systems and parent company Cameron are now the leading providers of this technology for the oil and gas industry.

And Mr Jiskoot’s sampling systems are used today to value more than 60 per cent of the world’s crude oil.

The son of a Dutch architect, he was born in Indonesia in 1923 and went to the Netherlands with his mother, an opera singer, as a child.

His father would later be held as a prisoner of war on the island by the Japanese.

During World War Two he was repeatedly rounded up by the Nazi razzias, once spending six weeks in prison and escaping captivity several times.

He came to England in 1945 to join a newly established section of Dutch Army whose task was to quell independence movements in liberated Indonesia.

Before leaving, he met his future wife Barbara and they were married within three weeks. Then they were immediately separated for two years while he ran a field hospital in the Dutch East Indies.

The family moved down from London to Edenbridge in 1958, then opened a small manufacturing base on Goods Station Road in Tunbridge Wells three years later.

His sampling development saw him become a Fellow of the Institute of Petroleum and he expanded the business to Holland, France and Italy.

In 2004 he sold the company to this children, daughter Johanna and sons Robert, Patrick and Mark, and retired, becoming the main carer for Barbara.

A funeral was held on Monday June 27 at St Peter and St Paul Church, Edenbridge.

NEWS IN BRIEF

FM Conway arrives on the road to success A COMPANY which carries out construction works on the roads of almost half of London’s boroughs has moved into a new headquarters in Sevenoaks.

FM Conway, based in Dartford since 2000, has bought and refurbished three-storey offices formerly known as Becket House on the Vestry Industrial Estate.

The infrastructure firm, which saw turnover increase by 40 per cent last year, also maintains parks, stadiums and other venues in the capital.

Crisps with a crunch A businessman from Tunbridge Wells has joined forces with the former footballer Vinnie Jones to promote his crisp company.

Tom Lock, 26, founded The London Crisp Company this year using crowdfunding.

The former Judd student recruited the Wimbledon hardman-turned-movie star to market his ‘Salt and Vinnie-gar’ crisps and be a global ambassador.

Mr Lock said: “Walkers famously use Gary Lineker to promote their product. But Vinnie is just right for us. He is very much associated with London.”

Henry VIII’s love of food THE King Henry VIII in Edenbridge won the Pub Food of the Year award at the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards. It was among 13 of the brewery’s 335 pubs and hotels honoured at Ashford’s Conningbrook Hotel.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

What’s in a name?

ONE of Kent’s longest established landscape architecture companies underwent a subtle rebrand on Friday to reflect new leadership at the top.

With 30 years of professional practice, Tunbridge Wells-based David Huskisson Associates has been involved in several major projects since it was founded, including works associated with Heathrow Terminal Five, restoration work for the National Trust and the design of many school grounds.

But now the firm moves into a new phase under the leadership of company director and local mum of two, Nicola Brown – herself a chartered landscape architect and urban designer.

To mark the new direction and reflect a new partnership, the company is now trading under the name of Huskisson Brown Associates.

Mrs Brown said: “Whilst our name has changed, we will continue to manage our team with the same underlying design ethos and commitment to providing a quality service that was embedded within David Huskisson Associates.”

FRESH START Nicola Brown with David Huskisson

Profits up 20 per cent at world’s oldest law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore believes flexibility is the key to success as revenues rocket and commercial services expand.

We hear from its chief executive Simon Slater...

LEADING Tunbridge Wells law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore saw net profits rocket in the year ending June 5 following increased demand for its commercial services.

It marks the third year of growth for the world’s oldest law firm, with further gains expected in the year ahead.

Overall, the company recorded net profits for the 2015-16 year of £5.54million, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous year, while revenues climbed 12 per cent over the same period to £18.9million.

Much of the success has been attributed to accelerated growth in the firm’s commercial practice, which won 76 new clients during the past year in sectors such as food and beverage, transport, construction and engineering.

Commenting on these results, chief executive Simon Slater said: “This has been another exceptional and encouraging year for the firm.

“Our growth

strategy as we approach our 450th anniversary in 2020 is to build on our strong heritage and

‘Our clients look to us to use our knowledge and experience to advise them on their futures’ financial performance by continuing to provide unrivalled service and quality across the firm.

“We are the oldest law firm in the world, but we only thrive by being flexible, adaptable and at the top of our game.

“Our clients look to us to use our knowledge and experience to advise them on their futures and safeguard their interests from generation to generation,” Mr Slater added.

“We anticipate sustained growth next year as we look to develop further our commercial group, whilst of course maintaining our pre-eminence LEGAL EAGLE for private Chief executive client Simon Slater advice.”

9

NEWS IN BUSINESS

Accountant urges firms to unlock their capital MANUFACTURERS could miss out on the chance to unlock cash from their business due to untapped cash release opportunities, warns Tunbridge Wells-based audit, tax and consulting firm RSM. Improving working capital practices in the manufacturing sector could generate a cash injection of up to 6 per cent of turnover, according to its latest working capital survey of 75 manufacturers.

Zoë Rudling, a partner at RSM, said: “Although banks are becoming keener to lend, manufacturers should look closer to home and consider how to access muchneeded cash from their own resources.”

Depot buyer named RETIREMENT housing developer Pegasus Life has been named by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as the company behind the purchase of the Arriva bus depot on St John’s Road.

The new owners are understood to be in the process bringing forward proposals for an assisted living development for the over-60s.

Start-up scheme boost ENTREPRENEURIAL jobseekers in the SouthEast have launched more than 6,400 new businesses through a government scheme to boost self-employment and drive innovation.

The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was unveiled in 2011 to provide a weekly allowance worth up to £1,274 over 26 weeks to help establish the start-ups.

LEGAL EAGLE Jonathan Smithers

Wednesday 6th July 2016

10  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

First office to call in today’s

CUSTOMER SERVICE The First Office team

Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HOW do companies stay relevant and profitable in an industry as fast moving as telecoms and IT? Established for more than 25 years, the growth and continued success of First Office Systems can be put down to three things – evolution, diversification and customer service.

The last of these was recognised earlier in

the year when the company won the Service Excellence category at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards.

In order to ensure their standards remain high, the office technology company carries out over 8,000 service calls a year and has conducted 1,500 surveys to gauge client satisfaction over the past decade “We wanted to do it big time. We didn’t just want to ring up a few people and hope for good results,” explained Sales Director Nick Brandon.

‘Technology is changing so fast that by the time you put something in, something new has come out’ Data is carefully analysed from the responses of over 1,000 clients, and any areas which need to be improved are flagged up and worked upon.

Each survey is also audited by British Standards to lend it authenticity.

This is in response to increasingly high expectations from customers who, as technology has improved and competition has led to a wider choice of suppliers, expect their problems to be fixed in minutes.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

“When I started, people would say ‘I will see you at the end of the week’, but now – particularly with telecoms – if you have not responded within half an hour they are on the phone calling you,” said Service Director Jason Seal. “They want the problem resolved too, not just a response.”

To meet this challenge the service department in the firm of 25 employees is ‘deliberately overstaffed’.

“Our wage bill is huge for service, but that is to ensure we can deliver when people are on annual leave or ill,” said Mr Seal.

Despite the large outgoings on service, which eat up a considerable chunk of the company’s £2.5million turnover, the belief is that in the long run it gives them the edge.

Mr Seal said: “We could make a lot more money by reducing the service, and it is not uncommon for us to lose a customer because someone is offering the same products for half the price.

“But three years later they come back, the reason being because they have been forced to wait three or four days for someone to fix their problems.

“Competitors can be cheaper than us by paying less in wages. We are not the cheapest at what we do but we believe we have the right amount of people to offer a good level of service.”

In addition to ensuring service levels are maintained, the company has diversified considerably since it was founded in 1991.

Initially it mainly dealt with office printers and photocopiers (an area of business described by the company as ‘document solutions’) as well as phones.

Since then it has grown to include IT, with a heavy emphasis on the internet, and even the physical design of office interiors.

Effectively, it now provides a one-stop shop for a business needing an office designed and fitted out from scratch, with all the necessary IT and office infrastructure installed as well as the services they may need later.

“With our skills in all four segments we can build something, cable it, lay carpet, install broadband connections, put in printers and provide IT – anything you can do for an office, other than construct the actual building,”

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

11

fast-moving technical world FORWARD PLANNING (L to R) Directors, Nick Brandon and Jason Seal

Mr Seal explained.

The all-encompassing approach means they will provide multiple services to the same customer and find that these clients will stick with them when they roll out new services.

The company also ensures it is always keeping ahead of the latest changes in the industry.

“Technology is changing so fast that by the time you put something in, something new has come out.

“The first major change was the internet, which has impacted on everything. Now the cloud means companies are removing their need for in-house IT support,” said Mr Brandon.

These changes mean firms such as First Office are taking on the roles that were previously the preserve of IT departments in companies, by providing the same functions but at less cost.

It also means companies are not inconvenienced by having to deal with numerous providers, because First Office provides every service required such as telephone lines, mobile, internet connectivity and access to the cloud, as part of a single package.

“We buy these services and then resell them to the customers so that they only have to deal with one bill with everything on it.

“They also benefit by being able

to come directly to us if there is a problem and we will sort it out,” explained Mr Brandon.

In effect, the firm buys line usage and bandwidth wholesale off the telecoms giants, particularly Gamma Telecom, and resells it at various mark-ups to customers, depending on what service they have selected.

“It is a big part of our business and we do profit from it, but of course we need a lot of staff to support and administer it,” said Mr Brandon.

“Because of how competitive this industry is, we are well aware that we have to recognise future trends and be smart about it, otherwise you are going to get left behind.

“Telecoms in particular has evolved massively in recent years, especially as it becomes increasingly intertwined with the internet. Mobile is becoming an increasingly important part of what we offer.”

This has led to the firm offering some very innovative products, such as Multinet, which it is in the process of rolling out.

This product involves a new sim card for a mobile, which effectively means the user will be almost guaranteed mobile signal, as it switches to different networks each time the signal gets weak.

Although such products give the

‘With our skills in all four segments we can build something, cable it, lay carpet, install broadband connections, put in printers and provide IT’

company an edge, both directors believe that the industry is heading for a period of intense competition.

Mr Brandon said: “Those who we used to work with in the past are maybe less collaborative now.

“This is because companies specialised in different areas which were more defined. It was a case of ‘you’re a telecoms company, you’re an IT company and you’re a copier company’.

“But of course, the telecoms companies are now doing IT and the copier companies are also doing IT, so now we are all competing with each other rather than just collaborating.”

Mr Seal added: “The relationships are still there and you may get on, but fundamentally we are going to be treading on each other’s toes a lot more

WHAT IS FIRST OFFICE SYSTEMS? 



First Office Systems was founded

by John Donegan and Andy Brett in 1991 and has been located in Tunbridge Wells ever since.

One year later they were joined

by Jason Seal, with Nick Brandon joining in 1994 – both were promoted to their roles as Service Director and Sales Director, respectively, in 2011.





They have built up the company organically from the start without any outside investment, taking on staff slowly over the years as and when it was safe and timely to do so.

Originally the company focused on telecommunications and document solutions and has since built up to office Interiors and IT divisions.

 The company has now grown to

employing over 25 staff and turning over in excess of £2.3million per annum-with partners including AVAYA, Canon, Gamma, Mitel and Samsung.  There is currently a five-year plan

in place to drive expansion through training, coaching, improved management and the embracing of new and emerging technologies.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

12  LOCAL NEWS

Gold medallist starts the world’s most colourful run

OLYMPIC Champion Victoria Pendleton led the way when 4,000 people set out on the Clinique Run or Dye event at Penshurst Place on Sunday.

It was billed as ‘the world’s most colourful 5km’ event with participants having the choice of running, walking or even dancing their way along the route.

The cycling gold medallist helped to host Run or Dye and took to the stage to share her message of empowerment of ‘never limiting yourself’ and ‘making one difference’ – hoping to inspire women to make a difference in the world, in their community or in their personal life.

“It was fantastic seeing so many people out making one difference – whether to their fitness or by raising money, and with everybody really

Wednesday 6th July 2016

enjoying themselves, she said.”

More than £10,000 was raised for various charities and one of those to benefit from the day was Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Kiss It Better appeal.

Victoria Pendleton is a children’s charity ambassador for the hospital and a supporter of the Kiss it Better appeal, which helps to fund research into children’s cancers at Great Ormond Street.

Her twin brother was cared for by the hospital when being treated for childhood cancer as a young boy.

Participants were showered with eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch dye in a rainbow of colours as they ran through five dye and music stations around the course.

ANOTHER STRING TO HER BOW There’s no stopping cyclist, jockey and now charity runner Victoria Pendleton

LOCAL NEWS �

13

‘It was fantastic seeing so many people out making one difference – whether to their fitness or by raising money, and with everybody really enjoying themselves’

Wednesday 6th July 2016

14  COMMUNITY NEWS

Law firm peaks and raises funds to help sick children A TEAM from CooperBurnett has completed the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours – including 14 hours of climbing – and managed to raise more than £9,000 for charity.

Lee Reeves-Perrin, Gareth Warner, Vrin Khera, Lisa Connolly and Katie Hilsdon scaled Ben Nevis in Scotland… Scafell Pike in England… and Snowdon in Wales.

The team were supported by drivers

Victoria Sampson, Lorraine Constable and Jon Rowe, who drove over 1,400 miles.

Up bright and early at 4.15am on Saturday (June 25), Team CB started Ben Nevis at 6am in high spirits and enjoyed Scottish sun and snow on their ascent.

After climbing 1344m, and with no time to spare, Team CB were back into the minibus for the drivers to navigate the windy roads to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

Team CB were then ready to go again and began the 978m ascent of Scafell Pike, the toughest climb of the Three Peaks. They rallied together and showed real determination to successfully overcome their second peak in an incredible time of three hours, the fastest time their guide had seen it done.

Then it was back into the minibus to try and get some sleep before

the final push with a 3am start to face the bleak and unforgiving Snowdon.

It was dark, cold, wet and windy and was ‘incredibly hard’. However, the team did it and celebrated with bubbly and a thoroughly deserved full English breakfast.

Team leader, Katie Hilsdon said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have successfully cracked the Three Peaks Challenge.

“It has been a total team effort and throughout every moment, when sometimes we wanted to stop, we have been spurred on by the reason we committed to this – the babies and children who are cared for every day by ellenor.”

Linda Trew, Head of Community at ellenor said: “We currently look after around 120 children and their families – although we know there are more we could be helping. The money raised

by CooperBurnett will make a huge difference to what we can do in terms of the support we provide.”

The charity ellenor helps care for youngsters with life limiting condition or terminal illness

TEAM CB L/R The guide, Gareth Warner, Lee Reeves-Perrin, Vrin Khera, Katie Hilsdon and Lisa Connolly

Prime Minister gets into the spirit of the day The Cancer Research Summer Lunch, organised by the Crowborough Committee for Cancer Research, has raised more than £6,000 to fund groundbreaking research.

More than 200 guests attended the event at the East Sussex National Hotel.

Wealden MP Nus Ghani donated a bottle of House of Commons wine signed by the Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as a bottle of House of Commons whisky, for the auction and raffle.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

She said: “Cancer affects so many people, and I warmly congratulate the members of the organising committee who do so much to raise money to fund the vital research which will contribute to far fewer people being affected, in time.”

Organiser Gwen Young said: “This event was the perfect opportunity to support a great cause and network at the same time.”

GIVING MP Nus Ghani presents her donations to Sue Bollock

•

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16  LOCAL NEWS

Lottery funding helps flower power boost bee population

By Murray Jones

FLOWER POWER Panurgus Calcaratus (female bee)

Wednesday 29th June 2016

Wednesday 6th July 2016

A CONSERVATION project based in Tunbridge Wells plans to recruit keen gardeners in its ongoing campaign to save the bee.

The Cross Pollination Project was officially launched last week (June 27) at an event in Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, after being awarded a £47,000 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Over three years the project plans to build six gardens around Tunbridge Wells, with the first scheduled to be created in Dunorlan Park this summer.

The gardens will be filled with beefriendly plants such as clovers, vetches and trefoils as these are rich in pollen and nectar – essential sustenance for bees.

Project coordinator, Cally Fiddimore, emphasised the need for volunteers to help construct the gardens, as well as observers who can collect data about the types of bees that are being tempted in.

But she wants the project to go beyond these public gardens, hoping they will kick-start a wave of bee-friendly gardening throughout the town.

“We want to teach people that creat-

ing a bee-friendly habitat is not difficult, not expensive and still ensures a very attractive garden.”

She also hopes to spread the message to the younger generation by encouraging schoolchildren to get stuck in with developing the gardens by offering workshops in various activities, including beekeeping.

The decline in the bee population has far-reaching implications and therefore should be something that concerns us all, argues Dr Ian Beavis, curator at Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery.

“Bees are vitally important in the natural world, because of their role in the pollination of most plants. They are indispensable for human existence, as the majority of our food crops require pollination by bees.”

He puts their decline down to the overuse of pesticides as well as the destruction of flower-rich grassland, 97% of which has been lost in the UK since 1930.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Cross Pollination Project, the public is encouraged to go along to the Planting Day that is being held at Dunorlan Park on Friday July 8 from 10am-3pm.

BEE-FRIENDLY FLOWERS 

Cat’s ear (Hypochoeris radicata)



Clovers (Trifolium)



Vetches (Vicia)



Trefoils (Lotus corniculatus)

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS 

There’s been a massive decline in the number of bee hives in the UK - nearly 75 per cent in the past century.



There are 250 species of bees in the UK. Of these 24 are the larger bumblebee, the rest are solitary bees as well as one single honey bee species.



Two species of bumblebee have become extinct in the UK since the start of the 21st century:



Cullem’s bumblebee (Bombus cullumanus), was last recorded in 1941.



The Short-haired bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus), was last recorded in 1988.



It is estimated that bees contribute over £400million to the UK economy, primarily through their role in food production.

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18 � NATIONAL NEWS

Theresa May in pole position to succeed David Cameron Liam Fox

Theresa May

Stephen Crabb

Andrea Leadsom

Michael Gove

HOME Secretary Theresa May has taken a big stride in the race to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister, securing a comfortable advantage over her four rivals with the backing of 165 Conservative MPs in the first round of voting.

Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox was eliminated from the contest after winning the support of just 16 MPs. Mrs May’s tally amounted to exactly half of the 330 Conservative MPs, but was a majority of the 329 voting, guaranteeing her a place in the final run-off ballot of Conservative members unless she loses supporters to one of her rivals over the next few days.

Now attention turns to the battle for the second place on the ballot paper, with leading Brexit backer Andrea Leadsom taking 66 votes, Eurosceptic Justice Secretary Michael Gove 48 and Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb 34.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

The four remaining contenders are due to face a second MPs’ vote on Thursday, followed by a final round next Tuesday unless any of the candidates has dropped out by that time.

Theresa May said she was “pleased” by the result and “very grateful” to her colleagues for their support, adding: “There is a big job before us: To unite our party and the country, to negotiate the best possible deal as we leave the EU, and to make Britain work for everyone.”

Local MPs were among those who backed Mrs May. Greg Clark and Wealden MP Nus Ghani put aside their differences from the EU Referendum campaign to throw their weight behind Mrs May to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and – by implication – Prime Minister.

The neighbouring MPs, who backed different sides during prior to the Referendum, are joined by

Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon in lending support to the Home Secretary.

Announcing her decision on Twitter last Thursday, Ms Ghani – who campaigned for a Brexit vote – said: “I am supporting @TheresaMay2016 as Leader of the @Conservatives and our next Prime Minister, for strong leadership in these historic times.”

She was followed on Monday by Fallon, who along with Mr Clark backed Remain. In his role as Defence Secretary he has ‘worked closely’ with Mrs May, who is ‘the right person’ for the task.

He was echoed by Mr Clark who told the Times: “I am supporting Theresa May because I believe that she will provide the strong leadership and unity that our country now needs.”

Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat has said he will not be revealing his preferred choice until the final vote

by MPs on the remaining two candidates.

HOW THEY VOTED Theresa May

165

Andrea Leadsom

66

Michael Gove

48

Stephen Crabb

34

Liam Fox

16

The four remaining contenders are due to face a second MPs’ vote on Thursday, followed by a final round next Tuesday after which Conservative members vote between the final two contenders.

NATIONAL NEWS �

NEWS IN BRIEF

Search is on for Irish ancestor connections ONLINE family ancestry searches have spiked following the EU referendum, with an influx of people keen to discover whether their lineage qualifies them for an EU Irish passport.

The figures come after a deluge of new applications for Irish passports from eligible UK citizens concerned that freedom of movement in the EU might be restricted after Brexit.

Anyone born in Ireland or whose parents are Irish automatically qualifies for citizenship. In some cases, those who have an Irish grandparent can also apply.

BMA boss resigns after doctors reject new deal

Football memorial FOOTBALLERS who fought in the First World War are being commemorated at the Woodland Trust’s centenary wood at Langley Vale in Epsom, Surrey.

The scheme is being spearheaded by former West Ham and England player Sir Trevor Brooking and will create a ‘lasting living legacy’ to players sent to the front between 1914 and 1918.

Conmen go hunting IDENTITY thieves are using social media websites as a hunting ground to harvest victims’ personal details, which they can then use to go on crime sprees. The number of victims rose by 57 per cent last year, according to new figures.

Experts at Cifas, a service that gathers information from hundreds of financial firms, fear that a lack of awareness about the crime is making it easier for conmen.

London clean up LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a consultation into plans to clean up London’s air, which he has described as a ‘pollution public health emergency’.

United against diseases GOOGLE DeepMind, the British artificial intelligence company, has teamed up with Moorfields Eye Hospital in London to build a system which can recognise eye diseases.

19

JUNIOR doctors and medical students across England have voted to reject a contract deal between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government.

In a blow to the BMA, which had encouraged doctors to agree the new terms, 58 per cent voted against the proposed contract while 42 per cent

voted in favour.

Some 68 per cent of those eligible turned out to vote on the deal - some 37,000 junior doctors and medical students.

Following the result, Dr Johann Malawana, head of the BMA’s junior doctors’ committee, announced his resignation.

Junior doctors in England who are members of the BMA voted in the referendum on the new deal, which followed months of tense negotiations between the BMA and the Government.

They were joined by final and penultimate year medical students in the vote.

The BMA held more than 130 roadshows across England to show doctors and medical students details of the new contract.

Dr Malawana said: “Having spoken to many junior doctors across the country in recent weeks it was clear that, while some felt the new

contract represented an improved offer, others had reservations about what it would mean for their working lives, their patients and the future delivery of care in the NHS.” Six strikes have taken place across England during the dispute, causing disruption to hundreds of thousands of patients who have had appointments and operations cancelled.

It is unclear what will happen now with regards to future action. A spokeswoman for the BMA said it has no plans for future strikes.

In his resignation letter, Dr Malawana said he believed continuing in the job “would be dishonourable and untenable”.

He said after forcing the Government back to the negotiation table twice, I was hopeful that the resulting contract would be acceptable to our amazing membership.

“However, I believe the fundamental breakdown in trust caused by the government’s actions over the last five years has resulted in a situation where no solution is possible, particularly when a Government is so keen to declare victory over frontline staff.”

A month of misery for rail commuters SOUTHERN Railway is cutting 341 trains a day in a revised timetable for a month and has apologised to passengers for weeks of disruption caused by staff shortages and industrial action.

Changes include a reduced off-peak service between Tonbridge and Redhill where passengers for London Victoria will need to change trains.

The company said it was pressing ahead with changing the role of conductors from August, the issue which has sparked a series of strike by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.

The union and parent company Govia Thameslink (GTR) disagree over the introduction of more driveronly operated (DOO) services, which includes a change in conductors' roles.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash offered to suspend industrial action if the company agreed not to implement the changes.

He told MPs on the Transport Select Committee that the recent increase in sickness levels was not being orchestrated by the union and denied it amounted to unofficial industrial action.

Chief executive Charles Horton apologised to passengers for the daily disruption but said the cancellations from next Monday, amounting to 15 per cent of Southern's services, would deliver a more ‘resilient’ level of services.

Southern's passenger services director, Alex Foulds, said: "We are introducing this temporary weekday revised timetable with reluctance but it is the best thing we can do for our passengers who have been suffering daily cancellations ever since this dispute with the RMT began, and for which we are sincerely sorry.

"It should give the majority of our passengers a better, more consistent service that they can plan around.

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, called on ministers to take over the running of the GTR franchise.

"We simply cannot allow this appalling service to continue. GTR has been seen to fail on delivering an efficient and reliable service to passengers on Southern."

Louise Ellman, who chairs the select committee, said MPs had been contacted by passengers angry at not getting home in time to see their children, with some saying they had lost their jobs because of delays to their trains.

Ms Ellman said: "We will watch carefully to see how the new emergency timetable, with its planned cancellations, helps and how the operator and unions can work together to find a permanent solution that improves the poor services passengers have suffered for too long."

HINKLEY POINT An artist’s impression

Wednesday 6th July 2016

20 � NATIONAL BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Slowdown at the tills in John Lewis stores JOHN Lewis saw sales growth slow in the seven days following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.

The department store chain’s sales figures for the week to July 2 showed that sales rose 2.1 per cent, compared with 7.3 per cent a week earlier.

I’m a chancer – but BHS Carney acts to failure was not my fault soothe jitters

Property fund on hold AVIVA, the insurance, savings and investment company, suspended trading in its £1.8billion property fund yesterday as investors scrambled to pull their money out of UK commercial property holdings following the Brexit vote.

Groceries on the rise THE cost of a basket of groceries has risen slightly for the first time in seven months according to the mySupermarket Groceries Tracker.

A basket of 35 popular items cost £82.83 in June, up from £82.59 in May, but is still 4 per cent cheaper than this time last year.

Cobra boss bites back THE founder of Cobra Beer is urging the Government to remain in the European Union, despite the referendum result.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, who is also a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, blamed the inaction of the Electorial Commission for the result.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

CHANCER Dominic Chappell BHS’S former owner has defended taking millions out of the doomed retailer and accused Sir Philip Green of siphoning huge sums from the firm.

Former bankrupt Dominic Chappell admitted he was a ‘chancer’ who had benefited from owning the high street giant, but denied the £2.6million package that included a £600,000 salary had contributed to its demise.

BHS’s collapse in April has left 11,000 people out of work and a £571million black hole in its pension fund, triggering an inquiry by MPs into the whereabouts of the cash.

Speaking to BBC’s Newsnight Mr Chappell said he sincerely and utterly apologised to the high street giant’s staff and insisted he had made

every effort to turn the ailing company around.

He said: “I took a big risk going in and it was a risk reward, we live in a risk reward society, that’s the way companies are built and fail. Did I take a lot of money out? Yes I did. But did the business fail because of the amount of money I took out? No it didn’t. This was just a drop in the ocean compared to the money that was needed to turn around BHS.” Mr Chappell previously told the Commons Business and Pensions Committees that his efforts to save BHS were confounded by Sir Philip, who owned the retailer for 15 years.

The Topshop tycoon has come under fire for taking £400million in dividends from BHS and then selling it to Mr Chappell, who had no previous retail experience and had been declared bankrupt twice.

Mr Chappell said that, had he not taken on the risky acquisition, the job losses would have come sooner.

“We were the only people to stick our heads above the parapet and give it a go. So if I’m a chancer for that, well, yes I am.

Frank Field, the Labour chairman of the pensions committee, has described Mr Chappell as a “Walter Mitty” - a reference to the fictional character who lived in his own fantasy world.

Mr Chappell said it was ‘pathetic’ and ‘ridiculous’ for the MP to make the comments while the inquiry was continuing.

The failure of BHS and the resulting public outcry had ‘absolutely destroyed’ his reputation, he said.

over borrowing BANK of England governor Mark Carney said plans to contain the fallout from the Brexit vote were working as he announced a move to boost lending to households and businesses by up to £150billion.

He assured Britons they can remain confident that they can borrow as needed after the Bank took action to relax funding rules for lenders.

But on unveiling the Bank’s twice-yearly Financial Stability Report, Mr Carney warned over the vulnerability of households with high levels of debt to an economic slowdown.

The Bank’s move to help bolster the ability of banks to lend comes as part of a raft of measures announced since the referendum decision to shore up the financial system and soothe nerves.

The Bank will reduce the capital required to be held on banks’ balance sheets by £5.7billion, which it said would help bolster their ability to lend by up to £150billion.

The so-called countercyclical capital buffer rate has been slashed to zero from 0.5 per cent and will remain at that level for at least a year, it said.

“Today’s action means that UK households and business who want to seize viable opportunities in a post-referendum world can be confident they will be supported by the financial system,” said Mr Carney.

But he said the Bank will not be able to fully and immediately offset the market and economic volatility after the Brexit vote and also remains concerned about the buy-to-let market and interest rates.

WORLD NEWS �

21

Juno prepares to unlock the mysteries of Jupiter

Obama backs Clinton in race to White House

THE Juno space probe has arrived in orbit around Jupiter in a historic moment for astronomy after a fiveyear, 1.8 billion-mile voyage.

The spacecraft, named after the Roman goddess, completed a complex procedure during which rockets were fired to slow its 150,000mph (250,000kph) approach to the planet.

Cheers and applause erupted in mission control at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology

France tackles terror

when a signal arrived confirming the burn was complete at around 4.54am.

The mission’s chief scientist, Scott Bolton, congratulated his team, saying: “You’ve just done the hardest thing Nasa’s ever done.”

However the mission still faces the huge challenge of operating the $1.1billion (£890million) probe in one of the solar system’s harshest environments.

Should all go to plan, Juno’s instruments and camera could

provide insights into the history of the solar system and return stunning images of the planet.

The titanium-armoured probe’s task is to improve our understanding of Jupiter’s formation and evolution by using complex instruments to peer through the thick atmosphere and its famous Great Red Spot.

Juno’s array will study the gas planet’s composition, gravity, magnetic field and the source of its raging 384mph winds, while a panoramic camera will also return images of the planet in detail never seen before.

Scientists hope that analysis of Jupiter’s interior structure will

ultimately help them understand the history and formation of the wider solar system.

It will be some days before Juno begins beaming data and images back to Earth.

Dubbed the ‘biggest, baddest planet in the solar system’ by the Juno team, Jupiter is surrounded by a field of high radiation streaked with particles energised by its immensely strong magnetic field.

It also has a ring of dust and rock similar to its neighbour, Saturn, posing a further threat to the probe.

Juno was launched into space on 5 August 2011.

The mission is part of the US space agency’s New Frontiers programme.

Baghdad bomb death toll rises

SPACE CHALLENGE History in the making

MORE bodies have been recovered from the site of the weekend suicide bomb attack in central Baghdad by Islamic State, bringing the death toll to 175, Iraqi authorities have said.

Police and health officials warned that there are still people missing and that the death toll could rise further.

The bombing came days before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which

marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and which begins on Wednesday in Iraq.

An Islamic State suicide bomber struck Baghdad’s bustling commercial area of Karada in the early hours of Sunday.

The bombing showed the IS capability for launching attacks beyond the front lines.

NEWS IN BRIEF

EIGHT years after Hillary Clinton helped unite Democrats behind Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, he has returned the favour.

Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton made their first joint appearance of the 2016 campaign in North Carolina yesterday.

They were bitter rivals in the 2008 Democratic primary but became colleagues when Mrs Clinton joined Mr Obama’s Cabinet.

A FRENCH parliamentary inquiry has found there were intelligence failures before the Paris terror attacks and has called for the country to have a US-style counter-terrorism agency.

Australia made to wait VOTE counting resumed in Australia’s neckand-neck election, three days after the contest failed to deliver an immediate winner and left the nation’s leadership in doubt.

Counting was suspended in the early hours of Sunday morning while the ballot papers were secured and catalogued in a bid to avoid a repeat of a fiasco in 2013 when the mislaying of 1,370 ballot papers forced a re-run of the senate election in Western Australia.

Berlusconi on the mend ITALY’S former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left hospital three weeks after undergoing heart surgery at the San Raffaele clinic in Milan.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

SPORTS NEWS 

SPORT IN BRIEF

Fallon taken to hospital in bid to beat depression KIEREN FALLON will undergo initial treatment for ‘three to four weeks’ as his battle to beat depression begins in hospital.

The six-times champion jockey, 51, admitted on Monday that his career in the saddle was over.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, the Irish Turf Club’s chief medical officer, said: “The next step in his treatment is that he’ll be going to hospital. Kieren will have an initial treatment of three to four weeks and then we’ll take it from there.

“What most people are unaware of is that in Ireland anxiety and depression is the second most common illness seen by GPs every day. It is exceptionally common – only alcohol in Ireland is a bigger problem.”

Keep off the grass WALES players were asked not to bring their children on to the pitch after the Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal tonight (Wednesday) because it is ‘not a safe place’.

Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu and Ashley Williams celebrated with their children during their progress to the last four.

But Uefa said: “It is a European Championship, not a family party.”

Tournament director Martin Kallan said: “A stadium is not the most safe place for small kids if fans invaded the field, and with stadium staff operating machinery on the playing surface.”

Pictures of Gareth Bale holding his daughter Alba after Wales beat Northern Ireland featured heavily in the media.

New deal for Kane HARRY KANE has signed a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, which will make him the club’s highest paid player at around £100,000 a week.

The 22-year-old was leading scorer in the Premier League last season with 25 goals but failed to score for England at Euro 2016.

A product of the Spurs academy, it is the third contract Kane has signed with the club during the last two years.

He agreed a salary of £50,000 a week when he signed a five-year deal in February.

He could face stiff competition next season if Spurs secure the services of AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen. The club have lodged an improved bid of £17million for the 22-year-old Holland forward.

Murray on cup duty ANDY MURRAY will try to lead Great Britain into the Davis Cup semi-finals as the team bid to retain the title they won last year.

The Wimbledon favourite has confirmed his availability for the match against Serbia in Belgrade, which world number one Novak Djokovic has chosen to miss.

Kyle Edmund, Jamie Murray, Dan Evans and Dominic Inglot are in the squad for the three-day tie starting on Friday July 15.

Driven round the bend A NORTHERN Ireland jockey who broke his leg after he was run over by an ambulance revealed his father trains ambulance drivers.

Chris Meehan, who broke his nose following a fall in a race at the Merano track in Italy, said: “What makes it worse is my father, brother, auntie, they’re all ambulance people. You couldn’t make it up.”

22

‘It’s not my fault that Giggs wanted to leave’ JOSE MOURINHO insisted he was not to blame for Ryan Giggs’ departure from Old Trafford as the new Manchester United manager conducted his first press conference.

He also pledged to play another United veteran, Wayne Rooney, in his prime position up front.

The long-serving Giggs left Old Trafford at the end of last month after almost 29 years as a player and coach at the club.

Mourinho says he would have been happy for Giggs, who spent two years as assistant manager to his predecessor Louis van Gaal, to stay in some capacity but the Welshman wanted to move on.

“It is not my responsibility that Ryan is not in the club,” he said. “The job Ryan wanted is the job the club decided to give me. It is not my fault.

“Ryan wanted to be Man United manager and the club, for reasons only the owners, (vicechairman) Mr Woodward, the board can tell you, decided the job was for me.

“When you say did I offer him a job, could he be my assistant – he could be what he wanted in the club. The club wanted to give him any important job in the club. But he made his decision, a decision where he needed to be brave.

“Good luck, and if one day he wants to come back while I am here, I will never stop him coming back. I will always say yes if the club asks my opinion.”

The Portuguese admitted that United captain Rooney may no longer have some of the edge of his youth but does not believe he should be deployed in midfield.

That tactic had begun to be employed under Van Gaal and the 30-year-old also played in a withdrawn role for England at Euro 2016.

Mourinho said: “Players change during the years. It is normal that a player at this age changes a little bit. But there is something that will never change, which is the natural appetite to put the ball in the net.

“So maybe he is not a striker any more, maybe not a number nine any more, but with me he will never be a number six. He will never be someone playing 50 metres away from the goal.

Mourinho added that he intended to be forceful

FLYING COLOURS Jose Mourinho is unveiled in his approach, saying: “What is ‘playing well’?

It is scoring more goals than the opponents, conceding less, making your fans proud because you give everything and you win.

“It is everything at the same time. It is an aggressive approach by myself. I want everything.

Of course we are not going to get everything, but we want to.”

He came prepared for questions about youth players, determined to quash the perception that he does not promote players from within.

The 53-year-old produced a piece of paper on which he claimed that he had written a list of the 49 young players to whom he had previously given an opportunity.

Mourinho, who has coached Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan and Real Madrid, said: “I never promote players because of need – I did it because of conviction and decision.

“I did 49 – some of them are big names, they are Champions League winners, in the Euros, playing for national teams.

“One lie repeated many times sometimes looks true but it will never be true. If you want the names, I give you the names.”

He admitted that his second spell as Chelsea manager had been a ‘disaster’, leading to his sacking last December.

“The reality was, I was in trouble for the last five months. The first month was fine, the second was not so good and after that was a disaster.”

He hinted heavily that United have completed a deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan by saying the club have signed three of his four targets – the first two being Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He did not identify the fourth, but Juventus’s France midfielder Paul Pogba has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford.

Hamilton upbeat over Brexit set to cause fourth title ambitions long-term problems LEWIS Hamilton believes his unlikely victory in Austria ‘shows anything is possible’ as he bids to make history by becoming the first British driver to win four Formula One world championships.

Hamilton heads into his 10th British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday (July 10) just 11 points shy of his team-mate and rival Nico Rosberg after their collision on the last lap of a dramatic race in Spielberg.

The Briton, who has won his home race in each of the past two seasons, said of the current topsy-turvy campaign: “There’s still a long way to go in the season, but Sunday's race shows anything is possible.

“I’m only human, and there are days where it feels great, and days where you think, I’m never going to get up that mountain but that’s when MAN AND MACHINE you dig deepest and ‘I’m only human,’ somehow get up says Lewis Hamilton there.”

ARSENAL manager Arséne Wenger has warned the decision to leave the EU could have a lasting effect on the Premier League in the long term.

The Frenchman, who has been in charge of Arsenal for nearly 20 years, professed his ‘shock’ at the Brexit vote.

“Nobody knows how exactly this is going to translate into a practical plan,” he told France Football. “Nobody really knows where we’re going.

“The players will see their wages come down a bit, and the competition with Germany, for example, will be stronger.”

He added: “In my opinion, it is overwhelmingly in the long term that there are questions to be answered.

“The way in which England will leave the European Union will dictate the future of the Premier League.

“If the league becomes less attractive, the broadcasters will offer less money for the rights, club revenues will decrease and the Premier League will suffer the consequences. There lies the problem.

“All of that is now uncertain and Brexit is a spanner in the works.

“The big English clubs have the means to keep hold of their biggest assets. The most important thing lies elsewhere.

“Currently, the league is seen as the most attractive one and that image could disappear.”

Wednesday 6th July 2016

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24  COMMENT

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Greg Clark was elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government: www.gregclark.org

We cannot be expelled or have a timetable imposed upon us THE two weeks that have passed since the Referendum have been some of the most tumultuous in Britain in years. As readers know, I believe that Britain would be better off as part of the European Union and I campaigned to remain a member. Although a majority of people in Tunbridge Wells agreed with me, most of the country did not – including, it is fair to say, a substantial number of people who live in our town.

I am proud of the way the campaign was conducted in Tunbridge Wells. It was passionate and engaged, but it was also respectful and serious. That’s the way we do things here. On both sides of the argument people put aside party political rivalries and joined together, working to engage voters. If the national debate had been conducted more like the debate we had in Tunbridge Wells, I believe that much of the rancour that soured it could have been avoided.

The result of the Referendum was not the one that I hoped for, but it must be respected. The country must come together and be determined

Wednesday 6th July 2016

to heal the divisions that were evident and to negotiate the best possible terms for our future relationship with the European Union.

‘We should put a great deal of effort into our diplomatic relationships’ The morning of the Referendum result, I caught the train to London and called together all the staff of the government ministry I am responsible for – the Department for Communities and Local Government. I reminded them that the country must be run well, even while questions about our EU negotiations are being resolved. Nothing changes immediately as a result of the vote. It was an instruction to negotiate, not an instant change. We continue to have the same tariff-free access to the single market as we have since it was created. There is no change to the rights of people from other EU countries to be able to work here, or the rights of British citizens to live and

work or retire to those countries. These rights don’t change until we have agreed the terms of our exit, and the timing of that is in our hands because it is for the UK alone to trigger Article 50 which sets a maximum two-year timetable SPEECHLESS Nigel Farage was ‘shamingly boorish’

for withdrawal. We cannot be expelled or have a timetable imposed upon us.

My strong view is that we should not rush into immediate withdrawal, but instead should take our time to work on terms that are in the mutual interest of Britain and the EU partners that will want to continue to trade with us.

Another reason for not acting in a rush is that, as least in my experience, successful negotiations depend on relationships as well as pieces of paper. A new Prime Minister will need to build and renew those relationships, which are currently bruised.

We should put a great deal of effort into our diplomatic relationships during the years ahead.

Doing so requires having a cool head and a courteous, constructive disposition – for which Britain has been historically celebrated and which is, I’m afraid, the exact opposite of the shamingly boorish behaviour which Nigel Farage displayed in Brussels last week.

If we can act in this way – true to our national character – we can begin to rebuild the confidence among investors and trading partners that is essential if we are to maintain the greater prosperity that has been painstakingly rebuilt since the financial crisis. Whatever we think of the Referendum result, we must move beyond dejection or elation which, unproductive in themselves, stand in the way of action to secure the best possible future for our town and country.

26  LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always want to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU accepts that man, and the state, government, society he creates, can never be perfect and the most practical approach to a workable solution is one of pragmatism – a laissez-faire, a laissez allee approach: one which works within the limits of these imperfections.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Remain: Effective campaign made all the difference

A LISTENER to Radio Kent early Friday morning (June 24) said of the surprising news that Tunbridge Wells had voted to Remain in the EU: “Oh it must be all the rich bankers”.

NO. Sevenoaks must have just as many of those but voted for Brexit. In my view it was down to the superb campaign run by “Stronger in Europe” (Alan Bullion and team), The Constituency Labour Party, Greg Clark, the Lib Dems and Greens, all of whom worked in harmony – giving out an informative, rational message backed up by excellent factual information, plus a willingness to listen to those with whom they engaged.

Had such an effective campaign been mounted elsewhere in the county, and the country, how different our landscape might now be looking.

Thank you to the Times of Tunbridge Wells for last week’s front page, now on my fridge and sent to several European and worldwide friends and family.

Cllr Fiona Brown

EU: The austerity architects

WHILST proud that Tunbridge Wells was a Kentish standout with its 55% Remain vote, those of us at the count could see there was over 55% in prosperous areas, and far under that % in less advantaged ones.

That pattern was seen across the country, with millions who feel they have lost control of their lives giving the “austerity” architects Cameron and Osborne a kicking by the only means at their disposal – thus plunging everyone and their children into an uncertain future.

We need to make sure everyone in Britain has their voice heard, and the time is right to urgently switch to Proportional Representation.

In May 2015, PR would have left the Tories the biggest party, but with too few seats to have triggered this unnecessary EU Referendum.

And 3.9 million UKIP voters would now have about 83 MPs at Westminster (rather than just one in Clacton), and the Greens, 1.1m voters would have produced 23 MPs to fight for climate change measures.

Locally, PR in the May 2016 Council elections would have produced 8 Lab/LibDem/UKIP councillors instead of the near-bluewash for the Tories based on less than half the vote.

I hereby appeal to Greg Clark to come out for Proportional Representation, to help heal the busted country his party has produced.

John Hurst Chair, Tunbridge Wells

EU: Not generous benefactor

Ed: Our thanks for all the positive feedback on last week’s front page cartoon Green Party

EU: We dislike bullying

IF DAVID CAMERON had taken a more statesman-like position in the debate leading up to the referendum there was a chance, albeit remote, that he could have carried the day; had he done this he may have remained Prime Minister even if the vote was to leave.

That he decided to lead a very aggressive, doom-laden and bullying campaign was the start of his downfall: he even started to bowl before the opposing batsman was ready; he delivered his first serve before the umpire called: “play”.

The British do not like bullies; we dislike bullying know-it-all politicians, and we dislike bullying continental politicians even less – and we’ve seen off enough of them in the past, but we dislike most of all bullying unelected bureaucrats who, regardless of the suffering they cause; the misery visited upon millions of people; the devastation to countries’ economies, cause not a flicker of regret, nor even a single resignation from their ranks – they reign supreme, above it all and above rebuke.

Recently I read that the difference between Britain and France – France being the principal architect of the politicised EU, is that whereas France’s philosophy is Rousseauian: Rousseau believed that man is an imperfect creature but, within a perfect state, he could be made perfect, both of these positions are just absurd – pie-in-the-sky: a perfect man? a perfect state? Pure nonsense, the stuff of dreams.

Britain’s more realistic and pragmatic approach derives out of David Hume (and others), which

MY OPINION on the referendum result aside, I make the following two comments.

What disgusting scenes as Boris Johnson emerged from his house on Friday morning (June 24); to be greeted by a ‘baying mob’, obviously unhappy with the result. This reinforces my opinion that there is an ever increasing number of people who do not actually subscribe to the principles of real ‘Democracy’; unless the vote goes in their favour.

Will they now incite mass demonstrations amongst the 48% of the population, who like them voted to ‘stay’, and even call for a ‘General Strike’.

My second point is something that to my knowledge did not figure in the ‘Out’ campaign.

Can I dispel the notion that certain areas of the UK; have benefited from large amounts of EU funding for regeneration.

The EU is not and has never been a ‘Generous Benefactor ‘with vast wealth to bestow on deserving relatives and family. The monies donated by the EU were only a return of some of the huge amount of money the UK sent to Europe annually to maintain our membership.

Dick Salisbury Crowborough

EU: Seething with disbelief

MY CHILDREN tell me that social media, their generation’s unedited medium for communication, is seething with disbelief, resentment and anger. sixty per cent of 18 to 45 year olds voted to remain. They are the ones who will be paying for healthcare, social services, benefits and pensions for the over 45 year olds, 60% of whom voted to leave and of whom most would not be directly impacted by tangible benefits, if any, of leaving the EU. “Make Britain Great again”, they say. Britain has ceased to exist!

Having been lucky enough to have been born into a reasonably well-off country that has shown the world how to strive for a democratic, liberal, tolerant, respectful and just society, half of ENGLISH voters have behaved like a callow youth who storms out yelling “I’m leaving” because they aren’t given everything they ask for and can’t be bothered to consider all arguments.

I’m proud that Tunbridge Wells was the only area in Kent to vote Remain, but I am ashamed to be English.

Jan May

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

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Calverley SEEMS that between them Network Rail and Kent County Council can’t organise a bridge closure. Grosvenor Bridge should have closed three weeks ago for repair work taking six months. It didn’t happen. KCC blamed Network Rail for not doing some preparatory work. Network Rail blamed it all on KCC. And still no date has been set.

Calverley sighs with frustration.

STRANGE the reasons that people find themselves at the front counter of a police station. Calverley happened to be at the one in Tunbridge Wells (please don’t ask) when a woman entered and said to the desk bobby: “I was feeding the foxes at ten o’clock last night when someone told me to stop because it was illegal. Is it really against the law?” She was politely informed it was not and exited the station smiling.

MAKES you wonder when you hear of things going wrong in votng polls, such as the one with the ‘R’ word. One of Calverley’s colleagues ended up with two valid, but different, ballot papers; he had moved home and one went to the old address.

Being a journalist (i.e.honest and upstanding) he tore up one of them. So he claims.

THERE was this chap who wanted to open his very own gastro pub. He duly found a site, recruited a good chef and informed him he wanted to see a menu with a French flavour including snails. The keen as mustard chef has each day for the last month put the snails on the menu. Alas not a single customer has yet tasted said snails.

Each day the owner consumes all the snails available – 30 of them!

OVERHEARD in a Tunbridge Wells coffee shop last week: “We were absolute rubbish at the football Euros and we’ll probably be just as rubbish at the Rio Olympics.” Oh ye of little faith.

RUMOURS abound about the couple reportedly escorted by security guards from the Tunbridge Wells International Art Fair.

Calverley understands the pair, extremely well known in the local art world, had become a bit of a nuisance at the event in the Assembly Hall. The woman was spotted ‘doing a funny dance’. Tweet messages were also mentioned. Such is the world of art.

Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.brightyoungthings.co.uk

EDUCATION �

27

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Grammar school students illustrate how they have their creative studies down to a fine art Photography, drama, music and design technology are all subjects that should be given as much credit in the secondary school syllabus as the more traditional ones says Karen Johnson, Head of Media Studies, at Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School. The Times spoke to her to find out more . . .

LAST week Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) held a special social event which marked the diversity and breadth of the artistic talent in its sixth form.

Parents, friends and pupils were invited to view the impressive work of Year 13 students in the fields of Art, Design Technology, Drama, Media Studies and Music.

Karen Johnson, the school’s Head of Media Studies and the evening’s organiser, has put on this ‘Oscars Style’ ceremony which showcases the various print and film projects completed by GCSE and A level Media Studies, for the past ten years.

This year however Ms Johnson also wanted to emphasise just how important these particular areas of study are in the secondary school curriculum.

“The principal aim was to highlight that although traditional, academic subjects are important, opportunities to develop practical skills and creativity are also vital,” she told The Times in an exclusive interview.

“For some students this is their opportunity to thrive in an academic environment and in light of government changes to education and the demotion of creative aspects to subjects in the curriculum I decided that a more expansive, cross-curricular event was a good idea.”

The evening featured work

by A level Art students who

exhibited a variety of interesting pieces using a range of both traditional materials and multimedia. Some explored social and political themes while others’ work concentrated on consumption and body image.

The Resistant Materials exhibition featured a range of ingenious products with highly practical benefits such as a moveable medication trolley suitable for use in care homes; a refrigerated picnic basket that allows the transportation of food and drink at the correct temperature, and a weather resistant storage box for Land Rover Defenders to hold recovery and tyre changing equipment.

The design and mechanics of these products demonstrated a range of skills employed by the students using metal, rubber and wood.

“The research and drawings used in the planning stages also gave insight into how problem solving and making mistakes is such an important part of the creative process,” revealed Ms Johnson.

The school’s music department featured a set on the night from its resident soul band The Groove Merchants, who sang numbers including Mustang Sally; Signed, Sealed, Delivered

‘The principal aim was to highlight that although traditional, academic subjects are important, opportunities to develop practical skills and creativity are also vital’ and Lovely Day which demonstrated their vocal range and musical expertise.

The band members vary from ages 14 to 19 and in addition to playing a number of concerts in school, they also perform at other local venues in order to raise money for charity.

Three of the TWGSB Year 13 leavers are going on to study music at university and have been inspiring role models for the younger students throughout the school.

Its Media Studies A level currently enables students to work in groups on the planning, filming and editing of films, music videos and print work.

“This process reflects real practice and students thrive when given autonomy and guidance and the skills in camera work and editing to turn creative ideas into reality,” said Ms Johnson.

The Drama department were also involved in the show last Tuesday evening showing three short performances from younger students.

“These demonstrated the confidence and selfesteem that performing in front of an audience can bring to young people as well as the innate

humour which children possess,” added Ms Johnson.

“The school doesn’t currently run an A level in Drama due to the low number of students currently choosing this option so part of the message from Tuesday’s event was to highlight how creative subjects have been side lined and downgraded by successive governments.

“The over-riding message seems to be that academic subjects are what the workplace requires and that creative ‘softer’ subjects have little merit. As educators we try to confront this myth and promote every child’s unique talents, unlocking the creative potential of all students.”

Wednesday 6th July 2016

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Offi cial fuel cons umpti on fi gur es for t he Mase rati Gh ibl i Di esel in mpg llitres/100 km] : Urban 36 .7 17.71, Extr a Urban 57.6 li.j .9], Comb ined l.j7_9 15.91. C0 2 em iss ions on comb ined cycle : 158 g/km . Fuel consumption and CO, figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. *BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Model shown is Maserati Ghibli Diesel MY16 V6d ljdr Auto. Contract Hire payment profile of £/j,788 +VAT in advance, followed by 35 monthly rentals of £399 +VAT. Rentals shown above exclude maintenance and are based on 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charge apply. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required, we work with a number creditors including Maserati Financial Services. Vehicles must be registered with FCA Fleet Services UK Ltd by 30th June 2016. PO Box lj590, Slough, Berkshire SU OWU.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

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WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

bracketts est. 1828

Pride of Penshurst Elizabethan style

Buy your very own ‘Gibraltar’ on rocks of Tunbridge Wells

Be lord of all you survey in an Arts & Crafts ‘Toys’ house

This White House has an indoor well and outdoor pool

Wednesday 6th July 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Your at-a-glance guide to

Rupert Connell Partner, Office Head Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells

The UK vote in favour of Brexit has the potential to make a relatively swift impact on the housing market. The scale of this effect, especially in the medium to long-term, will depend on the outcome of negotiations on the UK’s exit. In the short-term, consumer confidence is likely to be knocked by the continued uncertainty, especially with regards to trade.

This may weigh on activity in the market, especially those making discretionary purchases, which could result in a slip in transaction volumes, and prices. However, uncertainty could also result in a further dampening of homes coming onto the market, and this lack of supply will provide a floor under prices.

There is also a chance that mortgage rates become detached from the base rate. While the base rate may well be cut in the coming weeks, lenders may raise their rates as a technique to control their lending levels. Both the reduced availability and increased cost of credit could put additional pressure on transactions as well as affordability.

THE RIDGEWAYE SOUTHBOROUGH

£510,000

However, it is worth noting that much mortgage activity recently has been in fixed-term fixed-rate deals, ranging from 2 to 10 years.

Borrowers on such deals will not be affected by rising mortgage rates over these time frames.

In the longer term, any increase in inflation could trigger base rate rises, which would again translate into higher mortgage rates. This scenario would be more challenging for those on variable rate deals.

If house prices are also declining, this will put the most pressure on highly leveraged borrowers.

The second-round effects from a slowing economy and growing unemployment will also be felt in the housing market, as these factors affect household incomes as well as sentiment. In the short to medium-term, the fundamental demand and supply dynamics in the market are unlikely to change, with a continued structural undersupply of homes across the country, underpinning pricing in some of the most desirable and best connected areas.

Knight Frank 01892 310997 www.knightfrank.co.uk

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 6th July 2016

UNDER £250,000 PARK ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£240,000

Lying in the heart of the St John’s area, close to the town centre and local amenities, this impressive first floor converted apartment forms part of an imposing Edwardian building and has been remodelled by the current owners.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, open-plan living room/kitchen, two bedrooms, a shower room and a store area. The apartment is offered free of any forward chain and has a designated off-road parking space.

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 MULBERRY CLOSE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£340,000

This well-presented semi-detached house is on a corner plot with off-road parking. Situated on a popular development close to Barnett’s Wood Nature Reserve, the property offers an entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining

room and kitchen on the ground floor, with three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. It also benefits from gas-fired central heating, double glazing and a rear garden which backs on to a green, along with parking for two vehicles.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Southborough 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 QUEENS ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£399,000

A delightful mid-terraced period property with stylish accommodation over three floors, set in a popular road.

The kitchen is on the lower ground floor along with a bathroom and dining room with doors opening out to the lovely garden. On the entrance level is a hall, sitting room and bedroom, with a further two bedrooms on the first floor. To the rear is a stunning 100ft garden with two seating areas.

CONTACT Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 THE HAYBARN, LOWER HAYSDEN LANE, TONBRIDGE

£795,000

A spacious detached home modernised by the owners which offers an entrance hall, cloakroom, contemporary kitchen, breakfast room, sitting room, ground floor bedroom, family room/bedroom and utility room, plus two bedrooms (one en-suite) and a family bathroom upstairs. Additionally, an annexe has a large en-suite bedroom and an office area with concealed plumbing for a kitchenette. There is a detached garage and planning permission to extend both the utility room and annexe.

CONTACT Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION LYE GREEN, CROWBOROUGH

£950,000

UNDER £600,000 THE RIDGEWAYE SOUTHBOROUGH

£510,000 Sited in the sought-after location of a private road in Southborough, this detached bungalow is extremely well presented throughout and offers an entrance hall, two double bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room, bathroom, modern kitchen, utility room and cloakroom. It has a detached double garage and plenty of parking to the front of

the property, and at the rear is a delightful, good-sized garden. There is also lapsed planning permission for conversion of the loft space to create further accommodation.

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

In a lovely position near Ashdown Forest, this attractive period property has been totally refurbished and is believed to date back to the early 1800’s. Brimming with character, the ground floor opens to a hall, cloakroom, sitting room, open-plan kitchen/dining/ family room, walk-in pantry and utility room. The first floor has an en-suite master bedroom, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a gated driveway with parking leading to a double open-bay garage, and a pretty rear garden backs on to woodland.

CONTACT Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Staplehurst - Price Guideline £629, OOO Freehold 'A charming chocolate box cottage '

Cranbrook - Price Guideline £645, OOO Freehold 'The opportunity to create your perfect cottage'

Biddeneden - Offers in Excess of £995,000 Freehold Lamberhurst- Price Guideline £1,300,000 Freehold 'The perfect retreat, boasting tranquility' 'Where history meets modern living'

Chainhurst- Price Guideline ÂŁ1,450,000 This spacious character farmhouse is nestled amongst rich farmland with spectacular views of the open countryside and orchards and within the hamlet of Chainhurst.

Refurbished and restored with utmost care whilst redeeming original features through out this 6 bedroom family home. Set in 3. 8 glorious acres with a fantastic pool house alongside a heated pool, a garage, a workshop and further outbuildings. The footprint of an old tennis court and former stables may be of interest. Gardens, paddocks, a kitchen garden, a pond, terraces and fruit trees invite you to come to enjoy the good life.

� PROPERTY SECTION

BRITTAINS LANE SEVENOAKS

£1,350,000

Modernised family house offers a superb open-plan living area I

‘ There is a superb rear terrace with a covered seating area, ideal for alfresco entertaining’ Wednesday 6th July 2016

DEALLY located in a sought-after road not far from Sevenoaks station, this substantial detached house has been extended and modernised to a high specification throughout.

Offering generous family accommodation, with a stylish open-plan kitchen/dining/ family room to the rear, it is a wonderful combination of character and contemporary touches.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, a sitting room with a bow window to the front and a fireplace, a dining room with double doors to the rear terrace and a cloakroom.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area offers plenty of space with the bonus of walls of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to open it up to the rear garden. An adjoining utility room and playroom completes this level.

Upstairs, a master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite shower room is accompanied by a further four bedrooms, an impressive family bathroom and a separate WC. Additionally, a flight of stairs leads up to a large loft room.

Outside there is a superb rear terrace with a covered seating area, ideal for alfresco entertaining. Plus a good-sized level garden.

The property also benefits from a garage and off-road parking.

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

AT A GLANCE

n Extended and modernised period family home n Very well presented n Spacious accommodation n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Playroom n Kitchen/dining/family room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master suite with walk-in wardrobe and shower room n Four further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Separate WC n Large loft room n Garden and terrace n Garage and off-road parking

ÂŁ1,350,000 For sale through Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Southborough

Charming Grade II Listed property overlooking the Common Comprising the major portion of a beautiful Georgian house. 4/5 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2/3 reception rooms. Integral garage with utility area.

Norfolk Heights, Tunbridge Wells

A spacious purpose built apartment situated in the heart of the town 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. EPC rating B. In all about 1,245 sq ft.

Langton Green

Blackham

An attractive and spacious family home

An attractive family house in a rural setting

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Impressive rear garden. Integral garage.

EPC rating D. In all about 0.95 acres.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Double garage. Workshop.

EPC rating D. Garden and land extending to approximately 11 acres.

Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells A gated development of two executive detached homes, conveniently situated for the town centre and mainline station 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Level rear garden laid to lawn. Detached double garage. Gated entrance. EPC rating B.

Rolvenden A substantial Grade II Listed twin roundel oast house, in need of some updating and refurbishment, within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. 3 bay garage / car port and workshop. Gardens and grounds. Woodland. In all about 5.44 acres.

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

CULVER HOUSE PENSHURST ROAD, PENSHURST

ÂŁ1,295,000

Rare chance to buy part of a historic Penshurst property, with annexe

C

ULVER HOUSE is a character property which forms part of an elegant Grade II listed country house that dates from 1848, and is set in the highly desirable village of Penshurst.

It offers fine accommodation, with the extra benefit of a two-bedroom annexe.

Features of the house are high coffered ceilings, stone and oak mullion windows, high skirting boards, fireplaces and oak and tiled flooring.

Of particular note are the landscaped gardens, which complement the architecture and, in total, amount to about half an acre.

Inside, the principal reception rooms offer a generous drawing room with an attractive stone fireplace, a dining room and a cosy informal

Wednesday 6th July 2016

sitting room with wood-burning stove.

The well-proportioned kitchen/breakfast room has a range of bespoke cupboards by Woodworks, together with a substantial island unit, an original Victorian fitted dresser, fitted appliances, a pantry and a larder.

A side hall leads to a boiler/boot room and an excellent two-storey annexe.

There are external steps to a cellar, which has a barrelled ceiling and slate shelving.

Arranged on the first floor are a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, three further double bedrooms, a stylish family bathroom and a separate shower room.

The fifth bedroom is on the second floor and is accessed via a second staircase.

The annexe comprises a kitchen/ utility room, a reception room with another wood-burning stove, and stairs rising to the first floor, where there is a double bedroom, a single bedroom and a bathroom.

To the front of the house is a large brick paved parking area which leads to the garage.

The delightful south facing garden to the rear has a paved terrace and steps down to a further gravelled terrace.

A feature of the garden are the many rhododendrons and azaleas, which provide shade for bluebells in spring and a riot of colour in early summer.

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE

� Part of a Grade II listed country house � Great character features � Desirable location � Entrance hall � Drawing room � Dining room � Sitting room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Cloakroom � Utility room � Cellar � Master bedroom with en-suite � Four further bedrooms � Bathroom � Shower room � Two-bedroom annexe

‘Of particular note are the landscaped gardens, which complement the architecture and, in total, amount to about half an acre’

� Integral garage � Delightful landscaped gardens � Half an acre

£1,295,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 6th July 2016

BELLS YEW GREEN,

KENT

WAD HURST,

EAST SUSSEX

Spacious family home in village location + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + 2 reception rooms + off street parking + patio + garden + Council Tax=F + EPC=F

Edwardian country property + 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + reception room + kitchen/ breakfast room + communal gardens + double garage + Council Tax=G + EPC=F

£2,950 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£2,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

BRENCHLEY,

KENT

HAWK.HURST,

KENT

Detached family home + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + lounge/ dining room + kitchen/ breakfast room + garden + balcony + driveway parking + Council Tax=G + EPC=D

2 bedroom apartment + master bedroom with en suite + dressing room + state of the art appliances + modern interior design + stunning grounds + Council Tax=TBC + EPC=TBC

£1,695 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,495 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/o ccupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check o ut fee - charged at the end of o r early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished / unfurnished. For more details including example inventory fee, visit

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

FRIARS GATE, NR CROWBOROUGH,

EAST SUSSEX

PENSHURST,

KENT

Period house in delightful setting + 3 reception rooms + garden room + 6 bedrooms + detached studio & annexe + gardens + 3,187 sq ft + about 5.23 acres + EPC=G

Penshurst MLS 3.2 miles + sitting room + kitchen/d ining/family room + 5 bedrooms + gardens to all sides with rural views + triple garage + 2,851 sq ft + about 1.06 acres + EPC=C

Guide £1. 75 million Freehold

Guide £1.65 million Freehold

NR LAMBERHURST,

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

SPELDHURST,

KENT

Contact: Liz Devall

KENT

Stylishly converted barn + close to the A21 + energy efficient features + open plan living space + 5 bedrooms + garage + garden + 4,549 sq ft + about 0.49 acres + EPC=C

Stylish contemporary home + popular village location + sitting room + kitchen/dining room + 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + integral garage + 1,764 sq ft + about 0.25 acres + EPC=D

Guide £995,000 Freehold

Guide £740,000 Freehold

Contact: Liz Devall

Contact: Becky Card

PROPERTY SECTION �

Tunbridge Wells’ own Gibraltar stands proud amid the Common’s famed rocks AT A GLANCE GIBRALTAR COTTAGE THE COMMON TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Grade II listed character property n Rare and stunning location n Period features n Entrance porch n Drawing room n Dining room n Rear hall n Lobby n Cloakroom n Kitchen n Utility room n Storage rooms n Master bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms, one with shower n Family bathroom n Driveway parking n Garden and courtyard

£1,195,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

O

N THE market for the first time in more than 30 years, this is a rare opportunity to live in a landmark property in an incomparable setting – enjoying a prime position on Tunbridge Wells Common.

This historic property brims with character and benefits from good ceiling heights as well as multi-paned timber sash and casement windows framing wonderful views.

The accommodation is well-appointed, with tasteful kitchen and bathroom fittings and an unusual layout – in part due to the indigenous rocky outcrops of the Common, around which the house was built.

Your initial entrance takes you through a porch into a drawing room with a wide bay window overlooking the pretty garden. There is also a dining room, an inner lobby with a cloakroom, and a kitchen fitted with solid oak units, granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances.

Added to this are a separate utility room, a walk-in larder and a door through to a storage area hewn out of the rock.

On the first floor is a bright and roomy master suite with views over the rocks to Mount Ephraim to the rear and over the Common to the front, and also featuring an unusual curved wall to the en-suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms, one with a fully-enclosed shower cubicle, and a family bathroom.

The property is set well back from Mount Ephraim, and accessed via a sweeping shared gravel driveway across the Common leading to a parking area for several cars to the front of the house.

The main garden lies to the east, well-screened from the Common by mature, evergreen hedging, and featuring a York stone terrace which runs across the side of the house, with direct access

from the drawing room. The level area of lawn is fringed by well-stocked border beds planted for year-round colour, in all creating a delightful private space within this stunning setting.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk ·"""-· THESUNDAYTIMES THE . . . .TIMES

Crowborough £1,000,000 Situated in a prime position within the sought-after Warren area, a recently built spacious (3,776 sq ft) and extremely well presented detached 5 bedroom house. EPC:B

Frant £949,000 A spacious, well-presented 4 bedroom detached family house set in this exclusive private park on the edge of this highly regarded village about 2 1/2 miles from Tunbridge Wells. EPC: C

Crowborough £629,950 An attractive detached 4 bedroom house in need of some modernisation situated in a convenient location on the outskirts of Crowborough with spacious accommodation and beautiful mature gardens. EFC: F

Langton Green £500,000 A 3 bedroom detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac requiring some updating in this sought after village with a delightful level rear garden. EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

Ashurst ÂŁ1,250,000 An excellent detached 5 bedroom 1920's character country house with gardens and grounds over one acre situated off a private lane in an elevated setting with superb views over the Kent and Sussex countryside. EPC: E

An exceptional 4 bedroom Grade II listed detached barn renovated to a high standard with gardens and grounds of about 3.5 acres set in delightful, rural surroundings adjoining orchards and situated about 1.5 miles to the south of the picturesque village of Brenchley.

Drl

 PROPERTY SECTION

Listed period farmhouse enjoys a lovely rural outlook

‘Grade II listed, with character features throughout and a good-sized garden, it provides excellent family accommodation’

N

ESTLED in a semi-rural position in Five Oak Green, Finches Farmhouse is a charming period property with ample living space and a rural outlook.

Grade II listed with character features throughout and a good-sized garden, it provides excellent family accommodation over three floors.

The property opens into an entrance hall with an impressive vaulted ceiling. On the ground floor there is a study, a sitting room with a wealth of exposed beams and a large inglenook fireplace, an ample dining room with window

shutters and a kitchen which has been updated by the current owners and features a top of the range Aga Alpha, combining the boiler and cooker. There is a utility area next to the kitchen, giving access to the modernised downstairs shower room and rear terrace.

There are two double bedrooms on the first floor, which share a modernised ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom boasting an original Victorian cast iron bath. There are also two extensive storerooms.

A staircase leads up to the second floor, where you find two further double bedrooms, both

AT A GLANCE

sharing access to a handy washroom and WC. The house is approached via a gravel driveway which also leads to a weatherboard double garage and parking for several vehicles. The garage has a log store and useful storeroom to the rear.

The gardens surround the property, with a large expanse of lawn leading to a children’s play area.

At the back of the house an impressive tree house overlooks the trout stream, which is fenced off from the main garden, and a terrace.

In all there is around a third of an acre.

FINCHES FARMHOUSE FIVE OAK GREEN RD, FIVE OAK GREEN � Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse � Semi-rural location � Character features � Set over three floors � Entrance hall � Study � Drawing room � Dining room � Kitchen � Utility area � Ground floor shower room � Two first floor bedrooms � ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom � First floor eaves storage � Two top floor bedrooms � WC � Double garage and parking � Rear terrace and garden

£795,000 For sale through Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

Furzefield Avenue, Speldhurst, TN3 OLD

Guide £650,000

4 bedroom semi-detached period property in popular village. Entrance hall, living room with open fireplace and bay window, dining room with wooden floor, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room and downstairs we, landing leading to 4 bedrooms and a bathroom. Driveway, garage and gardens.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+

LANDLORDS WANTED

To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk

Andrews

Required for properties in

• ROTHERFIELD •FRANT • CHIDDINGSTONE • GOUDHURST • LAMBERHURST • MAYFIELD

Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

01892 838363

j[f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -r

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price: £425,000

Wadhurst

0.1.R.O. £695,000

An attractive and welcoming, well cared for three bedroom. semi detached period home in the St Johns quarter of Tunbridge Wells. We do encourage an early appointment to view. EPC: E.

An attractive four bedroom. three storey detached home constructed less than one year ago and situated close to the sought after village of Wadhurst. close to the border between East Sussex and Kent. EPC: B.

Sevenoaks

Tunbridge Wells

offers over £525,000

£379,950

Three bedroom semi-detached with garage, plenty of parking and lovely gardens set in the ever-popular Bradbourne Lakes area and just under a mile from Sevenoaks station .... Planning permission to extend, ref.no.

14/02676/HOUSE. EPC: E

A spacious and well presented four bedroom semi detached home in a pleasant family friendly location with the additional advantages of generous off road parking, a single garage and enclosed rear gardens. EPC: D.

Groombridge

Tonbridge

£500,000 - £525,000

A four bed. three reception room period cottage, sympathetically extended and offered to the market with a high standard of presentation. The property enjoys a pretty enclosed rear garden. an integral garage and further off road parking space. EPC: D.

4 bed semi with garage within a mile of town. station and 3 outstanding grammar schools. Great living and entertaining space with a contemporary kitchen. Master bedroom with en-suite. 2 further double bedrooms. Energy efficiency rating: C

Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tunbridgew ells@w oodandpilcher.co.uk Southborough Office I 01892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Tonbridge I 01732 351135 tonbri dge@w ooda ndpi Icher. co. u k

(i)nTheMarketoom

offers over £525,000

woodandpilcher.co. uk

r•M

Other offices in Crowborough, Heathfield & associated London Branch

� PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

KINGSWOOD GROVELANDS, SOUTHBOROUGH n One of three new homes off a no-through road n Sympathetically designed to blend in with surrounding properties n Spacious family accommodation n Entrance hall n Cloakroom

New tucked away retreat built to blend with its surroundings

n Living room

NE of a small development of just three new properties set off Manor Fields in Southborough, Kingswood is situated at the far end of the development and benefits from a tucked away location.

Designed to blend in with the original properties around it, this detached family home offers a high-quality build and finish in a convenient no-through road near the Common.

Among its fittings are a media plate in the living room, gas central

n Four further bedrooms

O

heating and entrance level underfloor heating.

With a different design to neighbouring five-bed properties, Kingswood opens to a generous hall with storage cupboards and a cloakroom.

On the ground floor there is a living room with Jetmaster wood-burning stove and double doors to the rear, as well as a superb kitchen/ breakfast room with gloss kitchen units by ALNO and state-of-the-art fitted appliances. Plus a separate dining

room, a utility room and a study.

The main feature of this house is the impressive master suite, which sits above the integral double garage and benefits from a Juliet balcony, an en-suite shower room and a dressing room. This floor has a further four bedrooms, one with en-suite, and a family bathroom with suite by Villeroy & Boch.

To the front is a block paved driveway and the rear garden is laid to lawn with a terrace that is accessed via the living room and kitchen/breakfast room.

n Kitchen/breakfast room n Dining room n Utility room n Study n Master suite with bedroom, shower room and dressing room n Family bathroom n Integral double garage and driveway parking n Lawned garden to side and rear

£1,050,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789740 www.savills.co.uk

‘The main feature is the impressive master suite, which sits above the integral double garage and benefits from a Juliet balcony, en-suite shower room and dressing room’

Wednesday 6th July 2016

Tunbridge Wells

£675,000 - £695,000 A light and spacious neo-Georgian detached house located in favoured St James' area.

Hall, cloakroom, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms ( I en suite). Tandem garage, driveway and 36' square rear garden. EPC: D.

Groombridge £345,000 Set centrally within picturesque and popular village, a late Victorian semi-detached house.

Bay fronted sitting room, dining room, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, spacious bathroom.

No onward chain. Paved rear garden. EPC: E.

II

ID Ill

Tunbridge Wells £650,000 - £675,000 A detached family home located in the popular St James' area. Spacious hall with part galleried landing, cloakroom, large front to back reception/dining room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, bathroom. Driveway, integral garage and rear garden. EPC: E.

Tunbridge Wells £395,000 A well presented and spacious ground floor apartment located on the popular Mount Ephraim. Own entrance, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom.

Enclosed courtyard garden, car parking area. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,075 A newly converted warehouse-style apartment located in the centre of town. Split level entrance hall, high spec fully integrated kitchen, open plan living room, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Luxurious fixtures & fittings. Permit parking.Available now. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £825 An immaculately presented first floor apartment located within a period building along popular Broadwater Down. Spacious and light living room, kitchen, large double bedroom with en suite, study/bedroom, bathroom. Off road parking.Available I August. EPC: C.

ELLIS&CO Sales & Lettings

Hadlow Road, Tonbridge 6 Bedroom Detached House - OIEO £600,000

Brook Lane, Tonbridge 4 Bedroom Detached House- £579,500

Unique opportunity to purchase a large and versatile grade II listed home with an abundance of exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces. Situated in the heart of Tonbridge and within walking distance to the station, the property boasts two separate annexes, ideal for a growing family, a courtyard garden and parking for several cars.

An attractive 4 bedroom detached house set in a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of the High Street and mainline station. Situated on a good size plot, this light and spacious property has the benefit of a large master bedroom with en-suite shower room, a utility room, a study and downstairs cloakroom, plus outside it has a landscaped garden, garage and off-street parking for 7-8 cars. EPC D

Chichester Road 3 Bedroom Semi Detached House - Guide Price £350,000-£385,000

Taylor Close 2 Bedroom Apartment - £289,750

An Edwardian property that is within walking distance of the mainline station and High Street. This property comes with period features and the accommodation comprises 2 reception rooms, kitchen with French windows to decked area, 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and a good size single), and an upstairs bathroom. Outside there is an enclosed, low maintenance rear garden with side access. EPC E

A well presented and spacious ground floor apartment, that is within walking distance of the station and High Street and has an allocated off road parking space. This 1 year old apartment is light and airy and comprises an open plan kitchen/living area, 2 double bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, the other with an en suite shower. EPC C

Please contact us for Sales, Rentals and Valuations t: 01732 770077 I e: tonbridge@ellisandco.co.uk I 93 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1DR

~ /\ ~

The Property

ombudsman

OO

~ ~

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Your local independent Estate Agent

~MJProperty

...contactable 7 days a week

consider ourselves part of the community. Having lived locally all our lives we immerse ourselves in the community and support local events throughout Tunbridge Wells, whether through advertising them, helping at them, donating to them or our children 'K', 'M' and 'J' being there on duty with St John Ambulance.

We are genuinely contactable 7 days a week, we don't tie clients in to a long contract and we always provide realistic market appraisals and advice and offer competitive fees.

Selling property throughout Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages

So if you are thinking of moving now or in the future, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01892 515188 for your free market appraisal.

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� PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

Refurbished Arts & Crafts classic offers stunning views over Weald

TOYS HILL HOUSE, WESTERHAM n Stunning Arts & Crafts home built 1897 n Fully refurbished and renovated n Outstanding views to the rear n Character features n High specification n Kitchen/breakfast/family room n Utility/boot room n Two cloakrooms n Dining hall n Drawing room n Sitting room/playroom n Study n Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobes and en-suite n Four further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Family shower room n Double garage with one-bed annexe

T

OYS HILL HOUSE is a handsome detached Victorian home built in 1897 by Arnold Mitchell, an acclaimed Arts & Crafts architect of the day.

The elevations are of locally-sourced mellow ragstone and the current owners have remodelled and fully refurbished the house while retaining much of its period character.

It is beautifully presented throughout and finished to a high specification. Undoubtedly one of the fundamental features of the property is the stunning panoramic view across the Weald of Kent from the Greensand Ridge.

Features of note include stone mullion, predominantly lead light, sealed unit, double glazed windows, oak panelling in the dining hall, ceiling relief in the drawing room, cast iron

Wednesday 6th July 2016

n Rear terrace radiators, some underfloor heating and beautiful period fireplaces.

On the lower ground floor is a large kitchen/ breakfast/family room with bifold and French doors to the rear terrace and those outstanding views. The contemporary kitchen has white gloss units with Silestone quartz worktops and integrated Neff appliances. And there is an adjoining utility/boot room and a cloakroom.

Ground floor accommodation includes a grand dining hall, a drawing room, study, sitting room/ playroom and cloakroom.

The first floor features an impressive master suite with two walk-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom, along with three further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a shower room. A fifth bedroom lies on the upper first floor level.

The house is set into the Greensand Ridge, with the ground descending away to the south-east.

There is a broad paved terrace along the rear of the house from which to enjoy the outlook.

The immediate grounds have been landscaped to provide stretches of lawn and wooded areas with pathways, steps and shrub beds. There is also a kitchen garden with a greenhouse.

Hidden in the woods is a quaint Gardener’s Cottage (comprising one room with a fireplace) and a curved stone folly ruin.

In addition to the main house and cottage, there is a detached one-bedroom self-contained annexe behind and above the double garage.

This building has planning permission for an extension and internal remodelling.

In total there are approximately 2.9 acres.

n Gardener’s Cottage n Gardens and grounds of 2.9 acres

£2,400,000 For sale through Jackson-Stops & Staff Sevenoaks 01732 740600 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

‘A handsome Victorian home built by Arnold Mitchell, an acclaimed architect of the day’

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Broad Oak, Heathfield

Offers in excess of ÂŁ950,000

This classic Edwardian country home has remained in the same family for nearly sixty years. With accommodation extending to 5, 169 sq. ft., the property was sub-divided many years ago to cater for multiple generation occupancy. Now requiring extensive improvement, this forms an ideal project to re-create a grand country home, set in a quiet lane location with 1.7 acre grounds and affording far reaching views over rolling countryside to the west.

Approached over a long driveway, the visitor is greeted by an imposing reception hall with a grand staircase rising to the first floor and attractive tessellated tile floor. On the ground floor there is an imposing drawing room and two further reception rooms, together with a kitchen, utility room with pantries and a bathroom, all of which could be reconfigured to suit your personal style.

There are two cellars, both with good head height and now approached by external steps only. On the first floor are four bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and two bathrooms, together with glorious rural views. In the attic are three further bedrooms.

The gardens have been lovingly created and tended over the years, wrapping around the house with sweeping lawns and established flower borders, together with a number of ornamental fish ponds. There is also detached garage.

EPC Rating

=F

lewes@rowlandgorringe.co.uk

heathfield@rowlandgorringe.co.uk

seaford@rowlandgorringe.co.uk

uckfield@rowlandgorringe.co. uk

01273 474101

01435 864233

01323 490680

01825 762132

.Market

Bough Beech, Kent

ÂŁ950,000 Freehold

A beautiful Grade II listed detached period residence with a third of an acre garden, occupying a rural position with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. The accommodation comprises Open plan Kitchen/ Diner with AGA, Quartz worktops and solid oak flooring, Triple Aspect Sitting Room with Inglenook Fireplace and log burning stove and French doors to the sun terrace, Cosy snug with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove, 3 Bedrooms, Bedroom 4/Study/Nursery/Dressing Room, Family Bathroom with modern roll top bath and separate power shower, Cloakroom, Oil Fired Central Heating, Detached Double Garage, Formal Garden of approximately a third of an acre.

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4a High Street, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 SAG

Five Oak Green Road, Five Oak Green Guide Price £650,000 - £675,000 A deceptively spacious five bedroom detached family home with generous gardens and parking, situated in the lovely village of Five Oak Green.

Whitefriars Wharf, Tonbridge

Guide Price £260,000 - £280,000

A two bedroom, third floor, modern apartment located in the popular Whitefriars Wharf development just off Tonbridge High Street. Offered to the market chain free.

Six Bells Lane, Sevenoaks

Asking Price £275,000

A charming one bedroom ground floor garden flat part of the conversion of this grade II listed building conveniently located for the commuter.

Whistler Road, Tonbridge

Asking Price £435,000

A charming three bedroom link detached house overlooking fields to the rear. Benefitting from family sized accommodation that is well presented throughout.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Light and bright Berkeley Home in Langton Green has been extended

AT A GLANCE FARNHAM LANE LANGTON GREEN n Detached family home n Popular location n Built 1999 and recently extended and improved n Spacious accommodation n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Drawing room n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast/garden room n Utility room n Ground floor bedroom with en-suite n Master bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Integral double garage n Attractive mature gardens

£875,000-£925,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

T

HIS detached family house was built by Berkeley Homes in 1999 and has been improved by its present owners. Located in popular Langton Green, it has a feeling of light and space and is immaculately presented throughout, with a contemporary open-plan kitchen/breakfast/garden room.

The ground floor begins with an impressive full-height reception hall with galleried landing over and cloakroom to one side. There is a spacious drawing room with a feature stone

Wednesday 6th July 2016

fireplace, doors to the garden and double doors opening to an adjoining sitting room, plus a downstairs guest bedroom with en-suite.

The superb kitchen/breakfast room has recently been refitted with Corian work surfaces and integrated appliances, including a range cooker.

Adjoining the kitchen is a utility room with a door to the garden and to the garage.

The oak flooring continues into the garden room, which also has underfloor heating, concealed lighting and doors to the terrace.

The double-glazed units also incorporate an electric roof light.

The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom, while two further bedrooms share a family bathroom. The majority of rooms include bespoke fitted plantation shutters.

There is a brick paved driveway providing parking and leading to an integral double garage.

The rear garden is south-west facing with attractive planting, a paved terrace, lawn area, mature shrubs and a timber store.

‘The oak flooring continues into the garden room, which also has underfloor heating, concealed lighting and doors to the terrace’

Mi{Cer

McAuCey

Estate Agents

Prospect Road

£430,000

Buxted

£2,250pcm

Semi-detached property with two large reception rooms, both with fireplaces, spacious kitchen/breakfast room (patio doors open to the garden) and steps to a cellar. First floor has three double bedrooms, bathroom and separate W/C. Pretty landscaped garden.

Four bedroom home with kitchen/breakfast room, living room with doors to the garden.

Dining room. The master bedroom is ensuite with dressing room. Three further double bedrooms, one ensuite and bathroom. Secluded garden, garage, and driveway.

Meadow Road

The Chartwell

£365,000

£900pcm

Well presented property benefiting from an attractive sitting room with open fire and wooden flooring. Large dining room and recently fitted 'Shaker' style kitchen. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a bathroom. Paved and lawned areas to the rear.

Modern apartment with open plan living room/kitchen with doors opening onto a 'Juliet' balcony. Two double bedrooms with storage and a bathroom accessed via the hall or bedroom. Off street parking. Communal garden.

Boyne Park

Cambridge Gardens

£265,000

Ground floor one bed flat. Large sitting room with original features, kitchen with doors to private garden, double bedroom with en-suite. Outside there is a private veranda, a communal garden to the rear and one allocated parking space.

Te(: (ettin3s@mcau(eymiffer.com

£ 1,200pcm

Stunning, ground floor apartment in a sought after area. Well-appointed kitchen, large dual aspect lounge and two double bedrooms. There is an en suite shower room plus built in cupboards to the master bedroom and a family bathroom. Off road parking.

01892 614777

www.mcaureymiffer.com

sa(es@mcaureymi((er.com

£1,295,000

HAWKHURST

A UNIQUE AND ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT FIVE BEDROOM BESPOKE BUILT, CONTEMPORARY DETACHED HOME SET IN A DESIRABLE VILLAGE LOCATION, SITTING IN APPROXIMATELY 0.7 ACRES OF MATURE GARDENS WITH DELIGHTFUL FAR REACHING RURAL VIEWS BEING WITHIN THE SOUGHT AFTER CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA. RECENTLY REBUILT TO EXACTING STANDARDS, THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED WITH EFFORTLESS LUXURY AND MODERN LIVING IN MIND, INCLUDING A STATE OFTHE ART AND ECOLOGICALLY SOUND HEAT EXCHANGE AIR FLOW/ HEATING SYSTEM, AND CAT 5 WIRING HAS BEEN INSTALLED THROUGHOUT CATERING FOR TODAY'S MULTI-MEDIA REQUIREMENTS. The exterior totals approximately 0.7 of an acre and includes a lovingly designed, low-maintenance garden with mature beds, shrubs and trees, a wraparound terrace of Indian sand stone, York stone feature throne / bench, two outbuildings that house a sauna, shower and gym / office, kitchen garden area, a large double garage / workshop and there also is ample driveway parking for at least 6 cars.

HAWKHURST

OIRO £525,000

A WELL-APPOINTED AND BEAUTIFULLY LOCATED THREE BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED PERIOD COTTAGE SET IN A CHARMING SEMI-RURAL POSITION WITH DELIGHTFUL VIEWS OF SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE, BEING WITHIN THE HIGHLY PRIZED CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA. THE PROPERTY SITS IN AN IDYLLIC SPOT ON A QUIET AND SOUGHT AFTER COUNTY LANE YET IS ONLY MINUTES FROM ALL THE USEFUL AMENITIES AND EXCELLENT SCHOOLING HAWKHURST PROVIDES. THERE IS EXCITING POTENTIAL TO SIGNIFICANTLY ENLARGE THE OVERALL FLOOR SPACE BY CONVERTING THE LOFT WITH A VIEW TO CREATING A FOURTH BEDROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR WITH AN ENSUITE BATHROOM, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE OWNERS OF N01 ONE HAVE ALREADY SET A PRECEDENT BY RECENTLY COMPLETING AN ATTRACTIVE LOFT CONVERSION. The property is serviced by an attractive wrap around stone terrace which leads into the attractive garden to the rear and side which makes up approximately one third of an acre. There is a useful and large double garage/ workshop, and separate shed, all with mains power, useable greenhouse and additional garden shed.

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2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, Rolvenden, Kent TN 17 4PF

CONTEMPORARY SEAFRONT APARTMENTS HYTHEIKENT 6 Unique contemporary apartments, including two stunning split-level penthouses, all with uninterrupted views of the shore line. Direct beach access with terraces on the ground floor and generous balconies at first floor level, ensure all occupants can make the most of this exclusive location.

From ÂŁ625,000. Available from July 2016.

tgdesignerhomes 07887 507798 kate@tgdesignerhomes.com

... USE A

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IF YOUR PROPERTY REQUIRES:

WE OFFER:

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REDECORATION REFURBISHMENT RENOVATION REPLACEMENT REDEVELOPMENT

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NO FEE - WE CHARGE THE BUYER A LARGE DATABASE OF DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS PREDOMINATELY CHAIN FREE+ CASH FUNDED BUYERS A HIGHLY BESPOKE SERVICE PROFESSIONAL+ EXPERIENCED STAFF

 PROPERTY SECTION

THE WHITE HOUSE HADLOW ROAD EAST, TONBRIDGE

£2,400,000

Sprawling country gem hides wealth of features behind Georgian facade T HE WHITE HOUSE is an elegant detached property dating in part from the early 18th century and incorporating an oast roundel and adjoining brick barn, wrapped in a Georgian façade.

Lying well back from the road between Tonbridge and Hadlow, this substantial home boasts more than 8,000 sq ft of accommodation – plenty for all the family.

An elegant hallway which features a glass-covered well offers access to the drawing room, sitting room and roundel – currently used as a family room.

The impressive kitchen/dining room occupies the barn section of the house. With high ceilings, bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops and a four-oven electric Aga,

Wednesday 6th July 2016

it is not only great for cooking, but provides a fabulous entertaining space. A large pantry and boot room with external access complete the west wing.

Small steps up from the reception hall lead through to the other part of the house, and to the utility and laundry areas, with a cosy snug and secondary staircase to the upper floors.

The rest of this wing is a self-contained annexe.

Accessed from either its own front door or via a connecting door, it incorporates a sitting room, kitchen, breakfast room, bedroom and bathroom.

On the first floor of the main house is a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en-suite facilities. There are

seven further bedrooms and four further bathrooms, as well as a fully fitted study.

The property is approached via an electric five-bar gate. A sweeping gravel driveway with extensive parking leads to a double garage. Attractive landscaped gardens with mature trees surround the house, and the front garden sports an ornamental pond, lawns and an attractive rockery. In the rear garden there is a heated swimming pool with an electric cover, surrounded by a paved terrace perfect for socialising and relaxing, as well as a summerhouse and a separate pool house.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE

n Substantial detached home n Stylishly presented n Generous family accommodation n Originating from the 18th century n Partly comprised of an oast roundel and a barn n Period features n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Family room n Pantry n Boot room n Two cloakrooms n Utility room n Laundry room n Snug n Master bedroom with en-suite n Seven further bedrooms n Four bathrooms

‘An elegant hallway which features a glass-covered well offers access to the drawing room, sitting room and roundel – currently used as a family room’

n Upstairs study n Two large attic rooms n Self-contained one-bed annexe n Garaging and private parking n Swimming pool and pool house n Landscaped gardens overlooking farmland

£2,400,000 For sale through Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Wednesday 6th July 2016

e

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT RAJ'SY I<ELLY

PKelly@markerstudy.com I 01892 i74781

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70 � FOOD AND DRINK

Meet the man who woke up, smelt the coffee and turned it into a very successful business venture Darren Tickner has done what most commuting nine-to-fivers can only dream about. He quit the rat race in order to run his own enterprise. He tells Eileen Leahy how he went from bean counter to roasting coffee beans

A

S HE sips a cup of aromatic flat white Darren Tickner can immediately tell the origin of the beans and how long the roasting process took – such is his passionate knowledge of coffee.

“I’ve always been fuelled by a love of it, but what particularly sparked my commercial interest was when the chains started to crop up in the 1990’s,” reveals the accountant-turned-business entrepreneur from Tunbridge Wells.

“I started to get really interested in what they were doing with coffee and why, in certain places, it tasted so different. I would go round

THE DAILY GRIND Darren Tickner

Wednesday 6th July 2016

sampling each one’s offerings and give them marks out of ten. Since then I’ve always thought that I could do something with coffee and do it really well.”

While still working his day job, Darren launched the cleverly named Bean Smitten from a unit in Flimwell in 2014, and pretty swiftly swapped beancounting for coffee beans full-time.

“Like many people, I started off thinking ‘well

‘I particularly like African coffees and one of my favourites is from Tanzania’ coffee tastes like coffee’. But then I realised there is a huge range of different varieties and taste experiences it can deliver. I also like the fact the roasting process is part art and part science and that appeals to my numbers background.”

After getting an independent coffee supplier called Falcon Speciality, based in Lewes, on board and learning how to professionally roast, Bean Smitten was soon up and running.

Right from the start Darren’s approach to getting his brand out there and into people’s coffee cups has always been about promoting quality coffee in a personal and friendly manner.

“I like getting to know my clients,” he says. “We now supply the likes of Sankey’s, The Black Dog, Chapel Place Wine Bar and The Salad House with an array of great tasting speciality coffees and I always

try to deliver the product myself and have a chat.

It’s important to do that and to find out what their customers think of our coffee. We also help with a little barista training.”

Does he have a favourite variety of bean? “I particularly like African coffees and one of my favourites is from Tanzania. When you drink it black it has berry-like flavours, it’s delicious.”

With Falcon Speciality’s help Darren recently put on a very successful coffee tasting at The Black Dog, which proves there’s a growing ‘scene’ in Tunbridge Wells and Darren is understandably very pleased about that.

“Two years ago there was practically nothing but it’s grown enormously,” he admits.

All the Bean Smitten coffee is traceable to specific farms, mostly organic, and carries the Rainforest Alliance certification.

“When I get the beans I have to work out what’s called a ‘roast profile’ and that’s all about how long and how quickly you roast for and the temperatures you use. By varying these it means you can get different styles of coffee and that’s where the precision comes into it all,” he says.

“We make all the adjustments by hand which is why we can say it’s hand-roasted coffee, but we do all the readouts by computer. So if we hit on a roast that we really like we’ll record the results of that and then use it to create the profile. Because the customers who buy coffee from us want the same

blend again and again, so that’s where the maths and the technical stuff comes in.”

Darren’s accountancy skills have also come in handy for running this type of small start-up business and there are plans to expand.

“I hope to employ more people and our online business is doing well, but I’m still very keen on providing a good local service. My plans for the business are to be the go-to place for speciality coffee and to open the public’s eyes to another level of taste. We want to be a well-respected roaster in the region and to remain independent.”

BEAN SMITTEN’S TOP TIPS FOR THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE 1. Beans keep fresher for longer so buy a small hand grinder and grind your own 2. Use filtered or bottled water. Tap water is often too hard or too soft to extract the coffee flavours optimally 3. Always use water just off the boil, otherwise you’ll burn the coffee and it will taste bitter 4. Start with a ratio of 60 grams of coffee to 1 litre of water 5. Brew time of around 4 minutes in a cafetière, or 2-3 minutes if using a filter

FOOD AND DRINK 

COFFEE & ALMOND BISCOTTI

MINI MOCHA CAKES

The chocolate coffee beans in this recipe make these twice-baked biscuits really unusual

These delightful chocolate cakes are a lovely way of serving cake at afternoon tea parties

71

Makes: 30-35 What you need: 80g butter 80g blanched almonds a pinch of salt 350g plain flour 150g caster sugar 1 small strong espresso 2 eggs, beaten 100g chocolate coffee beans (chopped, if using chocolate-covered coffee beans as opposed to the type that are just coffeeflavoured chocolate beans)

What you need: 150g plain flour 125g caster sugar 100g soft light brown sugar 40g cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda a pinch of salt, plus extra to taste 100g whole milk 75ml sunflower oil 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 100ml hot coffee

2-3 baking sheets lined with baking parchment What you do: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Put 1/2 teaspoon butter and the almonds into a small frying pan set over a low heat and cook until the almonds are golden and fragrant. Add the salt, remove from the heat and leave to cool.

In the meantime, put the flour into a large mixing bowl and rub in the remaining butter using fingertips, until it is evenly incorporated. Add the sugar and mix well. Pour in the espresso and stir in the eggs. The mixture should now

come together to form a loose dough. Add the chocolate coffee beans.

Divide the dough into three even pieces and shape them into small logs. Pop them onto one of the prepared baking sheets and flatten very slightly.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until firm and golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool, but keep the oven on.

With a serrated knife, cut the logs into slices just under 1 cm thick and lay them flat on the

remaining baking sheets. Bake in the still-warm oven for a further 10-15 minutes, until dry and crisp.

Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool, store in an airtight container or cookie jar and eat within 1 week.

Biscotti recipe taken from The Cookie Jar by Liz Franklin, photos by Kate Whitaker.

Mocha cake recipe taken from Afternoon Tea At Home by Will Torrent, photos by Matt Russell.

Both titles published by Ryland Peters & Small.

Meringue buttercream 175g golden caster sugar 3 egg whites 200g butter, softened 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules 2 x 12-hole mini muffin pans base-lined with baking parchment and greased a sugar thermometer a large piping bag fitted with a star nozzle

What you do: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl.

Add the caster and soft light brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the middle and add the milk, sunflower oil, beaten egg and vanilla extract.

Add the hot coffee and beat well for about 2 minutes until smooth. Fill each hole in the pan to within 2mm from the top.

Bake for 20 minutes. Leave the cakes to cool in the pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cold.

To make the meringue frosting, combine 25g of the golden caster sugar with the egg whites in a mixing bowl.

Tip the remaining sugar into a small pan, add 75 ml of water and set over a low-medium heat to dissolve the sugar.

Bring to the boil and continue to cook until the syrup reaches 118°C (244°F) on a sugar thermometer.

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly whisk the egg whites at fast speed until they will hold a just firm peak.

Pour the hot syrup into the mixer. Increase the speed

and continue whisking until the mixture has become cold and is whipped into glossy peaks. Dissolve the coffee in 3 teaspoons of boiling water and add to the meringue. Gradually add the butter beating well between each addition.

Spoon the meringue buttercream into the large piping bag.

Remove the cakes from the pans. Slice the cakes in half, pipe a small amount of meringue buttercream on the base, top with the other half and pipe a swirl on top of each cake.

Dust with cocoa powder.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

72  TRAVEL

The island-hopping heaven of Thailand ‘There's no sign of boozy backpackers as we jet past party town – just turquoise seas, azure skies and a hilly green landscape that looks like utter paradise’

By Katie Wright

E

very year, 25 million tourists flock to Thailand – many flying south from Bangkok for the sandy shores of palm tree-dappled islands.

Competing with so many other holidaymakers, is it still possible to find hidden bays and unspoiled scenery in this south-east Asian destination?

As my airport transfer winds through Chaweng, Koh Samui’s hectic main town, populated with a mass of biergartens and bistros, I’m beginning to wonder.

But an hour later, as I gaze out from the infinity pool across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, all my fears subside.

I’m staying at the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort on the island’s quieter south-east coast less than five miles by car. It feels a world away from Chaweng.

The five-star property is spread across a hillside overlooking a private beach, the hotel’s main building and villas interspersed with lush greenery, so even at full capacity it never feels crowded.

My ground floor room has its own terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi, making it tempting to stay resortbound all day, but I’m keen to see what else Koh Samui has to offer, so I head out on a day’s guided sightseeing excursion.

First up is a visit to see Loung Pordaeng, a mummified monk whose body still hasn’t decomposed 30 years after his death.

Kneeling before the Ray Ban-wearing corpse, I

Wednesday 6th July 2016

take part in a fortunetelling ritual by shaking a pot of numbered wooden sticks until one falls out.

Number 23, according to the descriptions nearby, is an excellent outcome, denoting guaranteed good luck and happiness for years to come.

The prophecy is fulfilled almost immediately, because we happen upon something very special at our next destination.

Angling for some off-the-beaten-track action, my guide takes us to the Samret Temple, a beautifully tranquil cluster of ornate buildings, including one he says he’s never seen open before.

Inside, three white-clad monks, surrounded by family and friends, are chanting intently.

A Buddhist ordination ceremony is taking place, during which the novice monks will pledge to keep 227 vows, as set out by Buddha himself.

I feel privileged to be witnessing this hallowed occasion – and there’s not even a souvenir or selfie sick in sight.

It’s not quite so serene over at the Plai Laem temple on the north coast. I’m soundtracked by a practising marching band as I climb the long flight of white stone steps to see the 12m tall Golden Buddha, and some stunning views across to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, the other two islands that make up the Samui archipelago.

Also on the north-eastern tip, the Melati Resort offers an evening cocktail-making class that promises to introduce my taste buds to the authentic taste of Thailand, led by a mixologist affectionately nicknamed Monster.

Under Monster’s expert tutelage, I try my hand at classics like rum-laced Mai Tai and the fiery ginger and chilli-infused Siam Sunray, but I really

FROM HERE TO INFINITY A room with a pool and a view

fall in love with the Pomelo Mojito, which adds the grapefruit-like local fruit into the usual minty mix.

By the time I (somewhat reluctantly) relinquish the cocktail shaker, the sky has exploded into a heavenly haze of pink and mauve, so I head to the resort’s restaurant The View, which specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, to enjoy dinner as the sun sets.

But, naturally, being in the country renowned

for blow-your-head-off-level spice, I want to experience Thailand’s best home-grown dishes, so I book on to a group cookery course at the nearby Renaissance, just round the corner from where I’m staying. (You don’t have to be staying at the resort to take part in a class.)

Lovely chef Nong demonstrates how to prepare crunchy papaya salad, a fragrant green chicken curry and tom yum goong, a lemongrass and

TRAVEL 

chilli-flavoured seafood broth, then we set to work in pairs before gobbling up the fruits of our labour for lunch.

All the dishes are delicious and surprisingly easy, so armed with recipe cards I vow to put my new-found skills to good use at home.

Early the next morning, it’s time to set sail for Koh Phangan, the slightly smaller neighbouring island where hordes of party animals flock once a month for the infamous Full Moon Parties.

But there’s no sign of boozy backpackers as we jet past

party town on the south coast – just turquoise seas, azure skies and a hilly green landscape that looks like utter paradise.

By law, buildings can’t reach higher than the canopy level on Phangan, so the properties that are dotted sparingly on the isle are sympathetically hidden amid the forestation.

Thong Nai Pan Bay on the quieter north-east side, home to five high-end resorts including mine, feels especially secluded.

Nestled on a steep, leafy hillside with rustic wooden paths winding between the

BIG BUDDHA Standing 12m high on Koh Samui

traditional Thai-style thatch-roofed villas (complete with outdoor showers), the Santhiya has a cool, rustic treehouse vibe, albeit a very luxurious one.

My villa has its own pool and even a waterfall, but my favourite sunbathing spot quickly becomes the highest point of the resort, where loungers are positioned in stationary wooden boats on a raised ledge in the middle of a pool – frequent dips are a must when the temperature peaks in the mid30s – and the only sound you hear is the chirp of cicadas.

I do manage to tear myself away for a trip to one of Phangan’s most famous sights: The Koh Mah sand bridge.

Wade across the shallow sandbank from Mae Heed beach and you’ll reach Koh Mah island, a stunning shoreline and some of the best snorkelling around. But be sure to wear sandals you don’t mind getting wet, because the sharp, crunchy sand is not pleasant to walk over barefoot.

Of the island’s 30-plus other beaches, the most beautiful are found on the north side, like Bottle Beach, which is only reachable by long boat from Chaloklum pier.

The scheduled boat is the cheapest, about 100 Baht per person for the 15-minute ride, or you can hire a private taxi boat.

You won’t have to share your white sand paradise with many other holidaymakers, but that could soon change as Koh Phangan’s first airport is under construction. However, the opening date for the delayed project uncertain.

But even the island’s more accessible beaches don’t feel crowded – the further you go from the south coast, the better.

As long as you steer clear of the tourist trap towns and backpacker hotspots, you can certainly still find the quiet life in the Land of Smiles – even on Thailand’s most notorious island.

73

TRAVEL FACTS Katie Wright was a guest of Hayes & Jarvis who offer a ten-night holiday to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan from £1,349 per person.

Includes three nights at the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui; four nights at Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and three nights at the Anantara BoPhut Resort and Spa in Koh Samui, all on a B&B basis. Includes airport transfers, internal flights with Bangkok Airways and return international flights from London Heathrow with EVA Air. 01293 762 456; www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk

PATHWAY TO PARADISE Explore the island’s inner beauty via a floating bridge

Wednesday 6th July 2016

7'+ â&#x20AC;˘ ADVERTISING FEATURE

Strong International Field Expected At This Year's Eridge Horse Trials A strong field of international riders expected at this year's Eridge Horse Trials and Country Market is set to attract a record crowd over the two day event taking place at Eridge Park near Tunbridge Wells on the 16th and 17th July.

The trials, which is now its 22nd year and deemed as one of the best equestrian events in the region, sees Korean car manufacturer SsangYong UK as title sponsors, which is part of a three year

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agreement with organisers South Eastern Equestrian 5SANGYONG Services.

Olympic medalist and Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnel MBE has confirmed her place at the event, as well as top international Tina Cook also an Olympic medal holder for GB. Caroline Powell (NZ) and British eventer Oliver Town end will be riding as well as Blenheim International winner Francis Whittington. Wellknown local riders taking part include Emily Baldwin, Georgie Strang and Tom Crisp.

As well as experiencing the thrills of dressage, the pressures of show jumping and the bravery of the cross country phase, there will be a country market with a strong cross section of over sixty stalls with something for everyone, from food lovers and fashion fans to those with an eye for homewares, gifts and arts and crafts.

There will also be plenty for green fingered gardeners and obviously furry friends will be well catered for with doggy and equestrian stalls.

Stall holders new to the event this year include Pinkster Gin, Turners Cider, artist Katherine Jennings, Moonshine Lighting as well as French inspired interiors and accessories company, Mrs G-D Interiors.

from Loving Hut Express, with Bahji Bahji selling Indian snacks. Burgers, pulled pork, milkshakes and crepes will also be available.

There will be plenty of food vendors on hand to feed hungry mouths.

The Mucky Duck Bakery will be onsite selling delicious delights from its mobile van. Vegan street food will be available

The ever popular 'Dogs in the Park' will be taking place on Sunday. 'Most Handsome Dog', 'Prettiest Bitch', 'Dogs Got Talent' are just some of the categories owners can enter their canine friends into on the day. There will also be terrier racing and falconry displays taking place on Sunday afternoon.

A licensed bar for adults and tractor rides, face painting and soft play for children will be available throughout the weekend.

Joint event organiser Jenny Nolan said: "Eridge Horse Trials is well known for being a great family day out. There really is something to entertain the whole family. The country market is proving to be a popular addition to the weekend, making the event appeal just as much to the non-horsey crowd as those that follow the sport. Thanks to Marquess of Abergavenny who owns the estate for hosting the event and allowing us to grow it year-on-year."

Wednesday 6th July 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE.

75

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Wednesday 6th July 2016

76 � LIFE AND STYLE BERKELEY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS NUMBER ONE COMMUNITY TRUST IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Berkeley Foundation has made a £10,000 grant to The Number One Community Trust in Tunbridge Wells to aid the refurbishment of its community hall serving the Showfields and Ramslye estates. A cheque was presented on Tuesday 28th June to Janet Phythian, the Trust’s new chair.

Ms Phythian brings leadership and project management experience to her new position, with a special interest in social enterprise, start-ups and community engagement. The donation will be spent on improving sports facilities at the Showfields Community Hall – secured by the Trust for the local community last summer.

Speaking at the presentation of the cheque Janet Phythian said: “We are delighted to receive funds from the Berkeley Foundation, the charitable arm of Berkeley Homes. This will enable us to develop our community hall for sports for young people and others in the community. We will be able to resurface the floor, which is in great need of repair, provide protection for the lighting and paint sports lines for five-a-side football, badminton and other sports.”

Complimentary Ladies Taster Days

Since opening last summer the Hall is proving very popular, with regular bookings for a wide variety of activities from wedding receptions and local children’s birthday parties to youth clubs and fitness activities.“ Teams of local volunteers, with valuable help from local organisations, worked hard to bring it back to good condition but now our dream to develop it as a sports venue is a reality, thanks to the Berkeley Foundation,” said the new chair, Janet Phythian.

Thursday 14th July 5-8pm Friday 15th July 12-3pm

Peter Smith, Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (Eastern Counties), said: “As a local business to Tunbridge Wells, working in the community we are extremely proud to support the Number One Community Trust and make this donation of £10,000 to the Number One Community Centre. This amount will make a huge difference to the Trust’s members and provide a fresh new space for social and sporting activities to take place.”

#thisgirlgolfs

SWEETWOODS PARK SET TO HOST LADIES TASTER DAYS TO ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN INTO GOLF. Calling all ladies looking to try something new this summer; head to Sweetwoods Park Golf Club on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th July for a complimentary Ladies Taster Day. Sweetwoods Park is working in conjunction with England Golf on a nationwide campaign to help get more women experiencing the golfing world. The campaign

FOUNDER OF DIGITAL MEDIA COFFEE PUBLICATION WINS SCAE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

DALMA GEBE Dalma Gebe is a professional violinist based in Tunbridge Wells. Dalma is available to perform at weddings and corporate and private events within the UK and also abroad. She is a passionate and versatile performer, bringing a unique style to any event. Dalma has the ability to adapt her playing and improvisational style to music of very different genres, creating a unique atmosphere everywhere she performs.

For more details don't hesitate to check out Dalma's website: www.dalmaviolinist.com

On the 25th June 2016, twenty-four-year-old Henry Wilson received the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe’s Excellence Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his digital media site, Perfect Daily Grind (www.perfectdailygrind.com) Two years ago, Henry Wilson was a trainee barista in Ecuador. One year ago, he was a Management Consultant. And today, he’s the CEO of Perfect Daily Grind, one of the fastest-growing web publications on specialty coffee.

Henry’s love of coffee and understanding of business principles have proven to be a winning combination. He founded Perfect Daily Grind in June 2014 and, over the past twelve months, the site has seen an 850% increase in readership to over 170,000 monthly views – not to mention a social media following of over 70,000.

Perfect Daily Grind publishes a wide range of articles on the specialty coffee industry, from experimental farming techniques to the economics of the global coffee market, and from HR advice for café owners to roasting guides. It aims to be at the forefront of innovation in the digital coffee world, and has become renowned for its unique content that shines a light on the industry.

The publication has been the media sponsor of events such as the Project Origin: Best of… auctions, which were organised in part by Sasa Sestic, 2015 World Barista Champion. It has also been the media partner of bodies such as World Coffee Events and the World Coffee Leaders Forum.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

#thisgirlgolfs is striving to show how accessible the sport of golf is, no matter your gender, ability or budget.

Set on the A264 between Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead, ladies of any golfing ability can visit Sweetwoods Park on Thursday 14th July, 5-8pm and Friday 15th July, 12-3pm and experience the golfing offer for ladies.

There will be the opportunity to meet Director of Golf, Matt Tyler, the current Lady Captain and other fellow lady members. Take a tour of the facilities, experience a group tuition lesson with Matt and enjoy Pimms and canapés all completely free of charge.

Director of Golf at Sweetwoods Park, Matt Tyler, said “Golf is a game for all and it would be great to see more ladies enjoying the sport. We hope these taster events will encourage women to give golf a try and see how much fun can be had. Sweetwoods Park already has a fantastic ladies section but it would be great to see this grow further.”

A complimentary 2 ball voucher will be given to all those that attend as well as an exclusive lesson offer of 6 lessons for the price of 5 with Director of Golf, Matt Tyler. This allows the perfect opportunity to kick-start your golfing vocation.

Registration is essential and spaces are limited for these taster days so please email vicky.fearn@sweetwoodspark.com or call 01342 850 729 Ext. 2 to secure your place. Further information on Sweetwoods Park can be found by visiting www.sweetwoodspark.com

WITH THE

THE TOWN’S TOP MOTORING GUIDE – FROM EVERYDAY DRIVES TO LUXURY SUPERCARS

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

FIRST DRIVE

JAGUAR F-TYPE SVR

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe, £110,000 ENGINE: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 567bhp and 516lb.ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 200mph, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds ECONOMY: 25mpg combined EMISSIONS: 269g/km of CO2

By Matt Joy WHAT’S NEW? The F-Type should definitely be on your radar by now. First launched in 2014 and revised just last year, it is the Porsche-worrying coupe and roadster that gave Jaguar a true successor to the E-Type, as well as a halo effect on the rest of the range. Now the SVO department has turned their attentions to it to create the F-Type SVR. The changes are detailed and wide-ranging, with more power and torque from the 5.0-litre V8 engine, reduced drag and increased downforce thanks to the new rear wing, diffuser and front valance. There’s also retuned suspension, less weight and, unlikely as it may seem, an even louder exhaust system made from titanium and aircraft-spec alloy.

LOOKS AND IMAGE You can have an F-Type SVR in roadster or coupe form, just like the R version it’s based on, and arguably it is the latter that’s the best-looking of the two. The exterior changes certainly add aggression to what was an elegant and pretty shape, and you’re left in no doubt that the SVR means business. Pick of the colour chart is the sharp hot orange that shows off the strong lines to best effect.

The F-Type and Jaguars in general have come a long way in the image stakes in just a few years thanks to an expanded range and exciting designs, and SVR as a sub-brand now has a second model to boost its recognition. The F-Type SVR is the fastest series production Jaguar ever and can crack 200mph – that’s a potent image to project.

‘Jaguars have come a long way in the image stakes… The F-Type SVR is the fastest series production Jaguar ever and can crack 200mph – that’s a potent image to project’ SPACE AND PRACTICALITY There’s no loss of cabin space in the SVR transformation but it remains a strict two-seater with an intimate, rather than spacious, cabin. Even so, six-footers can be comfortably accommodated in the supportive sports seats, the glovebox and storage bins will swallow plenty of oddments and the boot on the coupe is big enough for a medium suitcase, as well as some smaller bags, too. The roadster’s boot is inevitably smaller but space is freed up by opting for the tyre repair kit over a spare, and putting the roof down doesn’t impact on boot space.

BEHIND THE WHEEL The tweaks beneath the skin are significant to the point where Jaguar developed a new rear

suspension knuckle to improve the suspension response, and developed bespoke tyres with Pirelli just for this car. In normal driving, the first thing you notice is that it rides surprisingly well; even this most extreme car in the whole range retains this familiar Jaguar quality, and it’s clearly designed to be used every day. It’s even relatively quiet in the standard driving mode, too.

But the SVR is best enjoyed when driven with a little more aggression. Switch into Dynamic mode and the most notable difference is the firmed up suspension, although the driver can tweak the individual settings for the steering, engine and gearbox. It feels extra sharp, responding with even more immediacy to inputs and stays flat, true and firm.

The engine dominates the experience, crackling and rasping with even more volume than the already-loud R coupe, and pushing the SVR hard above 100mph. With the freedom of the track to explore its full potential the SVR remains pleasingly rear-drive in its balance; you can feel the front wheels helping out occasionally but this is a car that can be sideways into, through and on the exit of a bend if you so wish. To call it fun would be a gross understatement.

you get the extra power and torque, the exterior changes, including the aero upgrades and unique alloy wheels, the bespoke suspension upgrades, the 25kg weight loss, including the lightweight exhaust, and some interior fillips. That seems like good value to us.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? Jaguar is billing the F-Type SVR as an all-weather supercar rather than a track warrior, but the fact it dealt so well with all these scenarios means there’s a lot to be said for its capability to deal with daily use. It might be seen as something of an upstart by 911 Turbo owners, but it has presence, is sufficiently comfortable and acceptably practical whilst crucially being a complete blast to drive when the circumstances permit. It’s also relatively inexpensive for a car that can top 200mph...

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Snarly.

IF THIS CAR WAS A... cat, it would purr happily before tearing a B-road to shreds.

VALUE FOR MONEY In coupe form the SVR checks in at exactly £110,000, with another £5k required for the Roadster. That makes it almost £20,000 more than the R model, but for that

Wednesday 6th July 2016

78 n MOTORING

Model shown isthe Jeep Renegade 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp 4WD 75th Anniversary [lncl £700 Special Paint] at DTR £27.495. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG [L/lOOKMl: EXTRA URBAN 47.9 [5 .9] - 70.6 [4.01.

URBAN 32.5 [8.7] - 55 .4 [5 .11. COMBINED 40.9[6 .9] - 64.2 [4.41. CD1EMISSIONS: 160 - 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. 'Customer deposit is £8.461. Optional Final Payment is £13 .160. Contract Term is 14 months. Promotion available on new Renegade 75th Anniversary editions registered between 4th May 1016 and 31st July 1016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment . subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 10.000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition . Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required . Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Jeep Financial Services. PO BOX 4465. Slough. Sll ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep@isa registered trademark of FCA USLL C.

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the new Fiat 500 range in mpg (11100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5)- 68.9 (4.1); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3)- 94.2 (3.0); Combined 60.1 (4.7)- 83.1 (3.4). COi emissions 110 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a New Fiat 500S. Model shown includes optional extras: 16" Matt black alloy wheels with diamond finish and Pasodoble Red special pastel paint. *Uconnect™ LIVE services, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use. "Figure refers to 0 .9 TwinAir 105 hp Turbo engine. Engine range starts from 69 hp.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

MOTORING n

79

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We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

• Fram full graund up restaratian ta summer check aver • Specialist mig and tig welding • Full engine and gearbax rebuilds • We can lacate hard ta find parts, • In hause machining facilities • Vapaur blasting • Everything yau need ta care far yaur classic car ...

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1t1razaa3 36 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF £119 PER MONTH

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WITH A £750 A MAZDA DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION CUSTOMER DEPOSIT £3,571 OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENT £4,250

WITH A £1,000 A MAZDA DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION CUSTOMER DEPOSIT £4,075.1 2 OPTIONAL FINAL PAYMENT £6,185.88

INVICTA MAZDA TUNBRIDGE WELLS Tunbri dge We ll s Business Park, Dowd ing Way, Tunbri dge We lls, Ke nt TN 2 3DS 0 1892 597726 www. in victa- mazda.co. uk

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The official fuel con sumption figure s in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 74.3 (3.8 ). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 88 . 3 (3.2).

Comb ined 40 .9 (6 .9 ) - 83 .1 (3.4). C0 2 em issi on s (g/km) 161 - 89.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registered between 01.07.16 and 30.09.16 at participating dealers. T&C apply. * 0% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all MazdaZ and Mazda3 models. "£750 MazdaZ petrol models and £1,250 MazdaZ diesel models. Excludes Sport Black. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Based on 9,000 miles per annum; excess mileage charge of 14.9p per mile applies. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH11SR. Models shown: MazdaZ 75ps SE, OTR from £12,195. Mazda3 120ps SE, OTR from £17,395. Models shown feature optional Soul Red Metallic paint (MazdaZ £660 and Mazda3 £670). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months' road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years' European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availabi lity. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction wi t h any other offer unless specified.

Cambria automobiles pie, trading as lnvicta Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

80  ADVERTISING FEATURE

Family car has American Edge

By Matt Kimberley WHAT’S NEW? From the concept to the end product, the Edge is a new thing. It’s Ford of Europe’s first large SUV, based on Mondeo undergarments, but with four-wheeldrive, two powerful diesel engines (with more under consideration) and a new, premium shtick with which the American company wants to poke the German luxury brands.

It’s part of the OneFord programme, so it’s built in North America and exported all over the globe with minor changes to suit different markets. We awkward Europeans with our bumpy B-roads and our derestricted autobahns had a big say in how the suspension and handling were tuned.

LOOKS AND IMAGE If you’re thinking it looks a bit ’Murican (American) in the photos, you’re not alone. But the blocky styling and slightly in-your-face dark wheels and detailing of the range-topping Sport model sing a pretty good tune in the metal. The Titanium model is a bit more reserved; a bit more middle of the road. It’s improbably wide, though, with a high and highly shaped bonnet, so it looks even bigger than it actually is.

While the build and materials quality is for the

Wednesday 6th July 2016

most part a big step up for Ford, it’s competing with S line Audi Q5s and mid-grade BMW X3s. Even the entry-level Jaguar F-Pace is a rival. Next to those badges, the Blue Oval can’t really compete.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Where the Edge scores points is for its clever design, which squeezes loads of usefulness into its 4.8-metre length. It has bag hooks in the boot, a spare wheel, a cabin wide enough for three kids to sit side by side on bean bags and enough clever storage spaces to make it a nightmare for customs officials at border crossings.

The amount of empty air around the front seats is amazing. Even the current Mr Universe wouldn’t have shoulders broad enough to fill the width. Including the stubby mirrors, the Edge is well over two metres wide, and it feels it on the road, but it does create an implausibly spacious cabin.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Driven back-to-back, the more powerful diesel offers

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

‘Where the Edge scores points is for its clever design, which squeezes loads of usefulness into its 4.8-metre length and has a cabin wide enough for three kids to sit side by side on bean bags’ noticeably more low-down punch. The twin-clutch automatic gearbox helps make the most of that, too, only kicking down when your throttle pedal inputs clearly ask for it. The 2.0-litre diesel might not be the most refined on the market, but Ford’s soundproofing and standard-fit Active Noise Control suppress wind and road noise like you wouldn’t believe. The quiet at motorway speeds (and beyond) is uncanny.

The Sport’s variable-ratio steering is frustrating, as is every other system like it. Approach the same corner at different speeds and you’ll need two entirely different steering inputs to negotiate it. The standard set-up is slower to turn the car, but feels more consistent, despite a strong urge to self-centre. Neither transmits any meaningful road feel.

Sport models have a harder suspension system that permits less body roll but rides with a jiggly edge on its 20-inch wheels that’s missing from the Titanium and its 19s. As a trade-off the Sport feels more planted in corners, and has the more supportive seats for the job.

81

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: Ford Edge 2.0 Duratorq 210PS AWD Titanium, from £34,495

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 131mph, 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds

ENGINE: Four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 207bhp and 332lb/ft

ECONOMY: 48.9mpg (19in wheels)

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic driving all four wheels

EMISSIONS: 149g/km (19in wheels)

VALUE FOR MONEY The model to go for is the Titanium with the Lux pack, the more powerful engine and the automatic gearbox, although to create it you also need to add the full-fat and rather bass-heavy Sony stereo system. All of a sudden it’s a £37,000 car. Add LED headlights for another £1,000 on top of that. With the panoramic roof at £800, the £40,000 barrier is within fairly easy reach. Ouch.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? Clearly a Ford enthusiast, of which there are many, will look at the Edge as a proper family car. And it is. It’s America-big, so it feels a bit wide for a lot of minor European roads, but the amount of space and practicality is incredible. If the German options just don’t light your candle, the Edge offers a new choice.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Stable.

IF THIS CAR WAS A... mythical figure it might be Hercules: Broad, steadfast and with many strengths.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

82 � GARDENING RHS HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW SPECIAL

Victoria Truman

Garden designer

Kent-based garden and landscape designer Victoria Truman www.victoriatruman.com offers her advice and tips for making the most of your plot

Creating a green and pleasant land that Capability Brown would be proud of…

THE design process for my show garden at this year’s Hampton Court event started almost a year ago. The pitch was to create the perfect garden in a special one-off category that marked the tercentenary year of the esteemed landscape gardener Capability Brown.

I was lucky enough to be one of just three designers who were awarded funding by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in order to build my garden. I was very excited about this but knew that a busy yet ultimately rewarding time lay ahead of me and my team.

I soon had the concept and title for my show: ‘Reflecting the Landscape’ which is a contemporary homage to Brown’s famous 18th century landscaping techniques and in it I used serpentine landforms which helped to create the illusion of a valley.

‘We had a totally blank canvas to design’

IN FULL BLOOM One of Hampton Court’s show gardens

Wednesday 6th July 2016

My design also incorporated a turfed bench which allows the visitor to sit and contemplate the surrounding countryside which is visible between and beneath the canopies of the trees I also used in my design.

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was born 300 years ago and was most famous for introducing new design concepts which favoured naturalistic landscapes over fussy, formal and patterned styles. He became a pioneer in the gardening world and is seen by many as ‘England’s greatest gardener’. The ‘Capability’

Photos: RHS & Victoria Truman

Our horticultural expert Victoria Truman is celebrating winning a prestigious gold medal at the Hampton Court flower show for her impressive show garden which is inspired by one of gardening’s greatest designers. Here she tells The Times how she got involved with the Royal Horticultural Society in order to pay homage to a landscaping legend

tag came about because of his love of talking about a country estate as having a great ‘capability’ for improvement.

When we arrived on site at Hampton Court last week we had a totally blank canvas to transform my design drawings and mood boards, inspired by Capability’s feted 18th century work at places such as Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth, into a reality.

At first it was hard to envisage how we would do this given there were sixty tonnes of dirt piled onto the middle of our space but we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Before we knew it though the rain was lashing down and suddenly our site was flooded English summer at its best I thought to myself…

As a result of such inclement weather the build actually started in earnest a day later than we had imagined. When the digger finally arrived onsite the

83

PICTURES: RHS

GARDENING �

BY DESIGN Victoria’s computerised creation

landscape team, captained

by Andrew Stringer, and I started to make two and at this point - very unshapely mounds.

The next day we spent twelve hours raking and forming them into the beautifully sculpted landforms that I envisaged in my head.

The four signature trees I was including in my design were then hoisted and lifted into place which involved another two hours of turning and rejigging their positions until I was happy to allow them to be planted.

Next day was turfing day and although this started well, like all landscaping jobs we knew that we had to expect the unexpected! Good job we had strong spirit as suddenly there was no water onsite – on the very day we needed it most. While one of the huge marquees was being put up one of its meter long poles was accidentally spiked into the

KNOWING THE ROPES Victoria’s Capability Brown design was clever and subtle

GOLD STANDARD Victoria is delighted with her top prize

mains water pipe belonging to the palace. So now we had no running water and no rain to rely on as a back-up plan!

The next day I headed back up the M25 to Hampton Court and started work at 5am to ensure the turf was thoroughly watered before it died and ruined my whole show garden.

Fast forward to Sunday, the day before the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show officially opened to the press, and my team and I spent four hours titivating, combing grass and taking any dead or bitten leaves

from the trees in order to be ready for the first round of judging the following day.

That was on Monday, July 4, and what a sweet, sweet day it was for me and my team! My show garden not only won a gold medal but also the best Capability Brown Garden. We were all completely thrilled and could finally celebrate all our hard work.

So if you’re visiting Hampton Court this week please do come and say hello and enjoy having a look around my RHS Gold Medal winning garden ‘Reflecting The Landscape’.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

84 � PUZZLES

respected other people’s feelings (10)

Scribble pad

8. Spicy (7) 9. Notice (7) 10. Allude (5)

18. Game fellow (5)

12. Cafe (10)

19. Badly angered and

15. Trial (10)

remaining furious (7) 21. Brightened up when found not guilty (7) 22. Weeds prepared for eating (5)

18. Surpass (5) 19. Regain (7) 21. Tableland (7) 22. Sensational (5)

SOLUTIONS

1. Aura (10) 2. Untrue (5) 3. Nobleman (4) 4. View (6) 5. Upset (8) 6. Scoundrel (7) 11. Backward (10) 13. Enlisted (8) 14. Particular (7) 16. Mortuary (6) 17. Open (5) 20. Visit (4)

21 Plateau; 22 Lurid.

Down: 1 Atmosphere; 2 False; 3 Peer; 4 Aspect; 5 Overturn; 6 Ruffian; 11 Retrograde; 13 Enrolled; 14 Special; 16 Morgue; 17 Overt; 20 Call.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

15. Thought one had

7. Commerce (5)

Down

SUDOKU:

Across 7. He may be spotted, laughing (5) 8. A warning to those who are too introspective (4,3) 9. A show presented before the show (7) 10. French and German articles appear below (5) 12. Will it give a ghostly light?

(6-4)

QUICK CLUES Across

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 7 Hyena; 8 Look out; 9 Preview; 10 Under; 12 Spirit-lamp; 15 Considered; 18 Sport; 19 Enraged; 21 Cleared; 22 Swede.

Down: 1 Shipwrecks; 2 Rebel; 3 Bali; 4 Flower; 5 Coquette; 6 Cordial; 11 Rope-ladder; 13 Printers; 14 Annoyed; 16 Emends; 17 Ogres; 20 Rash.

CRYPTIC CLUES

Down 1. In the main, they’re disasters (10) 2. A revolting subject (5) 3. Bail out in the Indian Ocean (4) 4. A runner, but not in the vegetable garden (6) 5. She vainly seeks masculine attentions (8) 6. Warm drink (7) 11. Some steps that have to be suspended (4-6) 13. They are expected to provide proof of what they do (8) 14. In a bad temper the day none came round (7) 16. Makes it correct for me to be in tails (6) 17. Monsters make some progress (5) 20. Not considered a disfigurement (4)

SUDOKU

Quick: Across: 7 Trade; 8 Savoury; 9 Observe; 10 Refer; 12 Restaurant; 15 Experiment; 18 Excel; 19 Recover;

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

PUZZLES 

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ

Salma Hayek

also stars Uzo Aduba as “Crazy Eyes”?

9. Which alternative rock band had a hit in 2004 with Somewhere Only We Know?

10. Forgetful fish Dory from Finding Nemo, who is featuring in her own upcoming film Finding Dory, is voiced by which US talk show host?

11. The son of which celebrity chef recently caused controversy in the Big Brother house with inappropriate antics?

2. What has the junior version of Gogglebox endearingly been entitled?

3. Come On Eileen was a UK Number 1 hit for which band, fronted by Kevin Rowland, who just released their fifth album?

4. The Queen of Longtrellis, played

by Salma Hayek, is one of the characters in which recent fantastical movie?

12. What was the first UK chart topping single for Spandau Ballet, back in 1983?

13. Who starred in 2000 hit film Memento as Leonard Shelby, a vengeful amnesiac?

14. Dara Ó Briain has been the host of which BBC2 satirical panel game since it began airing in 2005?

15. Jamaican-American singer Grace Jones famously slapped which TV host, live on his chat show in 1981?

5. If Pete Waterman was The Hitman, who was Her in the 1980s-90s dance music show?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

D

I

10

11

12

13

23

24

25

26

6. Stranger to Stranger is the thirteenth solo album from which US recording artist?

7. Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson played which intrepid paranormal investigators?

8. Who portrays imprisoned Piper Chapman in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, which

Grace Jones

Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

1

2

3

9

10

14

15

8

11

4

16 13

12

7

6

1. Cod, say 9.

2. Assistance 10.

3. Sport 11.

4. Norse god 12.

5. Midday 13.

6. Standard 14.

7. Factory 15.

8. Country road 16.

Keyword clue: An African river

5

Always Inclined surface Tow Weaving apparatus Female servant Dreary The two Protuberance

SOLUTIONS

7 Ghostbusters; 8 Taylor Schilling; 9 Keane; 10 Ellen DeGeneres; 11 Marco Pierre White; 12 True; 13 Guy Pearce; 14 Mock the Week; 15 Russell Harty

Antoine de Caunes and Jean Paul Gaultier recently reunited for a one-off special of which 90s show?

CODEWORD: 1=Z, 2=Q, 3=R, 4=O, 5=E, 6=B, 7=T, 8=C, 9=I, 10=L, 11=W, 12=Y, 13=J, 14=K, 15=P, 16=S, 17=F, 18=V, 19=G, 20=D, 21=M, 22=N, 23=X, 24=H, 25=A, 26=U

1.

WORD SPIRAL: 1 Fish; 2 Help; 3 Polo; 4 Odin; 5 Noon; 6 Norm; 7 Mill; 8 Lane; 9 Ever; 10 Ramp; 11 Pull; 12 Loom; 13 Maid; 14 Drab; 15 Both; 16 Hump.

Keyword: LIMPOPO

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

WORD SPIRAL

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Eurotrash; 2 Gogglesprogs; 3 Dexys (Midnight Runners); 4 Tale of Tales; 5 Michaela Strachan; 6 Paul Simon;

CODEWORD

85

Wednesday 6th July 2016

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RECRUITMENT n

MSK Service Lead - Physiotherapist

Registered Nurse - Wards

Ward Manager

Closing date Location

Closing date Location Department Contract Hours per week

Rollin g Crowboroug h and East Gri nst ead Wards Perma nent Fl ex ible

Closing date Location

Salary

Eq uiva lent to Ba nd 5

Wed nesday 13 Ju ly 20 16 Harder Hea lth care, 2 Mo unt Ep hraim Road, Tunbrid ge We ll s, TN 1 1EE Department Physioth erapy Contract Pe rm anent Hours per week Negotiab le Salary Competitive depend ing on experi ence This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Phys iotherapist to join the MSK team working across our Tunbridge Well s and East Grinstead sites as the MSK Service Lead.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop an already estab lished private practice in Tunbridge Well s as wel l as develop a new physiotherapy service at ou r Mcindoe Centre in East Grinstead. There is also opportunity to bui ld a more sport orientated client group in addition to p itch side work for a local successfu l rugby club.

Horder Healthcare's aim is to improve well being in the population and as such offers a wide variety of classes such as Pi Iates and fitness classes but also utilises the skills of a variety of health pract itioners such as massage therapists, Tai Chi instructors and Yoga teachers. The successful applicant will be required to liaise widely with key stakeholders and manage a team of health professionals to develop and build these services.

89

Wed nesday 13 July 20 16 The Harder Ce nt re, St John's Road, Crowb roug h, East Sussex, TN6 1XP Contract Pe rm anent Hours per week 37.5 Salary Eq uiva lent t o Ba nd 7/8a We have an excitin g opportun ity fo r a fu ll t ime Wa rd Manager to become part of our in novative, forward t hin king hospital.

We are loo ki ng to recruit experienced, passionate Reg iste red Nurses, to j oin our expa nd in g nursin g tea m at an exciti ng ti me fo r Ha rder Hea lthcare. We can offe r our Nurses the oppo rtuni ty to work in a va ri ed, chall enging b ut rewa rd in g ro le in a friendly and supportive wo rking enviro nment. On a da il y basis yo u w ill work on our wa rds treatin g a d ive rse

Th e successful app li cant w ill have a prove n trac k record of change ma nagement, a passio n fo r developing a cul t ure of co nt inu ous im prove ment w ith particu lar em phasis on patient expe ri ence, CQC com pliance and key cli nica l outco mes.

va ri ety of patie nts that have un dergone su rge ry.

For an informal visit please contact recruitment on 01892 665577

We are invit ing applications from Clinica l Practitio ners w it h at least 2 years Manage ment experi ence.

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Wednesday 6th July 2016

90  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

Local events >> WEDNESDAY JULY 6 Save The Last Dance For Me continues its run at the Assembly Hall all this week until Saturday. The popular jukebox musical stars former boy band member Antony Costa, who was in Blue, and is packed full of familiar hits including Teenager in Love and Viva Las Vegas. Tickets cost from £25.50. To book visit: www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The Tonbridge Festival is now in full swing. Starting today is the Open Arts Studio which showcases the work of local painters, sculptors and ceramists and features creative creations by several local schools and also Pepenbury’s art studio. Work will be displayed until 5pm on Sat July 9 and some is available to buy.

There will also be a Quiz Night at the Tonbridge Old Fire Station at 8pm. There are only 50 spaces available so places are on a first come, first served basis with teams of five people max.

Visit: www.tofs.co.uk

DEATH BED A scene from Romeo and Juliet

Pantiles today and tomorrow. Visitors can expect a wealth of inspiring art to admire, and to enjoy the numerous entertainments that will be on offer including jugglers and fire eaters.

There will also be musical recitals and face painting for children. For more details visit: www.seeartgallery.co.uk

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

WALK OF LIFE Join Burrswood’s Boot Camp

>> THURSDAY JULY 7 At the Odeon, Trinity Theatre and Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst at 7pm you’ll have the chance to catch a screening of Kenneth Branagh’s critically-acclaimed interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. Starring Lily James and Richard Madden, whom he also cast in his very successful version of Cinderella last year, it’s a particularly passionate production which puts a contemporary twist on this classic piece of Shakespeare.

From 6.30pm Cripps and Lark Group will be hosting an Investing in Wine evening at The Secret Cellar. The venue’s Mike Watson, who is one of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts, will be talking about the best bottles to spend your money on and will also have plenty of tips on the dos and don’ts involved when purchasing premier crus and rare vintages. If you would like to attend call: 01892 506 208.

The Jazz on The Pantiles summer season is now in full swing with the Matt Skelton Quartet taking centre stage this evening from 7pm.

If you love a good pub quiz then pop along to the Sussex Arms tonight as it will be hosting one from 8pm. Entry costs £2 and the winner takes all.

>> SUNDAY JULY 10 As part of its new Health and Wellbeing initiative, Burrswood is launching its Boot Camp Week today. This residential programme, which is on until July 17, includes six days of exercise for both the body and mind and some much needed pampering sessions and alternative therapies. To book a place on this course, which includes full board accommodation, expert training and tips on how to enjoy a balanced lifestyle and nutritious diet, visit www.burrswoodbootcamp.co.uk Yew Tree Cottage in Penshurst is holding an Open Garden event as part of the National Gardens Scheme. It will be presenting its wealth of unusual and unique floral varieties and its interesting planting schemes. Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of this pretty village and boasting some fascinating flowers, it’s a must-visit for any gardening fan. For more information visit: www.ngs.org.uk BIRD’S EYE VIEW Go to Grosvenor Park

>> FRIDAY JULY 8 The Butterside Up Arts Group are organising a number of free music and comedy sessions in various venues across the town over the weekend.

Tonbridge Castle, Café 1089 and Basil are just some of the establishments hosting these pop-up events.

The SIBA South East Beer Festival kicks off today at the Tonbridge Rugby Club. There will be lots of local craft beers and more unusual international varieties to sample over the weekend, which runs from 5-11pm today and 11am-11pm tomorrow. For more info visit: www.tjrfc.co.uk >> SATURDAY JULY 9 Put a spring in your step on Saturday mornings by racing out of bed and heading along to Dunorlan for its weekly Park Run.. Starting at 9am, it’s free to enter and will definitely get you fighting fit for the weekend ahead.

Tonbridge also puts on a park run every Saturday at the same time at its Racecourse Ground.

If running is just a step too far for you when it comes to a weekend activity, then why not ease yourself into Saturday by giving your tastebuds a treat at the Farmers’ Market in Tunbridge Wells. Running from 9am to 2pm outside the Town Hall, it has lots of delicious seasonal produce as well as home-grown goods. For more information visit: www.kfma.org.uk The SEEART Gallery Arts Fair takes place in The

Wednesday 6th July 2016

There are more aesthetic offerings at Trinity, where the show Art Rocks by Jo Brown and Karen Gardener is exhibiting until next Sunday, July 17.

Jo is an expressionist painter while Karen specialises in sculpture, and between them they have created a collaborative show that examines gravity, form and surface.

Lovers of Italian opera have a treat in store at the Assembly Hall tonight where A Night In Venice is taking place. The audience will enjoy an evening of famous operatic musical pieces and arias from the likes of Puccini, Verdi and Rossini performed by a live orchestra.

CHEERS Enjoy an evening at The Secret Cellar

>> MONDAY JULY 11 At 5pm the park rangers at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park will be giving a walk and talk on birds. It starts with a ramble around the regenerated grounds where participants will be encouraged to seek out different varieties of our feathered friends. Following this will be an informative talk on bird identification in the park’s new Hub space

WHAT’S ON 

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS by a representative from the Kent High Weald Partnership. Booking is not required so please just turn up.

Waterstones in Tunbridge Wells welcomes popular TV vet Jo Hardy this evening at 7pm. The star of BBC2’s Young Vets will be talking about her journey to qualifying as a professional vet and signing copies of her new book Tales from a Wild Vet which was published in April this year.

(See page 93 for our exclusive interview with Jo.) >> TUESDAY JULY 12 Trinity is marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death by staging a production of Measure For Measure. Directed by Kirrie Wratten and running from this evening until Saturday, it is has been ‘reimagined in a European city not so far away…’ and promises to be an essential watch. Tickets cost from £12. To find out more visit: www.trinitytheathre.net The Odeon cinema will be screening Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg at 5.30pm. The Wagner classic was recorded at Glyndebourne and will raise the roof with its musical offerings.

Paul Dunton

Southern Blues Kings

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN, MOUNT EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Release the Geese The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

Live music THERE are lots of amazing gigs to be enjoyed across the local area this week. For acoustic fans there is a fabulous line-up at The Grey Lady this Wednesday with Dull knife, Della Lupa, Kev Minney and Young Apollo.

For alternative/rock fans this Friday night at The Forum there some great local bands in action: Run Leia Run, Call Me Malcolm and Matilda’s Scoundrels. Some further options for Friday night include the thoroughly entertaining five-piece Riff Raff at No.9 Smokehouse and for blues lovers the superb Southern Blues Kings are at The Cross Keys Pub. This Saturday night there are plenty of great bands in action, with The Harveys at The Royal Oak Pub and Release the Geese at The Beau Nash Tavern.

91

SCALLYWAG, MOUNT EPHRAIM

Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply, more information at www.scallywagcafe.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Carradine’s Cockney Singalong FRIDAY Ed Watts (Jazz Piano)

SATURDAY Gates open 5.30pm for 7pm start Space UK + The Take That Experience Tickets: £25/£22.50 concession*/£72.50 Family Website www.tonbridgefestival.co.uk Proms at the Castle SUNDAY Gates open 6pm for 8pm start Tickets: £15/£13 concession* Website www.tonbridgefestival.co.uk THE GREY LADY, THE PANTILES

THE PUNCH & JUDY, TONBRIDGE

11 St Stephens Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

TUESDAY Ty Watling Band THE ROYAL OAK, PROSPECT ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

SATURDAY The Harveys MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session

TONBRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tonbridge Castle

Viv Groskop

Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. Websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Young Apollo, Kev Minney, Della Lupa, Dull Knife FRIDAY Miss D and the Loop SUNDAY Eliza Lewis, Niamh McSmith, Roberto Picazo Trio TUESDAY Becky Copsey, Issycee, Paul Wheeler Band WEDNESDAY The Crew, Megan Jordan, The Rosie Pennie Band

PICK OF THE WEEK Tonbridge Philharmonic presents Proms at the Castle 6pm Sunday July 10 BRIGHT SPARKS Enjoy music alfresco

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

FRIDAY Run Leia Run, Call Me Malcolm, Matilda’s Scoundrels SUNDAY UNFEST Sunday Sessions TUESDAY Viv Groskop: Be More Margo: Chris Parkinson and Word Up! [Poetry Slam] NO.9 SMOKEHOUSE, 9 NEVILL STREET

Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY Riff Raff SATURDAY Rooster Tail THE CROSS KEYS, ST JOHN’S ROAD

To officially close the Tonbridge Festival the town’s Philharmonic Society will be hosting a concert on the castle lawn from 8pm. The society, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, will also be joined by their official choir for what promises to be a spectacular musical evening. Gates open at 6pm and the concert starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £13 for concessions and are available from www.tonbridgefestival.co.uk

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Paul Malsom & The Nocasters + guests FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues: Southern Blues Kings SUNDAY TARC Acoustic Open Mic MONDAY TWUNT Ukulele Jam THE BEDFORD PUB, 2 HIGH STREET

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Riff Raff

Wednesday 6th July 2016

92 � ARTS & CULTURE

Reworking classic masterpiece for a contemporary audience As part of the celebrations marking 400 years since the death of Shakespeare, Trinity Theatre is putting on a production of Measure For Measure which starts next Tuesday. Eileen Leahy talks to its director Kirrie Wratten about what we can expect from her intriguing futuristic interpretation of this infamous play Can you give a brief synopsis of the plot for those readers who are unfamiliar with the story?

The Head of State abdicates and hands over power to his deputy, Angelo, with instructions to crack down on vice. Angelo takes his new authority to heart, and starts by making an example of a young man, Claudio, whose girlfriend is pregnant. In Angelo’s new regime sex outside marriage is a capital offence, and Claudio is to be beheaded. His sister, a novice nun, pleads for his life and all the brothels are being demolished. So, will they find a way to make a new living, and will Claudio survive to see his baby? And what happens to the nun?

What did you find most challenging when putting this particular Shakespearian play together?

Well, there are always challenges and funnily enough, one of the biggest for me was that

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre (TTC) was doing a short video about our production for YouTube.

I wasn’t doing the filming, but I was responsible for coming up with ideas that Sam Marlow, the young film maker putting something together

could use. It meant a completely different way of looking at Shakespeare’s material and finding a way to give the flavour of the play in a very short space of time - without giving away key scenes.

What is it about Measure For Measure that so appeals?

It’s a hugely rewarding play to explore. The big themes of justice, corruption, lust, the abuse of power and the mutability of truth are still, 400 years after Shakespeare’s death, the stuff we read about every day and see on our screens. The characters are also diverse and so rich, and have been interpreted in many different ways over the years.

What can audiences expect of your version?

The time period in which it is set. After much thought I decided upon the near future. There were several reasons for this but perhaps the most compelling one was the current political instability, and my concern about where that might lead. Extremist views have seemed a lot closer to home of late, and the extreme form of some religions enforces very strict moral and religious codes. And in recent years justice, even in the UK, has not always been as impartial and as fair as we might expect.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

A CROSS TO BEAR Measure for Measure promises drama and despair

ARTS & CULTURE 

How did the collaboration between yourself and Trinity come about?

I was a very active member for several years, but from about 2000 I began directing elsewhere - mostly on the fringe in London and at various festivals. A few years ago I started directing locally again, and was asked to do Arcadia for TTC in October 2012. Measure for Measure is the first play I have directed for them since then.

Have you done anything there before?

Yes. The first play I did for TTC was Much Ado About Nothing in 1997. I directed, stage managed and worked backstage at Trinity, on and off, until about 2005.

What other pieces of theatre have you directed and which has been most memorable and why?

In almost twenty years I have done many pieces, from new plays by unknown writers in scruffy pub theatres, to putting Shakespeare on a village green and church crypt.

Therefore to pick out one thing is difficult but if I had to choose, it would be a play called W;t (sic) by Margaret Edson. The play is about a middle-aged American Professor of English, who specialises in the poetry of John Donne but is also dying of ovarian cancer. It is funny and moving in equal measure and I was blessed with a very strong cast.

What’s next in the pipeline?

TTC are mounting a production of Arsenic and Old Lace in October, which I am sure will be a treat and I look forward to being asked to direct for them again before too long.

Measure for Measure starts at Trinity Theatre on Tuesday July 12 and runs until Saturday 16 July. Tickets for the evening performance which starts at 7.30pm cost £14. Matinee performances (Weds and Sat) cost £9.

Call 01892 678678 or visit www. trinitytheatre. net to book.

TIPPING THE SCALES Celebrate the Bard’s 400th anniversary at Trnity

93

“When people ask me if I have a favourite animal I always say it changes on a daily basis” Jo Hardy, 26, found fame on the BBC2 show Young Vets in 2014. Born and raised in Tunbridge Wells she has since enjoyed a busy career that sees her juggling her veterinary work with special assignments in Africa. She has also found the time to write two books and get engaged. Here she tells The Times how she manages to fit everything in “I WANTED to become a vet due to a mixture of things. I like to solve problems and biology was always my best subject at school but my main motivation was actually because I know that helping animals has a direct effect on their owners’ lives - whether it be emotionally for a pet owner, or for someone in a Third World country who relies on their donkey to help them survive.

It wasn’t my childhood dream to become a vet: I actually only decided I’d like to be one after I’d started my A levels and had to switch the subjects I was studying. But I think that’s a plus point because I made a more mature decision about my career path.

Animals can be pretty hard to work with. They scream at you for putting a needle in them and leave with no concept of appreciation! I always wish I could explain to them that what I do helps but I love being around them - even if they’re not so keen to be around me!

If people ask if I have one particular favourite animal I reply that it changes on a daily basis. If I had to specify though I’d say it’s probably either horses or rhinos. Horses because I’ve grown up with two beauties who are like my babies and have so much personality. Rhinos are incredibly majestic creatures which are in such decline from the poaching crisis that you can’t help but appreciate them while they’re still on this planet.

My involvement with the Young Vets show was a complete coincidence. I was just at the right place at the right time. ITN (who were filming it for BBC2) approached my university asking to film several final year students for a year. They initially picked six and one of them was in my study

group so the cameras were around me and I was in the background on a lot of footage.

Then I bumped into the producer of the show on a farm in Devon when she was scouting for filming locations and we got chatting. A few days later I got an email asking if I would like to be included in the show.

I started off feeling terrified and nervous and like it was a big mistake but after a few months I relaxed and started to enjoy it. I loved the fact that the film crew became great friends, too. I still keep in contact with the team but the show stopped after a year of filming.

I had kept a diary during this time which I always thought would make an interesting behind-the-scenes book.

So I pitched the idea and got a double book deal with Harper Collins. I’ve been very fortunate as the literary world is a difficult one for new authors so to have published two books is very exciting.

Since I graduated two years ago I’ve been a bit of a wanderer and have worked all over the world including South Africa, Uganda, Morocco and Gambia. But England is still home to me even though I’ve loved exploring the different areas of the African continent, and learning about all the cultures.

I’m getting married in October and planning to move to South Africa, where my fiancé is from, by the start of 2017.

I’ll be doing a little locum work in the UK for the next few months before the wedding.

It’s so different to work abroad but I like how being in lots of different places builds up skills.

As for my professional plans for the future, who knows? My mind changes on a daily basis but my long term goal would be to work in a charity role, maybe as a veterinary advisor. Doing that would mean by helping animals in places of need, my work would impact upon those people who require it most in the world.”

Jo’s second book Tales From A Wild Vet is out now priced £7.99 and published by Harper Collins. Jo will be talking about her work and signing copies of her book at Waterstones in Tunbridge Wells on Monday July 11 at 7pm.

Wednesday 6th July 2016

94 � THE GREAT OUTDOORS all excited because of foxy and badgery smells, and we emerge into what, last year, was a field of hop poles, only to find that they’ve gone and been replaced with a much lower network of stakes and After taking a leap from London, the plan was to start a new life in the wires in long rows. And growing up out of those countryside and a career as a famous author. Instead I acquired a dog green plastic Tubex guards are hundreds upon and part-time work managing a community orchard. You can read these hundreds of baby vines. experiences on my blog: www.kentcountrymatters.blogspot.co.uk Now I’m a great fan of vineyards, especially once the vines are old and gnarled and look like large cloves pressed into the ground. In France, or in Italy or Spain they look just fine – picturesque even. But in the High Weald of Kent? Well here they look just – how can I put it – just foreign. Not that I’ve got anything against foreigners, you understand. But the question is, should they be restored ‘five’ sail affair), across to the sewage notion that ‘hopping down in Kent’ was rather here in the first place? Well, a moment’s research works and down towards the stream we call the good for social cohesion in a similar way that we shows that they’ve ‘been here’ for a lot longer than River Wandle, but which cartographers refer to (well some people) regard the Blitz.

I have, and almost certainly a lot longer than my more prosaically as the Hexden Channel. A few Anyway, it’s all pretty irrelevant because there house. The Doomsday survey records 46 vineyards years ago, when Myrtle was just a puppy, a large are virtually no hop fields left for anyone to pick, in southern England and by the time Henry VIII proportion of this walk was through fields planted whether from the East End or not. Plus they’re all was running through wives as if they were going with hops. In winter their poles and strings stood done by machine these days anyway. out of fashion, there were 139 sizeable vineyards in out gaunt against the sky, while in summer the So we’ve gone past the windmill and through a England and Wales – 11 of them owned by the large leafed climber twisted its way round the bit of recently planted woodland that has Myrtle Crown, 67 by noble families and twine before sprouting its aromatic flowers.

POLE POSITION 52 by the church (with thanks to But the hops are englishwine.com). Plus it’s ‘I’m a great fan of vineyards. vanishing rumoured that Julius Caesar had In France, Italy or Spain they introduced the vine to Britannia nearly 2,000 years ago. look just fine. But in Kent?’

So it’s perfectly possible that had photography existed when my house was being built around 1480, I’ve probably regaled you before with tales of it might have recorded not a hop hop-pickers and the hopper huts in the field just garden but a vineyard in the field up from me. I still occasionally get people across the stream. And since there knocking on my door and reminiscing about how, are nearly 5,000 acres of vines as youngsters, they’d spent a fortnight there as planted in Britain and that acreage part of the family holiday in that extraordinary has doubled in the past ten years, exodus from the East End. This, of course, was and is set to further increase by before the charter flights to Benidorm or the 50 per cent in the next five, Myrtle Canaries took over. And while I wouldn’t wish and I had better get used to anybody to have to spend their vacation working encountering them on our walks. as an agricultural labourer, I have this romantic

Kent Barker Country matters

Vine is fine but hop is top I F A HOUSE has been around for as long as mine the chances are there will be a few early photographs of it. Early, that is, for photography, not the house. In fact the building had already been there for more than 300 years before photographs existed. But since the 1840’s, after Louis Daguerre had developed a process which enabled exposure times to be reduced from days to mere minutes, there must have been dozens, if not hundreds, of pictures taken of my abode. I have some early, faded, black and white ones from I know not exactly when, but probably the early years of the 20th century.

One of these is particularly striking because it clearly shows there are hop poles piled up in the adjacent field. For as long as I can remember the field has been grazed or under cultivation with a cereal crop such as wheat. So the photograph is a reminder of just how much of the ‘garden’ of England used to be hop gardens. The decline has been dramatic. In 1872 there were 72,000 acres of hops across the country. Last year it was down to just 2,500 acres. And despite a resurgence in small ‘craft’ breweries in Britain, the amount of hops being grown continues to decline. And what is replacing them? Well, around me it’s vines.

One of Myrtle’s favourite walks is past the Sandhurst windmill (a rare and beautifully

Wednesday 6th July 2016

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