Times of Tunbridge Wells 12th October 2016

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Local, National and International

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SPORTING TIMES

THIS WEEK, IN RESPONSE TO READER DEMAND, WE LAUNCH OUR COVERAGE OF LOCAL SPORTING EVENTS AND RESULTS, BOTH IN PRINT AND ONLINE See pages 78 and 79

Budget chain sets its sights on converting the courthouse PREMIER INN could be moving to Tunbridge Wells after plans were submitted to convert the town’s county and family court on London Road into a 110-bedroom hotel. This would make it one of the largest establishments in Tunbridge Wells in what is already a competitive environment for hoteliers, and opposition is already mounting. Submitted on the chain’s behalf by Hobbs Parker Property Consultants, the document states the equivalent of 41 new full-time jobs could be created as a result of the development. The plans include changes to

NEW VISION How the courthouse might look before the changes

the external appearance of the building, an extension to one side, and the addition of a fifth-floor roof extension.

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to include a £17million underground car park in the new civic complex are almost certain to be ditched as the proposals also came under fire from a former council leader. Roy Bullock, who served on the council for 16 years, and was Leader until 2010, last week suggested the Cabinet had performed ‘a massive U-turn’ on the issue and had ‘abandoned’ plans for the Calverley Grounds car park.

His intervention was described as ‘rather sad’ and ‘borne of ignorance’ by the current Leader, Cllr David Jukes. A council spokesman said ‘alternative

‘Comments are borne out of ignorance of the facts’ car parking solutions’ are being explored. Hitting out at his former colleagues, Mr Bullock suggested borough council taxpayers would be ‘delighted’ by the change of direction. He said: “I do not understand how this

project ever got past the Conservative group. To contemplate spending at least £17million, repayable over 50 years, with such a poor return that it would take 43 years to pay back – well, as one financially intelligent councillor is recorded as saying, ‘it is a folly’.” Accusing the council of hampering economic growth in the borough with ‘swingeing increases in car parking charges’ in order to raise revenue for the ‘folly’ he added: “It is a classic example of indirect taxation, and will not hit the wealthy of the borough but the low-paid office staff and

INSIDE NURSERIES THREAT Free childcare increases put pressure on schools. Page 4

Opposition The extensions will more than double the total amount of floor space in the building from 1,956 sq m currently to 4,305 sq m. Aesthetically, the building is to be ‘stripped back’ to its structural elements, with the exterior rebuilt using the existing concrete frame. Current plans will result in a steep decline in the number of parking spaces available,

LUCKY NUMBERS

Tunbridge Wells to launch its very own lottery. Page 3

Continued on page 2

War of words as multimillion pound car park scheme crashes Adam Hignett

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All the news that matters

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Wednesday, October 12, 2016

shop workers who travel from long distances and also impact on its economic viability.” Mr Bullock, who was forced to relinquish his leadership of the council following a vote of no confidence by his own Conservative colleagues, went on to question their capability to ‘exercise financial control’, and said the entire scheme should be put to a referendum. His criticism of the current administration was condemned by Cllr Jukes.

See also page 2

JUST THE TONIC

Boost for micro-distilling with sustainable gin. Page 6

WESTLIFE CLASSICS

We chat to singer Shane Filan as he heads for town. Pages 76-77


2 ■ LOCAL NEWS

Weather October 12, 2016

Sunny spells and well-scattered showers, through the day, mainly in the east

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Visibility: Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 76%

Sunrise: 07.18am

Sunset: 18.11pm

Wind: 13mph

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BAD FOR BUSINESS Premier Inn set to impact The Retreat

Continued from page 1

Wednesday

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Opinion divided over Premier Inn proposal

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Views of Bidborough Photo by Mary Rimmer

which will fall from 77 to just 19, while there will be the addition of 12 cycle spaces. The opportunity for the Whitbread-owned budget hotel group has arisen due to a decision by the Ministry of Justice to close the court in December. However, the plans have been criticised by Simon Colbran, owner of the Tunbridge Wells Retreat hotel, which is just yards away from the courthouse. Mr Colbran confirmed it would likely impact his business in a negative way: “I am not that happy about it. The parking

Council admits it is exploring other parking options By Adam Hignett Continued from page 1 He said: “Having seen what the former Leader of the Council Roy Bullock is saying, I find it rather sad that someone who had such inti-

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘Whatever you do in life, always give 100 per cent, unless you’re donating blood’ Unknown

Wednesday 12th October 2016

is a nightmare and they want to have a hotel without any parking. “This hotel [the Retreat] has been here for years and is privately owned. It would be a shame for Tunbridge Wells to turn out like every other town.”

He is not the only person to object to the proposals, with one local resident describing the development as ‘inappropriate’. Natalie Smith-Knudson, who lives in the neighbouring Post Office Square, questioned the impact on traffic and said it would ‘significantly’ decrease the value of homes in ‘Royal’ Tunbridge Wells. But Cllr Jane March, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development, expressed enthusiasm for the idea of a new hotel. She said: “Without commenting on specific planning applications, I can say that in principle I would welcome additional hotel accommodation in the town. I know from the Tourist Information Centre that because Tunbridge Wells is a popular place to visit, they frequently find there is an unmet demand for guest accommodation here.” A spokesman for the hotel chain said: “Premier Inn won’t be commenting on this for now.”

“I do not understand how this project ever got past the Conservative group. As one financially intelligent councillor is recorded as saying, ‘it is a folly’.” Roy Bullock Former Council Leader

mate knowledge of what was going on in the council for four years now has to criticise the present administration. “His comments are borne out of ignorance of the facts. All the information has been made available to, and supported by, the Conservative group, and has been endorsed by Full Council. “Finally, if when I am no longer Leader I find the time to write to the paper to criticise what the current administration is doing, please put my letter straight in the bin.” In response to enquiries regarding the proposed car park, a council spokesperson said: “No firm decisions have been taken, but we have questions about the technical side of developing a car park under Calverley Grounds adjacent to the Great Hall car park. “We share the concerns that have been expressed about the costs and environmental impact of doing this, and with these things in mind we have asked our consultants to explore alternative car parking solutions.” The council is currently committed to redeveloping the Mount Pleasant Avenue car park which is adjacent to Calverley Grounds into a 50,000

sq ft office complex, designed to house both the authority and commercial businesses. As part of these proposals, the council is also exploring the idea of building a new theatre on the site of the Great Hall car park. The idea was to make up for the loss of parking by adding more capacity underground. In total, the entire scheme is expected to cost around £67million. The council say the scheme is needed as the current Town Hall premises are no longer suitable, while the £10million needed to refurbish and upgrade the site is not cost-effective.

mended the delay after members of the committee failed to agree with the report’s recommendations. Although not binding on the Cabinet, as the delay is at the behest of the Leader of the party, it is unlikely to be ignored.

 AND NEWS OF ANOTHER PARKING SETBACK…

The alleged ‘U-turn’ over the development of a new car park next to Calverley Grounds was not the only backtracking by the council last week on the issue of parking. Plans to sell off the Linden Park Road car park next to The Pantiles for redevelopment, a move which will result in the loss of 37 spaces, look set to be ‘deferred’. At a regular meeting of the Cabinet Advisory Board, Council Leader David Jukes recom-

“I find it rather sad that someone who had such intimate knowledge of what was going on in the council for four years now has to criticise the present administration.” David Jukes Current Council Leader

WE RESPOND TO READER REQUESTS AND ADD A SPORTING TOUCH TO THE PAPER WHEN we started planning this newspaper in the autumn of 2014, we took a deliberate decision not to include sport in our pages. And that was a tough decision taken by people who love all sports, but it was a decision based on available resources. All papers today are under financial pressure and have limited resources. We decided that ours, at least initially, should be used to generate news and features – the backbone of most weekly publications. Since our first edition in March 2015, however, we have received numerous requests from readers to include local sport. This week, largely in response to those calls, we launch the Sporting Times [pages 78 and 79]. We believe it completes the editorial package, adding the final touch to a newspaper that hopefully can do our town

proud and reflect all aspects of life in our local community. It was Prime Minister Harold Wilson who first used the phrase in the mid-1960s: “A week is a long time in politics.” Well, how about three years? That’s the amount of time former borough council leader Roy Bullock has been officially out of local and county politics. Since then he has not really been heard from – until last week, when he wrote a letter to this newspaper attacking the borough council for its approach to redeveloping the town centre. It was, of course, seen as an open attack on his successor, current Leader David Jukes. It’s all to do with spending £17million on an underground car park to supplement the

new civic centre complex. Mr Bullock cannot understand how the project ‘ever got past the Conservative group’ on the council. Mr Bullock believes the council, who no doubt were advised during the whole process by its officers, performed a ‘massive U-turn’ when it realised it would get a poor financial return on the initiative. Whatever the reasons, it’s disappointing that a former leader of the council should launch such a public attack on an authority that over the years he himself helped shape. At his final county council meeting in 2013, Mr Bullock told members: “Watch this space”. If today there are failings in the way the borough council functions and operates, what does that does that say about his legacy? Richard Moore, Editorial Director


LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Litter fines generate £100,000 for council LITTER enforcement officers working on behalf of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have collected more than £100,000 in fines so far this year. The officers, supplied by private company Kingdom Security, have issued 1,425 fixed penalty notices – which equates to an 11 per cent increase in penalties since last year. Included in these penalties are £50 dog fouling fines and £80 penalties for dropping cigarette ends.

Southeastern on time MP GREG CLARK has welcomed the repair of the clock at the town’s station after it suddenly stopped working during the summer, freezing at 11.15. Southeastern called in specialist contractors to repair the clock following pressure from the MP. Mr Clark said: “It doesn’t do our town any favours to have such a prominent clock displaying the wrong time, and as it’s on a building which is supposed to run to a timetable it really should be right more than twice a day.”

Zero hours at KCC ALMOST 800 Kent County Council employees are currently working on zero hours contracts, new figures have revealed. The majority of these, 475, are in social care services, while those in education make up the second largest group, 275. Cllr Gary Cooke, the cabinet member for democratic services, said the council recognised the ‘concerns’ and had switched employees over to alternative contracts where ‘mutually agreed’.

Fiery election debate in America has positive benefits for hospice By Murray Jones newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE bad-tempered accusations being thrown by both sides during the buildup to the US Presidential election have helped produce a positive result for one local charity. More than £2,200 was raised for Hospice in the Weald from the 140-strong audience who attended a debate on the election at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School. Tonbridge & Malling MP, Tom Tugendhat, was joined on stage by former Judd pupil and senior Daily Telegraph reporter on the 2016 US election, Tim Stanley. Both men are patrons of the Pembury-based hospice. Hospice Chairman Simon Lee said it takes £7million a year to run the charity and that “it’s events like this which help us continue the work that we do.” The charity’s fundraising hopes for the event were boosted after the theatre offered to waive most of the hire fee. Mr Stanley, a Sevenoaks resident and expert

Stanley was equally critical of Clinton, describing both candidates as ‘disliked to a unique degree in US history’. As the talk moved on, Mr Tugendhat added his thoughts from a British, strategic perspective. On the subject of the infamous wall that Trump proposes to build along the Mexican border, the MP insisted that the UK should be ‘extremely cautious of criticising the US’. He argued that it would be wiser to let ‘due process get on with it,’ citing his trust in the US Constitution. Mr Stanley summarised the potential outcomes of next month’s vote as MAKING A POINT ‘whoever wins, everyone loses’. Tim Stanley (left) and Tom Tugendhat The most unexpected revelation of the night came when Mr Tugendhat casually revealed that he had once had in modern American history, began the talk dinner with Ivanka Trump, the business mogul’s by exploring the pasts of the two presidential eldest daughter. candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and He quickly clarified that it was a group dinner, Republican Donald Trump. later explaining it was organised through a friend He gave insights into their character, political and ‘not the dinner party I was expecting to be at’. vision and suitability for becoming the next Mr Stanley said: “The hospice is an astonishing ‘leader of the free world’. organisation. When my father passed away these While the billing of the event suggested that people were extraordinary. I don’t know what we ‘The Donald’ would dominate discussion, Mr would’ve done without them.”

Local lottery launched to counter budget cuts By Adam Hignett

Café is spice of life

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE owner of Spice Store on Grosvenor Road, Dee Patel, plans to open a new Asian street food café opposite his current shop. It will be in the former premises of Heidi’s Picnic Basket café. Mr Patel plans to offer a range of Asian snacks alongside Indian teas and coffee. Mr Patel, with the addition of an Indian chef, hopes to open the café early next year. “I think there is a gap in the market for the quick, tasty food which is so popular right across Asia,” he said.

LUCKY Tunbridge Wells residents could soon find themselves thousands of pounds richer after the borough council’s plans to launch a local lottery came a step closer last week. Wishing to emulate the success of the ‘Hive Lotto’ in Tonbridge, which was launched at the start of September, members of the Communities Cabinet Advisory Board approved plans to agree a contract with an external lottery manager.

Punk music on song A BOOST for the local music scene came when Tunbridge Wells band Slaves reached No 6 in the UK album charts last week. Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman formed the band in 2012 and have enjoyed a rapid rise to fame, signing with Virgin EMI in 2014. The new album, ‘Take Control’, is their second to reach the top 10, after debut album ‘Are You Satisfied?’ hit No 8 last year.

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LUCKY NUMBERS The lottery would help worthy causes

The current proposals will be voted upon by cabinet at the end of the month, followed by a debate in full council. Matching six numbers on £1 tickets will win £25,000, while five numbers will see the ticketholder benefit to the tune of £1,000. Smaller prizes, including free tickets for the next draw, will be handed out to those with fewer matched numbers. The initiative is intended to help local good causes and is seen as an ‘innovative’ way of ensuring cuts to central government community grants do not take their toll on the town’s many voluntary organisations. Intending it to be a weekly draw, the council is suggesting that 60 per cent of the proceeds from sales is used to fund community groups, while 20p in the pound goes towards prizes and the remainder pays the costs of the lottery operator and VAT. Players buying the tickets online will also be able to specify which of the good causes they wish to contribute to, with 50p of the £1 ticket then being allocated to their choice and the remaining 10p going into a central fund. Gatherwell Ltd, a company which was

established in 2013 and was responsible for the launch of the UK’s first online local authority lottery on behalf of Aylesbury Vale District Council, is being suggested as the potential operator for Tunbridge Wells. A borough council report on the issue states the proposed lottery has been ‘generally well received’ by its current community grant recipients. However, it does note that organisations providing money and debt advice have expressed some concerns about how appropriate it might be for them to participate in a lottery, ‘as is to be expected’.

Well received Liberal Democrat Cllr Peter Lidstone, who sits on the Communities Cabinet Advisory Board, has come out in opposition to the scheme. “I am supportive of good causes, but not of the council lottery, on a couple of grounds. I think it targets those on low incomes, who are not necessarily the same individuals the council wants to encourage to be donating to good causes. “Also I am not convinced that a council should be running a lottery. Even if the prize money is coming from the provider, and not from council tax, I still think it has potential to confuse people. “And with 17p in the pound going to the company running it, I don’t think it’s the best use of people’s funds, even if they are only playing to give to good causes.” If the project is approved by cabinet and full council, there are plans to sign up Gatherwell early next month, with website development and consent from the gambling commission meaning the first draw is likely to be in April next year.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


4  LOCAL NEWS

Drone shot shows how new-look A21 is shaping up...

CHANGING LANES A drone flying high above Tunbridge Wells gives an aerial view of the ongoing renovation of the A21 between Tunbridge Wells’ Longfield Road roundabout near Pembury and the A26 near Castle Hill in Tonbridge which will see the provision of a dual carriageway instead of the single-lane section. The £70million project is set to ease congestion for the 46,000 cars which are estimated to use the main artery through West Kent and East Sussex every day. The project is due to be completed next year, with the second phase – to build a fly-over at the roundabout – having begun in August.

House prices outstrip wages and push new homes out of reach THE dream of buying a house in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge is becoming ever more unobtainable, new figures have revealed. People hoping to buy in Tunbridge Wells will need to stump up 10.6 times the average wage, making it the second highest ratio in Kent after Sevenoaks, where the house prices are 13.7 times the average wage. The figures, released by the GMB union, show the average house price in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells is currently £372,840, while the average wage is £35,000. In Tonbridge and Malling, the average house price of £345,894 is 9.9 times average earnings, which currently stand at £34,996. A ratio of 4.5 times a borrower’s income is generally regarded as the maximum that banks and building societies will lend.

Expensive mistake Paul Maloney, GMB regional secretary, said: “We have been talking about this problem for far too long, there can be no excuses for not providing housing to people that they can afford to live in on average wages. “The decisions of the Thatcher government in the 1980’s to sell council housing stock, and not replace it, and to pay landlords housing benefit instead of providing social housing directly has been a huge and expensive mistake. “Last year, for example, £24 billion was spent on housing benefit. If a fraction of that amount had been spent on social housing for rent, the strain on the tax payer would be less and people would have housing they can afford to live in.” According to the National Housing Federation, the South East needs to build 39,000 new homes every year from 2011 until 2031.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Free childcare increases lead to fears for future of nurseries According to Kent County Council’s (KCC) Early Years and Childcare Strategy 2016-19, the ‘implications for the market’ regarding the increase in FEEE hours have been ‘of particular concern with many providers stating that levels of current funding (and proposed increased funding levels) do not cover costs’. The fear that smaller nurseries may not be able to facilitate the changes and be forced to close correlates with the finding of ‘insufficient supply of childcare’ which was previously recorded in County Hall’s Childcare Sufficiency Assessment of 2014.

SIGN OF THE TIMES Esther Green (left) and Felicity Merrick

By Daniella Gavin newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

PLANNED increases in free childcare provision could stretch nurseries to breaking point and see some of them forced to close. The owners of the Tunbridge Wells nursery Little Rascals have expressed fears that smaller providers in the town ‘may not be able to remain open’ next year. The concerns follow the proposed national increase in Free Early Education Entitlement (FEEE). The current 15-hour allowance of free

childcare per term-time week would be expanded to 30 hours. Yet it is claimed that the £350million in additional funding for nurseries which has been earmarked by the Government to provide these extra hours will fall well short of the required sum. Experts say it is only a quarter of what is needed. Little Rascals owners Felicity Merrick and Esther Green believe the increase in free hours may prove ‘another empty gesture for working parents’ and could do more harm than good with the potential strain on funding.

Shortage The report noted that 4.2 per cent of families in Tunbridge Wells said no childcare was available to them, compared to the 2.6 per cent across Kent as a whole. KCC also disclosed in their Childcare Strategy that there were only 3,752 FEEE places available in 2015 to three and four-year-olds in the county. Both Ms Merrick and Ms Green, whose nursery was recently rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, are concerned that overstretched budgets may lead to a growing

shortage of nursery places available over the following year. This means some nurseries ‘will just not be able to provide the 30-hour funded spaces that are required’, Ms Green said, adding that several providers were ‘already finding it hard to offer the current 15 hours at rates that had not increased for many years’. Mary Stoner, founder of the children’s activity listing website Tunbridge Wells Kids on the Go, said the increase in term-time hours may prove a somewhat redundant gesture, as ‘the real challenge is childcare in the holidays when people like me work part time’. Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, believes the extra hours – which are to be offered to any family with parents working over 16 hours a week and with a combined income of under £100,000 per year – are similarly not feasible. He said: “Many nurseries do not have the capacity to deliver extra childcare places. I think we are at breaking point.” A survey conducted by KCC prior to the summer revealed all 28 recorded nurseries in Tunbridge Wells were by July already anticipating full capacity for their 2016 intake.


LOCAL NEWS 

Altitude aim high as they unveil cinema site plans OPTION ONE The preferred choice

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Stephen Tillman, one of three founding partners of the developer Altitude, was confident his firm could deliver on any of the three visions. Funding and design were ‘not an issue’, he claimed, but he said the main concern was the project’s viability, hinting that previous developers had been too ambitious. “I don’t want to produce something pretty but not viable. What previous planning applications had shown were designs intended to fill the entire footprint of the site. What we are proposing is 25 per cent smaller.” The proposals will see between 80 and 100 residential units built in blocks of variable heights over a two-storey car park, with each level having direct access to the street due to the natural gradient of the site.

Favourite

VIABILITY Altitude’s Stephen Tillman

By Adam Hignett adam@thetimesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS residents had their first view of what could eventually replace the rubble-strewn old cinema site in the town centre last week, as developers revealed the complex was to be named

Belvedere – which means ‘fair view’ in Italian. People who visited the consultation in the Camden Centre were encouraged to give their feedback on three potential designs. Although the façade is yet to be determined, each of the proposals represents a different configuration of how the main structure would look. Stating his intent to create something ‘high end’, OPTION TWO

Challenges regarding the railway tunnel beneath the site will be overcome by placing most of the ‘load’ on either side of the development, allowing the middle to be a private rooftop garden. Mixed retail and leisure units will make up the two lower floors, which will also utilise the gradient to ensure no steps are necessary to access both levels, while they will be set back from the road to allow outdoor seating and wide walkways. Along with the planned inclusion of a new cinema, there is also space set aside for a medical centre to the rear of the complex, bordering Clanricarde Road. Current rights of way will be retained with only some minor changes to the routes. Mr Tillman said that although he can ‘never be certain’ with planning applications, he believes when the plans are submitted they ‘should be’ received better than previous attempts, as this proposal is ‘fully operational’. However, he did admit he had a favourite design: “I like number one, which is why it has been given more prominence.” OPTION THREE

Wednesday 12th October 2016


6  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS NEWS IN BUSINESS

Berkeley buildings tipped for new award THE redevelopment of the old Kent and Sussex Hospital site has been shortlisted for the 2016 Kent Design and Development Awards. Royal Wells Park, by the Berkeley Group, is a multi-stage project that will eventually see 190 private homes, including 53 classed as affordable, built alongside the new location of Cripps law firm and the Wells Free School – a primary school which is already open. The judges’ site visits are under way, with the winners to be announced in December.

Vineyard losses rise SPARKLING wine producer Gusbourne, whose vineyards on the edge of the borough are partially owned by Conservative Party donor Lord Ashcroft, increased sales by 40 per cent to £266,000 in the first half of the year but continues to make losses. The results, for the six-month period ending in June, revealed its gross profits climbed 56 per cent year-on-year to £94,000, although this is hampered by limited amounts of stock. However, operating losses grew by ten per cent to £600,000.

Jobs go at air-con firm TONBRIDGE workers at Eaton Williams have been spared the axe after it was announced that, instead, 110 people face losing jobs at the firm’s Edenbridge branch by November 30. The firm, which specialises in the production and distribution of air-conditioning units, has faced declining profits in recent years.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Sustainability is the perfect tonic for new local distillery By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE boom in micro-distilling received a further boost in the Kent Weald last week, with the launch of a new London Dry Gin with a difference. Greensand Ridge Distillery, which – as its name suggests – is located under Sevenoaks’ wooded Greensand Ridge in Shipbourne, is the brainchild of Sevenoaks-born entrepreneur Will Edge. He established the company last year with the overarching aim of creating a range of spirits which are sustainable. The firm ferments and distils quality fruit which has been rejected by the supermarkets. It is then mixed with local botanicals, such as cobnuts, gorse flowers and oak moss – all of which grow within a mile of the distillery.

‘After so many years of practising my craft, it’s an emotional day for me’ The distillation process is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and with a zero target for chemical use and non-recyclable waste. After working in a range of jobs in IT, marketing and finance, Mr Edge undertook a Master’s Degree in Brewing & Distilling. He then returned to Kent and turned his love of spirits and craft cider-making into a livelihood.

Speaking at the launch of his new gin range, Mr Edge said: “After so many years of practising my craft on a small scale, it’s an emotional day for me when I can bring these ideas to drinks enthusiasts FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH Will Edge

in premium, locally inspired products, and do so in a sustainable way.” The distillery will run a Gin Experience, where visitors can create their own bottle to take away.


LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

Business group takes axe to local committee INFIGHTING, unaccountability and a failure to honour commitments have been cited as just some of the reasons why the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have decided to axe their Kent and Medway regional committee. The decision to dissolve the committee, which is elected by regional members of the organisation, was made in July, but details have only come to light this week. An investigation had been launched about allegations of infighting, money being spent without approval, and members failing to declare interests. Although the investigation cleared the committee members of any wrongdoing, it did highlight a lack of clear decision-making and found work in the county was hampered by internal divisions. FORMER The FSB board CHAIRMAN subsequently decided to Bill Fox shut down the committee,

Report highlights airport health risk

THE FSB RESPONSE FSB Non Operational Director David Miles said: “The FSB is undergoing a national modernisation programme called ‘refreshing our roots’. As such, a Kent and Medway Steering Group has been constituted to replace the FSB Regional Committee. “The Steering group will have three main tasks – overseeing a continuing programme of activity in the region in the coming months so that FSB Kent and Medway is open for business; embodying that programme of activity in a business plan; and developing a plan to benefit all our members in the region.”

leading to the dismissal of its Chairman Bill Fox, Treasurer Neville Gaunt and Education and Skills chief Paul Andrews. A further five members of the committee were also let go, alongside regional office administrator Sue Waldock. Its regional office, The Business Terrace in Maidstone, has since been closed, while the committee has been replaced by a smaller steering group chaired by a non operational director on the FSB’s national board, David Miles.

South East, highlighted a report by the University of Cambridge which states increased road traffic associated with airport expansion will lead to an increase THE Green Party has called for in poisonous nitrogen dioxide. ‘irresponsible’ airport expansion Mr Taylor said: “The findings to be ruled out as the Government are a stark reminder that prepares to announce its decision on a new runway in the coming days. aviation NO2 emissions continue to grow while almost Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the

every other industry is taking steps to become less toxic. “With an air pollution crisis in the UK responsible for the deaths of an estimated 50,000 people every year, it’s entirely wrong to approve the expansion of one toxic industry, on the basis that others are becoming less toxic.”

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Charity bank gets investment boost By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SINCE the recession, the reputation of banks has crashed even harder than the pound. Whether deservedly so or not, bankers are associated with greed and self-interest. But a lender on the High Street in Tonbridge takes a different approach to finances. Describing themselves as ‘an ethical bank on a mission to use money for good’, the Charity Bank uses the funds that savers entrust to it to make loans to social enterprises. And the bank has just received a £5million investment from Big Society Capital – an independent financial institution that provides finance to specialist banks. The Chief Executive of Charity Bank, Patrick Crawford, welcomed the investment as a further signal of ‘no slowdown since the EU Referendum vote’. Owned entirely by charitable foundations,

the lender moved its headquarters to Tonbridge in 2005, recently moving again, in 2015, a few doors down to Fosse House. Since its inception, the bank has lent over £150million pounds to charities in Kent and across the country, thus allowing organisations with smaller revenues to invest in big projects. The Chairman of Charity Bank, George Blunden, said: “This investment gives us the capital we need to make loans to more social sector organisations. “It provides a strong endorsement of what we do, and expresses confidence in our ethos and our future. “This injection of capital will enable us to build on our track record of effective and responsible lending to charities and social enterprises.”

MORE LOANS Bank Chairman George Blunden

Wednesday 12th October 2016


8  LOCAL NEWS

Concerns raised over new road through High Woods HAWKENBURY residents are urging Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to take action after a landowner started building a road through the High Woods area, without planning permissions. Dean Kenward, a member of the Hawkenbury Village Association, said he was concerned with the development of the track, as it represented an attempt to erode public access to the area, which forms part of the High Wealden Landscape Trail. “Most people I have spoken to are annoyed that a road is being put through the woods. They are annoyed that attempts have been made to cut off access from the back of the recreation ground to High Woods Lane.”

Drama as Trinity director calls for old theatre to be torn down Alex Green

‘Most people are annoyed a road is being put through the woods’ Mr Kenward was also apprehensive over the safety of the construction project, in the area of High Woods Lane and Hawkenbury Road. He claims hardcore materials are being dumped in the woods, which contain ‘reinforced steel bars within the concrete’. A spokesperson for the council said it had requested that the owner ‘submit a retrospective planning application. The council added: “This does not mean that the development has been allowed but does mean that as part of the planning process representations can be made by anyone who wishes to do so. “If it subsequently appears that an application is not submitted or is subsequently refused, the council will commence enforcement action for the removal of the track.” At the time of going to press, the Times was unable to reach the owner of the land to obtain a comment.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

SOUTHBOROUGH’S theatrical community has reacted robustly to what it sees as an unwarranted condemnation of Royal Victoria Hall (RVH) by a leading Tunbridge Wells theatrical figure. Alex Green, Executive Director of the Trinity Theatre in Church Road, has voiced his approval of the new Southborough Hub project by saying the old hall should be demolished. Support has been growing for the alternative option of refurbishing the Royal Victoria Hall instead of replacing it with a mixed-use Community Hub project.

The new, state-of-the-art construction will comprise a theatre, library, cafe, medical centre, town council offices and a sports pavilion for the Ridgewaye playing fields. In a formal letter on the Borough Council’s planning website, Mr Green wrote: “As a venue operator, I believe the current facilities would need significant upgrades to provide a venue of the standard the area deserves. “I do not believe there would be sufficient demand for a purely theatre/arts based operation to be financially viable without significant public funding.

‘The current venue lacks flexibility which will have contributed to its reduced usage’ He continued: “The current venue lacks flexibility which will have contributed to its reduced usage and a redevelopment of the existing space would not substantially alter this. “However, an entirely new build would provide the opportunity for the flexibility required to give exciting opportunities for the Southborough community.”

FINAL CURTAIN Royal Victoria Hall faces demolition

Tony Egan, who ran the pantomime productions at the Royal Victoria Hall for 30 years, said: “I feel very angry that Mr Green has tried to intervene with no real substance to his comments. “Mr Green is wrong about the hall needing major changes. As far as we are aware, he has never produced a production or performed in the Royal Victoria Hall.” He adds: “The RVH is flexible and can be used for other than theatre events as it has in the past with good and enthusiastic management.”

Former users of Royal Victoria Hall are among those who are campaigning to save it. Among them is the amateur theatre group LAMPS, which first performed there in 1955. The chairman of LAMPS, Andrew Swann, said: “It’s a wonderful venue, both in terms of its social history, location and its size. “I must write that I cannot really describe how strongly I disagree with the destruction of the RVH. “I feel it is short-sighted and selfish of you all to rob your society of such a unique place.”


COMMUNITY NEWS 

Chiddingstone Castle volunteer honoured with museum award By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

MICK OAKEY, who works with the Egyptian Collection at Chiddingstone Castle, has received the Volunteers for Museum Learning award for the south east. He was chosen by judges from the Marsh Christian Trust and staff and volunteers from the British Museum. The Trust provides grants to registered charities working in the fields

of social welfare, literature, arts and heritage, environmental and animal welfare, healthcare and medical research, education and training. Castle Director Ali Ditzel said: “We are absolutely delighted that Mick has won this prestigious award for his brilliant voluntary work at Chiddingstone Castle. “Helped by the enthusiasm of Fiona Glossop [the Castle’s Education Officer], Mick conceived and created our remarkable and unique conceptual garden, the Fields of Eternity.”

PROUD PYRAMID Mick Oakey with family and colleagues at the British Museum

The area covers an acre and links the landscape of Ancient Egypt in 2,000BC to the castle’s collection of Egyptian antiquities. A trail of paths running through grasses has been laid out to reflect

the banks of the River Nile with ‘tributaries’ leading to features such as a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb and a giant sundial. For more information, please visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Marathon man walks his way to £25k for Teenage Cancer Trust MICHAEL O’LEARY completed the fourth and final leg of his fourmarathon walk at Bewl Water last month, raising £25,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The 70 year old, from Camber, is a long-term supporter of the charity and undertook the 108-mile challenge specifically in memory of a remarkable young cancer patient. “The inspiration came from a young man, Matt Rieley,” he said. “At one of our fundraising events, Matt, who had cancer and was being treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, gave an amazing speech. He made us laugh, cry and TOP TEAM: Backing Michael O’Leary (far right) understand what he was

going through. We had a great time with him. He enchanted everybody. “Then he told me he had to go back to hospital that week and have some serious treatment. I listened to this young guy and thought I could never be that brave. Everybody at the event was amazed at him. Matt was 17 then. He passed away in May, aged just 19.” He added: “The Teenage Cancer Trust supports about half of the teenagers in the UK with cancer. We need to make sure they can help every one of them.” Michael was accompanied by

20 friends and family along with representatives of the trust. Regional Fundraiser Jade McShane joined him for the last leg of his walk. She said: “Michael has worked tirelessly to raise money for us for years and I want to thank him and all his team for their amazing support. “This marathon walk was a fantastic event and it was a privilege to be part of it.” To donate, go to www.justgiving. com and search for Michael O’Leary. For more about the charity, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

9

Karate kids win gold and silver at Euros

TWO local boys have won gold and silver at the European Championships of the Wado International Karate-Do Federation (WIKF) in Rotterdam. Rafferty Knight, from Ticehurst, won gold while his team-mate Dominic Savage, of Tunbridge Wells, took silver in the Under-9 category. Rafferty, who attends Sacred Heart School in Wadhurst, took up the martial art with CMA Karate in Tunbridge Wells and is one step away from achieving his black belt. Earlier this year, both boys won silver at the WIKF English and Irish National Championships, and were asked to attend trials for the England squad. In the build-up to the Europeans they spent most weekends traveling to Alton, Basingstoke or Eltham to train with the squad. Both are now hoping to compete at the World Championships on the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean. But their ambitions don’t stop there. “Raff wants to represent England in the Olympics,” said his mother, Laura. “He wants an Olympic gold!” Karate will make its debut at the Tokyo Games in DUEL MEDALS 2020 – though the Rafferty Knight (left) boys may have to and Dominic Savage wait a little longer than that.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


10  COMMUNITY NEWS

Sweet scent of success for ‘In Bloom’ winners THERE was a buzz in the air – but not from the bees this time – as the last vestiges of summer saw the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom awards ceremony held at the Hotel du Vin on September 29. Some impressive scores were chalked up in this summer’s competition, which was sponsored by Coolings Nursery.

WINNERS

Sue Ashworth of Bayhall Road scored a perfect 100 in the Best Basket category, with Sandra and John O’Callaghan of Birch Close coming a close second on 98. They did, however, secure their winning gold award in the Best Planter/Tub/ Container section. Southborough Pre-School posted a mighty 96 out of 100 among the schools, while Temple Grove Academy, St James’ CofE, Broadwater Down Primary, Opening Doors’ Herbilicious Project and

St Barnabas CofE Primary also won gold. The judges made a special mention of the allotments, where the standard was very high, and the participants were complimented on their recycling arrangements. Cllr Jane March presented the awards and fellow councillor David Elliott, Chairman of the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom Committee, was on hand to offer his congratulations to all the winners, as was was the Mayor, David Neve.

Best School Southborough Pre-School WATERING HOLE: The Bedford won the award for Best Pub/Club/Café

Best Street/Flats Calverley Park Crescent Residents Association Best Basket Sue Ashworth, Bayhall Road Best Planter/Tub/Container Sandra & John O’Callaghan, Birch Close Best Patio/Balcony Andrew Pratt, Monson Colonnade Best Front Garden Grant & Cherry Whytock, Cumberland Mews

WILD AT HEART: Claudia Sermbezis won Best Wildlife Garden

Best Wildlife Garden Claudia Sermbezis, Windmill Street

‘The judges made special mention of the allotments, with the participants complimented on their recycling arrangements’ GOLD FOR COPPER: Ray Copper won a competitive Best Allotment category

Best Allotment Ray Copper, Hawkenbury Best Commercial Basket/Planter W A Turner, Broadwater Lane Best Community Allotment/Garden Crossways Community, Culverden Park Road Best Shop Front Love Inc, High Street Best Pub/Club/Café The Bedford, High Street Best Business Grounds The Barn, 1 Lonsdale Gardens Best Windowsill Parking Services, Town Hall

Wednesday 12th October 2016

DIG FOR VICTORY: The Barn pub won the Best Business Grounds section

TUB THUMPERS: Sandra and John O’Callaghan won the Best Tub award


NATIONAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Double lung transplant for five-month-old girl A YOUNG girl has become Britain’s youngest double lung transplant patient. Imogen Bolton received her new lungs when she was just five months old after she was diagnosed with the rare illness Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD), meaning her lungs were not properly formed. She underwent a seven-hour operation earlier this year at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Experts believe she may be the youngest child in Europe to have ever had the surgery.

Garden Bridge at risk ABANDONING London’s controversial Garden Bridge could result in the loss of more than £22million in taxpayers’ money, the National Audit Office has warned. The Whitehall watchdog believes there is a ‘significant risk’ that the footbridge over the Thames from Temple to the South Bank will not go ahead because the trust responsible for the project has still not secured the land for its southern landing.

Great North fund A COMPETITION to host the so-called Great Exhibition of the North in the summer of 2018 has been won by NewcastleGateshead. The government is contributing £5million towards the exhibition itself and a further £15million into a legacy fund to attract further cultural investment as part of its Northern Powerhouse agenda.

11

Commuters left stranded again as repair work adds to strike misery THERE were more scenes of chaos at railway stations across the south east yesterday (Tuesday) after members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out at the start of a three-day strike. Southern Railway had already reduced services by more than a third because of the action but overrunning engineering work between Brighton and Gatwick Airport added to the problems as it meant trains were cancelled or delayed by up to an hour. Some passengers in Brighton tried to take matters into their own hands by attempting to burst through ticket barriers in an effort to board one of the few already overcrowded trains heading for London. The union and the company, who are now both facing a backlash from customers, continued to blame each other for the long-running dispute. Charles Horton, chief executive of Southern’s owner, Govia Thameslink Railway, said the changes to conductors’ jobs were going ahead so the reasons for the strike ‘have ended’. RMT general secretary Mick Cash accused Southern of ‘peddling lies’. Passengers took to social media to express their anger at the new delays, questioning why engineering

LOSING PATIENCE Passengers in Brighton work had been scheduled the night before a strike. One tweeted: “Total chaos this morning, no trains at all to London due to over running engineering works combined with a strike.” Another said he had spent £50 on a taxi to get to work. Mr Horton said he was ‘incredibly sorry’ for the ‘months of misery’ Southern passengers have endured. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that the railways were going through a huge upgrade programme aimed at improving reliability. “It has been an extremely challenging

period,” he said, adding that there was also a need to modernise the way in which staff deliver services. He insisted there would still be a second, safety-trained member of staff on trains when responsibility for closing doors switches to drivers. Mr Cash said: “Once again this morning Southern have been peddling the lie that this dispute is about who opens and closes the doors when, in fact, it’s about the retention of a guaranteed, second safety-critical member of staff, with the full range of safety competencies, on all

current services. Despite all the spin and bluster, the company refuse to give that guarantee. “Southern have tried every dirty trick in the book to try and turn the public against the frontline rail staff whose only crime is standing up for safety on our railways while the parent company, who have dragged the GTR services through the mud, are hoarding £100million in profits. “A fraction of that cash could keep the second safety-critical member of staff on the Southern services and resolve this dispute.”

Driverless cars take passengers for first ride – on the pavement DRIVERLESS cars have been wheeled out for their first public trial in the UK in a ‘groundbreaking moment’. Passengers experienced the inaugural trip of the autonomous electric vehicles on the pavements of Milton Keynes. It is hoped Tuesday morning’s tests will clear the way for cars that operate without human control to make their way on to UK roads. Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Today’s first public trials of driverless vehicles in our towns is a ground-breaking moment and further evidence that Britain is at the forefront of innovation. “The global market for autonomous vehicles presents huge opportunities for our automotive and technology firms. The Tunbridge Wells MP continued: “The research that underpins the technology and software will have applications way beyond autonomous vehicles.”

The two-seater pods, which are similar to Smart cars in appearance, are versions of the Lutz Pathfinder, the UK’s first driverless car. They can operate at speeds of up to 15mph without human assistance and follow routes from virtual maps. They sense their surroundings using cameras and Lidar, a system similar to radar but using light from a laser which was developed by Oxford University. The cars’ first public outing took place near the Buckinghamshire town’s railway station in cooperation with the council. Transport Systems Catapult, the not-for-profit research centre which ran the trial and is helping to develop the technology, hailed it a “success”. Neil Fulton, the programme’s director, said: “Driverless vehicles are coming to Britain and what we have demonstrated today is a huge step on that journey.”

SELF-DRIVE One of the Lutz Pathfinders in Milton Keynes

Wednesday 12th October 2016


12 � NATIONAL NEWS SPORT IN BRIEF

West Ham take control of ladies’ team

WEST HAM are to take full ownership of their ladies team following accusations of discrimination by the club’s former chairman Stephen Hunt. He accused the club of refusing to provide funding for the team, who play in the Women’s Premier League Southern Division, and even forcing players to pick up their own medical bills. But following discussions between both parties the Hammers have announced they will fully incorporate their ladies’ side with a view to further development and progression. Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady said: “West Ham United Ladies have operated separately to the club for 25 years, and today marks the next step in building the future of women’s football at West Ham United. As part of the terms of the deal, Hunt has stepped down from his role as Chairman, but stressed he was fully supportive of the deal which ensures a future for the ladies’ team.

Boxing champion faces losing licence HEAVYWEIGHT boxing champion Tyson Fury could be stripped of his licence at a meeting of the British Boxing Board of Control today (Wednesday). Officials are considering a reported failed drugs test in the United States and the boxer’s admission that he has ‘done lots of cocaine’.

Palace date for Olympic medallists

Samsung pulls the plug on Galaxy Note7 smartphone as concerns grow over safety SAMSUNG has scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note7 smartphone, a day after halting sales because of concerns over consumer safety. The technology giant had delayed the launch of the Note7 in the UK in September as it investigated and replaced faulty units that were overheating and exploding due to a battery defect. However, new reports in the US raised further concerns that replacement devices were still catching fire and despite halting production to investigate the issue, the manufacturer has now chosen to completely withdraw the device. In a statement, the Korean firm said: “We can confirm the report that Samsung permanently discontinues the production of Galaxy Note7.” Those consumers in the UK who have already received the Note7 as part of the

pre-order campaign or in the replacement scheme should be entitled to a refund, consumer group Which? said. Alex Neil, Managing Director of the group’s home and legal services, said: “Samsung has recognised that there is an issue with this phone so you should be entitled to a refund. “You have between 14 and 30 days to return the phone, depending on where you bought it from, and if it’s a faulty product you should get a full refund. “The most important thing for those who have the affected model is to turn it off immediately.” Samsung had halted a replacement programme in the UK after it was suggested further defects could exist within the Note beyond the battery issue. Samsung said it had sold around 45,000 Note7s during pre-orders in Europe.

BRITAIN’S Olympic and Paralympic medallists from the 2016 Games in Rio have been invited to a special reception at Buckingham Palace with the Queen to celebrate their achievements. The monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh are hosting the gathering for sports stars at the royal residence in London on Tuesday October 18.

The tech giant had earlier advised retailers to stop selling and exchanging the device while it investigated the cause of the fires, of which at least five had been reported in replacement devices in the US which the company had approved as safe. This followed an initial recall of the device after more than 30 handsets from the original production batch were reported to have caught fire or exploded in the hands of consumers. There have been no confirmed reports in the UK, where the handset was never fully released, but analysts are already suggesting the recall, and now scrapping, of the Note7 could cost Samsung in the long run, particularly coming just as rivals – including Google and Apple – have announced new highend smartphones.

FLIGHT FIGHT Heathrow row

Djokovic sweeps Italian aside NOVAK DJOKOVIC, who missed the China Open last week due to an elbow injury, made a comfortable return to tennis action yesterday (Tuesday) as the defending champion moved into the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters with a straight-sets victory over Italy’s Fabio Fognini. The Serbian world No 1, playing his first match since losing the US Open final to Stan Wawrinka a month ago, saw off Fognini 6-3 6-3.

* For a round-up of local sport see pages 78-79

PM’s own local authority vows to contest Heathrow expansion THERESA MAY’S local authority is to spend up to £50,000 on a judicial review to fight the expansion of Heathrow if plans to build a third runway are given the go-ahead. Cllr Simon Dudley, Conservative Leader of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, said that his local authority – which encompasses the Prime Minister’s constituency – was prepared to fight the ruling alongside three other councils. The four authorities, including Hillingdon, Richmond and Wandsworth, would be happy to pledge a combined £200,000 towards a judicial review if the west London airport is given the goahead for expansion, Mr Dudley claimed. He said the councils were opposed to the noise and pollution, as well as a ‘strain on public services’ that an expanded Heathrow could bring about.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Papers released on the council’s website state that the proposals will be considered tomorrow [Thursday]. Cllr Dudley, who said that Gatwick was the ‘more deliverable’ option, explained: “£50,000 is a relatively modest amount of money to try to protect a million people.” Lord True, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “If MPs vote to expand Heathrow it would spark a colossal backlash and a hail of legal challenges. Making Europe’s most polluting and worst located airport even bigger offends just about every environmental and security principle you can think of, and will unite armies of campaigners in fierce opposition.” It comes as four London councils have written to Mrs May calling on her to choose Gatwick Airport for expansion. Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton

and Richmond upon Thames councils argue that the south London airport would be less expensive for taxpayers and have ‘lower environmental impacts’. A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said: “The Government’s decision on airport capacity will follow a rigorous, independent, £20million, two-anda-half-year deep-dive into the issue, including a public consultation. “It confirmed that Heathrow would not delay compliance with EU air quality limits, would see fewer people affected by noise – subject to environmental conditions which we have met and exceeded – and was the best choice for expansion. “Any judicial review would be bound to fail and would not affect the timeline for the delivery of an additional runway at Heathrow.”


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14 � BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Fine firms who abandon pensions says regulator THE Pension Protection Fund (PPF)– which steps in to protect employees with so-called defined benefit schemes when firms go bust – and The Pensions Regulator are both calling for greater powers to prevent pension funds being dumped when firms are sold. They say companies should be fined for trying to ditch their pension scheme responsibilities under more ‘interventionist’ regulation.

Argos at the double SAINSBURY’S is to accelerate the roll-out of Argos stores within its supermarkets, with boss Mike Coupe saying that every outlet in the country will have either a concession or a click and collect point. The move is part of integration plans between the two retailers, following the grocery giant’s £1.4billion takeover of Argos and Habitat owner Home Retail Group.

FTSE hits new high THE FTSE 100 hit a record high yesterday [Tuesday] when the index rose above 7122.7 to 7129.83 points in mid-session trading.

Market not fit enough FITNESS chain Pure Gym has scrapped plans for a stock market flotation, citing ‘market volatility’. The group was aiming to raise £190million from its initial public offering (IPO), announced less than a month ago.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Close economic ties Monarch boss pulls out of ABTA meeting as licence deadline looms must be sought with THE Monarch Group Chief Executive has pulled out of a public speaking engagement just a day before the travel firm’s operating licence is due to expire. Andrew Swaffield was scheduled to talk about the impact of Brexit at UK travel trade association ABTA’s annual convention yesterday [Tuesday]. But the event’s host, ITV newsman Chris Ship, told the audience at the Yas Viceroy hotel in Abu Dhabi that Mr Swaffield could not attend as he’d had ‘a very busy couple of weeks’. Last month Monarch was forced to deny ‘negative speculation’ that it is in financial trouble. EXPIRY DATE Speculation continues over Monarch’s future

On September 30, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted an extension on the firm’s ATOL licence until 11.59pm today [Wednesday]. That announcement was made just hours before the licence was due to expire. No further updates have since been issued. A spokesman for Monarch said Mr Swaffield missed the event in the Middle East as he had ‘business to attend to in the UK’. Following the extension of the ATOL licence, Monarch said it had received ‘significant further investment’ from shareholders and was ‘close to announcing the largest investment in its 48-year history’.

The ATOL scheme compensates travellers in full and ensures they are not stranded if a holiday company collapses. Monarch will be unable to sell package holidays from tomorrow [Thursday], unless its licence is extended again or renewed. Holidaymakers currently abroad, or due to travel after that date, would still be protected as the scheme is dependent on when a trip is booked rather than when it takes place. The CAA said there are no set criteria for approving ATOL licence applications, but the process involves assessing a company’s finances, business model, corporate governance and group structure. The potential impact on consumers of an applicant going bust is also taken into account when extending a licence.

Europe says Osborne BRITAIN must seek ‘the closest possible economic relationship’ with its former EU partners in the wake of Brexit, former chancellor George Osborne has said. Amid controversy over Theresa May’s apparent readiness to make immigration controls a higher priority than full access to the European single market, Mr Osborne warned that the future success of industries such as car manufacturing will depend on the ability to sell goods and services to the remaining 27 EU states. Giving evidence to the House of Commons Business Committee, Mr Osborne was asked how the Government should respond to Nissan’s warning that future investment in the firm’s Sunderland car plant will depend on the outcome of talks on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU. He said: “This Government and this Parliament have got to make the UK the place to make cars in Europe – as it has been in recent years.” Mr Osborne, who was accused of scaremongering ahead of the referendum for his graphic warnings of the economic dangers of Brexit, was sacked by Mrs May when she created her first Cabinet in July. He said: “I agree with what my successor said at the Conservative conference. Philip Hammond said the country didn’t vote to make itself poorer. That wasn’t the intention of the majority who voted to leave the EU. “So we want to make sure we continue to have the closest possible economic relationship with the place where over 40 per cent of our exports go. “That shouldn’t be to the exclusion of closer economic ties with other parts of the world.”


WORLD NEWS 

Trump in Twitter tirade against fellow Republican Paul Ryan DONALD Trump has unleashed a torrent of Twitter attacks on the party he hopes to lead to the White House, threatening to plunge Republicans into an all-out conflict with just four weeks remaining until the US general election. Declaring himself unshackled, the billionaire businessman went after House Speaker Paul Ryan after the congressional leader effectively abandoned Mr Trump in a private call with fellow Republicans. The series of Twitter posts appeared designed to stem the flow of Republicans who have said they will not vote for Mr Trump or have urged him to exit the race since last week’s release of a tape showing him using predatory language regarding women. Disloyal Republicans ‘are far more difficult’ than Democrat Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump said. “They come at you from all sides,” he tweeted. “They don’t know how to win - I will teach them!” Forty Republican senators and congressmen have revoked their support for Mr Trump - with nearly 30 of them urging him to quit the race altogether. Few of these were ever passionate Trump supporters. The head of the Republican National Committee has stuck by the Republican nominee, declaring his full coordination with Mr Trump’s embattled campaign. Previously unreleased footage of Donald Trump on The Apprentice will not be made public despite suggestions that more damaging material is being held back, the television show’s creator has said.

Bill Pruitt, a former producer on the US version of the series, claimed there were ‘far worse’ tapes of the Republican presidential candidate than the one released on Friday, in which Mr Trump said being famous meant he could ‘do anything’ to women. But the show’s British creator, Mark Burnett, said that ‘various contractual and legal requirements’ prevented him from making unreleased footage public. Mr Burnett and MGM Holdings Inc – which acquired his production company – said in a statement to Variety magazine: “MGM owns Mark Burnett’s production company and The Apprentice is one of its properties. “Despite reports to the contrary, Mark Burnett does not have the ability nor the right to release footage or other material from The Apprentice. Various contractual and legal requirements also restrict MGM’s ability to release such material.” Mr Burnett also said he had ‘consistently supported Democratic campaigns’. Pressure had been growing on the show’s makers to release other

unflattering footage it may own of Mr Trump following the leak on Friday. Lord Alan Sugar, who presents the UK version of The Apprentice, Tweeted: “I’m willing to bet NBC has some gems on Trump 11 years Apprentice.” He also Tweeted TV network NBC, saying: “You must have some unofficial rushes of Donald while recording The Apprentice over the 11 years. Come on grow a pair and publish.” On the tape Mr Trump, who was preparing for an appearance on the Days of our Lives show, said: “I am automatically attracted to beautiful women. I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss, I don’t even wait… and when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.” Mr Trump dismissed his comments as ‘locker room banter’ during a debate with his rival Hillary Clinton over the weekend, and said: “I’m not proud of it. I apologised to my family. I apologised to the American people. I have great respect UNDER PRESSURE for women. Nobody Donald Trump has more respect for women than I do.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Famine warning on hurricane-hit island HAITI’S interim President Jocelerme Privert says the country could be facing a famine within three months because of the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew. The category-four storm, that is believed to have killed as many as 900 people on the Caribbean island, completely destroyed several towns and villages plus crops and food reserves.

Peace talks revived COLOMBIA’S Government and rebels from the National Liberation Army have agreed to revive a stalled peace effort, providing a boost to President Juan Manuel Santos after voters rejected a deal with the much larger Farc guerrilla group. The rebels and Government officials said formal peace talks will begin on October 27 in Ecuador.

Minister in court SOUTH AFRICA’S Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has been summoned to appear in court on charges of fraud relating to allegations of misconduct when he was in charge of the country’s tax collection service, a decade ago. Mr Gordhan has said the allegations are wholly unfounded and are politically motivated. The summons requires him to appear in court on November 2, which is after his budget policy statement due later this month.

Putin postpones visit to France RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has postponed a meeting over Syria with French leader François Hollande that was planned for next week in Paris amid growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Mr Hollande’s Press Office said that Russia wants Mr Putin’s visit to take place at a later date. Mr Putin was due to visit the French capital next week to meet with Mr Hollande and inaugurate a

new Orthodox church next to the Eiffel Tower. Mr Putin’s decision came after Russia blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution, proposed by France and Spain, on ending the hostilities in the war-torn country. On Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called on the International Criminal Court to investigate Russia for possible war crimes in Syria.

Rome’s 2024 Olympic bid suspended THE Italian Olympic Committee is suspending Rome’s bid for the 2024 Games, but will leave the door open for the possibility of a revival of the candidacy if there is a change in city government. CONI President Giovanni Malago said he wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee yesterday [Tuesday] to ‘interrupt the candidacy’. The move comes after Rome’s city council voted last month to withdraw support of the bid on the recommendation of Mayor Virginia Raggi, who represents the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement. She believes taking on the costs of an Olympic bid is ‘irresponsible’ for a city struggling to

emerge from years of corruption and poor public services. While Ms Raggi wrote a letter to the IOC last month, IOC rules state that only the national Olympic Committee can withdraw a candidacy. Rome’s withdrawal would leave only Los Angeles, Paris, and Budapest, Hungary, in the running for the 2024 Games. The IOC will select the host city in September 2017. This would be the second time in four years that a Rome bid has been withdrawn or interrupted. In 2012, then-Premier Mario Monti scrapped the city’s bid for the 2020 Olympics because of financial concerns.

Three year old found alive in rubble RESCUERS found a three-year-old girl alive in the arms of her dead parents, who had wrapped themselves around the child to protect her when their home started to collapse. At least 22 people died on Monday when a group of decrepit homes in eastern China fell down. State broadcaster CCTV reported that firefighters

found the girl and her dead parents under the rubble after 15 hours of rescue work on the outskirts of the city of Wenzhou. CCTV said the child had only minor injuries and avoided being struck by heavy objects. Her parents died after being hit by a piece of cement floor. They were found with their arms around their daughter.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


16  LETTERS

And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Fairtrade: All Bluebird Tea are doing is engaging in some good old-fashioned free trade

In recent years, ‘free trade’ appears to have become some sort of pejorative term, implying exploitation, corporate greed and the subjugation of developing nations. Now people only seem interested in ‘fairtrade’, which most buy simply to feel good about themselves. So I was heartened when I read [October 5] about the Blue Bird Tea business [Tunbridge Wells], which has chosen to shun the fad. Instead, they are truly engaging in good old-fashioned free trade by going directly to the supplier, allowing them to cut out the middle man and therefore offer a better price than they otherwise would have got. Free trade is a system which has alleviated hundreds of millions from poverty during the last 200 years, while Fairtrade is predominantly a con to trick the gullible rich. In 2014 a book titled The Fair Trade Scandal: Marketing Poverty to Benefit the Rich, by the Senegalese (no less) author Ndongo Samba Sylla, revealed for each dollar paid by an American consumer for a Fairtrade product, only three cents more are transferred to the country it came from than for the unlabelled alternative. In addition, countries ranked by the World Bank as ‘upper middle income’ account for 54 per cent of producer organisations having received FT certification against 21 per cent in the case of low-income countries. Fairtrade is not fair, it is just a way to make middle-class champagne socialists feel good about themselves. Well done Blue Bird Tea for going against the grain. Anthony Wright Via email

Immigrants: All descended from them

How ironic that Tunbridge Wells, one of the few south-eastern bastions to vote against Brexit, should be one of only two places in Kent to see a fall in the number of immigrants seeking work [October 5]. It is depressing that the focus of political thought in this country should be on immigration rather than the real underlying causes of the ever-widening gulf between the rich and the poor. So it was good to hear one of the town’s publicans, The Mount Edgcumbe’s Robert Hogben, saying that the catering industry depends on overseas labour to ‘make up our staff’. No doubt the many arable farmers in the Garden of England would concur that our neighbours across the EU are crucial for ensuring we grow enough fruit and veg to keep the nation healthy. And if our population does fall prey to a malaise, then it’s also good to know that we have so many foreigners manning lowly positions in

Calverley

At least you do know what’s happening with agreed standard

Thank you for featuring the important question of Fairtrade in our town [October 5]. If Tunbridge Wells prides itself as being a Fairtrade town, we should indeed take issues of just and respectful trading seriously. So, if I understand Krisi Smith correctly, the reason Bluebird Tea Company have ‘opted out’ of complying with the agreed standard of just and fair trading with tea suppliers is because the premium consumers may be paying for the Fairtrade standard ‘may not end up in the hands of the work force’? Why wouldn’t that be for Bluebird to decide? Instead, Bluebird’s customers have to accept Bluebird’s assurances that working conditions are ‘high’, that the pay is ‘above the body’s minimum price’ (hardly impressive), and that the price accurately reflects all this (not to mention the cost of the monitoring process). She concludes; ‘With Fairtrade, do you actually know?’ Well yes, this is precisely the point; we actually do. Whereas when I look at a business which makes sufficient profit margins to afford a prime location in Tunbridge Wells in a competitive commodity like tea, I’m afraid I have my doubts. Nigel Griffiths Via email

Not perfect but it is crucial

I read with interest [October 5] the two sides of the argument over Fairtrade. While I can sympathise with the concerns that Fairtrade, as an organisation, might not be perfect, I do not consider that to outweigh the good it has achieved.

the NHS to lend a hand in our hour of need. Quite why so many people in Britain feel it is beneath them to perform the less glamorous jobs is strange enough. That they should then bemoan the fact that someone else is more than willing to fill the role is beneath contempt. We should never forget that we are an island, and therefore all descended from immigrants. In Anglo-Saxon times, the flooded-out Fresians happily intermarried with the local population. They improved our society. Perhaps that’s the way to make Britain great again. Nigel Wallace Via email

Hotel: ‘Too corporate’ claim just wrong ‘Too corporate’ my newspaper [not the Times] rather snootily dismissed the newly opened One Warwick Park in its review. Our favourite hotel, The Midland – an Art Deco

FAIR DEBATE The Bluebird Tea Company’s Krisi Smith (right) Fairtrade has raised the minimum price that growers have to get for their labour and produce. This is an unbelievably crucial step forward for ethical trading. It’s the equivalent to the introduction of minimum wage laws in the UK – it’s hard to imagine not having them now, and that’s what we’ve got to try to cement with Fairtrade. As the town’s Fairtrade’s spokesperson highlighted in their response, only seven per cent of the tea that is consumed in this country is Fairtrade. We still have such a long way to go to just bring up our standards to the minimum in terms of defendable ethics. I respect the good intentions of Bluebird Tea but, while Fairtrade is not perfect, it is a realistic and achievable start. Sandra Hollins Via email

gem in Morecambe – is far way and it’s the wrong time of the year. So with a significant anniversary impending (don’t ask) we decided to give OWP a go. ‘Too corporate’ suggests that the reviewer was expecting something homely – perhaps cast-off muddy boots on a stained, threadbare carpet? No, there was none of that. The smell of wet dogs and last night’s supper? None of that, either. Afternoon tea in the kitchen with mismatched china in front of a smelly, 50-year-old Aga? Definitely not that. What we found was an elegant, sleek, modern, well-equipped and well-run hotel shoehorned into an old and difficult space – and exploring it was an adventure in itself. It’s rather tiresome when reviewers, for want of something better to write, come up with something which they believe is clever. ‘Corporate’ she said – ‘swish’ sounds right to us. Sandra & Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

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

Wednesday 12th October 2016

WHAT price green fingers? Calverley is always intrigued (and jealous) to hear of the huge fees earned by so called celebrities appearing on our TV screens or in newspapers and magazines. How do they get away with it? Admiring the borders in a particular garden last week a well-wisher paused for a chat and talk turned to just such a subject. Imagine the surprise of Himself on being told that his beloved Alan Titchmarsh was (apparently) handed £300,000 a year for his invaluable contributions to the Daily Express. Calverley collapsed onto the pansies, not believing a word of it. HORROR. Calverley’s favourite get away from it all bolt hole has been named Country House Hotel of the Year. Not saying that Gravetye Manor near East Grinstead is not worthy of the title it’s just the thought of the hordes now about to descend on the place. Time to move on. Problem is trying to remember the hotels from which he has been, how can He put it, banned. Never mind, it seems that TW might soon have its own Premier Inn. If it’s good enough for Lenny Henry, then move over. (For those without TV he does their ads.] CONTRACTORS working on Framptons Café Bar & Kitchen on The Pantiles have been left with no room to manoeuvre when it comes to deadlines. The three bosses, Tom Walker, Ed McAdams and Sam Westlake, are all ex-military and have made it clear that when contract dates are agreed they have to be met. And to make sure there are no misunderstandings they have posted a grid on one of the walls inside the old Barclays bank. So, that’s ok then; grand opening December 7. Definite. URGENT CORRECTION On September 21 this column commented on the fact that a local gastro pub had, for various reason, worked its way through eight head chefs since December. We have been asked by the owner of the business to correct an inaccuracy. He informs us he has worked his way through 14 Head Chefs. We are happy to put the matter right. Our apologies for the error (which Himself puts drown to the drink). Chin, chin readers


Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

EDUCATION ■

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EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Acknowledging the importance of mental health education in schools Mayfield Shool has launched a series of Life Skills for Parents lectures with the first focusing on the vital issue of improving communication skills and building pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. The Times finds out more TALKING SENSE Mayfield School Headmistress Antonia Beary with pupils

ONE of the most influential bloggers on addressing mental health issues in students, Grace Barrett from the Self-Esteem Team, was invited along to Mayfield School at the end of last month to host a special talk for parents, students, staff and other teachers from local schools on building self-confidence in educational establishments. Grace and her Self-Esteem Team co-founders, Natasha Devon and Nadia Mendoza, set up their website with one aim: To bring positive mental health to the nation. Their #letters2tess campaign sees them sending daily letters to Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to meet them in order to revolutionise the education system and introduce mental health literacy into schools. So far, they have delivered lectures to in excess of 70,000 teenagers in both state and independent education. According to a spokesperson for the school, the Mayfield audience were highly impressed with Grace’s talk and advice, which gave tips on everything from how to gain more confidence to trying to see things from a different perspective, where possible.

Parents and guests also welcomed the opportunity to ask questions on subjects ranging from exam stress, mobile phone use and how to communicate with teenagers. The Head of Mayfield School’s Life Skills, Mrs Pippa Whitby, commented: “It was great to see so many parents interested in their daughters’ mental health.” She added: “With so many questions answered, I’m sure we will all be adapting some of the ways we talk to and help our girls.”

‘Communication and openness is the best way forward’ Mayfield School Headmistress Antonia Beary is looking forward to welcoming the Self-Esteem Team back to talk to the girls: “The way in which we empower our young people to address these challenges is crucial. And how parents and schools work together to help provide them with the tools they need to respond is just as important. There are no straightforward answers, but one thing is clear: Communication and openness is the best way forward.”

NEWS IN EDUCATION

St Gregory’s new gym Impressive fundraiser impresses Greg Clark is icing on the cake GREG CLARK, who is both MP for Tunbridge Wells and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, paid a visit to St Gregory’s Catholic School’s new fitness suite and talked with GCSE PE students about the impact it has had on their own personal fitness and studies. The equipment was kindly donated by local businessman Mr Paul Wheeler of MAP Environmental and includes a range of high spec equipment that can be used by both students and staff.

ON FRIDAY, Year 6 pupils at St Augustine’s School hosted a special afternoon tea for their parents and siblings on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. The children took it upon themselves to organise the whole fundraising event, which saw them bake cakes and biscuits, set up a pop-up café in the school hall and serve tea and cake to their many customers. The students’ successful tea party raised an impressive £257.33 for the cancer charity.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


18  WEEKLY COMMENT

Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He also worked for the Foreign Office. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. See www.tomtugendhat.org.uk

Help shape the future of post-Brexit Britain OVER the coming months, Britain is going to be conducting the most complex negotiations we have ever undertaken. They will define our nation for a generation and shape not just our future but that of our grandchildren. These talks matter. Many different groups are, already, trying to shape the outcome. Large companies, business groups, and charities are explaining to the Government and politicians what the consequences of decisions will be. They are calling for various interests to be safeguarded and ring-fenced. They are trying to create a Britain which will work in their interest. But they are not alone in having a stake in these talks. The decisions we take regarding our future relationship with the EU will have implications for every business and every family in the country, and it is essential that as many voices as possible are heard. That is why I have been conducting meetings with firms large and small and community groups across our towns and villages to find out what matters. I’ve heard many answers. For some, like the care providers I met this week, workers from Eastern Europe, South Africa and around the world are vital if they are to continue providing the high quality care in people’s homes that we

Wednesday 12th October 2016

have become used to. It would not be easy to replace them with others just yet, because our unemployment rate is so low there are too few people looking for work to be able to recruit locally. To train new people would also take time, and in that gap care could suffer. So finding an answer to some form of labour mobility matters.

‘The first thing we all need to do is to get our voice heard’ For others, like the manufacturers operating from barns and industrial estates around the area, tariff-free access to the EU markets is essential, both so they can sell their products and buy raw materials without the cost of extra taxes. They also need new machines to improve production, and the spare parts that are needed over time, many of which come from abroad. Others still want better access into the US or Australia, or closer links to India and China. Each of these is going to be thrown into question as we shape our trading relationship with the world. But whatever your interest, the first thing we all need to do is to get our voice heard. The Government can’t represent us if they don’t know what matters. That’s why I’m urging people to

DON’T GET LOST IN THE CROWD Air your thoughts through your MP contact their local MP. For the first time in four decades, these talks will not be mediated through anyone except our ministers. We won’t be asking a trade representative to balance the wishes of other countries as well as our own before taking a decision, we will be asking our own Government to make the case for our country.

Of course, we must be prepared to negotiate, to hear the other side’s perspective, too. But this time it will be different. This time we are all responsible for the result of the talks that we started in the referendum of 23 June. After all, having discussed the options for the best part of 40 years, in June we voted to chart our own course. It’s now up to us to make it work.


THE PANTILES NEWS 

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Targetfollow Group Ltd and The Pantiles Traders Association

PANTILESNews

The

Toasting ten years of business success The Ragged Trousers bar has just celebrated its first decade of trading on The Pantiles. Eileen Leahy spoke to Richard Simm, who co-owns it with Jason Dormon, about how they’ve made one of the town’s oldest drinking establishments a modern-day success

A

NYONE who regularly frequents The Pantiles will be familiar with The Ragged Trousers. The popular period pub, where you can pop in for a pint of craft beer or enjoy a sit-down meal in its chic brasserie, has just celebrated its tenth year in business under the watchful eye of Richard Simm and Jason Dormon, the successful duo behind The Forum, The Sussex Arms and The George public houses. Richard and Jason have known each other since the early 1990’s when the pair met while Jason was running The Forum. Just over ten years ago they decided to go into business together and when The Ragged Trousers’ lease became vacant they decided to take it on. They enlisted the help of their mutual friends Ian Carvell, Lawrence

RUNNING RAGGED Richard (left) and Jason. Celebrating the pub’s tenth birthday with staff and friends (above)

Price and French chef Seb Mouzay, who still runs the kitchen, to come on board. “The vision when we started was to open a bar that would complement The Forum and be a place where people could drink before and after gigs,” explains Richard.

‘The Ragged Trousers building dates back to the 1700s and has a long history of being a popular watering hole’ Although Ian and Lawrence are no longer involved with the business, The Ragged Trousers has gone from strength to strength over the years and this, Richard says, is primarily due to their talented Parisian chef Seb, who has made the food side of things a great success.

“We decided early on that we wanted to go for that hybrid of offering the best of an English pub alongside the best of a French bistro,” he adds. The pub’s unusual name comes from a book called The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists which was written at the turn of the 20th century by Robert Tressell and is considered to be one of the most powerfully written political works and a working-class literature classic. “It’s a novel but it’s really based on Tressell’s personal experience as a painter and decorator in Hastings and the struggles he faced,” explains Richard. “It focuses on the differences between the working class and their employers and also the need for the welfare state. At the time our business partner Ian was Tunbridge Wells’ only Labour councillor so we thought it would be funny to name a bar in the heart of the town after this famous socialist work.” The Ragged Trousers building dates back to the 1700s and has a long history of being a popular watering hole although it had lost its way before Richard and Jason took it over. “When we took it over it had been six different places in something like five years,” says Richard. “We just wanted somewhere you could go in and have a pint and some food.” When he and Jason started running The Ragged Trousers, Richard admits that he naively thought it would be a project he could fit in at the weekends around his full-time job as a journalist. He says: “It was a really steep learning curve and it quickly ended up taking over!” Within three months he was involved full-time.

Due to its popular and historical location The Ragged Trousers has never really suffered from business dropping away. The challenges have come more in the shape of commercial costs and rates rising and the fact that The Pantiles has become more competitive. “When we started we were probably only the fourth licenced premises and now there’s something like 15 here, but that’s a good thing and it’s been amazing to see The Pantiles transformed into somewhere really buzzing with a lot of money being spent on it.” So how did he, Jason and the team chose to celebrate their tenth anniversary? “We had a very casual meet-up with as many former and current members of staff as we could lay our hands on – as well as a few regulars! “We were going through the old pay roll in order to contact people and we reckon we must have employed somewhere around 100 people over the past decade. Being a bar the turnover is big: We’ve had a lot of students, actors and musicians working for us over the years. “They’re with us for a bit then they go on to do bigger and better things but the great thing is they still come back. So it was nice to celebrate with them as they have made The Ragged Trousers what it is.” Given the often unpredictable nature of working in the hospitality trade, what does Richard feel is the most enjoyable aspect of it? “The people you work with – definitely. It’s not very well paid, it’s often very hard work and the effort you need to put in is huge, but at the end of the day you try to have a great time.”

Wednesday 12th October 2016


20  THE PANTILES NEWS

The bridal shop that’s a labour of love Almost 20 years ago Maria Musgrove-Wethey launched her business The Pantiles Bride. The Times asks her about the secret of her success

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING THE PANTILES BRIDE? We’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary next February – the 13th, to be precise, as it would be too kitsch to have opened on Valentine’s Day! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE BRIDAL BUSINESS? When I got married on the Caribbean island of Vieques in 1989 I discovered wedding gowns in a US outlet store selling for $100! With the exchange rate at the time being almost two dollars to the pound it would have been a shame to not take advantage of this deal so I invested $300, bought a suitcase and scribbled my business plan on the back of the menu card on the BA flight home! Back then I was travelling the world for an international training company and wanted a Plan B as my biological clock was ticking. My first foray into bridal was a studio in our oast house in Lamberhurst, hiring bridal gowns. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A SHOP ON THE PANTILES? In the six years I had been playing at bridal in my back bedroom I had seen six wedding dress shops open and close in Tunbridge Wells. A big player was closing down so I thought to myself: ‘It’s now or never.’ In the recession of the late ’90s there was a surfeit of shops on both the High Street and The Pantiles. I opted for the pedestrianised Pantiles as I preferred its genteel Georgian charm. Back then, almost 20 years ago, there were only three cafés so it was a very different place! HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD JUST ONE SHOP? In 1998 we opened The Pantiles Groom and in 2000 we launched Go Bridal on Grosvenor Road, which offered more affordable bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. We then opened in Birmingham, Henley-in-Arden and Huddersfield with concessions in House of Fraser stores. In five years we were one of the largest independently owned bridal companies in the UK. Not bad for an initial investment of $300!

Wednesday 12th October 2016

ARE THE DRESSES ALL MADE ON SITE OR DO YOU USE A COMBINATION OF DESIGNERS AND MAKE ITEMS YOURSELF? No we don’t make our gowns. We offer a ‘demi-couture’ service where gowns can be customised for a bride. Our fitting and alterations service is in-house, which also sets us apart from other bridal boutiques. We look after our clients from the moment they order their gown to when they collect it.

‘Our prime location and The Pantiles’ fantastic café society seem to charm brides’ HOW MANY SHOPS DO YOU HAVE NOW? 2005 was a life-changer as we adopted our daughter from China. As a result, we sold all our satellite stores but we still have two shops in Tunbridge Wells with different designers and price points. Go Bridal’s gowns are on average £1,300 and there is an entire floor devoted to sample gowns, which are ideal for short notice weddings or for the bride who is looking for great savings.

HOW HAVE DRESS STYLES CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? 1987 was still heavily influenced by Princess Diana’s big gown and sleeves and the ‘Meringue’ was still in vogue throughout the ’90s. The millennium saw strapless, separates and colour coming through, and the vintage look has now given way to boho as festival weddings are becoming increasingly popular. It’s also now all about showing off the back and a lot of designers have reworked their sleeve patterns from the archives!

DO YOU FIND YOUR CLIENTS COME FROM ALL OVER THE AREA? Thanks to our amazing mix of designers and our reputation, we have brides-to-be visiting us from a 100-mile radius. Many of them live in London and have family locally or have been recommended by other brides. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHER BRIDAL BOUTIQUES IN THE TOWN? Location, location, location! Twenty years on The Pantiles have certainly helped thanks to its prime location and fantastic café society which seems to charm brides. We not only have the best location and reputation but also stock the best UK and international designers.

ALL WHITE NOW Maria has enjoyed nearly two decades of dressing brides-to-be

HAVE YOU WORKED WITH ANY FAMOUS BRIDES-TO-BE? No but we did have Joanna Lumley using our shop as her ‘Chic to Chic’ boutique in the TV series A Rather English Marriage in 1998, which also starred Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay. HOW DO YOU LIKE WORKING IN THE PANTILES AND WHY? Work? It never feels like work coming here! There’s always something happening, from the markets to the music, and there’s a great sense of community with other businesses. As a bit of a foodie I’m spoilt for choice as to where to go for lunch – not that there’s much time for that running the best and busiest bridal boutique in Tunbridge Wells! The Pantiles Bride, 34 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN. Tel: 01892 514515 www.pantilesbride.com


THE PANTILES NEWS 

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WHAT INSPIRES YOUR BUYS? I hold regular exhibitions by a body of carefully selected artists mostly from the UK but a few from overseas, too. The artists we feature range from established Royal Academicians to young, up-and-coming talent.

CREATIVE FORCE Andrew Fairfax in his Pantiles showroom

This independent gallery has got its eye on new and exciting artistic talent

Eileen Leahy talks to Andrew Fairfax about the success of his eponymously named space, which boasts an array of cool and contemporary artists HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS? We have been established for 21 years. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT? The original idea was to juxtapose a contemporary art gallery with the historic setting of The Pantiles, which at the time of us opening had a number of visitor attractions and events to celebrate its history. HOW MANY SHOPS DO YOU HAVE? There is a Fairfax Gallery in the ‘Chelsea on Sea’ destination of Burnham Market, Norfolk and for six years there was also a Fairfax Gallery in Chelsea. It closed when we decided to concentrate on representing our artists, based in London and overseas, at art fairs in places such as New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A SHOP IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS? I had been living in London, but felt that it was too big a step for a first gallery, so I looked for a cosmopolitan town in the south east that could support a contemporary gallery and felt Tunbridge Wells was a great place to do that. DO YOU HAVE A NUMBER OF REGULAR CLIENTS? I am pleased to say yes we do, in particular from people that have seen us at art fairs elsewhere in the world. It is flattering when clients from overseas make a trip to the gallery or feel confident to buy online – this has proved to be helpful when national business dips. I am also highly appreciative of the loyal local following we have and for the clients who are still returning and buying from us since we opened in 1995.

ARE YOU AN ARTIST? My original background was working at Lloyd’s of London in reinsurance. However, my interest in the art world was sparked by my younger sister, who gained her Fine Art degree at St Martin’s and was then offered a solo show in a West End gallery. This gave me an insight into the art world and a little later, having been talked into managing a London gallery for a week while the owner was away, I then had the idea to open my own venture. HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WORKING IN THE ART WORLD? Despite not originally being from an artistic background, I am pleased that the gallery has just been voted ‘Best Gallery’ in Kent in the Muddy Stilettos awards, coming up against the Turner gallery in Margate.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE LOCAL ARTISTS? One of my favourite local artists from Sussex is Shaun Ferguson, who is an ex-Royal Academy Schools graduate. He came to my attention when he picked up a Discerning Eye ‘New Discovery’ award. Whilst the Fairfax Gallery chooses its artists on merit rather than location, over a third are from Kent and Sussex. HOW DO YOU LIKE WORKING IN THE PANTILES AND WHY? The original attraction of being based in The Pantiles was its history and architectural beauty. In the last year it has lost several established retailers and I am hoping, where landlords have the power to do so, that they will increase the proportion of retailers versus food and beverage establishments so The Pantiles can remain a worthwhile shopping destination. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL TRADING IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS? The advantage of being an independent business is that you can reflect the tastes and wishes of your clients rather than being a homogeneous branded store that’s found in every town. I think Tunbridge Wells does this particularly well and has a strong lineup of independent retailers, making it a very attractive destination for shoppers. The Fairfax Gallery, 23 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD. Tel: 01892 525525 www.fairfaxgallery.com

Wednesday 12th October 2016


FREE CONSULTATION RUSH TUNBRIDGE WELLS CALL NOW 01892 888 226 OR BOOK ONLINE USING CODE 'COLSO' 5 GROSVENOR ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TNl 2AH TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY


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Wednesday 12th October 2016


24  PROPERTY SECTION PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Your at-a-glance guide to

Mark Sparrow MNAEA Sales Manager, Wood & Pilcher, Tunbridge Wells

When valuing any property in town, I am always very keen to stress to the owner that if they do decide to market, they will immediately find themselves in a competitive situation. Very simply, buyers will go for the best property at that price. So – how to be the best? At this time of year, it makes good sense to look at both front and rear gardens - a well-tended garden is the first indication of a similarly presented property. Decluttering is an obvious recommendation. I note that my colleagues in our lettings department arrange for properties to be professionally cleaned before a tenancy begins. As a homeowner looking for a good return on a property investment, surely the expenditure of a few hundred pounds to be as clean and attractive as possible is money well spent? Regular cleaning and tidying are essential throughout the selling process. We often get viewings at short notice and the owner is not only helping us, but also themselves by keeping standards as high as possible. Windows should be clean. Easily accessible paintwork should be washed or repainted. Grouting in bathrooms should be bleached and shower curtains washed. Rooms ventilated and heating on if the weather demands it. The trick, I think, is to think like a viewer. You will want a house more and indeed pay a higher price if it looks like the owner loves it too.

HOLDEN ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£725,000

My concern - when I accompany viewings - is that sometimes these elements are forgotten. Please don’t! Please call Wood and Pilcher and we would be delighted to discuss your property requirements. 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £250,000 DUNSTAN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£179,950 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 12th October 2016

A spacious, one-bedroom converted apartment within walking distance of Tunbridge Wells town centre and station. Situated on the first floor, this beautifully presented property consists of a sitting room with feature sash windows to the front, a

galley style kitchen with breakfast bar to one end, a double bedroom with garden views, plus a shower room. Outside, there are secluded communal gardens to the rear of the property. A fridge and washing machine are included in the sale. CONTACT McAuley Miller 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com

UNDER £350,000 QUEENS ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£300,000

No 5B Queens Road is a delightful upper ground floor apartment in a converted Victorian villa with elegant proportions. High ceilings and large timber-framed sash windows fitted with plantation shutters give a light and airy feel

and are complemented by extensive hardwood flooring and contemporary kitchen and bathroom fittings. The reception room offers an attractive outlook through a wide bay window over the green towards St John’s Church. CONTACT Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk


PROPERTY SECTION 

25

great properties by price range… UNDER £450,000 LANGTON GREEN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£390,000

A detached house in the sought-after village of Langton Green comprising a lounge/diner, a kitchen, a utility/ conservatory, three bedrooms, a loft room and a bathroom. The rear garden is ideal for children and barbecues, and there is parking to the front of the property. The village has a number of amenities, including the highly regarded Langton Green Primary school and Holmewood House Preparatory School. CONTACT Connells Tunbridge Wells 01892 547 966 www.connells.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 DORKING ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£550,000

An impressive three-bedroom family home with extended reception space. The ground floor has an entrance hall, a bay-fronted living room with a wood-burning stove, a 17’9 x 12’8 kitchen/dining room and a family room with a door to the rear garden. There is also an utility room and downstairs shower room with WC. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, two which overlook the garden, and a bathroom. The garden has a range of raised borders and mature shrubs and plants, a patio area, a shed and side access. CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 731169 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION BROADWATER MEWS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£825,000

UNDER £800,000 HOLDEN ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£725,000 The Old Granary is an attractive attached period property offering generous family accommodation over two floors. The house is in fine order with a high quality specification throughout. Key features include riven slate and oak flooring to the ground floor, a fabulous dual-aspect drawing

room with wood-burning stove, and beautifully finished bathrooms tiled with natural limestone. CONTACT Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

A brand new, detached five-bedroom townhouse on the highly desirable southern side of Tunbridge Wells and approximately a mile from the mainline station, which provides journeys to London from 48 minutes. The property is ready for immediate occupation with accommodation arranged over three floors, including an integral double garage. The town has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, as well as a number of excellent schools. CONTACT Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 12th October 2016




28  PROPERTY SECTION AT A GLANCE

MOORCROFT FARM HALE OAK ROAD, WEALD SEVENOAKS ■ Beautifully positioned newly built principal residence ■ Three further residential properties ■ Modern and traditional farm buildings ■ Farm office ■ Two bedroom cottage ■ Pasture, arable and woodland

Farm with multiple residences and sporting potential

A

PRETTY farm in an idyllic position in the heart of the west Kent countryside. Moorcroft Farm is set in around 214 acres in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Sevenoaks, yet is only 33 miles from central London. The main house was built in 2011 and is positioned at the end of a private, tree-lined driveway, surrounded by its own grounds. Arranged over two floors, the accommodation is light and spacious, and includes four bedrooms, and generously proportioned reception rooms with good ceiling heights. The gardens are well laid out and there are beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Next door is The Oast House, offering potential for a variety of uses, and it could be adjoined to the main house subject to the necessary

■ In all approximately 214 acres ■ Possibility of purchasing in lots

Guide price

£5,750,000

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789710 and Haywards Heath Rural 01444 446064 www.savills.com

consents. There is also The Brick Barn, a beautifully converted traditional building, and The Lodge, a threebedroom property with its own gardens and countryside views. These dwellings allow for excellent ancillary or staff accommodation. The farmyard is accessed by a separate driveway, and there is an extensive range of traditional and modern farm buildings, including a newly constructed grain store. Additionally, there is a detached farm office and a two-bedroom cottage with separate garaging and storage. Both of these overlook a pond which is a haven for wildlife. The land is a well balanced mix of pasture, arable and woodland, with great sporting potential. A central track leads through the farm, and within the southern block there is a traditional stable building

which could have an alternative use and a portal-frame modern barn. Chris Spofforth, Head of Savills Farm Agency in the South East, said: “Moorcroft Farm is in a superb location, easily accessible to Sevenoaks’ amenities and mainline station, yet truly rural. “Modern and diverse in accommodation, the farm will give the opportunity for the new owner to be as hand-on or hands-off as they like, whilst being surrounded and protected by their own land. “There has also been a friendly informal shoot over the land, which has great potential to develop further.”

Wednesday 12th October 2016

■ Great sporting potential

‘Moorcroft Farm is set in around 214 acres in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’


EDENBRIDGE,

KENT

PENSHURST,

KENT

In an Area of Oustanding Beauty + 5 bedrooms + 5 bathrooms + 4 reception rooms + garden + outbuildings + london bridge from 47 minutes + Council Tax=H + EPC=D

Newly built luxury home + 5 bedrooms + 5 bathrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + dining room + drawing room + study + 2 utility rooms + double carport + Council Tax=H + EPC=B

£9,995 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£7,995 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

WADHURST,

WAD HURST,

EAST SUSSEX

EAST SUSSEX

Unique design + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + detached garage with room above + front and rear gardens + decked veranda + beautiful views + Council Tax=G + EPC=C

Detached family home + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + dining room + 2 bedroom oast + garden & paddocks + 352 sq m (3,796 sq ft) + Council Tax=G + EPC=F

£3,995 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£3,500 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 out fee - charged at the end of or 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.

With a UK-wide network, wherever you're moving, we'll be local to you what can we do for you?


TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

KENT

Stunning contemporary house + panoramic town views + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/ family/ dining room + 5 bedrooms + garden + garage + 4,154 sq ft + about 0.21 acres + EPC=D

Sought-after village area + MLS 0.5 miles + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 5 bedrooms + bedroom 6/study + cellar storage + town garden + 1,939 sq ft + EPC=E

Guide £1.85 million Freehold

Guide £895,000 Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

CROWBOROUGH,

KENT

Contact: Becky Card

EAST SUSSEX

MLS 1 .4 miles + modern family house + sitting room + kitchen/d ining room + 4 bedrooms + detached garage with studio + garden + driveway parking + 1,633 sq ft + EPC=D

Beautifully presented and intriguing Victorian home + MLS 2.3 miles + 2 reception rooms + garden room + study + 4/5 bedrooms + integral garage + gardens + 2,410 sq ft + EPC=E

Guide £855,000 Freehold

Guide £795,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

With a UK-wide network, wherever you're moving, we'll be local to you what can we do for you?


TUNBRDIGE WELLS,

KENT

4/5 bedroom family home + Situated over three floors + Open plan kitchen/breakfast/dining room with bi-folding doors to terrace + Master bedroom with ensuite and digital shower + Cinema room + Underfloor heating throughout + NHBC 10 year building guarantee + Premier alarm system

Guide ÂŁ1,299,950 Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Double aspect sitting room with fireplace and library + Kitchen/dining room leading to triple aspect family room + 5/6 Bedrooms + Master bedroom with ensuite + Triple aspect family room + Gas fired underfloor heating throughout + NHBC 10 year building warrantee + Premier alarm system

Guide ÂŁ1.35 million Freehold All prices correct at time of going to print

No one researches the housing market more than we do what can we do for you?


Cranbrook An attractive twin roundel oast house within walking distance of the town centre 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Detached double garage, off-road parking, immaculate gardens and grounds. EPC rating D. In all about 0.4 acres.

Wadhurst A spectacular conversion occupying a delightful setting in a quiet yet accessible hamlet 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. Garage. Pretty gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.38 acre.


. . Knight ~41 Frank


Smarden Attractive Grade 11 Listed former school house 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Situated in the heart of the village. Walled garden with !awned area. Garage.

Brenchley An attractive detached 1930's family house situated in the heart of the village 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. Mature gardens and grounds. Integral double garage with attached workshop. EPC rating G. In all about 0.35 acres.



36  PROPERTY SECTION AT A GLANCE

PARK VIEW HOUSE HUNGERSHALL PARK TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Period property n Five bedrooms n Three reception rooms n Two bathrooms n 354.4 sq m/ 3,815 sq ft n Outbuildings n Garden n Land n Private Parking n 8.70 acres (3.52 hectares)

‘This substantial Victorian coach house comes with enormous potential’

£2,250,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 882782 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Large park house in one of the most exclusive areas of Tunbridge Wells

S

ITUATED between Hungershall and Nevill Park – one of the most prestigious residential areas in Tunbridge Wells – this substantial Victorian coach house comes with enormous potential, including a detached barn with planning permission, attractive parkland with fenced paddocks, and an integral double garage. Despite its semi-rural setting, the property is very convenient for the town, and within walking distance of The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells mainline station, with services to

Wednesday 12th October 2016

London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street in approximately 50 minutes. The town has a superb array of restaurants, cafés and boutiques, as well as outstanding schools, both in the private and state sectors. The principal property comprises an attractive Victorian coach house providing spacious, well configured

accommodation across two storeys and incorporating an integral double garage. Adjacent to the main house is a charming timber barn, separated into three sections. There is planning consent to convert this space into ancillary accommodation. Alternatively, it provides potential for additional garaging, or could perhaps be a useful footprint for a more substantial extension to the main house, subject to the necessary consents. Park View House is approached through a five-bar gate over a long, sweeping gravel drive passing through its own land. In all, the plot extends to just under nine acres and is a mix of traditional garden, attractive parkland and fenced paddocks, ideal for grazing horses.


ELLIS&CO Sales & Lettings

HILDENBOROUGH - Guide Price £535,000-£595,000 - NO ONWARD CHAIN!

TONBRIDGE - GUIDE PRICE £525,000-£575,000

A well presented, detached chalet bungalow in a popular residential area. The property provides spacious and flexible family accommodation with four double bedrooms, with en-suite shower room to the master, a further shower room on the first floor and a ground floor bathroom with separate we. The ground floor has a large sitting room, dining room and kitchen. There is a driveway for several cars, a detached garage and the rear garden is of a good size. EPC D.

Situated in the ever-popular Meadow Lawn area within 10 minutes walk to the mainline station and High Street, this spacious and versatile house is set over 3 floors and has 4 double bedrooms and 3 large reception rooms. This well presented and substantial property even has the possibility to extend (subject to planning approval) to provide a large kitchen family room. The property is close to highly rated Primary and Secondary schools including 3 excellent Grammar schools. EPC E

CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY - GUIDE PRICE £335,000-£365,000

HADLOW - GUIDE PRICE £315,000-£335,000

A rural setting forth is 3 bedroom terraced house in the village of Chiddingstone Causeway. The property is within a quiet cul de sac location and within easy reach of the popular Little Brown Jug and Penshursttrain station, which has a direct line to London. Accommodation provides spacious open plan living, 2 of the 3 bedrooms being doubles, a family bathroom, cloakroom and an easy maintenance rear garden, this could be the country retreat you have been looking for. EPC E

A well presented 3 bedroom end of terraced house in the picturesque village of Had low. Accommodation provides a kitchen/breakfast room that is light and spacious, a living/dining room with patios doors out to the secluded rear garden. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, 2 of which are doubles, and a bathroom. The property has front and rear gardens and a garage en bloc. Early viewing is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. EPC C

TONBRIDGE - GUIDE PRICE £300,000-£340,000

GOLDEN GREEN - ASKING PRICE £210,000

A spacious three bedroom ground floor maisonette that has all the advantages of a bungalow. The management company work hard to maintain a high standard of the building and the surrounding communal areas. This light and airy property, although requiring some updating, benefits from being conveniently situated near local shops and within walking distance to the High Street, double glazing, residents parking, a garage en bloc and only a short walk to the bus route. EPC E

A well presented 2 bedroom detached bungalow in a quiet residential development for the over 55s, extremely popular due to its tranquil location and community environment. This home is of solid construction with all main services connected. The accommodation comprises of an open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, shower room and study. Outside there is a large patio, garden and detached garage. Please note there are No Site Fees due on this property. EPC exempt

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

0009


Tonbridge/Hildenborough Boarders

£750,000

Tonbridge

£550,000

Extended Detached Family House with a large rear garden adjoining the playing fields of Tonbridge School. 5 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. EPC E

Extended and improved Modern 5 Bedroom Semi-Detached House with scope to provide an en-suite or another bedroom. 2 separate reception rms, utility/cloakroom, 16ft kitchen, garage & parking, garden. EPC D

South Tonbridge

Tonbridge

£300,000-£325,000

£235,000

Bay fronted Semi-Detached House with parking, walking distance of the High Street and Station. 2 reception rms, utility/cloakrm. Garden EPC E

2 Bedroom first floor apartment, I en-suite, lounge with balcony, overlooking the 50 acre sports ground, fitted kitchen, well-lit lounge, parking. Within walking distance of High Street. EPC C

Sevenoaks

Hadlow

Offers In Excess of £375,000

Semi-Detached 3 bedroom house in need of updating, established residential area. Lounge-diner, conservatory, gardens. EPC E

£265,000

Pretty Terraced Cottage, tucked away position, yet only a few minutes from the village shops. 2 Bedrooms, Ist floor bathroom, gdn. EPC E


Burwash Weald

Guide Price £699,950

New build detached house with fully fitted hand-built kitchen with Neff appliances. 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite). Overlooking farmland.

Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £485,000

A significantly extended 3 bedroom end of terrace house within cul-de-sac location in Hawkenbury. 2 large reception rooms, family bathroom & en-suite shower/WC. EPC D.

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £ 1,200

A newly refurbished 2 bed maisonette located in a convenient central position. Kitchen/bfast, dual aspect living room, 2 double bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. GCH & permit parking. EPC: E

Bidborough/Southborough

Guide Price £699,950

An older style detached house with a 99 ft. rear garden. Kitchen/breakfast room, 2 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, bathroom & WC.Attached garage - NO CHAIN. EPC D

Groombridge

Price Range £525,000 - £550,000

A detached period cottage with many character features, in a central off road village location. 3 reception areas, 3 bedrooms, bath/WC & enclosed garden. EPC E

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £1,350

An immaculate 3 bedroom family home within walking distance of High Brooms Station. Living/dining room, modern kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Rear garden, GCH & permit parking. EPC D.


40 � PROPERTY SECTION

Equestrian haven surrounded by breathtaking views

AT A GLANCE

T

HIS Grade II listed country house holds a wonderful rural position on a country lane on the edge the popular Wealden village of Hawkhurst. It has wonderful views and lies within the Cranbrook School catchment area. The property also includes an attached two-bedroom annexe, equestrian facilities, a heated swimming pool, a triple garage and outbuildings. The property is believed to date back to the 16th century,

with later additions, and enjoys fine views over its own land. The accommodation includes a sitting room with doors to the garden, a music room with French doors to rear, a drawing room with an inglenook fireplace, a conservatory, a dining room, a kitchen/ breakfast room with an Aga, and utility and boot rooms. As well as a master bedroom suite, there are four further bedrooms along with a family bathroom and a second floor attic room.

OCKLEY LANE HAWKHURST, NR CRANBROOK n Grade II listed period property n Cranbrook School catchment area n 7 bedrooms n 6 reception rooms n 3 bathrooms n 430.5-640.8 sq m/4,634-6,897 sq ft n Equestrian facilities, including stables, paddocks and manège n Barn/tractor store n Triple open-bay garage n Gardens & pond

‘ The property is believed to date back to the 16th century, with later additions, and enjoys fine views over its own land’ Wednesday 12th October 2016

The annexe comprises a sitting room with French doors to rear, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The attractive gardens are laid to lawn with mature trees, shrubs and plants and include the swimming pool, a summer house and a fenced pond. The excellent equestrian facilities offer fenced

paddocks, a manège, a stable yard with four stables, a tack room and a feed room. Further outbuildings include the three-bay open garage, which has storage space above, a detached barn or tractor store and further storerooms, which could provide log storage. In all, the property extends to about 10.47 acres.

n Further outbuildings n Attached two-bedroom annexe n Swimming Pool n Private Parking n 10.47 acres (4.24 hectares)

£1,595,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 882782 www.knightfrank.co.uk


Forest Grove, Tonbridge

£315,000 - £330,000

Oakmead, Tonbridge

£435,000

A beautifully presented two bedroom extended end of terrace family home with bonus loft room. Located in a residential cul-de-sac convenient for Tonbridge High Street, station and amenities.

An extended three bedroom semi detached family house boasting an 85' garden with freestanding swimming pool. Conveniently located for local schools and amenities.

Main Road, Sundridge

Powder Mills, Leigh

Offers Over £315,000

An enchanting three bedroom semi detached period cottage offered to the market chain free and situated in the popular village of Sundridge.

£350,000

This fine two bedroom two reception room property benefits from a 15' kitchen/breakfast room and an approximately 100' garden, situated in the ever desirable Powder Mills, a stunning village location.


Tunbridge Wells An impressive five bedroom detached town house arranged over three floors. The property forms part of a small individual development of just three detached town houses. EPC: B

Beautifully presented semi-detached house, period features retained and restored. Generous living space, kitchen, 4 beds & ensuite. Pretty garden, parking, walk to town and station. EPC: D

A four bedroom detached home in need to updating and redecoration, conveniently located within one miles walking distance of High Brooms main line station. EPC: E

Set within this substantial converted building is this impressive two bedroom modern apartment with open plan living/dining room and access to its own balcony. EPC: B

This four bedroom detached new build house which is one of just two properties. This property is of a contemporary design, offering all the benefits of a newly built property. PEA: B

This four bedroom semi detached house offers the opportunity for improvement and potential as it requires modernization and refurbishment throughout. EPC: E

Detached family home with breathtaking views, a remarkable ridge-top residence with lovely south-facing gardens, garage and further outbuildings, a much envied address. EPC: D

Sevenoaks A well presented, spacious 3 bed detached bungalow,

WOOD & PILCHER Opening Doors For You Since 1981

•• •• •• •

Tunbridge Wells Office

Southborough Office

01892 511211

01892 511311

tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk

Southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk *Subject to contract


Sevenoaks 5 bed detached house with garage, superb village location, a substantial house offering generous living accommodation within 200 yards of the village green. No chain I EPC: C

Unique four bedroom detached house in a prime location; two bathrooms, garage and parking, lovely garden, sitting room opening out onto roof terrace, extension potential (STPP). EPC: E

Brand new three bedroom detached home set within the Knights Wood development on the fringes of Royal Tunbridge Wells. EPC: B

OIRO £850,000

A rare opportunity to purchase a beautifully presented and affordable, three bedroom family home, with parking in a quiet cul de sac location and is only a short walk away from High Brooms station. EPC: C

Semi-detached house situated in a sought-after village, a rural spot yet commutable from nearby Paddock Wood. Extended to provide generous accommodation with parking for two. EPC: D

Three bedrooms, parking, walk to station, beautifully presented house, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, stylish tiled bathroom, great location for town, station and schools. EPC: C

A delightful cottage style three bedroom, two bathroom attached house with the benefit of a garage & car port in a private close in the heart of Bidborough village. EPC: D

An especially large one bedroom basement apartment in a popular St Johns location. Recently refurbished and redecorated and currently offered as top of chain. EPC: D

Guide price £350,000-£370,000

This tow bed apartment, set within an impressive development, has a desirable location being close to the town centre, Dunorlan Park and the mainline station. EPC: C

Guide price £600,000-£630,000

Crowborough Office

Tonbridge Office

Heathfield Office

01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

01732 351135 tonbridge@woodandpilcher.co.uk

01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk *Subject to contract


44  PROPERTY SECTION AT A GLANCE

Ideal home for all the family

ALLINGTON DRIVE TONBRIDGE ■ Large sitting room ■ Kitchen/breakfast area ■ Utility Room ■ Downstairs WC ■ Four bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe

£650,000 For sale through Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

‘The generous accommodation is beautifully presented and has a homely feel when you step through the front door’

A

LLINGTON DRIVE is a quiet cul-de-sac on the northern side of Tonbridge with open countryside nearby, yet lies only two miles from the town centre. This spacious house is ideally situated for family life, with local shops at Martin Hardie Way, bus services to town and Woodlands Primary School within walking distance. This attractive, detached house ticks all the boxes for the growing family. The generous accommodation is beautifully presented and has a homely feel when you step through the front door.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

The hallway has oak flooring, an attractive staircase and doors leading to the dining room, fitted cloakroom and the large sitting room. The latter is a delightful room, which stretches the length of the house, enjoys deep bay windows to the front along with double doors into the rear garden. There is plenty of room for large comfy seating and it has a feature fireplace with gas fire for those colder days. At the end of the hallway is a kitchen/breakfast room that is sure to be the hub of the home, with lots of space for a good-size table that everyone can gather round, and a lovely aspect out to the garden. It is comprehensively fitted with plenty of storage cupboards and granite worktops along with a fitted double oven, induction hob and canopy extractor hood. In addition, there is a useful utility room for those essential household tasks. On the first floor there are four bedrooms (one of which is currently used as a fully-fitted study) and a stylish family shower room. A further flight of stairs takes you to the second floor and the 17-ft master bedroom plus en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.


we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £839,950 SITUATED IN HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE TOWN CENTRE AND MAIN LINE STATION OVERLOOKING PARKLAND TO THE FRONT This detached family home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, through living room, dining room, study, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast/family room, double garage, gardens and is being sold with the benefit of NO CHAIN. Early inspection is highly recommended. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF £795,000 PEMBURY LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! A stunning, detached former lodge with far-reaching views over farmland to the front. Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens of approximately 0.22 acre. It has a newly-fitted, high quality kitchen, stylish bathroom and shower room with integrated storage, 3 double bedrooms and sitting/ dining room with wood burner. Driveway parking and superb garden studio equipped with wood burner, kitchenette and WC. EPC: D

Apply Pembury

£400,000

NORTH TONBRIDGE

THIS GOUGH COOPER BUILT SEMI SITS IN ONE OF THE MOST EAGERLY SOUGHT AFTER LOCATIONS IN NORTH TONBRIDGE within easy reach of local shops, schools and nearby countryside now offering scope for some updating. The extended accommodation offers plenty of family space with two reception rooms, fitted kitchen/breakfast room and three bedrooms and family bathroom to first floor. With a garage, driveway, front and west facing rear garden this house ticks all the boxes. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

'B) Primelocatior

Residential

t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge: 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 771616

e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

e.tonbridge@bkea .co.uk

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com


46 � PROPERTY SECTION AT A GLANCE

HERTSFIELD OAST MARDEN n Stylish Oast conversion n Beautiful location n Kitchen/dining room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe n 4 further double dedrooms n 3 bathrooms n Large sitting room n Rear garden n Gravel parking n No chain

£565,000 Available for sale through Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Unusual American-style square oast

K

ENT is renowned for it’s fabulous converted oast houses, but very few are of the American style, and their rectangular shape offers the architect a more practical layout for most family needs. No 2 Hertsfield Oast is the middle section of this appealing conversion and incorporates some lovely original features, including high ceilings and exposed beams. In addition, the property offers the buyer a good size, south-facing rear garden plus plenty of parking. The rear of the property looks out over orchards and farmland, while the front enjoys a wonderful and uninterrupted view of a large duck pond. Situated at the end of a private drive leading to Hertsfield Farm, and lying almost midway between the villages of Marden and Staplehurst, it is also just six miles from the county town of Maidstone. Each of these localities have an excellent selection of amenities with shops, schools and medical centres, plus all three have mainline railway stations with excellent commuter services to London and the coast.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

So the location of the oast offers the best of both worlds, and this charming rural community is surrounded by farmland and boasts several fine buildings of architectural and historical interest. The substantial accommodation includes a large L-shaped room with oak flooring and a contemporary gas fire, an impressive kitchen/ dining room with a range of high gloss red laminate base and floor-to-ceiling units, a utility room and a cloakroom. On the first floor, there is a master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe, along with

three further bedrooms and a shower room. One more level up leads to another bedroom, a bathroom and useful eaves storage. Outside, the mature garden is approximately 30 metres in size. This is mainly laid to lawn with established hedges for seclusion. There are also a variety of specimen trees and flowering shrubs for all year round colour, along with a raised deck for entertaining and gravel area for parking.

‘The rear of the property looks out over orchards, while the front enjoys a wonderful view of a large duck pond’



48 � PROPERTY SECTION

A fairytale Thatched House with its own apple orchards

AT A GLANCE

comprehensive range of units with wooden work tops, and there is a separate utility room. On the first floor there are six bedrooms with good storage space, a family bathroom with separate shower and an en suite bathroom to the master bedroom. The house is approached via a gated entrance and gravel drive, flanked to one side by apple orchards and to the other by mature mixed hedging. There is ample parking and access to the open-bay garaging, and more land on the opposite side of the road.

‘The attractive gardens and grounds extend to some six acres, which also include a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, thatched outbuildings and an additional two-bedroom cottage’

THATCHED HOUSE HEATH ROAD, WEST FARLEIGH, NR MAIDSTONE n Grade II listed thatched period home n Superb views n Character features n Four reception rooms n Master suite n Six further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Utility room & storage n Apple orchards and gardens

A

VERY impressive Grade II listed thatched home lying just outside West Farleigh village, near Maidstone. The attractive gardens and grounds extend to some six acres, which also include a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, thatched outbuildings and an additional single-storey, two-bedroom cottage. Built in the 17th century with later period additions, Thatched House is in a lovely elevated, rural position with fabulous westerley views. It has been beautifully restored

Wednesday 12th October 2016

over recent years and is extremely well presented and maintained, providing nearly 2,900 sq ft of accommodation. There are four reception rooms on the ground floor – a dining room, drawing room, study and sitting/ family room – all with attractive oak floorboards, double-aspect windows and original period detail, such as oak doors and beams. A particularly notable feature is the sitting room’s inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove. The large kitchen-breakfast room is fitted with an attractive and

n Open-bay garage n Thatched, timber-framed gazebo n All-weather tennis court n Swimming Pool n Thatched outbuildings, including gym n Detached two-bedroom cottage n Approximately six acres

£1,295,000 Available for sale through Winkworth Tunbridge Wells 01892 519600 www.winkworth.co.uk


1-kMJProperty

Your local independent Estate Agent

...contactable 7 days a week

£310,000

RUSTHALL

RUSTHALL

£254,000

Modern 2 bed semi-detached house with parking. Comprising; Entrance hall, open plan lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, d/s cloakroom & conservatory, 2 bedrooms & modern upstairs bathroom. Double glazing, gas fired heating & rear garden with a high quality & insulated chalet building. EPC C

2 bed terraced cottage, which would benefit from some further updating and development. Lounge, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom, some original features, GFH and rear garden. NO CHAIN, EPC E.

2 bed terraced cottage in the heart of Rusthall village. The accommodation comprises; lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, downstairs bathroom, versatile loft room and planning permission to extend. GFH and a rear garden. EPC D.

End of terrace house in need of updating. The accommodation comprises; lounge/diner, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and upstairs bathroom. Double glazing, front and rear gardens & driveway and has storage heaters. EPC F.

www.kmjproperty.co.uk ar::I Find us on • 111 Facebook

01892 515188

<i)nTheMarketcam

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk


MOAT AT

KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL TUNBRIDGE

WELLS

Buy a brand new home in Tunbridge Wells for just £57,000* Moat at Knights Wood is an exclusive

f

development of contemporary brand

f

new 1 and 2 bedroom apartments

Idyllic setting amongst 205 acres

Shared ownership is a government-backed

of beautiful woodland

initiative that helps you to become a home owner. Sometimes known as part buy

High specification including fitted kitchen and integrated appliances

in Royal Tunbridge Wells available

f

to buy through shared ownership.

part rent, you buy a percentage share in a brand new home, as much as you can

Ideally location just a ten minute drive

afford, and pay a subsidised rent on the

to the centre of Tunbridge Wells

remaining share.

For more information contact: Sarah Dodd, 0845 359 6387 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm), e: sarah.dodd(@moat.co.uk

moat -knightswood.co. uk

<J[J, moat homes local homes to love

Homes&

Communities

Agency

~

Tun~ridge \ Wei Is Borough

~

Moat Homes Ltd is a charitable housing association.

* Based on a 30% share of a one bedroom apartment with a property value of £190,000. Eligibility criteria applies. In line with government priorities, top priority for these homes at Knights Wood is awarded to serving military personnel and former members of the British Armed Forces honourably discharged in

the last two years. People who live and/or work in the Royal Borough of Tunbridge Wells will also receive priority.


A PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT BY 0

01892 507005 www.savills.com tunbridgewellsrds@savills.com

SIMON PATIENCE

savills

N EW HOMES 0

@

www.simonpatiencenewhomes.com

www.gillsgreencourtyard.co.uk

II

C

New Homes

01732 363633 www.rpclandandnewhomes.co.uk westkent@rpcnewhomes.co.uk


� PROPERTY SECTION

l@wns -

of Tonbridge -

BATHROOM SHOWROOM

It's more than our outstanding knowledge and product range that makes us so attractive.

Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre Sanderson Way, Tonbridge KentTN91QG

01732 350 911

e

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@

AQUALISA

ashton@bentley

IMPER IAL KOHLER. LAUFEN ~~ Vi trA

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showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk www.townsmerchant.co.uk

Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm

~

ortSit HOMES

*Based on a full purchase price of £420,000 and a 20% Help to Buy Equity Loan. Help to Buy is available subject to status, terms and conditions. This scheme is not available in conjunction with any other fi nancial incentives. Written details available on request. YOUR HOM E ISAT RISK IF YO U DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYM ENTS ON A MORTGAGEOROTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Image is computer generated.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


PROPERTY SECTION 

53

Sort the wheat from the chaff in The Granary

T

HE GRANARY occupies a lovely rural location between Mayfield and Wadhurst with far-reaching views over its garden and land to the countryside beyond. It is a beautifully presented converted barn with a groundsource heat pump for the underfloor heating, attractive oak beams and vaulted ceilings. The entrance hall is full height with an oak and glass balustrade to the first floor landing. The kitchen/family room offers a range of built in cupboards with a

central island unit, inset hob, electric double oven and integral dishwasher. Picture windows overlook the courtyard to the front and a glazed door gives access to a paved terrace at the side with triple-aspect windows. There is also a cloakroom and large utility room with space for appliances. A short flight of stairs leads to the bedrooms. The master bedroom overlooks the front terrace and has built-in wardrobe cupboards and an en suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms, and a family

AT A GLANCE

‘It is a beautifully presented converted barn with a groundsource heat pump for the underfloor heating, attractive oak beams and vaulted ceilings’

bathroom with a roll top bath and wash hand basin set into a Victorian dresser unit with a marble worktop. The magnificent drawing room with its vaulted ceiling and Clear View log-burning stove is on the first floor with wonderful views, and a door to a balcony with stairs to the gardens. The driveway provides parking for several vehicles and there is a garage with light and power. To the rear, the garden is principally lawn with mature flower and shrub borders and fruit trees, sloping gently down to a five-bar gate giving access on to a small paddock. In all there is 1.3 acres.

THE GRANARY TOWNGATE FARM TIDEBROOK, EAST SUSSEX ■ Attractive first floor drawing room ■ Kitchen/family room ■ Master bedroom with en suite shower ■ Guest suite ■ 2 further bedrooms ■ Office/Bedroom ■ Studio/annexe

Region of £1,100,000£1,200,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse Tunbridge Wells 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 12th October 2016


� PROPERTY SECTION

MOVE ITimes OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT PATSY KELLY PKelly@markerstudy.com I 01892 774781 Computer generated image of Rosehip House

MUDDY BOOTS EVENT

Wednesday 12th October 2016

22ND

OCTOBER~


Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

First Street, Langton Green, TN3 OEU

Guide ÂŁ395,000

Period semi-detached house located in the heart of Langton Green a picturesque village on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. The property comprises entrance hall, living room with cast iron fireplace and bay window open to the dining area, kitchen/breakfast room and French doors out to the garden. On the first floor there is a landing leading to three bedrooms and a separate bathroom. The garden has been improved by the current owners and features a lawn with raised patio area. 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 TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk


NEW SHOW HOME OPENING 22ND OCTOBER

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW SHOW HOME

THREE BEDROOM SUNBURST SHOW HOME OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY 22ND - 23RD OCTOBER

01892 800 580 knightswood.co.uk

KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL

TUNBRIDGE

WELLS

Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Our marketing suite is open daily, 1Oam to 5pm, Thursdays until 7pm, so come and visit us at the launch event to see for yourself.

Two, three and four bedroom homes available with Help to Buy from £355,000 to £599,000. Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW


PROPERTY SECTION 

57

Perfect place for horse lovers

‘The outstanding equine amenities include ten stables with a tack/feed room, an impressive all-weather 40 x 20 sand school’ AT A GLANCE BOXHURST FARM SANDHURST, NR CRANBROOK

B

OXHURST FARM is a handsome, well presented and flexible family home. Originally constructed in 1986, it also boasts beautiful outlooks, equestrian facilties and a built-in CCTV system. The house offers respectable sized rooms, and a fantastic living area. There are numerous prominent features throughout, including a whimsical entrance hall with low, visible timber beams that create enigmatic appeal.

The open-plan, well fitted kitchen/breakfast room is an impressive, modern affair. A striking orangery dining room lets daylight flood in to the roomy kitchen space. While the cloakroom and utility room, provide additional valuable storage space. On the first floor there is a voluminous landing, with exquisite, dense timber beams. The large principal bedroom has a very well fitted en suite bathroom, and enjoys wonderful countryside views. Six further bedrooms provide add to the ample accommodation, two of which are en suite. There are also two family bathrooms, making this a faultless family home. Beside the main residence there is a triple garage with an annexe, a swimming pool and a tennis court. The outstanding equine amenities offer a

prospective rental income. They include ten stables with a tack/feed room, an impressive all-weather 40 x 20 sand school and paddocks. Boxhurst is located near numerous show venues, including Duckhurst farm just half an hour’s drive away, the Blue Barn equestrian centre, Petley Wood, Bull Farm, Brightling Park, Lodge Farm and Bonfleur. Toll rides are obtainable at nearby Hemsted Forest and Bedgebury Forest. The property is approached through an electronically-operated gated entrance which leads to a gravelled driveway. The garden, with its stunning vistas, is dappled with a multitude of mature trees and shrubs. There is also a large terrace, as well as the part-walled, part-fenced swimming pool and lovely tennis courts. The substantial outbuildings include open-bay storage and Atcost barns. In all, the property amounts to 25.72 acres.

■ Entrance hall ■ Cloakroom/utility room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Orangery dining room ■ Study ■ Sitting room ■ Family room ■ Drawing room ■ Garden room ■ Master bedroom suite with dressing room ■ 6 further bedrooms (2 en suites) ■ 2 family bathrooms ■ Gardens and grounds ■ Summerhouse ■ Swimming pool ■ Tennis court ■ Triple garage with annexe above ■ Stable blocks ■ Sand school ■ Paddocks ■ Open-bay storage ■ Atcost barns & substantial outbuildings ■ CCTV system

£1,850,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Properties 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 12th October 2016


MUDDY BOOTS EVENT

OCTOBER Computer generated image of Rosehip House

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60 n FOOD AND DRINK

Delicious fish dishes you can fall hook, line and sinker for It’s National Seafood Week – a time to celebrate the wonderful variety of fish and shellfish in UK waters. Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market Manager Bruce McMichael sees what’s on offer

A

RRIVE at a farmers’ market first thing in the morning and the stall attracting the biggest queue will most likely be the fishmonger. The early shoppers will have been hooked in to see what the catch of the day is, and to pick up cooking tips for making dinner for family and friends. However, some customers cross to the other side of the market, to avoid getting too close to ‘fishy’ things. That’s a shame, because your fishmonger will take the mystery away from preparing and cooking fish with a few gentle pointers and words of advice. With oddly-shaped bodies, and light flashing off the iridescent scales, fish laid out in eye-catching displays on beds of gleaming ice suggest a visit to the fishmonger is a must. With over 5,000 miles of coastline, we British should be eating more fish, and with so many varieties of seafood to choose from – such as plaice, bass, mackerel, lemon sole, gurnard, cod, CATCH OF THE DAY huss and dressed Mike Janney, crabs –there’s fishmonger from something to appeal Mikey’s Plaice to everyone.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Your market fishmonger will offer tips on how to fillet and prepare your fish, and may even provide a recipe card for inspiration. Fish are very versatile and can be fried, grilled, poached or baked. Catches of cod, pollock, sea bream and trout are very nutritious foods and work in many dishes, from a simple pie or steamed with some lemon and dill to adding bite to a spicy Indian curry, spiced up with a large pinch of cumin or a teaspoon of turmeric. Mike Janney of Mikey’s Plaice sells fresh catch from his blue and white van at Hildenborough and Shipbourne Farmers’ Markets and says customers love the idea of buying fresh, top quality fish and shellfish out of the water that morning, or just a day earlier. “The choice available at farmers’ markets is far wider and more interesting than you’ll get at a supermarket,” he says. “And it’s great to have a chat and a bit of banter with my customers about what’s in season, and offer tips about preparing and cooking the fish,” he adds. Bob Taylor, Vice-Chairman of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association, and Market Manager at Shipbourne, says: “It’s great to have good quality fresh fish available to buy at the market. It’s good value and they have a great choice on offer.” One of Bob’s favourite fish dishes to cook at home is a baked white fish, such as cod or halibut, with a crunchy, breadcrumb topping with olives and herbs. Fishermen from the southern ports of Rye, Hastings and the east Kent ports of Whitstable (famous for its local oysters), Ramsgate and Folkestone send the catch

‘With over 5,000 miles of coastline, we British should be eating more fish’

WEIGHING IN Tunbridge Wells Mayor David Neve (below left) chats with a member of Botterells fishmongers at Tunbridge Wells Farmer’s Market

across the region’s farmers’ markets as well as into London and across Europe. Many are family-owned businesses, such as Arcade Fisheries of Hastings and Botterells of Rye. Paul Saxby, of Arcade, is a familiar face at the Tunbridge Wells, Pantiles and Penshurst Place Farmers’ Markets. “Brill, turbot and pollock are available all the time while others, including herring and cod, are landed in the ‘winter fishery’ months between November and March,” says Paul. Other fish to look out for at this time of year, and heading towards December, include squid, sea trout, turbot and plaice. Like most fishmongers, Paul is happy to share recipe ideas and often suggests customers try something new – perhaps a sea bream or smoked trout. Matthew Sankey, owner a Tunbridge Wells fish restaurant, champagne and seafood bar and fishmonger, says: “Seafood Week is a great way to encourage people to try eating more fish. Customers come into our fishmonger looking to be inspired. They see TV chefs using John Dory, turbot or mullet and want to try them at home. “And although we do stock the popular favourites, such as cod and salmon, we like to introduce a variety of other tasty fish to them. “For example, a turbot can weigh anything from

500gm to five kilos, which will serve a dinner party of ten and make a great table centrepiece. Or they can buy ten fillets of John Dory for around half the price. It all depends on what their budget is and why they are cooking fish.” So, next time you’re at the market, don’t cross the street – head for the fishmonger and try something fresh and tasty instead.

HOW TO STORE AND PREPARE FISH AND SHELLFISH n Put fish in the fridge or freezer when you get home, not in water, making sure that it is covered and wrapped first n Do not let raw fish or shellfish come into contact with cooked foods n If you need to thaw frozen fish or shellfish, do so in the fridge overnight, or use the defrost setting on the microwave if you need to do it quickly n Wash your hands before handling fish or shellfish, and use separate cutting boards, knives, etc, during preparation n If marinating seafood, do so in the fridge and throw away the marinade after removing the raw fish or shellfish n Cook the fish so that the fat drips away, and do not use the fish drippings


FOOD AND DRINK 

STUFFED COD WITH NEW POTATOES Serves: 4-6 Preparation 15 minutes Cook 1 hour What you need: 750g new potatoes, thickly sliced 1 bunch spring onions, cut into short lengths 3 tbsp olive oil 750g piece cod fillet, skin on 100g fresh white breadcrumbs 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaved parsley 3 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon 1 tsp capers, finely chopped Grated rind of ½ lemon ½ tsp freshly-grated nutmeg 1 large free-range egg, beaten Salt and freshly ground black pepper

What you do: Preheat the oven to 220°C/ fan oven 200°C/gas mark 7. Arrange the sliced potatoes and onions over the base of a deep roasting tin and season. Sprinkle with two tablespoons of the oil and seasoning and toss together to coat. Bake for 15 minutes until starting to brown. Meanwhile, rinse the cod under cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper.

Cut into two equal pieces. Mix together the breadcrumbs, herbs, capers, lemon rind, nutmeg and seasoning. Beat the egg with the remaining tablespoon of oil and add to the breadcrumbs to bind. Pat the mixture over the surface of one piece of cod (on the opposite side to the skin). Arrange the other piece of cod on top to cover.

61

COD (OR POLLOCK) WITH HERB AND TOMATO BUTTER What you need: 2 portions of white fish (approx 180g) 1 plum tomato (peeled and finely chopped) Parsley (chopped) 5 or 6 Basil leaves 1 lemon 50g of butter Potatoes (sliced thinly) Stuffed cod recipe from the WI Cookbook, The First 100 Years Mary Gwynn, with photography by Jan Baldwin (Ebury Press, £20). Cod with herb and tomato butter courtesy of Seafish.

What you do: Start by sauteeing your potatoes – while they cook you can make the rest of the dish, but remember to keep moving them about occasionally, too. Heat a little oil in a pan and add the pieces of fish, turn the heat to medium and cook on each side for approx 3 mins (depending on size and thickness of the fish). When the fish is cooked, remove from the pan and keep warm. Pour the oil from the pan,

return to the heat and add the butter, continue to cook. As the butter begins to turn a light golden colour, throw in the basil leaves and allow to crisp up. As the butter turns golden brown add the chopped parsley and squeeze in the lemon juice. At this stage the butter should be golden and frothy – add the peeled and chopped tomato. As soon as the tomatoes have been added to the butter, spoon generously over the fish and serve with the potatoes.

Slash the skin on each piece a couple of times, and then tie neatly into a parcel with string. Brush with oil. Remove the potatoes from the oven and stir to loosen. Lay the cod on top and cook for 15 minutes in the hot oven. Turn down the oven to 180°C/fan oven 160°C/ gas mark 4 and cook for a further 20-25 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the flesh flakes easily. Remove the string and serve in slices with the potatoes and a green vegetable.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


62  ADVERTISING FEATURE COLOURFUL CRUISING Amsterdam by night

Welcome to waterworld

T

WO countries, the Netherlands and Belgium – next door neighbours and connected through a close cultural relationship – offer an eclectic mix of picturesque landscapes and renaissance architecture respectively. Recognised for its winding canal system and miles of flatland embellished with technicolour tulips and traditional windmills, there’s nowhere quite like Holland in the spring. While Belgium’s fascinating blend of old and new sees medieval belfries and hip cafés exist together harmoniously. Well-equipped to satisfy the wanderlust of adventurers curious to delve deeper into

Wednesday 12th October 2016

what these countries have to offer, luxury river cruise operator Scenic allows you to do just that from the comfort of some of the most luxurious and spacious ships on Europe’s waterways. These aptly named Space-Ships are an innovative way to immerse yourself in local culture, giving you an alternative view of sleepy riverside towns and vibrant cosmopolitan cities, while included excursions offer guests the opportunity to visit World Heritage-listed monuments and enjoy exclusive once-in-a-lifetime events. During this insightful trip, those tulip fields, traditional windmills and the ancient architecture is, almost literally, on your doorstep.

The Rhine scoops up six countries on its path, and its history is as rich as it is long. Stretching an impressive 1,230km from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, it is a main waterway used for goods transportation and a pathway through Holland and Belgium. A palpable sense of optimism encompasses the Netherlands, perhaps it’s the row upon row of multi-coloured houses that formulaically line the canal path, or maybe it’s the camaraderie you feel oozing from the locals. Either way, it leaves you wanting more. Amsterdam has always been deeply intriguing. With its laid-back lifestyle and exquisite canal-lined cobbled streets, you would be forgiven for thinking you had

travelled back to a simpler time, where bicycles were the transport of choice and the stresses of modern life were yet to come to fruition. The Delta Works is a wonderful introduction to the country’s incredible feats of modern engineering, and a change of pace to the capital. Visit the famous Storm Surge Barrier, built to protect the Delta Plain from flooding, while stopping off at the 15th-century town of Veere. The impressive Town Hall and harbour make for a picturesque cycle route. Dynamic and international Rotterdam, the architectural capital, boldly boasts highlights like the Erasmus Bridge connecting the north and south of the city.


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

BLOWING IN THE WIND Keukenhof is the most beautiful spring garden in the world

Wander the Westersingel Sculpture Route, appreciating artwork from local artists as you go, or a short trip to Delft gives the chance for enthusiasts to visit a pottery factory that’s famous for Delftware hand-painted blue and white pottery. Travel east to Arnhem, where history buffs can visit the Airborne Museum to learn about the Battle of Arnhem, or wander around the Open Air Museum, which portrays an impression of the daily life of the average Dutchman over the past few centuries through miniature antique models. If cycling is your forte, journey to Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Holland, and pick up one of their famed white bicycles. It really is the best way to see it. The Dutch town of Volendam, known for its colourful wooden houses, old fishing

boats and seafood vendors, lies not far from Edam, famed for its round cheese. Pay it a visit and fall in love with the village with its beautiful squares and oldfashioned bridges. Alternatively, discover Hoorn, immersing yourself in culture through cheese and fish tastings and gentle bike rides through the village. Belgium offers an abundance of contrasting beauty. Visit World Heritagelisted Bruges, a hive of picturesque canals and cobblestone streets, with its fairy talelike medieval influences. Or the ‘diamond capital of the world’, Antwerp, located on the river Shedlt. Its centuries-old diamond district and renaissance architecture is typified by the Grote Markt, translated as ‘The Great Market’, tempting creatives and night owls alike, with its welcoming bohemian allure.

SET SAIL IN STYLE:

Redefining river cruising, a Scenic Space-Ship is attentively designed to set the standard in luxury travel. Comfort and elegance combine in the form of some of the most spacious suites on Europe’s waterways, ranging from 15m² to an impressive 47m², all of which come complete with indulgent L’Occitane toiletries, fluffy bath robes, a queen-sized bed, Apple TVs and a mini bar, which is restocked daily. If you’re looking for a room with a view, most are completed with a Sun Lounge, transforming your balcony into an allweather conservatory-style space, and your own private butler will ensure you’ve got everything you need – whether that’s a laundry concierge service or a light lunch brought to your suite. A range of six onboard fine-dining restaurants make eating a sheer joy every day, as expert chefs source local ingredients to create authentic dishes inspired by the route on which you’re travelling, all included, of course. The hospitality is made even better with complimentary drinks all day every day, whether wine, beer or top-shelf spirits.

‘Amsterdam has always been deeply intriguing. With its laidback lifestyle and exquisite canal-lined cobbled streets, you would be forgiven for thinking you had travelled back to a simpler time’

63

Gardens is the perfect retreat for nature lovers. The 32 hectares of land, blanketed by millions of tulips, delights visitors.

EXPERIENCES NEVER TO FORGET:

Enrich events are once-in-a-lifetime experiences exclusive to Scenic guests, with each itinerary including at least one. While in the Dutch town of Hoorn, you’ll be invited to mingle with the locals over an authentic dinner, telling tales and getting to know each other to the accompaniment of some traditional entertainment.

IT’S ALL INCLUDED:

Everything that you would expect to pay extra for is included in the price. From flights and transfers to onboard drinks and fine dining, this standard of accommodation is something you would expect from a world-class hotel. Why not step aboard and see for yourself?

FEEL FREE TO EXPLORE:

With something exciting around every corner, every stop on a Scenic adventure offers passengers the opportunity to explore a little further and at a pace that suits them. Scenic’s Freechoice excursions mean you have the flexibility to choose your preferred sightseeing activities from the wide selection provided daily. Tasting sessions tell you more about 16th-century Edam, while Keukenhof

REFLECTION OF CHARACTER Amsterdam is awash with colour

Wednesday 12th October 2016


64 ■ HEALTH & BEAUTY

Light and shade By Katie Wright

STEAL OF THE WEEK

A NEW fashion season is upon us, but it’s not just a clothes shopping list you should be compiling. Make-up artists were in their element at the AW16 shows, on the one hand creating spellbinding looks to match the dramatic fashion collections, on the other letting models’ natural beauty shine through. Whichever route you take for autumn, these are the beauty trends to take home, and the tools you need to achieve them...

FOLLOWING the phenomenal success of last year’s Solstice palette, Sleek is back with another highlighting quad that offers serious flash for your cash. The Cleopatra’s Kiss Highlighting Palette features gold and champagne creams, plus rose gold and bronze powders, all for just £9.99, Superdrug (available September 21; www.superdrug.com).

BLACK CURRENT THE CLASSIC red lip took a back seat this season, as a dozen designers opted for sombre shades from burgundy to blackcurrant. At Gareth Pugh and Max Mara, oxblood lips were lacquered with vinyl gloss, at Marni and Mary Katrantzou they were matter than

matte, while at Marc Jacobs, models (including Lady Gaga) were painted with jet black lipstick. So the only question is, how dark do you dare to go?  YSL Beauty Vernis a Levres Vinyl Cream, £26 (available September 7; www.yslbeauty.co.uk)

FIND YOUR BEST BASE

TOW THE LINE

MASTERED the cat-eye flick? Good; it’s time to take your eyeliner game to the next level, inspired by the graphic depictions on the autumn catwalks. Start with Oscar de la Renta’s dense squared flick, then take on

Kenzo’s negative space wing, before graduating to Giamba’s heavy punkinspired liquid look. Use any colour you like - as long as it’s black.  Too Faced Sketch Marker in Charcoal Black, £17 (www. debenhams.com)

MAKE-UP artists often say they get asked for advice on foundation more than any other product, because it’s so hard to find ‘The One’. But now No7 has harnessed the expertise of its instore advisers in an app. All you need to do is pick up a Match Made analysis card in store, take a few snaps with the card against your jawline, and then the Match Made app will select your skin-true shade. Available to download now on iPhone and Android (www. boots.com).

GETTING PERSONAL WHEN is a trend not a trend? When it’s all about showcasing each girl as an individual. The ‘be yourself’ mantra was in evidence at Topshop, Victoria Beckham and Gucci, where make-up was customised for each model, and a handful of other Milan shows. At most, lipstick was eschewed to let the natural lip colour show through, so a nourishing balm becomes your new season essential.  La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Barrier Repairing Balm is currently reduced to £4.50 from £6 (FeelUnique.com)

Wednesday 12th October 2016

RAINBOW ROAD

AGAINST a canvas of porcelain skin, flashes of colour stood out all the more brightly this season, from the aqua eyes at Thom Browne and Marques’Almeida to the ‘explosions’ of red at A.F. Vandevorst, and the

matte magenta lip at Alexis Mabille. This isn’t about a technicoloured palette choose one hue and apply with care.  MAC Eye Shadow in Atlantic Blue, £13 (www. maccosmetics.co.uk)


HEALTH & BEAUTY n

CATCH THE GLITTER BUG THE biggest beauty surprise of the AW16 shows had editors gasping: “Glitter?! On the Burberry catwalk?!” But of course, the fashion house found a way to make the dazzling dust look chic and edgy - and they weren’t the only ones. At Charlotte Olympia, scarlet eyes shone; gold glowed at Emanuel Ungaro; and at Giambattista, a skinny silver brow looked thoroughly modern.  MAC Good Luck Trolls Reflects Glitter in Transparent Teal, £17.50 (www. maccosmetics.co.uk)

BUY IT NOW IF YOU apply conditioner sparingly because it weighs down your fine hair, Pantene has just answered your prayers with its new Pro-V Volume & Body Foam Conditioner, currently reduced to just £1.98 from £3.99 at Superdrug (www.superdrug.com). In the revolutionary formula, hair-smoothing components are melded with bubble-forming ingredients to create a foam that conditions without compromising on volume. Nourishment without the weight.

CURLS ALLOWED LAST season saw hair stylists put down the straighteners - and by all indications, they haven’t picked them up again, as more models than ever were allowed to let their natural curls loose. At Celine, Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang, the hair looks were adapted to suit each girl, while at Opening Ceremony and Marc Jacobs, retro finger waves were created. So even if you’ve got poker-straight hair, this season you can show off your curves.  Fudge Curve Maker, £14.95 (available in September; www.fudgehair.co.uk)

65

NUDE OR NOIR? ENCAPSULATING the duality of the season, when it comes to nails, your options are either pale and interesting (the putty shades as seen at Jason Wu, Stella McCartney and Dior), or the gloomy off-black hues seen at Rodarte and Vivienne Westwood.  Nailberry L’Oxygene in Blackberry, £13.50 (www.nailberry. co.uk)

TRIED AND TESTED WANT to tap into this season’s graphic eyeliner trend? Try one of these liquid liners...  Soap & Glory Supercat Skinny Easy Precision Eyeliner, £6 (www.boots.com) “I generally find eyeliners tricky to use, but this slimline pen gave an even distribution of liquid on application, making cat-eye flicks easy, even for a novice. The line stayed put all day and I just needed a quick touch-up for evening.”

4/5

application, but make sure you let it dry properly, as the thin formula can prove a little tacky while wet.”  Maybelline Master Precise Curvy Eye Liner, £6.99 (www.boots.com) “Perfect for a full-on cat-eye look, this wand is more like a felt-tip, which allows for greater precision and the liner is really long-lasting. It’s versatile too: for a subtle daytime look, the teardrop-shaped tip helps you achieve a smaller flick, without too much excess liquid or smudges.”

4/5

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 BareMinerals Lash Domination Ink Liner, £17 (www.bareminerals.co.uk) “If you’re into winged liner, this easy-tomaster pen is a great tool to achieve precise lines - thick or thin. From day-to-drama, its pigment-dispersion system allows for easy

Wednesday 12th October 2016


66 n LIFE AND STYLE HAYLEY’S HEROES TO HOST ‘HOT BITES & BOOGIE NIGHTS’ CHARITY EVENING FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH CANCER Hayley’s Heroes, a local cancer charity set up in memory of Hayley Martin, has today announced it will be hosting a ‘Hot Bites & Boogie Night’ charity evening in order to raise money to provide young adults with cancer special treats. The charity event will take place on Friday 11th November at One Warwick Park in Tunbridge Wells and all money raised will go to the Hayley’s Heroes charity, set up in memory of mum-of-one, Hayley Martin, who sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer in January this year, aged 31. After being diagnosed with cancer, Hayley dedicated her time to raising thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickens chemotherapy day care unit at Maidstone Hospital, where she received her treatment. Hayley went on to open a cancer care room at the Hospital, which has been named ‘Hayley’s Room’ after her – it was created to give patients somewhere to relax before and after their treatment.

LAW FIRM ADVISES CLIENTS BE PRO-ACTIVE ABOUT LEGAL

Hayley’s Heroes raises money to provide young adults, who are currently undergoing chemotherapy, to apply for a special treat for them and their family. These treats can range from spa days, trips to sporting events, or even a day as a zoo keeper.

RISK AS SURVEY SUGGESTS LEGISLATIVE AND CONTRACTUAL ISSUES ARE TOP PRIORITY FOLLOWING BREXIT VOTE Brachers hosted a breakfast seminar this week to provide guidance to business owners, directors and executives on future-proofing strategies to help manage risk and opportunities.

For further information and ticket details on the ‘Hot Bites & Boogie Night’ please contact: Lucy on 07967 482595 or lucy@easybooktraining.com

Results were shared from a recent survey conducted by Brachers which explored where organisations across sectors think their legal risk priorities are. There was broad agreement on the top 3 legal risk priorities; legislation being the highest concerning factor for those who responded to the survey, closely followed by contractual issues and dispute issues.

HIIT HARD BOOTCAMP HITS CANCER HARD Hiit Hard Bootcamp, is a small local business that runs fitness sessions every Saturday on the Tunbridge Wells Common. The sessions are for all abilities and run alongside a child-friendly exercise session for children aged 30 months to ten years. Their aim is to build a community of individuals who want to improve their health and to help children and families develop healthy habits early on, which will in turn offer life-long benefits. The adult sessions are run by Carl Wilkinson, a fully qualified personal trainer and a close friend Katharine O’Donovan, also a trainer. Katharine also specialises in pre and post-natal exercise. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so all through October, Hiit Hard Bootcamp will be ‘Hiiting Cancer Hard’ by giving all proceeds from the boot camp and any other money raised every Saturday to the Breast Cancer Care Charity. www.breastcancercare.org.uk | www.facebook.com/hiithardbootcamp

GO-FITUK Go-FitUK is a female-focused Personal Training Transformation Studio based in Tunbridge Wells. They work with you to get the body you have always wanted. Their approach is multi-disciplined, which embraces mind, body and nutrition. All three are essential for success, and through their continual guidance and support you will see real results- guaranteed! PACKAGES INCLUDE • Go-FitUK Body Transformation Success manual, including nutritional guidelines and how to approach portion control – key factors in weight loss. • Seven day meal plan with tasty recipes to kick you into action • Go-FitUK App to allow you to book your training sessions, track your daily nutrition and training plan, and record your progress – they make sure you keep on track to achieve your goals • Professional and dedicated PT support and guidance every step of the way during your transformation

WE GUARANTEE IT…. WE GET RESULTS…. Contact us: www.go-fituk.com /018922752259

On the back of these results, the team of legal experts from Brachers presented on how companies in Kent can plan and mitigate potential risks to their business, including future-proofing strategies to implement in light of the economic challenges ahead. Sarah Hewitt, Solicitor, discussed how to ensure commercial documentation and processes remain resilient and compliant, whilst Catherine Daw, Head of Employment, provided advice around employee engagement, including how to ensure staff retention through reward strategies. James Bullock, Head of Corporate and Commercial, who provided an overview of the impact of Brexit, said that, despite the vote there is a positive outlook for the South East: “It’s not surprising that legislation is at the front of our respondents minds, since the Brexit vote will affect all businesses that trade with the EU, whether as supplier or purchaser. However, the economic landscape in the UK has not, generally speaking, reacted to the Brexit vote as many experts had predicted. The South East remains the most active ‘deal-making’ region in the UK after London, and deals of between £0.5m and £10m increased significantly in volume and value in Q2 of this year (according to Experian). However, despite the economic outlook appearing positive, we’re still at least two years from exit. Some businesses are suffering from the weak pound, and the deal volume increase was before the vote so we need to see the impact in Q3.” The future is always uncertain and particularly so for our relationship with EU business, as reflected in the survey conducted by Brachers. James concluded “After a quiet summer whilst the dust settled after the June 23rd Brexit vote, our firm has seen a surge in corporate transactions. More widely, consumer spending is up, GDP is up and the employment rate is up. The outlook is positive and businesses should now take the opportunity to plan ahead to ensure they are risk resilient and equipped for sustained growth.”

If you are considering implementing a legal risk management framework, or simply want to improve what you have please contact the team on 01622 690691 for a free initial discussion. Wednesday 12th October 2016


WITH THE

THE TOWN’S TOP MOTORING GUIDE – FROM EVERYDAY DRIVES TO LUXURY SUPERCARS

FIRST DRIVE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CITROËN GRAND C4 PICASSO

slide back and forth to allow for more legroom in the third row. The two third row seats fold down into the boot floor, allowing for 645 litres of storage space in the boot when the second row of seats are in their furthest forward position. Another handy feature that has been introduced is a hands-free tailgate. Simply wave your foot underneath the rear bumper and the boot will pop open, meaning you can load the car up easily even when your hands are full.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

By Simon Davis

FACTS AT A GLANCE

WHAT’S NEW?

PRICE: £29,360

Only a particularly keen eye would be able to tell the difference between the new Grand C4 Picasso and the secondgeneration model that arrived in 2013. Its exterior retains the familiar shape of the old car, but features a number of subtle tweaks that help keep it looking fresh and up to date. As you would expect from a car designed purely for carting vast numbers of children to and from school and sports practise, the new Picasso can be specified with a raft of active safety systems. These include Speed Limit Sign Recognition, and Active Land Departure Warning, to name but a few.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Generally speaking, large MPVs aren’t the best looking cars on the road. However, Citroën seems to have this area nailed – the Grand C4 Picasso is definitely one of the better-looking people movers currently available on the market. A suite of very subtle updates that would be difficult to notice on their own make an appearance on the new car. Changes include a redesigned front end, 3D-effect rear lights, rear chevrons finished in gloss black with chrome surrounds and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Together, these add up to an end product that is a marked improvement over the older car. At the end of the day, an MPV is never

MODEL: Citroën Grand C4 Picasso Flair BlueHDi 150 ENGINE: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 148bhp TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds, top speed 129mph ECONOMY: 64.2mpg combined EMISSIONS: 115g/km

The Grand C4 Picasso isn’t exactly a small car, although it masks its size rather well. Thanks to plenty of forward visibility out of the large windscreen and a raised driving position, you don’t really feel like you’re behind the wheel of a big people mover. To drive, the Picasso is very manageable. At low speeds, the steering is quick enough to allow you to manoeuvre into tighter parking spaces, and features like a rear parking camera mean you shouldn’t bump into any obstructions. Out on the open road, you’re afforded a generous view of the route ahead. The seats are comfortable, supportive and easily adjustable – although depending on your body frame, the driving position might be a tad awkward. The steering wheel is quite far away, while the pedals are right under your feet. There is a fair amount of wind noise at motorway speeds, owing largely to the boxy shape of the car, and the 18-inch alloys fitted to our test car also created a fair amount of tyre roar. For the most part, the four-cylinder diesel engine is unobtrusive and refined, although it does create a bit of a racket under heavy acceleration. Any inconvenient lumps and bumps on the surface of the road are dealt with by the Citroën’s supple suspension set-up, however this does lead to a dash of body roll through the corners.

really going to be considered a cool car, even one as attractive as the Grand C4 Picasso. That said, cars like this will always place function over form. The added bonus with the big Citroën is that you don’t have to compromise too much in the form department if you’ve got a load of children to ferry around.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY This is the Grand C4 Picasso’s pièce de résistance. A seven-seat layout means you’ll be popular with other parents on the school run, and should help prevent any squabbles from breaking out on longer journeys with the family. The middle row of seats can fold down flat to increase boot space, and can also

‘Thanks to plenty of forward visibility out of the large windscreen and a raised driving position, you don’t really feel like you’re behind the wheel of a big people mover’

VALUE FOR MONEY In terms of bang for your buck, the French car maker’s Grand C4 Picasso in Flair trim makes a good case for itself. It comes with a wealth of handy features as standard, including the new 3D Citroën Nav system. This incorporates mapping data from TomTom that can be displayed through either the seven-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dash, or the 12-inch display on the upper dash. Other features include front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, dualzone air-conditioning, DAB radio and Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Mirror Link and Car Play – which are included as standard – help to make connecting your smartphone that much easier.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? This is a car that will largely appeal to buyers with young children. It will tackle the school run with ease, and thanks to an economical diesel engine it won’t be too expensive to keep topped up with fuel, either.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


68 n MOTORING

Models shownare New Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp incl. meta llic pa int at £475, OTR £15,135 &Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £19,225 OTR incl. metallic paint at £525. Range of official fu el consumptio n figures fo r theAlfa MiTo &Giulietta ra nge: Urban 29.7 - 64.2 mpg (9.5 - 4.4 1/lOOkm); Extra Urban 54.3 - 97.4 mpg (5.2 - 2.91/l OOkm ); Com bined 41.5 - 80.7 mpg (6.8 - 3.51/100km). C0 2 emissions 157 - 90 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. ACustomer deposit is £1,710. Optional Final Payment is £3,882. ContractTerm is 48 months. Offer available on New Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp incl. metallic paint at £475 between 1st October and end ofDecember 2016. MCustomerdeposit is £1,999. Optional Final Payment is £5,373. ContractTerm is 48 months. Offer available on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp incl. metallic paint at£525 registered between 1st October and end of December 2016. Alfa Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you may return the vehicle instead of making the final payment. It must be in good condition and if you exceed the agreed annual mileage, you will be charged 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles p.a in this example. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs apply. At participating Dealers only. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL! ORW. We reserve the right to change any offer without prior notification.

Model ShownJeep Renegade1.6 E-torq 110HP Longitude 5SpeedManual. Including Special Pastel Paint at £60 0. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURESFOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGEMPG[L/100KM]: EXTRA URB AN 47.9 [5.9] - 70.6 [4.01. URBAN 32.5 [8 .7] - 55.4 [5 .1 J. COMBINED 40. 9[6. 9] - 64 .2 [4.4J. C01 EMISSIONS: 16 0- 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 £5.613. Optional final Payment is £9.157. Contract Term is 24 months. Promotion available on new Renegade Longitude versions between 1st October and 31st december 2016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon you may return the vehicle instead of making the final payment. It must be in good condition and if you exceed the agreed annual mileage, you will be charged 9p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles p.a in this example. Subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Ts&Cs apply. At participating Dealers only. Jeep financial Services. Sll ORW. We work with anumber of creditors including Jeep financial Services. Jeep®is aregistered trademark of fCA US LLC.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


MOTORING NEWS ■

69

Five-door hatched FORD’S award-winning Fiesta ST hot hatchback is now available in five-door guise. The ST, which is widely regarded as the best small hot hatch on sale, has been sold as a five-door in the USA, but this is the first time it has come to Europe in its more practical shape. Offered only on the better-equipped ST-2 and ST-3 variants, the extra doors have no effect on the car’s impressive performance. As with the three-door version, power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 180bhp, resulting in an unchanged 6.9-second 0-62mph time, but fuel efficiency has taken a small hit. Whereas the three-door returns 47.9mpg and 138g/km CO2 emissions, the five-door is slightly less economical, managing 46.3mpg and 141g/ km emissions. The usual ST fittings, such as the tuned suspension, steering and brakes, have all been carried over

to the more practical car in a bid to maintain the much-lauded handling. Prices start from £19,495, which makes the five-door car £600 more expensive than its three-door equivalent, but that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, the wide ST grille and a sculpted rear diffuser, as well as privacy glass and halogen headlights. Roelant de Waard, Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Service at Ford of Europe, said: “Growing numbers of Fiesta ST customers have been asking us for a five-door version. The Fiesta ST with five doors makes an affordable Ford Performance driving experience accessible to an even greater number of customers.”

BACK NEXT YEAR Matt Le Blanc

Matt shifts up to Top Gear to take over Evans’ driving seat

CUSTOMER DEMAND More doors on the Fiesta ST

HOLLYWOOD actor Matt LeBlanc will return as host for the next series of Top Gear, the BBC has confirmed. The former Friends star will join motoring journalists and Extra Gear hosts Chris Harris and Rory Reid as main hosts, while Sabine Schmitz, Eddie Jordan and The Stig will make regular appearances. Car enthusiast LeBlanc proved popular with audiences when he co-hosted the last series of the revamped motoring show alongside former host Chris Evans, and has now signed a twoseries deal with the BBC.

Patrick Holland, Channel Editor for BBC Two, said: “I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. He’s a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious.” Mark Linsey, BBC Studios Director, said: “Matt was hugely popular with Top Gear viewers last series with his humour, warmth and obvious passion for cars and for the show, so I couldn’t be more delighted that he’s agreed to come back and do more for us.” Series 24 of Top Gear will be on UK screens on BBC Two next year. Claire Pizey will be Executive Director, while Alex Renton will be Series Editor.

Wednesday 12th October 2016


ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL

THE TERRACE

DAILY UNTIL 5.30PM

BOOK NOW 01892 520587 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk


71 � PUZZLES SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU 7

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

W I E I N G H O T

S E S T E E C H E S T K O V E R R R E A P E Z J A C S T A C E Y T P R A P P R O X T E M E D D I E S

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely. Puzzle solutions will be published in next week’s paper

Sudoku:

8 7 3 5 9 6 1 4 2

1 9 4 3 8 2 6 7 5

2 5 6 7 1 4 8 9 3

S C H K A N S T P S O O B F U R R E A Q U

E N I C E A I S E R S T R I P E E D M A M I N G L R C I T E E E E U E S

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 3 5 2 4 1 7 8 9

7 4 1 8 5 9 3 2 6

9 2 8 6 3 7 5 1 4

3 1 2 9 6 8 4 5 7

4 6 7 1 2 5 9 3 8

5 8 9 4 7 3 2 6 1

3 6 1 2 7 8 4 5 9

7 9 5 4 8 6 2 1 3

4 8 2 1 6 9 7 3 5

8 1 3 5 2 4 9 7 6

9 4 8 6 3 7 5 2 1

2 5 7 9 1 3 6 8 4

6 3 9 7 5 1 8 4 2

5 7 4 3 9 2 1 6 8

1 2 6 8 4 5 3 9 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)

DIFFICULTY RATING:

CODEWORD

Wednesday 12th October 2016


72 n RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

After just one day of the newspaper being out, our

recruitment advert had received a great response from potential candidates; three of which we had at interview stage.

We will certainly use the Times of Tunbridge Wells for future recruitment adverts.

John Haynes, Partner, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday 12th October 2016

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE


RECRUITMENT n

73

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624

Wednesday 12th October 2016


74  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

playing at King Charles the Martyr Church. The audience will be treated to a series of piano quintets by Bruch and Schumann. Tickets cost from £5. To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk For music of a different kind, pop along to Trinity to witness the fiery Flamenco Express. Featuring the talented trio Alejandro Molinero, La Joaquina and Antonio ‘El Pola’, it promises to be a wonderful evening of sizzling Spanish dance and music. Tickets are priced from £16. There’s music and action in a robust production of Neil Simon’s musical Annie Get Your Gun at Rotherfield Village Hall from today until Saturday. Tickets from £10. See www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk DARK DRAMA Antony Sher plays King Lear >> WEDNESDAY The Philomel Singers meet every Wednesday at 2pm in the rehearsal room of Tonbridge Parish Church, performing under the baton of Director of Music Tim Daniell. The choir is currently preparing for its annual Christmas Concert on Saturday December 3 and there are vacancies for both tenors and altos. If you would like to go along, please call Sheila Burrow on 01732 351 651. There will be a live transmission of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear at Trinity Theatre. Antony Sher reprises the eponymous role in what is regarded as Shakespeare’s most epic of plays. For those not familiar with the story, it sees the ruling but ageing King Lear deciding to break up his kingdom and divide it up for his children. But he misjudges their love and loyalty and finds himself alone in the wilderness wondering how he got to this beleaguered point in his life. The Odeon cinema, Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks and Kino in Hawkhurst will also be streaming this live from 7pm. Trinity tickets cost from £17. To book visit www.trinitytheatre.net >> THURSDAY From 7.30pm, the Schubert Ensemble will be

Wednesday 12th October 2016

>> FRIDAY To mark harvest time, the Tunbridge Wells Museum is hosting a suitably themed craft hour for pre-schoolers this morning from 10.30am with two additional slots tomorrow from 10am-12noon and 2-4pm. The Look Good Feel Better charity ball takes place at Salomons from 7.30pm this evening. The dress code is ‘black tie and sparkling glamour’, and guests will have the opportunity to bid in a special auction to raise funds for this cancer charity. The top prize is a week’s holiday in Cyprus, so if you want to do a good turn and have the chance to win a luxury break then email lgfbcharityball@hotmail.com and buy some tickets, which are priced at £60 per person. Christopher Marlowe’s classic literary work Dr Faustus is being staged at Trinity this evening. But instead of the usual theatrical interpretation using actors to tell the story of the play’s themes of greatness and greed, Theatrical Niche’s production also uses puppets and circus skills to tell the morbid tale. >> SATURDAY Grosvenor and Hilbert Park continue their series of free nature-inspired

THIRTIES’ FLIRTY London Wall

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

activities with a Bat, Bird and Bug Box Building session. The Kent High Weald Partnership will be on hand from 10.30am-1.30pm to show children aged six and upwards how to make nesting boxes to encourage wildlife into their gardens. Murder Most Foul is today’s Billie Hurst Memorial Lecture, which takes place at the Toc H Hall, Little Mount Sion at 1.30pm. Hosted by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), these lectures take place every month and are given by experts on a number of cultural topics. Tickets cost £15 on the door or £12 in advance. For more information, email weatwells@gmail.com The Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir performs an Autumn Concert from 7.30pm at St Peter’s Upper Church in Pembury. Their show, which will include a variety of classic, folk and spiritual music, aims to raise funds for the church’s new community room. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased by calling 01892 824 327.

Dr Faustus

WHATS ON

>> SUNDAY The Pantiles Market is on today, so make sure you go along if you need to stock up on any seasonal treats, specialist ingredients or exotic oils and condiments. It runs all day until 4pm. The Creatives @ Tunbridge Wells Group art exhibition continues all this week at Trinity’s art gallery. Fifteen of the collective’s artists have their work on display and the event is free to attend. Open from 10am to 10pm, you can drop in on your lunch break or when visiting the theatre. If you’re stuck for what to do on an autumnal evening, how about visiting the Oast Theatre’s current production in Tonbridge? The play London Wall was penned by John Van Druten in 1931 and examines the romantic entanglements of a

group of workers in a solicitor’s office. It’s a wry and fast moving piece of theatre. There is an additional matinee at 3pm today, otherwise showings are at 8pm until October 22. Tickets cost £10 each or £7 for members. >> MONDAY The Tonbridge Folk Club meets from 8pm at Ye Olde Chequers Inn on the High Street. Daria Kulesh will be the main act, but as usual all singers and musicians are more than welcome to come along to perform. Mozart’s famous opera Così fan tutte will be screened live from the Royal Opera House to the Odeon cinema at 6.30pm. The story starts when cynical old philosopher Don Alfonso decides to overturn the perfect and predictable lives of two men, Ferrando and Guglielmo, by challenging them to woo one another’s partners to see if they’ll cheat on them. As Alfonso throws even more implausible challenges at the men, what unfolds is an amusing and witty tale of love, temptation, loyalty and self-discovery. www.odeon.co.uk

FEED THE BIRDS Learn how to make a feeding box on Saturday


WHAT’S ON 

75

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS >> TUESDAY Trinity Theatre starts its week-long run of the 1940s’ classic Arsenic And Old Lace this evening. Directed by Helen Thorpe, it’s the comedic tale of two old ladies who have got into a new hobby: Murder! Set in Brooklyn, the ageing aunts start killing off lonely old men and burying them in their basement, but their ‘fun’ is brought to a halt when their nephew, Mortimer, discovers what they’re up to… Tickets from £13. Matinees are Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm. You can still catch a screening of the dark comedy War Dogs at the Moonlight Drive-in cinema at the Hop Farm. Starring Miles Teller and Jonah Hill, it’s the true story of two men in their early 20s who get into bidding on US military contracts during the first Iraq war. When the pair get in over their heads with a particularly shady series of deals, the action really kicks off… Tickets cost £25 per car and are available from www.moonlightcinema.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: Josh Widdicombe The Assembly Hall Thursday October 13

Star of Channel 4’s The Last Leg and the BBC’s Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, Josh Widdicombe performs at the Assembly Hall on Thursday from 7.30pm. You may also know him from the acclaimed sports show Fighting Talk on Radio 5 Live every Saturday morning. What Do I Do Now… is the title of his latest tour, which focuses on all the things that annoy and frustrate the curly-haired comedian. Tickets are priced £18 and are available from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Paul Dunton

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

Live music IT’S another busy week across the town with an array of fantastic gigs and concerts to be enjoyed. For a midweek outing I highly recommend the brilliant saxophonist Derek Nash and guitarist Dave Coulton, who will be at The Cross Keys pub tonight performing a vibrant mix of jazz and swing standards. For something more alternative, up-and-coming local band The Gallerys are headlining The Grey Lady tonight, with great support from local songstress Leanie Kaleido. The Gallerys’ Mod/ Britpop sound stems from influences that include The Jam, Verve and Ocean Colour Scene. Leanie Kaleido’s quirky lyrics and lilting melodies remind me of artists such as Tori Amos, Lady Gaga and Suzanne Vega. This Friday night, the excellent Emily Duo is at Cassidy’s Bar, and you can enjoy the bluesy sounds of The Paul Malsom Band at The Cross Keys. Beat By Beat are at The Grey Lady and offer a blend of Latin and funk grooves playing popular classic soul, modern pop and R & B songs. The Forum are hosting another stellar line-up with a headline set from Toseland and support from The Illustrators. On Saturday night, The Velvet Goldmine will be at The Royal Oak, Release The Geese at The Beau Nash and the talented Ryan Weeks will be performing a headline set at The Bedford pub. For fans of Michael Jackson, The King of Pop tribute act is an exhilarating live show and takes place at the Assembly Hall.

Release The Geese

45 Mount Ephraim, open all day, music from 8.30pm till late, music cover charge may apply

WEDNESDAY Naked Jazz Jam FRIDAY Ed Watts Jazz Piano WEDNESDAY Cabaret Open Mic Night THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

CASSIDY’S BAR

Crescent Road, information on times and tickets at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Castle Street, open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY Some Guys Have All The Luck: The Rod Stewart Story SATURDAY King of Pop (Michael Jackson Tribute) MONDAY Frankly Sinatra THE CROSS KEYS

YE OLDE CHEQUERS INN

Tonbridge Folk Club, 122 High Street, Tonbridge, free entry music 8-11pm, hat collection (£7 recommended) Full details at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Daria Kulesh

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Derek Nash & Dave Coulton FRIDAY The Paul Malsom Band MONDAY TWUNT – Ukulele Jam WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: June Beckles & The Roger Lewin Gallerys

THE PUNCH & JUDY

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Leanie Kaleido, The Gallerys FRIDAY Beat By Beat SATURDAY David Ital and Friends SUNDAY Zoe Eve, David Mumford, Logan Wilson TUESDAY Anna Howie, Tides, Havelock WEDNESDAY Chris Pope, Ian Knapp, Phoebe Katis

FRIDAY Emily Duo

St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

TRINITY THEATRE

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SCALLYWAG CAFE

Church Road, information on times and tickets at www.trinitytheatre.net

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

THE BEAU NASH INN

SATURDAY Release the Geese

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

FRIDAY Toseland, The Illustrators

THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards SATURDAY NIGHT SESSIONS: Ryan Weeks

11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

TUESDAY We Ghosts

THURSDAY Flamenco Express THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

SATURDAY The Velvet Goldmine MONDAY Open Mic Night

Wednesday 12th October 2016


76 n ARTS & CULTURE

Meet the boyband star who’s grown into a mature and very successful solo artist Former Westlife singer Shane Filan is coming to Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall on October 21 with his Right Here tour. Eileen Leahy caught up with the Irish singer to find out what he enjoys about life on the road, and whether there are any plans for him and his bandmates to ever reform CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW TOUR? Well, this is actually the second leg of the Right Here Tour. I started back in February, but then the fans started contacting my promoter and

asking for more dates, so we opened it up to them on Twitter to decide where I should visit on this second leg. IS IT MAINLY NEW SONGS, OR A MIX WHICH INCLUDES SOME OF YOUR WESTLIFE CLASSICS? It’s definitely a mixture of both. I think a lot of my fans would be disappointed if I didn’t do some of the Westlife numbers. I do a couple of songs from both my first and second solo albums, and then a few of the big Westlife hits, but there’s also a couple of surprises in there. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING ON THE ROAD? I love getting to go out on stage every night and do what I am passionate about for a living. I’m lucky as I just adore singing and I have the best fans in the world who always stick by me and come to every show. I have a great laugh with all the band and crew, so it’s just a really fun thing to be on tour. ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO TOURING? Not really. When I’m away in faraway places

Wednesday 12th October 2016

like Asia I do miss my wife and children, but I’m really lucky when I’m touring around the UK and Ireland because they usually come with me. The kids love the big tour bus more than anything else! On this second leg it will be a bit harder to bring my children as they will be in school, so they may only come for a weekend.

‘I have the best fans in the world who always stick by me and come to every show’ HOW LONG IS THIS LEG OF THE TOUR, AND WHERE WILL YOU BE GOING TO? This time it’s about two weeks. There are ten shows, and I’m going all over the UK. On the first leg I played most of the major cities, and this time around I’m going to many other places that I didn’t get a chance to visit last time. I did actually come to Tunbridge Wells on my first tour back in 2014 and I remember it being a great show, so I can’t wait to come back and see if it lives up to the expectations of last time!

DO YOU STILL SEE YOUR BANDMATES FROM WESTLIFE? Yeah, we do see each other every now and then. I bumped into Mark the other day on the beach in Sligo, where we both live. WOULD IT EVER BE LIKELY THAT YOU WOULD REFORM AS A BAND? I always say ‘never say never’, but I’ll be totally honest with you and say there are absolutely no plans and talk of it now. I think it would be unfair on fans to give them hope that it may happen when it’s not being talked about. DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR STYLE OF SONG YOU ENJOY SINGING? Not really. I love doing ballads, and I guess it’s what I’m most known for, but I just like performing any great song. WHERE’S THE MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU’VE PERFORMED AND WHY? I think it was probably when we got to perform in front of the Pope in Rome. We each got to bring one person as a guest and I brought my mother with me.


ARTS & CULTURE 

To be able to do something like that is so special and it’s a memory I will always have. WHICH ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? My favourite artists are Garth Brooks, Michael Jackson and Bryan Adams. I admire anyone who has a long career in the music industry because it’s not easy to sustain longevity in this business.

AS A PERFORMER, WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO DO? I don’t really have one. I’m really happy with where my career is right now. I get to make music and go on tour and perform in front of fans every night, which is such great thing to be able to do, and I will never take it for granted. Of course I have goals that I want to achieve, but I’m

honestly in such a happy place right now and thankful to be where I am. Shane will be performing from 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall on Friday October 21. Tickets cost from £32.50. To book visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk For more information on Shane and his tour go to www.shanefilan.com

‘I came to Tunbridge Wells on my first tour and I remember it being great’

77

Poetry in motion for local author David Ellis has just won a prestigious industry award for his work. Here the author, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, tells us all about his inernational prize and publishes a poem from his book of verse Readers’ Favorite is an American competition and it has become the fastest-growing book review and award contest site on the internet, earning the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins. This year’s Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Competition featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, so I was thrilled to receive a silver medal in the Inspirational Poetry category for my book: Life, Sex & Death. The work represents my first full length collection of emotional, contemporary poetry that celebrates time-honoured themes and finds new and interesting ways to present them. It is a collection of poetry spanning a variety of themes and styles, with the dominant ones being love and romance, inspiration and philosophical musings. I would describe my work as uplifting and sensual, and at times it tries to connect on some basic instinct level with the reader. There are no dirty words or explicit scenes, which makes the work very accessible to a large age group. On winning the award I felt it represented a proud moment for Britain, for Kent and especially for Tunbridge Wells. I found out about the win after patiently waiting three months for the results.

I was totally stunned when I found out about my award, and overjoyed that my poetry had won such critical praise. I would like this to be a symbol of inspiration to writers and authors out there to work hard, to believe in themselves, and to not be afraid to submit their writing for recognition. Here is a sample poem from the collection:A Double Edged Sword (by David Ellis) Pride can be a sword That can stab you in the back Don’t be the one To take the fall If confidence is what you lack Hate can be a mistake A jealous enemy you can forsake Consumed by evil You derail your goals Hampering any progress you make Be proud of yourself Focus on all your achievements Look at how far That you have come The lives touched now have purpose Face your fears Your mind is now crystal clear An ocean of serene calm Where once was a storm

Now you’re the pilot and the bombardier Asking for help Is not a weakness And neither is Helping others So wear your proudness On your sleeves And remember To inspire others As they have done for you A perfect circle That makes us all complete No need to compete No need for anger, fear, loathing Just love and peace

You can purchase Life, Sex & Death at Amazon.co.uk on Kindle or in print

Wednesday 12th October 2016


78  SPORTING TIMES

Angels have momentum going into ‘massive’ FA Cup tie clash

‘We gave him a good send-off’ – tribute to Ted Boyle, one of club’s greatest supporters

Grays Athletic 0-2 Tonbridge Angels

Tunbridge Wells 0-0 Canterbury

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL:

Tonbridge Angels carry the momentum of a 2-0 win at Grays Athletic with them as they prepare for their FA Cup clash with Dartford this weekend. Manager Steve McKimm conceded that last Saturday’s away victory ‘wasn’t the greatest’ but acknowledged it was vital in maintaining the side’s third-place spot in the Ryman League Premier Division. If a team is to have a successful campaign, then sometimes winning in an ugly fashion is crucial, and that was exactly the case at Field Mill on a difficult pitch against a hard-working Grays Athletic side. Following an early spell of pressure from the home team that included two near-chances, Tonbridge’s Nick Wheeler produced crosses in the 20th and 21st minutes that provided opportunities for Craig Dundas and Nathan Elder. However, neither player was able to break the deadlock.

The breakthrough for Tonbridge came shortly after the second half started, with a quality cross from Ugo Udogi that found Elder, who hit the target with a crisp header.

Important On 65 minutes, Dundas combined with Elder to produce a moment of panic in the Grays defence, but the ball was ushered away for a corner and the attack petered out. With around 20 minutes to go, it was now or never for the home side, and following some substitutions they asserted themselves and began to test the Angels’ defence with some intelligent balls over the top. Tonbridge needed that second goal to confirm the win, and it came in stoppage time from a corner. It was met by Sonny Miles, his effort was only partially saved, and the ball fell into the path of Luke Blewden, who fired home into the empty net from close

range to put the match beyond doubt for the visitors. Manager McKimm hailed the win as significant for the high-flying Premier League side, who he believes have been strengthened with the addition of four new players this season. He said: “Having lost the last two league games, it was very important for us to get the win. It wasn’t the greatest of matches, with the pitch playing its part in that. “We’ve made a pretty reasonable start to the season and we will be working hard for the match against Dartford at the weekend, and am pleased that our defence has been quite solid for most of our matches so far. The Dartford clash comes at home in the fourth round of FA Cup Qualifying. “The Cup game is going to be a massive one for fans and I am sure they will enjoy it,” he added. “We will be the underdogs, but we have a great bunch of lads and the new players we have in the side this season have fitted in well.”

PHOTO: David Couldridge

HIGH-FLYING Tonbridge’s Luke Blewden challenges Grays’ keeper

TONBRIDGE ANGELS PLAY DARTFORD IN THE FA CUP AT HOME ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 AT LONGMEAD STADIUM. KICK-OFF 3PM.

Ladies take a break FOOTBALL: Tonbridge Angels Ladies’ match at Castle Colts last Sunday was postponed, allowing a welldeserved break after a promising start to the season. The team’s debut in Kent Division One has seen them collect nine points from four games, all on home turf at Tonbridge Farm.

Free-scoring

HAVE A POP Tonbridge’s midfielder Poppy Gilden (right)

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Manager Dan Couldridge says the team have been in free-scoring form. Their three wins have come from scorelines of 5-1, 6-3 and 10-2. Rebecca Janes scored two hat-tricks in the opening two matches, but in her absence Abigail Skilton scored six of the goals against Aylesford

Reserves to take her tally for the season to seven. Couldridge admits that a 4-0 defeat against favourites Maidstone United proved a blot on an otherwise great start to the season. But it was still a big improvement on the corresponding fixture in the preseason friendlies. Tonbridge are now sitting second in Kent Division One but are switching their attentions to prepare for cup action on Sunday. The opposition is Phoenix Sports Under-18s, who are playing their first senior match having finished second in the Essex County Girls League last season. The match starts at noon in Crayford.

MARK OF RESPECT The teams emerge to observe a minute’s silence

By Scott Bartlett FOOTBALL: Tunbridge Wells FC was in reflective mood for the match against Canterbury on Saturday, with the side paying tribute to former committee member Ted Boyle, who died last week. Mr Boyle was an instrumental figure for the club, having been behind the development of its clubhouse, as well as being a key financial supporter down the years. His family attended the hardfought goalless encounter against Canterbury last weekend, as a minute’s silence was held in his memory before the game. Manager Jason Bourne’s selection options were stretched with the side’s injury list growing – even placing himself among the substitutes after having to make three enforced changes. The defences of both teams dominated the first half with neither side making any real impression. Josh Biddlecombe was full of running, pulling the City defence wide, and Canterbury’s goalkeeper, Daren Hawkes, was quickly off his line to deny Biddlecombe. Towards the end of the half and

just as heavy rain had started to fall, after a seemingly innocuous challenge, Biddlecombe needed attention for seven minutes after a blow to the head. The Tunbridge Wells striker was taken to hospital, but was released later that evening. Neither side could gain the ascendancy in the second period. Mikhail Czanner, who had a quiet game between the sticks, was called upon to make a save from Rob Lawrence and when City keeper Hawkes made a hash of collecting a cross, Ollie Bankole shot wide. Manager Bourne said: “Having been at the club a long time now, Ted Boyle was someone who was always there, and he is a massive loss to us. His death really moved everyone, so we gave him a good send-off. “Though it was good to have kept a clean sheet for the game, we didn’t create many chances either, especially as we were without several players. But our defence put in a rock solid performance, as they have done so far this season. “Last year wasn’t a great one for us, so we are aiming to be at least mid-table this year. Though the lads go out with the attitude of wanting to win every game, you have to set a sensible benchmark.”

Investigation into why referee picked up ball and walked off Kent Football Association is conducting an investigation into an abandoned match between Tunbridge Wells and Croydon at Culverden Down last month. The Southern Counties East League match on September 27 came to an abrupt end after 87 minutes when the referee picked up the ball and walked off the pitch. The official, John Nazari, refused to provide any explanation for his actions and neither club has yet been informed of the circumstances of his decision. The Wells were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a goal from Ryan Crandley after 80 minutes.

Two players were sent off, one from each side, with referee Nazari making his dramatic exit after issuing a red card to the home side’s Josh Biddlecombe, thereby denying The Wells their first home victory of the season.

Report The referee has since submitted his report to the Kent FA. Its Football Services Officer, Richard Judd, who is in charge of governance, is considering the matter with the organisation’s chief executive, Paul Dolan. Kent FA was unable to comment on the ongoing investigation.


SPORTING TIMES 

79

Garwood hits hat-trick but there’s work to do Burnt Ash 2-5 Tunbridge Wells Men

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Brandon Begg

Local derby beckons after Wells make it 40 games without defeat However, Chiswick recovered from these early setbacks and took advantage of loose play from Wells to score a penalty and two unconverted tries, leaving the hosts trailing 12-13 at the break. Heavy rain greeted the second half. A Reynolds penalty put Wells back in front and then on 46 minutes, taking advantage of good work by Matt Cook and Mike

Tunbridge Wells 46-18 Chiswick By Graham Withers RUGBY:

Tunbridge Wells RFC are feeling confident ahead of their local cup derby at home to Tonbridge Juddians this weekend, after making it six wins from six outings with a solid performance against visitors Chiswick last Saturday. Wells’ victory enabled them to retain top spot in the London One South table, crowning a 40-game unbeaten spell. But it proved to be a hard-fought game which required them to turn around a half-time deficit.

Hathaway, Goodyer crossed for a try. The game was put to bed ten minutes later when Reynolds benefited from powerful runs by Jake Thompson and Kyle McGarvie, who laid the groundwork for a further try. While Chiswick got one score back, Wells’ Chaz Spence and Cook crossed again to make it 46-18 at full-time.

Three for Hunt as Bekker drives fine team display Sudbury 2-4 Tunbridge Wells Ladies HOCKEY:

KENT CUP QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW This Saturday brings a week off league commitments as Wells host local neighbours Tonbridge Juddians for a Kent Cup quarter-final. Captain Matt Cook said: “This was a good game for us, but although we started strongly, we took our foot off the gas and we ended up being down going into the break. “We played a lot more tightly in the second half and there were some strong performances including from young No 10 Frank Reynolds, who is now playing a lot more tactically. “The rain really came down in that second half, but we put on a good

Loose The St Marks side started on the front foot as they hosted the visitors’ first trip to West Kent, and the away side were on the receiving end of John Rumsey’s try under the posts after just seven minutes. This was converted by the team’s outside half Frank Reynolds, and three minutes later he secured the first of his two tries to make it 12-0. New forwards Turi Uini and Jake Mills were prominent in the loose, as was Chris Goodyer.

performance and we seem to be in the habit of winning now – so we’ll look forward to our next league game against CS Rugby. Next weekend’s game against Tonbridge Juddians is going to be a big match.” Tunbridge Wells Chairman, Graham Withers, added: “Many of us have good rugby friends in Tonbridge, and we will offer a warm welcome to players, officials and supporters from TJs. “Make no mistake, the league remains our priority but the players and coaches are justifiably proud of their winning run and will be doing all they can to keep fortress St Marks intact on Saturday.”

TJs’ campaign gathers pace before tough run of matches Tonbridge Juddians 37-5 Guildford

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: Tonbridge Juddians continued their winning run at The Slade as they took on Guildford for the first time in National 3 London & South East. The hosts, in fourth place, began strongly against the side promoted from London 1 South. Liam Prescott slotted two early penalties, then Adam Darracott crashed over for TJs’ first try with Prescott converting. James Copsey added a second to make it 18-0 at the break.

HOCKEY: Strong early-season form for Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club Men’s first team was maintained in securing a 5-2 win away to Burnt Ash last Saturday. Wells were in confident mood after starting their Kent & Sussex Division 1 campaign with an impressive 8-3 victory over Ashford. However, things did not start well at the weekend, as Wells went 1-0 down in the first two minutes. But they came back quickly through a fine goal from Jack Garwood. He nicked another strike after good work from Coach Ben Allberry, and Wells regained the ascendancy. Mathieson and Hare controlled the midfield with pace and strength, nullifying any Burnt Ash attacks, and the away team ended the first half 2-1 up. The second period began much like the first

In the second half a penalty try for TJs was converted by Prescott. Zain van Rensburgh crashed over for the fourth, and a bonus point, with Prescott again on target. Murray Galbraith-Low added a fifth score before Guildford managed a consolation try at the death. Coach Pete Dankert was pleased ahead of some tough matches, saying: “It was great to get through without adding to our injury list. There are more big games to follow and we will need a full and fit squad to ensure we keep on track.” TJs have confirmed the signing of former Wasps and East Grinstead player Ben Ashmore.

– with Wells asleep, Ash pounced and levelled the scores after five minutes of the restart. Wells’ discipline dissipated and with two players off the pitch with yellow cards, Burnt Ash then threw everything at the Wells defence. However, with Harris in control between the sticks and Alastair Clarke, Dan Barnaby (pictured), James Barber and Mitch Hawksbee in excellent defensive form, Wells kept out four penalty corners and a penalty stroke. The away team took advantage of Burnt Ash’s demoralised state and scored three unanswered goals – two from Allberry and one from Garwood to complete his hat-trick. It was a good win against a team that would not give up. However, there is still a lot of work to be done on the training pitch in preparation for the first team’s trip to Worthing next week.

A decisive away win was registered by Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club Ladies’ first team, who overcame determined hosts Sudbury on Saturday. Starting strongly, the West Kent visitors scored quickly from an early direct penalty corner strike from the team’s captain, Jen Hunt. The lead was short-lived as Sudbury almost immediately equalised through a speedy counter-attack. Recovering quickly, Wells, who have been performing strongly in the East Region Hockey League Division 1 South, kept their heads up. There was great work in particular from Perdi Knight, making her firstteam debut, in the middle. She managed to work through Sudbury’s line of defence and slipped the ball through to Ana Glubb, on the baseline, who dropped it back for Hunt to notch her second on the reverse. The half closed with a fantastic strike from Nella Bekker into the top left corner which was ruled out, as the umpire judged that the half time

whistle had blown before the ball crossed the line. Early in the second half, Jess Begg worked her way skilfully into the D before slipping the ball to Hunt, who lifted the ball over the keeper to record a fantastic hat-trick. Sudbury came back fighting and managed to cut the deficit back to just one with a short corner goal. Fortunately Wells’ player of the match, Bekker, notched the goal she deserved with a strike from the top of the D to round off a good win and a fine team performance that puts Wells fourth in the table.

CONTACT US:

If you have a sports story or you would like to see your club’s reports and results featured in these pages – or on our website at www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk – please email them to sport@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or sport@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Wednesday 12th October 2016



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