Times of Tunbridge Wells 13th January 2016

Local, National and International

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

PLENTY OF FESTIVE CHEER FOR LOCAL RESTAURANTS Pages 64-65

STRIKING DOCTORS WALK OUT AT PEMBURY Page 3

STRANGEFACE WOWS THEATRE AUDIENCES

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All the news that matters

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

SOUTHBOROUGH FAMILY ROOTS OF LEGEND DAVID BOWIE

Pages 76-77

Page 10

CINEMA SITE DEAL IN DRAMATIC COLLAPSE

INJURED Father of three Hein Pretorius

Exclusive: By Adam Hignett

Accident payout denied as man only lost one leg Insurers refused claim because he didn’t lose both legs Exclusive: By Adam Hignett A TRAUMATISED father of three has been denied a £120,000 insurance payment after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident. Insurers claimed his injuries were ‘not critical enough’ and that he needed to lose ‘two or more limbs’ to qualify for a payment.

Hein Pretorius suffered two broken legs below the knee, a broken femur and broken pelvis after he was struck by an

oncoming vehicle during his commute to work.

The complexity of his injuries following the collision on the Bayham Road in August meant he had to be airlifted to a London hospital, where his right leg was amputated below the knee.

But despite paying almost £25,000 to cover life and critical insurance since he took out his first policy in 1998, Mr Pretorius has not seen a penny of the £120,000 he thought he would be entitled to from his two insurers.

Since the accident, Mr Pretorius said he has been fighting both Legal & General and insurance firm Bright Grey to secure a payout from his life assurance policies as the liability does not fall under a motor insurer.

And now Mr Pretorius is concerned his family will lose their house.

He said: “We are worried about it. I was previously on a relatively decent salary, but despite the help of some benefits related to my disability, my monthly income has been dramatically reduced.

“Basically, I need to get myself physically fit as soon as possible to allow me to get back to work and earn. If I don’t, we may lose our house.”

The 44-year-old, who lives with his family in Madeira Park, Tunbridge Wells, added: “The insurance companies argue it is a black and white case of me signing a contract which only covers the loss of two limbs.

Turn to page 3

A DEAL which would have seen a new hotel and retail units built upon the old cinema site in Tunbridge Wells fell through late yesterday. It is the latest setback in the 15-year saga of what has been described as the town’s biggest eyesore.

As the Times reported in October, the current owner, Carlyle Group, had entered into the final stages of an agreement to sell the site to developer Bellhouse Joseph.

But the hotel group, which was due to be the anchor tenant on the site, has since withdrawn from the agreement, leading to the sale’s collapse.

Carlyle Group has now appointed Savills and Strutt & Parker to remarket the site and find a buyer ‘as soon as possible’.

However, a spokesman for Bellhouse Joseph said the developer was still interested in the site and blamed delays on the failure to secure the hotel.

He said: “The deal we had been hoping to conclude is no longer possible as delays in finalising the process has led to one of the larger tenants withdrawing.

“However, we are still in negotiations and remain committed to delivering a high quality mixed use development and have strong interest from restaurant and retail organisations.”

The 1.3-acre site was bought by the Carlyle Group for £9.9 million in 2011.

2 n NEWS

Weather Wednesday

January 13, 2016 Tunbridge Wells

6C

Visibility: Very good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 81%

Sunrise: 07.59am

Sunset: 16.16pm

Wind: 10mph

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‘I couldn’t resist capturing the rainbow behind these berries in High Brooms’ Marcin Bialas

email: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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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.

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QUOTE UNQUOTE I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.

David Bowie

Wednesday 13th January 2016

COUNTY HALL Rate increases

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Sunny intervals and further showers, often breezy

Thursday

County budget comes with a health warning and biggest rate rise without a referendum KENT County Council is bracing itself for a hard year ahead after publishing its budget on Monday amid warnings it was due to be ‘the most difficult yet.’

With a key government grant being reduced by around a third, combined with a rise in social care costs leaves a shortfall of £126 million, means tough decisions will have to be made at the council, which said ‘significant savings’ needed to be found in order to make up for the shortfall.

The draft budget is for the 2016/17 financial year.

Alongside cuts to expenditure, KCC will also be looking to raise £11m in revenues through a 1.99 per cent increase in council taxes, the maximum amount without triggering a referendum.

A further two per cent rise in council tax is also proposed through the use of its social care precept, a new levy which was announced in the government’s autumn statement.

In a statement released alongside the budget, a KCC spokesman said the introduction of the new levy was necessary to tackle the increasing burden of social care.

He said: “Social care budgets are under particular pressure due to rising demand for services for both vulnerable adults and older people.

“There are also rising costs from increases

in prices from care providers – not least in response to the new National Living Wage which will apply from April.”

Combined, these increases will see the amount of council tax taken by the county council on an average Band C property rise to £1,007.60, up from £968.88 currently, raising an additional £22 million in total.

This is before other authorities, such as the Police, Fire & Rescue, districts, parish and town councils set their own share of council tax as part of the overall bill.

Kent County Council currently accounts for around 73 per cent of the council tax take.

Capital investment will fall by £20 million to £708 million next year, meaning less money has been earmarked for spending on infrastructure projects such as new school buildings and roads.

The town has secured some minor spending commitments from KCC, such as on the Southborough Hub and the Tunbridge Wells Cultural Hub, to the sum of £115,000 and £2 million respectively.

However, the majority of the focused spending has been earmarked for projects elsewhere in the county, such as a £12.4 million investment in the Expansion East Kent Regional Growth Fund.

Time running out to have your say on five-year plan RESIDENTS have just days remaining to make their views heard on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s key priorities for its major projects and spending for the next two years.

Despite facing a major £261,000 cut to its annual government grant, the authority remains on course, it says, to deliver pledges to improve the area’s cultural and sports facilities as part of its five-year plan agreed in 2014.

However, the loss in its national funding amounts to a 50 per cent cut since 2010, losing out on £3.2 million in government money

over five years. By 2020, the council will not receive any central funding and is expected to be self-funding through retaining business rates.

The borough’s outlined priorities include making the town an attractive place for businesses through the creation of more space for emerging start-up firms. The council also intends to work with developers in identifying potential new housing sites to meet demand for quality housing within the borough.

Council leader David Jukes said: “Since

launching our five-year plan we have exceeded our expectations in planning terms, including opening up Longfield Road on the retail estate, which is complete, as well as the A21 improvement gaining approval. On the current progress it will open up this time next year.

“We planned the Cultural Hub at the library three years ago and were allocated Heritage Lottery funding of £4.3 million towards it, but we’ve had another £930,000 from the Arts Council towards it, so that’s also happening.”

WHAT MAKES OUR RICHEST ROADS LIST SO RELEVANT… FOR the majority of us the most expensive thing we splash out on in life is our home; be it a mansion, detached, semi, terraced or flat.

And today it’s becoming increasingly harder for young people to do just that, to get on the housing ladder, as prices continue to creep up with a dearth of good properties coming on to the market. Many young people turn to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ looking for a contribution towards a deposit or low cost loan repayable over 25 years at zero interest.

The property market was summed up for me by an estate agent talking about the lack of suitable properties up for rent. They told me: “If you see a decent place come online then run to the estate agents to get to the head of the queue, fix an immediate viewing and agree to pay the asking price. If you don’t grab it there will be a dozen people behind you trying to get the keys.”

Even allowing for estate- agent-speak and a journalist adding a bit of a flourish that’s probably a pretty accurate summation of what’s

happening particularly here in Tunbridge Wells where it seems everyone wants to live, or at least a significant number of buyers want to stay here or move here.

All of which means we like to keep an eye on property prices to see how our investment in bricks and mortar is doing and to confirm our own views that we chose wisely in picking the right location. As the popular TV programme says it’s all about ‘Location, Location, Location’.

That’s why, hopefully, you’ll find our Richest Roads story (pages 16 and 17) of some interest.

It’s a survey that tells us the most expensive addresses in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, according to the best sources, and the top postcodes. It’s full of fascinating facts that will get you talking, especially if your road is not listed but that of your friend is.

Looking back, I recall the first time such a list was published in Tunbridge Wells. It was 2008 and was carried by the then new local magazine So Tunbridge Wells, the sister publication of this newspaper. It caused uproar. We actually

had hospital consultants being called by their partners to complain or boast about their address, depending on where it was in the property list.

ONE OF my favourite TV programmes happens to be Dragons’ Den on BBC Two, so I was much taken with our story (page five) about local man Caner Veli who braved the famous five and walked out with a £100,000 investment in his business. He appeared on our screens being grilled by the Dragons, one of whom was pretty grumpy, for maybe ten minutes. In reality he stood in front of them for an hour with 25 production people watching from the sidelines.

And he tells us that they actually edited out some of the harshest comments from the potential investors in his footwear and fabric protection business. All in all it sounds a tough test for any entrepreneur. But then if you want people to give you their money…

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS �

Doctors stage walkout in Tunbridge Wells JUNIOR doctors at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury yesterday joined a national strike over their contracts, after talks with the government failed to reach agreement.

Their concerns have centred on proposed working conditions which they claim will place patient safety at risk, as services become increasingly stretched.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has criticised the strike, which is the first of its kind for a generation, stating it was “unnecessary”.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “The safety and care of patients is our top priority and therefore we have re-arranged 32 planned procedures that were due to take place today (January 12th).”

For more on the doctors’ strike see page 9

Accident payout denied Continued from page 1

LIFE CHANGING Hein today after the accident

“They changed their policies since then to make payouts for the loss of one limb, but they won’t pay out to me as my contracts were signed in 1998 and 2007.

“It just seems like they want to wash their hands of the issue. They blame the broker for not telling me to update my policy.”

Mr Pretorius argues the main text of the contracts were ambiguous when they claimed a payout would be made upon the ‘loss of limbs’, with a clearer definition, stating two or more, tucked away in the small print.

The accident occurred during Mr Pretorius’s morning commute to work as the regional operations manager at Hush Heath Hospitality in Goudhurst, a job which paid £50,000 a year.

He is now forced to rely on £88 a week in statutory sick pay, alongside benefits, as he was only at the company for half a year before the accident and has remained in hospital ever since.

This has put a strain on the family finances as his wife, Ellen, only works on an irregular basis and her income is insufficient to cover the family costs.

The majority of time is spent looking after their three children, 11-yearold Louis and seven-year-old twins Mabel and Theo, a job made far harder since the accident.

Mr Pretorius said: “We are in arrears with our mortgage, which has destroyed my credit rating. We have sought help from the debt charity Step Change, who have secured

more manageable token payments for us.”

He admitted some people may criticise him for not getting income protection as part of his insurance and said one of his reasons for highlighting his plight was to raise awareness.

He added: “I do not want pity. I am resilient and optimistic. But I do not want other people to be in the same situation I am now in.”

A spokesman for Legal & General confirmed the insurer’s terms had changed in 2009 and said they were ‘very sorry’ to hear Mr Pretorius is ‘unhappy with our decision’ regarding the claim.

But she added the firm is ‘bound by the terms and conditions of the critical illness policy contract which he purchased in 1999,’ claiming this prevented them from paying out for the loss of one limb.

She said the company have assessed Mr Pretorius’s claim under another clause of the policy which covers ‘total and permanent disability’, however: “It is too early in Mr Pretorius’s treatments and recovery to confirm if the policy definition of Permanent and Total Disability has been met.”

His claim would be reviewed again in due course, she added.

A spokesperson for Bright Grey also highlighted the legal obligation to stick to the terms and conditions of the policy.

He said Mr Pretorius was made aware a payout would only be made upon suffering a ‘total permanent disability’ defined as: “the permanent physical severance of two or more limbs from above the wrist or ankle joint.”

But he added: “It is too early in Mr

Pretorius’s recovery to predict if a claim would be payable under these sections of his insurance policy, but we will review it after 26 weeks – which was the time chosen by Mr Pretorius when he took out the policy.

“We are unable to retrospectively change our terms and conditions as it could benefit some customers and disadvantage others.”

The Financial Ombudsman ruled in favour of Legal & General in October, claiming it had dealt with Mr Pretorius’s case ‘fairly’, and so no action could be taken.

It found the wording ‘loss of limbs’ was explained in the terms and conditions as applying to multiple limbs, defined as ‘above the wrist joint or ankle.’

In a letter to Mr Pretorius, the adjudicator said: “I do not underestimate the seriousness of the injury. But as the claim is for the loss of one limb, unfortunately the definition has not been met.”

However, Mr Pretorius has since advised the ombudsman that he does not accept the decision of the adjudicator and will be presenting the case again.

3

Richest Roads in Tunbridge Wells

By Neill Barston ACCORDING to local estate agents property prices in Tunbridge Wells are set to rise by “at least five per cent” over the coming year and possibly by more than 21 per cent over the next five years.

Howard Kingsnorth of Barnes Kingsnorth said: “With the current shortage of properties, I can see 2016 unfolding with a competitive market and the possibility of multiple buyers for each property. This will make it a seller’s market which could force prices to increase by at least five per cent.”

Robert Jacobs at Savills Tunbridge Wells said: “Longer term, Savills predicts prices in the south east’s mainstream market will increase by 21.6 per cent over the next five years to 2020.”

The comments come as the Times reveals its list of the Richest Roads in and around Tunbridge Wells. We name the top 50 addresses where, in each case, house prices are around an average of £1million.

Hollyshaw Close tops the list with average house values of more than £3million.

Frant is the most sought after location outside of the town, with almost a third of the top ten roads situated in the small village.

To find out if your road features on the list turn to page 16…

HOLIDAY Hein before the accident

Wednesday 13th January 2016

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Boost for Bewl as new plans are unveiled BEWL Water is due for a major upgrade aimed at boosting local tourism after the latest investment plans were announced by its new owners this week.

Markerstudy Leisure acquired Bewl Water Country Park on January 8 and unveiled a raft of improvements aimed at boosting tourism to the reservoir.

Describing it as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the local community, Andrew Daniells, chief operating officer of Markerstudy Leisure, said the ‘ambitious’ plans would give Bewl ‘the love and attention it deserves.’

Among the initiatives announced is the immediate reduction in parking charges from £8 to £2, alongside the complete refurbishment of the visitor centre and nearby sailing clubhouse.

Both are timetabled to be reopened by April.

In addition, there are plans to make the 13-mile long path around the reservoir more accessible, with a new water taxi service enabling walkers and cyclists to tailor the length of their tours of the lake.

Fish stocks are due to be replenished to satisfy what the company believes is the growing number of fishermen returning to Bewl Water.

There will also be an upgrading of the current fleet of fishing boats to help facilitate this trend.

Mr Daniells said: “The feedback from existing users, such as the sailors, rowers and fishing fraternity, is that they all want to see it returned to its former glory, and are keen to work with us to make this happen.

“In conjunction with the local community and councils we are keen to transform the quality of the facilities and activities on offer as we deliver what will be a substantial investment in the site.”

Graham Wise, co-leader of Bewl Midweek Sail-

Wednesday 13th January 2016

ing Group, which has 100 members and sails all year round, said: “This is great news. We are confident under Markerstudy, which has a reputation for being closely involved in the local community, that sailing at Bewl will increase in

popularity.

“They have seen the potential of Bewl and have taken the decision to invest.

“We have had a very positive meeting with the new owners and management team about their

intentions and are reassured that they share our passion for sailing and for Bewl.

“The investments that are planned sound very promising and we will certainly be supporting them.”

LOCAL NEWS 

5

Dragons’ Den victory earns man £100,000 Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A TUNBRDGE Wells entrepreneur who survived the Dragons’ Den by walking away with a £100,000 investment in his company has talked to the Times about his experience.

Caner Veli, founder of Liquiproof, a fabric spray which repels liquid spills, was seen giving away 50 per cent of his business to the clothing magnate Touker Suleyman when the BBC2 show aired on January 3.

But it was not all plain sailing for the 28-year-old entrepreneur, who described the experience as ‘one of the most stressful’ days of his life.

After impressing the Dragons with his presentation, in which he highlighted the effectiveness of Liquiproof by pouring a bottle of red wine down his suit, leaving no stains, the tycoons began their ferocious scrutiny.

“It was scary as hell and probably one of the most stressful days of my life,” said Mr Veli, adding: “It is exactly like it looks on TV.

Sceptical “But what the audience do not realise is there are 25 people off screen watching as well.”

An avid viewer of the show, Mr Veli was none the less sceptical when he was first approached by the BBC to appear on the programme.

He said: “The development team from Dragons’ Den called me up saying they had seen my product and thought it was amazing, so they asked me if I wanted to go in front of the Dragons.

“At first I was not really sure if it was actually a real offer, but of course it turned out to be genuine.”

The main criticisms levelled at Mr Veli’s pitch WINNER Caner Veli lands his investmenet

PITCHING Caner Veli shows the Dragons his wares

for investment came from two of the most longstanding Dragons on the panel, Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden.

Mr Jones slammed the valuation of Liquiproof, which Mr Veli claimed was worth £2 million – partially based on forward estimates of growth – but which Mr Jones said would be lucky to be worth ‘tens of thousands.’

“Peter was very grumpy for the whole thing.

What the programme did not show was the back and forth which went on,” said Mr Veli, “you don’t know what they are going to ask but you prepare for the worst.

“I was there for about an hour, the bits on screen were probably not even the harshest moments.”

Next up came Mrs Meaden, who took Mr Veli to task for the quality of the contract he had secured with the R&D lab which manufactures the product.

She highlighted the fact the contract had not been drawn up by a solicitor, methodically pointing out various flaws including, most serious of all, the fact the formula itself was not owned by Mr Veli.

Despite this flaw, Mr Veli argued he had secured almost sole global distribution rights and had ownership of the branding itself.

But Mrs Meaden was unconvinced, pointing out the quality of the contract meant Mr Veli was relying mainly on a bond of trust rather than having any legal guarantee he could maintain supply.

Although Mr Veli maintains he had no doubt about the validity of the contract, he did admit

from an investor’s standpoint it would have been off-putting.

He said: “I like to think I am an honest person and expect the same from others so from a personal point of view the contract was fine.

“But it was a bit of a schoolboy error bringing in a contract I drafted myself and expecting them to accept it. It is something which has since been remedied.”

After Mr Jones and Mrs Meaden stated they would not be making an offer, fellow Dragons Nick Jenkins and Sarah Willingham also withdrew, leaving only Mr Suleyman.

Mr Veli thought his chances had all but vanished.

He said: “It was frustrating because I didn’t see a problem with the business.

Risky “When they all started dropping out I was like, ‘what’s going on here?’”

However, Mr Suleyman, whose businesses have a lot of exposure to the textile industry, saw much promise in the product, but the risky contract meant his investment would only be brought at a high price.

Instead of the five per cent equity Mr Veli was looking to give away in the company, Mr Suleyman wanted ten times as much for his money.

Describing the moment the offer was made, Mr Veli said: “It was absolutely brilliant and Mr Suleyman was the investor I was hoping to get due to his connections, which are as important as the money.

“Obviously he wanted far more than I said I wanted to give away, but while I was debating with myself about the offer I came to the conclusion that him having a large stake will mean he is more likely to focus on the business.”

Dispute over flight paths is heading for the Appeal Court after new ruling THE ongoing battle over flight paths across the High Weald looks set to intensify after campaigners won the right to fight ‘intolerable’ aircraft noise in the Appeal Court.

Spearheaded by Gatwick Obviously Not, a group which encompasses many of the villages to the west of Tunbridge Wells, the campaign has raised over £140,000 to take on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Lord Justice Burnett, sitting in the Appeal Court last month, overturned a previous High Court decision rejecting a judicial review into flight paths.

He found that while the previous rejection of a

review into the flight paths meant there would be a ‘significant hurdle’ to its success, there was ‘reasonable argument’ for the claim to go ahead.

Importantly, the review could end up setting a precedent by which similar cases will be judged, after Lord Justice Burnett stated the claim must remain in the Appeal Court because it was ‘desirable’ to: “obtain an authoritative ruling on the meaning of relevant provisions, which govern similar arrangements at airports other than Gatwick."

The bid for a review has been orchestrated by Martin Barraud, chair of action group Gatwick

Obviously Not. CAA said: “We note the decision by the Court of Appeal to permit a judicial review to clarify the CAA's role regarding changes to aircraft approach procedures at Gatwick implemented by NATS. “The CAA remains committed to working with industry to ensure more is done to address the issue of aviation noise and to better support the communities affected by it.

“We know that aircraft noise can be a significant disturbance for many people and have consistently challenged the aviation industry to be more ambitious in tackling its environmental impacts.”

Wednesday 13th January 2016

6  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

New gourmet store breaks sales records

STRONG RESULTS Left to right: Founders Edward Perry and Dale Penfold

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE recent opening of a new Cook store in Tunbridge Wells has paid off after the company confirmed it had broken all previous records for Christmas sales.

Cook, which sells gourmet frozen foods produced in Kent, opened its new Tunbridge Wells shop on Monson Road in November.

It is located just a few doors down from its previous premises, which were substantially smaller, and has proven to be hugely popular with customers.

Community But the new store is proving to be a boon for the company, with sales over the Christmas period 88 per cent higher than in 2014.

By breaking the record on weekly sales in the run up to Christmas, the Tunbridge Wells shop has overtaken Sevenoaks, which has held the record since 2012.

Commenting on the success of the new Tunbridge Wells store, managing director Edward Perry said: “We are delighted how the people of Tunbridge Wells appear to have taken it to their hearts.

“We always had the vision for the shop to be at the heart of the local community and so far we’ve

been able to help out nine local community organisations with food for events or fundraising.”

The news comes after Cook announced likefor-like sales across the company during the six week Christmas period totalled £7.4 million, up 6.6 per cent on 2014.

Sales growth at the company for the year was curtailed, however, by the allocation of too much space to ‘seasonal lines’ during the summer, which the company admitted was ‘a bit of a damp squib.’

Furthermore, ‘fierce’ competition meant the sale of single and double portion meals was ‘challenging’.

Total revenue across its 83 shops was £49.9 million over 2015, up from £45.5 million the previous year.

This annual sales growth of 2.7 per cent was described by the company as: “Decent enough, but not quite where we want to be.”

But earnings before tax was more positive, increasing by 32 per cent during 2015 to £4.1 million, compared to £3.1 million in 2014, leaving room for the company’s first ever dividend payout of £400,000.

However, Cook said it would maintain its ambitious target of hitting sales of £75 million per annum by 2019, forecasting a growth rate of 15 per cent a year.

Concessions were the key to the company’s growth, with new products bringing a ‘big

Stylish town hotel set to bring dozens of jobs WARM WELCOME Contemporary new reception area.

Inset, first recruit Bryony England

MORE than 50 jobs will be created with the development of the new boutique hotel in Tunbridge Wells, One Warwick Park.

The 38-bedroom four-star venue is under development and set to be completed this summer.

As a major investment in the area’s economy, the new site will be seeking new staff across the business.

Promising to be among the area’s most distinctive destinations, it has been welcomed by property experts including Savills, which anticipated it will prove a strong addition to the town’s accommodation provision.

With many businesses and venues in the surrounding Southern area of the town recording an upturn in trade over the past year,

Wednesday 13th January 2016

the emergence of another high quality hotel will add further to the area’s commercial mix.

Construction work on the site began in August 2013, involving combining The Brew House Hotel with the Old School House, as well as adjoining buildings to form the new venue. There is a tunnel running underneath Cumberland Walk which connects the different elements of the site.

Sarah Freeman, the project manager, explained the hotel aims to offer a five-star level of service, as well as promising plenty of style for its discerning client base.

Speaking on its development, she said: “Work is progressing well and we’re confident that when the hotel opens in June it will prove itself to be a tremendous asset to the area, benefitting residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Head of recruitment for One Warwick Park, Kate Awcock, said: “This unique and beautifully designed hotel offers fantastic opportunities for people who may not have considered a career in hospitality before. We are currently recruiting for all positions from receptionist and porters to head chef and concierge.

“All staff will be offered bespoke in-house training with full support through formal qualifications and career development. We genuinely care about our staff and in turn that results in them having pride in their role and the level of service they deliver, so everyone is happy.”

She explained that the recruitment programme has been developed along the same principles as the hotel itself in having a high attention to detail and to position itself among the area’s leading hotels.

In terms of its approach to building its new team, the recruitment manager said the company would be looking to create an atmosphere which fostered the skills of its employees.

Kate Awcock added: “The first member of staff to be recruited is front of house manager Bryony England. Having worked for the company for four years, she has developed from a junior receptionist. She is now in a position to be taking on the challenge of delivering an uncompromising level of service and ensuring that every guest’s experience is a highlight.”

See page 75 for job application details.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

improvement’ in product margins, and sales increasing 19 per cent to £8 million on the previous year.

Future In addition sales of ‘party foods’ and four-portion meals were also robust.

Looking ahead, Cook’s annual report highlighted the future challenges and opportunities for the business.

It said: “It doesn’t require any great insight to see that the food retail landscape continues to change at an extraordinary pace.

“The rise of discounters, such as Aldi and Lidl; the acute pain being felt by the big supermarkets; and the exponential growth of online shopping are the big trends.”

COOK TEAM Left to Right: Ros Bannister, Ben Wells, Holly Ward

The Cook story COOK was founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dale Penfold in Farnham Surrey on the back of a £20,000 bank loan.

The idea behind the company is encapsulated in its founding statement: “To cook using the same ingredients and techniques that a good cook would use at home so all our food looks and tastes homemade.”

But growing the company to the 83 stores it has today was not an easy task, with the pair spending the first three years ‘in a mire of stress and torment trying to figure out how to make the food taste good’.

Mr Perry said: “While Dale was a great chef and I was a pretty good retailer, our combined administrative skills were virtually non-existent.

“In our first three years, for example, we hadn’t seen the need to keep any accounts.

“This was partially due to my own ineptness but also because I knew that if we saw any proper numbers then they would certainly tell us we should close the business.”

The pair struggled to secure funding for growth, due to the poor accounts, but a merger with a bakery business operated by Mr Perry’s brother James in 2000 resulted in the company that is around today.

Mr Perry added: “The next seven years were a frenzy of growth as we expanded as fast as we could while retaining our independence.”

The onset of the credit crisis was a particularly ‘traumatic’ time for the company as it had borrowed a ‘ludicrous’ amount of money at the same time sales collapsed.

But the firm refused to compromise on ingredients, and after the worst of the recession had passed their rapid expansion resumed, and the company founded by two friends now employs over 700 people.

7

Care home wins top industry awards STAFF and residents at Mount Ephraim House were celebrating the New Year on a high after the care home won accolades at two different awards.

The Tunbridge Wells care home, which provides for 38 residents, won the Dignity in Care Award at the Great British Care Awards South East.

The award is presented to homes that demonstrate the significance of maximising resident independence and choice, whilst respecting and maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

Mount Ephraim House will compete against eight regional winners at the Great British Care

Awards final in May. The care home also won the Compassion and End of Life categories at the national 3rd Sector Care Awards, which were presented to staff by journalist and TV presenter Dame Esther Rantzen.

Karen Cooper, manager at Mount Ephraim House, said: “I am so proud of the staff for winning three awards in such quick succession.

“Our residents lead a dignified life because we support them to live as they choose to – even if some of the requests are very unusual.

Now we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the national final.”

ACCOLADES Dame Esther Rantzen (L) presents award to care home staff

Picture: Murray Jones

Wednesday 13th January 2016

8  BUSINESS AWARDS

RVP reports increase in footfall during Christmas ROYAL Victoria Place defied those forecasting a tough Christmas for retailers after 1.5 million people visited the shopping centre in December.

This figure represents an increase of 15 per cent on the previous year.

In the four days leading up to Christmas 226,908 walked through the doors of the centre, with over 50,000 visiting on Christmas Eve alone.

Shoppers were taking advantage of new store openings, including Swarovski, Bluebird Teas and Whirligig.

Sales were also being driven by the release of the latest film in the new Star Wars trilogy, with merchandise relating to the franchise selling particularly well.

The resurgence of Lego continued unabated with shops reporting it to be the top selling toy of the season.

Strong visitor numbers also continued into the New Year, with an eight per cent increase in shoppers on January 2.

Companies sign up for borough’s new awards Hopeful applicants target inaugural business honours AMONG the early applicants for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards is EJ Financial, run

by Ted Shaw, an independent financial advisor.

He has chosen to be considered in the New Business of the Year category.

EJ Financial is just one of a number of companies to have been submitted for consideration at the inaugural awards, which are due to be held in April at Salomons.

The company, which has only been running since March 2015, already has £8 million of assets under influence, an achievement Mr Shaw attributes to the firm’s transparent approach to customer service.

And it is his belief that not only will winning his category benefit his business, but will also help promote the reputation of his industry as a whole.

Independent

NEW LOOK Plans for RVP Royal Victoria Place centre manager Nicky Blanchard, said: “Our performance over the last few months reinforces the role strong town centres can play in shaping the behaviour of shoppers.

“Both national chains as well as local independent traders have been able to capitalise in the strong growth in footfall that we have delivered.

“Looking forward to the future, we are confident our proposals for Royal Victoria Place will benefit the whole of Tunbridge Wells, not just the shopping centre.

“The shoppers I have spoken to have told me they are really excited by the plans.”

Mr Shaw said: “I hope that if I win this award I will be able to improve the public perception of financial services.

“I set up EJ Financial because I was fed up with the ‘smoke and mirrors’ approach conducted by a few firms and wanted to be totally transparent with my fees, service and feedback.”

Mr Shaw adds his company is ‘totally independent’ and has no connections with other providers, ensuring he is able to give completely impartial advice.

He said: “Winning the award will help to highlight that there is a new breed of people within the industry who are honest and put clients first.

“At the moment many people have a poor view of advisors.”

His services include financial review and planning, pension contribution planning, pension freedom advice and ISA contributions alongside tax planning.

Applicants wishing to have their company considered are able to choose from a number of categories which they believe best defines their businesses.

The Categories           

New Business of the Year Green Company of the Year Creative Business of the Year Corporate Social Responsibility Business Hero of the Year Best Family Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Young Business Person of the Year Service Excellence Award Outstanding Business of the Year The Times of Tunbridge Wells Readers’ Choice Award

Each winner of a category will automatically be put forward for the title of Outstanding Business of the Year Award. Companies may also directly enter this category.

The awards are open to those with companies within the borough of Tunbridge Wells or its surrounding area.

For further information, visit: www.tunbridgewellsbusinessawards.co.uk

The Judges Darren Austin A partner/owner at Synergee, the chartered accountants and business advisers. His main focus is business development which involves working with clients on defining and achieving their business goals.

Nigel Harper The CEO of Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors. He is also a partner in Holland Harper LLP. Mr Harper specialises in providing management and business consultancy services to a number of professional and commercial clients.

Jo James Chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the county’s only accredited Chamber of Commerce that serves more than 1,300 members’ businesses across Kent. Mrs James was recently voted a National Woman of the Year 2015.

busine ness ess ss awa aw wards d awards Wednesday 13th January 2016

David Jukes A successful businessman and Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Former owner of a construction project management company Mr Jukes now acts as a consultant for a number of national and international organisations.

Brian Keeley-Whiting Managing director of Whiting & Hammond, the independent, award-winning pub and restaurant group that he established 12 years ago. Today it has eight sites in the region and won the title of Best Small Group at the Employers in Hospitality Awards.

Richard Moore Editorial director of One Media, publishers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells and So magazines previously ran a political lobbying company in London, worked on US Presidential election campaigns and in 2008 helped launch So Tunbridge Wells magazine.

APPLICANT Ted Shaw of EJ Financial

LOCAL NEWS 

9

First national doctors’ strike in 40 years TEAM SUPPORT Striking doctors outside Maidstone Hospital

Neill Barston

nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FOR the first time in a generation, doctors across the country, including the Tunbridge Wells area, have gone on strike over proposed changes to working conditions.

The government has claimed it is vital to allow patients access to weekend medical care – which doctors, supported by the British Medical Association, have claimed will place too much strain on staff.

A total of 227 junior doctors are employed by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, working across its sites.

Staff at Pembury were among thousands of others in the country taking their place at over 100 picket lines yesterday (Tuesday, January 12th), with 4,000 routine medical procedures being cancelled nationally.

Rohan Kandasamy, 26, a first-year doctor at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said patient ON STRIKE safety was at the Junior doctor Rohan heart of their reasons Kandasamy for the strike.

Speaking to the Times, he said: “We feel that the current proposals about our contract will leave us in a position where the NHS Trust will put us in a position where we are working hours that are unsafe.

“The suggestions that have been made by government don’t offer any reassurance that we won’t end up working more hours – there’s no safety net there.

“With these contracts, it will be a less enticing job for the best and the brightest out there. The next generation of students may not be working in medicine because of this, and we are already seeing young doctors leaving to go overseas to Australia.

“People are working so many hours that they end up making mistakes, such as one doctor in England who crashed their car as a result of being tired.”

He added that he had not seen any proposals on how junior doctors could be asked to meet enhanced demands of weekend working without providing increased staffing.

His colleague, Alice O’Connor, 27, a junior doctor working at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said: “We are not against having 24/7 care if it is fully staffed at all times, which would be ideal.

“We know that our hours are not going to be 9am-5pm, which is the nature of the job.

I think that our salaries are also adequate, and I wouldn’t dream of asking for more money. But the fact is we are being told that we will have less pay for working more hours – or at the least more awkward hours. I think anyone in any profession would be irritated by this.”

Another female junior doctor, who asked not to be named, added: “The strike is something that I have been pretty upset about as it’s not something that I would normally ever do.

“But this is something that we are taking very seriously as the contract that is being imposed is something that’s going to be unsafe for patients with doctors working longer hours.”

Health Secretary seeks more talks Having failed to avert a doctors’ strike, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has urged the British Medical Association to continue negotiations.

The Secretary, who claimed that 40% of junior doctors turned out for work today, told the BBC: “The right thing to do is to sit round the table and talk to the Government about how we improve patient safety and patient care, not these very unnecessary strikes.”

On the issue of seven-day medical services, he added: “We recognise that if doctors are too tired they are not going to be able to give safe care to patients.

“But right now what happens is when a junior doctor is asked to work at weekends – which they do a lot – they go into an A&E department where, for example, there will be half as many consultants working on a Sunday compared to a weekday despite it being one of the busiest days.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

10 � LOCAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Sun causes delays upsetting travellers

CHARTHAM STATION Father of two hit by train

Rail passengers have expressed their anger after being told trains were delayed due to “strong sunlight”.

Services at Lewisham, south-east London were disrupted because of the angle of the sun, train operator Southeastern said.

The rail firm posted on Twitter: “We had severe congestion through Lewisham due to dispatching issues as a result of strong sunlight. The low winter sun has been hitting the dispatch monitor which prevents the driver from being able to see.”

Virtual reality ride Alton Towers has announced plans to open a new rollercoaster on which passengers wear virtual reality headsets.

The new space-themed ride, called Galactica, will be the first major opening at the Staffordshire theme park since 16 people were injured in a rollercoaster crash in June.

Galactica will combine a physical rollercoaster with virtual reality, with each passenger on the 840-metre long track wearing a virtual reality headset that will create the illusion they are flying through space, with the movements on-screen coinciding with those on the track.

Prickly calls to 999 A hedgehog scaring some children and a demand for a glass of water are just two of the ridiculous reasons people have dialled 999.

Audio of calls including for lost keys, a taxi home and a prank call are being released by West Midlands Ambulance Service as part of a week-long awareness campaign about inappropriate use.

A retired Kent academic may have sacrificed own life to save a friend A RETIRED academic may have sacrificed his own life to save a suicidal friend from being killed when she leapt on to a railway line, an inquest heard.

David Ashworth, 74, was hit by a train travelling at around 70mph after jumping on to tracks near Chartham railway station in Kent to save 38-year-old Ella Akehurst.

Having been unable to push mentally-ill Ms Akehurst out of the train’s path, it is believed Dr Ashworth positioned her on the track so she would not be hurt.

The inquest, at Margate Magistrates’ Court, heard the 10.22 Charing Cross to Ramsgate service carrying 41 passengers passed over Ms Akehurst, but killed father-of-two Dr Ashworth.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant coroner James Dillon, said: “The evidence from British Transport Police is that in attempting to assist Ms Akehurst, Dr Ashworth had placed himself in a perilous position.

“Presumably being unable to push her out of the path of the oncoming train, it is highly likely that he tried to position her so that she wouldn’t

suffer further injury.

“In so doing, he may have sacrificed the opportunity of getting himself out of harm’s way and, as a result, was hit and killed by the train.”

University of Manchester graduate Dr Ashworth - who retired from the University of Kent in 2003 - has now been nominated to the Cabinet Office for a posthumous civilian gallantry award.

The inquest heard that father-of-two Dr Ashworth, who lived in Sturry, near Canterbury, was a family friend and “unofficial carer” for Ms Akehurst, who suffered with bipolar disorder.

Bowie and his Tunbridge Wells family roots He had been constantly asked to continue touring, but after feeling nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ill on stage in 2004 in Germany, after which he had emergency TRIBUTES continue to flow in from heart surgery. From there he only across the world for music legend made fleeting live appearances David Bowie who died this week and on medical advice. But after had close family ties with Tunbridge decades of touring the world, he Wells. was content to focus on studio Fans have inundated the late rock recordings for his final musical star’s website and social media sites chapters. with praise for his hugely influential Jeremy Pritchard, who grew up in career over more than four decades.

Tunbridge Wells and has enjoyed Though he had lived latterly in New chart-topping success with his York, his family’s roots in Kent have band Everything Everything, felt not been forgotten by those who have that David Bowie had been a huge loved his music. influence on so many musicians Bowie’s mother, Margaret, grew up around the world.He said: “Last in Southborough and met the star’s year I was lucky enough to be in father Haywood Stenton Jones at Melbourne at the same time as Tunbridge Well’s former Ritz cinema, the V&A's exhaustive exhibition which now stands derelict awaiting of his life and work that I had eventual redevelopment. missed while it was in London.

MOTHER LOVE The couple moved to South London I was moved to tears by the end Bowie’s mum Margaret Jones (nee Burns) just before Bowie was born, but he of it. died in St Albans in 2001 famously attended Bromley Tech and “Bowie will forever be a guiding played a number of gigs across Kent light for musicians. One that says during his early years before finding fame in the late 1960s 'It's okay to take huge risks, okay to make mistakes, just with Space Oddity. don't be boring!' I constantly find that hugely comforting. I, Fans have flocked to buy Bowie’s 25th and final album, which like all musicians, artists, writers, fashionistas, freaks, lefties was released just last week on his 69th birthday. According to and weirdos of all kinds, owe him an enormous debt. RIP.” his publicist, he died with his friends and family at his side, The Tunbridge Wells HMV music store reported that copies having suffered from cancer for the past 18 months. of his new record, Blackstar, had sold out due to a huge Praise from the music community was equally forthcoming surge in demand. for the man who went by a number of exotic guises including A spokesperson for store said: “It was a real shock to hear Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, which propelled him to a that David had died - our stocks of the album have been global audience in the 1970s. completely wiped out. He was such an influential musician.”

Neill Barston

Wednesday 13th January 2016

NATIONAL BUSINESS �

Lidl Christmas sales up 18.5% as shoppers look for discounts ALMOST one in eight British consumers did their single biggest December grocery shop at either Aldi or Lidl, new figures show.

Lidl was the fastest growing supermarket overall over the Christmas period with sales up by 18.5%, thanks in particular to an expanded premium range which contributed to customers increasing their average basket size by 7% to £17.20, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

Premium Aldi followed with an increase in sales of 13.3%.

Waitrose, the Co-operative and Sainsbury’s also grew ahead of the market in the 12 weeks to January 3 as sales across the grocery market fell 0.2% on last year because of continuing price deflation.

Sainsbury’s was once again the best performer of the traditional supermarkets, with its premium Taste The Difference brand posting its biggest ever Christmas sales, and straightforward price cuts rather than multi-buy deals helping to attract an additional 114,000 shoppers, leading to a 0.8% sales increase on last year.

Tesco sales fell by 2.7%, while its market share dropped to 28.3%. Asda and Morrisons also saw their share declining to 16.2% and 11.0% respectively.

Kantar Worldpanel said Morrisons’ share loss was expected as it continued to feel the effects of recent store closures, while the retailer had not repeated last year’s Christmas Bonus loyalty cash promotion.

However the Bradford-based grocer today revealed a surprise rise in sales (see below) over the festive season, reporting a 0.2% rise in like-for-like sales excluding fuel in the nine weeks to January 3.

Waitrose benefitted from shoppers trading up at Christmas, as usual, leading to a sales increase of 1.5% and its market share increasing to 5.2%.

The Co-operative also won market share at Christmas for the first time since it acquired Somerfield,

seeing a sales growth of 1.4% to secure 6% of the market.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel, said: “Shoppers reaped the benefit of falling prices this Christmas, with groceries 1.8% cheaper than last year.

“The amount spent on a typical Christmas dinner fell even faster – down by 2.2% – mainly due to cheaper poultry and traditional vegetable trimmings.

Morrisons enjoys surprise boost SUPERMARKET Morrisons said customers are coming back to its stores as it posted a surprise rise in festive sales after its best Christmas for four years.

The Bradford-based grocer reported a 0.2% rise in sales at established stores, excluding fuel, in the nine weeks to January 3 in a marked turnaround after recent hefty sales declines.

Figures for the six weeks to January 3 showed an even better performance, with like-for-like sales up 0.5%.

But Morrisons said it would close another seven stores despite the improved trading, putting around 680 jobs at risk.

11

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Tube workers in Acas talks to avoid strike TALKS aimed at averting a series of strikes

by London Underground workers are to be held on Friday.

Leaders of Aslef, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and Unite will meet with LU bosses under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas.

Three 24-hour strikes have been called in the coming weeks in the long-running dispute over pay and plans for an all-night tube service.

Eggs leave sour taste THE maker of Cadbury Creme Eggs has defended the controversial change of recipe to the seasonal favourite after its Easter lines lost millions in sales last year.

Research by analysts IRI for trade magazine The Grocer found that the brand’s best-selling Easter lines lost more than £10 million in sales in 2015, narrowing its market share from 42% to 40%.

Asahi chases brands JAPANESE brewer Asahi is reportedly considering bidding for lager brands Peroni and Grolsch, being put up for sale as part of the takeover of SABMiller.

Asahi, which is known for its Super Dry Beer, confirmed it was looking at deals after reports at the weekend revealed it was eyeing the two brands for acquisition in a deal that is thought to be worth as much as 400 billion yen (£2.3 billion).

Wednesday 13th January 2016

12  INTERNATIONAL NEWS WORLD IN BRIEF

Cologne assaults: No links to organised crime THE New Year’s Eve assaults in Cologne and elsewhere blamed largely on foreigners were not linked to organised crime, a top German police official has said.

Authorities are looking into whether the robberies and sexual assaults by groups of men in Cologne were co-ordinated or linked to smaller-scale incidents in other cities.

Bullfighting banned INDIA’S Supreme Court has banned this year’s bullfighting ritual at a harvest festival in the south after protests from activists who say the sport amounts to animal torture.

The court also asked the Environment Ministry to respond to petitions from several animal rights groups that have campaigned to have the sport of Jallikattu permanently outlawed.

Food reaches Madaya AID convoys have delivered long-awaited food, medicine and other supplies to three besieged Syrian communities cut off for months by fighting amid reports that hundreds are on the brink of death.

Reports of starvation and images of emaciated children in Madaya have raised global concerns and underscored the urgency for new peace talks that the United Nations is hoping to host in Geneva on January 25.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Turkish suicide bomb kills tourists AN ISLAMIC State suicide bomber has detonated a bomb in a historic district of Istanbul popular with tourists, killing 10 people – at least nine of them German – and wounding 15 others, Turkish officials said.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said IS was behind the suicide attack, adding that Turkey is determined to battle the militant group until it no longer “remains a threat” to the country or the world.

Turkey’s state-run news agency said Mr Davutoglu held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to express his condolences.

Responsibility A senior government official confirmed that most of the victims were German. Ms Merkel had earlier said they were part of a German travel group.

“I strongly condemn the terror incident that occurred in Istanbul, at the Sultanahmet Square, and which has been assessed as being an attack by a Syria-rooted suicide bomber,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the bomber was a 28-year-old Syrian national whose “connections” were being investigated.

It was unclear whether the death toll of 10 included the bomber.

Ms Merkel, speaking at a news conference in Berlin yesterday, condemned the attack: “Today Istanbul was hit, Paris has been hit, Tunisia has been hit, Ankara has been hit before.

International terrorism is once again showing its cruel and inhuman face today.”

The explosion, which could be heard over a

HIGH ALERT Police secure historic Sultanahmet district wide area, hit a park that is home to a landmark obelisk, 30 yards from the historic Blue Mosque.

Turkey’s Dogan news agency said one Norwegian and a Peruvian were also among the wounded, and Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said a South Korean had a finger injury. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry told Norway’s news agency NTB that the Norwegian tourist was slightly hurt and was being treated in a local hospital.

Mr Kurtulmus said two of the wounded were in serious condition.

Germany and Denmark have warned their citizens to avoid crowds outside tourist attractions in Istanbul.

Last year, Turkey agreed to take a more active

role in the US-led battle against IS. Turkey opened its bases to US aircraft to launch air raids on the extremist group in Syria and has carried out a limited number of strikes itself.

It has also moved to tighten security along its 560-mile border with Syria in a bid to stem the flow of militants.

Police sealed off the Sultanahmet area, barring people from approaching in case of a second explosion, and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Sultanahmet is Istanbul’s main sightseeing area and includes the Topkapi Palace and the former Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia, now a museum.

•

NO EVEN MORE ITEMS UPTO

OFF WOMEN'S FASHION, MENSWEAR ACCESSORIES AND HOMEWARES

14  PEOPLE

Picture: BBC/Vinod Singh/Twofour

Rosemary’s big Indian adventure provides plenty of food for thought

THE MARIGOLD GROUP Left to Right: Bobby George, Rosemary Shrager, Roy Walker, Jan Leeming, Sylvester McCoy, Patti Boulaye, Wayne Sleep and Miriam Margolyes

CELEBRITY chef Rosemary Shrager is making a return to our screens with a new BBC reality show challenging stars to consider retiring in India.

The Tunbridge Wells food expert, who owns The Cookery School on The Pantiles, features in The Real Marigold Hotel, which follows in the footsteps of the hit movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Joining the star chef for the series are dancer Wayne Sleep, actress Miriam Margolyes, darts player Bobby George, former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy, TV presenters Jan Leeming and Roy Walker, and singer Patti Boulaye.

The show, which is set in a North Eastern Indian mansion house in

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Jaipur, traces their progress over three weeks as they attempt to adapt to a very different way of life and culture.

During their stay, the group is taken out of its comfort zone visiting a city slum, as well as encountering the area’s royal family at the Rambagh Palace.

The celebrities are also tasked with dividing domestic chores, including shopping and cleaning, with decisions to be made over employing staff to assist them – which Rosemary admitted led to tensions boiling over.

They also have the opportunity to take in some of India’s finest tourist sites, including the Taj Mahal, and experience elephant riding and learning Hindi during their adventure.

Speaking to our sister publication So Tunbridge Wells magazine, Rosemary, 64, described her three-week experience as “wonderful” and a great chance to examine life overseas.

“I’m certainly not ready to retire and I have a business to run. However, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go and just find out what it would be like,” said the chef, who has appeared on TV series that include Ladette to Lady, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! as well as her own series in which contestants were invited to cook in a Michelin starred restaurant.

As she admitted, the expe-

the most important thing was to learn a little of the language to get by. The meal was cooked, and if I was going to learn anything about India I had to give up the cooking temporarily.”

According to Rosemary, the male celebrities “wanted nothing to do” with the domestic arrangements, which resulted in the women of the house deciding to take on staff.

After putting in the early running with the cooking, the chef decided that taking events at a more leisurely pace made more sense She added: “I started doing some yoga, which was amazing. It’s the meditation that I was more interested in, as it was so peaceful. I then decided to find a guru and started having some meditation.

“This prompted me to take a little more care of myself. I then went to a spa which is wonderful.

I had the most amazing treatment with two women massaging me.

It was quite unnerving to begin with, but I got used to it.

“When I came to pay it was £10 for everything, which is definitely something about India I like. In the evening, I watched the sunset go down with Wayne, which was magical.”

Over the course of her three-week stay there were occasions to soak up some of India’s finest sights. The group were also given a crashcourse in

rience in the extreme heat often posed a number of challenges between housemates.

She said: “We were all extremely different people, so this was going to be interesting. We had to start running the house ourselves and nobody could make any decisions. Quite frankly, it was a nightmare – I took over and said I would do the cooking.

“So the first day I went to the market and asked Roy, Sylvester and Wayne to come along.

“We looked at spices and vegetables and then went to buy a chicken.

The man killed it by slitting its throat and putting it into a bucket with the lid on as it was still moving, which was not for me.

“The day was so hot at around 40 degrees, which was making me very frustrated in not understanding anything.

BEARING FRUIT However, at Rosemary Shrager’s that moment, bittersweet TV series

language skills in a bid to improve the quality of their experience.

“We took a train to Agra. This was my favourite moment of the whole trip,” enthused Rosemary.

“Wayne and I met a group of women who were on a pilgrimage which was going to take 24 hours.

They were singing and dancing and we decided to join in, which was magical. I had some Henna done and the people there were so lovely, they just accepted us.”

Despite some tensions between the housemates, Rosemary felt the overall challenge had been wellworth taking on. While she may not be quite ready to hang up her professional chefs’ knives just yet, her journey offered plenty of food for thought.

She added: “As the weeks went on, I found an inner peace. The whole atmosphere was spiritual, which I found very moving. The willingness and generosity to do anything was humbling. We can learn from how they take care of their elderly, they have so much respect.

“I would also like to explore more about the food, which is wonderful.

Where we were in Rajasthan was mostly vegetarian, led by grains, though some meat is eaten there.

In Southern India, it is fish and a lot of coconut based dishes – it is a country full of culinary diversity.

“We all left leaving a little bit of ourselves behind, and while I couldn’t retire there, I would love to go back.”

The three-part Real Marigold Hotel series is due to air later this month on BBC Two.

The film…

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy, was a significant box-office success on its release in 2012.

Based on the novel These Foolish Things, the movie followed the fortunes of a group of British pensioners seeking an adventurous alternative life in India for their retirement years.

The movie’s strong critical reception led to a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, last year. Despite it gaining some favourable reviews, plans for a third and final instalment have reportedly now been shelved.

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

15

Why separation and divorce can be a civilised affair If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone

BY STEPHEN WILMOT ALMOST 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives.

Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation.

Not to mention how you will cope financially and what you’ll tell the children.

The truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive and take the lead and put a stop to the

fighting, anger and hurt.

Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly both emotionally and financially and you must be prepared to invest in order to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future.

I am experienced in working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. I am a member of Resolution which means that I have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and am committed to solving your problems in a conciliatory way if possible – saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. I understand the emotional pressure and stress

you are going through and can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you to move on with your life.

Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others.

Out of hours appointments are available if required.

For a limited period , I am offering a free initial consultation for new applicants to discuss the options available. Due to high demand , I am therefore only able to offer 10 free 30 minute consultations up until 31st January 2016, and I know these will book up quickly.

Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want.

TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READERS OFFER Up until 31st January 2016, Keene Marsland are offering the first 10 new applicants the opportunity to meet with their expert Family Law Solicitor for an initial FREE CONSULTATION to discuss the options available to you. Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future, so please do call Keene Marsland today on - 01892 526442 or email times@keenemarsland.co.uk Keene Marsland Solicitors, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH 01892 526442 www.keenemarsland.co.uk

The truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

Keene Marsland is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . No 71480

Wednesday 13th January 2016

16 � RICHEST ROADS

Do you live in one of the

Survey reveals most expensive

VILLAGES surrounding Tunbridge Wells are giving the town a run for its money when it comes to house prices. That’s just one of the fascinating facts to emerge from our survey of the Richest Roads in the borough.

Although the top three Richest Roads are in Tunbridge Wells itself, six of the top 10 most expensive hotspots – 14 of the top 20 in total – are located in villages on the outskirts.

But property prices across the area in general remain healthy, with the vast majority of the top 50 roads boasting an average house value of over £1million.

Many of these addresses are proving so popular with the current residents that there have been very few property sales in recent years.

So, to compile the countdown, we’ve consulted the Zed Index, an estimate system put together

by online property site Zoopla.co.uk. Taking a variety of environmental and market factors into account, along with recent sold prices, the Index calculates a current average property value for each road.* We searched across the four postcode prefixes that cover Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area – TN1, TN2, TN3 and TN4 – to bring you the roads with the highest price tags.

THOSE THAT DIDN’T QUITE MAKE OUR TOP TEN:

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Road name

Average house value

Road name

Average house value

11. Franks Hollow Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3

£1,480,000

31. Etherington Hill, Tunbridge Wells TN3

£1,184,000

12. Hoghole Lane, Lamberhurst TN3

£1,424,000

32. Lake Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,170,000

13. Langton Ridge, Langton Green TN3

£1,411,000

33. Nevill Gate, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,163,000

14. Rosecroft Park, Farnham Lane, Langton Green TN3

£1,408,000

34. Upper Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,161,000

15. Broom Park, Broom Lane, Langton Green TN3

£1,399,000

35. Ospringe Place, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,140,000

16. Old House Lane, Fordcombe TN3

£1,393,000

36. Post Office Square, London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1

£1,127,000

17. Broom Lane, Langton Green TN3

£1,383,000

37. The Common, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,085,000

18. Ewehurst Lane, Speldhurst TN3

£1,383,000

38. Darnley Drive, Bidborough TN4

£1,070,000

19. Blatchington Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,374,000

39. Eden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1

£1,061,000

20. Clay Hill Road, Lamberhurst TN3

£1,350,000

40. Marlborough Close, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,034,000

21. Benhall Mill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3

£1,338,000

41. Major Yorks Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,029,000

22. Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,310,000

42. Dundale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3

£1,007,000

23. Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,310,000

43. St Marks Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,006,000

24. Decimus Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1

£1,293,000

44. Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN1

£975,000

25. Hungershall Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,290,000

45. Camden Hill, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£973,000

26. Richmond Place, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,278,000

46. St Lawrence Avenue, Bidborough TN4

£972,000

27. Rusthall Place, Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,256,000

47. Manor Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£965,000

28. Hurstwood Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£1,239,000

48. Royal Chase, Tunbridge Wells TN4

£957,000

29. Blackhurst Lane, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£1,215,000

49. Regent Place, Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2

£946,000

30. Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3

£1,198,000

50. Calverley Park Crescent, Tunbridge Wells TN1

£941,000

RICHEST ROADS �

17

Richest Roads in the borough? addresses and top postcodes in the area 1

HOLLYSHAW CLOSE, CAMDEN PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £3,033,000

With no property sales in recent years, it’s clear that our number one road is a big hit with residents, making it very exclusive. There are just a handful of detached houses, arranged along a tranquil close adjacent to the picturesque – and almost as exclusive – Camden Park, so it’s easy to see the appeal.

2

THE CROSSWAY, NEVILL PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN4 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £2,271,000

Of the two property sales made in this road during the last 10 years, both were around the £2million mark, making this the town’s second most desirable address. Overlooking the greenery of Nevill Park, The Crossway is located roughly halfway between The Pantiles and Langton Green, offering quick and easy access to the town’s most famous landmark.

3

CALVERLEY PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN1 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £2,127,000

According to Zed Index estimates, a property bought here five years ago will have seen its value increase by around 30%. Skirting the north and east sides of attractive Calverley Grounds, this soughtafter road is within a short walking distance of the town centre and the railway station.

4 Leading north out of Speldhurst, Barden BARDEN ROAD, SPELDHURST TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £2,050,000

Road boasts some impressive rural properties in a beautiful spot. Residents here can enjoy the peace of country life, while being just minutes away from the amenities of the village.

5

THE MIDWAY, NEVILL COURT, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN4 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,923,000

Like its neighbour, The Crossway, this road enjoys an enviable spot adjacent to Nevill Park. Similarly, only three residents have parted with properties here in the last decade. With fields all around and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club not far away, this is an understandably sought-after spot.

6There have been only three property sales BELLS YEW GREEN ROAD, FRANT TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,837,000

in the last 16 years on this road, which leads from Frant to its namesake village. With a choice of two pretty villages to visit and Frant railway station nearby, this road would be a good choice for a commuter looking for a rural retreat.

7

HOLMEWOOD RIDGE, LANGTON GREEN TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,624,000

This road has seen a flurry of property sales in the last two years, almost all of which have changed hands for well over £1million. Divided from the bulk of the village by the A264 Langton Road, this street is only about half a mile from the independent Holmewood House School.

8

SELBOURNE PARK, FRANT TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,603,000

POSTCODE LOTTERY How has your postcode prefix fared during 2015?

TN1 – Over the last 12 months, there have been 274 property sales across the entire TN1 postcode area, with an average paid price of about £357,000.

The Zed Index puts the current average property value slightly higher, at £376,000, which is an increase of 9%, or just over £31,000, since last year.

TN3 – The Zed Index puts the average property value for this area at £702,000 – an increase of nearly £49,000 on last year - which is significantly higher than the £542,000 paid average achieved this year.

However, that was across just 121 sales.

Set in a truly idyllic location on the fringe of the village, Sellbourne Park is a circular cul-de-sac just a short walk from the High Street. It’s probably no coincidence that this address is just a couple of hundred yards away from number six on our list, Bells Yew Green Road.

9

WADHURST ROAD, FRANT TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,517,000

Frant claims its third entry on our countdown with Wadhurst Road, which is further out than the others, to the south of the village. With a music school and a stables on the same road, children who are lucky enough to live here will not be short of hobbies.

10 The village of Groombridge, south west of

FLORANCE LANE, GROOMBRIDGE TN3 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE £1,506,000

Tunbridge Wells, rounds out our top 10. This is another address where residents are keen to stay – there have been only three property sales in the last five years. According to Zed Index estimates, those who’ve invested here will have seen their property’s value increase significantly since purchase.

RICHEST ROADS WHAT IS THE ZED INDEX?*

TN4 – Sales have been brisk in TN4 over the last 12 months, with nearly 490 properties changing hands. This has resulted in an average paid price of £389,000, while the Zed Index gives the average property value an increase of £28,000, to £420,000.

Zoopla.co.uk’s algorithim uses a variety of factors to work out a property’s current Zed Index value, with a combination of publicly available data and their own industry research.

These include: previous sold prices and nearby transactions; size, characteristics and similarities to other properties in the area; asking prices for similar properties nearby and changes in their market value.

Figures are correct at the time of writing. (Image source Zoopla heatmap)

TN2 – There was an increase of over 10% in the average property value in TN2 during 2015, adding more than £45,000 to bring it to £468,000. In reality, 381 sales produced an average paid price of £405,000.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

18 � LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells always wants to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Write to or email us using the contact details listed on page 2.

I WAS so interested to read that Tunbridge Wells was ranked as the 27th most desirable place to live in the UK. I was born here in 1963 and have been here all my life. This is such a great town. We have everything you could need: loads of choice for shops, a great selection of schools and the lovely, lovely Pantiles!

I am so happy this is where I’ve been able to raise my children and I think we should all feel very lucky to live in such a wonderful town.

Roll on next year’s rankings, we can make number one!

Rosemary Henderson Via email IT’S odd that, given all the baiting that Greg Clark has put up with recently about his undeclared position on Europe, I have to read in the Daily Telegraph that he is an “inner”. Why can he not simply come out and state the fact, or is this yet another example of his ducking and diving, playing both ends off against the middle: he wants his job on the front bench, but he does not want to alienate his electorate. Well, now his master has released him to follow his destiny, we must see how this fares with the voters.

Edward Baker Hilbert Rd, Tun Wells YOUR recent articles confirm my worst fears.

The decision on Heathrow or Gatwick expansion has been deferred so that more consideration can be given to environmental issues despite the Davies Commission giving a “clear and unanimous” decision in favour of Heathrow.

At the same time the Government has not to ruled out Gatwick, and Gatwick itself is making a last-ditched attempt to derail expansion at Heathrow by spending vast sums of money campaigning against Heathrow expansion, often making spurious statements.

What is lacking is a balanced and informed debate. The proposal for Heathrow expansion has come under increasing scrutiny but there has been no public debate on the increased air pollution and noise from an expanded Gatwick where the increase in emissions and aircraft noise would be just as great and where significant tracks of the greenbelt would be built-over for the new runway and the inevitable warehouses, light industry and car parks. And there has been no promise of a night-flight ban.

Chief Executive of Gatwick, Stuart Wingate, also recently announced that he expects traffic to reach a record 45 million passengers within three years.

How will Gatwick cope with these extra flights? I can see Gatwick arguing for an

Wednesday 13th January 2016

increase in their quota of take-offs and landings regardless of the eventual decision on an additional runway.

Readers should write to Greg Clark (at greg. clark.mp@parliament.uk) who has been extraordinary reticent to express a view and should support TWAANG (Tunbridge Wells Anti-aircraft Action Group) by emailing twaang00@gmail.com.

David Fenwick Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells MANY of us living on the west side of Tunbridge Wells are experiencing aircraft noise from early morning until late at night - and at particular times of the day, namely 6.30am to 9.30am, 10.00 to 12.00 noon then again 15.30 to 19.30 and 21.00 to 23.30 planes overhead every 90 seconds. During the summer it makes spending time outside unbearable and we are all dreading the possibility of a second runway at Gatwick - although I believe this will be foisted on us by politicians as they try to hold onto the large numbers of voters in Greater London and its close boroughs.

It seems such a shame that sense cannot prevail and knowing that the people around Manston are up for expanding there, that the powers that be cannot take up this proposal with greater enthusiasm - it is close to the coast - therefore no flying over populated areas and it has a suitable runway for larger aircraft.

With the power your paper holds in this area I do hope that you can bring the local people upto date with all that could be done to support less flights over us - this will help the downgrading of this beautiful historic town and the surrounding villages.

Carole Freeman Via email SO THE jolly holidays are over. This means all the students, who’ve come home for Christmas, leaving town and heading back to their mouldy

and leaky flats where they pretend to study.

I, myself, am making the four hour journey up to Sheffield so I always make sure I book my ticket well in advance to avoid the ridiculous on-the-day prices. However, even this process is not plagued with absurdity.

In one case, the price for the 160 mile journey from London to Sheffield was increased nearly threefold when I extended the ticket to start from Tunbridge Wells, rising from £33.80 to £95. On another date I realised that a First Class ticket was actually cheaper. I’m all for moneysaving surprises but could there be some sense to the system, rather than a lottery?

Martin Murray Via email I am writing to express my apprehension and disappointment concerning the information in your ‘Refugees “getting settled” in Kent’ article.

I am well aware of the financial restraints that every district of the country is dealing with but the intake of ten families over the next five years could barely be called a ‘commitment’.

We are a wealthy and sparsely populated area, with the lowest unemployment rate in the county and a strong Christian community.

Surely we can find it in our hearts (and our pockets) to help out these people in desperate need?

Charlie Howard Via email My sympathy goes out to the campaigners in Rusthall who are calling for a 20mph speed limit to be put in their high street. It is so sad to hear of such a high frequency of accidents.

Unfortunately I really don’t believe that it will have the effect they want.

Some people just want to zoom around in their overly-powerful cars that they want to drive on a racetrack but end up being stuck on small suburban roads. With decreasing traffic police presence, unless you put speed-bumps everywhere you are just not going to deter these reckless drivers.

Peter Salmon Via email After reading your reports that last December was the UK’s wettest months in more than a century is staggering and a huge worry and I feel so sorry for those whose lives have been devastated by flooding.

While it comes as no surprise it is also bizarre to think that this was also the warmest December since records began. In the week leading up to Christmas I was able to walk outside in just a shirt!

I have no idea what is going to happen in the future but it certainly will be interesting!

Katherine Slater Via email

Calverley CALVERLEY has had a soft spot for Sophie, Countess of Wessex ever since he bumped into her at a charity event in Tunbridge Wells when, instead of staying the allotted half an hour, she was there for nearly two hours. Plus of, course, she is a Kent College old girl (as is my own daughter). Anyway, word on the Mall is that Her Majesty shares my affection for Sophie. Seems she might even prefer her over mum-of-two Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. At least that’s the gossip. Not that Calverley believes in gossip!

TRAVELLING home from a late, long (very) lunch in town, himself watched an extraordinary sequence of events unfold on the train out of Charing Cross.

It was packed with commuters when a young lady (late teens) fought her way aboard. Passing down the aisle an older (much) chap asked her: “Would you like to sit on my lap”. Everyone was aghast when she replied “thank you” and spent the rest of the journey sitting on his lap chatting away to him. At Tunbridge Wells, Calverley, ever the sleuth, just had to follow them out of the station and saw the pair getting into the same waiting car. Naturally, he tapped on the window and asked what was going on. Apparently they met by accident on the train and it lead to a spontaneous wind up of other passengers; the gentleman was her dad!

TALKING of daughters, Calverley can tell the tale of the teenager who missed out on a night at The Forum (the place that started as a public toilet and has become one of the hottest spots for live music in the country) in case she came across her mother. Mrs B has a bit of a reputation as a party lover, in the nicest possible sense. But she does have the ability to embarrass, which is why daughter decided to see in the New Year well away from mum in another part of TW. Very wise.

ONE of Calverley’s many moles reported back on a scene that happened during a busy lunchtime in the Food Hall at M&S. Mother, father and pint-sized girl, about three, were approaching a checkout; mum having picked up a cake from the chiller counter. Suddenly, there was a piercing ‘noooooooooooooooo!’ from girl. Mother calmly enquired ‘what’s the matter?’ which gained a shrieking response: “We can’t have that cake.

It’s got jam in it and I hate jam!’ Father kept their place in the queue while mother went, feathers unruffled, to exchange it for a chocolate one and then asked ‘Is that alright?’ ‘Does it have jam in it?’ ‘No.’ ‘What, none at all?’ (Calmer now.) ‘No, none at all.’ ‘Alright then’. Start as you mean to go on madam.

Chin chin loyal readers…

EDUCATION ■

19

Written off as a ‘stupid’ teenager he went on to become a top teacher…

By Sarah Bond AT THE age of 16 David Neve was told “to leave school and stop wasting taxpayers’ money” because he would never amount to anything in life.

How wrong they were.

He went on to obtain a B.Ed (Hons) and become a teacher and is today the Deputy Mayor of Tunbridge Wells. Next May he will become the Mayor.

The truth was in those early days he suffered some learning difficulties and very few teachers at that time would help.

But he then went on to become a highly successful teacher himself, aiding others with learning difficulties, and did a degree which included special needs.

Struggles Cllr Neve told his impressive success story to make the point about the value of education and underline the fact that youngsters should never give up. It’s a subject dear to his heart.

He is Tunbridge Wells Borough’s longest-serving councillor. For most of his 30 years at the Town Hall he has represented St James’ Ward as a Liberal Democrat. He is also current Vice Chairman of the full council and has held several senior committee roles.

But many people may be surprised to hear of the struggles he faced in his early years with education,

and his resulting empathy with others suffering the same kinds of problems.

“For me it was all about changing lives,” he said of his academic career.

As a schoolboy, he had trouble trying to learn from traditional teaching methods, and his teacher wrote him off as stupid. But he just needed such subjects as maths explained using a different kind of logic.

“I was told at the age of 16 to leave school and stop wasting taxpayers’ money because I would never make anything of my life. That’s what I was told!” he reveals.

The man who told him that had expected Mr Neve would end up in a manual job, such as a caretaker. But when he next saw Mr Neve in a school again he was in for a shock.

“I eventually met the same guy again after I qualified as a teacher. It was in a staff room and I was wearing a jacket and tie like teachers used to wear in those days,” said Mr Neve who has now retired from teaching.

“I was looking at him and smiling and thinking ‘You don’t see many caretakers wearing this, do you, mate?’ And that is no denigration of caretakers.

“He didn’t apologise, and I just grinned at him then ignored him. He wouldn’t have been good enough to apologise, this guy.”

Mr Neve then explained the problems he suffered at school. “If someone tried to teach me something like equilateral equations, I would say ‘Why? How does that work – that goes over there and balances there? Why?’ and they’d say ‘Look at the book, read it’, and I’d say ‘No, I don’t understand, can you explain it?’ And they’d say ‘No it’s in there, read it’. When I got older I actually managed to talk to people and got through O level maths because I had a really lovely teacher.

“In the first year

‘I was told at the age of 16 to leave school and stop wasting taxpayers’ money because I would never make anything of my life’

at secondary I was probably about fourth in the year. But by the time we got to the fifth year and the exams I was about 64th.

“People had no time for me, because they wouldn’t explain the sums in a different way, which is why I have an affinity with people who have similar problems.”

Mr Neve has spent his life since then teaching others with learning difficulties.

“At one point I had a fantastic maths teacher who finally explained fractions etc, in a way I could understand,” he continued.

“To make sense to me, it had to be something concrete, something tangible. I don’t need theory, I need to know why, and that’s all it is, which is how I got into teaching. In a way I’ve taught that to other people.

“I was a primary school teacher first. Then I taught at a secondary school called Ridgeway, and then a school for kids with learning difficulties.

From that I went to work in Bromley with adults with learning difficulties.

Unusual SUCCESSFUL David Neve, now Deputy Mayor of Tunbridge Wells

“I worked with people who had a variety of conditions, such as ADHD, autism and those who can only use sign language, that sort of thing. I had one autistic person who even his handlers couldn’t handle, but he used to call me ‘Sir Dave’.

“His thing was buses, he could tell you anything about buses, and he even told me what day of the week I was born in 1952. He was brilliant.

“At Ridgeway, I was a new teacher in the first year remedials when kids had to stay at school until they were 16, and we had kids who were thinking ‘I don’t want to be here, I want to be out with my dad doing the labouring’ or whatever, so I got the first year of those.”

But he adopted some unusual teaching methods that really resonated with them.

“By Christmas, the deputy head, a lovely bloke and my mentor, said: ‘You haven’t given any of these kids detention, why?’ I said ‘I don’t have to’.

“He replied ‘But they don’t want to be here, so I thought there would at least be a few. What are you teaching them?’ When I told him maths and mental arithmetic, he was amazed.

“I said ‘It’s dead easy. We get the dartboard out, we throw darts and we count down’. Then he asked how we did fractions. I said ‘Well, we get the paper out and look at the races – I’d say ‘Newbury, 2.25 race, odds of 5-2 – what’s that as a fraction?’ The kids would reply ‘That’s 2 ½ to 1, Sir’.

“I would relate maths to money in terms of buying something, asking ‘How much change are you going to get?’

“I would also say: ‘If you don’t learn how to read, how are you going to have a conversation in a pub about the latest story in the newspaper?

“There was no way I had to give any of those children detention because I had grabbed everybody’s attention.”

Wednesday 13th January 2016

20 n KEEPING FIT

Smart and affordable workouts With almost 50 gyms nationwide, Fit4Less offers a smarter way to exercise, by doing away with the luxuries and focusing on what matters most – the health and wellbeing of its members. As a new branch opens in Tunbridge Wells, managing director Charles Foulkes tells us what to expect in 2016 Tell us about the background of Fit4Less The whole concept and vision of Fit4Less is to provide top-quality gym facilities, but without the frills. It’s comparable to Premier Inn or EasyJet as a concept; the things that cost a lot of money to provide are stripped out, so we don’t have swimming pools, saunas or fluffy towels, but what we do have is brand new, top of the range exercise equipment, friendly, qualified staff, clean, modern premises and long opening hours. The vision is to make fitness facilities affordable and accessible to everybody. By cutting out the frills, we bring the cost right down to the ground so that a lot of people can afford to use a nice gym who otherwise couldn’t afford to do so.

How did it come to Tunbridge Wells?

Fit4Less is a franchise, which has been going for over 10 years, and there are nearly 50 active franchise businesses around the country. I’m the franchisee for Tunbridge Wells and opened this branch just before Christmas on December 17.

It sounds like no coincidence that you opened a gym just before the New Year rush…

We worked very hard to be ready before Christmas so that we could just get in and hit the ground running in the New Year. We’ve been really overwhelmed by all the good feedback we’ve had.

There are dozens of people joining every day, and we’re very pleased with the take-up and well on course to hit all our ambitions and targets.

Why set up a branch in High Brooms?

In the whole of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, there was nothing at this sort of price point.

We’re less than half the price of any of the other gyms that are currently open, and High Brooms is in a nice position where people from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge can reach it.

We’re very close to a lot of people’s workplaces, so they can come at lunchtime, or after or before work; we’re close to the station, so commuters can use us; and we’re also close to a lot of residential areas and about equidistant to all

Wednesday 13th January 2016

DONATION From left to right: Owner Charles Foulkes, gold-medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, staff member Ben Turke, footballer Jimmy Corbett and triple jumper Michelle Griffith-Robinson the other gyms, so it just seemed like the perfect location. Plus it’s a really great building for us to convert as we have done.

You were recently visited by Dame Kelly Holmes – what can you tell us?

We were thrilled to have Kelly Holmes pay us a visit, and equally thrilled because she was here with her charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, which does fantastic work helping disadvantaged young people who are struggling to get into employment, education or training to build their confidence and get ‘On Track to Achieve’ via sport, with the help

of ex-elite sportspeople.

Kelly was her usual charming self and seemed to have endless patience to have selfies taken with people and chat to all the members. She actually visited us when the premises was a building site in the early days, and I think it’s fair to say she was very impressed with the transformation and how bright, clean and nice the whole place is now.

who was a triple jumper in the Olympics, and Jimmy Corbett, who played professional football for Gillingham and the Blackburn Rovers. They were here with a group of 16 young people, who really enjoyed themselves and had a fantastic time experiencing the gym environment and talking to our personal trainers about career opportunities in the fitness business.

It must have been an inspirational experience for young people on the day…

Kelly was here with two other retired elite sportspeople: Michelle Griffith-Robinson,

What advice would you give to new clients to help them avoid giving up their New Year’s resolutions?

If they commit to three half-hour sessions a

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Music studio and gym feature in stunning detached house Page 38 1950s property with additional brick-built studio

Striking Tunbridge Wells penthouse in iconic building

Family home in sought after Wadhurst location

Page 47

Pages 32-33

Pages 22-23

Wednesday 13th January 2016

22  PROPERTY PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Andrew Jenner FRICS Senior Partner, Jenner Jones Chartered Surveyors

New Year: New Home?

Moving home is often on many people’s minds at this time of year. For a first time buyer or someone moving on, buying a property can be a daunting prospect and is likely to be one of the largest purchases of your life. Commissioning a RICS survey report makes good sense.

Not only do RICS surveys describe the general condition of the property, they can indicate any serious defects, provide you with details of future expenditure and advise you on whether the property is worth the money being paid.

If you are buying a property with a mortgage, your lender will arrange for a valuation indicating what the property is worth but this will not necessarily describe its condition and the valuer doesn’t have to tell you about any defects.

Faults in buildings are common. Some are serious and can get worse, such as settlement or structural movement, and will devalue the property. Some may lead to future problems such as rising damp causing timber rot, while others may be serious but easy to repair, such as a missing roof tile. In some buildings, defects are only detectable through specialist tests and your surveyor will be able to advise.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors publishes helpful guides to buying a property. Any RICS surveyor will be happy to talk to you about the different surveys available and any particular concerns you may have about the property you are interested in. And once you have received the report, your surveyor will be pleased to discuss it with you in more detail.

Furthermore, take a look at www. homesurveys.co.uk where you can read about the different RICS surveys and obtain further advice and information.

info@jennerjones.co.uk 0845 3799 100 With offices in Kent, Sussex and London

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 13th January 2016

SEPTEMBER COTTAGE MONKS LANE, WADHURST

£850,000 – £875,000 Conveniently located country house

S

EPTEMBER Cottage is a good sized family home in a convenient and sought after location near Wadhurst. Accommodation on the ground floor includes an entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room with open fireplace, dining room, refitted kitchen/breakfast room with central island unit and integral appliances, and a utility room with a door leading to a covered side

area that has planning permission to enclose.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has lovely open views and a range of built-in cupboards along with an en-suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms and two single bedrooms, all with further built-in cupboards and eaves storage, and a separate family bathroom.

To the front of the property there is a driveway

providing an off-road parking area for several vehicles. A gate and pathway lead to the front door with lawns to both sides and an attractive willow tree. Steps lead up the bank to the side where there is a further area of garden enclosed by hedging and to the rear is a paved patio area and further lawn. In all, the gardens extend to approximately 0.6 of an acre.

PROPERTY 

23

AT A GLANCE

‘A gate and pathway lead to the front door with lawns to either side and an attractive willow tree. ’

■ Good sized family house

■ Kitchen/breakfast room

■ Lovely setting

■ Utility room

■ Plentiful storage

■ Sitting room

■ Driveway providing off-road parking ■ Master bedroom with en-suite ■ Large gardens of around 0.6 bathroom of an acre ■ Four further bedrooms

■ Dining room

■ Family bathroom

■ Entrance hall ■ Cloakroom

£850,000 - £875,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 13th January 2016

24  PROPERTY

5 tips for adding a bedroom PRODUCT OF THE WEEK Light up your front garden this winter with the Antler Brushed Stainless Steel Wall Light With PIR (reduced to £34.99, Screwfix). This outside light is a modern take on a traditional lantern and would look great on both period and more modern properties. The PIR sensor means the light comes on when you’re fumbling for your keys in the dark as you approach your front door. It can also be operated by a switch if you want to control it from inside, giving you the best of both worlds.

‘When you come to sell, remember that couples and sharers will probably be looking for good-sized double bedrooms’

By Julia Gray

1

THE most obvious place to put an extra bedroom is upstairs, with all the others, and sometimes it’s possible to use the space you already have. For example, if the main bedroom spans the front of the house, you may be able to divide it in two, as long as each room has a window. This may not be as satisfactory as adding space, but it can work well if your home is big enough and you’re on a limited budget. When you come to sell, remember that couples and sharers will probably be looking for good-sized double bedrooms, while families may be happier to have more, smaller bedrooms, if it means one for each child.

2

Unless you have to sacrifice a bedroom to accommodate the staircase up to the loft, a better option may be converting the loft into a bedroom (or bedrooms). If you can also fit a bathroom or shower room up there, and built-in storage, you’ve created the perfect suite. The best loft conversions boast a dormer window across almost the entire width of the house, although not all homes can have this because of planning restrictions. Ideally, the line of the roof should also be altered from sloping to ‘straight’ (viewed from the front or back) so that what was air above the roof becomes room, giving you the most usable space.

3 Wednesday 13th January 2016

Creating a downstairs bedroom, and preferably a bathroom or shower room next to it, can work, providing your

home’s layout is suitable. Ground-floor extensions are usually used to add kitchen, dining and living space, but they can include bedrooms. A two-storey extension may be better because you can create extra living space downstairs and bedrooms upstairs, and it should be cheaper than doing both a ground-floor extension and a loft conversion.

However, you might not get planning permission for a two-storey extension, whereas ground-floor extensions and loft conversions can often be done without planning, assuming your home has standard permitted development rights.

4

Another way to add a bedroom is converting your garage. If the garage is mostly used for storage and the stuff can be stored elsewhere, the garage could be more useful and valuable as a bedroom, as long as it’s converted properly and sympathetically. You could even put a bedroom on top of the garage, as long as there’s space to build above it and for a new corridor on the first floor.

5

Cellar conversions are popular now, especially in expensive urban areas where it’s hard to add space elsewhere.

For most of us, converting our cellar won’t mean creating the type of underground ‘palaces’ that make the headlines, but even modest cellar conversions can be expensive to do, not least because they have to be tanked and usually involve underpinning.

Cellar bedrooms aren’t generally the lightest, brightest spaces, but creating one is often preferable to moving home.

USEFUL TIP

To clear a blocked downpipe, make a hole in the blockage with a wire coat hanger, and wiggle the coat hanger to loosen the blockage.

Put a hosepipe in the top of the downpipe and turn it on fully - the flow of water through the hole should dislodge the blockage.

Gl

§

"'m

well placed for Front Station.

Available with 100% Part Exchange* or Stamp Dutyt paid.

Prices from £420,000 to £1, 185,000

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 SHU

CALL 01892 628 676 CALA.CO.UK

TWT13JAN tPlot specific incentive, for reservations taken before the 30th January 2016. Based on full asking price. Visit cala.co.uk/ terms for full terms and conditions. *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA's purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to l 00% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer. Visit cala.co.uk/ terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria.

FRANT,

LANGTON GREEN,

KENT

KENT

7 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + set in approximately 2000 acres of deer park + parking for several cars + beautiful maintained gardens + Council Tax=G + EPC=F

5 bedrooms + 5 shower rooms + family bathroom + sitting room + kitchen/dining room + garden and garage + Council Tax=G + EPC=C

£3, 750 pcm + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£4,250 pcm + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

"' ~ ~ .. ~ - ~, ~ · "11 ; 'fi ,,,:.. '~~ '

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CRANBROOK,

.

KENT

HARTFIELD,

EAST SUSSEX

Oast house + 7 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 2 reception rooms + gardens + large pond + 272.5 sq m (2,934 sq ft) + Council Tax=G + EPC=E

7 bedrooms + 7 bathrooms + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfastroom + lovely gardens + delightful rural position + excellent condition throughout + Council Tax=H + EPC=D

£3,500 pcm + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£6,500 pcm + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/ occupant/ 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.

ST JOHNS ROAD,

UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Period town house + well-placed for grammar schools + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast Town house with off-street parking + 0.3 miles MLS + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + LGF studio + garden + 2,078 sq ft + EPC=D room + 6 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + front and rear gardens + 2,515 sq ft + EPC=D

Guide £895,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Guide £765,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

OPEN HOUSE SAT 16TH BY APPOINTMENT

CRESCENT ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

KENT

Modern town house in a central location + sitting/dining room + 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + private garden + 2 allocated parking spaces + 1, 134 sq ft + EPC=C

1/2 bedroom maisonette + tucked away in a private road + 0.4 miles town and MLS + 1/2 reception rooms + kitchen + 2 bathrooms + garden + 808 sq ft + EPC=C

Guide £475,000 Freehold

Guide £315,000 Leasehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

28  PROPERTY

ACORN HOUSE, BIDDENDEN

£995,000

Exclusive detached residence in private development A

CORN House is a detached family home set in more than an acre of landscaped gardens and forming part of a small exclusive residential development on a private nothrough road. Set in the desirable village of Biddenden, the popular town of Cranbrook lies around three miles to the east.

Ground floor accommodation includes a reception hall, well-proportioned sitting room with open fireplace, interconnecting dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances, adjacent utility room with direct access to the double garage and cloakroom. There are four generous first floor bedrooms, two

Wednesday 13th January 2016

of which benefit from en-suite shower rooms. One of the bedrooms is currently used as a home office and there is a family bathroom.

Acorn House is approached via electric double gates. The driveway leads to the side of the house where there is parking for a number of cars and access to a garage via electric doors.

The landscaped gardens are an attractive feature and comprise level lawns interspersed with an array of mature trees and shrubs, an ornamental pond and a generous brick paved terrace. There are storage sheds for garden equipment and wood.

AT A GLANCE ■ Detached family home

■ Utility room

■ Set within landscaped gardens

■ Cloakroom

■ Part of an exclusive small development in no-through road

■ Two bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms

■ Entrance hall ■ Sitting room

■ Two further bedrooms, one used as an office

■ Dining room

■ Family bathroom

■ Study

■ Attached double garage

■ Kitchen/breakfast room

■ Attractive landscaped gardens of more than an acre

£995,000 - For sale through Savills 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

PROPERTY 

29

‘Set in the desirable village of Biddenden.

The popular town of Cranbrook lies around three miles to the east’

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Situated in a convenient and popular location a superb 4 bedroom detached house backing onto and with use of a beautiful private park. EPC:D

Langton Green £799,950 Spacious 6 bedroom detached family house situated in a small cul de sac in this popular village with a superb kitchen/dining room and separate office building. EPC: D

Mayfield £799,950 An exceptional and superbly presented 4 bedroom detached home in a semi rural location with lovely gardens and countryside views. EPC:C

Lamberhurst £799,950 A charming and unique 4 bedroom Grade II Listed house, forming part of the exquisite Bayham Abbey and offering spacious and versatile accommodation.

Wadhurst £785,000 An individual 3 bedroom detached country house with wonderful rural views set in gardens and grounds of about 2.5 acres. EPC:C

Tunbridge Wells £745,000

Tunbridge Wells £935,000

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

Spacious well arranged 4 bedroom detached family house with good size gardens on the edge of the town in quiet cul de sac. EPC:D

Robertsbridge ÂŁ2,250,000 In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a characterful country house with expansive accommodation set amidst marvellous landscaped gardens and grounds together with an Oast House and a large detached Studio. In total approximately 16.5 acres. EPC: C

We are making the most of our extensive network of 33 London branches by offering to take your property right to the doorsteps of active buyers and tenants in the Capital as part of The Roadshow on Saturday r2th March.

To ensure your property is showcased at this exclusive event, contact us today. The deadline for inclusion is the 7th March 20I6.

I

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t

DCJ

32  PROPERTY

MOLYNEUX PARK ROAD

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£975,000

Wednesday 13th January 2016

PROPERTY �

33

A view over Tunbridge Wells from impressive penthouse

AT A GLANCE n Penthouse apartment in prestigious building n Elevated position with superb views n Reception hall

C

ONVERTED into 40 apartments by Rydon Homes in 2004, Molyneux Place is one of Tunbridge Wells’ most iconic buildings with attractive gated communal grounds surrounding the property. The Windsor Suite is a luxury, light and spacious, third floor penthouse apartment enjoying good ceiling heights and far reaching views over the town from a majority of rooms.

The well-appointed accommodation incorporates surround sound and stylish fittings, contemporary bathrooms and an attractive kitchen with breakfast bar and integrated appliances. Two well-proportioned and adaptable reception rooms are arranged to make the most of the views through big sash picture windows. A master suite with shower room, second double bedroom with en-suite shower room and a cloakroom

n Drawing room complete the accommodation on this floor.

But it is from the upper floor that the lovely outlook can be fully appreciated.

A galleried sitting area on this level incorporates a tucked away private study and opens out to a private decked dining terrace with superb views over the roof tops and beyond The Windsor Suite benefits from two allocated parking spaces, one underground and one at ground level. The apartment is accessed via stairs or lift from an elegant communal entrance hall on the ground floor.

n Dining room n Kitchen n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with shower room n Second bedroom with shower room n Spiral staircase n Galleried sitting area n Study area n Private decked roof terrace n Two allocated parking spaces n Gated communal gardens

£975,000 - For sale through Savills 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

34  PROPERTY

Gardening trends for the new year

By Hannah Stephenson

A

S WE plan for new beds, borders, patio plantings and hard landscaping, it's a good time to find out what followers of fashion will be doing to their gardens in the New Year.

But does the average gardener really follow trends? Well, we no longer see the sky blue fences that once graced many a garden in the classic makeover show Ground Force, and the popularity in certain annual bedding plants has diminished in favour of more low-maintenance, permanent planting - but do true gardeners follow fashion?

"I think fashion in gardening is a fallacy because people will buy their favourites and it's wildly influenced by what's in production," says Andy McIndoe, plantsman, lecturer for www.mygarden-school.com, writer and blogger, who won 25 consecutive Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as managing director of Hillier Nurseries.

However, certain trends will continue in the New Year because of people's awareness of the importance of protecting the planet.

"People are growing fewer bedding plants and more and more seed-raised perennials, opting for varieties that are single flowered, naturalistic and attractive to bees and butterflies. Wildlife planting will continue to increase in popularity," he says.

The recent news that more than three-quarters of the UK's butterflies have declined in the last 40 years should only encourage this trend, with more people planting varieties including scabious, buddleia, Michaelmas daisies, thistles, wild rocket

and catmint, along with other insect-attracting plants.

"All of the shaggy, natural-looking plants are popular, along with “Today you are seeing a lot of lilac blue, rich purple and soft greens, in a trend which will continue through the year. You may get purples and blues in tulips in spring - it’s not about yellow daffodils.” any of the single daisies such as leucanthemum. Gaillardia (a great nectar source) used to be a rather zinnia-like subject but it's still very popular," says McIndoe.

"Anything to do with bees has become cult, which has had a huge influence on the garden chemical market. People are really wary of anything that isn't nature-friendly and organic."

People are not as enthusiastic about having immaculate lawns as they once were, McIndoe observes.

"People aren't as fussy about having a perfect green sward and unfortunately those that have small gardens and want a perfect lawn are increasingly using artificial grass, while others opt for alternative landscaping surfaces such as gravel or paving."

While the trend in 'grow your own' is ever popular, more gardeners are looking at “Anything to do with bees has become a cult, which has had a huge influence on the garden chemical market. People are really wary of anything that isn’t naturefriendly and organic.”

ornamental vegetables that they can mix with "It will be time to make good use of reliable flowers in beds and borders. stalwarts like euonymus and Viburnum davidii.

"The association with celebrity chefs They may be mistaken for boring, but people are such as Raymond Blanc and Jamie really happy with the overall results once these Oliver, who want their gardens plants are in the ground. to look good as well as produce "The landscapers and designers need to work great crops, has done well for the on their plant knowledge and specifically the profile of mixing flowers and right plant for the right situation rather than just vegetables." following what the catwalk designers are using.

David Mitchell, plant buyer "Show gardens influence what people plant, but for Wyevale Garden Centres, they represent a moment in time for a wow effect, predicts that peony roses, not a long-term garden scheme." dicentra, ferns and grasses will Mitchell says that customers interested in be popular next year, along with convenience and guaranteed results are likely to impulse herbaceous perennials. find solution-based concepts useful, like recipe "Hot colours like Papaver cards for herbaceous borders. nudicaule 'Spring Fever Red', Dahlia Shrub lines grown as trees are expected to be 'Fifteen Love' (deep orange-red flowers and popular in 2016 and will encourage us to think dark foliage) and Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' differently about Cytisus battandieri (pineapple (mixed colours) should do well, as should dark broom), Sambucus 'Black Lace', Ceanothus colours like Salvia 'Amistad', 'Love and Wishes' 'Trewithen Blue' and Osmanthus burkwoodii. and 'Joy'."

"I'm predicting a renaissance for traditional McIndoe says: "Today you are seeing a lot of shrubs using their unique windows of impact to lilac blue, rich purple and soft greens, in a trend get colour every month of the year as customers which will continue through the year. You may realise they tick another two boxes alongside get purples and blues in tulips in spring - it's not colour - great value and easy to look after," says about yellow daffodils."

Mitchell.

Time-strapped householders will continue to want low-maintenance plants, he BEST OF THE BUNCH - Festuca continues.

Grasses are popular plants for both "People want very simple, contemporary and traditional gardeners low-maintenance gardens and they are wonderful at this time of and it will be a big year for tucking into winter pots among challenge for the people contrasting shrubs and seasonal designing them to come flowering plants. Festuca glauca up with the goods ('glauca' means covered in a bluishbecause often they are white bloom) provides neat fountains of silvery blue foliage all year round and not using enough good, works well underplanted with basic, hard-working tall shrubs. evergreen plants which actually are low-maintenance.

"I'm predicting a renaissance for traditional shrubs using their unique windows of impact to get colour every month of the year as customers realise they tick another two boxes alongside colour - great value and easy to look after," says Mitchell.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK ■ Put rabbit guards around

hardwood cuttings of hardy

newly-planted trees and

climbers now to save time in

shrubs to protect them from

spring.

bark damage.

■ If the weather is still mild,

■ Check pots of winter-flowering bulbous irises under glass

repair lawn edges around

for signs of drying out. If

beds and borders.

necessary water the compost

■ Shake off leaves from nets protecting ponds.

■ Propagate lilies by planting

to keep it moist.

■ Prick over the top of the compost of sweet peas sown

scales to half their depth in

in pots in October, to aerate

boxes or pots of John Innes No

the compost.

1 compost. Set in a cold frame.

■ Take advantage of good days to clean cloches.

■ Check lettuce under cloches or in frames and ventilate in suitable conditions.

■ If weather permits, take

Wednesday 13th January 2016

■ Lift and store celery - it can be heeled in just outside the back door, for easy use. It can also be thickly mulched in situ, using straw or bracken held in place with fleece and hoops of wire, and then lifted when needed.

The recent news that more than three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies have declined in the last 40 years should only encourage this trend, with more people planting varieties including scabious, buddleia, Michaelmas daisies, thistles, wild rocket and catmint, along with other insect-attracting plants.

we open doors torrou...

BarnesKingsnorth

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BarnesKingsnorth

Call us for your FREE VALUATION , ,' : · .

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Residential Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

e. pemburyrabkea.co.uk

Tonbridge: 01732 771616 e. tonbridgerabkea .co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616

e. Lettings rabkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

·"""·

THESUNDAYTIMES

T-"!:AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

THE altlift.TIMES

French Street, nr Westerham - Guide Price £2,550,000 Set in a sought after hamlet near the historic market town ofWesterham, a handsome country house of quality with exceptional views and approximately 1.95 acres oflandscaped grounds, a swimming pool, tennis court and outbuildings. EPC: E

Old Chelsfield - Guide Price £600,000 An exceptionally well-presented, detached, three bedroom house with a refitted kitchen, bathroom and conservatory and feature staircase. EPC: G

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423127

I

sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

West Kingsdown - Guide Price £620,000 A most characterful and charming, detached, four bedroom bungalow conveniently located for transport links and sought-after schools. EPC: C

Drl

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

Thinking of moving home soon?

37

You’ve made the decision to move, found your dream home and your offer has been accepted. Feelings of excitement and apprehension set in and all you want is the whole process to end with you safely ensconced in your new home. So what steps can you take to ensure that the process will run smoothly and costly mistakes are avoided? Well, skimping on surveys and conveyancing can cost you dearly in the long run. So here are some top tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible. will not visit the property themselves, so should there be something you feel uncertain about bring it to their attention and they will provide you with the options available in order to try to resolve the issue.

5

REMEMBER TO ARRANGE BUILDING INSURANCE FROM THE DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS. From exchange of contracts you will be legally responsible for the structure of the property. This is often overlooked and can potentially have serious consequences. Make sure you have buildings insurance cover in place from this date.

With this being said and the potential risks of buying a home with hidden problems amounting to thousands of pounds in potential outgoings, why would you cut corners for the sake of a few pounds when the risks are so large?

For your FREE copy of The Kent Guide to Buying and Selling your Home, or for further advice regarding your buying/selling experience, contact Max Barford Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells today and speak to one of my property team on 01892 539 379 or email times@maxbarford.co.uk

2

DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE HAPPY TO RELY ON THE MORTGAGE LENDER’S VALUATION OR DO YOU REQUIRE A FULL SURVEY. A lender’s valuation is an assessment carried out by and for the benefit of the lender in order to check that the property presents adequate security for its loan should you default and the property has to be sold. However, it does not report on actual faults in the property. For many, a Home Buyer’s Report, which will expose problems such as damp, dry rot and subsidence, is adequate but if you are buying an older house or unusual home a full structural survey will be a wise investment.

You wouldn’t buy a car without the

4

3

E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

1

GET YOUR MORTGAGE AGREED FIRST Although borrowing from banks and building societies has improved recently, it is not a given. So to avoid disappointment, check you can get the mortgage you need before starting the process. You can get a mortgage agreement in principle secured first, but remember that this is an indication and not a legal agreement.

CHOOSE YOUR CONVEYANCING SOLICITORS WITH CARE For a free copy of the Kent Guide to Buying and Selling If you take the risk of buying without Your Home or for further advice regarding your home REMEMBER TO FACTOR IN the support and guidance of an buying/selling experience just complete and cut out this THE TRUE COST OF MOVING. expertly trained legal conveyancer, you coupon and post to the address below. Alternatively call Mortgage arrangement fees, run the risk of walking into a financial or email us today quoting reference MBRTO104 survey fees, legal costs and removal booby trap which can seriously hamper costs are all substantial costs of moving. your progression up the property Telephone 01892 539 379 However, the often overlooked but most ladder. You should also make sure or Email times@maxbarford.co.uk expensive cost is Stamp Duty Land Tax you know who you are instructing (SDLT) which varies dependent on the and that the firm is registered with a Name value of the property purchased. If you regulatory body such as the Solicitors purchase a property above £125,000 Regulation Authority. There are bogus Address SDLT becomes payable. Recent changes law firms out there who will take your to SDLT have been introduced to try money and then close up shop which to make the tax fairer. Under the old means you lose the money and your regime the SDLT percentage rates dream home. That is why it is essential increased at various thresholds. Under that you get the advice and guidance the old rules SDLT was payable at a you need every step of the way from single rate on the whole transaction a known reputable law firm. They are value. From 4th December 2014, SDLT there to help you avoid the pitfalls of is payable on a sliding scale depending what can be a murky area. on the portion of the purchase price The cheapest option may not always Tel.No that falls within each rate band. There prove to be the best. Remember, this is no doubt that the SDLT changes will may well be the biggest purchase you’ll Email be of benefit to many home buyers. For make and you want to be sure that you example, under the old regime, Stamp know what you are buying. You should Duty Land Tax payable on a purchase be able to contact your conveyancer Max Barford & Co price of £350,000 would be £10,500 and fully understand what is happening 16 Mount Pleasant Road and under the new regime it would at each step of the move. If you are Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU be £7,500 - representing a saving not sure, ask! One further point to www.maxbarford.co.uk of £3,000. bear in mind is that your conveyancer Max Barford & Co. is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No. 71480 knowledge of a service history, so why would you run this financial risk when buying a house?

M HO

BY DEBORAH MILLER

Wednesday 13th January 2016

38 ďż˝ PROPERTY

Detached music studio in beautifully presented home

AT A GLANCE MAYFIELD LANE, WADHURST n Attractive detached family house n Exceptional views n Potential to extend n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Kitchen/dining/family room n Sitting room n Utility room n Study n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Detached garage converted into music studio/gym n Off-road parking n Mature gardens of 0.8 of an acre

ÂŁ1,395,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

S

ET close to Wadhurst, The Robins is a superb detached house with far reaching rural views and has the potential to extend, subject to planning.

The accommodation throughout is very well presented and the house is set in stunning grounds featuring a large, spring fed pond to the front.

Accommodation on the ground floor includes an excellent triple aspect kitchen/dining room/

family room with a range of bespoke American walnut units, integral appliances, breakfast bar and bi-folding doors opening to the garden.

There is also a fine triple aspect drawing room including a feature fireplace, a study with fitted shelving and a sitting room at the front of the house currently used as a cinema with an HD projector and electric drop down screen.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom has extensive storage and a large en-suite

bathroom. A guest bedroom also benefits from an en-suite bathroom and three further bedrooms are all very well served by the family bathroom.

The property boasts handsomely kept gardens and grounds extending to around 0.8 of an acre, including a wide selection of mature plants, shrubs, trees and several areas of lawn. There is plenty of private parking and a detached garage has been converted to a

This Weeks New Listings

The Mews, Southborough - Four Stunning New Build Properties - Three Bedrooms - Light & Airy Living/Dining Room

Guide Price £385,000- £400,000 Freehold

- Beautiful Modern Kitchen With Integrated Appliances - Downstairs Cloakroom - Alarm System

Norton Road, Southborough - Stunning New Build Property - Three Double Bedrooms - Set Over Three Floors - En-Suite To Master Bedroom

-

- Plenty Of Storage - Off-Road Parking - Pretty Rear Garden -10 Year LABC Guarantee

Guide Price £400,000 To £425,000 Freehold

Aprox 1022 Sq Ft Highest Of Build Specification Local Family Property Developer Pretty Courtyard Garden

-Walking Distance To Local Schools, Amenities & Station - Off-Road+ Visitor Parking - 10 Year New Homes Warranty

Henwood Green Road, Pembury - Three Double Bedrooms - Large Living Room With Feature Fireplace - Spacious Study

Priced At £499,995 Freehold

- Lovely Conservatory Overlooking Pretty Gardens to front and rear - Internal Garage & Off-Road Parking - Beautiful Gardens To Front & Rear

Bedford Road, Southborough - Newly Built In 2012 - Two/Three Bedrooms - Open Plan Living/Kitchen/ Dining Room

-

OfThe Property - Huge Loft Ideal For Storage - Set In A Peaceful Location - EPC Rating D-60

Guide Price £300,000 To £320,000

Finished To A High Standard Enclosed Courtyard Garden Under Cover Off-Road Parking Excellent Location For Schools,

Amenities & Mainline Train Station - Chain-Free

New Listings Awaiting Photography Keston Park, Near Bromley

Royal Wells Park, Tunbridge Wells

Carville Avenue, Southborough

Seven Bedroom Detached Property Circa £6,000,000 Freehold

Five Bedroom Townhouse Priced At £1.095,000 Freehold

Five Bedroom Semi-Detached Property Guide Price £550,000 To £575,000 Freehold

Tunbridge Wells

I

Edenbridge

I

Rotherfield

I

Lewes

I

Associated London Office

40 � PROPERTY

KINGSBURY HOUSE

CASTLE HILL, ROTHERFIELD

£1,995,000

Substantial Sussex farmhouse with views O

RIGINALLY constructed in the 1930s, Kingsbury House occupies an enviable, slightly elevated location at the edge of Rotherfield.

Enjoying impressive views across its own land and beyond, the house has extensive accommodation arranged over three floors.

Displaying many character features, the house has large reception areas with brick open fireplaces and decorative beams with herringbone parquet flooring. The main reception rooms and the covered loggia lead off from an elegant hall. The property includes a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, sun room, a kitchen with larder, utility room, two cloakrooms and a cellar.

The first floor is given over to four double bedrooms, three of which have en-suite

Wednesday 13th January 2016

facilities. The second floor is approached by a secondary staircase from the ground floor and has a large double bedroom connecting to a further room and eaves storage - this has potential to convert to more bedroom or bathroom space subject to planning.

Approached via a private drive with turning area, there is a large detached garage connected to the house by a covered walkway.

Behind is a large storage room housing the boilers.

Surrounded by paved terraces, mature gardens with a delightful pond and a kitchen garden, the grounds continue with fenced paddocks and areas of light woodland. With separate road access is a modern barn with potential to convert to stabling. In all, the grounds total around 15.5 acres.

AT A GLANCE n Substantial period farmhouse

n Study

n Single bedroom/study

n Kitchen/breakfast room

n Family bathroom

n Stunning location with views

n Two cloakrooms

n Entrance porch

n Utility room

n Top floor bedroom with large store room

n Reception hall

n Secondary staircase

n Detached double garage

n Sitting room

n Master suite with walk-in closet and bathroom

n Large boiler room

n Three further double bedrooms, two with en-suite

n Paddocks and modern barn

n Drawing room n Covered loggia n Dining room

n Mature gardens and grounds n 15.5 acres

£1,995,000 – For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

PROPERTY 

41

‘Surrounded by paved terraces, mature gardens, a delightful pond and a kitchen garden, the grounds continue with fenced paddocks and areas of light woodland’ Wednesday 13th January 2016

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

SOUTH BOROUGH

HEATH FIELD

TONBRIDGE

CROWBOROUGH

23 High Street, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN11 UT Sales 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 528888 lettings@woodandpilcher.com

124 London Road, Southborough Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 OPL Tel: 01892 511311 south borough@wooda ndpilcher. co. uk

27 High Street, Heathfield East Sussex TN21 8JR Tel: 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

38 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN91EJ Tel: 01732 351135 tonbridge@woodandpilcher.co.uk

The Cross, Crowborough East Sussex TN61AL Sales 01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 664666 lettings@woodandpilcher.com

Associated Park Lane London Office

woodandpilcher. co. uk

Sales

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Lettings

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Land & New Homes

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Tunbridge Wells Guide Price: £700,000 - £725,000

Southborough

• 3/4 Bed Detached House • A Host of Modern Des ign Features • 2 Reception Roo ms

• Peri od 3 Bed Apartm ent • Privat e Rear Gard en • Lounge/Dining Roo m

Tunbridge Wells • 5 Bedroo m Edwardi an Detached • St Johns Location • 2 Receptions, 2 Bathroo ms

Tunbridge Wells • First Fl oor Apartm ent • 2 Beds with En-Suite to Master • Close to Town Ce ntre and Stati on

• Hawkenbury locati on • Garage & Driveway • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

Guide Price: £850,000 • Good Sized Gard ens • On Street Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

£325,000 • Co mmunal Gardens • Off Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells • Staggered Terraced House • 2 Doubl e Bedroo ms • Re-fitted Kitchen & Bathro om

South borough • Detached 5 Bed Family Home • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining /Family Room • Master Bedroom with En Suite Shower

£295,000 • Share of Freehold • On Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

£245,000 - £250,000 • Rea r Garden • Garage En-Bl oc • En ergy Efficiency Rating: C

£1,100,000 • 2 Reception Rooms & Study • Very Well Presented • Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedrooms • Off Road Parking • En-Suite Bathroo m

Tonbridge • 2 Bedrooms • Detached Bunga low • Close To Mainline Station

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Fu lly Renovated

£1,325 PCM • Ava ilabl e 1Bth March • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D • Age nt's Fees Apply

£1,050 PCM • Ava ilabl e Early February • En ergy Efficiency Rating: C • Age nt's Fees Apply

£1,375 PCM • Available Now • Energy Efficiency Rating: B • Agent's Fees Apply

44  PROPERTY

F

ISHPONDS, Stable Cottage is a delightful property in Seal Chart, set within pretty gardens and with the addition of a detached stable block.

Having been partly converted to provide separate guest accommodation, the property could easily be remodelled to link the cottage to the stables to extend the accommodation, subject to planning.

Set over just one floor, the main accommodation possesses a glass entrance porch, kitchen, dining room with solid fuel Rayburn, double aspect sitting room with wood burning stove and double doors to the front garden, two good size bedrooms overlooking the kitchen garden and a family bathroom.

The stable buildings are arranged as a guest bedroom, en-suite shower room with underfloor heating and a utility room with space for appliances, a stable and a tool shed/workshop. There is also a detached triple garage.

The house is approached over a shared driveway that leads to a parking area and the garaging. The gardens and grounds provide a wonderful setting and, together with a paddock, the land amounts to around 1.6 acres.

AT A GLANCE SEVENOAKS ROAD, SEAL CHART ■ Pretty detached cottage ■ Separate stables partly converted into guest accommodation ■ Potential to link the two to create large property ■ Glass entrance porch ■ Kitchen ■ Dining room ■ Sitting room ■ Two bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Stables with guest bedroom and en-suite shower room ■ Workshop ■ Stable ■ Utility room ■ Detached triple garage ■ Pretty gardens and grounds ■ Paddock ■ In all 1.6 acres

£895,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Charming country living boasting separate guest accommodation

New Year, New Home ... ?

Downsizing

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Early movers can really take advantage of the New Year market.

If you' re considering a move in 2016, call Savills to ensure you keep your New Year's resolution.

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1XU

Robert Jacobs

Natasha Selbie d

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Associate 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

01892 507000 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

savills

Seal Chart, Sevenoaks An impressive penthouse apartment set within a charming country house in delightful gardens and grounds Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom. 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, additional bathroom. Single garage. Separate covered storage area. Established gardens. EPC rating F. In all about 3 acres.

Kippington Road, Sevenoaks An impressive house of over 7,000 sq ft in one of the most prestigious addresses in central Sevenoaks Reception hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom suite with bathroom and dressing room, 6 further bedrooms, 5 further bathrooms. Games room, office. Double garage. Established gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.6 acre.

PROPERTY 

47

Attractive family home on edge of popular village

W

INCHMORE is a beautiful 1950s property with a detached brick built studio providing potential for ancillary accommodation. Occupying a convenient position on the edge of the popular village of Matfield, and close to Brenchley, the property offers very good living space and is

presented in excellent order.

The ground floor comprises of an entrance hall, drawing room, sitting room, conservatory, kitchen open plan to a breakfast room, utility room and cloakroom. Upstairs the master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom, while each of the three remaining

bedrooms have an en-suite bath or shower room.

In addition to the main residence there is a detached studio that could easily be converted into ancillary accommodation, subject to the necessary planning consents.

The property is approached via a gated

entrance over a driveway leading to a detached triple garage. There is an area of lawn to the front. To the rear, the garden is laid to lawn with flower borders and a paved terrace. There is a shed to one side and a path leads to a two acre field at the bottom end which the property shares with other residents of Copper Lane.

AT A GLANCE BRENCHLEY ROAD, MATFIELD ■ Substantial family house ■ Popular location ■ Dating from the 1950s ■ Entrance hall ■ Drawing room ■ Sitting room ■ Conservatory ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Utility room

■ Cloakroom ■ Four bedrooms, all with en-suite bath/shower rooms ■ Detached brick built studio with WC ■ Triple garage ■ In all 0.83 acres

£1,175,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

D

• Centre of Hawkhurst village • 3 separate rental units • Main house - 5 bedrooms,

full of period charm. Currently rents at £1,725.00 p.c.m • Cottage - 2 bedrooms. Currently rents at £790,00 p.c.m • Annexe - 1 bedroom. Currently rents at £595.00 p.c.m • Annual gross income is expected to be £37,320 • Cranbrook School Catchment

£685,000

• Working fishery set in 9 acres of grounds • 2/3 bedroom country house under construction • 3 further detached buildings • Numerous well-stocked lakes

£1,500,000

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/andrewsonline

~ @andrewsonline

ANDREWS

andrewsonline.co.uk

WANTED! A good sized garden flat in central Tunbridge Wells for a lady downsizing.

Call Andrews on 01892 515144 or email on tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1

Guide £160,000

Kirkdale Road, Tunbridge wells, TN1

Guide £275,000

Buy to let apartment currently let at £525 pcm - top floor apartment literally yards from the Millennium Clock and Tunbridge Wells town centre. Accommodation comprises living room, kitchen, bedroom and shower room . There is a share of the freehold included in the sale.

Situated on a walkway away from the road this three bedroom end of terrace home is for sale with no onward chain .

Accommodation comprises: 2 reception rooms, kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms and rear garden. There are many features remaining including a range of character fireplaces and wallpapers.

Energy Efficiency Rating : B

Energy Efficiency Rating : G

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co. uk

Hadley Court, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

£99Spcm

Recently refurbished top floor maisonette located in sought after location, consists of two double bedrooms, fitted kitchen, shower room, two double bedrooms and a spacious lounge. Property is located 0.8 miles of the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre and 1.4 miles of the Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Boyne Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

£1150pcm

Two bedroom top floor apartment set in the favoured area to the west side of Mount Ephraim. The property is located within 0.4 mile of the Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and within 0.6 miles of Tunbridge Wells station.

The property is accessed via the back and there are stairs to the front door. There is an entrance hall with storage and stairs to the landing, an open plan living/dining room with double sided fireplace and velux windows, two double bedrooms, one with access to a balcony, bathroom, separate kitchen and allocated parking to the front.

Energy Efficiency Rating : C

Tunbridge Wells lettings 01892 525 551 tunbridgewells.lets@andrewsonline.co.uk

Horizon Close, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

£750pcm

One bedroom starter home set in a small development partly surrounded by woodlands to the north east ofTunbridge Wells. The property is located within 0.75 miles of High Brooms station and local amenities on High Brooms Road and Silverdale Road. Tunbridge Wells town centre is within 2 miles, with Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre. The property has its own entrance, open plan kitchen/ living room. To the 1st floor there is a landing with loft access, bedroom with built in wardrobes and bathroom. There are communal grounds and allocated parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating : D

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52 ď Ž PROPERTY

Modern designer home close to Sevenoaks station

WATERMILL CLOSE BRASTED

ÂŁ599,950

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HIS is an exceptionally wellpresented, modern home set over two floors. Benefiting from offstreet parking for two vehicles and a pretty garden, the property is located in a contemporary cul-de-sac. Built by local developer Millwood Designer Homes a few years ago, the development of just twelve properties is set in the heart of the popular village of Brasted, under four miles from Sevenoaks station.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises of an entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen and sitting/dining room with double doors to the rear garden. Upstairs is a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The rear garden has a southerly aspect and has been imaginatively landscaped. It benefits from a patio area, is mainly laid to lawn with flower borders and possesses a plum tree, outside tap and side access leading to the edge of the property. There is also space for a garden shed.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

PROPERTY �

53

AT A GLANCE n Attractive modern home n Set in popular village

n Master bedroom with ensuite shower room

n Part of a small development

n Two further bedrooms

n Entrance hall

n Family bathroom

n Cloakroom

n Private parking for two cars

n Kitchen

n Rear garden

n Sitting/dining room

£599,950 – For sale through Hamptons 01732 280801 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells An impressive contemporary town house Entrance hall, cloakroom, family room I study, living room, kitchen I dining room, utility room. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, 4 further bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms. Rear garden with paved terrace. Detached garage. Off-road parking. Direct access to Calverley Grounds park. EPC rating C.

Pembury An attractive Victorian family house with ancillary accommodation Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, study, orangery, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, larder, boot room, cloakroom, cellar. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached cottage comprising: Kitchen I breakfast room, sitting room, shower room and bedroom. Gardens and grounds. Paddock. Swimming pool with terrace. Pool house. Vegetable garden. Greenhouse. Planning Permission to extend.

EPC rating F. In all about 2.6 acres.

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Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells A fine Victorian property situated in a highly coveted private park Reception hall, sitting room, kitchen, utility room, WC. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Private patio. Communal garden. Off-street parking. Garage. EPC rating D.

Horsmonden A recently completed family house on the edge of a village Entrance hall, cloakroom, utility room, kitchen I breakfast room, garden room, drawing room, sitting room, dining room. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms. Detached triple garage. Terrace. Gardens and grounds.

Paddock. EPC rating C. In all about 1.31 acres.

Your local independent Estate Agent ... contactable 7 days a week

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NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS MOVE I 1:1.m~~

Wednesday 13th January 2016

58 � PROPERTY

CHILSTON HOUSE

PEMBURY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£2,500 PER MONTH

Splendid period apartment backing on to Dunorlan Park T

HIS stunning apartment in Tunbridge Wells has been fully refurbished and is available to let. Forming the ground floor of the imposing Chilston House, it is located just off Pembury Road and backs on to Dunorlan Park.

Retaining beautiful period features including high ceilings, large sash windows, stripped wooden floorboards and parquet flooring, ornate coving and cornicing, and original floor tiles, it is an elegant and impressive property with light and spacious accommodation.

An entrance porch opens into a grand entrance hall with tiled floor, which leads into a dining hall. There is an extremely spacious and well-presented kitchen/ breakfast room with double doors opening onto a private terrace at the rear, as well as a utility room and store. The superb drawing room boasts a large bay window to the rear and a fireplace.

The master bedroom features a dressing room and en-suite bathroom, and there are two further bedrooms, and a family shower room.

The property comes with driveway parking, a private terrace and beautiful communal grounds. It is unfurnished.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

AT A GLANCE n Ground floor apartment in imposing period house

room n Utility room

n Character features

n Family shower room

n Fully refurbished to the highest standard

n Store room

n Private entrance

n Master suite with dressing room and bathroom

n Private terraces to the rear

n Two further bedrooms

n Reception hall

n Driveway parking

n Dining hall n Drawing room

n Front and rear communal gardens

n Kitchen/breakfast/dining

n Unfurnished

£2,500 per month To let through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

PROPERTY 

59

‘An elegant and impressive property with light and spacious accommodation’

Wednesday 13th January 2016

THE ETCHINGHAM COLLECTION Home 18 - 4 Bedrooms Digitally Enhanc ed Photograph

Home 14 - 5 Bedrooms Digitally En hanced Photograph

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KEEPING FIT n

61

at Fit4Less

SPECIAL GUEST British javelin record holder Steve Backley OBE (left) alongside gym owner Charles Foulkes

week, that’s approximately 1% of their time and makes such a massive difference to long-term health outcomes. It’s a very small commitment, but if people do find that their motivation is dwindling, my advice would be to try some variety. We can offer all sorts of different ways to exercise. We’ve got personal trainers and fitness instructors on hand who would be very happy to talk to each individual member about how to achieve what they’re trying to achieve through different methods.

For any given fitness objective, there are probably 10 different ways of achieving it, so in a way it doesn’t matter what you choose;

it’s just the variety that keeps it fresh and keeps it fun. The other tip would be to try some classes – all our classes are included at no extra cost in the membership price, so joining in a group exercise session is more fun and very motivational, because you’ve got to keep up with the rest of the people. Again, it gives you some variety to do something different.

Where would you like to take Fit4Less in 2016?

My passion is to make it fun and to bring people in who perhaps aren’t used to exercising. They don’t need to be scared or intimidated; this

is a really friendly, fun place to be, so we just want to reach more and more people and keep on having fun with them. We’re listening to members all the time, learning what they like and what they don’t like, so that we can keep modifying what we’re offering to make sure it fits.

FIT4LESS

5 Enterprise Centre, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR 01892 804 007 www.f4l.com/tunbridge-wells

CHAMPAGNE AND TREADMILLS Guests gather to celebrate the opening of Tunbridge Wells’ new gym

Wednesday 13th January 2016

62

 FASHION HEALTH AND BEAUTY

A working week in makeup…

In the search for complexion perfection, Charlie Bond tests five top foundations MONDAY - CLINIQUE Beyond perfecting foundation + concealer, £25 THEY SAY A foundation-and-concealer in one for a natural, beyond perfected look that lasts all day. Lightweight, moisturizing makeup covers thoroughly without clogging pores.

WE SAY I’m always in a rush on a Monday morning, so this is perfect – as it’s a 2-in-1 you can

WEDNESDAY - BARE MINERALS Blemish remedy foundation, £26 THEY SAY Gentle yet effective, this nondrying, mineral-powered foundation conceals imperfections and helps reduce the appearance of imperfections for clearer-looking skin.

WE SAY I’m usually sceptical about mineral foundations and their staying power, but this is a little pot of wonder. Not only did it last all day, any blemishes I did have quickly disappeared.

It’s not heavy in its coverage, but it did give a really nice, even finish. www. bareminerals. co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

TUESDAY - BOBBI BROWN

save time by just applying the one product rather than concealer too. The wand applicator means you can apply to specific areas, and it glides on smoothly, giving good coverage. It lasted well too, but I found that where it adapted to my dry skin, some areas had a little bit of a shine after a few hours of wearing. www.clinique.co.uk

Skin foundation stick, £29.50 THEY SAY Its creamy yet weightless texture applies effortlessly and blends seamlessly so all you see is fresh, smooth, even skin.

WE SAY I’d heard nothing but good things about this foundation, so I was keen to try it for myself. It’s easy to apply and gives great coverage, but I found that after a few hours I needed to touch up a bit. I’d recommend setting with powder for a really flawless finish. www.bobbibrown.co.uk

THURSDAY - ELIZABETH ARDEN Flawless finish perfectly satin 24hr makeup, £29 THEY SAY Offering the skin a medium to full coverage of colour-true make up that will last for 24 hours. Boasting time release technology, the foundation works to detect the sebum levels in the skin and it helps to control the amount of excess oils produced by your skin throughout the day.

WE SAY I really liked this foundation as a lighter option – it gives a natural finish and fresh glow, so it’s great for everyday wear. While I wouldn’t say it lasted 24 hours, it did stay put most of the day, even withstanding a heavy lunchtime downpour. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

FRIDAY- MAC Matchmaster SPF foundation, £29 THEY SAY New foundation technology using translucent pigments to enable a fully personalised finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin’s undertone.

WE SAY I love Mac products but sometimes find the foundation can be a little heavy for everyday wear.

The matchmaster could be a game changer though – it gives great, even coverage but is moisturising too.

And, it lasts all day without the need for any touch-ups – great for a night out! www.maccosmetics.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK 

63

More jolly good grub…

GRAVETYE MANOR Gravetye has been awarded a Michelin star 22 times over the last 40 years and offers a superb selection of gastronomic delights. From the unhurried classical dining in their atmospheric wood panelled restaurant to leisurely lunches in the garden, no-matter what time of year, you’ll love eating here.

Vowels Lane West Hoathly RH19 4LJ 01342 810 567 | www.gravetyemanor.co.uk

CAMDEN QUARTER Contemporary, relaxed dining in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Camden Quarter’s food style is eclectic modern European, with a monthly changing menu and local produce.

Try their artisan beer selection and delicious cocktails too.

28 Camden Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PT 01892 544 522 | www.camdenquarter.co.uk

CINNAMON SQUARE This Indian restaurant boasts a great balance of popular offerings and a notable selection of exclusive preparations for the more seasoned diner. From masalas to madras and everything in between, all of their dishes are skilfully prepared from fresh primary ingredients.

Rings Hill Hildenborough Tonbridge TN11 8LX 01732 832 944 | www.thecinnamonsquare.com

THE RIVERSIDE

RENDEZVOUS

Head to The Riverside in Lamberhurst for some exceptional fine dining, using locally sourced ingredients. With lamb from Sissinghurst Castle, fish from Hastings and vegetables from farms around Kent, all of this food is fresh, tasty and exquisitely presented.

School Hill Lamberhurst TN3 8DQ 01892 890 277 www.theriverside.uk.com

Indulge in some classic French food at Rendezvous. With affordable lunch menus, delicious evening offerings and an extensive wine list, this cosy independent restaurant will capture the heart of any diner who ventures inside.

86 Camden Road Tunbridge Wells 01892 525 830 | www.rendezvoustw.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL The Eating House at the Tunbridge Wells Hotel is a relaxed, informal dining room serving food all day, seven days a week. This restaurant serves everything from English and continental breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon tea to a romantic formal dining experience.

58 The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells 01892 530 501 | www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com

E GUID 16 20

edition

4

THE SPA HOTELS CHANDELIER RESTAURANT Set in the grandeur of the Spa Hotel, the Chandelier restaurant currently holds two rosettes from the AA and specialises in classically based modern British cuisine.

Using fresh, local ingredients the menus change frequently offering a fresh approach to fine dining.

Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells TN4 8XJ 01892 520 331 | www.spahotel.co.uk

Here’s a selection of some of our favourite places to eat that you might want to try in 2016. These and others will appear in the Jolly Good Grub Guide 2016 published later this month by One Media and available to pick up at local restaurants.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

64 ■ FOOD AND DRINK

Festive cheer for town’s venues Neill Barston RESTAURANTS and pubs across Tunbridge Wells enjoyed a festive boost, with some reporting a trade increase of more than 20%.

With an upturn in Christmas business, endof-year celebrations compensated for weaker summer takings, as venues were affected by unsettled weather and increased competition.

Among the key factors for many restaurants in creating new season menus has been ensuring quality locally-sourced produce.

One of the area’s largest independent group of venues, Whiting & Hammond, which includes the Mark Cross Inn just outside Tunbridge Wells and The Little Brown Jug, Chiddingstone Causeway, is in buoyant mood after recording a 27% year-on-year increase in Christmas trade.

Its Langton-based managing director Brian Whiting welcomed the group’s strong festive performance.

He said: “We had a record Christmas on the back of a tough build up to it, so that was quite pleasing.

“There’s no doubt that there is increased competition out there, with a number of companies opening up branded operations such as Bill’s.

“But our figures for December were up 27% year-on-year in the group, which I think was down to the mild weather. With our venues being in more inaccessible places, we found a few years ago when it snowed that we virtually had to shut down.”

While the Christmas period had been a successful one, he added that New Year’s Eve had been disappointing across the group.

Despite this, he said the company would be working hard within a challenging market to expand its portfolio of pubs, which stands at eight venues.

Though he explained the opening few months of the year often proved difficult in the pub trade, he was hopeful its focus on customer service would ensure it maintain its positive position.

He added: “We hope 2016 will be a good year and we will be focusing on our food offering and quality of service to deliver the best that we can. I think that competition is a good thing, with the winner being the customer.”

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Meanwhile, on Tunbridge Wells Common, The Mount Edgcumbe has also reported an upturn of 10% over Christmas, with the venue favouring a classic British pub menu.

According to landlord Robert Hogben, the business was in a positive position going into 2016.

He said: “We had a busy Christmas season and we had a lot of bookings last month, so we are looking forward to the New Year.

“Though January and February are quieter months, there are some positive signs out there. We are working on our new menu now It’s difficult to say what has been best-selling, but our chilli squid is one of the things we are famous for in the area, as well as our steaks.

“I hope we will have a good year this year, especially as we plan to open up six rooms for accommodation here, which is another positive.”

Among other independent restaurants experiencing a positive Christmas was Don

‘We had a record Christmas on the back of a tough build up to it, so that was quite pleasing’ Brian Whiting

‘Among key factors for many restaurants in creating new season menus has been ensuring quality locallysourced produce’

Giovanni’s Italian restaurant in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Jason Fanti, who runs the business with his brother and father, enthused it had been an extremely productive two years since the family’s business returned to the area.

It seems the festive season was no exception, with a number of party bookings ensuring a positive end to the year. The family said its upward trend in business is continuing into the New Year. This included increased trade from larger bookings from those who had been unable to arrange family and company social gatherings before Christmas.

Mr Fanti said: “We had a great end to the year, which we are seeing continue into January. We have been here for two years now and we’ve had some great feedback from customers.

“I think we have a good feeling about this year, with lots of new ideas. For the New Year we will tweak things and we always try and be as creative as we can with seasonal products that we can source.

“Though we have access to a lot of Italian products, we also source our meat and fish locally – there are really goods fishmongers in the area, and some great butchers in Tunbridge Wells too who supply us with venison.

“It has been a big challenge being part of the business, but I think Tunbridge Wells is a fantastic place to be based. It’s an affluent area, so in that respect some of our customers have travelled in Italy and have a real connection with our food.”

Another venue owner, Matthew Sankey, of the Sankey’s group, which includes a brasserie and pub on Mount Ephraim and venue in The Pantiles, explained his key focus has been to maintain a quality experience for customers.

While he conceded that summer trade had been challenging, he believed the group gained momentum towards the end of the year.

Mr Sankey said: “Events have gone really well over Christmas. The weather has been good lately which has given us a boost, with people eating al fresco for Christmas on The Pantiles, which was fantastic to see.

Our pub also had a good year, offering 23 draft beers and on the food side we worked really hard.

“We recognise we have been quite specialised

FOOD AND DRINK ■

with our seafood offering, which is pretty niche, so with our pub we have more traditional offerings including burgers, pies and sharing platters. We’re developing a menu that has more grazing snack options and are also trying to be more creative with the sandwiches that we offer.”

Owner of The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Julian Leefe-Griffiths, believed his venues were set for a promising year after The Black Pig and the George and Dragon, Speldhurst, joined a select group of sites to be listed in the UK’s Michelin restaurant guide.

He said: “Our venues had a really good December, which I think came from a wider optimism in the area – which was seen with quite a lot more staff parties than had been seen during the recession.

“One of the things that we have stood out with is the special game menu, including partridge and pheasant, both of which have done really well, as well as deer, which are from the Buckhurst Estate.

“We also talk to a lot of local farmers

‘Events have gone really well over Christmas. The weather has been good lately which has given us a boost, with people eating al fresco for Christmas on The Pantiles, which was fantastic to see’ Matthew Sankey to see what meats are available, so we have always tried to source locally since 2004, as well as adopting the principle of field to fork of things being grown around the cornermuch better than having something flown in from the Canary Islands.

“For the winter season, we have some lovely root vegetables on our menus including parsnips which are particularly sweet and taste great, while the cold winter seas are really good for scallops and Atlantic fish is also great this time of year. The game season also continues until February and March.”

65

Spirit of Colombia alive and well THERE was also festive success for more alternative food and drink experiences including Sofia’s Colombian Kitchen, which hosts monthly South American-themed dinner events.

Since launching her home-based venture two years ago, entrepreneur Sofia Baguley, said there has been growing demand from those seeking an authentic dining experience that is out of the ordinary.

Sofia, who took a number of bookings before Christmas for her monthly events, said: “I started out doing takeaways each Friday, which I did for a year, but decided to do dinner parties due to family commitments.

“I normally do one event a month, but we had two before Christmas. I am able to cater for up to around 20 people and after the food there is salsa dancing as well, which makes it fun and something people really like. The food is quite normal, but it’s cooked with a lot of love and some lovely spices.”

Wednesday 13th January 2016

66 ■ MOTORS

FIRST DRIVE: Ford Mondeo Vignale

By Matt Joy WHAT’S NEW This is brand new territory for Ford, as it seeks to muscle in on the compact premium sector with the Mondeo Vignale. More than just a trim designation, Vignale models sit at the top of the Mondeo range and have unique exterior and interior elements and are designed to offer superior comfort.

What’s more, they are finished in a special area of Ford’s Valencia factory, with additional layers of paint and higher quality standards, and if you buy one you can only do so from speciallychosen Ford dealers. You’ll get a higher standard of service too, with free collection and pick up from your dedicated Vignale dealerperson.

LOOKS AND IMAGE On the outside, there’s unique alloy wheels, a gloss finish to the grille and pillars and some extra chrome detailing, plus those unmissable badges. The Mondeo Vignale is also available in just four colours; black, silver, white and ‘Nocciola’ - brown to you and me.

It’s a handsome machine, arguably more so in estate form, and while the Vignale extras do make it feel a little more posh, there’s no denying it’s still clearly a Mondeo. It’s very early days for this sub-brand, and only time will tell if buyers respond to its perceived elevation over the standard car.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY It gets better on the inside, however. As the Vignale sits above the Titanium X in the Mondeo range, it is positively groaning with kit. There’s a big Sony audio system with nav and Ford’s SYNC2 system, active noise cancelling (more of which later), ambient lighting and you can even have ventilated massage seats.

‘These models sit at the top of the Mondeo range and have unique exterior and interior elements’ There’s also leather - tons of the stuff. The seats have their own pattern (designed to echo that of the front grille) plus it’s on the dashtop, the doors and even on the centre armrest. It’s here you begin to feel that you’re getting something for the additional outlay, although obviously it is just as practical as a regular Mondeo.

BEHIND THE WHEEL As you’d expect, the Vignale is standard Mondeo underneath, but that’s no bad thing. What has changed is that the suspension has been tweaked to deliver a smoother ride, while there’s acoustic side glass as standard and the noise cancelling system to keep the cabin hushed.

With the most-popular 2.0 TDCI unit and the Powershift transmission taking care of gearshifts, piloting the Mondeo Vignale is a genuinely relaxing experience. The ride may be smoother but it still has the Ford sharpness of response you’d expect, while the reduction in noise levels is a welcome improvement. Most of the German competition go for a sporty feel, whereas the Mondeo Vignale is comfort-oriented, which potentially gives it an advantage on the UK’s poor roads.

VALUE FOR MONEY Take a look at the spec sheet and the final price makes sense. The options list is very small indeed, while the standard spec runs to that sophisticated Sony system including sat nav, a rear view camera, ambient lighting and a fullyelectric driver’s seat. A complete leather interior and the special alloy wheels come with it too. It’s worth noting, however, that the key German rivals are very close on price, although, if you equalise the specification, a big price gap opens up.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE So will the Mondeo Vignale find favour with customers, or sit forlornly in its

special corner of the showroom? Well, the fact is that buyers do like high-spec Mondeos; the stats show that the Titanium X simply isn’t enough for some. It’s also a useful higher step for people climbing the company car ladder, and Ford is clear about most of its sales coming in this way. There’s also a hybrid version if you want the petrol electric combination and the option list is refreshingly brief.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Soothing IF THIS CAR WAS A...

Jacket, it would be sumptuous and welcoming woollen overcoat.

AT A GLANCE: FORD MONDEO VIGNALE PRICE Ford Mondeo Vignale 2.0 TDCI 180PS from £29,345 ENGINE 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp and 295lb.ft of torque TRANSMISSION Six-speed manual

Wednesday 13th January 2016

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68 ■ TRAVEL

‘In some rural areas, the arrival of these bicycling aliens every few months has become quite an event: children gather to greet us and exchange excited high-fives’

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Freewheeling Abi Jackson

trip is manageable for people of moderate to decent fitness, though cycling experience massively helps. If you’re not used to being on a saddle for hours, days on end, it’s going to hurt, and training’s firmly advised.

Throw 40-degree heat and hours under a blazing sun into the mix and it’s largely pot luck how you’ll fare; heat exhaustion makes the first couple of days tough for some.

Thankfully, by day three, everybody’s feeling good. We’re free to relax and embrace the experience, leaving ‘real life’ thousands of miles away back in the UK. Demand for adventure travel has boomed in recent years, with cycling trips becoming increasingly popular. It’s a trend that’s set to freewheel even further, and Discover Adventure has seen a notable increase in appetite for trips in southeast Asia. In the four years this Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat itinerary’s been going, demand’s risen by around 50% year on year, leading to an additional third date being added in late

IT TAKES mere seconds for the thick, gnarly clouds to tumble across the sky, smothering every inch of blue. The chalky red dirt track and flanking green paddy fields, which until moments ago had looked so vibrant they seemed unreal, are now bathed in an eerie gloom.

The rain follows with equally dramatic speed. I pedal on, reminding myself to savour the moment - while also keeping an extra careful eye out for potholes and darting dogs - until our guide Alistair yells: “Everybody stop here!”

After a morning of long, remote stretches, the rain’s struck at a convenient point: there’s a building where we can shelter until it clears.

Huddled beneath a porch in rural Cambodia, we’re a motley crew of 14 Brits shivering in sodden Lycra.

Remarkably for a nation famed for its love of talking about the weather, we’re rendered temporarily speechless by the sheer magic and madness of it all.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to rest. Five days into my eight-day ride with global cycling and trekking challenge specialists Discover Adventure, I’ve been having an uncomfortable morning. Despite the padded shorts and chamois cream (used by GIVING BACK cyclists to guard against Bikes are donated to saddle sore), blisters have orphans once they get sprouted under my bum too old to be used on cheeks and my legs are the challenges close to seizing up (my own fault for caning it the day before, trying to keep up with the boys 2015 (the trip I’m on). on their race finish of the final, hilly 10km What’s the appeal? A quick survey of our of a long 90km day). group sums it up.

Stiff and sore, I’m realising why the trip Ranging in age from 22 to 67, we’re brochure warned this was going to feel like a right mix. For some, fundraising for a challenge and may sometimes require us charities close to their hearts is their main to ‘dig deep’. motivation, while for others, it’s simply a That digging had begun on day one for passion for cycling, a desire to push their some. As Alistair had said at the start: “It’s limits a little and see a bit of the world in not the distance or terrain that makes this the process. As seasoned adventure-seeker trip challenging, it’s the heat.”

Carole Fendick, 63, puts it: “Having a Our itinerary - starting in Vietnam’s Ho challenge on the horizon gives me a reason Chi Minh City and finishing in Cambodia’s to keep training and keep it up in the gym.”

Angkor Wat - would take us on a 510km The fact we’re travelling in this part of the cycle ride over the course of eight days. The world gives our adventure an additional exotic twist - and cycling enables us to get up close and personal with the destination in a way that’s not usually possible.

TRAVEL FACTS The itinerary also includes gaps for touristy stuff, including a morning boat ride Abi Jackson was a guest of Discover through Vietnam’s Can Tho floating market Adventure (www.discoveradventure.com; where fish, fruit and even livestock are all 01722 718 444) who offer the 11-night traded on the water; the Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat Cycle where the Vietcong hid during the Vietnam challenge from 1,899pp (two sharing) War; the Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom including accommodation, flights from Penh - a former school used as a secret London, transfers, most meals, a 21-speed prison camp by the Khmer Rouge during mountain bike, entry to the temples of the Pol Pot regime in the late Seventies Angkor and Discover Adventure support which saw around two million Cambodians killed; and the Killing Fields, where much team. Departures on February 6 or October of the genocide took place.

1, 2016.

Although truly heartbreaking, these sites

are important reminders of the horrors people went through.

It’s on our bikes though, that we really get to see - and fall in love with - these enchanting countries.

We pedal through bustling towns and tiny villages, bounce across bridges, weave through narrow streets and cruise along endless country roads surrounded by lush rice paddies, banana and sugar plantations.

Some days, huge honking trucks rumble past, while on others, we share the roads with cows and carts and schoolchildren in pristine uniforms, who giggle and occasionally race along.

We marvel at colourfully-painted pagodas and a duck farmer guiding his flock down a river, gasp as mopeds transporting entire families - or squealing pigs - whizz by, and hours are spent chatting and sharing stories with fellow riders.

Daily distances range from 30-90km, with regular stops to refill drink bottles and top up on sun-cream and calories. Staying properly hydrated and fed is crucial and provisions are plentiful; we snack on fruit, cake, crackers and crisps and - though I don’t touch the stuff back home guzzle endless fizzy drinks, and tuck into bowls of rice and veg with meat or fish for lunch.

Food and fluids aside, two other things play a key role in keeping those pedals turning: the group banter and the endless friendly smiles, waves and cheery ‘Helloes’ from the locals.

In some rural areas, the arrival of these bicycling aliens every few months has become quite an event: children gather to greet us and exchange excited high-fives.

Discover Adventure partners with local operators - including two local guides, Vet and Sal, who cycle with us the whole time, along with Alistair to support the in-country trip logistics, sorting everything from the bikes (though there is the option to fly your own out), accommodation and meals. We’re also accompanied by a mini bus (which we travel in for some stints of the journey) and support vehicle.

They’re passionate about promoting cycling in the region and giving back to the local community; bikes are donated to orphans once they get too old to be used on the challenges.

Seven days into the trip, my skin is gross, I’m bloated from all the sports drinks and I’ve worn nothing but grubby Lycra for a week - but I’ve also fallen head over heels in love with it all and can’t imagine returning to a routine that doesn’t start with a 6:30am wake-up call, involve seven hours on a bike and end with a beer and hobbly toddle to bed.

To soften the blow, our final day is a real treat - a short ride, which includes some super fun jungle tracks and ends in the breathtakingly beautiful ancient temples of Angkor.

We cross the finish line with mixed emotions: we did it! But oh, that means it’s over...

It’s a bittersweet victory, but boy - what a ride!

TRAVEL n

69

through southeast Asia FLOATING Vietnam’s Can Tho floating market where fish, fruit and even livestock are all traded on the water

FOR SALE Women selling fruit on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City in Saigon

FINISHING LINE The bike ride started at Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and finished in Angkor Wat, pictured here

HEART BREAKING The Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh – a former school used as a secret prison camp by the Khmer Rouge

Wednesday 13th January 2016

70 n LIFE AND STYLE CREATE YOUR DREAM KITCHEN Looking to create the kitchen of your dreams? From purely functional to ultimate luxury, a visit to Jones Britain, Kitchen Design Specialists in Heathfield, East Sussex, is the first step to making those dreams come true.

Jones Britain, like any truly professional company, is an experienced team you can trust. Dan, who has almost 20 years experience and knowledge of the kitchen design industry will help to take you through a hassle-free process resulting in the kitchen you have always wanted.

For sound, friendly advice on your kitchen design, call Jones Britain today on freephone 0800 8600 435, email enquiries@ jonesbritain.co.uk or visit the newly refurbished showroom on two floors at Upper High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8NB, or the website at www.jonesbritain.co.uk

LOCAL TASTES BETTER Recently opened Heals Local Shop and Cafe is situated 10 miles south of Tunbridge Wells on the main A267. This beautiful building provides a relaxing destination for a full English breakfast in the cafe or a light lunch with a friend while the children play in the creche area. With Leppards butchers of Mayfield providing a full display of locally sourced meat and cheeses, with fresh fish on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday, along with fresh vegetables and fruit, local wines and ales, home produced ready meals, groceries and gifts, Heals have everything for your midweek shop with the benefit of local provenance.

Follow us on facebook @ Leppards butchers and Heals Local Shop and Cafe, www.healsfarmshop.co.uk Contact us on 01435 873984

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! RESULTS PROVEN NOT PROMISED

At this time of year we all make resolutions. Eat less, stop smoking, reduce stress, get fit or maybe just be a bit more confident.

Firefly Properties have a proven record which is an important consideration at a time when agents are making all kinds of promises to secure an instruction. What they’re missing are the years of experience, local knowledge and commitment that Firefly Properties have demonstrated time and time again to our loyal and growing client base.

Sadly many of our good intentions fall by the wayside due to our busy, stressful lives.

After nine successful years, Carol Prier decided to expand the company into new premises in Paddock Wood to give clients a shop front. Our strong and independent image is backed up by the tenacious team at Firefly who all compliment the company. We believe we outperform the local competition in so many ways.

From 13th January, Carol and her team will be welcoming clients through the door at 173 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood and they’ll find the office will be like a home from home offering all the creature comforts, as a seller or buyer, to make your house sale or purchase as comfortable as a duvet day without a snoozing attitude.

If this sounds like you, Mindfulness might be just the thing you need.

It’s easy to learn easy to practice and extensive scientific research has even led the NHS to provide Mindfulness as a treatment for depression – as effective as antidepressants.

Over fifty clinical trials by leading neuroscientists have shown that Mindfulness can improve sleep, reduce pain in long-term sufferers and produce a stronger immune system.

It’s a proven antidote to anxiety and over-eating too.

Mindfulness works by actively training your mind to refocus your attention from negative to positive thinking and it gives you a much greater awareness of your ‘self’ – and what’s good for you.

These gains in focus, motivation and an increased ability to deal with stressful situations are the reason why high achieving sports stars like Novak Djokovic and the England football team have embraced Mindfulness meditation.

Julia Lofts runs eight-week courses in Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst, and in just two hours a week you can learn to change the things you want, and even improve your motivation.

Julia is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Kent’s ‘In Conversation’ programme and offers Mindfulness training for businesses, groups, families & couples as well as one-to-one classes. www.julialofts.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

NEW TUNBRIDGE WELLS SHOWROOM OPENING SPRING 2016 Catchpole & Rye Limited is pleased to announce the opening of its new showroom in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Spring 2016.

Situated in the heart of the design quarter on Calverley Road, it represents another milestone in the company’s continued expansion.

Since the launch of the Chelsea Showroom in 2013, demand for their bespoke branded products has accelerated greatly necessitating the doubling of its manufacturing base in Ashford, Kent. The ability to manufacture items to customers specific requirements is unique within the bathroom industry and has proven a hit with designers and architects alike.

With a long standing reputation for artisanal products and an exceptional personal service, Catchpole and Rye Limited expect its third and largest showroom to date, to provide a valuable service to their existing clients, as well as the opportunity for new specifiers and private customers to view their offerings first-hand.

The showroom, set over two floors, will offer a full design service alongside their full range of products and finishes.

Watch this space for more news about the Tunbridge Wells showroom and its opening date via our website, social media and news pages. www.catchpoleandrye.com

PUZZLES 

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

WORD SPIRAL

Down 1. Pester Henry (5) 2. I saved counsel (6) 3 and 20Dn. Special headgear for unusual haunts (3-3) 4. Again taking earlier meal (6) 5. Support for bridge or some card game (7) 8. 100 on edge over boy going red (7) 11. Tidying noble bearing (7) 13. Affirm Edward prevented (7) 15. Rebellion about electromotive force (6) 16. Puzzle in game (6) 17. Being virile, goes to the Netherlands in a month (5) 20. See 3 Down Scribble pad

4

5

14

15

16

17

18

D

3 10

14

15

8

11

4

16 13 7

QUICK CLUES:

Across 6. Copy (7) 9. Bisect (5) 10. Droll (7) 12. Dejected (11) 14. Eternal (11) 18. Squirm (7) 19. Recover (5) 21. Concur (5) 22. Assemble (7)

Down 1. Postpone (5) 2. Talented (6) 3. Perform (3) 4. Piercing (6) 5. Orator (7) 8. Disprove (7) 11. Attack (7) 13. Mean (7) 15. Tough (6) 16. Almost (6) 17. Put (5) 20. Enemy (3)

12 6

5

1. Knitting stitch 9. Touch down 2. Young sheep 10. Beloved 3. Curve 11. Ready to eat 4. Foolish 12. Revise 5. Sound quality 13. Small branch 6. Nefarious 14. Insect 7. Fibber 15. Cab 8. Genuine 16. Unit of length Keyword clue: A boy’s name

SUDOKU

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

O

1.

2.

What is the surname of BBC1’s Back in Time for Dinner family, who were recently Back in Time for Christmas in a recent seasonal special?

Which recent ITV1 show looked at the early television appearances of famous faces including Jane Horrocks and Maureen Lipman?

3.

Which Australian singer had a recent chart hit with a cover version of Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me, featuring G-Eazy?

4.

Which new film stars Jennifer Lawrence as the titular character, whom we meet across four generations as she becomes the founder of a powerful business?

5.

What was the name of the big cat who was the main character in the 1960s children’s TV show The Herbs?

6.

The 2015 album White Light was the first to be released from which Irish band in ten years?

7.

Which festive film from 1947 starred Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, and Natalie Wood as a young non-believer in Santa Claus?

8.

Andi Osho and which other presenter

investigated Britain’s biggest brands in Channel 4’s recent Supershoppers Do Christmas?

9.

Which British dance act’s Top Ten hits of the 1990s included Everybody and Whoomph! (There It Is)?

SOLUTIONS

10. Which new film stars Christian Bale as Rick, a Hollywood screenwriter encountering a series of strange events?

11. Who was Professor Brian Cox’s co-host for BBC2’s recent Stargazing Live episodes?

12. British band The Foundations had their only UK Number One hit with which single, in September 1967?

13. Which 1997 film starred Nicolas Cage as former prisoner Cameron Poe, whose release from prison is interrupted when his homeward flight is hijacked?

14. Which actor recently returned as the titular disturbed detective for a new twopart series of BBC1’s Luther?

15. What was Welsh singer Tom Jones’s first UK Number One hit, in February 1965?

CODEWORD: 1=B, 2=N, 3=T, 4=Y, 5=D, 6=E, 7=M, 8=C, 9=A, 10=P, 11=G, 12=O, 13=J, 14=U, 15=R, 16=Q, 17=V, 18=F, 19=I, 20=L, 21=X, 22=S, 23=K, 24=W, 25=Z, 26=H ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Robshaw; 2 You Saw Them Here First; 3 Grace; 4 Joy; 5 Parsley the Lion; 6 The Corrs; 7 Miracle on 34th Street; 8 Anna Richardson; 9 Clock; 10 Knight of Cups; 11 Dara O’Briain; 12 Baby Now That I’ve Found You; 13 Con Air; 14 Idris Elba; 15 It’s Not Unusual SUDOKU:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 3

2 9

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

2

1

7. Form (5)

things moving (3,2,6) 14. Repeatedly somersaulting (4,3,4) 18. It is put into sauce for meat in all seriousness (7) 19. Virginia in row involving couch (5) 21. Traded in timber, teak initially (5) 22. Interviewed 1,000 taken sick at timber-works (3-4)

CODEWORD

1

Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 6 Ear-drum; 7 Decoy; 9 Grain; 10 Breadth; 12 Set in motion; 14 Over and over; 18 Gravity; 19 Divan; 21 Dealt; 22 Saw-mill. Down: 1 Harry; 2 Advise; 3 Sun; 4 Repast; 5 Pontoon; 8 Crimson; 11 Dignity; 13 Averted; 15 Revolt; 16 Enigma; 17 Manly; 20 Hat. Quick: Across: 6 Replica; 7 Shape; 9 Halve; 10 Comical; 12 Crestfallen; 14 Everlasting; 18 Wriggle; 19 Rally; 21 Agree; 22 Collect.

Down: 1 Delay; 2 Clever; 3 Act; 4 Shrill; 5 Speaker; 8 Confute; 11 Assault; 13 Average; 15 Rugged; 16 Nearly; 17 Place; 20 Foe. WORD SPIRAL: 1 Purl; 2 Lamb; 3 Bend; 4 Daft; 5 Tone; 6 Evil; 7 Liar; 8 Real; 9 Land; 10 Dear; 11 Ripe; 12 Edit; 13 Twig; 14 Gnat; 15 Taxi; 16 Inch.

Keyword: RICHARD

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across 6. Could beating it lead to deafness? (3-4) 7. Semi-nude, shy stool pigeon (5) 9. It’s not harvested in the wood of course (5) 10. How wide is loaf with the end cut off? (7) 12. Firmly resolved to get

71

Wednesday 13th January 2016

72 n RECRUITMENT

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Wednesday 13th January 2016

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Commercial Account Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Publishing (Tunbridge Wells)For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary One Media UK Ltd, part of the award-winning Markerstudy Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven commercial talent to work with new and existing clients across its publishing portfolio.

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One UK part ofand the award-winning As partMedia of a small, but Ltd, very successful ambitious team, you will beMarkerstudy responsible along with strong career progression opportunities. for developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies. revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure commercial talent worksuccessful with new and existing clients For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please contact Lara Milan: targets are exceeded and willto maintain relationships with key accounts lmilan@markerstudy.com through clients directly and via portfolio. agencies. across its publishing Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself As of afamous small, butthe very team, and part your brand within localsuccessful lifestyle brandand world,ambitious establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising you will be responsible for developing and revenues. implementing a

One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies.

successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure targets are exceeded and will maintain successful relationships with key accounts through clients directly and via agencies.

Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself and your brand famous within the local lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising revenues.

This role requires a highly structured and proactive approach to ensure revenues are generated every day within the agreed guidelines from the relevant markets. It is 100% results focused.

For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary and benefits package, along with strong career progression opportunities.

For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please contact Lara Milan: lmilan@markerstudy.com One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

74 n RECRUITMENT

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76 ■ ARTS & CULTURE

Behind the mask Renowned for creating weird and wonderful characters, Tunbridge Wellsbased mask and puppetry company Strangeface performs theatre that speaks to audiences of all ages. We meet Bethan Tomlinson, the general manager, to find out more about their work HOW WAS STRANGEFACE BORN? It all started in 2001, when I was approached by a friend who was involved with English Heritage and he asked if I had a piece of theatre I could take out to one of their sites. Having trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, I was a jobbing actress at the time and I didn’t have something I could just do, so I put him on to someone else. But the next year he asked again, saying it would be really interesting to work with me because he knew my partner Russell Dean, who is now Artistic Director of Strangeface, was a mask maker. He mentioned that it would be an outdoor show and there is a tradition of outdoor theatre with commedia dell’arte, so it’s got an immediate hook. The second time he asked we put together a piece, performed it and they asked us to come back the next year! We had four summers doing that and it was fantastic.

In 2005 we went to Edinburgh and started to make connections in theatre, which is when it turned a corner. We had an association with Farnham Maltings, a regional development agency that really nurtures young and emerging artists. They showed me how to fill in an Arts Council application form and we’ve not looked back! It’s been a brilliant period in our lives.

ARE YOUR SHOWS JUST FOR CHILDREN? No, we’ve always tried to layer our content. Children are natural puppeteers – they naturally engage in that world of make-believe and

they play hide and seek with identity. You only have to spend 10 minutes with them and they’ll pick up something – it might not even be a toy, it could be a toilet roll or a set of keys – and they’ll want to animate it. But I think that all people do have a deep connection with puppetry. When people see Punch and Judy, they do have a warm feeling for it, and Greek theatre was all about mask, so it’s in our DNA. Sometimes you just have to point to where those links are.

When we created work for English Heritage, it was for family audiences. But although children’s theatre is a fantastic thing, family theatre is very different to children’s theatre and we’ve always tried to create content that was stimulating for both children and adults. What’s interesting is that adults feel they’ve got permission to come and enjoy it because of the children. Having done that initially, we have created work aimed specifically at adults.

HOW IS YOUR WORK FUNDED? It’s quite a mixed bag now. In the early days we used quite a bit of Arts Council funding and with that money, we took work into communities and made it accessible to people. That subsidy meant we could take theatre to places like St Barnabas School in Tunbridge Wells and keep ticket prices realistic for people. Recently we’ve received a Welcome Trust grant and since 2004 we’ve had support from Kent County Council – we’re developing our work with them to take table-top puppetry into wellbeing settings. So it could

FAIRY TALES Strangeface productions appeal to all ages

‘Children are natural puppeteers – they naturally engage in that world of make-believe and they play hide and seek with identity’ Wednesday 13th January 2016

ARTS & CULTURE ■

BARE BONES Strangeface brings the traditional art form of puppetry to life

I also think that mask does something for a class dynamic. Someone who might generally be seen as the class clown might perform something with real pathos, or those who aren’t seen as the brightest ones verbally have the chance to shine.

They’re allowed to explore because at the end of the session, they take the masks off and it’s not real. If the shy boy at school or the kid who has fallen into the idea of being the naughty one can have that shift, you don’t know what influence that could have on them from day to day.

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR STRANGEFACE? We’ve taken work internationally in the past and in terms of the future, mask is an art form that has an international opportunity. Our work has always

be a question of taking our table-top show into a hospice, or a home where people have dementia. The theatre can come to them so they don’t have to travel, and they can experience something that they share within that circle. It means a lot to artists to know that when we take our work into people’s lives, it really does make a difference to them.

Sometimes I think people confuse the funding source. With the Arts Council, it’s all lottery funded. People might say “that’s taxpayers’ money” but most of the money that comes to arts organisations comes through trusts, which is different.

WHY STAY IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS, INSTEAD OF BASING YOURSELVES IN LONDON? We love living here and our children are happy, it’s absolutely beautiful. But there are also lots of artists working in West Kent and although it might not always be obvious, in the 11 years we’ve lived here the climate has

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been verbal, so to create something non-verbal could take us abroad. We’ve been talking with a Canadian company about possibly doing a piece involving food, which would be fantastic. We’re also really enjoying the opportunities that are coming in connection to working with wellbeing.

Our key strength is having direct conversations with the people who come to our shows. There are different tiers of work and there are some amazing British puppet companies that should be celebrated nationally and internationally. But we really get a lot out of being celebrated by the people we’re in the room with at the time.

For more information about Strangeface visit www.strangeface.co.uk

completely changed. People like Applause Rural Touring have been massively supportive of our development. Of late, we’ve come together to form a cultural consortium, comprising Strangeface, Mascalls Gallery, the Assembly Hall, Hoodwink, the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Applause and the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival. There’s an opportunity here; we’re starting to come together and joint projects are emerging, so it’s really exciting.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE ART OF PUPPETRY ALIVE? I think it really is, because it offers a number of useful learning objectives. One is about literacy and being able to identify archetypes. You can look at Shakespeare really easily with mask, and explore the goodies and baddies, and it’s a really good way for people to engage. If you use long words like literacy and archetype, that’s tricky for an eight-year-old to understand, so it’s a really good use of mask workshop.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

78 ■ WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music PICK OF THE WEEK… MY TOP recommendations for this week are as follows: This Friday you can catch the excellent Matt Bullard Blues Band at The Cross Keys. Matt is an exceptional blues guitarist and musician. He learned his craft as a member of funky rock blues combo To The Bridge, but has quickly stepped out in his own right to front his own band with his Freddie King style licks and passionate, intense playing.

This Saturday at The Beau Nash, the excellent Wayne Bridle will be performing a lively mix of upbeat covers from 60’s to present day.

If you are a fan of artists like John Mayer, then you will love local singersongwriter Ed Jones who is topping the bill at The Grey Lady this Sunday eve with support from other excellent local acts; MODL and The Fampton Sisters.

THE BEAU NASH

Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY – Wayne Bridle THE CROSS KEYS

St Johns Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY (13TH) – Sonny’s Jazz: refer to venue website above THURSDAY – UK Music Life Open Mic FRIDAY – Sonny’s Blues: Matt Bullard Blues Band WEDNESDAY (20TH) - Sonny’s Jazz: Paul Malsom

of TW events EVERYTHING seems to take a bit of time to get going after the busy Christmas period so this week is still a little quiet.

FRIDAY: THE CROSS KEYS Matt Bullard Blues Band

>> WEDNESDAY If one of your New Year resolutions is to get out into the fresh air more the Kent High Weald Partnership have an ideal opportunity for you. Starting at 10 there is a hedge-laying session at the Number One Community Centre in Showfields to improve safety along the Eridge Road and help wildlife. Dress for the weather. Hot drinks will be provided. >> THURSDAY Skeptics in the Pub is under new ‘management’ but it’s still being held at Sankey’s. This evening’s session is led by new organiser Tannice Hemming and is a discussion on scepticism! At the other end of town the Sussex Arms will be hosting its first quiz of 2016 and then every Thursday for the foreseeable future.

Up the road in Sevenoaks the Outside the Box Comedy club returns to the Stag with a show headlined

by TV Favourite Milton Jones.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk FRIDAY – Boogaloo Soul Train SATURDAY – lam vs. Stinger : Raised By Raptors + Star Angled Spanner + The Alley Devils + Baby Goliath

Dave Barnett

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

SCALLYWAG

Mount Ephraim Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply FRIDAY - Ed Watts (jazz piano) GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £5/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www. thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY – Josh Renton, Second Helping, Jessica Simpson, Lee Willz FRIDAY - (9.30pm till late) Soul Kitchen SATURDAY - (9.30pm till late) Heads South SUNDAY – MODL, The Frampton

Sisters, Ed Jones TUESDAY – Milly Rusling, The Pioneers, Jono Harrison WEDNESDAY - Lucy Jarrett Bea Everett Logan Wilson THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from mid afternoon onwards SATURDAY – The Heart Beats MONDAY – Open Mic/Jam Session

>> FRIDAY Another favourite of the Stag returns this evening when the Close Up Show opens its curtains. I’m not aware of anything like it in the area so if you like magic then this is the show for you.

I’ve been looking forward to the new exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery. Wycinanki: The Art of Polish Paper Cuts is a touring exhibition from the Horniman Museum in London together with a contemporary response from the local Polish community. Open from today until 17th April, so no need to rush! >> SATURDAY Want to get fit in 2016? Then you could do worse than get involved with Park Run, this is an accurately measured 5K run that takes place in Dunorlan every Saturday at 9 am, each time you run is timed so you can track your progress. Register and get your bar-code now and watch those times go down.

The build up to the popular Lantern Parade on 30 January continues with workshops at St Paul’s school in

Rusthall and the TN2 Community Centre in Sherwood.

Go along and build your own lantern or help to make one of the larger ones.

With Christmas over our open-air markets should be getting back into the regular swing of things. Today and tomorrow will be the first of the 2016 Pantiles markets with top quality local produce and artisan products.

Not many of us get to see The Met Opera in New York so our best opportunity is to watch one of their live streams to cinema screens. Today the Odeon is showing a performance of Les Pecheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers) by Bizet, a love story set in the Far East.

The Stag in Sevenoaks has an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland by Cascade Dance, an educational dance company based in Kent. While Trinity has the first of its monthly Comedy Cafe with Steve Gribbon, Ellie Taylor and Rhys James lined up to perform. >> SUNDAY The cultural screenings continue, I can pretty much guarantee there will be one somewhere every week this year. This afternoon it’s at Trinity where there’s a repeat performance of the National Theatre’s Jane Eyre.

This is followed in the evening by the first Trinity film of the year. If you missed Matt Damon in The Martian last year, now is your chance to catch it. I usually check these catch-up screenings on the Rotten Tomatoes website, this one is considered anything but rotten with a 93% rating and is seen as a return to form for director Ridley Scott. >> MONDAY As the Boomtown Rats once sang, I don’t like Monday’s, for me it’s because there’s often not much to say! >> TUESDAY Catch-up Cinema continues at Trinity with three chances to watch Suffragette with Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham-Carter leading a good (mostly) British cast.

This one gets a rating of 72% from Rotten Tomatoes, so one to watch.

If you are a fan of quizzing there’s another opportunity every Tuesday at the Cross Keys. So grab your team and head over towards Southborough.

CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR Castle Street Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late FRIDAY – Vertigo

HEART BREAKFAST WITH JAMES & BECKY

Tune into Heart Breakfast and stay up on all our exciting stuff!

LATIN JAZZ BAND Head South is hitting The Pantiles this month. The Latin Jazz Salsa Quintet kick off their 2016 UK tour in Tunbridge Wells. With a cultural mix of British and Cuban musicians, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more authentic and exciting Latin jazz band this side of the Atlantic. Head South play The Grey Lady 16th January, 9.45pm (Dining available from 8pm).

Wednesday 13th January 2016

A selection of events in Tunbridge Wells.

For more details visit: www.tunbridgewellsevents. co.uk/thisweek

www.heart.co.uk/ kent/on-air/breakfast

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Is it too late to say that phrase now? When is the cut-off point? 2016 is upon us and here’s hoping for a fun, exciting, energetic, happy and healthy year for you all!

Apparently the date that most people gave up New Year’s Resolutions was January 6th; I didn’t really make any resolutions, but this year I decided I really wanted to write a diary.

Somewhere I could channel all my everyday thoughts, feelings and general sayings.

Honestly, I’m extremely excited about it. There has, however, been one flaw in my plan so far - I still need to purchase the actual diary!

Never mind, maybe I’ll start it from February.

That’s still OK, right?

We are now into our second week of the year and back on Heart Breakfast. I’m into my second year on the show and I cannot believe how quickly time flies when you simply love

every minute of it. It’s fantastic to be back with James and we are planning some really exciting things for the year. There is so much to look forward to.

We’re off to a flying start with a winner on the ‘6.30 Thingy’ and the first major competition is well under way with ‘Whose On Heart?’ This is your chance to bag yourself a massive £100,000 if you can identify the voices of 3 celebrities. Imagine starting the year with that amount of money in your bank account, what’s the first thing you would do?

Make sure you join us, weekdays from 6 am so you don’t miss out on all the fun and games. If you supported James and I in 2015, I cannot thank you enough and here’s to 2016!

Becky.ives@heart.co.uk @bexives22

THE GREAT OUTDOORS n

Kent Barker Country matters

After taking a leap from London, the plan was to start a new life in the countryside and a career as a famous author. Instead I acquired a dog and part time work managing a community orchard. You can read these experiences on my blog: www.kentcountrymatters.blogspot.co.uk

Muddy moulting dog days MY POOR pooch had a pretty rotten Christmas.

Well, Christmas day anyway. She was barred from the house we were visiting for the festive lunch. They’d apparently just had the carpets cleaned at considerable expense and so had banned muddy paws. However it was noticeable that this injunction didn’t extend to their own dog! He was allowed full reign of the house while Myrtle had to slum it in the conservatory alongside everyone’s muddy boots and damp coats.

Now, I do concede that dogs, and in particular my dog, are none too good at wiping their paws before bounding across cream-coloured carpets and, occasionally, onto sofas. It’s not their fault. They just don’t see the point of a paw mat. I mean the other day Myrtle sat down in the middle of a muddy puddle in the park just before we were due to visit friends. She didn’t need to. There were other perfectly good and much dryer and cleaner pieces of ground nearby.

But her mind was on the tennis ball. And when there’s a ball or stick to chase all other thoughts just evaporate from that doggy brain. Fellow hounds will come up to her to pass the time of day or, perhaps, wish her season’s greetings. But she just ignores them completely. But without a

ball in her mouth or the prospect of one about to be thrown, she’ll be as sociable as the next dog, and dutifully allow all manner of canines to sniff round her nether regions and even accord them the same courtesy.

I’ve long thought this method of greeting total strangers a bit… well, strange. Just imagine if it was comme il faut for we humans! No, it really doesn’t bear thinking about too closely.

A handshake is generally OK – though you do sometimes wonder if the greeter is as assiduous at washing their hands as they should be. And I’m all for a double-cheek kiss of an attractive member of the opposite sex but even that can get complicated. Particularly in France. There the triple kiss has become de rigeur particularly for close friends. But how close? And which cheek to start with? I’m forever getting it wrong and nose-butting the person in front of me. And should your lips actually caress the cheek in question or remain a millimetre apart? And how well do you have to know the lady to give her a hug at the same time? It’s all very difficult.

There are still some people for whom a hello kiss means on the lips rather than on the cheek.

My former mother-in-law was one such. Now, it’s bad enough having to kiss you mother-in-law at

“Fellow hounds will come up to her to pass the time of day or, perhaps, wish her season’s greetings. But she just ignores them completely”

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all. But to set off to peck her on the cheek in a chaste and affirming kind of way, only to find that she’s altered the trajectory of the move and planted a kiss full on your lips, is nothing less than disconcerting and can quite spoil the mood of the occasion. And what about your father-in-law? No. I’m not suggesting you go up and kiss him on the lips. Not at all. In fact I strongly advise against it. But should you throw your arms round him and give him a manly hug? I’d feel it was a nice gesture, but he might be of a generation where physical contact with a member of the same sex is likely to produce a reaction somewhere between panic and repulsion. And anyway there’s the whole Freudian resentment thing about you sleeping with his daughter, which a clinch with him might only make worse. (Though letting him see you kissing his wife on the lips might not be best advised either!)

But back to carpets. I’ve long wondered at the habit of some country folk in installing wallto-wall, light beige or crisp cream carpets in their living area. Mud, particularly at this time of year, is just bound to get into the house and will, invariably, end up on the carpet. Along with dog hairs. Now, Myrtle is black. She can’t help it. She was born that way. My house has brick or wooden floors so I simply don’t notice if she’s moulting. But take her to my partner’s place and within minutes her light-coloured carpet is just covered in dog hair. And, being Sisal, it’s a nightmare to get off. We’ve tried everything: vacuuming, brushing, sticky back tape, but none appear to work. The only vaguely effective method seems to be shuffling over the surface with rubber-soled shoes.

That rolls the hair up into clumps which can more easily be collected. But it’s a slow and laborious business.

I deemed it prudent to bring over a large rug to cover the centre of her living room for Christmas. It won’t stop Myrtle moulting, but it might disguise the results.

It might be winter but there’s still plenty to do in the garden WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK n If you still have a Christmas tree without roots hanging around, let it dry out then remove the branches to use as twiggy supports for plants in spring or take it to a council recycling centre for shredding. n On your winter rambles around the garden, take the hoe with you and knock out weed seedlings before they get too big. n If weather allows, treat outdoor timber with preservative. n Clean and lubricate garden tools. n Keep a bag of gritty sand on standby in the shed to sprinkle on icy paths. It’s cheaper than salt, which also doesn’t do your paths any good when the thaw comes.

Spread organic matter such as well-rotted manure or garden compost, even if the soil is rock hard. The soil will soon thaw when the weather improves. n Plan your vegetable patch on paper so you know which seeds to order from catalogues. n Prune standard apple and pear trees. n Continue to water greenhouse plants sparingly and ventilate the greenhouse for a few hours on fine days. n Bring seed and potting compost into the greenhouse several days before use, to give it the chance to warm up before sowing. n

BEST OF THE BUNCH Witch hazel (Hamamelis) Fragrant, spidery blooms in shades of yellow, orange and red make these medium-sized to large deciduous shrubs a musthave for the winter garden. The eyecatching flowers, with ribbon-like petals, cluster on bare stems from autumn to early spring, undamaged by frost. They are great

as specimen plants in border or grown in groups. Witch hazels prefer reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, in sun or partial shade in an open spot. In late winter or early spring, prune any crossing shoots to keep a good shape. Good varieties include H x intermedia ‘Pallida’, which as a vase-shaped habit and whose bright green leaves turn gold in autumn, and H x intermedia ‘Diana’, a fine red-flowered variety.

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT Brussels sprouts A sprout is not just for Christmas...

In fact, you could be harvesting them until March if you sowed a late variety in April and planted out in June. They will stay on the plant until you’re ready to pick them and most can be picked over a threemonth period. Harvest when they are tightly closed buttons, starting at the bottom of the stalk and cutting them off with a sharp knife.

At the same time, remove any yellowing foliage or open sprouts.

If you don’t want any waste, you can cut the stem tops off after all sprouts have been harvested and cook them as you would cabbage.

Good late varieties include ‘Montgomery’ and ‘Wellington’.

“In late winter or early spring, prune any crossing shoots to keep a good shape. Good varieties include H x intermedia ‘Pallida’”

Wednesday 13th January 2016