Times of Tunbridge Wells 17th August 2016

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

See page 5

Parking charges set to increase by 29 per cent

By Steve Eighteen TUNBRIDGE WELLS is set to become Kent’s most expensive town for parking after the council proposed to hike its charges by up to 29 per cent .

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council wants to raise the standard hourly rate in its town centre car parks to £1.80 from its current tariff of £1.40.

Those who use the PaybyPhone service will be charged £1.40, up from £1.20.

Should the Cabinet give the go-ahead on September 15, it would make the town’s car parks more expensive than all others managed by local authorities in Kent. In the local region, only Crawley (£2.50 per hour) has a higher hourly rate.

The council says the increase will raise at least £450,000, with another £32,000 gained by increasing night tariffs to £1.50 (currently £1).

Continued on page 2

County Hall calls for change INSIDE of law on grammar schools CHECK UP

Medical centre placed in special measures Page 3

Parts of current legislation are an ‘unnecessary and damaging restriction’ that should be scrapped

By Jonathan Banks

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Sevenoaks to the Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge.

Cllr Gough told the Times: “Grammar schools are an integral part of education in Kent. For many people they are a route to social mobility, giving bright children from a full range of backgrounds the opportunity to achieve more from their time in education.”

He agreed that opponents had every right to make their case, but KCC believed that grammar schools had an important place in our education system, and that a large number of Kent residents had a similar view.

He said Kent’s mixed choice of secondary schools offered real choice for parents seeking a school that suited their child’s abilities and needs.

NEWS that Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to give the green light to more grammar schools has been welcomed by Kent County Council.

Mrs May is understood to be on the verge of lifting the 18-year ban on new grammar schools by the end of this year.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education, Roger Gough, said: “We support the expansion of grammar school capacity, as we do that of any good or outstanding school where there is a clear need for more places.

“The 1998 Act currently prevents this being done through the establishment of new grammar schools.

“We believe that this is an unnecessary and damaging restriction and that this part of the legislation should be scrapped.”

Grammar schools select pupils by means of entrance exam the 11-plus, or in this county the Kent Test. Kent is exceptional in that grammar schools already comprise a third of its mix of secondary schools.

Cllr Gough’s comments follow a story in the Times that the Kent Education Network (KEN) is calling for an end to the 11-plus, which it claims creates inequality and a two-tier system, especially in West Kent.

KEN was set up in JanuNEW HOPE ary in response to plans for from PM Theresa May establishing an ‘annexe’ in

‘Kent offers a balanced blend of pathways’ “We recognise that schools of various types in the county – including grammar schools, high schools, faith schools, comprehensive schools and special schools – provide an excellent education for their pupils.”

THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL One of the top grammars

DRINKING GAME

Make the most out of investing in wine Page 6-7

WINGING IT He said it was nonsense to point out that in a grammar school system the non-selective schools would sometimes have relatively lower performance in terms of GCSEs and A levels. That was inevitable because those schools did not have, on average, the more academic pupils.

However, that did not mean that the nonselective schools were doing a bad job.

“Non-selective schools in Kent achieve outstanding outcomes for their pupils by offering a balanced blend of academic, vocational and technical pathways, apprenticeships and preparation for employment opportunities.

“In fact a number of our Kent non-selective schools do well in terms of what they deliver, even in relation to the national average.

“And the results do not indicate that the pupils in those schools are doing any worse than they would under another system.”

See also page 12

Superwomen take to the skies in aid of charity Page 10

HUNTING SEASON

Free wildlife hunt for children at Dunorlan Park Pages 74-75

2 ■ LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday It will be another fine, dry and warm day with plenty of sunshine.

August 17, 2016

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21 C

Visibility: Very good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 57%

Sunrise: 05.49am

Sunset: 20.16pm

Wind: 8mph

Thursday

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21ºC

19ºC

Saturday

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19ºC

Funding cuts lead to price hike Continued from page 1 John Sayer, who represents West Kent for the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “I go to Tunbridge Wells three times a week and already have to pay £1.40 an hour, yet in Sevenoaks I pay just £1.

“This extravagant rise is unfair. Don’t they want to encourage people to come to the town centre? If public transport was better it would not be so important, but it’s not.

He added: “What may happen is that instead of people coming in three times a month, they may come in just the once.

“There are a lot of people working in Tunbridge Wells who have to park at the public car parks

HOW THE TOWN COMPARES

20ºC

21ºC

22ºC

View from Ashdown Forest

by Paul Harvey Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well’ Pierre de Coubertin

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Crawley, West Sussex (County Mall) £2.50 Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place and Meadow Road) £1.80 Canterbury (Whitefriars) £1.70 Maidstone (Fremlin Walk) £1.70 Margate (Dreamland) £1.60 Sevenoaks (Bligh’s Meadow) £1.50 Folkestone (Bouverie Place) £1.30 Tonbridge (Angel) £1.20 Guildford (all in town centre) £1.20 Bromley (civic centre) £1.20 Hastings (Priory Street) £1.20 Tenterden (Bridewell Lane) £1 Chatham (Brook Pentagon) 90p Ashford (Civic Centre) 80p East Grinstead (all in town centre) 80p Gravesend (Parrock Street) 80p Dartford (Orchards) 50p Bluewater Free Westerham (town centre) Free Cranbrook (town centre) Free

Club ends fight for longer hours THE ZEE BAR has withdrawn its application to stay open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The High Street nightclub, currently restricted to a 3am closure on both evenings, also applied to serve alcohol on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 3am. Currently it can stay open on

and it will make it more expensive for them.

“If they put it up 10p, people would still be annoyed but it would be easier to take. This is typical council greed.”

William Bailey, who manages gentleman’s outfitters Bailey’s in Mount Pleasant Road, said: “A lot of older people drive here and increasing parking charges is not going to encourage them.”

UPGRADES New infrastructure is needed

‘More people now shop online and this will not encourage people to come here and shop on foot’ Elizabeth Davenport-Fry lives in Goudhurst but visits Tunbridge Wells every week to go shopping. “It is ridiculous,” she said.

“This is all about money and they are trying to fleece us at a time when we are in a sort-of recession. More people now shop online and this will not encourage people to come here and shop on foot.”

Abigail Davenport, a supervisor at clothing designer shop Phase Eight in Mount Pleasant Road, said: “It affects business. There have often been times when customers have to run out of the shop quickly because their parking has run out and we don’t always see them again to close the sale.

“With fuel and insurance, driving is expensive as it is, without more costs.”

However, the council believes the move is justified in order to improve infrastructure and make up for the cuts in central government funding.

A report by the Planning and Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board, which will discuss the

issue on August 22, says: “As the local economy continues to thrive the demand for parking space both in car parks and on-street exceeds supply.

“This often results in a frustration for residents and visitors that needs to be redressed, albeit there is no quick or simple solution.

“The lack of finance resulting from reduced Government funding means that we have to raise more revenue to help us improve our infrastructure, reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and address other areas of public concern; for example, footway parking, as well as provide investment for additional parking space.

It adds that the proposals will ‘allow us to continue to maintain a thriving economy by providing facilities that match demand’.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS TO BE HIT BY HIGHER RATES ANNUAL season tickets at some car parks would increase by up to £100 a year as part of the council’s proposal.

These include Crescent Road, Meadow Road, Great Hall and Mount Pleasant Avenue (new price £1,050), Beech Street and Camden Road (£1,005) and Calverley Terrace (£1,160).

Paddock Wood car park would increase by £50 to £800 and three resident-only car parks in High Brooms, Stone Street and Warwick Road are all

Wednesdays until 2am and Thursdays until 3am, but alcohol can only be sold on these days until 1am. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee was due to decide on Friday August 19 until the Zee Bar made a late withdrawal of its proposal.

There were 18 objections to the premises application, with concerns raised about public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety and child protection.

going up by £25.

Prices at John Street and Yew Tree Road would be frozen but residents’ on-street permits will increase from £60 to £80.

The council says it will use the £57,000 raised from this scheme to improvement residents’ schemes.

Residents living in town centre zones A, B, C, D and G would have to pay £80, up from £60, for their residential on-street permits.

Development threat to green COUNCILLORS were being urged to reject a proposal to build 14 flats because they would dominate Pembury village green.

Officers from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council recommended that the planning application for 3 High Street, on the junction of Camden Avenue, should be turned down due to its scale, bulk, height and positioning next

to a designated Area of Important Open Space.

Tunbridge Wells’ Planning Committee was due to decide on Wednesday August 17, as the Times went to press.

There were 52 objections to the plan by Launch Pad Developments, which included replacing the existing car sales showroom with a four-storey block of 14 flats.

WHATEVER YOU THINK OF ITS EDUCATION POLICY, COUNTY HALL IS NOT DOING TOO BADLY FOUR weeks ago we carried on our front page a story about the Kent Education Network (KEN) calling for an end to the 11-plus entrance exam into grammar schools.

Among other things the group claimed it creates inequality and an ‘unacceptable social divide’. As you might imagine, the article attracted much interest and comment. Few things divide opinion more than education.

This week we hear from Kent County Council, staunch defenders of the selective system, and from the man leading that defence – Roger Gough, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education.

As you would expect, his arguments are well rehearsed and heartfelt. He believes grammars are a ‘route to social mobility,

giving bright children from a full range of backgrounds the opportunity to achieve more from their time in education’.

He does, however, admit to ‘an unfortunate truth’ in that there is a gap in the GCSE performance of children on free school meals – the very youngsters that we all recognise might need a bit more help to climb the social ladder.

This gap, though, according to an Ofsted report, is pretty widespread across the south east and applies to both grammar and non-selective areas. It has little to do with the 11-plus, otherwise known as the Kent Test.

Apparently, how close you live to a school is one of the biggest drivers of inequality between rich and poor families. Better-off

parents get their youngsters into the best comprehensives by buying a house near one of them. This means money becomes a factor at the expense of exams and ability.

Whatever you might think about the education policy at County Hall, members of the council are not doing too badly if you place your faith in statistics.

Ofsted figures show that 84.5 per cent of Kent secondary schools are either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, compared to 77.6 per cent nationally and 80.7 per cent across the south east.

The role of a newspaper is to present the facts – what you read into them is up to you…

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS �

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cancer sufferer stole £58K from Rusthall club A TERMINALLY-ill pensioner stole more than £58,000 from a working men’s club in Rusthall while he was acting as Treasurer.

Roy Weston was found guilty of one charge of theft and three of fraud between 2009 and 2013 at Maidstone Crown Court.

The 79 year old, who had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2011, even took more than £4,000 from the club’s ‘thrift’ Christmas fund.

He also removed cash from two lottery machines. His activities led to the club having to take out an overdraft of £8,500 due to debts.

Mr Weston did not attend court to hear the verdict because of his poor health, which had caused several delays during the trial.

Judge Heather Baucher ordered the proceedings to continue regardless.

Some witnesses died while waiting for the trial to begin, and another is reported to have decided to postpone an operation in order to give her evidence.

Killed by generator A FORMER Army officer was killed in Etchingham after being hit by a generator which fell off the back of a truck.

Emma Beeney, 40, was walking her dog with her husband Robert when the machine was dislodged from a passing Ford Transit.

She served as a warrant officer in Andover, and had since become a stepmother.

Mr Beeney was airlifted to hospital in Brighton with serious injuries.

A 42-year-old man from Ashford was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Foster carer convicted A FOSTER carer in Edenbridge has been convicted of child cruelty after being spotted striking a disabled child in her house.

A man was looking out of a neighbour’s window in January 2014 when he saw the 56-year-old woman slapping the eightyear-old boy and pulling his head down while he was apparently trying to eat.

Prosecutor Helen McCormack said the boy was suffering from medical problems including epileptic seizures. His parents were unable to care for him.

Recorder David Jeremy QC adjourned sentencing until October 13.

Keep check on cell life KENT’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, is appealing for volunteers to check standards in the county’s police custody cells.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to police stations, examining the welfare of people being detained.

There are currently 35 ICVs across the county, and Mr Scott is looking to recruit 15 more. To apply, visit www.kent-pcc-gov.uk

SUE REEVES (left) points to the name of Bertha Moran, her great aunt, who survived the sinking of the Titanic. Mrs Reeves’ story was featured in the Times of Tunbridge Wells, after which she was invited to meet the borough’s Mayor,

David Neve. They attended the Titanic Exhibition in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, with Mayor Neve presenting the shopping centre’s Manager, Nicky Blanchard, with a floral tribute to mark the occasion (above).

Abbey Court GP practice faces closure after report Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A TUNBRIDGE WELLS general practitioners has been placed in special measures after a damning report by the Care Quality Commission.

The sanction on the Abbey Court Medical Centre on St John’s Road comes just two weeks after Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Health Trust was placed in special financial measures.

The centre, which is run by Dr Lalta Sachdeva along with two locum GPs, looks after around 4,300 local residents.

Abbey Court received a rating of ‘inadequate’ in three areas – safety, effectiveness and leadership – ‘requires improvement’ for caring, and ‘good’ for ­responsiveness.

The CQC specifically referred to a failure to carry out temperature checks on a fridge which contained vaccines when the nurse who routinely performed the task was absent.

It also found that sharps boxes for used needles were being stored on the floor of the sluice room, which was dirty – and the bottoms of the boxes were not cleaned when they were moved into a clinical area.

‘The service will be kept under review and, if needed, could be escalated to urgent enforcement action’ It found that staff had not been properly kept up to date with training in areas such as infection control for a period of several years.

No appraisals had been carried out at all for 12 months, ILL HEALTH and the induction of new Abbey Court does not members of staff was not have enough staff being recorded.

The government watchdog found that staffing levels were too low, and were being significantly affected by illness and holidays.

When locum doctors were being recruited, their backgrounds were not being adequately checked, for example whether they were registered with the General Medical Council. Similar issues were raised about nursing staff.

The practice did not have any formal systems for recording reports of ‘significant events, incidents and concerns’, or the ­ resulting

­ nalysis of these events and the relevant informaa tion being passed on to patients.

The inspectors said confidential patient information was being kept in a room where a security keypad had been disabled, and that repeat prescriptions were left out in the open overnight.

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice, said the centre would be inspected again in six months’ time and that if any of the elements of care marked as ‘inadequate’ had not improved, it would be closed down.

“The service will be kept under review and, if needed, could be escalated to urgent enforcement action,” he said.

“If there is not enough improvement we will move to close the service by adopting our proposal to remove this location or cancel the ­provider’s registration.”

Abbey Court responded to the report by saying they had been ‘very shocked and disappointed’.

Dr Sachdeva said: “We are taking this report and the issues raised by the CQC extremely seriously and we are doing all we can to deliver the improvements as quickly as possible.”

He said the practice had already set up a new ‘regime of holding regular, formal practice meetings which are fully recorded’.

The clinic has also employed a new member of staff to carry out reception and administration duties using ‘the correct recruitment procedure’.

And it has introduced a ‘Virtual Patient Participation Group’ on its website where patients can make comments and participate in a forum.

“Although some of the areas identified for improvement are relatively simple to put right, others will be more time consuming,” added Dr Sachdeva.

Patients who would like further information on any areas highlighted in the CQC report can contact the practice on 01892 520027 or via email at gp.G82103@nhs.net

Wednesday 17th August 2016

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Mixed fortunes as house prices fall Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HOUSE prices are falling in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, according to figures for the last six months, while in Tunbridge Wells they are still rising – but at less than 1 per cent.

Property website Zoopla has revealed that eight out of 25 Kent regions they studied have seen a fall in average house prices – with the other six all being coastal towns.

Sevenoaks has seen a decrease of 1.91 per cent, the third lowest among the regions after Broadstairs and Ramsgate, while Tonbridge recorded a 1.09 per cent decline.

Tunbridge Wells scored second lowest among those areas which have seen a rise, experiencing an increase of just 0.61 per cent.

Last year house prices in Kent soared by almost ten per cent – compared to a nationwide rise of 7.5 per cent.

But Zoopla said that almost a third of the properties they list on their portal, 32.6 per cent, had seen their prices slashed in July.

The average discount is £25,257 – which is close to the average wage in the UK, £26,500.

Prices are typically high in the local area – in Sevenoaks the average property value is £609,296, while the figure for Tunbridge Wells stands at £453,129 and for Tonbridge £434,147.

But for houses that are valued at more than £1million, more than a quarter of properties nationwide have come down in value, with the average discount being £186,718.

The surprising statistics follow a warning from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in June that prices could fall for the first time since 2012.

Several negative factors have been attributed to a lack of activity in the housing market.

The number of homes on the market hit a record low in June and are still falling as supply dropped at the sharpest rate on surveyors’ records.

RENT PRICES GO THROUGH THE ROOF TUNBRIDGE WELLS is among the most expensive places to rent a single room in the South East, according to the Office for National Statistics: n A one-bedroom property costs about £686 a month on average, which far exceeds the regional average of £424. n The median annual gross salary in the borough is £29,385, leaving £1,929 a month after tax and National Insurance contributions. n On this salary renters will spend 35.5 per cent of their take-home pay on their accommodation.

n Both the housing charity Shelter and the

Joseph Rowntree Foundation believe no more than 30 per cent of net income should be spent on rent, which in Tunbridge Wells would mean rental prices of £579 per month. n High rents are as acute in the neighbouring borough of Tonbridge & Malling. n However, although the rent for a single room is higher in Tonbridge, at £691, tenants can expect to be spending more of their take-home pay (32 per cent) on rents.

Another alarming trend concerns the interest from potential buyers, which is falling at a rate not seen since the start of the recession in 2008.

The Brexit vote in the referendum is widely believed to have led to uncertainty in the market.

Both sellers and buyers appear to be biding their time until more is understood about what the future holds after the vote to leave the EU. In addition, the market may be experiencing a lull after the rush for buy-to-let properties ahead of the increase in stamp duty in April.

“Normally, activity does tail off in July and August but it seems to be livelier than usual.”

“I’ve still got a reasonable market, under a million, when I expect it to be dead because of the holidays.

“I’m not seeing a lot of reductions. I really don’t think Brexit has had any effect at all.”

Mr Oatley reckons that any volatility has been caused by the rise in stamp duty, which saw a 3 per cent tax hike on buy-to-let houses and second homes.

“Post-Brexit the biggest changes have been in the million-plus market. But that’s really ‘Valuations had been looking because of the rise in stamp duty in April, not the toppy before the Brexit result’ referendum. The tax increase has been blurring the boundaries between sections of the market.”

Louise Streets of Kent Homefinders, who – However, the Bank of England’s decision to cut unlike estate agents – works exclusively with interest rates to a record low of 0.25 per cent will buyers, operates at the higher end of the local bring down mortgage rates, which in turn makes market, often for families moving down from buying a house more attractive.

London and overseas clients.

Tim Oatley, Associate Director of estate agents She says: “The prices of houses over £1million Jackson-Stops and Staff, believes that falling have been pretty strong in towns such as prices are a sign that estate agents are looking to Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. perk up the market.

“But valuations had been looking toppy before “There may be what I call ‘chipping’ of prices, the surprise Brexit result. So transactions have where you reduce a price from £525,000 to been going through lower than the asking price.” £500,000,” he said. “But that’s maybe done to Ms Streets says the general consensus is that stimulate activity. houses are selling for 12 to 13 per cent less than “Some prices have been set too high in the first last year, but that may be more an effect of the place, so they are now coming down to the level stamp duty rise than Brexit. they should have been advertised at originally.”

Country houses over the £2million mark remain But Mr Oatley, who has been selling houses in a difficult market. “Initially agents reported that Sevenoaks, some buyers Tonbridge and TUNBRIDGE WELLS wanted to reSEVENOAKS Tunbridge negotiate and Wells for therefore TONBRIDGE Average price paid 25 years, some chains Average price paid has rarely broke down. +0.61% Average price paid -1.91% “However, experienced VALUE CHANGE TOTAL SALES VALUE CHANGE a busier transactions £453,129 -1.09% CURRENT AVERAGE VALUE summer. have picked VALUE CHANGE £609,296 CURRENT AVERAGE VALUE “Brexit may up and even CURRENT £434,147 AVERAGE VALUE FOR SALE have caused lower interest FOR SALE a distraction rates provide FOR SALE but at the a very cheap lower end of way to borrow the market money, which we’re doing looks set to sales,” he says. continue.”

£417,533 Total sales

505

£389,609 Total sales

330

£525,804

350

Victory for campaigners after flight path widened RESIDENTS of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells may breathe a sigh of relief following Gatwick’s announcement that it had rewidened the approaching flightpath on Monday (August 15).

Campaigners who have long fought to have the westerly path rewidened have celebrated the move, which is one of 23 recommendations made in the Independent Review of Arrivals published at the start of the year.

The changes mean aircraft will now approach across a broader area and will start their descent further west, resulting in less noise in towns such as Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

In effect, it will reverse a decision to narrow the path in 2013 which led to the creation of the ‘aerial super-highway’.

This caused more intense noise pollution for those living below and provoked the formation of several protest groups.

Graham Lake, a member of the airport’s Arrivals Review Team, said he was ‘very pleased’ to

Wednesday 17th August 2016

announce the changes after several months working on the ‘complex’ issue.

Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge & Malling, welcomed the news, but said he would continue to monitor the situation ‘closely’.

He added: “The flightpath changes that came into play on Monday are significant, and should make a difference to the level of noise we hear from aircraft in the area.

“To get to this stage is a superb achievement.

Let’s make sure the changes get the quieter skies we deserve.”

But Martin Barraud of Gatwick Obviously Not – a well-established campaign group based in Penshurst – said further action was needed.

He said: “Rewidening alone is not the cure-all so do not expect a dramatic change.

“This is an evolutionary process. Rewidening is a part of the jigsaw, which also includes smoother flight descent, higher altitudes and the far-tooslow fixing of the easyJet whine.”

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6  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

A corking investment – and your glass is always half full

A FINE VINTAGE There are plenty of bottles on offer so choose wines you like

Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk YOU don’t need to know your Merlots from your Malbecs to invest in wine, but it certainly helps if you plan to make a sizeable return.

With more and more people opting to store their wealth by the bottle, leading

Wednesday 17th August 2016

wine expert Mike Watson said those taking this route need to be aware there are risks, as well as opportunities, when dealing in this unregulated market.

Mr Watson, who founded The Secret Cellar on Church Road, Tunbridge Wells in 2005, has spent the last 13 years in the wine trade, and knows how lucrative his products can be – if handled in the right way.

But while he has a thorough grasp of the ins and outs of the trade, he has ideas far more familiar to the rest of us about what to do with a good bottle of wine.

“My view is: Wine is there to be drunk,” he said. “That is what winemakers want you to do, and for the majority of customers we will sell them wine to drink at some point – whether that be now, in three years or in five years’ time.”

But he added that a lot of his customers do like to use wine as an investment. “They like the knowledge that they have a cellar full of wine appreciating in value.”

There are three ways in which people can go about doing this, he revealed.

Firstly, they can buy into a wine fund, which requires a minimum £10,000 investment and often locks the customer in for a minimum period of time before they can get a return.

This sum will be handled by specialists who invest on your behalf and pool your money as part of a bigger fund.

Secondly, a potential investor can hire the services of a specialist wine merchant, usually for a monthly fee, and they will advise on what to add

‘Tillington Single Vineyard wine, from Nyetimber in West Sussex, is an example of a highly prized wine due to its quality and small production of just 4,000 bottles a year. Mike Watson is also particularly bullish about the future value of this impressive vintage, which currently retails at £90 per bottle’

to the portfolio. This generally costs a minimum of £200 to £250 a month.

“Or you can do it yourself,” said Mr Watson. This involves setting up a bonded account, so the wine is held in a government-bonded warehouse, while sourcing products from a range of merchants.

Bonded warehouses mean you will not pay duty or VAT on the product and it is easier to trade, he explained.

“You will basically go to a few different merchants and look for value in the market and things that have a long lifespan. There is no point buying anything that needs to be drunk in the next year or so. It is a long-term thing.

“This option means you buy a case here, a case there and can spend as much or as little as you like.”

He said that as a ‘general rule of thumb’, wine investment is not a shortterm hobby – it should have a minimum five-year timescale, and usually longer.

This means enthusiasts should be looking at buying wines with at least a 15-year shelf life.

‘Decent’ red wines can last up to 50 or 60 years. “Those wines are not cheap to begin with,” Mr Watson said. “But they

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

A TASTE OF WISE WINE COLLECTING From Tunbridge Wells’s Mike Watson

‘There’s a peak drinking window after which the quality declines… We encourage customers to drink it on the way up’ appreciate in value over time because there is a finite amount produced for each vintage.

“As time goes on there is less around because people drink it, and the idea is that as the wine approaches its peak drinking time, if you have stored it properly then the value should be much higher when it is ready to go.”

Traditionally, investors have concentrated on Bordeaux due to its high quality and small-scale production, and it still accounts for 70 per cent of the fine wine market.

Burgundy, Rhone and Champagne, alongside a ‘handful’ of Italian, Spanish and new world wines, have also been highly sought after.

“There are a few around the world which are considered a sort of ‘blue chip’ investment and should, in theory, always appreciate in value.”

English wine – the sparkling variety only – is just starting to make tentative inroads into investors’ portfolios. Mr Watson said: “We have the same soil types and weather as the Champagne region, so English sparkling wines are

really starting to come on stream.”

Tillington Single Vineyard wine, from Nyetimber in West Sussex, is an example of a highly prized wine due to its quality and small production of just 4,000 bottles a year, he added.

He is also particularly bullish about the future value of this impressive vintage, which currently retails at £90 per bottle.

“They have pretty much sold all of it already, and this is not some cheap English fizz. They also don’t export any of it yet, but once they do the price is going to rocket.”

Once the preserve of a certain segment of western society, the desire for fine wines – whether for investment or simply to drink – has become a global phenomenon as other countries, China particularly, become more affluent.

“They want the most expensive or hard-to-get thing on their table,” he said, adding that this is having a dramatic effect on driving up prices, as production of the finest vintages remains limited.

Until recently, the main way of investing was to buy the wine ‘en primeur’ – a form of futures transaction where you pay for the wines whilst they are maturing and before they are bottled.

The idea was this benefitted the producer by ensuring they had a constant cash flow, while buyers would receive a discount against the future price 18 to 24 months down the line.

However, Mr Watson said this has ‘all changed’ as producers are so ‘awash with money’ that they no longer need to sell at a discount early on.

“The Chinese piled into the market in such a big way that the chateaux owners then realised they didn’t need to discount as much as they had previously done because prices were going through the roof.”

Some investors have had their fingers burnt by this, he said. Many who had bought into Bordeaux using this method since the 2009 vintage have seen the value since the en primeur price go down – meaning it would have been

better to wait for the wine to be bottled and released.

“The whole market has changed somewhat. Now, instead of buying at the en primeur stage and being guaranteed to get it at a discount to the market price, people are being a bit more savvy in how they value the wine.

“They could look at the 2015 vintage and see it going at £50 per bottle and a 2005 wine going for £60, and deduce that although it’s a little more expensive they will not have to wait ten years before selling it.”

He said investors now make a judgement using this method, working out what it is worth buying by using previous years as a benchmark.

It has also led to wine critics having a lot of influence and increased speculation. “There are certain critics who score wines and then retaste them every five years or so.

“People are looking at these vintages and knowing that if the critic upgrades their score on the next tasting, the price is going to shoot up.

“What they are trying to do is spot anomalies in batches which they think

may be priced below the market value.”

How much of a return an investor can expect to make is subject to an array of factors and, like any market, it experiences peaks and troughs.

But Mr Watson said that following trends through markets such as Live-Ex – a global wine exchange which uses the value of the top 100 fine wines as its main index – is a rough guide.

Using their data, if you had invested ten years ago, you would have doubled your money.

“However, the price has come down in the last two or three years, so if you had sold halfway through the ten-year investment, you would have trebled your money.

“This also means that if you had invested five years ago you would have lost money.”

Despite this, Mr Watson said the wine market will generally outperform other markets because it is based on such a finite commodity; it just depends on the timing.

“There’s a peak drinking window after which the quality declines again. So we always try to encourage

7

customers to drink it on the way up, when it still has the youthful vibrancy about it.”

The same advice applies for investment, as most of the end buyers want to drink it.

Unlike a regular stock market, it can be much harder to offload your investments and find buyers, and there is almost no meaningful regulation.

“Unlike shares, you cannot just offload wine quickly. Sometimes you will have some wine and put it out to the market and people will not be buying it at that particular time. Ironically, it is not a very liquid asset.”

He said investors need to ‘be careful’ when entering into the wine industry as they ‘can be conned’.

“The safest route is the DIY option.

Build up a good relationship with several different merchants who can guide you on where to go. Independents like us don’t mind doing that so long as you buy something through us. We are happy to advise on what to look for.

“You are also spreading your risk.

You own the stock in your own bonded account and not just giving your money to a third party who is producing a piece of paper saying ‘look how much your wine is worth’ when they have never bought a bottle in their lives.

“It doesn’t happen all the time but there are some horror stories of it going on as people can be unscrupulous.”

One example he gave to drive home the point of checking a firm’s credentials was an Australian bonded company that recently went into administration, with bailiffs discovering that 30,000 bottles of wine worth £3million were missing.

He said the Government has just started to regulate wholesalers of wine by introducing a registration scheme that is supposed to prevent people smuggling in wine and avoiding duty – which adds about £2 per bottle.

But it doesn’t really have legs, he said, because it’s voluntary – meaning the merchants who sign up were above board in the first place.

“But it is the first step towards some legislation of the market and it helps to identify bona fide businesses.”

And does having a taste for wine make you a better investor?

“It does help if you enjoy the subject because the worst thing that can happen with wine is, although you are never going to lose a load of money on it, you may not make any.

“The worst case scenario is that you will be sitting there and drinking it with some friends.”

TOP TEN TIPS ON WINE INVESTMENT

1 2

Use a reputable company – some may be fraudulent

3

Set up a bonded account – this costs about £15 per case per annum. And hold the wine in a government-bonded warehouse

4

Be patient – take a medium to long-term view and do not expect immediate returns. It can take ten years to make a good return and the wine market does peak and trough

Only buy in bond – it avoids duties and VAT at the point of purchase. But make sure you keep good records

5 6

Think hard about what to buy – invest in smallproduction, topquality wines, but not ones that need to be drunk in a year or so Buy the best you can afford – with storage costs, cellaring cheap wines makes no commercial sense.

And always buy in the original wooden cases and make sure the wine is insured at its true value, not just the buying price

7

Do your own research – merchants are salesmen so they will often recommend wines that aren’t right for you

8

Be aware the market is changing quickly – you must keep an eye out as to which critics are influencing prices

9

Wine is currently exempt from capital gains tax – this means any profit is tax-free, but it could change at any time

10

Enjoy yourself – worst-case scenario is to crack open some bottles and announce that this is the worst investment you have ever made

Wednesday 17th August 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Toy firm presses play to Whiting slips into the red as kick-start crowdfunding its pre-tax losses mount up for their new model range A TUNBRIDGE WELLS PLAYTIME entrepreneur is seeking Inspiring toys to raise £25,000 through crowdfunding in order to launch a new range of construction-based toys.

Matthew Wright is using the crowdfunding website Kickstarter in order to roll out the first five sets of Playpress – a series aimed at children aged 5-10 which allows them to build anything from skyscrapers to shops and farms out of the cardboard-based sets.

His campaign has already received 66 backers, some of whom are from places as far afield as Singapore and New York, while one supporter has pledged £500 or more to receive their own customised building.

Mr Wright, who co-founded the company, explains: “I was inspired by lots of amazing toys as a kid and wanted to create something as inspiring which was not only super fun to play with but also something I would have been able to buy with my own pocket money.

“With our play world, boys and girls can play any stories they can imagine with our houses, parks, skyscrapers, airports, shops, farms, pets, and characters. The sets are fun to put together and even more fun to play with.”

Two years in development, the products, which are made from 100 per cent recyclable

‘I was inspired by lots of amazing toys as a kid and wanted to create something super fun to play with’

Wednesday 17th August 2016

WHOLE NEW WORLD Dreamt up by Matthew Wright

ONE of the largest privatelyoperated pub chains in Kent plunged into the red during its last financial year.

Whiting & Hammond, which owns eight pubs, predominantly in West Kent, suffered pre-tax losses of £281,000 after making a profit of £140,000 a year earlier.

The latest accounts, relating to

the year ending September 30 2015, also reveal a 7.2 per cent slump in turnover to £9.3million as gross profit margins slipped from 30 per cent to 28 per cent.

The Tonbridge-based company, which counts the Little Brown Jug as its headquarters, employs around 300 people across the group, which includes the

Cricketers Inn in Meopham, the Chaser Inn in Shipbourne and the Mark Cross Inn. Company co-founder Brian Whiting said trading conditions remain ‘competitive’, but continued focus on ‘excellent food and service’ meant its underlying customer base is retained.

Gold status gives Award nomination AV Trinity a boost for condiment firm cardboard, will be manufactured in London to ensure they are as eco-friendly as possible by keeping down air miles.

The company will also benefit from support from other London businesses to help with production and distribution, Mr Wright said.

He added: “Having spent a lot of time testing and learning how to produce the sets to the highest standard possible, from different materials to designs, we’re ready to go and are launching on Kickstarter to give us the best possible footing for our start-up.

“We’ll be able to reach an audience who can buy directly into what we’re doing, help us with our final tooling and production costs, and literally kick-start our second range.”

The Playpress Kickstarter campaign launched on August 3 and will run for 30 days, ending on September 2.

WEALTH advisement firm AV Trinity have received a prestigious boost to their credentials after being awarded the status of Chartered Financial Planners earlier this month.

The corporate Chartered Financial Planners status is considered by investors to be the ‘gold standard’, held only by firms which demonstrate their professional commitment to raising standards of knowledge, capability

and ethical practice.

It was awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute and AV Trinity is one of only two firms in Tunbridge Wells to be given the status, and one of just 700 recognised nationwide.

The award comes just four months after the tragic death of the company’s Managing Director Karen Vidler, who passed away at her home after losing her fight with Lyme disease.

RUSTHALL condiments company Salter’s has been nominated for an award by one of the of largest, most recognised associations in the food and drink industry.

The firm, which is known for its ‘Must Chup’ sauce (a cross between mustard and ketchup), has been entered into the Regional Growth Business category for the South East at the 2016 Food and Drink Federation Awards

on September 22.

Created by Tunbridge Wells twins Mark and Andrew Salter in 2013, the sauce comes in three flavours: Original, Kick and Big Kick, each denoting a level of hotness.

Andrew Salter said: “We are very excited to be nominated at this prestigious awards evening, which includes the likes of Coca-Cola and Cadbury’s. This will be great exposure for our business.”

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10  COMMUNITY NEWS

Reaching new heights to raise funds for Pepenbury MAKING ROOM (L-R): Emma Bourne, Tree of Hope’s Fundraising Manager, Easistore Business Manager Paul Collings and Sales Advisor Sabrina Guempel

Local firm offers help with a storage ‘cave’ CHILDREN’S charity Tree of Hope has praised the public spirit of Easistore for their help in securing a rate-free space to keep their ‘Aladdin’s Cave worth of stuff’.

The self-storage firm donated a 250 sq ft room to the Tunbridge Wells-based charity, rate-free for a year, saving Tree of Hope more than £5,000.

“We are so grateful to Easistore,” said Tree of Hope’s Fundraising Manager, Emma Bourne.

“We developed new merchandising to provide additional support for our families but then had nowhere to store it when we moved out of our other premises. The generous donation helps us keep our costs down.”

Tree of Hope helps families to raise funds to pay for potentially life-changing treatments and therapies for children with complex needs.

Three children will travel to the United States in the autumn to undergo operations that could help them walk unaided for the first time.

Easistore’s Managing Director, Paul Glenister, says the firm is committed to supporting local and national charities. “Every year we work with amazing charities, and we are pleased we can help Tree of Hope with their storage needs,” he said.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

TWO volunteers from Pepenbury, a local learning disability charity, reached for the sky in their efforts to raise money for a new minibus.

Angela Cartwright, 70, and Frances Clayden, 62, donned Superwoman costumes as they challenged themselves to a wingwalk.

The pair have so far raised £5,000 for the ‘desperately needed’ minibus, putting them well on course to hit their £10,000 target.

While both ladies agreed that it felt like a lifetime before they were back on solid ground at Headcorn airfield, they thoroughly enjoyed the wingwalk on the biplane, flying 500 feet in the air at over 100 miles per hour.

This was not Ms Cartwright’s first experience with dizzying heights as she previously abseiled down both the Spinnaker in Plymouth and the Express Tower in Northampton.

Ms Cartwright, who has been a volunteer at Pepenbury for the last eight years, said the scariest part of the experience was climbing on to the wing of the plane in order to be strapped in.

After the adrenaline rush, Ms Cartwright highlighted her passion for Pepenbury and the importance of purchasing the minibus.

She said: “We are delighted that we are very close to our target now. It’s something they desperately need to get

and I’m really happy that we can help them achieve that.”

Pepenbury Fundraising Manager Camilla Slattery praised the pair’s efforts, adding: “These amazing supporters have shown such dedication and bravery to fundraise for us.

We can’t thank them enough.

“It is thanks to people like Angela and Frances that we can continue to develop new initiatives here and purchase new equipment.

We are so grateful to them and everyone who has sponsored them.

“The minibus will make such a difference to the people we support to enable them to get out and attend activities in the community.”

If anyone would like to sponsor these inspirational ladies and support Pepenbury please post your donations to Friends of Pepenbury, Cornford Lane, Pembury TN2 4QU.

UPLIFTING Frances Clayden performs her ‘wingwalk’

Project taps into growing appetite for healthy foods A PROJECT to provide space and opportunity for those interested in growing fruit, vegetables and herbs in Sherwood was launched last week.

‘I Dig Sherwood’ is a partnership between Town & Country Foundation and Kent High Weald Partnership which will provide workshops and allotment spaces to encourage local people to grow their own healthy food.

The scheme was made possible through an

DIGGING DEEP Sherwood’s gardeners at Burslem Road £8,000 grant from Tesco Bags of Help, which uses money raised from the 5p charge on carrier bags to fund local projects throughout the UK. The allotment spaces at Burslem Road, Tunbridge Wells, have been repurposed for the project and they formally opened for use on August 9.

Head of Town & Country Foundation Jackie Sumner said: “We focus on supporting our residents to sustain their tenancies by encouraging healthy lifestyles. This is a fun opportunity to save money, eat healthily and learn new skills.”

COMMUNITY NEWS 

WHAT A HOOT Dame Kelly Holmes (left) with Beth Swarbrigg, Fundraising Director for Hospice in the Weald

Hospice’s race to chase a thousand 10k runners THE annual 10K run for Hospice in the Weald is hoping to attract more than 1,000 runners on Sunday September 25.

Last year, more than 500 participants managed to raise almost £50,000 for the local charity.

This year’s run starts at the Lower Cricket Ground on Tunbridge Wells Common. Spectators will be entertained with activities and stalls.

The route takes participants through Langton Green, down to High Rocks and back to the Common. There will be road closures in place to keep the runners safe.

Olympic distance running legend Dame Kelly Holmes, who lives in Hildenborough and will start the race, said: “The Hospice 10K is one of my favourite events. I am so excited to be opening the event for such a worthwhile charity.

“Not only is it highly organised and professional, but it is also a great way of giving something back to a charity that is integral to our local community.”

Hospice in the Weald is not part of the NHS and relies heavily on the community it serves to raise the £7million it needs each year.

Thanks to sponsors Savills and Countryside, 90p in every £1 made from the 10K run will go directly to supporting patients, families and their carers.

Adults can enter the race for a fee of £30, with a £23 entrance for runners from affiliated clubs and £15 for children aged 12-16, who must be accompanied by an adult.

To book a place in the race, visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk or call Duncan Philip on 01892 820527.

11

Bert the unstoppable Pickering supporter EIGHT-year-old Bert Dicker was thrilled to receive his Honorary Volunteer and Young Fundraiser badge from Polly Taylor, co-founder of the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, after his remarkable efforts to raise money for the local charity.

He has become a keen fundraiser since he was presented with a box of chocolates by Ms Taylor last Christmas.

He decided to sell the confectionery to local businesses and returned to the centre on Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, later that day with a £30 donation.

He then decided to join in his father Toby’s charity cycle ride, which was also raising money

for the Pickering Centre and Cancer Research UK. The 1,400km bike trek across Europe over ten days contributed £63,000 to the two charities, including £23,000 for the Pickering Centre.

Bert’s next charitable venture was selling wristbands at the Mead School and raising over £300 from his fellow pupils and teachers.

“Bert is a remarkable young man and we are so grateful for his enthusiasm and all his hard work on behalf of Pickering,” said Ms Taylor.

His fundraising has reached £1,500 so far.

Now he is organising a 50-mile charity bike ride for early next year and is excited to continue the work into 2017 and beyond.

MILES OF SMILES Young Bert Dicker is organising a 50-mile charity bike ride

Wednesday 17th August 2016

12  LOCAL NEWS

Grammar school system does not lead to poorer results elsewhere KENT COUNTY COUNCIL has hit back at suggestions that the grammar school system leads to poorer GCSE results in other schools.

The claim came from Kent Education Network (KEN) that is campaigning for an end to the Kent Test, or 11-plus, which it believes leads to education inequality.

However, the KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education, Roger Gough, said the claim was not borne out by exam results.

He said the percentage of Kent pupils attaining five GCSEs, including English and Maths, was exactly the same as the national average.

KEN suggested that Kent students were less likely to achieve three A levels than children in other counties.

Mr Gough said that although there were some other counties which outperformed Kent, they were not in the majority. The latest available figures showed that Kent students achieved an average points score of 779.8, compared with a national figure of 771.9, and an average across the south east of 776.6.

Mr Gough said it was ‘an

STAUNCH BELIEVER Cllr Roger Gough, from Sevenoaks

Wednesday 17th August 2016

unfortunate truth’ that there was a gap in the GCSE performance of children on free school meals, but this applied to both grammar and non-selective areas.

And, he pointed out, an Ofsted annual report showed the gaps in free school meal attainment were pretty widespread across the south east.

The county council’s efforts to give pupils from poorer backgrounds a better opportunity to attend a grammar school had been well publicised.

“The improvement of social mobility is a priority for the county council. Lack of social mobility is damaging for the country’s economic growth and wealth creation, and represents a waste of talent which the country cannot afford,” said Mr Gough.

He added the issue of access to better schools for children from poorer backgrounds is a wider one across the country, not confined to the selective system. Some of the most exclusive schools within the state system were not grammars.

Research showed that basing admissions on closeness to a school was one of the biggest drivers of inequality between rich and poor families.

Better-off parents could get their children into the best comprehensives by buying a house near one of them. This had allowed some comprehensive schools to become more selective, so money became a factor at the expense of examinations and ability.

“Our overriding aim is to improve the education opportunities for children of all

‘The issue of access to better schools for children from poorer backgrounds is a wider one across the country, not confined to the selective system’

SIGN OF THE TIMES Campaigners dispute KCC claims

abilities across the county,” said Mr Gough.

The latest available Ofsted statistics show that 84.5 per cent of Kent secondary schools are either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, compared to 77.6 per cent nationally, and 80.7 per cent across the south east.

“These figures show the impact of our school improvement programme, but we are far from complacent and want to reassure parents that we are intent on improving our figures still further.”

He said that in the past, one of the arguments against the grammar school system had been that it was unfair to judge children on their performance on a single day, when their results could be affected by a number of outside factors.

That was why KCC invited headteachers who saw potential in particular children whose test results were below expectations to put those pupils forward for review and appeal. About 21 per cent of the cohort pass the Kent Test simply by achieving the required scores, and another four to five per cent get through on headteacher

panels. Others came in under the appeals process.

“It is strange, therefore, that the Kent Education Network is criticising us for doing precisely that, when it should be applauding the efforts we are making to ensure that all pupils are given a reasonable chance to prove their ability,” said Mr Gough.

The opponents of the grammar school system also seemed to be out of line with much of the public, he added. “We have an ever-increasing number of children taking the Kent Test, including an increasing number of children who qualify for the Pupil Premium, and we know that many families have moved to Kent to take advantage of the grammar school system.

“Teachers who encourage and push their pupils can be found in both grammar schools and nonselective schools.

“With the support of parents and committed school staff, students who want to do well will do well, whether they attend a grammar school, a non-selective school or a comprehensive.”

NATIONAL NEWS �

With these Olympic rings: Bosworth pops the question BEACH PROPOSAL Tom Bosworth (right) with fiancé Harry Dineley on Copacabana Beach

Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

Dog previously seized by police kills man A 52-YEAR-OLD man has died after being attacked by a dog which had been returned to its owner despite concerns that it was dangerous.

West Yorkshire Police said the man was walking with his Yorkshire terrier in Huddersfield on Monday when he was attacked by another dog. He died in hospital.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because the dog was seized by officers earlier this month but returned after it was found not to be a banned breed.

Briton arrested in Iran

LOCAL Olympian Tom Bosworth joined the romantic trend at Rio 2016 by proposing to his boyfriend on the beach at Copacabana.

His partner, Harry Dineley, accepted. It is the third time that this Games have featured a marriage proposal – all of them successful – although this time the race walker was the athlete to pop the question, while the other two were on the receiving end.

The 26 year old, who was born in Sevenoaks

THE FOREIGN OFFICE is investigating reports that a dual Iranian-British national has been arrested in Iran over alleged links to British intelligence.

The arrest comes after Prime Minister Theresa May raised the cases of a number of other dual nationals held in Iran in a telephone call with President Hassan Rouhani.

Teaching is the tops

‘Just realised that I actually finished 6th at the Olympics.

I wasn’t dreaming. Got goosebumps this morning!’ and belongs to Tonbridge Athletic Club, came sixth in his 20km event in Rio. He Tweeted a photo of himself getting down on one knee on the iconic beachfront, with the comment: “He said YES!!!”

Mr Dineley later shared a photo of the ring, saying: “Ok then.”

The first proposal of the Olympics came when a Brazilian women’s rugby sevens player was approached on the field by her girlfriend last week.

Marjorie Enya, a manager at Deodoro Stadium, asked Isadora Cerullo to marry her after the competition had been completed.

Then Chinese diver Qin Kai made a lengthy speech to ask his team mate He Zi to marry him immediately after she had been awarded her silver medal in the 3m springboard event on Sunday.

Kai’s antics prompted criticism that he had not given his paramour time to enjoy her moment in

13

TEACHING was the most popular choice of job among today’s adults when they were children, according to a Leeds Beckett study.

The profession topped the poll with 12 per cent, followed by vet (8 per cent) and doctor (6 per cent).

Politician came bottom of the job pile, with just 0.2 per cent of adults saying it’s what they wanted to be when they grew up. the spotlight. Meanwhile, the British equestrian legend Charlotte Dujardin was greeted with a kind of proposal after she defended her dressage title in Rio. Her fiancé, Dean Golding, had pinned a sign to his shirt saying: “Can we get married now?”

Tom Bosworth broke his own British record, completing the 20km race walk in a time of one hour, 20 minutes and 13 seconds, and led the field for a long period.

He Tweeted: “No medal, but will never forget leading the Olympic Games for over 10k & finishing 6th, especially when ranked 37th!”

Next day he added: “Just realised that I actually finished 6th at the Olympics. I wasn’t dreaming.

Got goosebumps this morning!”

Wednesday 17th August 2016

14 � NATIONAL NEWS

Radical preacher faces prison over IS support BRITISH-BORN radical preacher Anjem Choudary, who has spent the past 20 years spreading extremist views, is facing a prison sentence for trying to raise support for Islamic State.

The 49-year-old Muslim ­encouraged backing for the terrorist group in a series of talks posted on YouTube, and recognised that a ‘caliphate’ – a symbolic Islamic state – had been created after it was proclaimed in 2014.

Despite being a leader figure in the banned extremist group al-Muhajiroun (ALM), and a series of his former supporters going on to be convicted of terrorism, Choudary stayed on the right side of the law for two decades.

He now faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison.

However, Mr Justice Holroyde admitted at the Old Bailey: “There is very little in the way of precedent in the way of sentencing.

“Although this has been an offence under an Act of Parliament for some time, it’s very far from being one of the most common.”

Choudary and co-defendant Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, 33, were found guilty of inviting support for IS between June 29 2014 and March 6 2015.

Police pounced after Choudary, along with three other influential radicals, lent their names to an oath

of allegiance to IS which was posted on the internet.

The trial heard that the preacher, viewed by officers as a key force in radicalising young Muslims, had been the ‘mouthpiece’ of Omar Bakri Mohammed, founder of ALM. He courted publicity by voicing controversial views on Sharia law while building up 32,000 followers on social media, as well as in demonstrations and lectures around the world.

In one speech in March 2013, Choudary set out his ambitions for the Muslim faith to ‘dominate the whole world’.

He said: “Next time when your child is at school and the teacher says ‘What do you want when you grow up? What is your ambition?’, they should say ‘To dominate the whole world by Islam, including Britain, that is my ambition’.”

Supporters included Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, the murderers of soldier Lee Rigby, and suspected IS executioner Siddhartha Dhar.

Converting Buckingham Palace into a mosque was just one of the controversial ideas used by Choudary to grab headlines.

The radical preacher suggested that under Sharia Law, Britain’s monarchy would be abolished and ‘idols’ such as Nelson’s Column be torn down.

Clark gives green light to world’s biggest wind farm REVOLUTION Britain is a global leader in offshore wind, says Greg Clark (below)

TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark has approved the construction of the world’s biggest offshore wind farm.

The Hornsea Project Two scheme, which is set to be built off the coast of ­Yorkshire, could deliver up to 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity – enough to power more than a millionand-a-half UK homes.

The Business and Energy Secretary said: “Britain is a global leader in offshore wind, and we’re ­determined to be one of the leading destinations for investment in renewable energy, which means jobs and economic growth right across the country.”

Hornsea Project Two would create up to 1,960 construction jobs as well as 580 operational and maintenance jobs, and could be worth up to £6billion.

Mr Clark added: “The UK’s offshore wind industry has grown at an extraordinary rate over the last few years, and

is a fundamental part of our plans to build a clean, affordable, secure energy system.”

The company behind the project is yet to formally commit to funding it, however. Dong Energy said it will review the development consent it has been granted, and will then work towards making a final investment decision.

Mr Clark’s announcement comes after Dong Energy made the final ­investment decision earlier this year to construct the 1.2GW ­Hornsea Project One scheme, which will generate enough power for more than a million homes.

Hornsea Project Two would be located approximately 55 miles off the coast of Hull and would consist of up to 300 turbines.

The Government is expecting enough offshore wind capacity to be installed across the UK by 2020 to generate 10GW of power.

Brent Cheshire, Dong Energy’s UK chairman,

said: “Development consent for Hornsea Project Two is very welcome. We have already invested £6billion in the UK, and Hornsea Project Two provides us with another exciting development opportunity in offshore wind.

“Hornsea Project Two is a huge ­potential infrastructure project which could provide enough green energy to power 1.6 million UK homes.”

Dong Energy is in control of Hornsea Project One, Two and Three, earmarked to be built in the so-called Hornsea Zone, which represents one of the world’s largest allocated spaces for offshore wind development.

The zone is more than twice the size of Greater London.

Hornsea Project One is due to be located 74 miles off the Yorkshire coast and will cover about 157 square miles. It is expected to be operational by 2020.

The Project Two announcement received a warm welcome from ­sections of the renewable energy industry.

RenewableUK chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “Today’s announcement is the latest vote of confidence in the UK’s world-beating offshore wind market.”

Rare moon shot comes to light A RARE photograph taken during the first moon landing and signed by all three members of the Apollo 11 crew is to go under the hammer.

The image is one of very few in existence to contain the signatures of Neil ­Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on the same item.

It was given to John Cleland, whose car hire firm arranged limousines for the astronauts during a one-day visit to London in October 1969.

Mr Cleland was contacted by the US embassy because he had a Ford branded stretched limousine, which the crew preferred to the more traditional RollsRoyce or Daimler.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

He refused to take any payment for the cars, so the Americans insisted on giving him the ­autographed picture as a gesture of their gratitude.

Almost half a century later Mr Cleland’s widow has put the image up for sale at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire. It is ­estimated to fetch between £1,000 and £1,500 Taken by Collins, who stayed on the spacecraft, it shows the lunar module being guided to the moon’s surface by Aldrin and Armstrong, with the Earth visible in the background.

SCRATCH THE SURFACE All three astronauts signed the gift

CASH PRIZE FOR WHOEVER CAN CATCH BEWL:S GOLDEN TROUT One lucky angler could find themselves £2,500 ....------~-~ better off if they rise to the challenge of landing ------the Golden Trout at Bewl Water.

16 � BUSINESS NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Disappointing’ wage boost if migration falls WORKERS who are expecting a pay boost following a potential drop in migration after the UK’s vote to leave the European Union are likely to be disappointed, according to a new report.

The Resolution Foundation has concluded that a cut in migration could deliver a small boost in the pay of some low-paid Britishborn workers.

But any increase is likely to be undermined by a weakening of the wage growth forecast by the Bank of England in the wake of Brexit.

Stephen Clarke, policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, explained: “Any such gains will be dwarfed by the losses caused by the post-referendum slowdown in the economy.”

Mining faces huge drop THE world’s biggest mining company, BHP Billiton, has recorded its worst ever loss as a slump in commodity prices and impairment charges hammered the firm.

BHP reported a US$6.39billion (£4.9billion) net loss for the year, with the Australia-based miner slashing its final dividend by 77 per cent.

Weak iron ore, copper, coal, oil and gas prices have taken their toll on the business.

Sugar tax ‘will cut jobs’ A SUGAR tax on soft drinks could result in thousands of people losing their jobs, a new report has suggested.

The study, by Oxford Economics on behalf of the British Soft Drinks Association, said the levy could lead to 4,000 job losses, with the hospitality industry and smaller retailers hit hardest.

The proposed sugar tax on drinks such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Red Bull will come into force from 2018.

‘Rip-off central’ as regulated rail fares rise again REGULATED rail fares will go up by 1.9 per cent from January next year.

The news coincides with research by the TUC and the Action For Rail union campaign, which showed that fares have risen by double the speed of wages since 2010.

The increase is linked to last month’s Retail Price Index measure of inflation, which was confirmed by the Office for National Statistics.

Around half of rail fares are regulated, including season tickets on most commuter journeys, some off-peak return tickets on long distance trips and Anytime tickets around major cities.

Meanwhile, the TUC’s analysis revealed that fares have increased by 25 per cent in the last six years, while average weekly earnings have grown by only 12 per cent.

A series of protests were held at railway stations across the country by trade unions yesterday [Tuesday].

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn held a placard which read ‘2017 rip-off central’ at a demonstration outside London Bridge station.

Asked how much it would cost to implement his policy of renationalising the railways, he replied: “The cost would be not very much because we would be taking over the franchises

TAKEN FOR A RIDE Jeremy Corbyn demands change at London Bridge

as they ran out and handing them over to direct rail to run as train companies.”

As fares for passengers rise, dividends paid to shareholders of private train companies have increased by 21 per cent in the last year to £222million, said the unions.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady commented: “Rail passengers are paying more and getting even less.

“Fares go up while trains remain overcrowded, stations are unstaffed, and rail companies cut the guards who ensure journeys run smoothly and safely.

“It’s time for rail services to be publicly owned, saving money for passengers and taxpayers alike.

“Instead of increasing fares and cutting staff, we should be building an accessible, reliable train service that Britain can be proud of.”

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said the increase in ticket prices would be ‘particularly galling’ for commuters using Southern Railway.

Many of the operator’s services have been

Santander: Brexit marks ‘the end of bank stability’

Five million in rent risk MORE than five million working rental sector tenants are at risk of being unable to cover their housing costs if they lose their wages, a report estimates.

The report, authored by former pensions minister Steve Webb, has warned that the growth of the rental sector in recent years, combined with possible post-Brexit rises in unemployment, could create a ‘toxic cocktail’.

It says tenants may find they are not eligible for housing benefit or that it may not fully cover their rent.

The report, published by Royal London, found that in 2013-14, 5.5 million working adults would not have qualified for full housing benefit if they lost their job – nearly three-quarters of all working renters.

Around two million were at risk in 2003-04.

BHS keeps stores open THOUSANDS of BHS workers have been given a stay of execution after it emerged that the doomed department store chain’s remaining 57 shops will be kept open longer than planned.

Administrators Duff & Phelps and FRP Advisory had put a deadline of this Saturday [August 20] for all outlets to close.

It has been extended to August 28, and that date could be pushed back even further to maximise returns.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

delayed or cancelled for months because of a dispute over changes to the role of conductors and staff shortages – blamed by the company on high levels of staff sickness.

Ms Lucas added: “Southern fares should be frozen immediately, so passengers are not paying growing amounts for a deteriorating service.”

Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “Nobody wants to pay more to travel to work, and at the moment in some areas people aren’t getting the service they are paying for, and we know how frustrating that is.

“But increases to season tickets are set by Government. For every pound paid in fares, 97p goes back into running and improving services.

It’s our job to make sure money is spent well.”

PUMPED UP Transport costs are the biggest factor in the rise in inflation

Second-hand cars and fuel cause inflation hike INFLATION rose to a higher-than-expected 0.6 per cent last month as the increasing cost of motor fuels and second-hand cars drove up transport prices.

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation in July was up from 0.5 per cent in June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Economists had been expecting the figure to remain unchanged.

But while there was no sign of the plunge in the value of the pound having an impact on CPI, the ONS said the Producer Prices Index (PPI) showed that the slump in sterling following the Brexit vote had pushed up the cost of imports for British manufacturers.

Import prices rose 4.3 per cent in the year to July, compared with a drop of 0.5 per cent in the year to June, because they were partly impacted by the fall in the value of the pound, which drove up the cost of imported metals and chemicals.

Mike Prestwood, head of prices at ONS,

said: “The Consumer Prices Index has continued in July its recent slow upward trend since late 2015, with transport costs the biggest single factor this month.

“There is no obvious impact on today’s consumer prices figures following the EU referendum result, though the Producer Prices Index suggests the fall in the exchange rate is beginning to push up import prices faced by manufacturers.

“These are the first sets of consumer and producer prices data collected since the referendum polling day.”

The CPI update comes amid a bleak outlook for the UK economy, with many experts slashing their growth forecasts after a string of dire reports.

The Bank of England cut interest rates for the first time since 2009 at the beginning of the month and delivered an emergency package of measures worth up to £17billion to ward off recession following the Brexit vote.

SANTANDER has warned that the Brexit vote ‘marked the end’ of a recent era of stability for UK banks as they face the prospect of near-zero interest rates and wider economic woes.

In the lender’s half-year report, Chief Executive Nathan Bostock said the Bank of England’s move to slash rates to a new all-time low of 0.25 per cent, with more cuts likely on the way, would make it even harder for the group to make returns on mortgages and savings.

The Spanish-owned group delivered a blow to around 3.5 million savers on Monday [August 15] when it halved interest rates on its popular 123 current account after the base rate cut earlier this month.

The half-year report comes after Santander posted interim results last month showing half-year pre-tax profits rose 16 per cent to £1.1billion in the UK. However, its net interest income, which is a key profit driver for banks, fell to £1.77billion from £1.78billion a year earlier.

The owner, Banco Santander, said group-wide net interest income had fallen 8.6 per cent to ¤7.57billion (£6.57billion) in the first half.

In its latest report, Santander UK cautioned that its profit margins would fall further over the rest of the year and said it would keep a tight rein on costs.

Mr Bostock said: “The UK referendum marked the end of a period of relative stability for the UK banking sector.”

He added that record low rates will ‘create a challenging environment for income growth’.

Britain’s decision to quit the European Union had thrown the wider economy into a period of ‘significant uncertainty’.

The group said its profits were ‘strongly linked to the health of the UK economy’ and this could have an impact on earnings in its mortgage business and commercial property arm, which is facing fears of a price crash following the Brexit vote.

WORLD NEWS 

Paralympics under threat as Rio runs out of money THE International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Sir Philip Craven, said Rio 2016’s financial position is ‘precarious’ but dismissed rumours the Games would be cancelled.

Amid rising speculation that the organising committee has effectively spent all of its money on the Olympics, Sir Philip and his senior staff held crisis talks with Rio 2016 and the city’s mayor, Eduardo Paes.

Mr Paes told the IPC he was ready to deliver 150million Brazilian reals (£36.5million) to fill any hole in Rio 2016’s budget.

But there is a court injunction against the organising committee receiving any more public funding until it opens up its accounts.

Sir Philip and his Vice-President, Andrew Parsons, then went to Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, to meet government minister Eliseu Padilha and impress upon him the importance of the Paralympics and the problems it was facing.

‘They have dedicated years of their lives to reach and compete at these Games’ “Although the situation is pretty precarious, rumours that the Games may not go ahead or that sports may be cut are totally unfounded and not true,” said Sir Philip.

RACE FOR A PLACE “Our aim right Some teams may not now is to bring in be able to take part additional funding and resources in order to deliver the Games at the service levels expected by all stakeholders – most importantly the athletes.

“If no extra funding is available then the organising committee will have

to implement further cuts to the Paralympic Games on top of the cuts we have already made alongside the IOC and Olympics.

“Regrettably, if no more funding is available then the organising committee’s additional cuts will start to impact on the services offered to the athletes who have dedicated years of their lives to reach and compete at these Games. This is the last thing that we want to do.”

Sir Philip thanked the Mayor for his support on the issue but admitted the injunction was proving to be a ‘hurdle’.

“Clearly, the simplest and easiest way round this is for the Rio 2016 organising committee to be open and transparent with its financial records in order to allow this additional funding to come in,” he added.

Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada has repeatedly stressed that it is a private company and there are no major financial problems, beyond the constraint of trying to stage a third major sports event after the World Cup and Olympics in two years while in recession.

The organising committee is already more than two weeks late in paying travel grants to the various national Paralympic committees, with the British Paralympic Association reportedly owed a six-figure sum.

Sir Philip said Rio 2016 has ‘committed’ to paying these grants. “Failure to do so could result in a number of countries being unable to attend the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

17

OLYMPICS IN BRIEF

Dujardin pays tribute to wonder horse Valegro CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN praised her horse Valegro for calming her nerves as she retained the Olympic dressage title.

After the pair broke the individual Olympic record in Deodoro, the 14-year-old gelding is now likely to be retired.

Dujardin said: “I had to defend that title, I had expectation, I had the pressure and I did feel it a little bit for the first time ever.

“But as soon as I got into the arena Valegro gave me this most amazing feeling and it put a smile on my face. I knew I was fine.

“He’s like a rock. He gives you that hug.”

Golden Doull joins Sky OLYMPIC gold medallist Owain Doull has joined Team Sky after featuring in Britain’s victorious team pursuit squad in Rio. The 23-year-old Welshman will turn professional full time on the road next year.

He showed his promise by finishing third overall at the 2015 Tour of Britain while riding for the Wiggins team.

“It’s always been a bit of a boyhood dream to try and join Sky,” Doull said.

Fire puts venue at risk A FOREST fire is threatening to engulf the Rio Olympics mountain bike venue.

The fire started in scrubland behind the Deodoro shooting venue, situated in the north of the city. It was fanned by a strong breeze and rapidly spread towards the mountain bike course.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

18  LETTERS

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU unqualified executives running bodies which were once largely managed by those who knew what they were doing, and had a sense of public responsibility.

To these modern managers the only thing that matters is their inflated salaries and performancerelated bonuses.

Colin Bullen Via email

Should bus companies that leave pupils in the lurch lose their franchise?

I find the news that Arriva are cancelling bus services for schoolchildren [August 10] deeply worrying, not least when they say they are a commercial company and, like any other business, they have to make money to ‘operate profitably’.

They are not like any other commercial company.

Or at least they shouldn’t be in certain special circumstances – such as provision for getting kids to school. What could be more important than ensuring the next generation can get an education?

The fact is that Arriva are targeting the vulnerable in our society. These students are entitled to claim a Young Person’s Travel Pass from Kent County Council, which means they are paying a reduced fare every day, twice a day. And that’s what affects Arriva’s profits. That’s what they don’t like.

What will it be next? We already have plenty of rural bus services being axed which provide a lifeline for elderly people who don’t happen to live in towns. Are they supposed to just rot in their houses rather than being able to get out and about and enjoy the freedom that retirement brings?

I suppose you could say that most people have cars these days so there isn’t such a need for bus services. But one part of the population definitely

EU: No more French goodies

Jean-Claude Juncker keeps a little black book, ‘Maurice’, in which he keeps the names of those people who have offended him. Given his intemperate rhetoric and the recent actions, or inaction, of the French at Dover, I don’t need a little book. It’s much simpler: Out go French wines; no more French cheeses; holidays in France? No, they’re scrapped, too. I think the balance sheet favours the Brits.

John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

Devolution: Who will have the final say?

I welcome the news [August 10] that powers will be devolved from the county council to local districts, especially when they concern vital investment in infrastructure – if it is executed well.

However, I do have concerns about the so-called ‘sub regions’. Who will run them? Are they merely going to be collaborations between neighbouring districts, or will there be someone at the top who each council leader will answer to?

I fear that without some form of formal decisionmaking body, these sub regions will not function properly as each district argues over who should get what share of the available resources.

At least at county level it is more impartial.

But why would Sevenoaks, say, willingly forgo potential funding for a project because neighbouring Tonbridge believes it is in more need

Referendum: Send councillor on secondment

doesn’t have cars, and that’s schoolkids.

Their parents may well be able to ferry them around, and they almost certainly do at weekends.

But during the week, especially if they work in London like so many commuters in our towns do, they could do with a little help from what used to be called ‘public transport’.

Let’s take away the franchises from companies like these when they come up for tender, unless they can guarantee that they are not all about the bottom line, but are a proper community resource.

Eileen Lear Via email of the money for projects of its own?And how will the division of council tax work? Will it be retained locally? Will a portion flow to the ‘sub regions’ or will the majority still go to Kent County Council and then be redistributed back down again?

Hopefully over the coming months there will be further clarification on the issue, for it has promise but lacks detail.

Abraham Hoxley Via email

Pembury: Fault lies with government policies

The financial problems experienced by Pembury hospital [July 27], and the NHS in general, are not the fault of medical professionals but are the result of the policies implemented by governments over many years.

It was the programme of PFI schemes, introduced by the Labour Government in order to keep the costs off the national balance sheet, that saddled hospitals with ongoing debts which will take decades to pay off, and which merely enrich private companies.

In addition, the excessive number of overpaid bureaucrats in the NHS is a drain on limited resources. These people are merely pen-pushers who contribute nothing to clinical care and divert funds from the front line to unnecessary administration.

We see grossly overpaid, and fundamentally

Would a certain smug councillor who appeared in the letters section of the August 10 Times of Tunbridge Wells consider going on secondment to other councils? This would be to discover whether the vote to leave the EU has magically increased investment in northern constituencies that the councillor relied on to gain the result they wanted from the referendum, when the majority of Tunbridge Wells residents voted to remain?

Olly Barham Disgusted (with a councillor) of Tunbridge Wells Via email

Gatwick: Thanks to all the campaigners I have followed with interest the ongoing stories in your newspaper about the problems with lowflying aircraft travelling into and out of Gatwick airport. As I understand it, much of the problem has been to do with narrowing the flight paths, meaning more planes flying over fewer people.

Happily it appears these flight paths might now be broadened to spread the pain more evenly, which appears a fair outcome.

The purpose of this letter, though, is not to climb on the aircraft noise bandwagon, but to thank those who have been aboard it since day one.

Numerous groups, I understand, have been involved in the campaign with scores of volunteers working for the good of the local community.

Without their hard work it is probably fair to say nothing would have been changed.

So to all of you that have given up your time and energy to fight the Gatwick cause, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you.

Jonathan Simmons Via email

NOT a big fan of the TV hit The Great British Bake Off, but nevertheless delighted to bump into one of its local ‘stars’ Mat Riley.

Calverley cannot resist asking why he spells his name with only one ‘t’ as opposed to Matt. Was it all about being a bit of a poser?

He bursts out laughing: “It’s because my parents can’t spell. It says ‘Mat’ on my birth certificate so that’s that. People often ask me about it.”

What a nice chap, and a fireman to boot.

TRULY it’s a sign of the times when having an HIV test becomes part of courtship. Sitting in a coffee shop, Himself overhears two young(ish) chaps chatting about their girlfriends. Both appeared deeply attached to their current partners. (Would not go so far as to use the words ‘in love’). First chap: “Before we got really serious she insisted I get checked out for HIV. She said she didn’t want to end up with AIDS.” Second chap: “That’s happened to me with my last two girlfriends.” Calverley has no comment.

THE bride-to-be is making final arrangements for the big day. Crunching numbers, she realises that handing everyone a glass of Champagne for the toast might be a tad too costly. Helpful wedding organiser suggests serving the bride and groom the real stuff and passing glasses of the much cheaper sparkling Spanish Cava to all the other guests. Result.

Pantiles: Not another charity shop?

What a shame the town has missed out on a ‘grown-up’ night spot [August 3] apparently because the owners of the Lower Pantiles, the Nevill Estate, couldn’t wait until the spring.

Let’s just hope the new client they have lined up to take over the old Heritage Centre is something equally worthy and needed, and won’t drop out just as the Curzon cinema owners did. At least we know the site is too big for another charity shop!

Sarah Watkins Via email

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

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Calverley

NOTHING is more guaranteed to lead to raised eyebrows in the back bar of any local than a stranger sitting on the wrong stool. Years of drinking protocol have usually established a pecking order for who rests where. Calverley fell foul of the system at a newly visited hostelry and was ‘required’ to move when one of the regulars pointed to the sign above the bar. It worked. He moved.

Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

EDUCATION ■

19

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

New versus old school – what’s the real difference?

When it comes to schools there’s plenty of choice in Tunbridge Wells, both old and new. But is there a difference between the two? We asked Ed Dickie, deputy head of Claremont Senior, and David Westcombe, headmaster of Rose Hill about the benefits each has to offer NEW SCHOOL: Established 2011

Ed Dickie, Claremont Senior School THE benefits of being a new school is that it presents a blank canvas

ED DICKIE

upon which we are able to establish a clear, strong set of values that permeate through everything we do.

Not weighed down by expectations of alumni and parents who often are seeking a recreation of their own school experience, Claremont has been able to define clearly the values that guide us – attitude, aspiration and activism.

Parents choose the school not for what they perceive it has represented in the past but what it represents now. Equally, starting a school from scratch allows us to avoid the difficulties that can often be presented by dragging an organisation into the new world.

There are no vested interests to combat and no ‘we do it because we always have done it that way’ sorts of conversations. Students benefit from state of the art facilities and an educational philosophy drawn from, and guided by, the cumulative

experience of the past.

Above all else, in a new independent establishment there is not the sense that the school is more important than the students – that there have been hundreds of similar students in the past and will be hundreds more in the future.

At Claremont it really is the students, rather than the historic buildings and traditions, that define the character and values in the school.

OLD SCHOOL: Established 1832

David Westcombe, Rose Hill School FIRST-TIME visitors to Rose Hill are usually taken aback by the fact that, despite being one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country, it is a modern, purpose-built school. It moved from its original site on the London Road in 1966 and hasn’t looked back since.

Our history is very important to us.

Baden-Powell was a pupil in 1868 and

we continue his tradition by having our own Cubs, Rainbows and Brownie packs. His name lends itself to one of the three Houses in the school, the other two being Mackinnon, a Kent and England cricketer at the turn of the century, and Grange, a former Headmaster, who brought the school to its new site in Culverden Down.

Rose Hill has developed in harness with the social and economic changes that Tunbridge Wells has seen over nearly two centuries. This leaves an indelible mark of tradition - a word unpalatable to some, but one which we take very seriously: traditional courtesies, traditional community spirit, traditional manners, traditional hard work.

These Victorian attributes, however, are mellowed by a 21st century openness and mutual respect between pupils and staff, underpinned by a child-centred focus, very much not the stuff of Dickens.

Children love tradition and, as the

school has developed, we have been able to cherry-pick those traditions which support the ethos of the school, for example, attendance at the Remembrance Service in Tunbridge Wells every November.

Although now in a modern, technologically advanced environment, Rose Hill is able to blend the old and the new and we are proud to be a part of the rich history of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

This article first appeared in the Times of Tunbridge Wells’’ sister publication So magazine.

DAVID WESTCOMBE

Wednesday 17th August 2016

20  WEEKLY COMMENT

Andrew Sharp Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party

Andrew Sharp is an experienced freelance Political, Communications and Organisational Adviser, having practised in Political Management for 39 years.

He has studied law and political party funding at King’s College London and business administration at the University of Essex. The Times also publishes regular opinions from Conservative and Liberal Democrat Party members

Public ownership is the direction of travel for Southeastern SHOULD the railways be nationalised? This is one of the policies that has come to the forefront of the Labour leadership contest in recent weeks.

Even in Tunbridge Wells and other parts of West Kent and East Sussex, as areas which rely on rail services the issue of standards is never far away.

Here in Tunbridge Wells, passengers, or ‘customers’ as we are now known, have shared many frustrating moments on a regular basis when our local rail services have on some occasions failed to deliver.

It has got so bad that there are reports of a local group of commuters who have got together to look at setting up a ‘not for profit’ organisation to make a bid for the South East Rail franchise when it comes up for renewal in 2018.

Customer satisfaction over the past few years has put Southeastern services near the bottom of the league and in 2016, according to a BBC report: “Southeastern was the joint worst performing operator with an overall satisfaction score of just 46 per cent.

“Overcrowding, poor value for money and dirty trains were among issues raised by a poll of 6,986 travellers, in a survey by consumer group Which?”

But is public ownership the answer? Well, it’s already happening in parts. Southeastern

Wednesday 17th August 2016

suburban services in London will be taken over by the publicly-owned Transport for London (TFL). On two occasions in the last ten years, the East Coast Mainline has been run by the Department for Transport after the private operating companies handed back the keys to the franchise. So if it can be done efficiently and effectively, then why can’t it happen again – and if so, would it be any better?

‘In Tunbridge Wells passengers want a service that is safe, clean, comfortable, fast, reliable, timely and affordable’ Nationalisation of the rail system in 1948 was a practical measure to keep the railways going. The system was completely worn out. Nearly six years of war, the task of rebuilding Britain and the dramatic change of transport mode that was to follow from rail to road eventually led to the closure of many lines from Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells to Hawkhurst, Eastbourne, Brighton and eventually, in 1985, the Tunbridge Wells West line.

But for places like Tunbridge Wells and West Kent, having good roads is never going to be enough as car numbers and the demand for rail travel increase. Good rail links to London, Sussex

and other parts of Kent are an important part of our transport infrastructure, and absolutely vital to our local economy.

The Labour Government from 1997 reformed rail services by massively investing in infrastructure and seeking to get the best out of transport providers from both private and public sectors.

Its aim was to deliver better services, increasing capacity and growing passenger numbers, which by and large had been achieved before leaving office in 2010.

In more recent times, as rail subsidies have decreased, fare prices have risen combined with slower growth in the economy and smaller pay

packets in real terms. The public, and particularly the users of rail services, are becoming increasingly impatient with the current state of affairs, and none more so than those of us in Tunbridge Wells and West Kent/East Sussex.

Here in Tunbridge Wells, as no doubt in other places, passengers want a service that is safe, clean, comfortable, fast, reliable, timely and affordable. As a public service it needs to cater for those getting to and from work and for all other purposes that people need to go about their daily business. It is possible that the right model of a devolved form of public ownership of the railways could be better for Kent and Sussex.

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22  ADVERTISING FEATURE

It’s all About Success

How would you define success? If you asked 100 different people, you would get 100 different answers. But knowing your goals and actually achieving them are two very different things – it’s not always easy to take that vital first step. As the founder of Tunbridge Wells based business, About Success, Belinda Raitt shares just how you can get to where you want to be.

What prompted the start-up of About Success?

I used to work in executive search - headhunting as it’s better known - in London. The firm also offered leadership development and coaching, which I always enjoyed more than the recruitment side: Helping people to achieve their potential by understanding their goals and motivations, advising clients on how to put together high performing teams and develop the leadership skills to get the best out of them.

I have an MA in Psychology, so maybe that’s why. When the credit crunch hit our firm in 2009, I took a redundancy offer and set up my own business, About Talent Ltd, so that I could train as a coach and use what I’d learnt from working with the management teams of FTSE 100 companies to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) build their businesses and develop their leadership skills.

About Talent also has an executive research arm, and my researchers and I are often approached by executives in the 40+ age bracket looking for jobs. The sad reality is that age discrimination, although nominally illegal, still exists, and it can be a long, demoralising process for these people to find another job.

When older executives come to me for career coaching, we often end up looking at selfemployment as an option.

I also run West Kent Networking - a friendly, supportive business networking group for small businesses across Kent, and I’m a firm believer in collaboration and networking. And that’s what gave me the idea for About Success - a support network for executives exploring different career options, combining all three areas of my business: career and business coaching, headhunting, and networking.

What has running this company taught you about business and industry?

Building a business does not happen overnight!

It takes hard work and trial and error, learning from your mistakes and from the experience of others. I’ve learnt a lot about business success and failures from executive search, as you have to research companies in depth and get to hear first-hand from industry leaders what they have achieved – and where it’s gone wrong.

A company is only as good as the people in it.

Applying this to running my own business, I’ve learnt to keep an eye on the competition but not sweat about it – focus on what you’re good at and do it well, and deliver consistently what you say you will, when you say you will. Stay openminded and flexible, and be prepared to adapt according to economic or market demands. And don’t be arrogant – you can always learn from

‘Building a business does not happen overnight! It takes hard work and trial and error, learning from your mistakes and from the experience of others.’

Wednesday 17th August 2016

PUTTING IN THE HOURS Belinda Raitt knows what it takes to become successful

experience and from others. That’s why I’m such a strong believer in collaboration and supportive networking – everyone has something of value to offer, even if it’s not immediately obvious.

And finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good brand, personal or corporate, and the amount of marketing that’s needed to keep a business visible!

Tell us about your experience of success that qualifies you to run a business of this nature.

I’ve been running my own business for the last six years, started during an economic downturn, as well as a vibrant business network that promotes and supports local independent businesses and small charities, and continues to grow every month. I’ve worked in different types and sizes of organisations, and been through redundancy myself, turning it into a successful experience. I’ve seen the job hunting and interview process from both sides, as an employer and recruiter as well as a job seeker.

During my seven years in executive search, my job was to help build the management teams of some of the most successful FTSE and private equity companies. I’ve learnt from the inside what makes those organisations work, what skills are needed, what challenges to overcome.

Since I set up About Talent in 2010, I’ve used my business knowledge to help other start-ups to get going and smaller companies to grow, and seeing them succeed is hugely rewarding, knowing that my input has helped them along their path to success. My latest one has been Fromage & French, which I set up with a partner in January, and now that that’s up and running and in good hands, I can step back and concentrate on this, my main business again.

Who is About Success aimed at?

People come to us because they are facing change. They are usually senior level executives considering a change of career, looking for a new role, currently unemployed, or approaching retirement. We also offer a tailored package for executive level mums who want to return to work. We’ve just recently developed a job share website too as part of About Success - www. execjobshare.com - for executive level people who want to work flexibly, in direct response to the lack of part-time jobs out there for more skilled workers. It’s something the Government is talking about a lot at the moment - we thought we’d just get on and do it!

What do you feel is the biggest concern for experienced Executives wanting to maintain a fruitful career past the age of 40?

While experience definitely counts, it’s important to keep your skills current, your outlook fresh and be able to adapt. Change can be good for you if you allow it to be! The challenge is competing for jobs with a cheaper, younger workforce, who are often more mobile in terms of relocation and less restricted by the financial realities of family, mortgages and school fees. It’s also about understanding how digital, social media and technical developments are changing jobs and the workplace, and being able to relate your experience to the new world. A lot of people I see for career coaching have found themselves in a bit of a one-way tunnel with their career, without really knowing how they got there or what they’re getting out of it. Once I can help them understand what’s important to them, and what they’re best at, that’s often the ‘lightbulb moment’ that sets them on a more fruitful career path.

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

23

NETWORKING THAT WORKS Belinda with the Mayor’s attendant, Jerry Edey, and Cheri Strudwick, Marketing Manager at Assembly Hall Theatre at One Warwick Park

‘Success is, or should be, subjective, and holds different meaning for different people.’

For those looking for success, how would you define and measure it?

Success is whatever you want it to be!

Success is, or should be, subjective, and holds different meaning for different people. It’s tied into your values and goals. If you’re motivated by money, then success could mean earning enough to fund a lot of material possessions and a lavish lifestyle; if your goal is to retire at 50, then it’s about looking at the best options to help you reach that goal. If you’re driven by family, then it could be about making sure you provide enough for their needs, or spend enough time with them.

Personally, I think if you’re happy in yourself and what you do, and making the most out of each day, then that’s the secret! And don’t be afraid to change direction – it’s good to have a goal to help you focus, but people, circumstances, life, all change.

You run a number of events and workshops.

What is their purpose?

People are social creatures, and thrive on interaction, whether online (increasingly these days!) or face to face. It’s an often proven fact that most new jobs and business opportunities are found through word of mouth, friend of friends, and networking. If you’re not out there building relationships people aren’t going to get to know you, and it’s easier to help someone you know. it can be a lonely business, going through a career transition, and it helps to know that you’re not alone. So the events and workshops are another

way of sharing knowledge and experience, beyond the online network, to encourage collaboration.

What is the Executive Club and in what ways is it advantageous?

The idea behind the Executive Club is to provide a support network for people with 20 years or more executive level experience who are currently unemployed, looking for a change of career, or approaching retirement; or mothers who want to return to a corporate career or set up their own business. Joining the club offers members immediate access to a network of other executives in a similar situation, and to business and career guidance from About Success’s experienced collaborative team of advisers, coaches and executive search consultants. There is an online library of useful resources and membership also includes access to ExecJobShare.com, our exclusive job share jobsite.

Alongside all that practical advice and support, there are also the emotional benefits of being able to share your experience with others, either

to help them or for them to help you. When you go through a career transition or have been out of work for a while, it can affect your confidence, so the Executive Club is also about helping people to feel better about themselves, rebuild their confidence, and focus on their strengths.

Tell us about the Mentor scheme and its benefits.

This is a great way for members of our Executive Club to regain their confidence and use their experience to help small businesses who need some extra help. Our Mentor Scheme is aimed at sole traders, young start-ups that do not yet have much senior experience in their teams, companies in a vulnerable growth phase or that need some short-term support while they are developing new products or channels to market, who can’t afford the fees of a full-blown consulting contract. It’s a low cost way for them to benefit from some senior industry advice. In return, the mentors benefit by increasing their network of local contacts and exposure to the market. It keeps their skills up-to-date and fills

a gap on their CV if they are between roles. For those who have had a longer career break, it can be a helpful way to get used to being in a corporate environment again. It works for both sides – it’s all about sharing knowledge and collaboration.

If you could sum up the path to success in five words, what would they be?

Try, fail, learn, work, enjoy.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Wine, Dine, Relax & Sunshine

L'AMORE

SUMMER DINING IS HERE! Set Lunch or Dinner Menu Available Monday to Sunday

RESTAURANT

2 courses £ 15.50

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To make a reservation please call O1892 520587 or email reservations@onewarwickpark.co.uk WWW.ONEWARWICKPARK.CO.UK

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2

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

The Times is proud to work with:

WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

A touch of the Tudors rounded off with a pool

bracketts est. 1828

INSIDE

New Homes

An apartment in a Palladian building with superb views

This White House has underground well in the kitchen

Lodge your interest in charming home with garden studio

Wednesday 17th August 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Sevenoaks Orpington London Cannon Street

Move with the Times Welcome to our supplement highlighting the best properties on the regional market and brought to you by the Times of Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge. The newspaper is published every Wednesday, is free of charge and has a print run of 25,000 copies. This 28 page supplement of old and new homes, plus places to let, appears each week as part of the paper and in addition a further 4,500 standalone copies of the supplement are handed out at key stations as part of our service to commuters and those looking to relocate to Kent.

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774 781

Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU

UNDER £250,000

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

PARK ROAD SOUTHBOROUGH

f facebook.com/timeslocalnews k twitter.com/timeslocalnews L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday 17th August 2016

£220,000

A recently modernised apartment situated in a convenient location in Southborough, a short walk from the Common. It has the additional benefit of its own garage. The layout includes a sitting/dining

room open-plan to a modern kitchen, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. There are well-presented communal gardens and the garage is en bloc. This apartment is offered for sale leasehold, with a share of freehold.

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

UNDER £350,000 SANDHURST ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£345,000

A well-presented semi-detached bungalow offering versatile accommodation and set in a well-known location in between High Brooms and the Pembury Road. The property is well

presented, with an entrance hall, L-shaped sitting room/dining room, a kitchen, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a large mature garden to the rear and an attached garage, plus additional driveway parking.

CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

VAUXHALL GARDENS TONBRIDGE

£500,000 - £520,000

UNDER £450,000 CULVERDEN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£425,000

An attractive semi-detached period home in the St John’s area still enjoying a number of character features, as well as a recently fitted wood burner and contemporary kitchen. On the ground floor there is a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and a bathroom. Upstairs are three well-presented bedrooms. To the rear is a low-maintenance garden with good space for entertaining.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 BOURNE VALE, PLAXTOL

£700,000-£750,000 Constructed not long ago, this detached property is beautifully presented with generous accommodation across two floors.

The ground floor has an entrance hall, cloakroom, large open-plan living space with sitting, dining and kitchen areas, and a utility room.

Upstairs, there is a master bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property stands in a generous plot and has a garage and ample parking.

CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION WESTERHAM ROAD, SEVENOAKS

£995,000 UNDER £600,000 VAUXHALL GARDENS TONBRIDGE

£500,000-£520,000 A DETACHED family house set in a desirable ‘rare to the market’ residential road, convenient for Tonbridge Station and access to the A21. The property comprises of an entrance hall, living room opening to a dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is

driveway parking, a garage and generous, well maintained gardens to both front and rear.

CONTACT Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

A spacious period home lying less than a mile from Sevenoaks mainline station. Parklands enjoys character features and superb mature gardens of around a quarter of an acre. On the ground floor there is a central reception hall with cloakroom, dining room, study, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen, breakfast room and utility room. Upstairs there are six bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with access to a boarded loft. Externally, there is ample parking and a garage.

CONTACT Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Conveniently located 2 bedroom character cottage on the outskirts of Goudhurst village.

Pretty long garden with views across surrounding countryside

Enchanting attached period cottage in the heart of the Loose Valley conservation area.

Set in a private road.

Countryside views.

£210, OOO Freehold

£330,000 Freehold

Frant

Marden

A channing cottage in in the heart of the village Boasting a wealth of character features, includin a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and Flemish bond brickwork.

Marden village.

4 bedroom family home built to a high speciflcation.

2 parking spaces.

Walking distance to , the station.

£420,000 Freehold

Biddenden Desirable High Street location. 15th Century, 4 bedroom property full of period features.

Home with potential.

CSCA.

£525,000 Freehold

Goudhurst Grade II Listed, extended and renovated cottage in the centre - of Goudhurst village Cranbrook School catchment area.

£529,000 Freehold

Hawkhurst

Curtisden Green

Attached farm cottage.

Surrounded by spectacular rural views.

With PP to extend.

Set in 0.47 acres of grounds.

A picture perfect, detached country cottage with enchanting period features.

CSCA.

Delightful unique country dwelling.

Nestled within 2 acres of glorious pastures.

Oak double bay garage.

CSCA.

Quaint country cottage set in 10.2 acres.

Suitable for equestrian use With multiple outbuildings.

Ample room to extend subject to PP £650,000 Freehold

Ticehurst

Robertsbridge

A unique setting with views over Bewl Water.

A charming cottage modernised to a high standard.

Detached 4 bedroom home with a real atmosphere of peace and tranquility Complete with a private woodland set in 1. 76 acres.

£775,000 Freehold

Ticehurst 4 bedroom 16 th Century cottage.

4 .2 acres of gardens and meadows.

Excellent transport links.

Totally refurbished, 4 bedroom attached cottage with a con temporary finish throughout.

Only a 10 minutes drive to Wadhurst station £875,000 Freehold

Bidden den Versatile, detached 5 bedroom property within the CSCA. Set in 7 acres.

Offering complete privacy

Playden · Substantial portion of this Victorian manor house comprising of 6 bedrooms.

Set in 2 . 3 acres of parklike gardens.

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Martin & Co Tunbridge Wells 11 Vale Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN 1 1BS

MARTIN&CO

01892 543856

Letting• Sales • Investment

e: tun bridgewells@martinco.com www.tunbridge-wells-martinco.co.u k

PROPERTIES FOR LET

PROPERTIES FOR SALE 2 BED

• 2 bed terraced cottage• Popular location

• End of terrace house • 2 bedrooms • Modern kitchen

• 2 double rooms

• Off road parking

• Period features

£925 pcm TO LET

Guide price £240,000 to £250,000 FH FOR SALE

I BED

• Detached period house • 4 bedrooms

• I bed apartment • Town centre location

• Stables and parking

• Recently fefurbished

• Large gardens

£2750 pcm TO LET

David Rogers, Managing Director For many homeowners in Tunbridge Wells, letting provides and obvious investment opportunity as an alternative to selling. With the right expert help from your letting agent, the matter should be quite straightforward, although there are certain consents that should be obtained if you are to avoid some potentially costly problems.

You will certainly need the consent of your mortgage provider. They are unlikely to object, but you could be in breach of your mortgage terms if

• Large double room

£ 160,000 - £ 165,000 FOR SALE

you have not obtained their consent before letting your property. They may also charge an "administration" fee. One important thing to check is that there is no clause that increases the interest rate on your loan should the property be used as a "commercial venture".

and contents insurer. There may well be an increase in premiums where a property is let, afthough there are insurers who specialise in this. As a minimum you should ensure that you are covered for any third party liability in respect of injuries to your tenant whilst at your property.

If you own the freehold, you should check whether your title deeds impose any restrictive covenants of which the tenant should be aware. For example, there may be a restriction preventing anyone keeping a caravan on the forecourt, or storing building materials for more than a few days. If your property is leasehold, you will have to check the conditions of your lease as there may be similar restrictions and/or you may have to obtain the freeholder's consent.

Please let us know if you would like us to look over your lease or title deeds to see what consents might be required to ensure your peace of mind for a successful let

Importantly, once consent has been obtained, you must ensure that your tenant is aware of, and complies with, any obligations that you yourself would observe as owner in residence.

Finally, insurance. You should obtain permission from both your buildings

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

CROWDLEHAM HOUSE HEAVERHAM ROAD, KEMSING

ÂŁ675,000

A superb chance to live in a palatial apartment which is now an architectural rarity

T

HIS elegant and bright first floor apartment is part of an impressive Grade II* listed Palladian property, considered to be one of the few left in the country. Located in the picturesque hamlet of Heaverham, near Kemsing, the property offers spacious and versatile accommodation enjoying original period features and far-reaching southerly views.

Also of benefit are the delightful communal grounds with off-street parking and two private garages.

The apartment opens to an entrance hall with double doors leading into the double-aspect sitting room, which is generously proportioned, lending itself to both formal and informal entertaining. This highly attractive sitting room also features a feature fireplace and two window seats to enjoy the views.

Double doors lead to the adjoining kitchen/dining room, which provides another roomy living area.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

The kitchen is fitted with a range of wall and base units, work surfaces and AEG integral appliances.

The master bedroom benefits from built-in wardrobes, gorgeous countryside views and an accompanying en-suite bathroom.

There are two further bedrooms, one of which features an original fireplace. The newly fitted shower room comprises a double shower with drench head and separate shower attachment, a vanity unit with washbasin, heated towel rail and WC. Crowdleham House is approached via a carriage driveway with a pillared gateway and has allocated parking. A second driveway leads to additional available parking and the garages. The property is flanked by areas of lawn with herbaceous borders and an attractive courtyard garden.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE n First floor apartment in Grade II* listed house n Impressive proportions n Period features n Reception hall n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Family shower room n Parking and two private garages n Communal grounds

£675,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

‘This elegant and bright first floor apartment is part of a highly impressive Grade II* listed Palladian property, considered to be one of the few left in the country’ Wednesday 17th August 2016

South Tonbridge

£325,000 - £350,000

3 bedroom semi-detached house within walking distance of the High Street. 2 reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility, parking. EPC D

Hilden borough

£520,000 - £550,000

Central Tonbridge

£269,995

Modern 2 bedroom apartment, ( I en-suite) within a few minutes' walk of the High Street, Tonbridge Castle and grounds. Parking. EPC C

Tonbridge

£325,000 - £350,000

Deceptively spacious Detached Bungalow, in a crescent. 4 bedrooms, study, spacious sitting room, dining room, cloakroom, car port, large garden. EPC D

Modern 3 bedroom semi-detached house, convenient for the High Street, Station and several schools. 2 reception rooms, garage, parking, enclosed garden. EPC D

South borough

£425,000 - £435,000 Modern Detached House in a Crescent conveniently situated for the local shops. 3

Tonbridge

Bedrooms, L shaped lounge-Diner, garage, garden. EPC D

Extended 3 bedroom semi-detached house with scope with a small guest bedroom on the ground floor. Parking, garden. EPC D

£1,295 pcm

Langton Green £575,000 A I960's extended detached house, with scope for further extension (STPP), priced to allow for modernisation, situated in popular village of Langton Green. 2/3 reception rooms, kitchen, 3/4 bedrooms, bathroom, driveway, superb feature 11 O' rear garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £575,000 An extended semi-detached home nestling on a wedge shaped plot in a small cul-de-sac on popular south side of town. 2 reception rooms, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite, 2 further bedrooms, bathroom. Off street parking, large rear garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £350,000 - £375,000 A well presented ground floor flat located at the far end of Molyneux Park Road.

Communal entrance, hallway, living/dining room, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom.

Large mature garden, single garage en bloc. No onward chain. EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells £195,000 An appealing and well appointed lower ground floor converted apartment, retaining a number of character features, situated in prime central location. Own private entrance, hall, kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom. Rear courtyard garden. EPC: C

'

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,695 A beautifully presented 3 bed family home located within easy walking distance of the main line station. Kitchen/breakfast/dining room, conservatory, living room, master bed with en suite, 2 bedrooms & a family bathroom. Rear garden, permit parking. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,495 Stunning & very spacious 2 bed ground floor apartment in leafy Broadwater Down. Modern kitchen, 20' living room, 2 large bedrooms, bathroom & large cellar. Gas central heating.

Original features & high ceilings. Garage, off road parking, large lawn garden. EPC: D

ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

A White House with gorgeous green views

T

HE WHITE HOUSE is a light and spacious character home with generous living space and a superb south-facing aspect to the rear.

Ideally placed for family life, there is a good choice of schools in the vicinity and, for those needing to commute, Wadhurst station is just two and a half miles away.

Features include a stylish period interior with exposed wood flooring, oak joinery, ceiling and wall beams, fireplaces and contemporary bathroom and kitchen fittings. Plus an underground well in the kitchen which can be viewed through an inset porthole window in the floor.

The ground floor includes an entrance hall which leads into a sitting room with a wide inglenook fireplace and a woodburning stove, and also to a family room/ study. Oak bifold doors from the sitting room open into a dining room with another fireplace and double doors out to the terrace. From this room further set of double doors open into the drawing room, which has exposed brickwork to one wall, a wood-burning stove, a window seat where a

Wednesday 17th August 2016

lovely view to the pond can be enjoyed, and doors opening out to the terrace, allowing for adaptable entertaining space.

The excellent kitchen/breakfast room has bespoke country-style units, granite worktops, an oval island/ breakfast bar and a Welsh slate flagstone floor.

As well as fitted appliances there is a useful separate utility room, and a ground floor shower room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has an en-suite bath/ shower room and a dressing room and a superb view over the garden.

Three further double bedrooms and a charming family bathroom complete the accommodation.

The house is wrapped in superb mature gardens and grounds, with many specimen trees and high hedging providing privacy and shelter.

A flagstone terrace spans the back of the house and paths lead to different areas in the garden, including formal landscaped gardens, level lawns, a parterrestyle garden with raised vegetable beds, an octagonal summerhouse, a pond with decked seating area and a paddock with stable and tack room.

There is a circular gravel driveway to the front, as well as an oak-framed timber garage and workshop.

In all there are 2.44 acres.

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE � Beautiful character country home � Very well presented � Far-reaching views � Generous accommodation � Entrance hall � Sitting room � Family room/study � Dining room � Drawing room � Large kitchen/breakfast room � Utility room � Shower room � Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom � Three further bedrooms � Family bathroom � Driveway, garage and workshop � Stunning gardens � Pond � Paddock and stable

£1,050,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.com

THE WHITE HOUSE SHOVERS GREEN, WADHURST

£1,050,000

Wednesday 17th August 2016

PENSHURST,

KENT

HASSOCKS,

WEST SUSSEX

Beautiful country home + 7 bedrooms + 6 bathrooms + 3 receptions + orangery + landscaped gardens + woodland + detached office + Council Tax=H + EPC=C

Incredible views of the South Downs + kitchen/breakfast room + 6 bedrooms + 5 reception rooms + 4 bathrooms + private gardens + double garage + Council tax=H + EPC=F

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

£5,750 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

DORMANS PARK,

WEST SUSSEX

MAYFIELD'

EAST SUSSEX

Detached family home + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + double garage + grounds of about 5.75 acres + Council Tax=G + EPC=E

Furnished short let + 5 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 3 reception rooms + charming gardens + peaceful rural situation + Council Tax=G + EPC=D

£3,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,795 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

LANGTON GREEN,

GROOMBRIDGE,

KENT

EAST SUSSEX

Central portion of a Grade II listed mansion + MLS 1.9 miles + drawing room + study/family room + kitchen/dining room + 5 bedrooms + garden studio + private gardens + 3,693 sq ft

Immaculate and substantial family home + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/dining/ family room + 5 bedrooms + 2nd floor bedroom/games room + 3,642 sq ft + about 0.99 acres + EPC=B

Guide £1.395 million Freehold

Guide £1.225 million Freehold

Contact: Liz Devall

FOREST ROAD,

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Newly-built detached house + Paddock Wood MLS 2.3 miles + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/ dining room + 6 bedrooms + double garage + South-facing garden + 2,424 sq ft + EPC=B

2 bedroom ground fioor apartment + MLS 1 .2 miles + sitting/dining room + 2 bathrooms + private terrace + communal garden + two parking spaces + 810 sq ft + EPC=C

Guide £995,000 Freehold

Guide £350,000 Leasehold

Contact: Liz Devall

Contact: Becky Card

 PROPERTY SECTION

Summertime in Sevenoaks This pretty Kentish town has always been a popular place for visitors, but it is also a top choice for those looking for a new home. With excellent connections to London, an abundance of country charm and plenty to do, Sevenoaks can’t help but impress KNOLE HOUSE A striking part of the National Trust portfolio

Shopping

With an array of both high street brands and established independent businesses, Sevenoaks is a fantastic place to shop for everything from gifts to locally-produced food and drink. Whether you’re looking for a designer wedding outfit, tasteful home décor or ‘back to school’ supplies for the children, you’ll find it here.

Eating out

Do you feel like Italian tonight? Or do you have an appetite for French, Chinese, British, Indian or fresh seafood? You’ll find all these and more on the menu, as Sevenoaks’ gastronomic scene provides an abundance of eateries to satisfy just about any taste, as well as a selection of inviting cafés.

Entertainment

The Stag Community Arts Centre, Cinema and Theatre boasts a busy and exciting programme to entertain audiences of all ages. As well as the latest blockbuster films, live entertainment coming up this summer includes performances by top Tina Turner impersonator Julie Nevada, the National Youth Ballet and The Ultimate Cliff Richard Tribute.

Big name comedy

Also taking place at The Stag is the hugely popular monthly showcase Outside the Box Comedy Club. Compèred by Maff Brown, the show routinely features household-name comedians. At the time of writing, the line-up for the August event had yet to be announced, but on September 19 Stewart Lee will be headlining a special show.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

Live sport

NOTHING BEATS THE VIEW Take a stroll at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

VARIETY SHOW The Stag Community Arts Centre for a different night out

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy action in Sevenoaks, which has a vibrant sporting scene.

No English summer would be complete without a leisurely afternoon watching cricket on The Vine.

And both Sevenoaks Town FC and Sevenoaks Rugby Club will be back for the new season.

Leisure activities

If you’re inspired to get active yourself, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre offers a 25m swimming pool, along with a wellness gym, exercise studio and multi-purpose sports hall, while the Wildernesse Leisure Centre boasts three squash courts and an all-weather pitch. Alternatively, there are a number of attractive golf courses within easy reach, and it is now a successful Olympic sport!

‘Children are encouraged to build dens and enjoy the great outdoors’

Knole

You can’t leave Sevenoaks without visiting stunning 600-year-old stately home Knole Park.

Now a National Trust property, it was home to one of Kent’s most charismatic characters, Vita Sackville-West and it remains the Sackville family seat. The fact that several of Knole’s showrooms are currently closed for conservation work offers a unique chance to see the home’s precious collection of art and antiques up close in the Great Store, this year only. You can also enjoy a stroll through the historic deer park.

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

From enjoying a picnic while taking in stunning views, to hunting for the elusive Yeti, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens provide an inspiring day out for all the family. Here, children are encouraged to build dens and enjoy the great outdoors while learning about the gardens’ connection to Charles Darwin and the Great Plant Hunters.

Wildlife

SHOP TILL YOU DROP Sevenoaks has an array of shops to suit every taste

Comprising roughly equal proportions of land and water, Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve includes five lakes and an intriguing variety of habitats, giving visitors the chance to see the local wildlife and learn more about the area at the Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre.

KEEP A LOOKOUT The charm is in the detail

History

Just strolling around the picturesque streets of Sevenoaks is certain to bring elements of the town’s rich history to life. But you can discover more about the area’s fascinating heritage at Sevenoaks Museum, which is part of the Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope, comprising the museum, library and art gallery.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

DURRANTS, STYANTS BOTTOM ROAD, SEAL CHART � Attractive character home � Partly dating from the 16th century � Extended and improved � Period features � Entrance hall � Drawing room � Sitting room � Study � Kitchen/dining room � Utility room � Cloakroom � Cellar � Two staircases � Master bedroom with en-suite � Four further bedrooms � Family bathroom � Parking and double open-bay garage with room over � Attractive gardens � Around 1/3 of an acre � Further field possibly available by separate negotiation

£1,000,000 For sale through Jackson-Stops & Staff Sevenoaks 01732 740600 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

‘ The lovely lawned gardens wrap around the house on three sides, bordered by mature hedging and trees’ Wednesday 17th August 2016

Extended 16th-century Yeoman’s house close to National Trust woodland D URRANTS is a beautiful character home tucked away in a secluded setting in the popular and pretty village of Seal Chart, near Sevenoaks.

Accessed off a country lane that winds its way through beautiful National Trust woodland, the older part of the house is believed to date back to the 16th century and is typical of a Yeoman’s timber-framed hall house.

Full of period features, it displays a wealth of exposed aged timbers, two inglenook-style fireplaces and some wood mullion windows.

The current owners substantially extended the property in 2001, sympathetically refurbishing it while retaining its charm and character.

The house opens to an entrance hall with a cloakroom. To one side is a sitting room, study and lovely triple-aspect drawing room. There is a wood-burning stove in the sitting room and an open fireplace in the drawing room, which both have doors to the garden.

To the other side of the hall is the stunning kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. The farmhouse-style kitchen has painted base units, wood block worktops and a Smeg gas range cooker in a brick fireplace recess. Beneath the house is a useful cellar room.

On the first floor is a triple-aspect master

bedroom with vaulted ceiling and en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath, along with four further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The property is approached over a track driveway through the adjoining field, which may be available to buy through separate negotiation.

There is a gravel parking and turning area to the front of the house and a detached open-bay

double garage with a store/party room above.

The lovely lawned gardens wrap around the house on three sides, bordered by mature hedging and trees. There are brick and paved seating terraces and fruit trees as well as a kitchen garden, greenhouse and an L-shaped garden shed within the grounds, which total around a third of an acre.

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Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

Rochester Way, Crowborough, TN6 2DR

Guide ÂŁ415,000

Situated in an elevated position, this 4/5 bedroom family home has many boxes ticked! Detached, with parking for several vehicles, double aspected open plan living/ kitchen area, 2 utility areas, downstairs shower room, family bathroom upstairs.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+

LANDLORDS WANTED

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

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REQUIRED FOR PROPERTIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt

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� PROPERTY SECTION

A beautiful Berkeley Home in an exclusive Langton Green enclave S

ITUATED just off a village green around three miles from Tunbridge Wells and its mainline station, Byrams was built in 1997

by Berkeley Homes.

It is one of four individually designed detached properties accessed via a shared private driveway.

As you’d expect, the interior is exceptionally well laid out, with a superb double-height entrance hall and a central staircase which rises to a galleried landing.

The ground floor also includes a spacious sitting room with a marble fireplace, a dining room, study, family room, cloakroom and a bright and well-fitted kitchen/breakfast room with modern units, a central island/breakfast bar and an adjacent utility room.

Upstairs, the master suite features a bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bathroom.

The guest bedroom also boasts an en-suite and there are three further bedrooms, all well served by a family bathroom.

The pretty landscaped gardens are a particular feature of this property and comprise a large stone-paved terrace adjacent to the house, which leads on to an area of level lawn.

A second paved terrace area, circular in form, is situated in the far corner of the garden, perfectly positioned to capture the afternoon sun and ideal for al fresco dining. To the front is driveway parking leading to an integral double garage.

AT A GLANCE

BYRAMS, SPELDHURST ROAD LANGTON GREEN n Modern detached family house n Built in 1997 by Berkeley Homes n Part of a small development n Well designed accommodation n Double-height entrance hall n Cloakroom n Drawing room n Dining room n Study n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Driveway and integral double garage n Pretty landscaped rear garden

£1,200,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 17th August 2016

‘It is exceptionally well laid out and the ground floor also includes a spacious sitting room with a marble fireplace’

Your local independent Estate Agent

~MJProperty

...contactable 7 days a week

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

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

Selling property throughout Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages

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

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r bedroom homes in an oasis of calm from just £336,000*

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HOMES

*Based on a full purchase price of £420,000 and a 20% Help to Buy Equity Loan. Help to Buy is available subject to status, terms and conditions. This scheme is not available in conjunction with any other financial incentives. Written details available on request. YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Image is computer generated.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Updated Tudor-style treasure with pools and a tennis court

AT A GLANCE BYWAYS BESSELS GREEN ROAD SEVENOAKS n Superb Tudor-style period home n Semi-rural yet convenient location n Generous accommodation n Character features n Extended and improved n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Study/bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast/family room n Utility room n Cellar storeroom n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom n Eaves storage n Five further bathrooms n Two bathrooms and a separate WC n Barn with garaging n Ancillary accommodation within barn n Swimming pool n Tennis court n Parking

‘A recent extension has created a stunning kitchen with hand-painted units, beamed ceiling, a wood burner and doors to the rear’

Wednesday 17th August 2016

B

YWAYS is a grand and substantial house in a semi-rural position on the edge of Bessels Green, just one and a half miles from Sevenoaks station.

With delightful landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and a tennis court, the house is believed to have been built around 1900, with later additions.

There is a strong Tudor influence with leaded light windows, exposed timbers and timber panelling throughout.

On the ground floor there is an impressive reception hall, a dualaspect drawing room with a fireplace and double doors to the garden, a dining room, sitting room and cloakroom.

A recent extension

n Landscaped gardens has created a stunning kitchen/breakfast/family room with hand-painted units, beamed ceiling, a wood burner and double doors to the rear.

There is a useful utility room with door to the garden and the ground floor is completed by a versatile study/bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

A cellar with storeroom is accessed via stairs in the reception hall.

The first floor features a bright and spacious landing, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate WC. Above the kitchen/family room, the extension has created a superb master suite with a spacious fitted dressing room, a superb en-suite bathroom and a beautiful dual-aspect bedroom.

Intriguingly, there is also eaves access through to a secret room.

The property has a substantial two-storey detached barn of over 2,600 sq ft, with a

n 1.85 acres in all

£2,395,000 For sale through Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk large area doe garaging and useful secondary accommodation. This comprises a kitchen/ breakfast room and shower room on the ground floor, and a large sitting/family room on the first floor, along with a bedroom and a storeroom.

There are delightful established landscaped gardens, including a charming Wendy house built in a similar style to the main house.

The excellent leisure facilities include a swimming pool and hard tennis court.

There is ample private parking and the grounds amount to around 1.85 acres.

A PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT BY 0

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

SIMON PATIENCE

savills

NEW HOMES 0

~

www.simonpatiencenewhomes.com

www.gillsgreencourtyard.co.uk

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New Homes

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

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

T: 01732 350911 Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1QG

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showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£1,100,000

Tunbridge Wells

£785,000

An excellent opportunity to purchase this especially spacious and attractive five bedroom attached Edwardian town house with gardens and off road parking on a no through road to the rear of Mount Ephraim. EPC: D

A most attractive four bedroom terraced period property arranged over three floors and with the real advantages of a southerly facing courtyard garden. garage en bloc (in Grove Hill Gardens). excellent proximity to the lower town. railway station and well regarded local schools. EPC: F

Tonbridge

Tunbridge Wells

offers over £550,000

£350,000 - £375,000

4 bed contemporary home with garage, parking and a two storey annexe. an abundance of space and light tucked away in an exclusive private gated development a walk away from town. the station and outstanding schools. EPC: C

An attractive and well maintained period property in a desirable central location. just five minutes from the Victoria Shopping Centre and excellent access to main line station. This property is arranged over three floors and offers three well proportioned reception rooms and three double bedrooms. EPC: E

Bidborough

Tonbridge

£630,000

A delightful cottage style three bedroom end of terrace house which is situated in a private close, located in the sought after village of Bidborough with garage, garden and views. Viewing highly recommended. EPC: D Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun brid ge w e 11 s@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k Southborough Office I 01892 511311 south bo roug h@ w ooda nd pi lch er. co. u k Tonbridge I 01732 351135 ton brid ge@wood and pi I cher. co. u k

A four bed detached house in a sought after location in South Tonbridge close to town. station and popular schools. conservatory, en-suite to master bedroom. off street parking, garage, south-facing rear garden. EPC: E

woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove

offers over £450,000

~ nTheMarkelcom

Other offices in Crowborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

� PROPERTY SECTION

Fabulous Pembury lodge enjoys prestigious neighbours

Wednesday 17th August 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

‘It has been sympathetically updated and extended in recent years, creating a homely feel with a perfect blend of period features and modern comforts and style’

T

HIS magnificent and charm-filled, detached former lodge house occupies an enviable spot at the end of a country lane not far from Tunbridge Wells, and enjoys a superb outlook from the front over farmland and woodland.

Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens of approximately 0.22 of an acre, Pembury Hall Lodge is close to the prestigious Kent College and Pembury’s ‘Old Church’ in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The lodge has been sympathetically updated and extended in recent years, creating a homely feel with a perfect blend of period features and modern comforts and style.

The single-storey accommodation comprises an entrance hall opening to an open-plan sitting/dining room, a splendid kitchen/ breakfast/family room which has been newly fitted with contemporary units and a granite breakfast bar, a utility room with shower room which links into the master bedroom, two

further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

There is the added benefit of a detached garden studio, complete with wood-burning stove, kitchenette and cloakroom – ideal as a home office, hobby room or as guest accommodation.

The gardens are a delight, having been carefully landscaped to create several distinct areas, and are well-stocked with a wide variety of shrubs and perennials.

There is a seating area to the rear by a small ornamental pond, and terraces lead up to a further lawned garden and patio with fabulous views over the roof of the lodge. There are also several areas for growing fruit and vegetables.

Gated driveway parking leads to the garage, which has been part converted and still retains an area for storage. The rear portion of the garage has been converted to create a WC and kitchenette for the attached garden studio.

AT A GLANCE ■ Former lodge house ■ Highly desirable semi-rural location ■ Far-reaching views ■ Period features ■ Very well presented ■ Entrance hall ■ Sitting/dining room ■ Newly-fitted kitchen/breakfast/family room ■ Utility room ■ Three bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Shower room ■ Garden studio with kitchenette and WC

£795,000 For sale through Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

PEMBURY HALL LODGE OLD CHURCH ROAD, PEMBURY

£795,000

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Chiltern Way, Tonbridge

£550,000 - £575,000 Hazel Shaw, Tonbridge

Conveniently located for Tonbridge High Street in this sought after road is this stunning three bedroom semi-detached house, offering generous accommodation throughout.

£550,000 - £570,000

An attractive four bedroom extended detached house with loft conversion located just off Shipbourne Road easily accessible to Tonbridge High Street and Mainline Station.

/

Dry Hill Park Road, Tonbridge

£1,800,000 Stocks Green Road, Hildenborough

Offering a wealth of accommodation combined with much charm and character is this seven bedroom detached house which was built in approximately 1890 and extended in later years.

£615,000

Occupying a generous sized plot with lawned garden measuring approximately 280' x 105' is this unique three bedroom semi detached bungalow.

e

l

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT RAJ'SY I<ELLY

PKelly@markerstudy.com I 01892 i74781

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58 � FOOD AND DRINK

Meet the fireman who’s making his passion for baking look as easy as pie Since his successful stint on The Great British Bake Off, Mat Riley has become something of a celebrity in his home town Tunbridge Wells. Most recently he wowed the crowds on stage at The Pantiles Food Festival where Sarah Bond caught up with him and discovered how he juggles baking with firefighting

G

REAT British Bake Off star and fireman Mat Riley became a hot favourite with TV audiences, and lasted seven out of ten weeks under the ever-critical eyes of judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, in last year’s hugely successful series.

Ever since, the Tunbridge Wells resident has been steadily building a celebrity baker profile while still working as a fireman.

Impressively, when he arrived on The Pantiles bandstand stage to do his food demonstration at 2pm at Food Festival earlier this summer, the 37 year old had only just finished a shift at his East Greenwich fire station at 5.30am.

And he even managed to pre-bake some cranberry, pistachio and white chocolate biscotti for his appearance in between.

Chatting to the crowd, and festival host Anna Lambert, Mat said doing Bake Off had been huge fun, but also very stressful, and that he only entered for a laugh never thinking he would get on the show.

“I applied as a bit of a joke,” he revealed. “I was a really big fan of the show but had only been baking for a couple of years. I was watching it with the guys at the fire station and they

Wednesday 17th August 2016

suggested I applied so I did, but I never thought I’d get on there.

“In the Fire Service, anything you do you have to buy cakes. If it’s your birthday, if you are late, if you pass your fitness test, you buy cakes…

“So in the end I started making my own, which was a bit of a novelty really, and that’s where it all started.

‘Mel and Sue really liven everything up and you have a good laugh’ “I had probably only baked about 20 things before I applied to the show, so I was very underprepared. But I kept getting through the rounds and finally ended up in the tent. So I thought I’d better learn how to bake properly!”

But newbie Mat found it hard to find time to hone his skills between shows. “I was learning all the time, and as much as you want to practice at home, we had a lot going on.

“My wife was pregnant and we were moving house in Tunbridge Wells so I didn’t get the chance to practice half as much as I would have liked to.

150th anniversary. “It was a real honour. It was "Some of the things I did were only the second for an open day in Soho, which is one of the time I had made them.” biggest fire stations in Europe.”

Despite the odd soggy bottom or two this didn’t Naturally it was a fire engine cake: “It had the dampen Mat’s enthusiasm. Far from it, as he siren and everything. It was a lemon Madeira and has now launched his own YouTube Channel it was big. It went down very well.”

(MatRileyBakes) to showcase his best recipes.

During his demo at The Pantiles Food Festival “Luckily, I work four days off and four days on, Mat revealed a few Bake Off insider secrets. so I get a good amount of time to bake, and doing “You don’t really socialise with Paul and Mary, the YouTube Channel was a way of getting my they just come in and judge. But you can’t get recipes across rather than writing a book.

“You can show textures, colours and consistency, away from Mel and Sue – they are always there, which is brilliant because it is such a stressful and what something’s going to look like, and environment. when I was learning to bake that was really “I know that sounds weird from somebody important to me. My wife Alex films and who does my job, but Mel and Sue really liven edits it, so it’s like a cottage industry!” everything up and you have a good laugh.”

Mat’s wife is Alex Beard, a former Matt told the Pantiles audience that he BBC South East Today presenter, who is now expecting the couple’s had just been reunited with the Bake Off team to film a special edition. second child. Their son Reuben “It was great. I was back at the tent doing was born last year. the Class of 2015, which is going out as part Despite their life becoming of this year’s series.” busier than ever due to their new Watch out for him when you tune in for arrival, Mat is still landing the return of The Great British Bake plenty of baking gigs in Off next Wednesday, August 24, between fire shifts.

“I love doing on BBC One. TV,” he says. “It would be nice to do more. And I have done a couple of pop-up restaurants at the Old Fire Station in Tonbridge, which was good fun.”

Mat was also recently chosen to OUT OF THE FRYING PAN… bake a cake for the Mat Riley really does go into the fire London Fire Brigade’s

FOOD AND DRINK �

59

To get you in the mood for the return of The Great British Bake Off here are some fabulous bakes to make SOMERSET APPLE TART This is a recipe for using up windfalls at harvest time, as long as the variety of apples you grow are well-flavoured, with a sweet/tart taste, and will keep their shape when baked Makes: Medium-sized tart

For the filling: 800-900g Braeburn or Jazz apples (about 5 or 6 large apples) 125ml single cream 1 medium free-range egg 35g caster sugar or vanilla caster sugar 2 teaspoons Somerset apple brandy, or brandy, or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons sieved apricot jam, or apricot glaze, warmed 1 x 23cm fluted, deep, loosebased flan tin; Baking sheet

What you do: To make the pastry, sift the flour, salt and sugar into a mixing bowl.

Add the pieces of butter and toss in the flour so they are lightly coated, then gently rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and water and stir into the crumbs with a round-bladed knife to make a firm dough. If there are dry crumbs, work in more cold water a teaspoon at a time. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in clingfilm and chill for 20 minutes.

Roll out the pastry on a lightlyfloured worktop to a large circle about 32cm across and use to line the flan tin. Leave the excess pastry hanging over the rim. Prick the base with a fork, then chill for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 190°C/375°F. Carefully neaten the pastry rim, trimming off the excess pastry. Line the case with greaseproof paper, fill with baking beans and bake blind in the heated oven for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is set and firm.

Remove the paper and beans, then return to the oven and bake for a further 5 minutes until the pastry is

crisp and lightly coloured.

Set the flan tin on a heatproof surface. Put the baking sheet into the oven to heat up, and reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F. While the pastry case cools, peel and quarter the apples. Cut out the cores, then cut the apples into very thin slices. Arrange the apple slices, slightly overlapping, in the cooled pastry case, starting from the edge and working round in neat concentric circles. Make sure the pastry case is completely filled to the top, with no gaps, and the top layer looks pretty.

Measure the cream in a jug. Add the egg, sugar and brandy (or vanilla) and mix until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the apples, letting it seep through the layers.

Set the flan tin on the heated baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the custard is just set when you jiggle the tart and the apples are a golden colour.

Set the tin on a wire rack and quickly brush the top of the tart with apricot jam or glaze to give a glossy sheen. Carefully unmould the tart and leave to cool.

Eat warm or at room temperature.

What you do: Heat your oven to 200°C/400°F. Put the soft butter, sugar and honey into a mixing bowl and beat well with a wooden spoon or electric mixer for about 2 minutes until fluffy and slightly lighter in colour.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg in three batches. Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon into the

bowl, adding any bran left in the sieve. Add the oats and the fruit and nuts and mix in thoroughly with a wooden spoon, making sure the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed.

Using a rounded tablespoon of mixture for each cookie, spoon on to the lined baking sheet, setting the cookies well apart to allow for spreading. Gently press out using the back of the tablespoon so the cookies are about 1.25cm thick – they should be rather craggy

rather than neat and tidy.

Bake in the heated oven for about 12 minutes until golden with light brown edges. Remove the sheet from the oven and set on a heatproof surface. Leave the cookies to cool and firm up for about ten minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack and leave until cold. Store in an airtight container for about five days.

What you need:

For the rich, sweet shortcrust pastry 175g plain flour pinch of salt 30g icing sugar 100g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 1 medium free-range egg yolk about 1 tablespoon icy-cold water, to mix

OAT AND HONEY FLAPJACK Halfway between a sticky flapjack and a crunchy oat biscuit, these robust cookies have a chewy centre and crisp edge. You can add whatever you like to the oat mix: Dried fruit – raisins, cranberries, sour cherries, sultanas and even chopped dates – plus whole or chopped macadamias, hazelnuts, pecans or walnuts, or even chunks of chocolate.

Makes: approximately 22

What you need: 120g unsalted butter, softened 140g light brown muscovado sugar 2 tablespoons well-flavoured honey 1 medium free-range egg, at room temperature, beaten to mix 100g plain wholemeal flour (wheat or spelt) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 200g porridge oats 100g dried fruit and nut 1-2 baking sheets, lined with baking paper

Extracted from The Great British Bake Off Big Book of Baking by Linda Collister (BBC Books, £20). Photography by Kristin Perers.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

60 

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Full steam ahead on Scandinavia’s scenic railways

S

CANDINAVIA, an area made up of three historic kingdoms – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – nestles high up in the northern hemisphere – a land of myths, legends and world-famous light shows.

But there’s much more to this captivating destination, and it’s all just waiting to be discovered by any traveller willing to scratch beneath its sometimes snow-laden surface.

With days where darkness never loses its grip, and fabled summers full of midnight sun, every season brings wonders to marvel at.

So what better way to immerse yourself in the spectacles that are nurtured here than by venturing into the wilds by train?

Travel 66 degrees north of the equator – the intangible point that marks the beginning of your journey into the Arctic Circle – for a ride along the ‘backbone of Sweden’.

Sitting aboard the Inlandsbanan as you’re transported through these dense forests, keep an eye out for the native wildlife – this kind of habitat provides the perfect home for regal reindeer and elk.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

No two glimpses from the train are the same Spine-tingling scenery is a running theme throughout Scandinavia, where panoramas unfold delivering one extraordinary landscape after another, and from the comfort of a seat on Norway’s Bergen Railway, views of the glaciers and ice fields, forests and rocky coastlines come thick and fast.

Then there’s the Ofoten Railway, connecting Kiruna in Swedish Lapland and the port town of Narvik on the Norwegian coast, which follows a route that runs past deep fjords and through barren mountain plateaus. No two glimpses out the window are the same in this untamed land.

Slick cities where the sun never sets As if the region’s breathtaking scenery was insufficient justification for visiting, at the forefront of cutting-edge European design Scandinavia’s cities are a delightful mix of the avant-garde and the traditional.

From Bergen’s 14th-century waterfront to Oslo’s sloping opera house, designed to mirror the mountain scenery the city feels almost

RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH Enjoy epic views travelling through Fjordane to Flåm

DOWN AT THE HARBOUR The Vikings may have gone, but the Oslo tall ships remain

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

enveloped by, this collection of rugged countries is one of contrasts – something reflected in its celestial extremes. Witness unique natural phenomena when, for around two months each summer, a tilt in the earth’s axis means that the sun never sets in northern Norway and daylight lasts for 24 hours.

These polar conditions make exploring the marine-rich waters surrounding the Lofoten Islands ideal, where a cruise through the Lofoten archipelago or a walk along Svolvaer’s centuries-old seafront can reveal the creatures of the deep anytime day or night.

This is also sea eagle country, and the majestic birds are drawn by the shoals of herring that pass

through every year. Seals and otters patrol these coasts, too, and further out killer and humpback whales are known to make regular appearances, feasting on abundant shoals of their favourite seafood.

Temperatures hover around freezing throughout the year, but when the sun shines, this pretty town and the landscapes of sugardusted peaks and shimmering blue fjords are never anything less than achingly beautiful.

Back on the mainland after experiencing the world-famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in the world, arrive into the town that shares its name with this renowned track.

Delicately tucked deep in a

AWAY FROM IT ALL You really are in the fabulous Lofoten archipelago

tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord, Flåm is the little place between the mountains surrounded by roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, each of which are truly extraordinary to behold whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring from the sky.

SLOPING OFF TO THE CITY And hitting a high note at the Oslo Opera House

61

Onwards to desirable Denmark And last but not least, who could forget Denmark from this trio of distinctly otherworldly destinations?

Copenhagen is a Nordic capital set to rival even the most well-established with its mix of world-class gastronomy, beautiful architecture, award-winning design, and ancient monarchy.

‘On Norway’s Bergen Railway, views of the glaciers and ice fields, forests and rocky coastlines come thick and fast’ Conveniently compact for visitors, it consistently ranks among the world’s most desirable cities to live in and was the first in the world to be named ‘Bike

City’ by the International Cycling Union – a title to which the several hundred bike lanes bear witness.

Small, old, yet perfectly formed, it has historic buildings and attractions aplenty hidden amongst the narrow curving streets in its centre.

And with a chic reputation to boot, Copenhagen is in the midst of a cultural revolution offering an abundance of ways to spend your time, from swish cocktail bars to highbrow museums.

Combine the stunning mountains, the wildlife and the celestial quirks with the cosmopolitan, culturally-rich cities, and it’s clear Scandinavia has everything to provide the rail tour of a lifetime.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

62  GARDENING GARDENING TIPS

Make a head start with autumn veg Are your vegetables looking a little stunted, jaded or straggly this summer? If so, you won’t be alone

By Hannah Stephenson “SUMMER has only just started – Mediterranean-style,” gardening expert Pippa Greenwood observes.

“A lot of plants are really behind because we didn’t have the run-up we needed,” says Greenwood, a regular on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. “The beginning of summer was wet, gloomy and cold. As veg catch up, many will become stressed because it’s too hot for them.”

If courgettes get too dry and under stress from drought, they conserve energy by forming lots of male flowers which are no good if you want fruits, she says.

The early part of summer, which was wet, may have also set pollinators back, so many fruits may have been pollinated later.

The sudden hot weather may cause lettuce, spinach and herbs such as coriander to bolt

IF IN DROUGHT… Male flowers can hold back your courgettes

Wednesday 17th August 2016

VEGETABLE CHAMPION Botanist and BBC regular Pippa Greenwood

BEST OF THE BUNCH – Lily

Lilies are the fragrant stars of mid-summer, their bold flowers releasing a heady scent which fills the air. Beautiful in patio containers where visitors can inhale their rich scent, or in borders where the taller, bolder varieties can be admired from afar, the oriental hybids often grow to more than 1.2m. Dwarf patio lilies such as Lilium ‘Mona Lisa’ are ideal for pots, while trumpet lilies, such as the white L. regale, look fabulous in the middle of a border. They like well-drained fertile soil in full sun.

Plant lily bulbs in spring as soon as you get them, burying them at least three times their depth and 15-20cm apart.

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT – Ripening tomatoes

If your tomatoes are still green, they probably need more warmth and sunshine to help ripen them. We can’t always provide that here, but you can do a few things to help. As the fruits set, remove the yellowing lower leaves up to the first truss. When these have ripened, the next set of leaves can be taken off. As a general rule, only remove leaves below the trusses, although if they are really congested, a little thinning may help to promote air circulation. A month before the end of their cropping season, cut off the growing tip of the plant or, in bush tomatoes, take out the tip of every main stem. By stopping the growth, energy will be transferred to remaining fruits to reach full size. And if you have green tomatoes at the end of the season, put them in a paper bag with a banana to help ripen them. (set seed), making them no good for eating, while slugs have stripped many leafy veg bare.

If your vegetables are beyond saving or you’ve harvested your crops and now have vacant ground, it may be time to think about autumn veg. ‘Garden ready’ plants, which look like plug plants, are widely available and already have a healthy root system.

“If you get veg plants in the ground in September, they can sit there, hold the soil together over the winter and be ticking over,” says Greenwood, who has launched a Winter thru’ Spring Collection of vegetables.

‘The beginning of summer was wet, gloomy and cold. As veg catch up, many will become stressed because it’s too hot for them’

TOMATO TIPS They may need help to ripen

GARDENING 

63

Here are some of her favourites for September planting ■ Broad beans: “Very few people plant

broad beans in September, but if you do you’ll see that they really do get ahead. Get them in September as small plants, overwinter them with a fleece-covered tunnel in the worst of the winter.

Then plant another batch early in the year and you’ll have a much longer cropping period as the ones you planted in September will be ready to harvest several weeks before the ones you planted in the spring.”

Support bean plants through the winter with canes and twine.

■ Radiccio: The dark red,

almost burgundy-coloured leaf which adds colour and flavour to salad can be planted in September and looks great as an ornamental plant as well as tasting good.

“When you plant it, it is often green with slight purple streaks, but as it grows it will pink up and then go red once it’s hit by really cold weather.” If you plant it in September, you may be eating leaves within six weeks to two months, depending on the weather.

When the weather turns really cold, cover it with a fleece tunnel to protect the leaves.

■ Japanese onions onions: Buy them as small plants in a cell in September. Plant the cell, which usually contains between three and five little onion plants, in its entirety, about 40cm apart. The plants inside will elbow each other apart to form a clump of onions.

They need to be kept moist in September – but don’t feed them – and are maintenance-free in winter, growing rapidly in spring. Keep rows weeded and watered in dry weather and you should be harvesting them by summer, when the foliage starts to yellow.

The bulbs are visible largely above ground.

■ Purple sprouting

broccoli: “It’s a very pretty plant with beautiful purple spears, and is incredibly good for you in terms of vitamin content and is also easy to grow. Put small plants in during the autumn and firm the soil really well around the base of the plant or it won’t crop as well.”

Brassicas need firm soil. As they

grow, they can be loosened by heavy rain and wind and will need re-firming.

Protect from pigeons with a polytunnel when the plant is young. They should be ready late spring, depending on the conditions.

With the wealth of pests there have been this year, Greenwood warns: “If you are taking delivery of tender small plants in September, try to sort out the slug population beforehand.

“Put down Nemaslug, which says it won’t harm children, pets, bees or birds (www.nemaslugdirect.co.uk), then nematode, as a drench, on to the area you are going to plant up.

A small pack will serve 40-square metres, which is plenty of space for a lot of veg and it lasts really effectively in the soil for six weeks, often a bit more.

“Apply it just before you put your autumn veg in, which gives the plant six weeks to toughen up and become a lot less appetising to pests. The more slugs you sort out in the autumn, the fewer there are in the spring.”

More information available from www.pippagreenwood.com

THE BEAUTY OF BROCCOLI The purple sprouting variety

Wednesday 17th August 2016

64 ■ HEALTH & BEAUTY

Made-up to last all day long

By Katie Wright

STEAL OF THE WEEK

GETTING dolled up for garden parties, weddings and summer soirees is all part of the fun, but no-one wants to be touching up their make-up constantly because their foundation is battling against balmy weather (and losing), or their lipstick has jumped ship on to the rim of a Champagne glass.

In the face of such an onslaught, it’s time to bring out the big guns – the products that will outlast toasts, tequila shots and even tears (happy ones, hopefully).

These are the cosmetics that are quick to use but slow to fade…

Looking for a summery scent at a price that’s more budget airline than luxury villa?

Try Marks & Spencer’s Island Sunset, £16 for 95ml. Combining jasmine and ginger with sea salt and sandalwood, it’s like a blast of tropical breeze bottled (www.marksandspencer.com)

BE PRIMED AND READY

PERFECT YOUR POLISH

Preparation is everything when it comes to long-lasting make-up.

Adding a primer to your prep routine gives your base an extra layer of defence: The silky, almost dry-feeling formula doesn’t sink into skin but it sits on the surface, meaning your foundation sits on top of that and won’t wear off as easily.

A UV-cured gel manicure is unbeatable for chip-proof nails, but some new beauty counter launches are giving the salon brands a run for their money.

Essie’s new Gel Couture collection combines 25 shades with a toughas-nails topcoat for at-home colour that lasts up to 12 days. Essie Gel Couture in Spool Me Over and Topcoat, £9.99 each (www.superdrug.com)

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up, £33 (www.lookfantastic.com) is a leave-on mask, moisturiser and primer in one. So it’s great if you’re travelling and don’t want to lug around a heavy cosmetics bag.

SEAL YOUR LIPS

BUY IT NOW America’s number one skincare product has just landed on our shores, bringing intense hydration at attractive price points. The hero of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost range is the ultra-light Water Gel moisturiser, £12.99 (www.boots.com), which contains a unique hyaluronic gel matrix that sinks into skin and draws in moisture like a sponge, keeping your complexion looking fresh and healthy all day.

LOCK YOUR LIDS

For eye make-up that won’t crease or crumble, you need a highly pigmented formula.

Guerlain Ecrin 1 Couleur Long-Lasting Eyeshadow in Taupe Secret, £22.05 (www.escentual.com) has a powder matte finish but the gel-coated pigments ensure the colour stays put.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Whether you want sheer or full-impact colour, there’s a lip product that will linger as long as your need it to.

Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained in Sweet Suite, £20 (neta-porter.com) may look muted on the wand, but it’s formulated to react to the pH in lips, bringing out a brighter (but still subtle) shade that lasts even when the balm has worn off.

SET THE TONE

Once you’ve finished the rest of your make-up, a generous spritz of setting spray will create an invisible shield, locking foundation and blusher in place.

Clarins Fix Make-Up, £23, is a cooling mist that contains moisturising aloe vera and antipollution actives (www.boots.com)

BEAUTY BULLETIN SHADES OF IMPROVEMENT More than two-thirds of Black and Asian women feel the high street doesn’t cater for their beauty needs, despite the fact they spend £137.52 more on beauty per year than any other ethnic group, according to new research from Superdrug.

“This research just goes to show the lack of products and advice available on the high street for Black and Asian women, so we have made it our mission to offer women of colour the latest in beauty products at an affordable price,” says Sarah Gardner, Head of Beauty at Superdrug. “Since launching

the campaign, we’ve already seen an increase in foundation shades from Maybelline, L’Oreal and Revlon, and will be launching an additional 23 shades for darker skin tones by the end of July.”

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY Did you know Urban Decay has just released a collection of a HUNDRED different lipsticks? To help you find your perfect shade (or ten), download the free Vice Lipstick app and use the live mirror feature to virtually try the whole line-up and share your picks and tips with pals (iPhone only).

FREE -

01892 536 960

From Fillers to Facelifts, Breasts to Body Contouring, our Consultant Plastic Surgeons are here for you , , I felt in safe hands at all times and am delighted with the results , , -MsSG

66 n LIFE AND STYLE TONBRIDGE COACHES TAKE AIM AT MEDALS WITH RIO ARCHER Award-winning strength coaches to sponsor Paralympian Tania Nadarajah Tonbridge health and fitness experts Martin Shyvers and Alex Shoebridge are to sponsor archer Tania Nadarajah as she competes in this summer’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Together, the National level strength coaches run The Strength and Conditioning Institute (The SCI) on Cannon Lane, and have recently launched their cutting-edge online service, The SmartCoach.

Tania Nadarajah, whose nickname is Lady T, started archery in 2014 and made her international debut in 2015. In the same year Tania was talent-spotted as part of the ‘Recurves for Rio’ project, when she was fast-tracked on to the GB squad in just six months. Tania’s career highlights include team bronze at the 2016 European Para Championships in France, team bronze at the 2015 Para World Ranking event in Holland, and third place in the Rio qualification tournament at the 2015 Para World Championships in Germany.

Sponsors Alex and Martin are no strangers to fast tracking, either. Since starting their business in 2012, they have been recognised by the Kent Excellence in Business Awards for two successive years, and in December 2015 won the title of Best Functional Training Gym in the entire UK. Their new venture, The SmartCoach (www.thesmartcoach.co) moves the brand into the global online health and fitness market. No matter where in the world users are, this new cutting-edge service provides 24/7 access to 12 weeks of workout and nutrition plans on demand via the internet.

NEW ORANGERY FOR HAYNE HOUSE Fleur Record-Smith, founder of Hayne House – a very successful, quintessentially English wedding venue in Hythe, Kent – was facing a difficult and tough decision…

The marquee, where the wedding receptions and dancing took place, was starting to look tired. She could have taken the easy option and replaced like for like. But, with her couples firmly in mind, she has seized the opportunity to erect a gorgeous new structure, an Orangery, the kind once used to nurture and protect fragile precious oranges.

Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Alex Shoebridge, said: “We can so closely identify with Tania’s own experience of seeing your hobby transition into your profession, and become the passion that you live and breathe every day. We’re so excited at the opportunity to work with Tania to spread the message that you can achieve anything you set your mind to – and we can’t

In the past, Orangeries were so expensive to build that they were owned and used by royalty and only the very wealthy, for parties and banqueting.

wait to see what she achieves in Rio.” Paralympic archer Tania Nadarajah said: "I am so grateful to Alex and Martin at The Strength & Conditioning Institute for sponsoring me during this year’s Paralympic Games. These guys are really passionate about what they do, and support so many local grass roots athletes to help them progress in their own sports and careers. I am proud to be part of the SCI

Fleur Record-Smith said: “It was becoming apparent that within the foreseeable future I would need to replace the marquee at Hayne House. But I didn’t want just any building, I wanted one where we didn’t lose the lovely natural light that my team and I have become so accustomed to, and that our couples love.

family and to wear the logo in Rio,” Fellow Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Martin Shyvers, added: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are such special and awe-inspiring events, and London 2012 certainly brought this home for Great Britain. We are beyond proud to support Tania’s Paralympic dream, and see The SCI logo on her kit!

We wish her every success, and cannot wait to share updates directly from her HQ in Rio.”

PENSHURST VINTAGE & ANTIQUES FAIR Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair, Penshurst Village Hall, TN11 8BP, August 27-29, trade entry Saturday 9.30am, public 10.30am-5pm, entrance £1.50. Come and find fashionable vintage, French brocante and decorative antiques for the home and garden in beautiful Penshurst.

This charming fair has been running for over 40 years, helping to raise money for the community. As well as our regular favourites, we have some wonderful new dealers joining us over the Bank Holiday weekend, including Hoof Brocante from Brooklands near Rye with a wide range of galvanised goodies and French antiques, B&R Decorative Antiques with their stylish decorative items, and Vintage Baby with beautiful cushions and lavender bags made from vintage fabrics. Blackstem Plants from Lamberhurst will be filling the forecourt with summer colour to tempt all. Relax and enjoy delicious homemade cakes and teas from It’s Always Tea-Time.

“I wanted a space that continued to celebrate the outdoors, whilst bringing it indoors. I wanted something that had large windows to enable the light to fill the room; was also stylish, charming, practical, relaxed; but, importantly, provided the perfect setting for couples on their special day. I wanted all the facilities couples could ever need under one roof – the ceremony area, the wedding breakfast reception, the dance floor, the bar, and all with disabled access.”

Fleur concluded “I am so excited to be sharing this announcement. With views of the manicured and landscaped gardens, a space perfect for long banqueting tables, or a less formal layout of round tables, it is my belief that from April 2018 couples will embrace the opportunity to get married, have their reception, and then party into the night in the unique, purpose-built Orangery here at Hayne House.”

The Hayne House Orangery will accommodate up to 120 guests for weddings, civil partnerships and non-religious marriages. It will hold 120 guests for a formal wedding breakfast, and up to 150 evening guests.

So why not be one of the first to tie the knot at what will become, in 2018, a primary wedding venue in Kent?

Follow us on Facebook at Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair or on Instagram at tara.franklin_antiques Contact Tara on 07507 876637

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Please call on 01303 262555 or email info@haynehouse.co.uk to book a visit, or see www.haynehouse.co.uk

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

FIRST DRIVE

DS3

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: £19,495 as tested MODEL: DS3 Prestige BlueHDi 120 S&S ENGINE: 1.6-litre turbodiesel producing 118bhp and 210lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, 118mph top speed ECONOMY: 78.5mpg combined EMISSIONS: 94g/km CO2

Practicality-wise, the DS3 offers buyers a fairly large boot for a car of its size. With the rear seats in place, there’s 285 litres of space – more than you get in the Mini Hatch and Audi A1.

While you can fold the seats down to open up 980 litres of room, they will not fold flat. There is also a rather large boot lip, which makes it more difficult to load heavier or awkwardly shaped objects.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

By Simon Davis WHAT’S NEW? The DS3 has been with us for some time now – since 2010, in fact – albeit under Citroën branding. Now, though, the DS moniker has been established as a new brand in its own right, and has its eyes firmly set on the more premium segment of the supermini market.

This means the DS3 is up against the likes of the Audi A1, as well as the daddy of the supermini market – the Mini Hatch. To help it out in its fight, the DS3 comes equipped with good looks, plenty of kit as standard, as well as a range of economical and entertaining engines.

If you’re in the mood to throw a few corners at the DS3, you’ll find it copes superbly. It attacks them with enthusiasm, and thanks to its slightly stiff suspension set-up, always feels well planted. On the motorway, the DS3 makes for a comfortable cruiser as well – thanks mostly to its large, supportive seats. The only time our test car fell down in this respect was over bumps and potholes, as the 17-inch alloys did cause the car to crash around a fair amount.

While the 118bhp diesel DS3 we had on test wasn’t the quickest car in the world, the engine dishes out more than enough grunt to get you off the line in a brisk fashion. Get up to motorway cruising speeds and you’ll find it quiet and refined.

LOOKS AND IMAGE The looks department is the DS3’s forte. While the car hasn’t changed too much cosmetically since it first went on sale, it still looks fresh and relevant six years later. New DS badging replaces the former Citroën ones, and a redesigned grille takes pride of place on the front of the car.

The DS3 is also highly customisable, with more than three million combinations of colour, wheels, trim, and seat fabrics.

If you’re after a car that you can truly put your personal mark on, the DS3 is the one for you.

Moving inside, you will find large, comfortable leather seats that wouldn’t look out of place in a bigger, more upmarket car. The rest of the cabin also feels equally premium, with smart coloured panelling on the passenger-side dash, polished metal highlights and trendy black plastic fittings. However, the DS3 is slightly let down by the presence of cheaplooking, rough plastic surfaces on the lower doors.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Drivers and front passengers will find they are more than comfortable in the

VALUE FOR MONEY

‘The DS3 is also highly customisable, with more than three million combinations of colour, wheels, trim and seat fabrics. If you’re after a car that you can truly put your personal mark on, the DS3 is the one for you’

If you’re looking to put a DS3 on your drive, be prepared to say goodbye to a fair amount of cash as this certainly isn’t the cheapest car you can buy. Our test car, which came in Prestige trim with a 118bhp diesel engine, would set you back £19,495. That said, you do get plenty of kit, such as satellite navigation, an upgraded stereo system and reversing cameras as standard.

The cool, upmarket image that comes with this French supermini is never a bad thing, either.

When it comes to running costs, the DS3 makes an even better case for itself. All of the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines can manage an average fuel consumption of more than 60mpg, while the BlueHDi diesels return 83.1mpg and 78.5mpg in 98bhp and 118bhp guises respectively. The DS3 won’t be an expensive car to run, then.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? DS3, thanks to those large seats. However, the same can’t really be said for any unlucky souls who find themselves in the back of the car.

There is very little legroom, and headroom is practically non-existent. Adult passengers would be advised to steer clear of anything other than a short trip down the road.

The DS3 is likely to appeal to anyone wanting a small, economical and fun-to-drive supermini that has character and charm in spades.

First-time car buyers with a bit of extra cash to splash will find it an appealing option, as will those looking for a slightly left-field alternative to the incredibly popular Mini.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

68 n MOTORING

INTRODUCING THE NEW FORD EDGE Sitting at the pinnacle of our SUV range, the New Ford Edge is the epitome of modern refinement.

NEW FORD EDGE AWD SOR 2.0180PS DIESEL

- £299* PER MONTH - £500 DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE - EXTRA £500 SAVING WHEN YOU TAKE A TEST DRIVE*

Lifesty tf'.cio rd

V

Your journey starts here

www.lifestyleford.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 739131

Tonbridge 01732 758 726

KentTN48AG

KentTN91TN

Official fu el consumption figures in mpg (l/100km ) for the Ford Edge range: urban 43.5 (6.5) - 44.1 (6.4), extra urban 51.4 (5.5) - 52.3 (5.4), combined 47.9 (5.9) - 48.7 (5.8) . Official CO, emissions 152-149g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.07.16 and 30.09.16. *Extra £500 saving when taking a test drive - August registration only. * Finance example shown available over a finance period of 25 months with £4,811.57 customer deposit, £500 deposit allowance, £5,311.57 total deposit. Amount of credit £24,183.43. Charge for credit £340.57. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10. Total amount payable £29,855.57. Optional final payment £17,348. 0.8% APR, 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at Bp per mile. When f inanced with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options.

Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and w ithout notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

NEW FORD KUGA TITANIUM SPORT AWD 2.0 180PS SDR DIESEL Ford Tonbridge TN91TN 01732 758726

Ford Tunbridge Wells TN48AG 01892 739131

www.lifestyleeurope.co.uk

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/lOOkm) for the Kuga Titanium range shown: Urban 24.4-47.l (11.6-5.5). Extra Urban 44.1-60.l (6.4-4.7). Combined 34.0-54.3 (8.3-5.2) . Official C02emission figures 194-l34g/km.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purposes of insurance mediation activity. Firm reference number 311625. *To qualify for the additional £500 customer saving off the OTR price of any new Ford car (excludes Mustang and Focus RS) you must arrange with Ufestyle Ford (now part of the Hendy Group) to test drive any car. Test drives must take place before 31st August 2016. Cars must be contracted and registered by 31st August 2016. Cars for Eligible Fleet customers must be contracted and registered by 31st August 2016. Promotion available at the dealership you arranged a test drive with. Offer available to Retail, Privilege, Ambassador and Eligible Fleet customers only. The £500 Customer Saving is in addition to all other existing promotions. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Offers correct at time of communication and are subject to change without notice.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

MOTORING NEWS ■

69

A bespoke sea change for Rolls-Royce luxury ROLLS-ROYCE have unveiled two bespoke versions of its Dawn and Wraith cars at Porto Cervo – the Sardinian marina that inspired them.

Both models were created to reflect the area’s glamorous nature.

Isobel Dando, General Manager for future retail at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world’s most A WHOLE NEW DAWN It’s enough to make you emerald with envy

beautiful enclaves. Sardinia, and its stunning Costa Smerelda, serves as the perfect backdrop for Rolls-Royce to host these patrons of true luxury in an intimate setting.”

The bespoke Wraith features a twotone exterior, as well as an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot. Inside, ostrich leather is used to add an even greater feeling of luxury.

The Dawn contrasts the Wraith in many ways.

The exterior, for instance, is finished in a unique emerald green colour designed to imitate the Porto Cervo seascape.

Cream leather is used inside, and a bespoke teak boot floor mat also features. Emerald and mother of pearl are inlaid into the interior fascia of the car’s interior.

Dando added: “The stunning bespoke Wraith and emerald-embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colours of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in.”

Both cars display the incredible attention to detail that Rolls-Royce has become famous for.

There is very little that the British luxury car maker can’t do should a customer request it, and has become known for some outlandish and luxurious designs.

THE PRIME AND THE PASSION The models have stylish updates

Smart move in city cars reveals trim new looks THE latest updates to the Smart city car range have been announced, with a new Brabus Sport trim line being added to both the ForTwo and ForFour models.

The entry-level Passion trim level for the ForTwo Coupe now includes a fabric-covered roof, while the ForFour in Night Sky Prime and Prime Sport trims features a fabric electric opening roof.

Across the range, Passion models include features such as automatic climate control, 15-inch alloy wheels and a Smart audio system as standard.

Cars in Prime trim gain standard equipment such as heated front seats, leather upholstery and black 15-inch alloy wheels, while Prime Sport cars gain sports suspension, a

chrome exhaust finisher and larger 16-inch alloys.

Models with the higher-powered 89bhp engine can also now be specified in Brabus Sport trim, which adds features such as 17-inch Brabus alloys, a Brabus front splitter and a Brabus sports steering wheel as standard.

Prices for the entry-level ForTwo Coupe in Passion trim start at £11,125, while the ForTwo Coupe in Brabus Sport will cost from £13,810.

An entry-level ForFour will cost £11,620, and a ForFour in Night Sky Brabus Sport trim will cost up to £16,275.

Smart’s Twinamic six-speed dual-clutch transmission is available across the range as a £995 option.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

70 n MOTORING

Models shown are Alfa Milo 875cc

TB

TwinAir 105 hp Progressio n including Alfa Red Specia l Paint at £475,

consumption figures for the Alfa Milo Progression

& Alfa

OTR

£14,535

&

Alfa Giulietta 1.4

TB

120 hp at £19,225

OTR

incl. Stromboli Grey Specia l Paint at £525. Range of official fuel

Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 - 64.2 mpg (9.5 - 4.4 l/100km); Extra Urban 54.3 - 97.4 mpg (5.2 - 2.9 l/100km) ; Combined 41.5 - 80.7 mpg (6.8 - 3.5 l/100km). C0 2 emissions 157 - 90 g/ km.

Fuel consumption and C0 2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance wi th EC directives/ regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving condi tion s. •customer deposit is £999. optional Final Payment is £3,813. contractTerm is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp Progression including Alfa Red Special Paint at £475 between 1st August and 30th September 2016. ACustomer deposit is £1,549. Optional Final Payment is £5,823. ContractTerm is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £19,225 OTR registered between 1st August and 30th September 2016.

Alfa Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in these examples) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, Sll ORW.

THROW YOUR FAMILY AT IT • 400 litre boott • 22 storage compartments • 5 star EURO NCAP safety rating

£187 per month, plus initial rentalA

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3 E Y. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat 500L range in mpg (11100km): Urban 34.9 (8.1) - 62.8 (4.5); Extra Urban 56.5 (5.0) - 78.5 (3.6); Combined 46.3 (6.1) - 72.4 (3.9).C02 emissions 143 - 104 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. ' Fiat 500L boot space is based on rear seats pulled forward . ' Above rental based on Fiat 500L Pop Star 1.4 (with optional Electric Sunroof at £950 and optional 17" All oy Wheels at £300) on Personal Contract Hire, w ith an initial rental of £3,740, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £187. Rental shown above includes VAT and excludes maintenance, and is based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehi cles must be registered by 30th September 2016. Promoti on subject to status. A guarantee may be required. Fiat Contract Hire, PO BOX 4590, Slough , SL1 OWU. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Contract Hire.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

MOTORING n

71

DEBODN TO BE WILD

\

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD , TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the new Fiat 124 Spider in mpg (11100km): Urban 33.2 (8.5); Extra Urban 55.4 (5.1); Combined 44.1 (6.4). C0 2 emissions 148 g/km.

Fuel consumption and

C0 2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Model Shown Jeep Renegade 2.0 Multijet 140 HP Longitude 4WD at £24.495 Including Special Pastel Paint at £600. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG [L/lOOKM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9[5.9) - 70.6[4.01. URBAN 32.5 [8.7) - 55 .4 [5.11. COMBINED 40.9 [6.9) - 64.2 [4.41. C02EMISSIONS: 160 - 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. 'Customer deposit is £6.299. Optional Final Payment is £12.171. Contract Term is 24 months. Promotion available on new Renegade Longitude versions between 1st August and 30th September 2016. Jeep Oeposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment. subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage [a charge of 9p per mile for exceeding 10.000 miles per annum in this example[ and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Selected stock only. At participating Oealers only. Jeep Financial Services. PO BOX 4465. Slough. Sll ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep@isa registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

72 n RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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Wednesday 17th August 2016

RECRUITMENT n

73

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

“

After just one day of the newspaper being out, our recruitment advert had received a great response from potential candidates; three of which we now have at interview stage. We will certainly use the Times of Tunbridge Wells for future recruitment adverts.

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“

Wednesday 17th August 2016

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

WHATS ON

Eileen Leahy

WITH THE

Local events

ONE FOR THE BIRDS At Grosvenor and Hilbert Park >> WEDNESDAY Today Grosvenor and Hilbert Park will be hosting another of their interesting nature-inspired events. From 10am-2pm it’s all about the life of birds, so meet at the Hub and the park rangers will take you on a tour of the grounds, pointing out various species and then show you how to make seed bombs and identify various details on our feathered friends. For more information visit www.fogh.org.uk Wildlife Wednesday happens every week at Scotney Castle during the summer holidays, so if your children are into creepy-crawlies, fish and bugs they’ll enjoy the twice-daily pond-dipping sessions from 11.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-2.30pm.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org/scotneycastle

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

Minor Mania is the perfect place to take shelter from the rain and offers tiny tots and under-12s a wealth of fun indoor activities to enjoy. The perfect place to let off steam, there are a number of soft play areas for kids to clamber around, and there’s also a great outdoor space if the weather decides to play ball. For more information and to book tickets visit www.minormania.co.uk >> THURSDAY Every day until Sunday August 28 there will be an embroidery workshop at Trinity Theatre. Run by Bridget Barber and Diana Byers, it’s the perfect place to spend some time perfecting your needlework skills, seeking help with any tricky detailing or just coming along for a chat. For more information visit www.trinitytheatre.net Today there will be a Mini Beast Safari and Young Nature Hunters event at Dunorlan Park. This free summer bug hunt is ideal for children aged six and over. Running from 10.30-11.30am and 2.30-4pm, you’ll have the opportunity to seek out insects, birds and wildlife with the help of some maps and experts who’ll be on hand to guide you.

The event is free but pre-booking is advisable.

To save your place call 01892 554 171 or email museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk The Winnie-the-Pooh Trail is open every day this LANGUISH BY THE LAKE at Salomons Estate, Southborough

TELL ’EM ABOUT THE HONEY, MUMMY Find Winnie’s at Chartwell

summer until September 4 at Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill near Westerham. Encourage your children to follow the trail to spot the bees and help locate Winnie’s missing honey pot. Tickets cost £1 in addition to usual admission price of £6.70. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Jazz on the Pantiles continues its summer run this evening with the Groove Agents headlining from 7.30pm. >> FRIDAY Haysden Country Park in Tonbridge has just undergone a major refurbishment and now boasts a fantastic playground as well as enjoyable walks and a pond where you can fish and spot local wildlife. Entrance is free but for more details visit www.tmbc.gov.uk There’s nothing children enjoy more than a day spent in the woods, foraging, exploring and having fun. Head to Wilderness Wood near Uckfield where they can do all this and more – while you join them or let them do a special course while you relax in the cool rustic café.

Entrance is free but donations are most welcome. www.wildernesswood.org If you’re a Matt Damon fan and love his Bourne films then you’re in luck, as the Moonlight Cinema at the Hop Farm will be showing the latest instalment of the series, Jason Bourne, every night from now until Monday at 8.45pm. Tickets cost £25 per car on the gate or £20 in advance. For more information visit www.moonlightcinema.com >> SATURDAY The popular Pantiles Market takes place this weekend so make sure you pop along to pick up your usual gourmet goods, seasonal produce and exotic oils and condiments. For details of traders please visit www.thepantiles.com At Sissinghurst Castle you can browse around the inspiring library used frequently by its late owner Vita Sackville-West, scale the narrow staircase up to the property’s impressive lookout tower or wander around the maze-like gardens. But however you decide to spend your time there, you’re guaranteed a most enjoyable

LLAMA CHARMER At Ashdown Llama Farm, Wych Cross

Wednesday 17th August 2016

FOLLOW THE DREAM Enjoy Shakespeare’s Midsummer comedy at Tonbridge Castle day out. Over the summer holidays there’s also a wealth of enjoyable events going on, including farmers’ markets and camping sessions. Normal National Trust prices apply. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle If you want to work off those post-holiday pounds or get yourself in shape for the beach then make sure you sign up for the weekly Park Runs that happen in both Dunorlan and Tonbridge’s Castle Road (behind the swimming pool) from 9am every Saturday. They are free to attend but you need to register. Go to www.parkrun.org.uk >> SUNDAY If you’ve never been for a walk around the glorious grounds of the beautiful former country estate, Salomons, in Southborough, then make sure you go this summer as you’ll see plenty of wildlife in their natural habitat and various plant and tree species. Visiting on a Sunday is perfect as you can enjoy a delicious cream tea on the terrace overlooking the lake afterwards! If you want a guided walk it costs £3 per child and £5 per adult. Visit www.salomons-estate.com If you just love a little something unusual then head to the Ashdown Llama Farm at Wych Cross this summer and see all this specialist centre has to offer. As well as being able to take a llama for a walk and learn all about them, there are also donkeys, alpacas and reindeers to see, too.

Entrance costs £5 per child and £6 per adult, and tickets can be booked from www.llamapark.co.uk Tonbridge Castle will host another afternoon of live music courtesy of Invicta Jazz, who will be performing from 3-5pm. The event is free but for more details visit www.tonbridgecastle.org >> MONDAY This is the final week to catch The Titanic in Photographs exhibition at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells. Running until Sunday August 21, it is an impressive and most moving display of the doomed vessel’s interiors, which includes photos of the first class à la carte restaurant, the Turkish baths and swimming pools on board. There are many rare genuine artefacts, too, including a Cartel wall clock and specially-commissioned Stuart crystalware. (see page 3 for more news on the Titanic exhibition) Bewl Water’s Summer Camp for children continues throughout the month of August. They can do a half day of activities from 9am-1.30pm for £24.99 or a full one until 4pm for £39.99. As well as nature walks and treasure hunts, other pursuits include mountain biking, football, painting and pedalos. Open to children aged five and over.

Pre-booking and payment is essential. For more information visit www.bewlwater.co.uk The final Family Monday at Knole takes place today. The theme is Deer and Animal tracks, so make sure you bring your walking boots and a magnifying glass to help you seek out the most interesting paw and hoof prints! For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org/knole

WHAT’S ON 

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS >> TUESDAY This summer you can experience the beauty of Groombridge Place and benefit from a little theatrical entertainment at the same time. Theatre troupe Brymack is putting on two productions each day of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up – a play based on the life of Peter Pan. They will also be holding drama workshops. Tickets cost £10.95 per child and £14.95 per adult.

This evening at Tonbridge Castle the Illyria Theatre Company will be performing their version of A Midsummer’s Night Dream in the open air.

Gates open at 6.30pm and the performance of this classic Shakespearean comedy starts at 7.30pm.

For tickets visit www.illyria.uk.com Whether your offspring are still teeny-tiny or strapping teenagers, then why not spend a morning or afternoon exploring the wonderful wooded area of Tunbridge Wells Common? There is a short circular walk you can do which is buggyfriendly and not too challenging, but will take in the Wellington Rocks, the cricket grounds and also give you access to various wildlife and flora and fauna. To find out more visit Explore Kent’s website www.explorekent.org

WORTH THE TRIP: Brighton Sea Life Centre

Paul Dunton Live music THERE is an array of fantastic gigs to be enjoyed this week, and my top pics are as follows: The excellent Groove Agents return to headline the Jazz on The Pantiles this Thursday night, and if you fancy something more alternative there is an excellent line-up at The Forum with The Duel + Insane Society + Stone Heroes + Toxic Rock DJ. Friday is jam-packed with superb live bands around town, including Pulse at Cassidy’s, Soul Kitchen at The Grey Lady, and for blues lovers, Bagge, Armer and Piggott are at The Cross Keys Pub. Some more great options for Saturday night include John Whitehorn of The Varlies at The Beau Nash, Stone Cold Sober at The Royal Oak and Dave Ital & Friends at The Grey Lady.

This Sunday afternoon you can catch the wonderful Invicta Jazz Orchestra performing in the beautiful grounds of Tonbridge Castle, free entry and music from 3pm.

For fans of folk and acoustic singer/songwriters I recommend Naomi Bedford with Paul Simmonds at Tonbridge Folk Club this coming Monday night.

And there is a stellar show at The Grey Lady on Tuesday evening with Ben Westwood, Jono Harrison, MODL and a headline set from Cracks In the Land.

MONDAY TWUNTS – Ukulele Jam WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Steve Gable and Bernard Goldman CASSIDY’S BAR

Castle Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

FRIDAY Pulse THE ROYAL OAK

John Whitehorn

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

SATURDAY Stone Cold Sober MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session THE BEAU NASH INN

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

SATURDAY John Whitehorn TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High Street, Tonbridge Free entry music 8-11pm Hat collection (£7 recommended) Full details at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Naomi Bedford with Paul Simmonds TONBRIDGE CASTLE

High Street, Tonbridge, free entry, music from 3pm-5pm

SUNDAY Invicta Jazz Orchestra THE PUNCH & JUDY

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Carroll, Young Apollo TUESDAY Ben Westwood, Jono Harrison, MODL, Cracks in the Land WEDNESDAY Eleanor Jessie, Annie Chew, James McMaster

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

MUSIC ON THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

THURSDAY The Duel + Insane Society + Stone Heroes + Toxic Rock DJ FRIDAY Burlesque Fever SATURDAY Hip Hop, Reggae, Dance SUNDAY Unfest Sunday Sessions Throughout the summer you can dive in and learn all types of fascinating fishy facts at one of the area’s most popular family attractions, Brighton Sealife Centre. During August you can also follow the Disney Pixar interactive trail, where you can discover lots about the real-life versions of Dory and Nemo. Entry costs from £10.50. To book tickets go to www.visitsealife.com

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

75

11 St Stephens Street Tonbridge. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

TUESDAY Titus Invicta Jazz Orchestra

8pm-10pm live music on The Bandstand, free to attend, donations welcomed

THURSDAY Jazz night summer series – The Groove Agents SATURDAY Soul Train

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

THE CROSS KEYS

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

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

WEDNESDAY Mystery Clarke, Nate Austin, Duke Lloyd, Corey Fox-Fardell FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SATURDAY David Ital & Friends SUNDAY The Tringham Sisters, James & Grace

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Terry Seabrook Organ Trio THURSDAY Open Mic Night FRIDAY Blues With Bottle: Bagge, Armer and Piggott

Wednesday 17th August 2016

76 � ARTS & CULTURE

Golf instructor’s music drive is well and truly above par…

Eileen Leahy talks to Local & Live founder Paul Dunton about how the festival, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, has evolved over the years and how he manages to combine his love of music with a busy career as a fulltime professional golfer

MUSIC MAESTRO, PLEASE! Paul Dunton with his own orchestra

How long has Local & Live been going?

It was established in 2006.

What gave you the idea to start it?

I wanted to organise something to mark the town’s 400th landmark year, so I decided to stage a small two-day music festival featuring a selection of local bands and soloists on The Pantiles bandstand and named it Bandstand/400. I then changed the name to Local & Live Music Festival in 2007.

How long have you been involved in music in the town?

Since 2003 as a performing musician, but I really got involved from an organising and promoting point of view from 2005 onwards.

Do you find the music scene here collaborative and supportive?

Yes I do, from a personal standpoint, I have very strong links with Jason Dormon and The Forum. We work together on many events and over the years I have enjoyed great relationships with The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Trinity Theatre and Peter Taylor of The Royal Oak, too. It’s great to see more pubs staging live music now and Tunbridge Wells’ musicians definitely support each other. It’s often noticeable when an act plays that many fellow musicians come along to watch. That is a very important part FEELING of the music scene, FESTIVE we are all in this Organiser Paul together; we all Dunton need to continue to support each other.

Wednesday 17th August 2016

What do you think sets Local & Live apart from all the other festivals in the town?

There are two main original music festivals that take place in Tunbridge Wells each year, Local & Live and Unfest. Although they definitely retain their own identity and style, they both focus on local acts to provide their main artistic programmes. The festivals work together closely and help to promote each other. The key difference is that Local & Live is usually situated in Calverley Grounds, whereas Unfest tends to operate at multiple indoor venues mostly, offering more of a fringe-style event.

It’s been reported that you are no longer performing in Calverley Grounds due to financial issues – where will Local & Live be taking place this year?

We sadly didn’t cover our costs last year, due to lack of sponsorship and funding to help pay off some of the festival’s outstanding debts. So I felt the most sensible plan was to take a break from the usual large festival format and stage a scaled-down version this year. It runs from Friday August 26 to Monday August 29 at venues including The Forum, The Grey Lady and The Sussex Arms. There is also a stage at The Royal Oak Pub on Bank Holiday Monday.

How do you manage to organise a festival when you are already working as a professional golf instructor?

I organise my diary very efficiently and generally this two-job scenario works well as the golf is done in the daytime and music events are generally in the evenings. I dedicate at least two to three days a week

ARTS & CULTURE �

CHARLEY BLUE

Some of the acts taking part in Local & Live include: The Standard Lamps, The Orange Circus Band, Noble Jacks, The Reckostacks, Joeyfat, Marie White, Kyla & Nat, I Am Aquitaine, Wake Up Leo, Harley & Woods, Black Gabanza, The Good Ship Band, Storm Engine, David Migden & The Twisted Roots, Sara Tonin, Mystery Clarke, The Paul Dunton Orchestra, Cyrano, Steffan James Band, The Floodgates, Annaca, Josh Renton & The Wildfires, Youth, Code Marla, Son of Kirk,

to organising duties for all the music events.

The festival is quite a mammoth task, but in addition to that I also stage around 220 music showcases at various venues for my own band, The Paul Dunton Orchestra. But I feel very fortunate and fulfilled being able to earn a living through two things I am really passionate about.

How does Local & Live get funded?

By sponsorship from local businesses, donations from the public, small grant awards and profit shares on food and drink concessions. We also have crowdfunding initiatives such as our Angels campaign, where people can donate an amount of money in return for a specified amount of official merchandise.

Are you always looking for sponsors?

Yes, with running costs stretching upwards of £40,000

77

Lt Leek, Charley Blue, Poppy Raine, Night Without Sleep, The Naming of Things and many more to be announced.

Further information:Tickets for Local & Live cost just £8 per venue, per day, but you can also pay £20 for a Golden Wristband which gives you a full weekend pass to all the participating venues.

Details of the whole festival, including the full artistic programme, are at www.localandlive.org

it is a vital objective for the festival to achieve significant sponsorship each year.

Do you aim to get a mix of musicians performing?

Yes, one of Local & Live’s goals each year is to showcase as many local original acts as possible. Different genres are represented, too, with groups ranging from as young as 12 years old through to seasoned veterans!

Last year around 250 different acts took part.

Do you hope to be back next year and performing in Calverley Grounds again?

Yes, that is definitely our priority for next year’s event.

THE STANDARD LAMPS

What are your hopes for the future?

I’d really like to have a holiday, and of course I want to keep staging Local & Live within Calverley Grounds. We need a main sponsor to help us each year to achieve this – although I may need to take a year off at some point so I can recharge my batteries and tidy my flat!

THE GOOD SHIP BAND

Wednesday 17th August 2016

78 � BOOKS TIMES REVIEWS

Book some time off…

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book. Here are a few suggestions for your summer reading…

Augustown by Kei Miller

Hardback Weidenfeld & Nicolson £14.99 (ebook £6.99) Kei Miller’s third novel invites us to Jamaica in 1982, to a poor suburb of Kingston called Augustown – which, the 2014 Forward poetry prize-winner assures in the preface, is a fictionalised version of the real August Town. In Augustown, an almost blind Rastafarian grandmother called Ma Taffy can sense disaster looming as her distressed grandson comes home from school. To soothe him, she speaks of the ‘flying preacherman’ – a 19th-century revivalist called Alexander Bedford who claimed to be

Lie with Me by Sabine Durrant Hardback Mulholland Books £14.99 (ebook £1.99)

Sabine Durrant is the former assistant editor of The Guardian who has turned her hand to writing brilliantly creepy, psychological thrillers. With dark tales like Gone Girl being all the rage, Lie With Me has the makings of another bestseller. That is, dislikeable characters, dysfunctional families, an unreliable narrator, and a claustrophobic world you just can’t

Wednesday 17th August 2016

able to fly. But the events of this single day entwine around Ma Taffy’s family as conflicts between religious prejudice, social hierarchy and the oppression of the poor by ‘Babylon’ build to a head. Writing in Jamaican dialect gives Miller’s rich prose the ebb and swell of verbal folk tales, but he harmonises his fundamentally simple story with relevant events that echo down the decades. It’s a brilliant, textured read that has the horrifying inevitability of a classical tragedy – but you can’t stop before the end.

9/10

(Review by Natalie Bowen) tear yourself away from. Paul is a 40-something, broke, failed writer who still lives at home with his mother. He’s also a prolific liar who gets by through using people. When he is invited on a family holiday to Greece with his latest love interest, he thinks he’s in for a perfect summer. However, it’s in this idyllic location that his past deceptions eventually catch up with him.

This clever tale leaves you feeling disturbed, shocked and questioning the classic ideas of good and evil, which of course is the sign of a fantastic read.

9/10

(Review by Harriet Shephard)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two Script Book by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne.

Hardback Little, Brown £20 (ebook £9.99) Almost exactly five years since that tantalising glimpse of a grown-up Harry, Hermione and Ron at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – the final film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven books – the eighth story has already become the UK’s biggest print book in a decade. Set 19 years on, the script book of the West End play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a refreshing 330 pages long (compared to Deathly Hallows’ 600+), and can be devoured in one

Around The World with the Ingreedies: A Taste Adventure

by Zoe Bather, Joe Sharpe and Chris Dickason Hardback Laurence King £12.99

The Ingreedies are a band of food-shaped friends who travel the world in search of the most interesting flavours. From America to Iran, Sweden to Australia, they offer satisfying nuggets of info – and some penny-drop moments – about different ingredients and dishes.

There’s a mouthwatering recipe

sitting. After a while, you stop noticing you’re just reading dialogue and the names of the characters, and the stage directions are so intense (‘their minds in hell’), they help conjure each scene. Like her female heroine, Rowling has teamed up with two guys – playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany – to revisit her wizarding world in a new medium, and it works. Harry is struggling with fatherhood – his third child, Albus Severus is starting at Hogwarts and struggling to live up to his father’s name. He befriends Harry’s erstwhile enemy, Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpius, and convinces him they ‘somehow’ should save a key Hogwarts student who died in the past. And that’s all the plot ¾ you’re getting…

9

10

(Review by Kate Whiting)

for each country – Haddock Chowder for the US, Pear Tarte Tatin for France, Dan Dan Noodles for China – designed with little chefs in mind and handy suggestions for which bits they could help with. Laced throughout are fabulous illustrations of the Ingreedies sniffing out the best ingredients at a spice market in Morocco and a floating market in Thailand. Packed with so much to read, it’s perfect for dipping into and inspiring young people to understand what’s on their plate, where it comes from – and how to make it.

8/10

(Review by Kate Whiting)

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3 Year Ford Options representative example New Ford Kuga Titanium Sport AWD 5dr Estate 2.0 lBOPS Diesel Manual l monthly payment (including £10 Finance Facility Feet) 35 monthly payments Cash price Deposit allowance Customer deposit Amount of credit Total charge for credit (including £10 purchase fee**)

Ford Tonbridge

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TN91TN 01732 758726

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£409.69 £399.69 £26,200.00 £1,700.00 £399.00 £24,101.00

Total amount payable by customer Optional final payment Mileage per annum Excess mileage charge (pence per mile) Borrowing rate (fixed) Representative APR

£26,054.84 £11,247.00 6,000 Bp

2.1228% 2.90/oAPR

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Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/lOOkm) for the Kuga Titanium range shown: Urban 24.4-47.l (11.6-5.5), Extra Urban 44.1-60.l (6.4-4.7), Combined 34.0-54.3 (8.3-5.2). Official C02 emission figures 194-l34g/km.

Retail only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Failure to make payments on time may make obtaining credit in the future more difficult. Your vehicle may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments. Subject to availability for new vehicles, contracted and registered before 30/09/2016. 'Payable with the first instalment. **Payable with the Optional Final Payment if you wish to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle, if the vehicle is returned at the end of the finance agreement. At the end of the Personal Contract Purchase there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part-exchange the vehicle, where equity is available, (ii) Retain: Pay the Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. 'Ford Options' is a form of finance agreement provided by Ford Credit, Free post, Ford Credit. We may receive a commission for any introduction to this finance company. We are licenced credit brokers, written details are available on request. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purposes of insurance mediation activity. Firm reference number 311625. *To qualify for the additional £500 customer saving off the OTR price of any new Ford car (excludes Mustang and Focus RS) you must arrange with Lifestyle Ford (now part of the Hendy Group) to test drive any car. Test drives must take place before 31st August 2016. Cars must be contracted and registered by 31st August 2016. Cars for Eligible Fleet customers must be contracted and registered by 31st August 2016. Promotion available at the dealership you arranged a test drive with. Offer available to Retail, Privilege, Ambassador and Eligible Fleet customers only. The £500 Customer Saving is in addition to all other existing promotions. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Offers correct at time of communication and are subject to change without notice.

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PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE Begin your own tradition.

By Appo intme nt to Her Majesty The Queen Jewell er

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& ~ons --------••-------(1?;. Oiollins

76/78, High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB Telephone: (01892) 534018 Fax: (01892) 510536 email: info@gcollinsandsons.com · www.gcollinsandsons.com

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