Times of Tunbridge Wells 17th February 2016

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THE PANTILES NEWS 

PAP

19

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

ISSUE ONE

The Pantiles

THE Pantiles is laying on a host of varied and interesting events throughout the spring – there will be something for everyone…

WEEKEND MARKETS

The Pantiles Markets are back in full swing and take place on the first and third weekend every month.

The market provides the perfect opportunity to buy groceries from a wide range of traders selling everything from vegetables, fish, meat, fresh bread and artwork to vintage homeware.

WEDDING FAIR – SAT & SUN, APRIL 23 AND 24

In April, The Pantiles is playing host to its very first wedding fair, with everything you could possibly need for your special day. The fair will include the chance to shop for photographers, florists, dresses and cakes and even find out how you can organise a quirky outdoor wedding on the town’s historic bandstand. To find out more, contact The Tunbridge Wells Hotel.

GARDEN SHOW – SAT, APRIL 30 TO MON, MAY 2

The Pantiles will be covered in a sea of greenery for the bank holiday weekend with a spring garden show.

Traders selling everything from potted plants to garden furniture and sculptures will be showing off their wares. There will also be talks on the bandstand.

at

More visitors than ever take to The Pantiles…

New life has been breathed into The Pantiles in recent years and the current owners say footfall in this most historic of shopping areas in the town has increased significantly since they took it over in 2006

“

HE past couple of years have seen quite a transformation,” says Targetfollow CEO Corin Thoday.

“We have likened it to some of the niche mixed use locations, like Covent Garden in London, where you get a nice melding of retail and leisure.

“There are 49 units in total and over the past two years we have had new tenants coming in like Vacant Clothing, and The Pantiles Tap which serves niche beers.

“Visitor numbers have gone up – it’s the combination of the whole package that’s attracting people.”

The company estimates that an extra 80,000 people per year are now visiting The Pantiles, and he says what is attracting most people is the new focus on events.

These include the annual food festival,

the weekend markets, and the very popular jazz evenings on Thursdays throughout the summer.

This year The Pantiles will welcome new events, including a garden festival and a series of fashion shows to demonstrate clothes from some of the retailers in the area, such as Jack Wills and Vacant Clothing.

Mr Thoday said that the magic of The Pantiles came from a combination of factors.

“We want to maintain the historic element of it but bring it into the 21st century,” he said.

“People respond well to that. Also, its setting in the town is absolutely beautiful.”

The Pantiles is currently In the middle of a seven-figure investment programme, including renovations to unit 48 as well as garages on the corner of the Common, which will provide additional workshop space.

FOOD FESTIVAL – FRI TO SUN, MAY 13 TO 15

This May will see the return of the hugely popular food festival on The Pantiles. As in previous years, there will be more than 30 stalls as well as cooking demos on the bandstand. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample some of the best produce that Tunbridge Wells has to offer.

don stations Lon rail available

WEDNESDAY EVERY SELL OR LET

– FREE GUIDE TO BUY,

Now

DECORATIVE LIVING – SAT TO MON, MAY 28 TO 30

Here’s the perfect place to find interior design inspiration for your home or to track down that piece of furniture you have been hunting for. This event will celebrate the style of the town and show a range of different options to add a bit of flair to your home.

THE

PROPERTY LOOKING THOSE

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES FROM MAY 5

The ever popular jazz evenings will be returning every Thursday from May 5 until September 29.

WITH

ULTIMATE FOR KENT’S READ WEST A MUST

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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PAGE 7 EU Edwar , an those s the mysel provid ask cts of the like nookie d’être of soft dough including [February 10] betray only found Hilbert Rd Wells The archite and will go to The raison of you would , referring to the think she I have commcircles since ean state.

Her letter aim e who Tunbridge al ice which was, of course i. At least we heard the single Europdeviated from this MUSIC g can help your gnocch and politic il house in and union’. Anyon l class prejud Clark, but dumpling who was passing influential about rail have never ‘ever closer this fundamenta ence How singin MP, Greg from a counc in certain sed. to defend up and confid with our his idea is MP is right was. Chef, the wall to the town 1970s. will give wellbeing was not impres a wealth I DO not often agree he is spot on with Despite e the British I moved that they comment, say uters bring in the late believes accommodat g glass.

I have to ing rail franchises. David Tonbridge of younger comm town, with its merely to for once n MD of the lookin put to David ambition gone leaving erform Thousands vibrancy into this other side come and male rants, which fine poor-p of Southeasteruter I want should the his to has think ies of restau you living ine’s and people one apolog comm bars and they can afford on the of talent dumb do SO, Valent recall the tale of occasion to the hollow a long-suffering fact Mr variety of that we all The questi to : “Just how as des. The skyuses the burgeoning visiting. But often Calverley must show is simple Statham, ally with RA WOOD hear platitu friends who have, shall we say, sakes we stand for, and the Cameron rk Rail just not especi list SAND enjoy our flat, Netwo all also s results journa with I one For ise blame to see is wrong hing we nation, is a starter to those who we are?”

Sent home the year for rail franch ce everyt effectively respond to buy here exactly what independent him during out their home sing at Statham this whole will not sacrifi future as an that Cameron is fares, and painkillers ve disappointed He finds what a farce and it was not surpri of r. high rail back bright preser a cards to farce of shows right anothe ed lous want EU. hope become, the finger reason or and sends unsign nights are so icient to need a with that? us are retired and of the ridicu accomplices in the model has Rail point was insuff for the very course, we because PAGE 76 say: “Our addresses Network Not all of with his be culpable ation she aspic. Of ion but this out of that all to see that simply Wells in led me to es more homes n. Both are playing out her nutrit effects of the medic romance Try talking your way which has Tunbridge that includ and not just at Southeaster at. ous times. mix. And rs, Colin Bullen on this line, magical.” counter the ons numer on the doorm balanced lower-paid worke to be Wood the ing.” poor serviceimportant functi HOUSING s. the Major Via email when it drops made by was receiv in the case of Mrs of new homes units for key and gated development y is more spot delayed for biggest mistakes Majority would have ng this able and h hits theI do not work in the dead However, be afford Civic Societ a CT scan himself’s was allowi franchise exclusive One of the built will later. said that d it neces I think the blue plaques to the s back bar of who Market Watc visit to say that (among many) or of each eight days g spokesman ble had staff deeme Sometimes week in the y turned to people estate all let me outside of the odd ructure government The train operat TALK last with erectin the outer dehydration “We have more at the FIRST of mechanics. and from settled for the infrast local hostelr that sted a living on been availa to occur. concerned s aredied I e. said: ial sector edge of its e absofavourite for alive and sman practic I even sugge that was mess also be responsible two organisation HOSPITAL financ drinks, butdangerous now than sary. spoke little knowl tell you how much of “To provid have than those such as myself. al on Friday But up tabs ng for us should three g to our hospit ; a mostA Trust scan wouldmy bank have other.CTUntil sman said: CT scans at weekd of having Vicious. issues d at the run worki of writin maybe each . with town, Sid month review spoke instea ng nt staff am the le I rk with each rly elders The of ne out of home netwo availab Saying that, used regula endsent heads they use, shet arrive of frontlichap Watch on indithe last couple Society’s who former reside modest, attracti , we carry when at logger of the rail been , and we e safe standards is based ed Markelast year, but was the d reading plaque to d too risky by the a CT scan lute clarity forfairly Most are constantly ed, or ownership public hands, I ion was theto ensur 17 to speak, ight. This careful ever before have enjoyeaper that have featur April, so except . next ts . Thethe and extend told to return and overn need following sadly deeme n scenes levels the is resolv wards g and back into figures a ends the this ht our newsp died amoun in have result illers staffin es l She your large broug ctions always with the ay. to paink us behind ial transa ained on the servic consume Dr Alan Bullio ing Mond s. vidual clinicament. is once againorganisations will other’s fault and s.co.uk are maint lity to others, Potterwhere you take £4,000 tabced many of financ care ring gewell following reinforce the follow Lesleythe of hospita You complex tunbridn l assess enhan Roger Oak Road the e seven-day d a stagge have erhande believed, imesof fear the two excuse that it is the h the nose foresk@t natura, l cause handCoron a CT and explai can all understand.idge wagon from where chap is now aals to provid ts is para- clinicait’s clinically Wells newsd car-is that“We he was oncebeen t requires we pay throug st last week, continue ing on the in his debut article Tunbr day anemplo PAGE 5 convenient “If . Irony keeps toTunourhe hospit inqueyed have way that our patien good outto sue that a patien uters, who , who will where ingsector At Clark, service shoul fordone month ion’ y, in MP is jump of the safety of a of people is plann it is comm using the service the poor well Greg the hostelr afterer assessment, be undertaken. the value d ofsituat ency saidtothe scan ‘emerg the numb cover. The our indicators show of D family from 500 you, ence landlor will esg totals.

IT’S all very complaining about rk Rail, but and 19 April goneHatch fortoneglig runnin A SECON Hospi t job ‘privilege’ servic to the taling BUSINESS nd on 3], penniless scan, this weekend of 18 accord jobs.has due bigges Netwo mount and theout weekeeye ” careful r arrived can reveal [February ial related pson, the n trains and and how it is to suffer. bridge Wells in the Times g it one ofriedstuff! the hospital’s company EU worke “Over the d out 139 CT scans. a Wood wn makin died, financ Mrs Thom sorry that ry’. chin… comes.”

Sandr £800,000 5,000, of Southeaster entire network and said isfacto thanr-old Mark Ashdo with a worse we carrie Fascin case of er ating pensioner of and built and Gorthe Chin, very more 69-yea town. a coron for In the ‘highly unsat ’t come up of Slater ’s fam“We are looking at high 2015, after n the tors in Via email The family genera to were r Tim Deeming one couldn do we have to thank led sman said: receive the our Wood g compensatio Whitefor failing structured who Lawye ond week t at ctory enting Mrs to the Maid- spokeThompson did not it was so-cal ations te and spin are seekin model – Raymlast expec tisfa repres when ss negoti , is deba Trust ively, n sed busine Mrs the her’. ly unsa writte The EU don, who email care we would st condoians of course who, collect of the suppo Cameron asked Via criticised and treat ose ed that med he had CT scan ‘It is high NHS Trust. to standards of we offer our deepe this? Politic A group of people l in a brewery.

IN THE matter the EU, David not even tly diagn Times reportCappuc- ily, confir Tunbridge Wells s. ities for a and written al, and had to friend facil clearly has ‘correcFebruary 3, the ‘privatised’: a beer festiva have and es Britain hospit and uters se and can the that on “We stone comm r Franc organi On was her family ically little say or do ing said: civil proceedings. that Kent ied out at could not but who nd of teache lences to in 2012 after for pathet g we can Mr Deem ains, too, n to hospital thoroughly HS1 build, to be carr Tunbridge the husba He compl suing the the Trust in relatio family will be giving “Whilst nothin e, we have cost of the ians of course, again. died at the she also at who is ent entire the outcom cini, Politic e the bear the think the as they found weekend ital are not operation, ure sum. and treatm implefor that?

“I don’t red chang igated the care ents s a Caesarean six-fig responsible , we have s Hosp were reassu PAGE 16 invest t, the Trust’ more comm a reported our

Local, National and International

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result any lt, but ts to and Trust for r developmen l apology ed. As a a report, improvemen patient st very difficu referral for around 56 receiv d a number of ve And in a furthe issued a forma another inque tive in Coroner’s mente that ses to impro – by the read that Chief Execu it was reported s and proces had died after await to as part of from system last week Edna Thompson, – after an we ed fluids pson, 85, time.” care. tal pson receiv pensioner, Maidstone Hospi to give her days’ case of Edna Thom ted to Maid“Mrs Thom at admit In the refused this time , she was September allegedly Harrietsham eye condition in agency nurse she wet the bed.

Rocheswith an from case in stone Wood water ction of Sandra a bowel obstru In the case suffering ter, she was

Wednesday

 Mum designs app to keep children safe online

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Well ’ available routinely Coroner Roger

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 Court closure will deepen justice inequalities

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

ary 2016

17th Febru

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

BY STEPHEN WILMOT

Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation. Not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids.

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

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

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

My dedicated team are handpicked for their experience working with people who are going

through a relationship breakdown.

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

Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available if required.

For a limited period I am offering a selected number of potential clients an opportunity to meet with one of the family solicitors in my team for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available.

Due to high demand I am only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly.

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

The truth is, there is no easy way out.

However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

For further information and to apply for a free consultation just complete the coupon and post it to the address below. Alternatively, call or email us today quoting reference TWT200116 Telephone: 01892 526442 or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk Appointments are also available in London, Windsor, Reading, Edenbridge and Haywards Heath.

The right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future. Family Law Solicitor Teresa Payne.

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Keene Marsland Solicitors, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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BY STEPHEN WILMOT

In over 50% of marriage or relationship breakdowns where there are children involved, grandparents are often prevented from seeing their grandchildren for no good reason.

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This in fact is not the case.

We are frequently asked what rights grandparents have when they have been denied the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren through no fault of their own. The sad truth is that grandparents do not have an automatic right to seek assistance from the Family Court in this respect. However the Family Court does recognise the invaluable role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives and there is therefore provision for grandparents to seek permission from the Court to make an application for an order that they are permitted to spend time with their grandchildren. It is very rare that the Court refuse a grandparent

contact with their grandchildren and the Court will promote a meaningful and ongoing relationship, unless there is evidence to suggest that it would not be in the children’s best interests to do so.

If the Court are satisfied that it is in the best interests that the children see their grandparents, it will grant permission to make an application for a “Child Arrangements Order” in the same way a parent would which will ultimately, if successful, set out when the children spend time with their grandparents.

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spend time with their parents or Grandparents. The Order requires the person with whom the children live to allow the child or children to visit the person or persons referred to in that Order.

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The Court can also impose a fine or unpaid work (community service)

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

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Keene Marsland Solicitors, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH www.keenemarsland.co.uk

TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READERS OFFER Up until 29th February 2016, Keene Marsland are offering the first 10 new applicants the opportunity to meet with their expert Family Law Solicitor for an initial 30 MINUTE FREE CONSULTATION to discuss the options available to you.

Choosing the right legal team is very important for you, so please do call Keene Marsland today on – 01892 526442 or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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ISSUE ONE

FREE 40-PAGE PROPERTY GUIDE INSIDE

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MARKET WATCH: UNDERWRITER WINS WITH FRENCH CONNECTION Page 8

THE PANTILES

Events on More visitor s tha The

n eve Pantiles… r New life has been breath recent ed take to Th e

Pantiles

THE Pantiles interesting is laying on a host events throughout of varied and there will the spring be something for everyone… – WEEKEND MARKETS The Pantiles Markets are place on the back in full swing and first and third take The market provides the weekend every month. buy groceries perfect opportunity from a wide everything range of traders to from vegetables, selling and artwork fish, meat, to vintage fresh bread homeware.

WEDDING FAIR – SAT & SUN, APRIL In April, The 23 AND 24 Pantiles is playing host wedding fair, to its very with first for your special everything you could possibly day. The fair shop for photographe need will include the chance rs, florists, and even to dresses find out outdoor wedding how you can organise and cakes a quirky on the town’s find out more, historic bandstand. contact The Tunbridge To Wells Hotel.

GARDEN SHOW – SAT, APRIL The Pantiles 30 TO MON, will be covered MAY 2 bank holiday in a sea of weekend with a spring greenery for the Traders selling garden show. furniture and everything from potted sculptures plants to garden wares. There will be showing will also be off their talks on the bandstand.

FOOD FESTIVAL – FRI TO SUN, MAY This May will see the 13 TO 15 return of the festival on hugely The be more than Pantiles. As in previous popular food 30 stalls as years, there bandstand. well as cooking will This is the perfect opportunitydemos on the to sample some of the for visitors best produce Wells has to offer. that Tunbridge

NEWS 

19

PANTILES NEWS AND EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

years into The Pantil this most and the current owners say es in historic of increased shopping footfall in significantly areas since they in the town has took it over in 2006

T

“

HE past couple of years have quite a transforma seen tion,” Targetfollo the weekend w CEO Corin says jazz evenings markets, and the Thoday. niche mixed “We have likened on Thursdays very popular it summer. in London, use locations, like to some of the throughou t the This year retail and where you get a nice Covent Garden The Pantiles leisure. melding events, including will welcome “There are of a garden new of fashion two years 49 units in total festival and shows to and over we some of the demonstra a series the past in like Vacant have had new tenants te Wills and retailers in the area, clothes from coming which serves Clothing, and Vacant Clothing. such as Jack niche beers. The Pantiles Tap Mr Thoday “Visitor numbers came from said that the magic have gone combinatio a of The Pantiles up “We want combination of factors. attracting n of the whole package– it’s the to maintain people.” of it but bring that’s the historic The company it into the element “People respond estimates 21st century,” people per that an well he said. the town and he saysyear are now visiting extra 80,000 is absolutely to that. Also, its setting in what The The beautiful.”

Pantiles, is attracting Pantiles the new focus most people seven-figur is currently In These includeon events. the middle is renovation e investment programm of a the annual s food festival, e, including the corner to unit 48 as well as of additional the Common, whichgarages on workshop will provide space.

DECORATIV E LIVING – SAT TO Here’s the MON, MAY perfect place 28 TO 30 inspiration to for your home find interior design of furniture or to track you have been hunting down that piece celebrate the style for. This event different options of the town and will show a range to add a bit of of flair to your home.

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES FROM MAY The ever popular 5 jazz evenings Thursday will be returning from May 5 until September every 29.

Page 19

MUM DESIGNS APP TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE ON SOCIAL MEDIA Page 14

Four bed

y 17th February Wednesda

2016

Wednesda y 17th February

2016

Second family to sue hospital after death of another woman

INSIDE LEGAL

Court closure will deepen inequalities in justice system

PAGE 7

MUSIC

How singing can help your wellbeing and confidence

SANDRA WOOD Sent home with painkillers HOSPITAL CT scan would have been available

Lesley Potter newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A SECOND family is planning to sue Tunbridge Wells Hospital for negligence after a pensioner died, the Times can reveal.

The family of 69-year-old Sandra Wood are seeking compensation after a coroner criticised the Trust last week for failing to ‘correctly diagnose and treat her’.

On February 3, the Times reported that the husband of teacher Frances Cappuccini, who died at the hospital in 2012 after a Caesarean operation, is also suing the Trust for a reported six-figure sum.

And in a further development, the Trust’s Chief Executive issued a formal apology last week after it was reported that another pensioner, Edna Thompson, had died – this time at Maidstone Hospital – after an agency nurse allegedly refused to give her water in case she wet the bed.

In the case of Sandra Wood from Rochester, she was suffering a bowel obstruction

when she arrived at the hospital on Friday, April 17 last year, but was sent home with painkillers and told to return for a CT scan the following Monday. She died the next day from natural causes.

At an inquest last week, Coroner Roger Hatch said the scan should have been carried out due to the ‘emergency situation’ and said the hospital’s weekend services were ‘highly unsatisfactory’.

Lawyer Tim Deeming of Slater and Gordon, who is representing Mrs Wood’s family, confirmed he had written to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Mr Deeming said: “We have written to the Trust in relation to civil proceedings.

“I don’t think the family will be giving any more comments as they found the inquest very difficult, but were reassured by the Coroner’s referral for a report, and we await to read that in around 56 days’ time.”

In the case of Edna Thompson, 85, from Harrietsham, she was admitted to Maidstone with an eye condition in September

but died from dehydration eight days later.

A Trust spokesman said: “We have more frontline staff working for us now than ever before, and we regularly review our staffing levels to ensure safe standards of care are maintained on our wards.

“We have enhanced many of the services in our hospitals to provide seven-day cover. The safety of our patients is paramount and our indicators show good outcomes.”

In the case of Mrs Thompson, the spokesman said: “We are very sorry that Mrs Thompson did not receive the high standards of care we would expect at our hospital, and we offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

“Whilst nothing we can say or do can change the outcome, we have thoroughly investigated the care and treatment she received. As a result, we have implemented a number of improvements to our systems and processes to improve patient care.

“Mrs Thompson received fluids as part of

her nutrition but this was insufficient to counter the effects of the medication she was receiving.”

However, in the case of Mrs Wood the spokesman said that a CT scan would have been available had staff deemed it necessary.

The spokesman said: “To provide absolute clarity, we carry out CT scans at weekends and overnight. This is based on individual clinical need following careful clinical assessment.

“If it’s clinically believed, following assessment, that a patient requires a CT scan, this will be undertaken.

“Over the weekend of 18 and 19 April 2015, we carried out 139 CT scans.”

‘It is highly unsatisfactory that facilities for a CT scan to be carried out at the weekend at Tunbridge Wells Hospital are not routinely available’ Coroner Roger Hatch

PAGE 76

HOUSING

Majority of new homes to be built will be affordable units

PAGE 5

BUSINESS

EU worker arrived penniless and built £800,000 company

PAGE 16

2 ■ LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Dry with sunny spells after a cold and frosty start.

Striking doctors warn medical services are stretched JUNIOR doctors in Tunbridge Wells went on strike for the second time in the space of a month over their dispute with the Government on pay and conditions last Wednesday.

The industrial action started last month with staff fearing patient safety would be at risk if greater weekend working hours were implemented.

The Government has refuted that would be the case with revisions to junior doctors’ contracts, which are reported to include Saturday working as part of normal hours.

Hannah Warren [pictured far right], a junior doctor at the Pembury hospital said: “What has been proposed amounts to a pay cut, but the real sticking point is over the removal of safeguards to prevent working long hours.

“There are no more doctors to put into the system and services have already become stretched. The idea from the Government is to spread services more thinly over seven days.

“This is a very stressful and difficult job that is becoming increasingly difficult, and what is being proposed is further harming morale. So this strike is about everything that the NHS stands for and we want to see it continue.

I love my job and hope that I can continue as well.”

February 17, 2016 Tunbridge Wells

º

5C

Visibility: Very Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 75%

Sunrise: 07.08am

Sunset: 17.17pm

Wind: 11mph

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

3ºC

7ºC

11ºC

11ºC

8ºC

8ºC

I was surprised, and delighted, to see cherry blossom breaking out in Tunbridge Wells – but in February? With snow still coming? The seasons are upside down. Rhoda Snab

ON STRIKE Junior doctors outside Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Fresh doubts about development of cinema site as sale signs go up again THE OWNERS Formal offers for the plot will be invited

email: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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QUOTE UNQUOTE “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Lesley Potter newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A QUESTION mark this week hangs over the latest plans to redevelop the old cinema site as it emerged the proposal is just one of a number that might be considered.

Two ‘For Sale’ signs were last week placed on the blue hoardings that surround the corner site.

They followed a statement earlier this month from Bellhouse Joseph that said everything was at an ‘advanced stage’ for the developer to submit a proposal for the site that included a three-screen cinema.

Ed Bellhouse was said to have a ‘high quality proposal that is financially viable’ with ‘a number of key tenants lined up’.

However, this week an insider close to the ongoing discussions regarding the site

deal told the Times that Bellhouse Joseph had ‘pulled out’.

“We have been involved with the sale, and Bellhouse Joseph have pulled out of the purchase,” he said. “It was unexpected.”

It is the latest twist in a saga that has been ongoing since the former ABC Cinema was forced to close just over 15 years ago.

Last week Mr Bellhouse said he had commissioned Adam Architecture to draw up plans for a scheme involving retail, restaurants, office space and a small residential development.

The project also included a three-screen cinema which managed to circumvent a covenant placed on the site by the Odeon by using a corner of the plot that was not included.

A spokesperson for Ed Bellhouse yesterday [Tuesday] said: “As already reported, an earlier offer to buy the site fell through when one of the key tenants withdrew because of the delays in finalising the purchase of the site.

“However, we have since revised the scheme to allow for the change in tenant requirements and remain committed to the redevelopment of the site.

“It is not correct to say we have pulled out of the purchase process: We remain in discussions with the owners and expect to be making an offer.”

Current owners Carlyle Group, who bought the plot for £9.9million in 2011, have commissioned two commercial agents – Savills and Strutt & Parker – to market the site.

A spokesman for Carlyle Group said yesterday [Tuesday]: “We continue to progress our sales process and remain in discussions with a number of interested parties.

“Once these have progressed sufficiently we will then invite formal offers from those parties with whom we believe there is the best chance of reaching a successful conclusion.”

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES SHOULD CARRY A ‘VIEWER BEWARE’ STICKER THERE’S one story in particular in the paper this week that is bound to spark a lively debate. It’s the tale about Tunbridge Wells dad Al Ferguson, who took his young son around the town in a bid to expose ‘in his view’ an appalling state of affairs – the lack of facilities in shops and restaurants where a room or place is made available exclusively for fathers to change the nappies of their children. This being in stark contrast to the places available to mums.

What, of course, made the whole episode more interesting was that fact Mr Ferguson recorded it all on a camera and through the use of social media ended up in newspapers and on television.

Places he picked to visit included national chains such as Caffe Nero, Pizza Express and Strada, along with the The Hare pub in

Langton Green where staff appeared to acquit themselves well, offering to keep guard while he changed a nappy in the ladies. There was even a female customer who offered to change the nappy.

So far then so good. Mr Ferguson also popped into the BHS store in Tunbridge Wells where they do have a separate room for changing nappies.

Result! That should have made Mr Ferguson happy. Apparently not. Why? Because on the door was a sign that he believed showed a mother and baby, not a father and baby. It was unacceptable, despite the fact he could have gone inside, locked the door and taken care of his son without interruption.

All of which begs the question: Is his footage a fair reflection of what’s out there? It would appear not. A survey by this newspaper showed

around a dozen places in town where gender neutral rooms are available for nappy changing.

Society is evolving, the roles of parents are changing and Mr Ferguson is making a valid point that will no doubt be taken on board by retailers in the future.

However, the tale also highlights the need for a ‘viewer beware’ sticker that should accompany social media posts…

On another note, the story is likely to make ripples in some quarters where you can just hear the old-guard asking the question: “What on earth is the chap doing wandering round town on his own with a young child trying to change a nappy?”

But that’s a story for another day...` Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

Is this dad right to make such a fuss about nappy changing?

By Sarah Bond

DISGRUNTLED DAD Al Ferguson in his online video with son Ted

A TUNBRIDGE Wells dad shot to internet fame last week after posting a video pointing out town locations where he claims fathers couldn’t change a baby’s nappy.

However, a survey by the Times found 14 shops, coffee bars and restaurants in close proximity with special baby rooms easily accessible to dads.

Al Ferguson, 27, visited five venues with his 18-month-old son Ted, and a GX7 camera balanced on his arm, but was ‘frustrated’ that in four of them the nappy-changing facilities were located inside the ladies toilets – ruling out use by dads.

Al, a primary school teacher, said: “It’s 2016, there are more stay-at-home dads than ever before, yet we still can’t change our baby’s nappy when we are out. It’s about time dads were seen as equals when it comes to parenting.”

His conversations with staff at Pizza Express, Caffe Nero in Royal Victoria Place, Strada, BHS and The FATHER FRIENDLY Hare at Langton Green show Fenwick’s unisex most tried to be helpful. baby change room

In BHS there was a separate room, but Al objected to the door sign showing a woman with a baby [above right].

He said: “The issue there is the assumption that it will be a mum coming in. That’s what so many dads are up against. From a personal point of view, it’s frustrating.”

The video, posted on his Dad Network website,

was shared 65,000 times on social media and earned him a spot on TV’s Good Morning Britain.

On Saturday, the Times carried out its own survey – and found numerous places with unisex nappy changing facilities.

Our reporter visited ASK, Basil café, Bill’s, Boots, Costa Coffee, Fenwick, Hoopers, Marks & Spencer, Pret a Manger, Prezzo, Royal Victoria Place, Starbucks, Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill and Zizzi.

In most places, nappy changing facilities were inside the unisex disabled toilet on the ground floor. In Starbucks and Prezzo the sign on the door showed an apparent man – in trousers [far left] – rather than the usual skirted woman.

In Marks & Spencer the door had pictures of a man, a woman and a baby, while Boots has a dedicated baby changing room even though there are no loos.

Bill’s restaurant does not have a sign on its ground-floor baby changing/disabled loo door, but staff say if people want to change their baby ‘they usually ask’.

In Prezzo the door sign says ‘Babyminder’ with an image of a baby in a cupped pair of hands [left centre], and in most venues the door had a sign

was delivered in such a calm way, like it was normal.”

There was further confusion when police were called and found a broken window – but said it had been smashed an hour earlier while passing through Dunton Green station.

Police are still uncertain what was fired at the train, but say it could have been a rock or stone.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were made aware that the outer skin of a train window was smashed while passing

NEWS IN BRIEF

Benenden murder: Husband charged CITY consultant Stuart Andrews (54) has been charged with the murder of his wife Caroline Andrews (52).

At a preliminary hearing at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday, Andrews - wearing a grey tracksuit - spoke only to confirm his name. No bail application was made, and Andrews was remanded in custody. A provisional trial date was set for July 25.

Police were called to the couple’s house in The Street, Benenden, on Thursday, February 4 where they discovered the body of Mrs Andrews. A post mortem showed she died from compression of the neck.

Bedgebury signs Tom TOM Jones is to play a Forest Live gig at Bedgebury Pinetum in June. The star will be performing on Friday, June 17 and tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am from the Forestry Commission box office. Kaiser Chiefs, who play the following night, have already sold out. with an image of a baby.

For pure baby changing luxury, Royal Victoria Place and Fenwick won the day, with the addition of a separate breastfeeding room.

Two other fathers out on their own with toddlers said they didn’t think there was much to make a fuss about.

Mike Reed [left], who was in the Basil café with Eddie (2), said: “Nappy changing hasn’t been a problem, really.

I’ve always found it easy enough. And you can always pop home.

No worries.”

Jose Vonroth [left], out with daughter, Jessica (2), said: “I tend to take her out at weekend. There are a couple of places I already know, like the shopping mall, where I can change her.”

Mr Ferguson has launched an online map on his website showing both dad-friendly and unfriendly baby changing rooms, which the site’s 2,000 members can add to.

To view his video, go to: www.thedadnetwork.co.uk

Passengers evacuated after train ‘shot’ TUNBRIDGE Wells commuters were among those evacuated from part of a London to Hastings train on Friday evening after one of the carriages was ‘shot at’.

The Southeastern train came to a halt just after 7pm at Tonbridge.

Commuter Birgit Clark, a lawyer, said: “There was a little announcement saying ‘sorry for the delay, we’ve just evacuated the first carriage because we’ve been shot at.’

“It was just so bizarre and surreal. The message

3

through Dunton Green station. The damage had been caused around an hour prior to the report.

“At this time, it is unclear what struck the window. Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish what caused the damage.”

A spokesman for Southeastern Railway said: “As a precautionary measure, passengers in the front carriage of the train were directed to move to another carriage at Tonbridge station. There was a four-minute delay while passengers moved.”

Queen’s birthday fund GRANTS up to £400 are being offered for community street parties celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday in June, in a joint venture by the borough council and the Lord Lieutenant. The Council will pay up to 50 per cent of the cost, not including alcohol or fireworks. Deadline for applications April 4.

Football club lights up NEW floodlights will be officially switched on at Rusthall Football Club at Jockey Farm on Friday. The £66,000 lights were bought after the Kent Invicta League club received a £46,200 grant from the Premier League’s Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

Housing plans unveiled PLANS to build an estate of 49 homes on land next to Benhall Mill Road, near Nevill Golf Course, have been submitted to the borough council. The proposal, from Countryside Properties, includes 37 houses, 12 flats and parking facilities for 116 vehicles on the 1.86 hectare site.

Police come out on top KENT Police have been rated ‘outstanding’ in an inspection to examine how well forces understand and engage with the community.

It was the only one in the UK to achieve the top status by the PEEL legitimacy inspection.

Our pop-up newsroom THE Times pop-up newsroom will be at Ismail Café in the Royal Victoria Place food court today [Wednesday] between 11am and 2pm. Please feel free to come and talk to us there.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Council thrown lifeline to soften blow of ‘bombshell’ budget cut

RVP plan could create 275 new jobs and boost local economy by £6.9m FIGURES released yesterday (Tuesday) by Royal Victoria Place show that the town centre will benefit from a £70m investment if plans for new stores, restaurants and a multiplex cinema are approved by the borough council.

The scheme is set to create up to 275 jobs worth an annual addition of £6.9m a year to the local economy.

The revamp has been announced as Tunbridge Wells was named one of the UK’s top 50 retail locations with the most potential to grow by respected industry analysts CACI. Its annual hot 100 towns and cities with the most potential to support more popular brand name shops placed Tunbridge Wells at 47 above Oxford, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

The announcement comes as the boss of one of the country’s leading retail consultancies has underlined the benefit that a new cinema could

Wednesday 17th February 2016

bring to the town centre.

John Fell of FSP, one of the UK’s leading retail consultancies, has conducted a wide range of research projects looking at the impact of the addition of cinemas together with high street restaurant operators.

He said: “In our experience the addition of a cinema, with complementary food and beverage operators, has the potential to increase not only the number of people visiting the centre but also how much time they spend in the area and how much money they spend while they are there.”

The plans, which have been lodged with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, are for a multi-screen cinema on the roof of the shopping centre as well as several new restaurants and bigger stores to attract wellknown high street retailers.

THE BUDGET Finance Director Lee Colyer

By Neill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE Borough Council is to receive extra funding next year after MP Greg Clark announced new transitional grants to help soften the blow of government cuts.

The £74,000 grant is likely to be supplemented by another £85,000 from the Council’s own budget, paid for from an increase in council tax.

Mr Clark, secretary of state for communities and local government, outlined new measures to help councils during a parliamentary debate last week.

He changed the rules on council tax, meaning authorities can propose an increase greater than two per cent without public consultation.

It comes after the ‘bombshell’ announcement – reported in the

Times - that Tunbridge Wells is to lose half its budget next year and will be handing back money to the government to subsidise less well-off councils by 2020.

Councillors feared that services such as parks, the Assembly Hall theatre and rubbish collection would be affected.

During a cabinet meeting of the borough council last Thursday, members voted unanimously in favour of raising their share of the council tax by 3.1 per cent – meaning an increase of £4.98 a year for an average Band D residence.

Lee Colyer, director of finance and corporate services said there had been a sense of “shock” at the level of revenue support grant cuts being imposed by the government.

He said: “Before we look at a budget that is dispensing cuts, we should consider the important local services that have made this a great area to live, work and visit.

“There are its parks, theatres and shopping facilities at Royal Victoria Place and also an ice-rink, which are funded by the borough.

“To hear that nearly 50 per cent of your funding is lost in a single year would decimate any authority in having to find half a million pounds in just one month.

It’s not feasible or realistic to start cutting services, so fortunately we have a grant reserve in place so that we can carry on providing services. This will give us two years to formulate a plan to deal with the reduced funding.”

MP Greg Clark had been urged by borough councillors to respond to a situation which had left Tunbridge Wells as just one of 15 authorities in the country placed in a negative grant category – meaning it will pay back £610,000 to the government in 2020.

The MP confirmed in parliament that councils such as Tunbridge Wells should be permitted flexibility in setting council tax rates, rather than be penalised for being financially prudent.

Mr Clark said: “These are important times for local government. The devolution of power and resources from Whitehall is gathering momentum.

“This settlement means every council will have, for the financial year ahead, at least the resources allocated by the provisional settlement. In addition, we will provide transitional funding for the first two years of the Spending Review period for councils as they move from dependence on central government grants to greater financial autonomy.

“I have also, at the request of rural councils, helped the most economical authorities by allowing them to charge a minimum of £5 more a year in Council Tax without triggering a referendum.”

Council leader David Jukes said: “It was encouraging to see that the Secretary of State, Greg Clark, has listened to our concerns over this.”

The Council’s recommendation to raise council tax will be decided at the next meeting of full council on February 28.

LOCAL NEWS 

5

Majority of new homes will be affordable units

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

MORE than half of all new housing to be built in the borough in the coming years should be affordable units.

That’s the suggestion in a report compiled by the borough council that cites high house prices and big increases in rental rates as the driving factors.

The news comes after individuals and organisations were invited to identify sites and broad locations for house building within the borough as part of the council’s new ‘Local Plan’.

The borough council describes ‘affordable housing’ as “low cost market or subsidised housing, irrespective of tenure, ownership or financial arrangement.”

Nearly 13,000 houses may need to be built within the borough by 2033, research commissioned by the council has revealed, meaning an average of 648 homes per year.

This marks a dramatic increase on the 300 homes per year the council believed would be required when it last undertook a similar assessment for the years 2006 to 2026.

The council is currently undertaking a number of other assessments as part of its Local Plan, with an economic needs study also underway.

As part of the process, the council is seeking the input of the community on where the new development should be sited.

A council spokesperson said: “This ‘call for sites’ provides an early opportunity for developers, landowners, town and parish councils and

Owners emphasise job security after acquisition

other interested bodies to put forward potential development sites to the council for consideration in the new Local Plan.

“The sites will be assessed for their suitability for development under a process known as a Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment.”

However, the spokesperson said not all land identified will be allocated for development.

The report suggests just over half of the total number of new dwellings will be affordable units, with an average of 341 per year earmarked for development.

The report, known as the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, cites high average house prices in the borough, at £260,000, and ‘above inflation’ increases in rents as factors behind the need for more affordable housing.

It states: “As we might expect, the high housing costs have contributed to levels of households who require financial support in meeting their housing

needs, and would be eligible for affordable housing.”

Added pressure on housing is also being driven by demographics, with an additional 19,200 people living in the borough by 2033, a rise of 16.6 per cent.

The largest contingent of the 12,960 new homes will have three bedrooms, which are set to make up between 30 and 35 per cent of all dwellings, with two bedroom houses making up between 25 and 30 per cent.

An average of between 15 and 25 per cent of the stock will be made up of single room housing.

However a breakdown reveals out of the total housing stock designated as affordable, up to 40 per cent will be single room households, as opposed to a maximum of 10 per cent for the market rate.

The vast majority of four-room houses will be earmarked for the market rate.

Those wishing to make their opinions known are urged to visit http://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk.

THE packaging company Plastique, which has its headquarters in Tunbridge Wells, this week clarified the question of job security now that the business has been acquired by an American group.

It currently employs 180 people across three sites, the two outside Tunbridge Wells being a factory in Nottingham and another in Poznan, Poland.

Managing Director John Lowe (pictured) visited the locations along with new owners, the Illinois-based Thermoform Engineered Quality, a subsidiary of Esco Technologies.

They explained to staff ‘the significant benefits that will arise from the acquisition’.

Mr Lowe told the Times: “There are no planned changes to the current staffing structure across the total business as part of this acquisition and indeed the strategy for growth may very well provide for further expansion in staff numbers going forward”.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

6 n LOCAL NEWS

Mental health charity says it will not be closing its doors THE HUB A much needed refuge

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE Wells Mental Health Resource has denied media reports it will cease operating from April following changes to the way Kent County Council issues its grants.

Over £4million worth of funding is set to be devolved from the county council and seven Kent clinical commissioning groups, excluding Medway.

Instead, it will be placed in the hands of Shaw Trust and Porchlight.

The two charities will control the subcontracting of services to different parts of the county, with West Kent coming under the remit of Shaw Trust, which will have £754,109 in funding at its disposal.

However, the changes led to speculation that certain charities would be forced to cease delivering services. Among those named was Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource.

The charity is best known in town for running the informal community service, known as ‘The Hub’, which is situated on Grosvenor Road.

The Hub, which featured in the Times’ Christmas

appeal, operates as a safe environment for those with mental health problems.

While accepting that some provision of services may be affected, the charity strenuously denies reports it was closing, claiming such rumours had caused ‘distress’ among its service users.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Community mental health services across Kent have been grant funded by the county council for a number of years and individual grants have

been awarded to several organisations.

“These grants are stopping from April 1, 2016 including the grant for the informal community service.

“A new Community Mental Health and Wellbeing service will start on April 1, 2016 which will be provided by a Strategic Partnership network approach, delivered by the Shaw Trust.

“It is too early to say what part Tunbridge Wells Mental Health will play in the partnership.

“I can confirm that the charity will continue to run community services but they will in all likelihood be of a reduced nature, and will be more reliant on fundraised income.”

Roy O’Shaughnessy, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said: “Kent is leading the way in transforming the quality of community mental health and wellbeing services.

“We are delighted to be working closely with Kent County Council and local clinical commissioning groups to help deliver a more holistic approach.

“We believe that mental illness should be a greater public health priority. Shaw Trust looks forward to the challenge of offering new community mental health and wellbeing support in the county.”

Campaigners want commons to become public property

By Neill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A PETITION signed by nearly 900 people has called for Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons to be preserved for future generations and placed into public ownership.

Terry Cload, the green energy consultant behind the plea, said it was important the two environmental ‘jewels of the town’ remained free from commercial development.

However, owners Targetfollow have previously rejected an offer for the land to be purchased for public use. The property group bought the site as part of a deal that included The Pantiles for a reported £11million.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Mr Cload said: “I have had a fantastic response in just a short period of time since starting the petition in November. There were a lot of young people worried about the future of these green jewels of the town.”

Chris Gurr, of Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, said the group was still attempting discussions with Targetfollow on the potential sale of the commons.

The borough council said that it welcomed petitions on community issues and confirmed that any correspondence with more than 800 signatures would receive a response from a senior officer.

The council has previously stated that it would not consider buying the commons.

Targetfollow confirmed the commons are not on the market.

PETITION Campaigner Terry Cload

LOCAL NEWS 

7

Court closure is ‘devastating’ and will deepen inequalities in justice system TUNBRIDGE Wells County Court and Family Court will be closed by the end of the year the government has announced, in a move described as ‘devastating’ by one family lawyer.

Situated on London Road, the County Court and Family Court are facing the axe by December following a consultation into the viability of 91 courts across England and Wales.

The government claims it will save £27 million by closing the courts and will result in a one-off windfall of £40 million to be ‘reinvested’ into the justice system.

The operating costs for the Tunbridge Wells courts were approximately £468,000 in 2014-15.

Local law firms have reacted with dismay to the announcement, claiming their warnings about the negative impact on the town have been ignored during the consultation process that was launched in July.

Kirstie Law, a partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore who specialises in family mediation, divorce and cases involving children, said: “It is devastating and really bad news for local people which will result in a reduced access to justice.

“It is very disappointing the people of Tunbridge Wells will no longer have access to a local court.

“This is despite representation from the local law society, and many solicitors, to local MPs.” Consultation documents reveal that a total of 41 responses were made from representatives ranging from solicitors to magistrates and members of the judiciary.

Of these, only two were supportive of the proposal, with one being neutral.

Mrs Law said there was no sense in moving the majority of the court’s current workload to Maidstone Combined Court and Hastings County Court, questioning whether either one is accessible enough for local people.

She added: “The reality is that there is going to be significant additional cost and time involved in order to access justice.

“This is not just the potential time spent travelling to and from court, for example, in Maidstone, Medway or London, but also the time that it is likely to take to get a hearing as a result of the increased pressures on these courts.

“No thought seems to have been given to how the most vulnerable will be affected, including victims of child abduction and domestic violence.

“We will never get it back I fear although it will

become apparent very quickly that it is needed.”

The consultation in respect of Tunbridge Wells states: “HM Courts & Tribunals Service acknowledge and accept that some people will need to travel further to reach their nearest court for the majority of people.

“We are mindful of the infrequency with which people need to attend court and the small proportion of people who would use public transport to reach court.

“It is accepted that there will be additional travel time in respect of journeys by public transport, however that in itself cannot be a reason for the retention of this court.”

It also states that the use of new digital technology systems could be used to communicate with the court online and expansion of video linking removing the necessity of some users attending court.

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said: “The decision to close a court is never taken lightly, but in the digital age I am confident we have measures in place to ensure access to justice is not diminished.”

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark said: “I understand that some local users of the court will be disappointed by this decision.

“However, the Minister does recommend that alternative local facilities in Tunbridge Wells for court hearings are found – for example using council buildings – which would be a big help in minimising the need to travel outside the town.”

Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said: “We are disappointed that the government is pressing ahead with the closure of so many courts.

“The majority of these closures will make it more difficult for a significant number of people to get to court, disproportionately affecting people living in rural areas, those with disabilities and lower income families. We need to look through the detail of the government’s revised plans for closing Tunbridge Wells County and Family Court to ensure that access to justice problems are mitigated.

“Combined with increases in court fees and reductions in eligibility for legal aid, many of the closures will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.

“No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system.”

Jonathan Smithers is a partner at Tunbridge Wells law firm CooperBurnett.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Complacency opens the

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE Wells is home to a variety of financial firms dealing in a range of products from banking to stockbroking and currency trading to fund management.

These companies have embraced the process of globalisation, which allows them to invest money on behalf of their clients in markets all over the world.

But perhaps the best example of this trend is the town’s largest private employer, AXA, a French multinational insurer with revenues of £72billion.

However, while most of AXA’s profit ends up in French hands, boosting their exchequer in the process, there is one Tunbridge Wells-based insurance underwriter playing its own small part in rectifying the imbalance.

United Brokers International Ltd (UBI) may be based in Lonsdale Gardens, but 100 per cent of its clients come from France.

“We are doing our bit to help rebalance the UK’s balance of payments and are very happy to do so,” said Chairman Harvey Wetherill, one of just two employees who are English. The other nine are French nationals.

With the UK recording its biggest trade deficit for goods on record last year, at £125billion, the country is more than ever relying on the £90billion surplus generated by services such

as those provided by UBI to make up the shortfall.

Trading for just under a year, the board at UBI is made up of industry veterans looking to take advantage of their many contacts in the London insurance market and the French broker market.

Key members, in addition to Mr Wetherill, include directors Alan Clarke, Pierre Cornet and his father Michel, all of whom have a background in French insurance. Collectively they have 140 years of experience in the field.

With a focus on the French real estate sector, the company offers ‘Dommages Ouvrages’ (DOs), a form of compulsory prepayment insurance.

Mr Wetherill explained: “This form of product is used to insure against building defects.

“For example, people may take out the policy to cover them upon the purchase of a house in case it later comes to light that there are structural issues with it.”

The company does not sell direct to the end user, but instead works with a network of around 70 brokers throughout France, a number it is looking to increase as it targets the £3billion construction insurance market.

It then underwrites the policy on behalf of a syndicate in Lloyd’s of London, with permission to take on up to €15million of risk per policy at their own discretion.

Mr Wetherill added: “In essence, the reason we are focusing on that particular sector in France is because it is a highly consolidated market.

“About 95 per cent of it is dominated by just seven insurers.

“That means that for the man in the street and the broker there is only a limited range of companies they can buy that product from.

“This generally leads to either complacency on the part of insurers, because they know there is not much competition, or not a great deal of competitive pricing and servicing.”

He said this allows the company to provide an alternative in the form of a flexible and individually tailored service to brokers who are used to a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude from the big players.

“Part of the reason for not being based in France is because we do not want to be labelled as part of the ‘establishment’.

We mark ourselves out as being different

FRENCH CONNECTION (L) Pierre Cornet and Harvey Wetherill

‘From our point of view, it is probably best to embrace the opportunities out there rather than shy away from them.

There is a lot of business to be had in Europe and to access that is good for all of us’ Wednesday 17th February 2016

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

9

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

door to the French market by being in the UK,” he explained.

Some of the flexibility they are able to offer stems from their affiliation to Lloyd’s of London, the world’s largest insurance market, where hundreds of brokers and syndicates trade products and pool risk.

In 2014 Lloyd’s, whose motto is Fidentia, Latin for ‘confidence’, generated £25billion of premiums.

Managing director Mr Pierre Cornet said: “Because we are associated with a brand name recognised internationally, there is never any question of our authenticity.

“Potential clients may not know us, but everyone knows Lloyd’s, so that provides them with the comfort that they are dealing with something secure.”

Although the prevailing narrative in economics is that the UK is a far more free market than its continental neighbours, Mr Cornet said regulation of the insurance industry in Britain was in fact ‘far more onerous’.

“The approach to insurance is the same, it is about building relationships and trust with your clients, and the culture in the industry is similar.

“However, it is a more difficult and expensive process to be authorised in the UK than in France. Considerably so.

Mr Wetherill said being located in Tunbridge Wells and not its target market was a trade-off.

“From a marketing and branding point of view it is better to be outside of France and we understand the business environment here better.

“We are well connected to London, which is the insurance capital of the world and the location of Lloyd’s, so it is very convenient for the insurers to get to us on the train.

“Plus we would have to learn an entirely different tax code and accounting rules if we moved to France.

“But from a compliance and regulatory point of view, it is not an advantage to be in the UK.” Although the company sees room for

expansion, and has secured enough office space for this, Mr Cornet wants UBI to continue to offer a bespoke service.

He said: “What we are seeing is a polarisation in the market. A lot of insurance has become commoditised, which has been brought about by electronic trading.

“It is large scale and needs big economies of scale to make it viable.

“Then you have the other side, which is the way Lloyd’s works, by creating a large mass through a range of bespoke individual products from around the world.

“We are part of that and do not want to lose our level of service by overexpanding.”

Mr Wetherill believes the company will look to offer a wider range of products but will continue to focus exclusively on the French market for the foreseeable future.

Mr Cornet does not think UBI’s desire to employ a high level of native French speakers will hinder expansion.

He said: “London alone has around 250,000 French people, effectively making it one of the top ten largest French cities in the world. I do not think we will have a problem filling roles.”

For a company which derives all of its income from mainland Europe, the benefits of EU membership are not lost on its board members.

Mr Wetherill said: “We wouldn’t be able to establish our business without the freedom of services legislation within the European market.

We only exist because Europe has existed in the way it has.

“From our point of view, it is probably best to embrace the opportunities out there rather than shy away from them. There is a lot of business to be had in Europe and to access that is good for all of us. The upcoming vote does create uncertainty for us but we are ploughing on and will cross that bridge when we come to it.

“One thing is for sure, we do not want to stop our income flowing into the UK so we will find a way to continue making that happen.”

Film industry boosts the county’s coffers KENT has enjoyed a £30million stimulus to its economy after a string of box office hits and TV shows have chosen to film in the county.

The figures, which cover the last five years, were released by The Kent Film Office, which said the money generated boosts the local economy through spending on things like wages, hotels, transport and location fees.

Money from filming has increased dramatically in the past five years, rising from £2.6million in 2011/12 to £6.7million in 2014/15.

Among the most popular locations for filming is Penshurst Place, while films such as Tulip Fever and Les Miserables brought in around £800,000 each.

Reverse takeover close BELEAGUERED tech firm Armour Group has announced it is one step closer to securing a deal which will result in a reverse takeover of the company.

As the Times reported in December, the former Tunbridge Wells-based firm had until January 5 to prove to the regulators it had a viable plan else risk being removed from the London Stock Exchange.

The group now believe the suspension of trade on its shares, currently listed on the Alternative Investment Market – which has been in place since last August – will be lifted by the end of the month.

SuperDry super speaker THE former finance director of fashion retailer SuperDry will be the opening speaker at this year’s Kent Vision Live business conference.

Chas Howes will tell how he helped to grow the company from a few dozen stores to around 200 outlets in 40 countries, while increasing turnover from £41million to £314million between 2007 and 2012.

The event, which regularly attracts more than 300 exhibitors and 3,000 attendees, will be held on May 11 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

10 ď Ž NATIONAL NEWS

Nuclear power plants to continue production EDF is to extend the life of four of its UK nuclear power stations and has made assurances that it is close to announcing a final decision on building a new plant at Hinkley Point.

The French energy giant said Heysham 1 in Lancashire and a plant in Hartlepool, both due to be decommissioned in 2019, will continue for an extra five years. Heysham 2 and Torness in Scotland will have extensions of seven years to 2030.

The move will safeguard more than 2,000 direct jobs and some 1,000 contractors at the sites, which provide electricity for a quarter of British homes.

EDF, which is 85 per cent owned by the French government, announced the extensions as it reported a 68 per cent fall in profits last year and cut its annual dividend.

The company said it was committed to being the UK's leading investor in low-carbon electricity, adding in a statement: "That means safely extending the lives of existing nuclear power stations and investing in renewable wind energy.

"It also means making the big investments necessary to launch a renaissance in nuclear new build at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

"Further major progress was made in 2015 on plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset, notably with the signing of the Strategic Investment Agreement between EDF and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) in October.

"Hinkley Point C is a strong project which is fully ready for a final investment decision and successful construction. Final steps are well in hand to enable the full construction phase to be launched very soon."

Campaigners against Hinkley said the further delay in announcing a final decision cast doubt on the project.

Greenpeace policy director Doug Parr said: "EDF's accounts show growing debts and falling earnings. EDF management and employees warn taking on further risk could easily spell disaster for the company. Hinkley is a bad investment and most people with an ounce of financial acumen have now come to realise this.

"Chancellor George Osborne stands alone in defending Hinkley's honour. He needs to let Hinkley go - everyone else has. The nuclear industry has usually promised far more than it has delivered and the

ENERGY Torness Nuclear Power Station, near Dunbar, in Scotland

debacle over the Hinkley reactor shows little has changed."

There was industry speculation that a final decision was being held

back over assurances being sought by the Chinese over the technology to be used at a planned new nuclear power station at Bradwell in Essex.

Big Brother guru takes over ITV

THE man credited with bringing Big Brother to UK screens will become the next chairman of ITV. The TV network confirmed that Sir Peter Bazalgette is to take over as non-executive chairman from May 12.

He will succeed Archie Norman, who will step down at the firm's annual meeting in the spring after more than six years in the role.

Sir Peter is chairman of Arts Council England and president of the Royal Television Society. When he was chairman of production firm Endemol UK, he brought reality TV show Big Brother to the UK, and helped create other successful formats such as Ready Steady Cook and Changing Rooms.

ITV has been profitably reshaping its business in recent years to minimise exposure to volatility in advertising markets by boosting spending on original content, buying production companies to create programmes it can sell around the globe.

Sir Peter said: "As I have seen for myself over the last few years, ITV has gone through a remarkable resurgence during Archie's chairmanship and there is still so much more that we can achieve.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone in the media sector with change happening at an unprecedented rate, and I'm absolutely delighted to be working with ITV BOSS Adam and the Sir Peter management team.

Bazalgette TV is my first love."

NATIONAL NEWS �

Europe promises to do utmost to find fair deal EURO MPs will not simply rubber stamp any deal on David Cameron’s reform demands, the parliament’s president has said, but he insisted he will work to secure any agreement reached in a crunch summit in Brussels this week.

The Prime Minister visited the Belgian capital for talks with European Parliament president Martin Schulz and other key players in an effort to keep his reform demands on track ahead of this week’s meeting of EU leaders.

If a deal is reached by EU leaders at the summit on Thursday and Friday, MEPs will eventually have to approve parts of the reform package, including restrictions on benefits, but Downing Street has insisted any deal would be a ‘legally binding document under international law, entered into by the 28 leaders of member states’ and that the European Parliament should deliver on that.

Mr Schulz said it was not possible for MEPs to simply accept anything put in front of them, but insisted that the parliament would be ‘constructive’.

On the issue of welfare curbs, Mr Schulz said: “I gave the Prime Minister a clear signal for our commitment in the European Parliament to be as constructive as necessary and as possible, that we will try to find a fair compromise between the council, the commission and the parliament to try to find, in the way of concrete legislation, the necessary solutions for the problems described by the United Kingdom.”

The parliament would begin the legislative process as soon as the UK voted to remain in the EU, he indicated.

11

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police chief apologises to Lord Brittan’s widow METROPOLITAN Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has offered the widow of Lord Brittan a “full apology” which she accepted at a private meeting yesterday.

The Scotland Yard chief met Lady Brittan in a central London hotel to explain his force’s handling of a historical rape allegation against her husband.

Ronson wins top award BRITISH DJ and producer Mark Ronson won Record of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards for Uptown Funk, in collaboration with singer Bruno Mars. Collecting the trophy, Ronson paid tribute to funk artists including George Clinton, James Brown, Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Children not so happy EU TALKS Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande

He added: “I can’t give a guarantee for the outcome of future legislation, nevertheless it is quite understandable that the Prime Minister asked the European Parliament to co-operate as intensively as possible, that was the assurance I gave to the Prime Minister, that we will do the

utmost to find a fair deal.”

Asked whether an agreement struck at the European Council summit on Thursday and Friday would be “legally binding” and the European Parliament would enact the necessary changes, Mr Schulz said that once a deal is struck “there will be a very constructive debate” among MEPs. “But to be quite clear: no government can go to a parliament and say, ‘this is our proposal, can you give a guarantee about the result?’ This is, in democracy, not possible.

“Therefore my answer is the European Parliament will do the utmost to support compromise and a fair deal, but I can’t pre-empt the result in the European Parliament.”

Echoing European Council president Donald Tusk’s assessment of the situation as “very fragile”, Mr Schulz said: “Some political operations are always fragile, we have to find a compromise between 28 member states and then a compromise between the 28 member states and the commission and the parliament.”

EIGHT-year-olds in England are less happy than those in Romania, Poland and Algeria, a survey by Children’s Worlds suggests. Children here ranked 13 out of 16 countries when it comes to life satisfaction – with only South Korea, Nepal and Ethiopia faring worse.

Boyfriend in court A HAIRDRESSER will face trial in the autumn over the murder of EastEnders actress Sian Blake and her two children. Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48, is accused of killing his 43-year-old girlfriend and their sons Zachary, eight, and four-year-old Amon in December last year.

He appeared before the Recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard QC, at the Old Bailey via video-link from Wandsworth Prison.

Cost of raising a child BRINGING up a child to the age of 21 costs more than the average semi-detached house, a report has found.

Across the UK, the typical cost of raising a child is £231,843, while the average price of a semi-detached house in the UK is £12,588 less, at £219,255.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

12 � BUSINESS NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Crackdown on Israel boycotts TOWN halls have been warned of ‘severe penalties’ if they impose boycotts on trade and investment with Israel.

Guidance to be published later this week will state that locallyimposed boycotts by public bodies – including councils – are ‘inappropriate’.

New rules bonus

SHREWD savers can take £28,000 a year in returns tax free under changes which take effect in April, a respected think tank has found. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said those who can arrange their savings to take up to £1,000 of interest income, £5,000 of dividend income and £11,000 of capital gains could take out the sum entirely free of tax, if they also use their income tax personal allowance.

Painkillers profit

NUROFEN owner Reckitt Benckiser defied the gloom among many consumer goods firms as it posted strong full-year profits.

The Cillit Bang-to-Vanish group said like-for-like sales rose by six per cent in the year to the end of December, pushing pre-tax profits up four per cent to £2.2billion compared to a year ago.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Vodafone in billion euro Dutch merger MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has sealed a deal with cable firm Liberty Global to merge their Dutch businesses.

The company said the joint venture would forge a stronger Dutch internet and mobile operator by bringing together Vodafone’s mobile operation with Liberty Global’s Ziggo broadband network.

The deal is expected to be sealed by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approval.

The Dutch tie-up will see Vodafone making a cash payment of one billion euros (£772million) to Liberty Global to ‘equalise ownership in the joint venture’.

The companies predict the total cost and revenue synergies will hit 3.5 billion euros (£2.7billion), with costs of about 350 million euros (£270million) to combine the Dutch businesses.

Vodafone group Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said the deal would create ‘a strong and competitive integrated communications player’ which would invest in digital infrastructure and

entertainment services.

He added: “Together we will be a stronger competitor in the Netherlands, benefitting customers of both companies and the market as a whole.”

The announcement comes after the two firms scrapped previous plans for asset swaps across Europe in late September.

Vodafone had always dismissed talk of a full-blown merger, but first sparked rumours of a £100billion deal when it said in June last year it had entered discussions regarding ‘a possible exchange

of selected assets between the two companies’.

Liberty Global is controlled by US cable tycoon John Malone, although it is focused on Europe. The companies said the joint venture in Holland would fall under both the Vodafone and Ziggo brands.

The merger would create an integrated communications provider with 15 million revenue-generating units, including 4.2 million video, 3.2 million high-speed broadband, 2.6 million fixed-line and 5.3 million mobile.

MOBILE GIANT Vodafone has announced a deal with Liberty Global

AT THE BAR The price of alcohol has risen by an average of 1.3 per cent

Alcohol and clothes push up inflation rate UK INFLATION edged up to its highest rate for a year last month as rises in the price of alcohol and clothing pushed up the cost of living.

The Consumer Prices Index measure of inflation rose to 0.3 per cent in January from 0.2 per cent in December, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Alcohol and tobacco rose by 1.3 per cent compared with January 2015, when there were heavy discounts on beer.

The ONS said inflation also rose as fuel and food prices dropped less than they did a year ago. But despite the rise in

CPI, inflation still remains historically low, with the Bank of England predicting inflation to remain far below the Government’s two per cent target for some time yet.

Sharply lower oil prices are set to keep a lid on inflation, leaving the UK central bank in no hurry to raise rates above 0.5 per cent, where they have remained for nearly seven years.

James Tucker, ONS head of CPI, said: “While still at historically low levels, CPI has today edged up to its highest rate for a year”.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 

13

Mitchell: Russian bombing of hospitals is a war crime

HOSPITAL STRIKES Help for wounded Syrian girl RUSSIA’s bombing of Syrian hospitals is undoubtedly a war crime, the former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has claimed.

Moscow has denied being responsible for an attack on a facility in Idlib province run

by Medecins Sans Frontieres.

But former cabinet minister Mr Mitchell said the Russians were guilty of breaking international laws. “It’s certainly a war crime,” Mr Mitchell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“The Russian Air Force has now hit 30 hospitals in Syria of which only one is in an Isil

area. Everyone knew this was a Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital and undoubtedly this is a breach of the international law and the Russians are guilty of that.”

Turkey and France have also agreed that the attacks constitute war crimes.

Mr Mitchell said nothing could be done to immediately challenge Russia. “There is effectively nothing we can do at the moment but they can be held to account in the future,” the Tory MP said. “For Russia’s reputation in the future and its role in the UN this has a very

significant effect.”

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes targeted the hospital in Idlib province, destroying it and killing nine people.

But a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the report and told journalists to rely on official announcements from the Syrian government. The air strikes came days after Russia and other world powers agreed to bring about a pause in fighting next week to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has cast doubt on the ceasefire, warning in a televised address that such a truce did not mean all parties would put down SPEAKING OUT their Andrew Mitchell weapons.

Steelworkers demonstrate against China STEEL company managers joined thousands of their employees from across the European Union in Brussels to protest against the import of cheap Chinese products.

The European steel industry is accusing China of illegal export subsidies and selling products below production cost, all of which contributes to the crisis in the European steel sector.

With whistles and firecrackers, the workers

ringed some of the EU institutions to push their demands to keep Chinese steel at bay.

The industry argued that if the EU recognises China as a market economy, a status that would allow for even more imports, it would cost tens of thousands of jobs. “Everybody understands that there is a high need to act,” said Geert Van Poelvoorde, President of the Eurofer industry group, which

was behind the march.

The EU currently has 37 trade and legal actions in progress to make sure that steel imports are fair and provide for

a level playing field, something which is especially critical in an age of overproduction and dumping into the European markets.

DEMONSTRATION British steelworkers in front of the European Commission building

Whether you are looking for kitchen, dining or living furniture, upholstery or accessories the showroom in Tonbridge has it all Located just off the High Street, opposite Waitrose car park

Wednesday 17th February 2016

14  EDUCATION

Mum designs new app to keep children safe while on social media KEEPING SAFE School children at Fosse Bank, Hildenborough trial a new app

O

NE of the biggest dilemmas for parents in the 21st century is how to keep their children safe online. On the one hand, mums and dads naturally want to protect their children from predators. On the other, they don’t want them to miss out when all their friends are communicating with one another on Facebook or Instagram.

For mum Alicia Coad, the dangers became apparent one day when her eight-year-old son let slip that he was being targeted by strangers while playing an online game. Within weeks, she had designed an app to keep children safe, and it is now being trialled at nine schools across the country – including Fosse Bank School at Hildenborough.

Mrs Coad said, who has three children aged six, eight and nine, said that until recently she thought she had a handle on their use of online apps and games as they were not able to download anything unless she entered a password.

She said: “The turning point was when my eightyear-old innocently told me that when strangers contacted him on Clash of Clans if they swore at him he didn’t speak to them.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

“I started to speak to other parents to try and find out more. It became apparent that my children – and most of his class – were all playing this game and chatting to each other on it. I had no problem with that but I did have a problem with strangers being able to chat to them.

“If the school playground was open to all and sundry parents would be in uproar, however most parents had no clue that effectively this is what was happening online.”

Mrs Coad decided to explore the possibilities of creating an app to keep children safe while playing games online or using social media accounts, and it was while her brother was explaining about a highly secure online communication tool he had developed for the financial services industry that she had a ‘lightbulb moment’.

She said: “This is what we needed for children.

And so ChatFOSS was born – Friends Only Stay Safe.”

The app is a communication platform which enables children to contact one another online with the highest levels of encryption and security.

Anyone can set up an account and they need to enter an email address to do so, but they do

not need to have a mobile number or share any personal information. Each person has their own unique login and password, and when logged on they can communicate with their friends by sending picture, sending messages or video calling one another.

What makes it safe is that unlike other systems, users cannot search for their friends. To join someone on the system you must know their email address. When an email is sent to connect, the user has to accept for the two to be linked together.

The level of security is so high, in fact, that it is rated as suitable for users aged from four.

ChatFOSS is believed to be the first social media app suitable for children under the age of 13.

After making a presentation to staff, parents and pupils at Fosse Bank the school became the latest to sign up to a three-month pilot study.

Headmistress Miss Alison Cordingley said: “We know that children are surrounded by invitations to communicate via technology and in the same way that we teach our pupils to keep safe in real life, we must also teach them to use technology safely and responsibly.

“We were very impressed with Alicia’s presentation which demonstrated the benefits of this innovative app. It is extremely child-friendly, our pupils enjoyed communicating with each other within minutes of logging on, and both parents and teacher appreciate the benefits of using ChatFOSS.” Mrs Coad added: “I want my children to embrace technology. I do not have a problem with them wanting to chat to their friends, indeed as a chatterbox child I spent most of my childhood on the phone. At the moment my children like making videos – again I have no problem with that. In fact, I am pleased that they are working together, using their initiative, being creative and learning editing skills.

“I do, however, have a problem when they tell me they want to upload them to Youtube for all and sundry to see.

“The advice from e-safety experts and teachers seems to focus on the age limits for apps, so in theory, I should just say no to my children and not let them on Instagram, Facebook and the like until they are 13. Unfortunately the world doesn’t work like that, if other parents let their children on these apps it becomes difficult for me as a parent to say no.

“Also, given how easy it is for children to get onto these things, it is not difficult for them to do it behind my back. The advice of ‘make sure you can see what they are doing at all times on the iPad or computer’ isn’t practical.

“My children do not want to go searching for porn, they do not want to talk to strangers, they just want to enjoy the internet in the same way I do. The problem is there is no way for them to do this. ChatFOSS aims to offer ‘the fun of social media, the safety of the school playground’.”

She added: “I realise they will make mistakes using it, but I would far rather they make those mistakes in a safe environment without the world to see. I want them to learn how to communicate online responsibly. I want them to grow up in a world where frankly they think it is weird to be friends with people online they have never met.

“In an ideal world, maybe I would stop them going on any kind of social media, but we don’t live in an ideal world, we live in the 21st century. It is my job as a parent, in the same way my parents taught me how to ride a bike, write a letter and use a credit card, to teach them how to use social media. I want to be able to help and guide them through it and ChatFOSS lets me do this.”

APP INVENTOR Alicia Coad

EDUCATION �

What is ChatFOSS? ChatFOSS is a communication platform to enable children to communicate with each other via modern technology but without the usual risks associated with social media platforms. It is suitable for users aged four plus.

How does it work?

Anyone can set up an account as long as they possess an email address.

They do not need a mobile phone number and do not need to share any personal information. Each person has their own unique login and password.

What makes it safe?

Unlike other systems, users cannot search for their friends. To join someone on the system you must know someone’s email address.

When on the system a user, if friends with another user, cannot see who else they are connected to and cannot request their friends.

What can a child do on ChatFOSS? A user can, if friends with someone, send messages, video call, send photos or video clips or voice recordings. They can also share documents – such as a piece of group homework – with them. A user can also be part of a group, but each friend has to accept the request and see who else is in the group. This prevents children being put in groups that they may not want to be part of.

Why should people let their child on ChatFOSS? ChatFOSS encourages children to enjoy technology in a safe way. A child who uses ChatFOSS will learn to use the internet to communicate only with friends, not with strangers. Recent research showed the average 12-15 year old has never met three in 10 of the friends listed on their main social networking profile. ChatFOSS has been designed to destroy this culture of communicating with strangers.

Can you see what a child is doing on the system?

15

A Level ceramic work shortlisted for Saatchi prize A FORMER pupil from Mayfield School has been shortlisted for a prestigious art prize.

Abbie La Rooy’s raku-fired clay work, Cornish Landscape, is among 20 pieces shortlisted for the 2016 Saatchi Gallery/Deutsche Bank Art Prize for Schools. Her piece was selected from more than 20,000 works.

Abbie created the piece for an A level art project last year, and is now studying an Art Foundation course at Brighton University. She found out about her

You can log on with your child and add a secondary email address of your own. This email address will then receive notifications of who your child has joined friends with. This will enable you to be aware of who they are talking to without seeing every conversation.

nomination when Mayfield’s head of ceramics Tim Rees-Moorlah rang her.

She said: “When Mr Rees-Moorlah called to say I was shortlisted it took a while to sink in. It still doesn't feel real. It probably won't until my work is actually at the Saatchi Gallery.

“I created the three vessels as my A level final piece so I obviously have the whole ceramics department to thank for their endless help and patience.

“The piece was inspired by a trip to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in Cornwall along with the slab-building method James Oughtibridge uses in his work.”

Mr Rees-Moorlah, said: "It is a huge honour for Abbie to be

selected from so many applicants from across the world and we are delighted by her achievement. I am sure Abbie will continue to receive recognition for her work as she progresses through her career."

Abbie’s work will feature in an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London from March 3 to 9, and the winner and runners up will be announced at an awards evening on March 3.

This year’s judging panel consisted of Jeremy Newton, CEO of Children and the Arts, Daily Telegraph art critic Alastair Sooke, Deutsche Bank senior curator Alistair Hicks, CEO of the Saatchi Gallery Nigel Hurst, and artist Julia Wachtel.

Can an adult have a ChatFOSS account?

Yes. Adults are more than welcome to set up an account – and indeed for families it can be a useful way of communicating and sharing photos.

Groups can be set up for individual families enabling you to share holiday snaps and the like. Again an adult will not be able to search for individuals on the system and without knowing an email address will not be able to request them as a contact.

ART STUDENT Former Mayfield pupil Abbie La Rooy

STUDY IN CLAY Abbie’s raku-fired clay work, Cornish Landscape

Wednesday 17th February 2016

16 n PEOPLE

How one EU worker arrived penniless and created £800,000 local business AFTER landing in the UK a decade ago, Minda Jonuskis had just £100 to his name and a self-imposed deadline of only a month to find work, or face returning home to Lithuania.

While the ambitious entrepreneur admitted he has faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, fierce industry competition and securing business capital, he is today relishing his role as director of his Marden-based company, MJ Exhibitions.

He has seen the event stand design venture evolve from humble origins into a thriving enterprise with an annual turnover of £800,000.

As Mr Jonuskis, who lives in Southborough, revealed, there have been some rollercoaster moments that have seen him take on a string of short-term roles before deciding to develop his own business.

But since founding his venture in 2011 he has not looked back, with the company now employing eight people and planning expansion through creating an additional production base in Germany.

Among its key achievements has been gaining preferred supplier status for delivering bespoke stands to the NEC in Birmingham, which has significantly boosted the company’s profile.

Crucially, the business has also developed an advanced plastic production technique, enabling it to create a range of larger exhibition stands.

This has given the firm a vital cutting edge in a crowded specialist market.

Mr Jonuskis said: “I wouldn’t change a thing about what I have done with the business and I love living here. It feels like home to me now.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

“I’ve made a lot of friends here and have been through quite a lot of short-term jobs until I found the proper role that I have achieved now.”

He explained it had taken a considerable leap of faith in setting up the company that he self-financed.

His determination has paid off as his venture has gained a range of clients from exhibitors at the ExCeL Classic Car show in London to property exhibition stands for the Dubai royal family.

The company’s motto of ‘You Dream it, we build It’ certainly demonstrates no shortage in ambition.

The 34 year old believes his formative experiences in Lithuania have stood him in good stead and in particular his military service.

He recalled: “I had joined the Lithuanian army at 20. I was young and ambitious and wanted to be the best. I went to sergeant’s school and on other courses to get the best qualifications possible. All these helped me to become a sergeant instructor quickly.

“But after three years I felt that I was getting blunt, and that I was not learning enough, which is what made me think about starting a business. Then a friend who had been in the UK said there were possibilities here for me.”

Gaining a class 2 commercial driving licence in Lithuania enabled him to pick up his first crucial pieces of employment in the UK in 2005, working for delivery companies including UPS.

STANDING TALL Minda Jonusks (inset) specialises in designing events By his own admission, he took an unusual approach to learning English by borrowing children’s books from a friend he met working on a building site, and subsequently took language GCSEs at West Kent College. This made him feel more integrated into British culture.

Having his family around, including his wife Rasa as a project manager for the business, plus their two young sons, has proved another

important factor in settling into UK life.

He added: “My favourite part of the work is meeting people, as well as designing products.

“Though we are involved in sales, I always say that we are not sales people. We are there to advise companies on how they can promote themselves best at exhibitions and events.

“I would like the business to be a multi-millionpound company, as I think you have to aim for these things – if not, why would you be doing it?”

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

17

Cohabitating couples are the fastest growing family unit Understanding the legal implications is vital to protecting your financial assets.

BY STEPHEN WILMOT Whatever our age or circumstances, we may be about to embark on a new relationship which will involve living with someone else. Quite apart from all the emotional issues that are involved and the overwhelming desire to be with one another, there are implications which can be discussed and agreed without in any way damaging a budding relationship.

There are therefore circumstances when using a specialist family lawyer can make matters so much better.

Particular issues and considerations apply when someone is moving into what has up to now been your home, sharing your belongings and frequently involving financial commitments. If not discussed and agreed they simply give rise to arguments and problems in the future.

Many relationships can exist for months (or even years) before marriage or they can be over in such a short time that they are simply transitory. Cohabiting couples are now the fastest growing family unit. It is not unknown for partners to get engaged, live together, break off the engagement without appreciating that engagement not leading to marriage will have legal implications which arise as a result of the Married Woman’s Property Act 1882. If therefore you are going to live with another person, whether or not you get engaged, (which does add a level of potential complication), it is essential that you consider entering into a Cohabitation Agreement recording what the financial arrangements will be

between you, who owns what and how adjustments are made if there are any financial changes that need to be considered in the future. That agreement needs to cover what happens if there is a split.

With fewer people getting married, and with it being the norm for people to live with one another it is particularly important to bear in mind that Cohabitation Agreements, can if they fulfil the necessary requirements be enforced by the courts.

Individuals in later life may have come from a failed marriage or relationship and may need to consider protection by entering into an agreement especially if it gives them the reassurance they need when considering the risk of living with someone else.

Just because you are married does not mean you cannot get engaged to another person and that engagement may have significance in relation to claims made under the Married Woman’s’ Property Act 1882. Accordingly, complications are not always obvious or logical and in some cases obscure and based upon very old law.

Basic form of Cohabitation Agreements can be prepared simply, effectively and inexpensively. Some situations may require a more sophisticated document. Our service is confidential , discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others.

It is essential you choose the right legal team for this specialist area, as this is key to your emotional and financial future. Please call Keene Marsland today on 01892 526442, or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk

Keene Marsland 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells.

Kent TN1 1PH www.keenemarsland.co.uk

It is essential that you consider entering into a Cohabitation Agreement recording what the financial arrangements will be between you

TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READERS OFFER Up until the 29th February 2016, Keene Marsland are offering the first 10 new applicants the opportunity to meet with a member of their team of expert Family Law Solicitors for an initial 30 minute FREE CONSULTATION to discuss the options available. Choosing the right legal team is very important for you, so please do call today to take advantage of this offer – 01892 526442 or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk.

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

Wednesday 17th February 2016

18 � LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells always wants to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Southeastern to the rescue

BIG thanks to the Southeastern Railway man who came up with an ingenious way to save my new suede boots from the torrential downpour that greeted me on my late-night recently.

I may have got some funny looks, but the bin bags worked a treat as I trudged through the sodden streets, and it worked! I will never call Southeastern rubbish again (well at least, not for a while)...

Samantha Bond Via email

Incensed by the Civic Society

AS A Tunbridge Wells commuter who still lives in a flat, I was somewhat incensed by the letter from Dr Janet Sturgis which purports to represent the views of all members of the Civic Society, including myself.

Her letter [February 10] betrays an underlying class prejudice which I have commonly found in certain influential and political circles since I moved to the town from a council house in Tonbridge in the late 1970s.

Thousands of younger commuters bring a wealth of talent and vibrancy into this town, with its burgeoning variety of bars and restaurants, which I also enjoy visiting. But often all they can afford to buy here is a starter flat, especially with skyhigh rail fares, and exactly what is wrong with that?

Not all of us are retired and want to preserve Tunbridge Wells in aspic. Of course, we need a balanced mix. And that includes more homes for key and lower-paid workers, and not just exclusive and gated developments.

Sometimes I think the Civic Society is more concerned with erecting blue plaques to the dead than those alive and living on the outer estates of the town, such as myself. I even suggested a plaque to former resident Sid Vicious. But that was sadly deemed too risky by the Society’s elders.

Dr Alan Bullion Oak Road

MP is jumping on the wagon

IT’S all very well Greg Clark, in his debut article [February 3], complaining about the poor service of Southeastern trains and Network Rail, but looking at the entire network and how it is structured one couldn’t come up with a worse business model – who do we have to thank for this? Politicians of course, when it was so-called ‘privatised’: A group of people who, collectively, could not organise a beer festival in a brewery.

He complains, too, that Kent commuters had to bear the entire cost of the HS1 build, but who was responsible for that? Politicians of course, again.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

What is Greg Clark? Ah, a politician.

Next week we’ll see Greg Clark jump on the BT broadband wagon: Greg Clark does wagon jumping, it’s his pastime: Show him a wagon and he’ll be on it faster than fleas on a dog.

Any chance, though, of a column by him on Europe? Just asking – as you do.

Edward Baker Hilbert Rd Tunbridge Wells

MP is right about rail

I DO not often agree with our MP, Greg Clark, but for once I have to say he is spot on with his idea to fine poor-performing rail franchises. Despite the hollow apologies of Southeastern MD David Statham, as a long-suffering commuter I want to see results not hear platitudes. The fact Mr Statham effectively blames Network Rail just shows what a farce this whole rail franchise model has become, and it was not surprising at all to see Network Rail point the finger right back at Southeastern. Both are culpable for the very poor service on this line, which has led me to be delayed for important functions numerous times.

One of the biggest mistakes made by the Major government (among many) was allowing this mess to occur. The train operator of each franchise should also be responsible for the infrastructure they use, instead of having two organisations constantly at loggerheads with each other. Until this is resolved, or ownership of the rail network is once again brought back into public hands, I fear the two organisations will always have the convenient excuse that it is the other’s fault and it is commuters, who pay through the nose for the ‘privilege’ of using the service, who will continue to suffer.

Mark Ashdown Via email

The EU debate and spin

IN THE matter of the supposed negotiations on Britain and the EU, David Cameron asked for pathetically little and clearly has not even

achieved that. Nevertheless, this exponent of PR spin is now attempting to deceive the British people using the same methods as used by his predecessors, starting with Edward Heath.

The reality is that Cameron never had any intention of approaching these so-called negotiations in an unbiased way, being absolutely determined that the UK should remain locked within the EU, come what may. And the actual operation of everything he claims to have achieved is subject to the agreement of the European Commission who, given their track record, will merely decline to accept that the supposed agreement applies in the cases raised.

The proposal that a sufficient number of national parliaments can unite to block EU laws is laughable. We can be sure that the UK would be unable to find enough others to support their wishes and, anyway, given that such an arrangement supposedly exists already, this makes no substantial difference to the status quo, while the whole question of migration is not centred on benefits but on the inability of the UK to control its own borders. No fiddling with the edges will change the fact that vast numbers of people from other parts of the world will continue to arrive in an overcrowded island, which cannot provide sufficient employment for its own people.

The raison d’être of the EU is the creation of a single European state. The architects of the project have never deviated from this aim and will go to the wall to defend ‘ever closer union’. Anyone who believes that they will give up this fundamental ambition merely to accommodate the British is living the other side of the looking glass.

The question the people should put to David Cameron is simple: “Just how dumb do you think we are?” For all our sakes we must show that we will not sacrifice everything we stand for, and the hope of a bright future as an independent nation, because of the ridiculous farce that Cameron is playing out with his accomplices in the EU. Colin Bullen Via email

Market Watch hits the spot

FIRST of all let me say that I do not work in the financial sector and outside of the odd visit to my bank have little knowledge of its mechanics.

Saying that, I am writing to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading the last couple of issues of your newspaper that have featured Market Watch where you take us behind the scenes, so to speak, and explain complex financial transactions in a way that we can all understand. You reinforce the value of the sector to Tunbridge Wells where, according to you, the number of people employed in financial related jobs has gone from 500 to more than 5,000, making it one of the biggest job generators in the town. Fascinating stuff!

Raymond White Via email

Calverley MANY pats on the back and whispers of gratitude in the ears of Calverley this week as he trod the corridors of power at the Town Hall. It was all about mention in this august column two weeks ago of the council stating on Twitter that ‘Headlines in papers aren’t always accurate’. The reference was about a front page story (not this paper) that declared (wrongly) that plans for a new civic centre had been put on ice. Upshot was much eating of humble pie and the printing of a lengthy council statement correcting the error. Mind you, Calverley is not one to gloat, oh no.

EVER eager to play his role in supporting the local economy, Calverley joined the checkout queue in Morrisons in a bid to help keep the failing store open, only to overhear one member of staff say: “We have to make savings of £250,000 by April 3 or they will close the place.” They should have made the date April 1.

YOU could not make it up. Eating in a gastro pub not far removed from the centre of town, himself heard the young waitress ask those on the next table: “How many of you would like nookie, then? ” She was, of course, referring to the soft dough dumpling gnocchi. At least we think she was. Chef, who was passing and heard the comment, was not impressed.

SO, Valentine’s has come and gone leaving Calverley to recall the tale of one of his male journalist friends who uses the occasion to respond to those who have, shall we say, disappointed him during the year for one reason or another. He finds out their home addresses and sends unsigned cards of romance that simply say: “Our nights are so magical.” Try talking your way out of that when it drops on the doormat.

TALK last week in the back bar of himself’s favourite local hostelry turned to people who run up tabs for drinks that are settled at the end of each month; a most dangerous practice.

Most are fairly modest, attracting maybe three figures. The exception was the chap who used to consume large amounts and extend the hand of hospitality to others, with the result he was once handed a staggering £4,000 tab for one month. Irony is that chap is now the landlord of the hostelry, where he keeps a careful eye on running totals.

Chin, chin…

THE PANTILES NEWS 

19

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

ISSUE ONE

PANTILESNews

The

More visitors than ever Events on take to The Pantiles…

The Pantiles THE Pantiles is laying on a host of varied and interesting events throughout the spring – there will be something for everyone…

WEEKEND MARKETS The Pantiles Markets are back in full swing and take place on the first and third weekend every month.

The market provides the perfect opportunity to buy groceries from a wide range of traders selling everything from vegetables, fish, meat, fresh bread and artwork to vintage homeware.

WEDDING FAIR – SAT & SUN, APRIL 23 AND 24 In April, The Pantiles is playing host to its very first wedding fair, with everything you could possibly need for your special day. The fair will include the chance to shop for photographers, florists, dresses and cakes and even find out how you can organise a quirky outdoor wedding on the town’s historic bandstand. To find out more, contact The Tunbridge Wells Hotel.

GARDEN SHOW – SAT, APRIL 30 TO MON, MAY 2 The Pantiles will be covered in a sea of greenery for the bank holiday weekend with a spring garden show.

Traders selling everything from potted plants to garden furniture and sculptures will be showing off their wares. There will also be talks on the bandstand.

New life has been breathed into The Pantiles in recent years and the current owners say footfall in this most historic of shopping areas in the town has increased significantly since they took it over in 2006

T

“

HE past couple of years have seen quite a transformation,” says Targetfollow CEO Corin Thoday.

“We have likened it to some of the niche mixed use locations, like Covent Garden in London, where you get a nice melding of retail and leisure.

“There are 49 units in total and over the past two years we have had new tenants coming in like Vacant Clothing, and The Pantiles Tap which serves niche beers.

“Visitor numbers have gone up – it’s the combination of the whole package that’s attracting people.”

The company estimates that an extra 80,000 people per year are now visiting The Pantiles, and he says what is attracting most people is the new focus on events.

These include the annual food festival,

the weekend markets, and the very popular jazz evenings on Thursdays throughout the summer.

This year The Pantiles will welcome new events, including a garden festival and a series of fashion shows to demonstrate clothes from some of the retailers in the area, such as Jack Wills and Vacant Clothing.

Mr Thoday said that the magic of The Pantiles came from a combination of factors.

“We want to maintain the historic element of it but bring it into the 21st century,” he said.

“People respond well to that. Also, its setting in the town is absolutely beautiful.”

The Pantiles is currently In the middle of a seven-figure investment programme, including renovations to unit 48 as well as garages on the corner of the Common, which will provide additional workshop space.

FOOD FESTIVAL – FRI TO SUN, MAY 13 TO 15 This May will see the return of the hugely popular food festival on The Pantiles. As in previous years, there will be more than 30 stalls as well as cooking demos on the bandstand. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample some of the best produce that Tunbridge Wells has to offer.

DECORATIVE LIVING – SAT TO MON, MAY 28 TO 30 Here’s the perfect place to find interior design inspiration for your home or to track down that piece of furniture you have been hunting for. This event will celebrate the style of the town and show a range of different options to add a bit of flair to your home.

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES FROM MAY 5 The ever popular jazz evenings will be returning every Thursday from May 5 until September 29.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

20  THE PANTILES NEWS

A piece of history in the making and something to truly cherish…

Expert British craftsmanship and a bespoke service make the specialist mirror framing shop of Joseph McCarthy a traditional Tunbridge Wells treasure WHAT DO YOU DO AT JOSEPH MCCARTHY?

We’re specialist frame makers and focus primarily on mirrors. It’s really for feature pieces in the home when customers want something really special. Because of our long history in design, we can offer a consultancy, where we’ll go and visit the premises to assess and guide people through the choice criteria.

MIRROR IMAGE Owner Joseph McCarthy and Production Manager Scott Murray

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PANTILES AS A PLACE TO SET UP THE COMPANY?

Everyone who works here lives locally, and it’s a very good fit for our business. Because we’re a historic luxury business, The Pantiles is synonymous with both of those, and therefore seemed a really good location. It’s really effective for us to be in a location where people expect something of this quality.

HOW DO YOU HELP CUSTOMERS DECIDE ON THE RIGHT MIRROR FOR THEM?

It revolves around three elements: Size, style and finish, which are the structural bones of consideration in what type of mirror frame to have. We guide people through the criteria, which helps them to make the right selection, so that ultimately it fits the location it’s going to go in and their particular style.

ANY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?

The motivator is to produce beautiful things that people will cherish. As a progressive business, our immediate plan is to move into a

Wednesday 17th February 2016

SEEART Gallery opened in September last year and has already become a hub for art lovers in Tunbridge Wells, the surrounding area and overseas.

The gallery, set up by Susan Beumee, focuses on prestigious contemporary art – including paintings in a variety of media, photographs, prints, ceramics and sculpture.

The gallery specialises in bringing together the acclaimed and the elite of emerging artists that otherwise would only be found as a collective in cities around the world. The fact that three are local is a coincidence.

Ms Beumee said: “My aim was to set up a gallery in The Pantiles, one of the most atmospheric and historic parts of the town, so that people who live in the South East can view a large selection of quality art works without having to travel into London.

“People who live locally can now have access to the spectrum and standard of art you would expect to see in a big city gallery.”

Some of the artists currently on display include Louise Giblin, Guy Portelli and Mel Fraser, all of whom have received international recognition.

Also at the gallery are Al Saralis, voted in the US as the UK’s top living artist, and Shelley Rose, whose silk screen printing of circles has recently been selected by the British Museum for the archive that represents artists from Michelangelo through to David Hockney.

The SEEART Gallery is situated at 50 The Upper Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD. Call 01892 512365, email: art@seeartgallery.co.uk or visit the gallery’s website at www.seeartgallery.co.uk

HAVE YOU NOTICED MANY POPULAR TRENDS?

The ability we have to apply an artistic finish to what’s already a completely unique and crafted piece means we can satisfy the antique feel if people want it. What’s very popular at present is a classical piece with a much more contemporary finish, which suits interior décor at the moment, but pays homage to classical design.

An elegant new gallery

lovely new showroom and workshop on the corner of The Pantiles and The Common, which will give people access to see what we’re doing and really take part in it.

We want to continue to develop our presence in this area and concentrate on making it a unique British business.

Joseph McCarthy 68 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN 01892 527 528 www.josephmccarthy.co.uk info@josephmccarthy.co.uk

THE PANTILES NEWS 

21

Read all about it

Julian Smith, owner of The Pantiles News, tells us how he is giving the business an extra boost with the addition of an off-licence TELL US THE BACKGROUND OF THE PANTILES NEWS

I bought the lease on the shop on November 1, 2014. I run it in combination with another shop in Lamberhurst, which is a big general store, whereas this is more of a summertime place for tourists. It was derelict when we took over, so we added bits to it and are trying to grow the trade.

down here and are good friends – we lend each other stuff and all struggle during winter, but we’re all getting ready for Mother’s Day and when the clocks change again.

there will be a lot more footfall.

We could then stay open a bit longer, and with the pubs and restaurants there could be a bit more of a buzzy atmosphere down here.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?

The Pantiles News is at 66 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN Visit: www.thepantilesnews.co.uk

There are plans for a cinema coming down here, which I think will be brilliant for evenings. The Pantiles is really good when the weather’s great, but with the addition of a cinema

HOW HAS IT DEVELOPED SINCE?

We’ve just managed to get an off-licence in. I felt the place just needed a little bit of an extra boost, especially with the jazz nights coming up in the summer.

I want to be selling local produce Chapel Down wines, beers from Scotney Castle and Old Dairy Brewery, Biddenden cider, Thunder Toffee vodka and things like that.

WHY SET UP IN THE PANTILES?

It wasn’t specifically just because of The Pantiles; it was a good price and has a massive paper round delivery to around 300 houses, which keeps the shop going in the wintertime. I’ve lived around here for 30 years and always come down to the jazz nights in the summer. It’s quite a fashionable, cool place to be and I know most of the traders down here. I thought if I could combine it with Lamberhurst and use the knowledge I’ve got from there, it should work.

IS THERE A COMMUNAL FEEL AMONG THE TRADERS?

Most people look after each other

THREE CHEERS Julian Smith will be selling local tipples

Designer label dress agency comes to town A NEW designer dress agency boutique will be opening at 48 The Pantiles at the end of March.

La Maison is a dress agency where you will be able to buy and sell high-end designer clothes and accessories at affordable prices – including dresses for every occasion, handbags, shoes, hats and jewellery.

The store will be La Maison’s sixth to open – there are already three very successful stores in Rye selling ladies, men’s and children’s designer clothes with other shops in Hythe and in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Owner Susannah Swann is coming back to the town where she spent much of her childhood, growing up at the family farm in Southborough.

She said: “We are very excited about opening our sixth store, particularly in The Pantiles, which is so busy and buzzy and has so many great restaurants and bars.

“We actually looked at opening in Chelsea, but in the end we decided on Tunbridge Wells because the town is so vibrant and has a certain style of shops.”

La Maison will focus on selling pre-loved items from all kinds of designers, though Susannah says favourites with her regular customers include clothes

by Ralph Lauren, Boden and Karen Millen, as well as Mulberry handbags.

There is also a heavy focus on fur, which is very popular, as well as cashmere, leather and suede.

The new shop will also include a small selection of men’s clothing and antiques.

Susannah said: “All ladies love hunting for a bargain and something different and it enables them to change and update their wardrobe regularly at a fraction of the price for designer items.”

The agency will be open Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays) from April and are looking to recruit dedicated local part-time staff. If this would be of interest please email your details to Susannah at admin@lamaisonrye.com Visit: www.lamaisonrye.com for more information

Wednesday 17th February 2016

22 � WEDDING FEATURE

A stunning wedding at Bradbourne House From the proposal to the big day, every wedding is as unique as the couple tying the knot. We hear from bride Kim Chatfield about how she and husband Jason enjoyed the wedding of their dreams when they said ‘I do’ at a thousand year old church, before dancing the night away at Bradbourne House...

How did the two of you meet?

My husband and I met when we were at college; I was 17 and he was 18. We were together for 10 years when we got married, so it had been a long time waiting, but so worth it! Everyone was so happy for us, and they said it was the best wedding they’d ever been to! I think it helps that I’m also a graphic designer, so had lots of creative ideas – the key is to be organised!

Tell us about the proposal The proposal was perfect; Jason chose Bournemouth seafront, which is a place close to both of our hearts, as Jason has family down there who we regularly visit and love spending time with. That day, we were all having drinks in their hot tub, and in the evening we headed down to the beach, where Jason went down on one knee and popped the question every girl

HAPPY COUPLE Kim and Jason begin their married life together

Wednesday 17th February 2016

longs to hear! He then presented a truly special diamond ring that was worn by his grandmother – it fitted perfectly and was a truly lovely moment.

Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue?

We got married at Jason’s local family church in Hadlow. Jason is very traditional, so it had to be a church wedding (he was more the bride!). The church is called St Mary’s and is over 1,000 years old; it has a beautiful cobble street situated in a lovely old village. We had glorious flowers

throughout! Our florist and cake maker was a family friend who has a business called April Haven in Hadlow (www.aprilhaven.co.uk). Our flowers throughout were just so beautiful and colourful – perfect for our summer wedding!

And the reception?

We had our wedding reception at a stunning venue called Bradbourne House in East Malling, which we found online via a Google search. I knew straightaway it was the one for us! It had a traditional stately home feel, with stunning ornate pictures, perfectly sized rooms and plenty of room outside for games, a lake for pictures and an area for everyone to relax and enjoy our day – we had the whole venue to ourselves!

Any key highlights from the wedding day?

Our big day had a lovely natural and relaxed flow to it. My parents, bridesmaids and I stayed in The Hadlow Manor Hotel, so we could all wake up together and get ready.

We had beautiful classic cars to pick us up and take us church to the church, which we hired from First Choice Wedding

Cars (www.firstchoiceweddingcars. co.uk) and Aarion Wedding Cars (www. aarionweddingcars.co.uk). I was very early and very keen after 10 years!

We also organised a classic red doubledecker bus from Red Route Buses (www.redroutebuses.co.uk) to chauffer our guests to the wedding reception – it was packed full of Moët Champagne for all our guests to enjoy. On arrival, they were greeted by our lovely toastmaster and even more drink!

I did a lot of research on costs, styles and interior colours to complement my dress, because you can get some vintage cream cars that look stunning from the outside, but inside they’re a horrible dark brown and red, or some of them are even black!

The sun was shining, so everyone headed outside to play games and enjoy a close-up magician. We sat down in the traditional breakfast room to a silver service wedding breakfast. Our guests were given personalised mini folders with a scratch card, personalised chocolate M&M’s and a fun table quiz!

I designed, printed and produced everyone’s favours and wedding invites.

Being a graphic designer, I had lots of ideas, but the key is keeping it simple, elegant and classy! All my ideas were fun and engaging, which created a fun atmosphere for everyone. It’s creating a talking point for everyone – from the scratch card and table quiz to the bubbles and personalised chocolate treats.

The atmosphere was amazing – everyone was cheering throughout the speeches (I think the free Moët helped!), and after dinner we had a balloon release and the bouquet toss. Everyone just carried on enjoying the sun and games, then in the evening we had a huge hogroast, the amazing Motown Sensation band and fireworks, which lasted for over ten minutes!

WITH THE

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

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Delightful beamed house boasts a gallery offering more scope Four bedrooms and large garden

Modern Sevenoaks paradise grown out of Victorian greenhouse

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Warm designer home with cinema and wine cellar

Wednesday 17th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Jade Carter Head of Lettings Savills Tunbridge Wells

HILL HOUSE GRACIOUS LANE, SEVENOAKS

£1,725,000

It has been a busy start to 2016 for the Residential Lettings team at Savills Tunbridge Wells.

We are continuing to see a high demand for rental accommodation in the area and for our core market in Tunbridge Wells itself, demand is far greater than supply.

Properties with an average rent of between £1200pcm and £2000pcm are frequently let very quickly, and we are always looking for properties to replenish our stock.

While interest remains high in the town centre, especially in The Pantiles, the surrounding villages are also suitable for families looking for good schools and close proximity to good transport networks.

The villages of Frant, Wadhurst and Mayfield are particularly popular among our current applicants.

We always see increased activity in the market at the beginning of March, as families look to secure accommodation ahead of the next school year.

Good sized family houses with an average rent of between £2500pcm and £4000pcm are highly sought after, particularly those within walking distance of the town centre and mainline station.

While large family homes tend to be more seasonal, young professionals who are registering for smaller properties are now renting for the long term, so are in need of good quality houses or apartments that can be easily maintained during their tenancy.

Any potential landlords thinking of letting in the spring should act now to take advantage of a busy market. Not only family houses, but it’s worth noting we also let an increasing number of apartments and houses from buy to let investors.

Make sure any remedial works are complete in the next few weeks and ensure your property is de-cluttered and in a presentable condition.

In addition, those considering a move abroad in 2016 who wish to rent their property for the duration, would be advised to contact Savills Residential Lettings as we have a broad experience in property management with an excellent understanding of the current market.

Throughout the process we are able to tailor our services to meet the requirements of each of our clients.

For more information, contact Jade and her team on 01892 507050

Wednesday 17th February 2016

A private retreat within an enchanting walled garden

W

ITHIN the Victorian Hernewood Estate, Hill House is an attractive property set in a totally secluded walled garden. The house began life as Victorian greenhouses but has slowly evolved into an attractive and stylish home which now provides a versatile and modern living space.

The property has been updated and features include a bespoke kitchen by Smallbone,

contemporary style fireplaces by Focus Fires, gas-fired underfloor heating to the majority of the house, some vaulted ceilings and picture windows affording views over the garden.

All arranged on a single storey, the accommodation includes a spacious entrance hall/library, stunning drawing room with floorto-ceiling doors and windows, a dining room with hydraulic hatch to a wine cellar, beautifully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom

with a study or dressing room and en-suite bathroom, a family shower room, utility room and three further bedrooms with one en-suite.

The house is approached over a block driveway which leads to a gravel parking area and an open-bay garage. The rear walled garden is principally laid to lawn with espaliered fruit trees adorning the high brick walls. There are a number of terraces ideal for entertaining and the total area amounts to just over an acre.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE � Superb single-storey detached property � Contemporary styling

� Wine cellar

� Private location

� Walled gardens

� Entrance hall/library

� Parking and open bay garage

� Drawing room

� In all 1.2 acres

� Utility room

� Kitchen/breakfast room � Master suite with study/dressing room and bathroom � Three further bedrooms, one en-suite � Family shower room � Dining room

£1,725,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Tunbridge Wells

£1,875,000

Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells

£1,850,000 - £1,950,000

An impressive and substantial d etached 1930's property situated in an eleva ted position in a sought after and central loca tion. Accommodation to include 8 Bedroom s, 4 Reception Rooms, 4 Bath/Shower Room s, Large Gam es Room and Gym. Landscaped Gardens and Garaging. Option to crea te a Self-Contained Annexe.

An impressive and substantial detached Grade II listed Oast H ouse set in a rural loca tion with stunning countryside views. 4 Reception Room s, Kitch en Breakfas t Room, 3 En Suite Bedrooms, 2 Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Detach ed Garage, Superb Gardens and Paddock totalling circa 3.5 Acres.

Battle

Lions Green, Heathfield

£925,000 - £950,000

An immaculately presented d etached family home enjoying outstanding rural views w ithin walking distance of central Battle. Accommodation includes 5 Reception Rooms, Downstairs Cloakroom, Kitch en Breakfast Room, 2 En Suite Double Bedrooms, 3 Further Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Large Garden, Rural Views, Raised Terrace Area, Driveway and Detached Double Garage.

Cross In Hand, Heathfield

£850,000

A spacious six bedroom family house w ith accommod ation over three floors, situated in a semi rural location within a short drive of the popular market town of H ea thfield. The property benefits from a double garage with a studio above and d elightful gardens of approximately 0.4 of an acre with stunning views towards the South Downs.

£895,000

An attractive and substantial detached family hom e built in the 1970's, offering well presented and generously proportioned accommod ation arran ged over 3 floors, and situated in a lovely eleva ted and rural position w ith far reaching countryside views. Beautiful gardens totalling approximately 1 acre with double garaging.

Cross In Hand, Heathfield

£825,000 - £850,000

A detached period fa mily h ome (unlisted) situated in a sought after area providing spacious, flexible accommodation over two floors. With large m ature garden, adjoining woodland and paddocks, the property totals in all approximately 6 acres. There are numerous outbuildings including stables and hay barn along w ith a cart lodge garage.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 615757 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Horam, Heathfield

£775,000

An attractive 3/4 bedroom d etached property offering well presented accommodation arranged over two floors with scope to be further extended and improved. The grounds and gardens are a very appealing fea ture to this property totalling just over 3 acres and provides ample off road parking available along with integral and d etached garaging.

Amberstone, Hailsham

£729,000

A substantial and well presented d etached family h ouse with circa 2.1 acres, separate d etached annexe/rental cottage, stable block, outbuildings and commercial potential. Established gardens and grounds offering excellent privacy with large duck pond, pony paddock and views over neighbouring farmland.

Accommodation includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms and three reception rooms.

I

Blackboys, Uckfield

£700,000 - £725,000

St. Leonards-On-Sea

£675,000

An attractive character cottage in a quiet location with stunning countryside views. The accommodation h as been sympathetically extended, comprising a large living room with Inglenook, dining room, farmhouse kitchen with separate utility, m aster bedroom w ith vaulted ceiling, dressing area and en-suite, three further bedroom s including an annexe with kitch en and living area. Large rear garden bordered by farmland.

A unique period residence situated in the h eart of thriving St Leonards on Sea within walking distance of local shops & restaurants. Accommod ation includes open-plan sitting/dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, m aster bedroom with en suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, contemporary south fa cing gardens and private parking for three cars.

Wadhurst

Tunbridge Wells

£675,000 - £700,000

A spacious detached property presented to a high standard, set within mature gardens with the benefit of a detached barn which is currently utilised as an annexe and worksh op. The property is set on the semi rural outskirts of Wadhurst within a short drive of the village centre and mainline rail station providing regular services to London.

£675,000 - £700,000

An immaculately presented house situated on a quiet no through residential road in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Modern open-plan kitch en-dining room with bi-folding doors to the garden, sitting room, four bedrooms and two mod ern bath/shower room s. Walking distance of the town centre, m ainline station and local parks.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 615757 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Tunbridge Wells

£625,000 - £650,000

A superb four bedroom semi detached home in the sought after Stephens Road which is in an ideal loca tion for the St. John's school ca tchment. Accommodation comprises an open-plan living/dining room, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and private rear garden.

Tunbridge Wells

£425,000 - £450,000

An extended three bedroom property within an exclusive ga ted mews development. The accommod ation includes 2 reception rooms, cloakroom, kitch en, master bedroom with en-suite 2 further bedroom s and family bathroom. Outside, the property enjoys a rear !awned garden and patio area.

rm.

!. fi, II II II

Tunbridge Wells

£375,000

Tunbridge Wells

£325,000 - £350,000

A superb 3 d ouble bedroom apartment in a sought after loca tion within Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Spectacular views, brilliant loca tion for the historic Pantiles and close to the m ain line station to London . The property itself is exceptionally quirky and has mixture of country style and penthouse living. All the bedrooms are doubles and the living room is a generous size and has far reaching views of the town.

We are d elighted to present this very attractive three bedroom end of terrace period town house. Situated in a sought after road in Southborough the accommodation offers two good size reception rooms, kitchen, cellar and a block paved garden. Upstairs you will find spacious m aster bedroom, family bathroom and stairs rise to the top floor where you will find two further bedrooms. Viewing highly recommended.

Tunbridge Wells

Crowborough

£315,000

Beautiful mid terrace cottage with impressive views over the River Medway. The accommodation is spread over three floors, the ground floor offering a very warm living room which lead s in to the modern kitchen/diner. Externally you will find a large rear garden offering stunning far reaching views.

£310,000 - £325,000

Very attractive three bedroom town h ouse. The accommod ation comprises of mod ern kitchen with space for table and chairs, d ownstairs WC and spacious living room including gas fire place courtyard garden and alloca ted parking space.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 515300 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Tunbridge Wells

£310,000

Crowborough

£300,000 - £325,000

A character three bedroom semi detach ed house boasting some delightful period fea tures and rear garden w ith brick outbuilding. The accommodation includes two reception rooms, kitchen, three bedrooms, fa mily bathroom and priva te rear garden .

Three bedroom semi d etached h ouse which boasts som e d elightful period features and rear garden with brick outbuilding which is currently used for storage. The accommodation includes entrance hall, sitting room, dining room with doors to the garden and kitchen.

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

£275,000 - £300,000

£275,000 - £285,000

Two bedroom maisonette w ith its own private garden situated w ithin easy reach of High Brooms m ainline station. The flat comprises of spacious living room, master bedroom, second double bedroom, m odem fitted kitchen, white suite family bathroom and an allocated parking space. The property also has a share of freehold.

Very spacious two bedroom apartment, front facing in the very desirable Edison Court. The apartment is in excellent condition and offers m odem integra ted kitchen, large living room with high ceilings front fa cing with a balcony which runs the width of the flat and can be opened on to from all front fa cin g room s.

Tunbridge Wells

Crowborough

£250,000 - £275,000

A well presented mid terrace h ouse comprising a sitting room, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, family bathroom and a separate WC. Outside, the rear garden is of a generous size, whilst to the front of the property there is a large area of shingle which could provide a driveway for off road parking STPP.

£195,000 - £205,000

A purpose built first floor apartment occupying a pleasant position in a small cul-de-sac. The apartment benefits from secure entry system, fitted kitchen, sitting room, two generous bedrooms and bathroom.

Communal garden and allocated parking for two/three cars.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 515300 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

 PROPERTY SECTION

Superb character and exclusivity alongside Grade II listed chapel

T

HIS is a beautifully presented detached family house built in 2010 within the grounds of the former Mayfield College.

Part of the exclusive and gated Mayfield Grange development, built alongside the original Grade II listed chapel and Great Hall, the contemporary property is arranged over three floors and has been designed in keeping with its surroundings.

The light and spacious ground floor accommodation is ideal for entertaining.

The house opens to an entrance hall with cloakroom and study off it, and continues through to a sitting room, dining room, lovely kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. The sitting room and dining room both have large windows and doors opening on to the rear terrace.

On the first floor there are four bedroom suites, each with an en-suite bath or shower room. The master suite takes up the entire second floor and features a bedroom, good size

bathroom and dressing room.

The partly walled rear garden is mainly laid to lawn, with a large terrace and a children’s play area. There is a driveway providing parking and an integral single garage with private door through to the utility room.

Set in a delightful semi-rural location, around two and a half miles from the village of Mayfield, the house also benefits from access to beautiful communal grounds, use of a residents’ gym and access to woodland.

AT A GLANCE LITTLE TRODGERS LANE MAYFIELD � Spacious contemporary family house � Built 2010 � Beautiful rural setting � Entrance hall � Cloakroom � Study � Sitting room � Dining room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Utility room � Communal grounds � Residents’ gym � Part of the Mayfield Grange development � Four bedrooms on first floor, all en-suite � Large master suite on top floor with dressing room and bathroom � Integral garage � Driveway parking � Rear terrace and good size garden

£850,000 For sale through Alexandre Boyes 01892 525522 www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk Wednesday 17th February 2016

. . Knight ••Frank

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

Mark Cross An attractive Victorian family house in a rural setting with 5.86 acres Entrance hall, sitting room, study, dining room, conservatory, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, office, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Double garage. Pool house. Heated swimming pool. Tennis court. Former stable. EPC rating G. Garden and land extending to approximately 5.86 acres.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Refurbished home in village setting near primary school

AT A GLANCE

THE GREEN LANGTON GREEN � Beautiful Grade II listed period property � Character and charm � Contemporary styling � Overlooking village green � Entrance lobby � Study � Sitting room with inglenook fireplace � Kitchen/breakfast room � Utility room � Boot room � Three bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room

O

LD Birchetts is a stunning Grade II listed semi-detached period house in a lovely village setting, overlooking the green at Langton Green. Only a short walk from the sought-after local primary school, the house has been fully refurbished and updated by the present owners to offer a contemporary feel while retaining fabulous character features. Unique and beautifully presented, it perfectly combines stylish

modern design with period charm.

The ground floor has a wonderful sitting room with an oak floor and magnificent inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove.

Double doors lead through to the study at the front of the building, which overlooks the green. The modern and stylish kitchen/dining room to the rear opens on to the well-tended landscaped garden with raised terrace, ideal for entertaining. Also on the ground floor are a

‘The modern and stylish kitchen/ dining room to the rear opens on to the well-tended landscaped garden with raised terrace, ideal for entertaining’

Wednesday 17th February 2016

utility room and a useful boot room.

The first floor master bedroom has a wonderful view over the green and there are two further bedrooms on this floor, one with en-suite shower room, and a family bathroom.

There is further scope to enlarge and improve the accommodation as the attic space houses two good sized rooms which could easily be adapted to a multitude of uses, subject to planning consents.

� Family bathroom � Two attic rooms with further potential uses � Pretty landscaped rear garden and terrace

£695,000 For sale through Alexandre Boyes 01892 525522 | www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

Thinking of moving home soon?

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

5

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

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

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

2

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

You wouldn’t buy a car without the

4

3

E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

1

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

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

M HO

BY DEBORAH MILLER

Wednesday 17th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

NUNNERY LANE PENSHURST n Contemporary home built in 2011 n Semi-rural location n Outskirts of popular village n Farmland and countryside views n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Study n Shower room

Plenty of space and appeal in bespoke semi-rural treasure

n Sitting room

RCHARD Mews is a deceptively spacious family house built by Millwood Designer Homes in 2011 as a bespoke project for the vendor.

This modern home features underfloor heating throughout the ground and first floors, an integrated sound system and contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Bifold and French doors to the rear allow the most to be made of the delightful setting on the outskirts of Penshurst village.

The ground floor comprises an entrance hall,

n Detached triple garage

O

cloakroom, study or downstairs bedroom with a shower room off it, sitting room with woodburning stove and beautiful kitchen/breakfast/ living room with adjoining utility room. There is an electrically operated hatch in the kitchen floor to a 1,000 bottle wine cellar and the openplan living area has a lovely outlook through bifolding doors. Stairs lead to the lower ground floor and an air-conditioned cinema room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a Juliet balcony giving views over the garden, as well as extensive fitted cupboards and an en-suite

shower room. There are three further bedrooms and a well-appointed family bathroom.

Orchard Mews is approached from the lane via electrically-operated five-bar gates, with a gravel driveway leading to a parking area in front of the triple garage. A large terrace spans the back of the house, providing an ideal area for outdoor living. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with uninterrupted views of the adjoining field. A summer house with generous loggia provides a more secluded spot for enjoyment of the countryside views. In all there is 1.6 acres.

n Kitchen/breakfast/living room n Utility room n Lower ground floor cinema room n Master bedroom with shower room n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Driveway and parking area n Summer house and loggia n Gardens of around 1.6 acres

£1,725,000 For sale through Savills 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

‘Bifold and French doors to the rear allow the most to be made of the delightful setting on the outskirts of Penshurst village’ Wednesday 17th February 2016

LONDON ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

RUSTHALL ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Luxury apartment + 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 1 reception room + secure gated parking + spacious balcony + EPC=B + Council Tax=C

5 double bedrooms + 1 shower room + 1 bathroom + kitchen/breakfast room + driveway parking + small garden with patio and shed + EPC=E + Council Tax=F

£1,900 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£2,650 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

DELVES AVENUE,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

DORMANS PARK,

EAST GRINSTEAD

Detached family home + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + reception room + open plan kitchen/ breakfast room + utility room + garage + EPC=D + Council Tax=F

Victorian family home + 6 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 4 reception rooms + beautiful gardens + EPC=E + Council Tax=H

£3,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£5,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

1II

1111

LANGTON GREEN,

FRANT,

KENT

EAST SUSSEX

Portion of a Grade II listed house + 2.5 miles Tunbridge Wells + 2 receptions + study + kitchen/ Ground floor apartment within Grade II listed mansion + 1.8 miles Frant MLS + drawing room with mezzanine + 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + garage + communal grounds + 2,265 sq ft breakfast room + 4 bedrooms + garage + 2,497 sq ft + about 0.37 acres

Guide £875,000 Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

Contact: Becky Card

Guide £695,000

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Contact: Becky Card

KENT

Ground floor apartment + central location + open plan kitchen/reception room + 3 double bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + allocated parking space + 1, 130 sq ft + EPC=D

Centrally located top floor apartment with views + sitting room + 2 double bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + communal gardens + allocated parking + 993 sq ft + EPC=E

Guide £399,000 Leasehold

Guide £357,500 Share of Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

 PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

‘The house has spacious accommodation over the three floors and has been extremely well updated’

FORGE ROAD ERIDGE GREEN � Grade II listed farmhouse � Close to Eridge station � Rural location

Pretty farmhouse boasting wooden beams and stables

� Character features

ENBY is a fine farmhouse which dates from the 1600s. Grade II listed and set on the rural outskirts of Eridge Green, the house has spacious accommodation over the three floors and has been extremely well updated. There are numerous period features, including exposed timbers and beams, oak doors and staircase, and an inglenook fireplace in the dining room with a wood burner.

The property also boasts a fantastic

� Master bedroom with impressive en-suite bathroom

R

outbuilding with stables and storerooms.

The ground floor features an entrance hall, dining room, music room, sitting room/ reception hall, family room and kitchen/ breakfast room. There is also access to a cellar.

Upstairs, the outstanding principal bedroom has an excellent en-suite bathroom. The further three bedrooms on this floor are all doubles and there is a family bathroom. On the top floor, two further bedrooms have been created with partly vaulted ceilings, one with

an en-suite bathroom and the other with a shower room.

There is parking to the front of the house, while a shared drive leads round to the stable yard where there is further parking and the stable block. This comprises three loose boxes, a tack room and a garage with a storeroom. The gardens are partly walled and are laid mainly to lawn with an orchard area and a paddock beyond. A further paddock lies opposite the house.

� Entrance hall � Sitting room/reception hall � Dining room � Music room � Family room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Cloakroom

� Three further bedrooms on first floor � Family bathroom � Two further bedrooms, both en-suite, on top floor � Cellar � Stable yard and outbuildings with stables, workshop, garage, tack room � Off-road parking � Gardens and paddocks of 4.2 acres

OIRO

1,395,000

For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Southborough

Guide Price £250,000 - £265,000

• 2 Bedroo m House • Lounge/Din er • Ce llar/ Loft Space

• Co nveni ent Location • On Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

Tunbridge Wells • Semi Detached House • 3 Bedroo ms • We ll Presented

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedroom Peri od Town House • Host of Peri od Features • No Chain

£340,000 • Co rn er Pl ot • Off Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

£425,000 • Long Rear Gard en • On Street Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells • Semi Detached House • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Reception Roo ms

Tunbridge Wells • Two Bedroo m Victori an Terrace • St James Location • Two Reception Rooms

£279,950 • Pretty, Enclosed Garden • On Street Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells • Modern One Bed Apartm ent • First Fl oor With Lift • Town Ce ntre Location

Tun bridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun bridgewel ls @wooda ndpi lcher.co.u k Southborough Office 01892 511311 South boroug h @woodandpilcher.co.u k

£365,000 • We ll Presented • On Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: tba

NAEA

£225,000 • Wa lk to Station • Open Plan Living Area • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

~ / \ The Property ~Ombudsman

(i)nTheMarket,om

woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedrooms • En-Suite Shower • Ce ntral Location

£1,250 PCM • Ava ilabl e April • En ergy Efficiency Rating: B • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tonbridge • 2 Bedrooms • All ocated Parking • Close To Town And Mainline Station

£950 PCM • Ava ilabl e April • En ergy Efficiency Rating: C • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Double Bedrooms • Garage With Electric Doors • Walking Distance To The Pantiles

£1,300 PCM • Available Now • Energy Efficiency Rating: C • Agent's Fees Apply

Other offices in Crowborough, Heathfield, Tonbridge & associated London Branch

 PROPERTY SECTION

BOUNDS OAK WAY

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,295,000

Beautifully designed and extended family house in convenient location

T

HIS elegant detached property is set in a quiet yet convenient location between Soutborough and Bidborough and has undergone a comprehensive overhaul in recent years, including an extension to both the side and rear. Beautifully presented throughout, the house offers excellent family accommodation with plenty of space for entertaining in the formal reception rooms.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

The ground floor boasts an entrance hall, cloakroom, drawing room, study, family room with double doors to the garden, utility room, gym and fabulous 34ft kitchen/breakfast room with a skylight and a wall of bifold doors opening to the rear terrace. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom with Juliet balcony, dressing room and luxury bathroom. There are four further bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room, and a

family bathroom.

The property is well screened from the road and accessed via a gravel driveway that sweeps across the front of the house, providing ample off-street parking. The rear garden is level and faces east, with a full width decked terrace adjacent to the house leading on to an expanse of lawn, with a children’s play area and an attractive summerhouse beyond.

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE ■ Convenient and sought-after location

■ Gym

■ Extended detached property

■ Master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom

■ Beautifully presented

■ Kitchen/breakfast room

■ Cloakroom

■ Four further bedrooms, one en-suite

■ Drawing room

■ Family bathroom

■ Study

■ Driveway and off-road parking

■ Entrance hall

■ Family room ■ Utility room

■ Attractive rear garden

£1,295,000

‘Upstairs there is a master bedroom with Juliet balcony, dressing room and luxury bathroom’

For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

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.

www.kmjproperty.co.uk .-:I

Find us on

• • Facebook

01892 515188

<e)nTheMarket.com

MORE PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED

-

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

LONGYiIE~

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DEVELOPMENT BY

WEDGEW£S1R www.wedgewoodhomes.co.uk

.

 PROPERTY SECTION

WOODBURY PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,150,000

Wednesday 17th February 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

A commuter dream in timelessly elegant home with modern style P REVIOUSLY divided into flats, the current owners of this sensational semi-detached home in Tunbridge Wells have sympathetically reinstated the character and elegance, using contemporary fixtures and fittings to create a highly desirable and extremely stylish family home.

Built in the early 1900s and situated in an elevated position with far-reaching views, the property is ideally placed for commuting and the grammar schools. The well-proportioned accommodation is arranged over four floors with good ceiling heights, large

windows, wood flooring to the living areas, period style radiators, picture rails, fireplaces and decorative tiling.

The covered entrance porch opens into a generous reception hall with a balustrade staircase. The ground floor comprises a family room, a study with a shower room off it and a superb drawing room with a reading room off it. The lower ground floor has an open plan kitchen/dining room with doors out to the terrace. The kitchen features integrated appliances, a fireplace with a wood-burning stove and an adjoining utility room with a cloakroom off it.

The master bedroom is on the first floor and boasts a balustrade balcony, cleverly concealed built-in wardrobes and en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom on this floor and two attic bedrooms on the second floor.

A good sized town garden lies to the rear of the property, comprising a large decked terrace with steps descending to an area of lawn with a raised vegetable bed.

An off-street gravelled parking area lies to the front and there is a storeroom accessed from the side of the house.

‘The entrance porch opens into a generous reception hall with a balustrade staircase’

AT A GLANCE ■ Semi-detached period house ■ Set in a convenient location close to the centre of town ■ Fully refurbished ■ Stylishly presented ■ Spacious accommodation over four floors ■ Entrance hall ■ Family room ■ Study ■ Shower room ■ Drawing room ■ Reading room ■ Open-plan kitchen/dining room ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Storeroom ■ Master bedroom with balcony and shower room ■ Two further first floor bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Two attic bedrooms ■ Gravelled off-street parking area ■ Rear terrace and good sized garden

£1,150,000 For sale through Savills 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £950,000 SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION overlooking parkland and within walk of town and MLS. An attractive Georgian style detached house with generous living accommodation yet offering scope to adapt into your perfect family home. Delightful, double aspect sitting room, spacious dining room, conservatory, family room/study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and downstairs bathroom.

First floor with 4 double bedrooms, en-suite and family bathroom. Gravelled driveway, double garage and gardens to front & rear. NO CHAIN EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

LADDINGFORD £795,000 ADAPTABLE & VERSATILE ACCOMMODATION at this delightful country home, ideal for a growing or extended family. Large open plan & stylish kitchen/breakfast/family room, spacious sitting room, separate dining room and utility /cloaks. Upstairs there are 5 spacious bedrooms which all enjoy en-suite showers. Formerly two farm cottages, the property has two staircases so there is scope to create an annexe or offer bed & breakfast facilities. Large frontage with ample parking and feature garden including superb covered verandah. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge

\

SHIPBOURNE £875,000 GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE ON THE DOORSTEP Modern, executive style detached home with attractive tile hung elevations. Ample ground floor living space with a large sitting room, separate dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and cloakroom. The first floor offers 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and in addition there is a fabulous family room 24' x 18' with scenic farmland views that would easily make a Master Bedroom Suite. Integral garage, parking and private garden. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

Q} Primelocatior

t i"rightmove.co.uk

Residential Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880 e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

Tonbridge: 01732 771616 e.tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.l,kestatea1ents.com

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

I OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1 MILLION

An attractive major portion of a former coach house located in a highly desirable and quiet no through road less than a mile from the mainline station and town centre Drawing Room. Kitchen Breakfast Room. Sitting Room. Study. Master Bedroom. 3 Further Double Bedrooms. Family Bathroom. Separate Shower Room. Garage/ Store. Driveway providing Off Road Parking. Attractive Gardens. Share of additional 5 acres of private woodland. EPC E APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

WANTED 5 mile radius of Mayfield for school run.

3+ bedroom house for our clients Mr and Mrs M who are under offer to a cash buyer £650,000

Access to mainline station for London Buyer Mr and Mrs A looking for a detached house with good sized gardens and grounds up to £1,500,000.

Surrounding villages of Tunbridge Wells.

HORSMONDEN

HADLOWDOWN Tunbridge Wells I Wadhurst I Rotherfield triangle

REGION £1.55 MILLION Impressive triple oast in quiet location with lovely rural views 3 Reception Rooms. Kitchen Breakfast Room. 6 Bedrooms.

3 Bathrooms. Games Room. 4 Car Bay. Garage. Tennis Court.

Swimming Pool. Gardens and land in all about 6 acres. EPC E

Mr and Mrs P who are in rented and would like to move quickly are looking up to £850,000 for a 4 bedroom house in a semi-rural location.

REGION £650,000 - £685,000 Substantial portion of a Victorian house with period features 3 Reception Rooms. Kitchen Dining Room. 4 Bedrooms.

2 Bathrooms. Driveway providing parking and turning.

Gardens and Grounds in all 0.42 of an acre. EPC F APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

Battle

Haywards Heath

Pulborough

Tunbridge Wells

01424 775577

01444 453181

01798 872081

01892 512020

London Mayfair Office

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ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

Victorian stable conversion filled with opportunity

H

AWKS Cottage was originally converted from the late Victorian stables and keeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage for the Trulls Hatch country estate. This delightful property has been developed to create a spacious and comfortable family home with flexible accommodation, retaining many original features. There is considerable scope for further internal development, with options for an annex, games or office rooms, and for additional bedrooms from the first floor gallery.

There is a large entrance hall with a study/bedroom and shower room off it. Victorian stained glass doors lead to the spacious dining or family room with first floor gallery, vaulted ceilings and further double doors lead to a delightful

Wednesday 17th February 2016

sitting room, with rustic fireplace and wood burner. The large farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room is well fitted and the adjoining utility room leads on to three large areas with vaulted ceilings currently used as games/storerooms.

From the upstairs landing and gallery there is a large double bedroom with oak beams and feature fireplace, spacious family bathroom, two smaller double bedrooms and the master bedroom suite with dressing room and shower room.

The partially walled gardens extend to approximately a third of an acre with a wide gravel driveway, giving ample parking for several cars, leading to a single garage. Further areas provide space for additional parking or garage.

PROPERTY SECTION 

HAWKS COTTAGE

TRULLS HATCH, ROTHERFIELD

£1,100,000

AT A GLANCE

‘Stained glass doors lead to the spacious dining or family room with first floor gallery’

■ Victorian cottage

■ Kitchen/breakfast room

■ Chain free

■ Utility room

■ Once part of a country estate

■ Three storerooms with potential

■ Versatile accommodation

■ Boiler room

■ Potential to extend/convert subject to planning

■ Master bedroom with dressing room and shower room

■ Reception hall

■ Three further bedrooms

■ Study/ground floor bedroom

■ Family bathroom

■ Shower room

■ Driveway parking and garage

■ Dining or family room

■ Gardens of 0.75 of an acre

■ Sitting room

■ Freehold and ‘virtual freehold’ 999 years from 1963

£1,100,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

MOVING WITH THE TIMES TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT US pkelly@markerstudy.com

I 01892 774 781

Times

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Tunbridge Wells

£750,000 - £775,000

A substantial detached extended family home, in need of some cosmetic updating.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, internal double garage, parking for multiple cars, front and rear gardens. EPC: E

Groombridge

£495,000

An appealing late Victorian semi-detached house, extended and remodelled to a high standard. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 4 bedrooms over two floors, bathroom. Gardens with cedar clad home office. EPC: D

Burwash Weald, Heathfield

£329,000

An appealing double fronted 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalow, recently refurbished and extended to provide a bright, open plan reception space, located about 2 miles from Burwash village. Front and rear gardens and twin off road parking spaces. EPC: F

Tunbridge Wells

£625,000 - £650,000

Located in the prestigious Calverley Park Gardens, a well presented detached house, set back from the road. 2/3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 3/4 bedrooms, bathroom. Driveway, garage and gardens. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells

£350,000

A Grade II Listed landmark building located on the south side of town close to The Pantiles having been the subject of much improvement now with a superb kitchen/family/ dining room, 2/3 bedrooms, refitted bathroom.

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £950

An immaculate I bedroom ground floor apartment located off Mount Ephraim, recently redecorated and benefits from 24 hour CCTV monitoring of the ground floor, heating, water & sewerage included. Off road parking for I car. EPC: D

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£750,000 Guestling A delightful attached country cottage situated in a quiet location behind electric wooden gates, offering equestrian possibilities. The well-presented accommodation comprises: Entrance hall, laundry room, cloakroom, open plan kitchen/breakfast room/sitting room, dining room, family room, master bedroom with en-suite and 3 further bedrooms. Gardens extend to approx 0.65 acres bordering a stream with decking. There is also a 1.53 acre paddock.

Detached double garage. Cranbrook School Catchment.

Tucked away, set behind electric gates, this handsome country house enjoys mature grounds of 3.4 acres. A stunning indoor swimming pool and leisure complex takes pride of place. 4 room outbuilding backing on to woodland.

Detached triple garage boasts a guest suite with bathroom.

Immaculately presented: Reception hall, entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, laundry room, boot room, dining room, drawing room, cloak, master and guest bedroom with en-suites, 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

..

I I I I ., £1,250,000 Kippings Cross, nr Matfield Set down a leafy lane in 4.9 acres, yet only 3.8 miles from The perfect competition yard! Offering the best of the best.

In 4.2 acres, the unrivalled facilities include: lorry park, Tonbridge station. 3 paddocks with lapsed planning for 3 paddocks, barn (approx 25 x 11) with 8 integral boxes, stables with a tack/feed room and separate road access. solarium, wash bay, tack room and laundry/tea room.

The beautifully presented detached property exudes charm.

Updated and extended, comprising: reception hall, bespoke Further stable block provides stabling, hay and feed store.

Horse walker and manege (approx 60 x 30). A detached, kitchen/breakfast room with AGA, sitting room, garden/ oast house boasts a kitchen/breakfast room, 4 receptions, dining room, drawing room, laundry, cloak, master suite, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. A pool needs some renovation. guest suite, 3 more bedrooms and shower room. Externally Detached barn has PP for ancillary accommodation. there is a detached home office with bi-foldin doors.

Country Country Country Country 5* Town

Property, Head Office: 01580 211888 All viewings conducted Equestrian Property: 01892 724949 www.countrypropertygroup.com Cottages: 01892 724488 Property Group, Park Lane: 020 7409 8348 & Country Residential Lettings: 018927 23456

£1,100,000

£1,250,000

This wonderful country house could tick all the bullet Situated in some 37 acres of its own gardens and grounds, points: 4,390 square feet, elegantly proportioned and this immaculately presented family home boasts a lane well-presented: exuding character and charm. No footpaths, location, 10 acres of paddocks and 27 acres of woodland. no flightpaths and no neighbours. Situated along a leafy Outbuildings include; barn with stabling/store rooms, dog lane, yet only 3.1 miles from the village of Appledore, with kennels, brick barn, a garage (previously ancillary accommodation), barn with annexe potential (subj to PP), a station to Ashford International, 9.7 miles. Comprising: 4 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room with AGA, laundry, cloak, further outbuilding, horse walker and manege. The home principal suite, guest suite, 2 double bedrooms plus family provides: kitchen/breakfast room, 3 receptions, laundry, bathroom. 1.4 acres. 30 acres by separate negotiation. principal suite, 5 bedrooms (3 en-suite) and a bathroom.

.

• .,

£1,495,000 Groombridge

I I I I I

With a fabulous outlook, this rural, equestrian home offers Standing proudly in 10 idyllic acres with elevated, southerly horsey heaven. Situated within 7 acres (tbv) and boasting views over the stunning countryside. Truly desirable and beautifully renovated throughout. Oozing style the light a stunning stable block including 6 stables, feed and tack room, lorry store. 40 x 20 arena and direct hacking into the and bright accommodation comprises: reception hall, forest. The main house comprises: a reception hall, drawing drawing room, sitting room, study, kitchen/breakfast room room, kitchen/breakfast room with AGA, boot room, laundry, extending into a garden room, library, cloakroom, cellar, principal bedroom suite, 4 double bedrooms and bathroom.

4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A 2 bedroom cottage offers Planning for 2,01 Oft 2 leisure complex and 625ft 2 extension. modern, open plan style living. Pretty gardens with a pond.

Battle, 2.9miles, provides shopping amenities and a station. Field has stable footprint. Royal Tunbridge Wells 4.2 miles.

Victims of our own success, we are desperately seeking more Country Cottages, Character Houses, Farms and Equestrian Properties for our selection of well placed buyers and fully referenced tenants.

Please call for a FREE MARKETING APPRAISAL

Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

Connaught Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 Guide £165,000 - £170,000 ***Buy to Let Investment with tenant already in situ*** One bedroom ground floor apartment with own access, 0.3 mile from a main line station. Open plan living room, kitchen area, separate we, en-suite bathroom, allocated parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 Guide £210,000 This two bedroom first floor apartment with share of freehold, in a Victorian building within 1.2 miles of the town centre. Living room with bay window and dual aspect, separate kitchen and bathroom with shower over bath. Allocated parking, communal garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Woodside Road, Rusthall, TN4 £350,000 This period end terraced home is set in the Denny Bottom area on the edge of the Common, with Hurst Wood at the end of the road. Living room with log burning stove, dining room, fitted kitchen and utility room, 3 bedrooms and upstairs bathroom, garden to rear.

Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

Broadwater Down, TN2 5NJ £595pcm Unique opportunity to lodge in the top of a lovely period property in a pleasant location on the south west side of Tunbridge Wells. The accommodation comprises open-plan living room with a kitchenette, shower room and double bedroom, with shared laundry room, in what was once the old servant quarters.

Unfortunately single occupancy only.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Medway Road, TN1 2FD £950pcm This property which is located on the first floor benefits from a lift in the communal areas. Carpet is laid throughout the hallway and the two double bedrooms, of which the main bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room.

The kitchen is open plan to the living room and benefits from laminate flooring, patio doors lead to a balcony area which has astro turflaid down. Property benefits from being 0.9 miles from High Brooms train station.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+'+ Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551

Worships Hill, TN13 2AP £1,195pcm Two double bedroom maisonette which has been fully renovated, property has been neutrally decorated throughout. On the ground floor you will find the kitchen/diner, bathroom, living room and the first of the double bedrooms. On the first floor there is the second double bedroom. Property is within a 0.7 mile walk of Sevenoaks Mainline Station.

Energy Efficiency Rating: F

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

WITH THE

NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS Stunning family homes close to Frant Station

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Exclusivity and elegance in gated community

High-spec apartments with help to buy

Highly desirable property to let only a mile away from a station Wednesday 17th February 2016

SJD

PROJECTS

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 07739 514350 or 0845 456 8969

web: sjd-projects.com â&#x20AC;˘ email: steve@sjd-projects.com

LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

TURNING THE CORNER to your financial future If you own a corner property with a larger than average rear garden, there may be the potential for further development subject to various criteria.

For a no obligation consultation please contact SJD Projects on our freephone number 0845 456 8969.

Mobile: 0773 951 4350 Website: sjd-projects.com Freephone: 0845 456 8969 Email: steve@sjd-projects.com LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSU LTANTS

'Developing Potential'

Kings Avenue is an impressive collection of luxury 5 bedroom townhouses. Set within a gated location on this prestigious development, these family homes each benefit from private outdoor space and spacious, high specification interiors.

Royal Wells Park is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic town centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The train station provides excellent connections to London and beyond.

Prices from ÂŁ1,125,000* Sales & Marketing Suite open daily from 10am to 6pm, Culverden Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9QT For further information please call 01892 888 640

www.royalwellspark.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies *Price correct at time of going to press. Photography and computer generated images depict Royal Wells Park and are indicative only.

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

MEREBROOK

DORMANS PARK, EAST GRINSTEAD

ÂŁ5,250 PER MONTH

Imposing character house to let in private residential park

M

EREBROOK is an exceptionally spacious and well presented Victorian home situated in the highly desirable private estate of Dormans Park, on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex borders. Professionally decorated and available to let now, this substantial home of approximately 4,444 sq ft offers a wealth of period features, and is set in beautiful landscaped gardens.

The rooms are generously proportioned, and many have more than one aspect, offering light and spacious living accommodation. The ground floor features a reception hall,

Wednesday 17th February 2016

family room, drawing room, cloakroom, study and a fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room which leads to a magnificent conservatory to the rear of the house.

Upstairs, the master bedroom suite has a large and fully fitted dressing room and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

There are two further bedrooms on this floor, one with en-suite bathroom, as well as a family bathroom and a useful laundry room. On the second floor there are three more bedrooms and a shower room.

To the front of the house is a driveway with plenty of parking

and access to a detached double garage. Beautiful, mature gardens surround the house and are best enjoyed from the grand conservatory.

Dormans Park is an exclusive residential area which once housed a hotel and is now home to a number of fine individual properties. Dormans station, with services to London Bridge and Victoria in less than an hour, is just over a mile away by road, or can be reached more directly by public footpath.

The property is available to let unfurnished.

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

AT A GLANCE n Fine Victorian property n Private residential park setting n Spacious and well presented n Arranged over three floors n Reception hall n Family room n Drawing room n Cloakroom n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Master suite with fabulous dressing room and bathroom n Five further bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom n Family bathroom n Shower room n Detached garage and parking n Mature gardens n Unfurnished

ÂŁ5,250 per month To let through Savills Lettings 01892 507050 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

pace 5 bedroom detached home available with £58,750 Stamp Duty paid *, £1,000 towards legal fees and carpets, or Part Exchanget

Priced at £1,175,000

or ran

a 10n.

Now over 70% sold.

Prices from £515,000 to £1,185,000

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 SHU

CALL 01892 628 676 CALA.CO.UK

TWTl ?FEB *Plot specific incentive, for reservations taken before the 29th February 2016. Based on full asking price. tCALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA's purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria.

Images shown are taken from Dukes Grange showhome and feature, fittings, decor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest possible finishes which can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Advisor for further details. Some images have been enhanced.

WEDDING FEATURE ■

‘STUNNING VENUE’ Bradbourne House in East Malling

Which destination did you choose for your honeymoon?

We went to Sardinia in Italy. It was stunning and Catherine Zeta-Jones was there at the same time!

Talk us briefly through some of your key suppliers and how they helped make the day special Our photographer Steven Duntan (www. duntonsphotography.co.uk) was amazing – we even had a pre-wedding photo shoot, and on the day he captured photos so quickly and in the perfect way! Our florist had a big job on her hands and did a wonderful job, with stunning flowers everywhere! My dress was from Isabella Grace; I recommend this place to all future

On one occasion, HITCHED 3 go wedding WITHOUT dress shopping on your own, or just with A HITCH one person – if too KIM OFFERS HER TOP FIVE TIPS FOR TYING THE KNOT

many people go, it can be a nightmare!

1

4

Preferably fall in love with a venue with no corkage fee!

This will save you lots of money!

On your wedding day, take five minutes to sort out your hair and take extra clips etc.

Do not buy 5 2 bridesmaid dresses from China

Hire a band!

Everyone dances and the atmosphere is amazing

brides! Transport for everyone was key and the wedding flowed seamlessly.

Finally, describe your partner in five words Ambitious, inspiring, loving, traditional and very, very tall!

63

The perfect dress, the perfect day Finding your dream wedding dress is an intimate and personal experience, so make sure you’re in the right hands...

Quotes from our brides which describe what we do better than we ever could!!

one should go to any other bridal shop! Thank you Pantiles Bride!”

“From the moment I walked into the Pantiles Bride I felt like I was in a lovely soft classy haven! This boutique is a fantastic place to go to find your Wedding Dress. They have a great selection of dresses and you often get to meet the designers too on specific designer days.

The team have a sophisticated yet fun attitude.

The environment isn't at all fussy or pushy like other boutiques tend to be. It's just so relaxed and warm and friendly and I'm really going to miss going to it!”

“Though bringing the Fiancé along to help choose a wedding dress isn't the norm they were very friendly and accommodating. Even at a sample sale we were really looked after and made to feel special”.

“They were fantastic with the fitting process even with a little hiccup when I changed weight! They sorted out the veil for me even though it was an old family veil. In summary they were totally fantastic in every way and no

“I would highly recommend The Pantiles Bride as a haven of beauty, serenity and the perfect place to get the 5* bridal experience”.

The Pantiles Bride offers designer bridalwear from £1500 to £4000 and sample gowns from £500 (next sample sale is Sunday 28 February). Details of 2016 events on www.pantilesbride.com or on Facebook.

34 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN. 01892 514515

JENNY PACKHAM 2016 COLLECTION Monroe headband & Monroe earrings

TRAVELLING IN STYLE Make your wedding day seamless with a double decker for your guests

Wednesday 17th February 2016

l(ITCHENS, BATHROOMS & INTERIORS

SUPERIOR SURROUNDINGS

Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Maidstone, Kent, ME19 6BQ 01732 848444

www.potts.ltd.uk

66 ■ FOOD AND DRINK

Some of the best beers are brewed on our doorstep

Sales of craft beers in local pubs and restaurants are apparently booming and among the most popular are those from the Long Man Brewery – just down the road at Litlington in the Cuckmere Valley of East Sussex HOP TO IT Jamie Simm on a taste break

I

F YOU’VE ever visited the South Downs, chances are you’ve spotted the iconic Long Man of Wilmington; at 226ft tall, the imposing image is cut into the steep slope of Windover Hill and remains a major local landmark, as well as one of the largest representations of a human figure anywhere in the world.

It’s from this famous monument that Long Man Brewery naturally takes its name. Founded in 2012 by locals Stephen Lees, Duncan Ellis and head brewer Jamie Simm, the award-winning hop house is based in the nearby village of Litlington in the Cuckmere Valley, at the heart of the South Downs National Park.

The Long Man headquarters can be found at Church Farm, where the Ellis family has been overseeing operations for three generations. And with Stephen and Jamie’s respective experience at beverage suppliers HT White and The Royal Tunbridge Wells Brewery, it has become one of

Wednesday 17th February 2016

the fastest growing breweries in the South East, where a love of all things local underpins each and every drop of its eclectic range of beers.

“Long Man employs over ten people, the majority of whom live within the Cuckmere Valley; half of the team actually live within the village of Litlington,” says Jamie. “There’s a real passion for great beer and for the local community within the team, and a great calibre of committed staff in the area. East Sussex alone has in excess of 60 breweries, which shows the strength of the industry and the demand in the South East of England for great beers.”

Such demand stems from the brewery’s use of local ingredients to produce award-winning brews like the ‘seriously hopped’ American Pale Ale and the ever popular Long Blonde. Certainly, Long Man’s success is well-deserved, as the brewery strives to be as self-sufficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.

“Each beer we produce is the end result of not trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather to get back to basics and produce consistently high-quality, handcrafted, cask-conditioned bitter,” continues Jamie. “Our identity lies within our commitment to use the best and most locally sourced ingredients. Without a doubt, recipe formulation is the best part of the job. It perfectly reflects the blend of science and art required to work within this industry.”

In addition to using their own barley, which is grown on the downs overlooking Eastbourne, Stephen, Duncan and Jamie ensure that all waste products are used on the surrounding farmland, while waste water is channelled to irrigate crops and spent grain is used to feed livestock.

They’ve even ventured into more philanthropic ventures, helping to raise money for the Eastbourne Pier Benevolent Fund with their Craft Pier brew.

But it’s the locality of East Sussex that remains the star of the show, as a backto-basics approach throughout the South East has seen breweries like Long Man come to the forefront of the region’s beer making industry, coinciding with punters’ penchants for no-nonsense, good quality ales. To that end, villages

like Litlington have made their mark as go-to destinations for the real deal.

“In recent times there has been a perfect storm of increased demand, a desire for decent beer and a boredom about the mass-produced ‘wet air’ on offer,” Jamie says. “In an interesting turn, the British market is now starting to be increasingly influenced by the American craft scene, and for this reason, among others, the industry is starting to endorse both cask and keg beers.”

And the industry is starting to take note of smaller breweries, too, which have now become major players on the national pub circuit.

Today, Long Man supplies more than 80 outlets throughout the UK and has won its fair share of awards, including Europe’s Best Pale Ale at the World Beer Awards for its APA, and a recent Silver Medal at the International Beer Challenge for Long Blonde. Pretty impressive for any brewery, let alone one of such independent stature; but, as Jamie concludes, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in versatility.

“Local brewers are perfectly placed to be close to the preferences of the local end consumer and understand their desires, while being agile enough to produce a range of beers and regular guests that cater for the tastes of the most demanding beer connoisseur.”

FOOD AND DRINK ď Ž

67

On the menu at...

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1 BLT Baguette

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2 Beer Battered Cod fillet with chips and peas 3 Crispy Chicken burger 4 Steak and Ale pie with mash 5 Bubble and squeak topped with smoked salmon and fried egg 6 Traditional roast beef lunch with giant Yorkshire pudding 7 Bread platter sharer

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8 Rib-eye steak with portobello mushroom, and vine tomatoes

The Wheatsheaf, Mount Pleasant, Crowborough, TN6 2NF | 01892 663756 | www.wheatsheafcrowborough.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

WITH THE

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

FIRST DRIVE:

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

JEEP RENEGADE NIGHT EAGLE

By Matt Kimberley WHAT’S NEW? The Renegade is a chunky little crossover with SUV looks and, at the top end of the range, the guts to back up its beefy appearance. It’s yours in more efficient two-wheel or surprisingly capable four-wheel drive guises, including a Trail Rated version that adds a small fortune to the price but turns it into a tenacious little off-roader. The Night Eagle is a special edition limited to just a few hundred units in the UK, with a handful of European markets getting small numbers as well. It gets some specification upgrades, although these haven’t been fully confirmed for the UK market yet, and a semi-matt dark grey paint option that looks the business.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Who doesn’t love a limited edition, right? Buyers will hope that extra kudos points attached to Night Eagle models will improve residual values, but don’t count on dealer-sourced finance to reflect that. Still, the chance to own something much less common has got to carry some weight in the showroom. Personally, I love the Renegade’s style. It has signature Jeep features like the seven-section grille and the trapezoidal wheel arches, but the boxy shape around them is as classic as it is contemporary. From the high driver’s seat, the bonnet bulges into view and makes the car feel both bigger and meaner than it really is.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The boot is quite big thanks to the height on offer. At 351 litres you’ll find more space than in a Ford Focus but less than in a Seat Leon or the Renault Captur with its seats pushed all the way back for maximum rear legroom. The Captur’s boot is expandable to an amazing 455 litres, too, so there are better options for space hunters.

There’s ample rear legroom, to give the Renegade its credit, but unlike the Cherokee Night Eagle, it holds onto cloth seats.

The Cherokee equivalent gets leather. Practicality in the smaller car should be boosted by rear parking sensors, which aren’t standard on the Longitude model upon which the Night Eagle is based.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

VALUE FOR MONEY BEHIND THE WHEEL It’s true there’s not that much going on to tempt too much You sit high above the road, eyeballing van drivers and extra money out of buyers, but technological additions do surveying the kingdom of your driveway, if you have one. add a bit of value. The choice could turn out to be a coin-toss You’re almost above the pedals compared to the driving between this and a standard but higher-spec Renegade. There position in lower cars, but there’s plenty of space and are many people out there, though, that just want that extra the steering wheel doesn’t clash with your knees. exclusivity, and the Night Eagle hits the spot.

Dark styling details are Night Eagle add-ons but very little is actually different to an ordinary Renegade.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The diesel engine is a bit Young families are the main target noisy here, but it’s audience for the Renegade, and strong at low revs, FACTS AT A GLANCE specifically ones that engage with punting the little PRICE: Jeep Renegade Night Eagle, price TBC either the freedom-focused Jeep Jeep up the road (circa £20,000) ideology or the dozens of cute little easily. It could design ‘Easter eggs’ that are hidden in be taller-geared ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 138bhp and around the car. Go and have a look for lower cruising and 258lb/ft at one and keep your eyes peeled... revs, but the other side of TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual driving all THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE the coin is that four wheels WORD: Neat down-shifts are PERFORMANCE: Top speed 113mph, 0-62mph rarely needed in 10.2 seconds IF THIS CAR WAS A...: soldier in a for motorway military drama TV series, it would overtakes. The ride FUEL ECONOMY: 61.4mpg combined be the little guy who’s always strikes an average for cracking jokes, but can mix it the sector, between EMISSIONS: 134g/km with the best on the front line. comfort and sportiness.

MOTORS n

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IS THE ORIGINAL SUV STILL THE BEST? Take a closer look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee and you'll begin to see why it is the most awarded suv· ever.

Is it the best? Book a test drive and you decide.

Oo/o APR REPRESENTATIVEt TO £3,000 JEEP DEPOSIT CO

Model shown is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 litre V6 Summit at £51.715 OTR including special paint at £710. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE JEEP@GRANO CHEROKEE RANGE IN MPG [L/lOOKM]: EXTRA URBAN 19.4 [9.6 ] - 43.5 [6 .51. URBAN 13 .9 [10 .31- 30.4 [9.31. COMBINED 10.9 [13 .5 ] - 37.7 [7.51. CO, EMISSIONS: 315 - 198 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representativeof real-life driving conditions. 'Claim relates to Jeep Grand Cherokee nameplate over its lifetime. 'Promotion available on new Grand Cherokee models registered between 5th January and 31st March 2016. Complimentary scheduled servicing for 3years or 30,000 miles whichever occurs first. including the first MOT on all qualifying retail sales. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Hire Purchase. 0% APR Representative Hire Purchase available for a3year term with aminimum deposit of 12% required. Finance subject to status.

Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Jeep Financial Services, PO BOX 4465. Slough, SLI ORW. We work with anumber of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep@ is aregistered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

70 n MOTORS

Model shown is the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider at OTR £63,600 which includes Alfa Red pastel paint at £600, Carbon fibre halo at £1,800, 18-19" Multi-spoke alloy wheels with dark finish at £1,350, Red brake callipers at £350. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: Urban 28.0 (10.11/100km); Extra Urban 55.4 (5.11/100km); Combined 40.9 (6.91/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 161 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.

Model shown Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Longitude Plus 185hp 4WD 9-Speed Automatic at £33,695 OTR including special paint at £650. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE NEW JEEP®CHEROKEE DIESEL RANGE IN MPG [L/100KM]: EXTRA URBAN 53.3 [5.3] 61.4 [4.6], URBAN 37.7 [7.5] - 44.1 [6.4], COMBINED 46.3 [6.1] - 53.3 [5.3], C01 EMISSIONS: 160 - 139 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO,figuresare obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions 'Than the 2.0170Active Drive I 4WO version it replaces. 'Customer deposit is £4,349. Optional Final Payment is £11,293. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on Cherokee 2.2 Longitude Plus 185hp 4WD 9-Speed Automatic registered between 1st February and 31st March 2016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subjectto the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage [a charge of 12p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example] and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Jeep Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, Sll DRW. We work with anumber of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Please visitjeep .co.uk for latest information. Jeep@is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

MOTORS n

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Open 9am-6pm Monday • Saturday 1 Oam-3pm Sunday or by appointment FULL 6 MONTHS RAC WARRANTY WITH ALL CARS ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

22-26 Wlnchelsea Road, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7EL

01797 458007 07824 096482

2008(08)Mazda MX·S I Roadfflr(Convertible]

2010(60)Vauxhall Insignia SRi CDTi Estate73,619m11es,S/H,

46,079 miles, S/H, Power steerlng,ABS,Alarm, Immobiliser,

2007 (57) Chrysl,rCros:sfire 3.2 V6 Auto Roadmr

Low Mlles(45,211), FUU MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY, MOT,

RemoteCentralLod:lng,Cl1mateControl,Cru1seControl,Tractlon

Electrlcretractablehardtop,AlrCondltlonlng,lmmoblllser,Remote CentralLocklng, PowerSteerlng,CDPlayerRad!o

cambeltChanged,CllmateControl,AdjustableSteerlngColumn, Cruise Control, Powersteerlng,ABS, Child locks,Automatlc, Electric Windows, Remote Central Locking, CD Player

2009 (09) MINI Hatchback 1.6 Cooper D Diesel, Service History, ABS, Air Conditioning, Alarm, Drivers Alrbag, Height Adjustable Drivers Seat, lmmobll!ser, Traction Control, Power Steering, PassengerAlrbag, RemoteCentralLod:lng

£7,695

£6,595

Control,DrlversAlrbag,Leatherseats,FrontElectrlcWlndows

£7,995

£7,995

INVICTA HONDA

INVICTA HONDA

Tunbridge We lls Bu siness Park, Dowd ing Way, Tunbrid ge We lls, Kent TN2 3DS Call 01892 598874 or visit www.tunbridgewell s-honda .co .uk

Sutton Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9NW Call 01622 616077 or visit www.invictamotors-honda .co .uk

2006 (06)Volkswag,n BN'd• LUna av [Conv,rtible] 69,000 m!les, Air Conditioning, Power Hood, Alann, Anti-Theft system, Central Locking, Immobiliser Locking Wheel Nuts, Remote Alann, Remote Central Locklng,Cloth Upholstery, Front Centre Alm rest

£4,300

Fuel consumption figures for the Civic Tourer SE Plus 1.6 i-DTEC Manual in mpg (11100km): Urban 67.3 (4.2), Extra Urban 78.5 (3.6), Combined 74.3 (3.8). C0 2 emissions: 99g/km.

Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience.

Model Shown: Civic Tourer SE Plus 1.6 i-DTEC Manual in Crystal Black Pearl at £22,265 On The Road (OTR). Terms and Condition s: New retail 15YM Civic Tourer ordered from 04 January 2016 to 31 March 2016 and registered by 31 March 2016. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter's absolute discretion. Not to be used along with any other offers currently available. *Ho nd a Deposit contribution: £2,000 Honda deposit contribution on Civic Tourer Diesel models purchased through Honda Aspirations. Hond a Aspirations (PCP): Minimum customer deposit 0%, maximum customer deposit 30%. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded.

Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. lnvicta M otors (Maidstone) Limited are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Pie. Cain Road , Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Finance Europe pie is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541. **5 Years ' Servicing in cludes: All scheduled servicing , as detailed in the vehicle's service book, will be covered for 5 years or 62,500 miles, whichever comes first. 5 Years' Servicing is optional. It is being offered for £555 including VAT (usual value £1,430 including VAT, resulting in a £875 saving for the customer) and is available to finance or non-finance customers. Please note, should you sell the vehicle during the period of cover, the package remains with the vehicle.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

72 ■ MOTORS

FIRST DRIVE:

By Ed Wiseman WHAT’S NEW? The Focus RS is a blue-collar hero. Since its introduction in 2002, the RS - which stands for ‘Rallye Sport’ - has been the halo model for fast Ford fans in the UK. It’s a nod to legendary cars like the RS1600 and the Sierra Cosworth, both of which were attainable and immensely quick. Prices for this car start at just under £30,000, and its driving dynamics and sheer power would challenge cars costing three times that. It’s all-wheel-drive, it hits 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and it sounds like an angry lion.

Ridiculous. This is the kind of car you could fall in love with - and then lease for £299 a month from your nearest Ford dealer.

LOOKS AND IMAGE It’s pretty subtle until you notice the more aggressive bodywork, the spoiler above the rear windscreen, and the sculpted front and rear. The launch colour is Nitrous Blue, which accounts for most of the orders currently placed, but opting for a quieter colour will create an understated ‘sleeper’ car.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Ford has used some interior space to build a unique all-wheel-drive system. You lose around 60 litres from the (already mediocre) boot, and

FORD FOCUS RS

the standard seats are bulky and eat into rear passenger legroom. Splash out on the shell seats for a more comfortable cabin. Despite being a performance-oriented car, the RS has all the mod cons you’d expect. A couple of 12v charging sockets up front, loads of stowage space, and some USB ports as well.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Ford has built a brilliant driver’s car. They even have a metric for how ‘fun’ it is to rev the engine (very), and they teamed up with stunt driver and internationally-renowned boy racer Ken Block to make a car that you can mess around in. The RS has four main driving modes. Normal, Sport, Track and Drift.

If those last two words don’t excite you, then you should probably stop reading, as the RS isn’t for you. ‘Drift’ mode enables you to drive sideways in a cloud of tyre smoke. The amount of technology that has gone into creating this preposterous toy is staggering, especially considering it has no real-world application outside a deserted carpark at 2am. It’s huge fun and very controllable, artificially creating predictable oversteer. ‘Track’ mode is where the RS really shines. Built to flatter amateurs and satisfy professionals, it really does make you look good on the track - ham-fisted driving is smoothed out by the car’s powerful computer. If you want track day success, but

lack talent, this could be the car for you.

That’s not to say it’s for beginners.

If you know what you’re doing, you’ll be able to get the most out this performance Ford - and goodness me, it’s capable.

VALUE FOR MONEY It costs around £30,000, going up to £33,000 if you tick every option.

For this you get one of the best-handling cars currently for sale, and the most versatile performance hatchback ever.

All in a sensible, five-door, family car package that you can use every day.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE Anyone who wants everyday driving fun and has £30,000 to spend on it should buy this car. You can drive it like a vanilla Focus for the most part, but every other Saturday, this family wagon will turn into a monster on the track. If you’re the kind of person to occasionally take a longer, twistier, more interesting route home, then this is the car for you.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Bonkers.

IF THIS CAR WAS A... weapon it would be a sawn-off Purdey. Impressive craftsmanship, repurposed for use by ruffians.

‘ You can drive it like a vanilla Focus for the most part, but every other Saturday, this family wagon will turn into a monster on the track’ FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: Ford Focus RS, from £29,995 ENGINE: Turbocharged petrol 2.3-litre producing 345bhp, 324lb/ft (347lb/ft on transient overboost) TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual driving all four wheels FUEL ECONOMY: 36.7mpg EMISSIONS: 175g/km of CO2 PERFORMANCE: Top speed 165mph, 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds

Wednesday 17th February 2016

LIFE AND STYLE �

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Robinson Jackson Estate agent Robinson Jackson’s Tonbridge office at 119 High Street has made an instant impact within weeks of opening, with extended opening hours seven days a week.

Branch Manager Spencer Humble highlights how the agency’s network of 23 supporting branches is redirecting London buyers to Tonbridge: “We get calls almost daily from our sister offices who have serious buyers looking in the TN postcodes. If you’re living in the Tonbridge area and want to sell, we can position your property in front of London purchasers. Equally, if you love Tonbridge and want to stay in the town, we’re here to help you move locally.”

Sussex Timber Like our buildings, Sussex Timber Products is built from the ground up, on strong foundations, and that’s how we would like to build our relationship with you, our customer.

Our aim is to make the purchase of your timber building go smoothly. We want our relationship to be a happy one, and at the conclusion we want everyone involved to have had a pleasant experience. Good customer service is the backbone of an organisation’s success, the reason is simple, the best marketing is done through word of mouth and how we treat our customers.

Specialising in aerial filming using UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) we are fully equipped for both 4K filming and photography but also specialise in 3D mapping and aerial thermal imaging; two drone applications we have developed that became commercially feasible as of 2016.

• Fully licensed by the CAA with a PFAW (permission for aerial work) • Public liability insurance up to £5,000,000 • A highly experienced crew of pilots and camera operators • State of the art aircrafts varying in size and performance to cater for any application •Ultra-high resolution cameras and the latest UAV operating systems What we do Using drones that carry a wide range of cameras to capture images and videos. We are experts in aerial filming, having commissions with commercial business markets and television productions; including the BBC, Channel 4 and 5.

3D Mapping: We create highly precise, georeferenced 2D maps and 3D models. For example, measuring stockpile or extraction volumes for earthworks. Creating NDVI maps for precision agricultural management. Generating contour lines and manage environmental changes of natural resources. Producing measurable documentation for construction, cultural heritage or archaeology site. These operations are extremely cost effective in comparison to existing modelling and mapping techniques.

Thermal imaging: We carry a high-resolution thermal imaging system that enables us to provide detailed inspections and analysis of a variety of commercial and domestic applications.

(Wind turbines, residential buildings, industrial buildings, pipelines, crop management, and solar panels)

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day On Sunday March 6th, it’s all about the mums at The Spa. We’ve got a special Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch in the Chandelier Restaurant, which includes three courses with coffee and chocolates at £39.50 per person, and all mums receive a Spa Gift.

As an alternative to Sunday Lunch, we’ve also hosting a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in our Lobby and Orangery with entertainment from our Harpist, Victoria Longhurst. Our Classic Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, delicate Afternoon Tea cakes and your choice of tea or coffee. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is £23.50 per person or £34.00 for our Champagne Tea. If your mum is in need of some well-earned pampering, our Mother’s Day Spa Package is perfect. This bespoke Spa Day includes an Express Facial and a Mini Manicure (or Pedicure), a two course light lunch with a glass of pink fizz and use of our leisure facilities. £75 per person.

To book Lunch or Afternoon Tea call 01892 520331, or to book a Spa Day call SpaSpa directly on 01892 553590 www.spahotel.co.uk

We manufacture quality bespoke timber buildings made to order. We have a long history in the manufacture and construction of garden buildings, garden offices, summer houses, garden rooms, sectional buildings and stables, timber garages and carports, carriage houses, cart lodges, and many other timber structures. We are as at home with the manufacture and construction of the humblest garden shed as we are with the complete overseeing of the design and construction of a large timber building requiring planning, building regulations, groundwork and landscaping. We offer a full turnkey service from start to finish, and do not use sub-contractors.

Our client base is extensive and includes The National Trust, East Sussex County Council, Morrison PLC, Somerfield (now part of the Co-op), The Roehampton Club, Supreme Sausages Ltd, the Darley Stud, and many more organisations and individuals. The majority of our work is for previous clients or from recommendations.

Sussex Timber Products Ltd was quite literally started in a garden shed (albeit a fairly large one) by its founders Gary and Trudy Holman. It has since progressed to somewhat larger premises more suited to the manufacture of large timber buildings and the employment of staff.

We are now a leading timber building manufacturer and continue to go from strength to strength. In 2007 we acquired the popular ‘Topwood’ brand name, and aim to continue the tradition of quality hand-built timber buildings for years to come.

For more information visit www.skyflyvideo.co.uk or call 01622 828 948 Email: admin@skyflyvideo.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

74  TRAVEL

Discover Portugal this summer…

THE ALGARVE

TWIN CENTRES

STRETCHING for 100 miles along the southern coast of Portugal the Algarve offers glorious yearround sunshine, countless sandy beaches, hidden coves, fresh Atlantic waters and a sultry Mediterranean feel.

Fig trees, orange and almond groves and meticulous vineyards dominate the gently undulating hills a few miles inland from the sea, bringing welcome bright colours to the landscape. Whether you face north, south, east or west, this stunning location is certainly a sight for sore eyes!

As well as beaches, gentle countryside and charming, unspoiled old-fashioned villages a major attraction of the Algarve is its towns. Faro, Lagos and Tavira have evident Moorish influences, Silves, Salir and Alte are quiet mountain towns and a throwback to a time when life moved at a gentler pace.

Why not make the most of your time away and consider a twin centre holiday, starting in Porto for three nights, followed by a four night stay in Amarante, Pinhao or Baiao to explore the Douro Valley?

The Alto Douro Wine region is designated a UNESCO Word Heritage Site for its outstanding beauty and the stunning landscape can be discovered by a number of differing, and sometimes delightful transport options; by hire car, giving freedom to explore at leisure, by cruise along the River Douro, or on a stunning train journey.

One of the Iberian Peninsula’s most beautiful railway journeys, Linha do Douro constitutes a 160km line which runs from Porto to Pocinho via 34 stations, 30 bridges and some 20 tunnels. For the hour long journey to Tua, which delightfully crisscrosses the river on rickety old bridges, the trip involves a change in Peso da Regua on to a smaller historic train, itself made up of specially restored carriages.

THE DOURO VALLEY From Porto to the Spanish border, the Douro Valley, boasting vineyards and wineries, quintas and pousadas, provides an area of majestic scenery with steep sided valleys, tributaries aplenty and delightful ribbon lakes formed by a total of five dams; a series of locks allows the entire 200km to be navigable.

Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley is a stunningly beautiful region of terraced vineyards and olive groves with verdant vegetation cascading down the hill slopes towards the river and its numerous tributaries. Winding from northern Spain for 200km to the Atlantic Ocean at Porto, the River Douro provides a fantastic focus with its locks, dams and ribbon lakes, and enchanting historic towns. Railway journeys are spectacular and there’s great fishing and river boat trips, plus walking and hiking through the impressive terrain.

Established in the 18th century when the port wine industry developed, this was the world’s first demarcated wine region and there are many famous port wine estates, quintas, located on the steeply terraced hillsides.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

ESTORIL COAST In the second half of the 19th century, when sea bathing became a popular activity, the town of Cascais was given the impetus which transformed it from a busy fishing port into a very fashionable summer holiday resort. Located west of Lisbon is the stunning Estoril Coast. Famed for its excellent beaches it is a fantastic choice of destination for beach-lovers. Although also boasting brilliant golf courses, a motor-racing circuit and casino it has something to entertain all its visitors.

A summer residence was built for the monarch and the King’s example was immediately copied by the nobility, who built palaces and extremely beautiful villas in the town. Nowadays, Cascais is a lively and cosmopolitan town that still preserves a great deal of its earlier aristocratic atmosphere.

Particularly recommended is a stroll through its streets, where you will find luxury boutiques or perhaps you might prefer to enjoy a few moments’ rest at one of the many outdoor cafés and restau-

LISBON Chiado city view

ESTORIL Albatroz beach

rants scattered about the town. Cascais holidays are ideal for those who wish to spend time relaxing on the glorious beaches and next, wander through the town.

The beaches continue to be one of the greatest attractions. Choose from those situated in the town’s sheltered bay or those a little further away in the area around Guincho, part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The Boca do Inferno (literally the Jaws of Hell), an inlet along the coast that is surrounded by steep rocks and caves, is a natural curiosity attracting many thousands of visitors to appreciate the brute strength of the sea.

LISBON As European capital cities go Lisbon is as understated as it is elegant. Should a beauty contest of European cities ever be held, the Portuguese capital would be assured of its place on the podium. Built on many more hills than Rome along one bank of the River Tagus and with the Atlantic

‘Railway journeys are spectacular and there’s great fishing and river boat trips, plus walking and hiking through the impressive terrain’

TRAVEL 

Ocean firmly in its sights, the combination of mountain, ocean and city makes Lisbon holidays immediately likeable and enchantingly attractive.

Although a modern cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon likes to wear its heritage on its sleeve creating an entertaining marriage of past and present. The catastrophic earthquake of 1755 might well have denied the city a plethora of world class palaces, churches and monuments, but this is more than compensated for by a graceful charm and easygoing friendliness. Alfama is the city’s bustling medieval quarter, Belem the cultural heart and museum district and Bairro da Lapa its most elegant residential neighbourhood and for those looking for something more classical, this area is well worth a visit. Baixa is the area in which to shop and the Parque das Nacoes houses a hightech entertainment park and the world’s largest and finest aquarium, Oceanario de Lisboa. City

breaks are perfect to visit Lisbon, or for a longer stay this fascinating and elegant destination has plenty to offer.

Fantastic by both day and night, holidays to Lisbon can be filled with sightseeing or lounging at a cafe or dining at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, or what we highly recommend is a combination of them all. Visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge located at the top at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill, with fabulous gardens and wonderful views. It is a perfect place to visit on Lisbon holidays. Equally for those seeking more classical Lisbon, the districts of Alfama and Belem are ideal places to visit with their medieval architecture and cobbled winding streets. It is a wonderful place to explore and discover hidden gems on city breaks to Lisbon.

Baxia boasts bustling squares and is the centre for shopping in Lisbon and the neighbouring district of Bairro Alto is the centre of the city’s nightlife.

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ESTORIL Cascais Miragem view from hotel

PORTUGAL Intercontinental Porto executive room view

Wednesday 17th February 2016

76 ■ ARTS & CULTURE

Choirs for people who love to sing

At inChoir, singers of all abilities are invited to come along and join in with some truly inspiring and uplifting music. Musical director Mark Heppell tells us how the Tunbridge Wells branch is getting local members involved, and why singing can help enhance their wellbeing, confidence and health Tell us how inChoir began We originally started in East Grinstead seven years ago. We had some success there, so launched another branch in Haywards Heath, and thought it would be nice to try it in Tunbridge Wells. We launched there about five years ago and found ourselves a venue to see whether it would work. We had a couple of people who used to come over from Tunbridge Wells to East Grinstead, so it seemed like a sensible place to try for another branch. We’ve got a dozen branches altogether.

How many members do you have in the Tunbridge Wells branch?

It’s gone from strength to strength over those few years, and we get up to 80 people on a weekly basis now. Not everybody comes every week, as life gets in the way sometimes, but generally speaking, 75 to 80 is what we get on a weekly basis. We have a very wide age range; we’ve got a few teenagers and people in their 20s across some of the choirs we run, right through to people in their 80s and everything in between, so it’s a very wide range.

Are there similar trends in the audiences you attract?

It’s open to absolutely everybody, and very often the choir members themselves are the ones who are attracting the audience, because they invite people to come and see them.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

Very often, people will come because they’ve seen something advertised in a programme somewhere and go along and watch. We get a very wide range in the audience, the same as we do in the choir.

Whereabouts are you based?

We rehearse in Christ Church on the High Street.

We meet there on a Wednesday evening from 8pm until 9.30pm, and we’re there pretty much every week during the school term time. In terms of performances, we get asked for a wide range of things, some of which are bigger than others.

Last year, for instance, we sang at the Assembly Hall a couple of times, and on one occasion we were supporting Russell Watson, which was very exciting. On a smaller local basis, we’ve sung on the bandstand in The Pantiles and at Hoopers department store.

Do you tend to perform further afield?

Sometimes the Tunbridge Wells choir will combine with other choirs and we’ll sing in other places, such as the Brighton Dome, where we had a big concert in July last year with about 500 choir members altogether. We’ve sung at Abbey Road Studios and recorded a couple of songs, which we’ve been selling to donate the proceeds to Children in Need.

We sang at the Edinburgh Festival during the summer, and a few of us went over to America, where we sang in Boston and at the Hard Rock Café in Niagara Falls. We sing in all sorts of places; it might be anything from a school fete or a private wedding, up to the Assembly Hall or the Edinburgh Festival, or anything in between.

What was it like recording at Abbey Road?

It was absolutely amazing. It’s the biggest recording studio in Europe, and possibly the world, so we

were able to get 170 people into the studio in the morning, and then another 170 in the afternoon, so getting on for 350 people on our two recordings that we made. Studio Two, which was the studio The Beatles used for the majority of their recordings, we used as a cloakroom! But Studio One, which is where we were, is an absolutely cavernous, amazing studio where The Beatles recorded All You Need Is Love, and where the theme tunes for the Harry Potter and Star Wars films were recorded. It was absolutely amazing just to be there and see all the photographs on the walls.

Is your repertoire quite varied?

It’s fairly contemporary. For instance, we’ve done songs that have been in the charts in the last couple of years, like Adele, Olly Murs and Jason Mraz, and we’ll go back probably as far as songs

by Frank Sinatra and anything in between.

So, we do uplifting, popular, modern songs, but it depends on your age as to how modern you think Frank Sinatra is! We do songs from modern musicals as well, but we don’t really do much by way of classical music.

Your slogan is, ‘Modern choirs for people who love to sing’ – where did this come from?

The reason for the slogan is that we like to be open to absolutely anybody, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve had no experience, or if you’ve never sung before; you might have sung in the shower or in the car, but you’ll still be ever so welcome to join, so it’s a real opportunity for people to get to perform at some of these places, which you could never do in other circumstances. People can’t go and sing at the Assembly Hall on their own, but they can come and do it with inChoir, which is a nice opportunity that we’re able to give people.

And how is it paid for?

People have two options: they can pay for a term up front and get a couple of free sessions, or on a pay-as-you-go basis if life gets in the way. It’s £7 a week on a pay-as-you-go basis, and we’re a limited company, so we’re paid and it’s our living.

Why is singing such a popular pastime in and around Tunbridge Wells?

I think people have maybe seen choirs.

For instance, when we performed in Hoopers and The Pantiles just before Christmas last year, we had a lot of people

ARTS & CULTURE �

77

CHORAL CALENDAR

Here are some of inChoir’s upcoming events to look forward to ■ March 5 2016 – 11.30am Burgess Hill Library inChoir members will be performing twice in Burgess Hill library today. First at 11.30am and then again at 12.30pm.

■ March 12 2016 – 11am Crawley Library We’ll be completing our mini tour of West Sussex libraries today

‘We like to be open to absolutely anybody, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve had no experience, or if you’ve never sung before’ stopping, looking and asking for information, because they can see it’s a lot of fun.

Would you say there’s an element to it of singing being a health benefit?

I’m not a doctor and make no scientific claims for what we do, but I think that when people try it, there’s no question that it’s very good for you. If you come and sing for an hour and a half, you do go home feeling uplifted and you can definitely feel the difference in your personal wellbeing. It makes you feel very good.

It must be very rewarding for members, particularly if they have limited experience in singing…

The thing about a choir is that, if you get 20, 30 or 40 people together, the sound that comes out is really, really lovely. When you get a group of singers, it’s a sound like nothing else, and it really is a very uplifting, fun thing to be a part of, so I think that’s why people do it, because they get such a lot of pleasure out of it.

Big names like Gareth Malone must help boost your numbers…

Every time he’s on television, it definitely does have an impact on us, because people see how much fun it is, and they look for a choir in

with a performance at Crawley library.

■ March 25 2016 – 12pm Lingfield Park Racecourse On Good Friday, around 200 inChoir members will be singing at Lingfield Park Racecourse on All Weather Championship Finals Day. We believe we are right in saying that this is the only racing in the country on

Good Friday, and Channel 4 will be televising the event, so you never know!

■ April 1 2016 – 7.30pm Blake inChoir members will today be supporting the fabulous classical boy band Blake in a show at The Capitol Theatre in Horsham. More details from The Capitol Theatre on 01403 750 220.

their local area. He’s done an awful lot to help bring singing to the masses, and that’s exactly what we’re looking to do in a smaller, more local way. But he tends to be much more interested in auditioning and getting the highest possible quality he can, whereas we’re trying to be open to absolutely anybody who’d like to have a go, so there’s a difference in that respect.

Any plans for the coming year?

We’ll carry on in much the same vein as we have. We’re always looking for new places to sing, and we’ve got one or two things up our sleeves for this year. We have some very interesting and exciting places coming up to sing, and some trips during the course of 2016 as well. We do quite a lot of trips, some local and some further afield. For instance, we’re going to sing at Disneyland Paris in May, then later in May we’re going to join forces with a local choir in Tuscany for a week, so we’ve got those sorts of trips coming up, as well as a few performances.

Sounds like you’ll be keeping busy!

What tends to happen with the choir is that it gets very popular in December, and we’re also very popular in the summer, so this time of year is generally when we’re starting out on the year’s adventures, but it takes a bit longer, before we have things coming up. We’re hoping to be singing at Lingfield Park Racecourse in March, and one or two other things as the year progresses.

To find out more about inChoir, visit www.inchoir.co.uk or call 01342 760 078.

You can also like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/inchoir or follow them on Twitter @inChoir

Wednesday 17th February 2016

78 ■ WHAT’S ON A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music

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

SEVEN DAYS OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Dave Barnett of TW events

A selection of events in Tunbridge Wells.

For more details visit: www.tunbridgewellsevents. co.uk/thisweek

SWEET MUSIC McCrei

Here are my picks for the week. This is just a small selection of events available in and around Tunbridge Wells. For more details visit the website or follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

LOCAL & LIVE I Am Aquitaine

THERE are plenty of great gigs to choose from this week. Here are my top pics of the week:

& Live Electric: All The Above & Young Apollo.

PICK OF THE WEEK…

The Pantiles.

Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. www.pdag.co.uk /www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY - Harry Whitty, Stuart Worsell, Perter Mercer, Benjamin Lewis FRIDAY - (9.30pm till late) Soul Kitche SATURDAY - (9.30pm till late) Over The Edg SUNDAY – Alex Beharrell, James McMaster, Tides, Son Of Kirk TUESDAY – Terri Bradley, Steve Hewitt, Anna Howie, The Varlies WEDNESDAY - MusicStation Presents, Nate Austin, Niamh McSmith, Quentin Holway

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

This Wednesday, the Open Mic at Scallywag Café with Charlie and Tom is great fun, all musicians and singers welcome. For jazz lovers, the brilliant June Beckles and Roger Lewin will be at The Cross Keys.

This Friday night, if you fancy having a boogie, I recommend two great live covers bands - Groove Platform at No.9 Smokehouse and Between Giants at Cassidy’s Bar. Some fantastic local bands will be in action at the first Local & Live Sessions of 2016 at Trinity Theatre this Saturday night featuring special guests: I Am Aquitaine + McCrei.

Also taking place this Saturday night, local singer-songwriter Ashley Evans will be performing a vibrant mix of covers and originals at The Bedford Pub. Local four-piece ‘Son of Kirk’ return to The Grey Lady this Sunday with support from Tides + James McMaster and Alex Beharrell.

THE BEAU NASH,

WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk SATURDAY - Refugease presents : Smells like the 90s FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 26) - Local

Wednesday 17th February 2016

TRINITY THEATRE

Show times and ticket information at www.trinitytheatre.net SATURDAY - Local & Live sessions: I Am Aquitaine + McCrei + The Paul Dunton Orchestra CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR

Castle Street, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late times available at www.twjazzclub.co.uk FRIDAY - Between Giants

MOUNT EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY - Red Rooster NO9 SMOKEHOUSE, 9 NEVILL STREET FRIDAY - Groove Platform THE BEDFORD PUB

THE TUNBRIDGE

website: www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY - Sonny's Jazz: June Beckles & Roger Lewin THURSDAY – Open Mic Night FRIDAY – Sonny’s Blues: Refer to venue website above MONDAY – TWUNT: Ukulele Jam WEDNESDAY - Sonny’s Jazz: Charles Alexander and Andy Robinson

2 High Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY - Ashley Evans THE CROSS KEYS

St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm,

SCALLYWAG

45 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply WEDNESDAY - Open Mic Night with Champagne Charlie and Tom Carradine FRIDAY - Ed Watts (jazz piano) THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, live music from mid-afternoon onwards SATURDAY - Duvet Dogs MONDAY - Open Mic/Jam Session

>> WEDNESDAY There are just two films at Trinity this week and they’re both today. First it’s The Good Dinosaur in the afternoon which should keep the kids quiet for a while, followed by Listen To Me Marlon, a documentary that looks at the life behind the public persona of Marlon Brando. It’s been highly praised so is a must-see film for fans of the man or cinema in general.

Some of our cafes put on good interactive events.

This evening we have Tunbridge Wells Writers’ Read Your Words at Javabean on the High Street and a Champagne Charlie Open Mic Night at Scallywag on Mt Ephraim. But you don’t have to perform. Just go along and have a good time. While you’re at Javabean don’t forget to check out the pictures on the wall. This exhibition by local photographer Carl Abrams features some stunning scenes. >> THURSDAY And on the subject of open mic nights, some of our pubs do great events too and there’s one at the Cross Keys tonight. It’s also the regular night for the Sussex Arms quiz.

I’ve only recently got into the Picture House at Uckfield but I like what they do. This evening they are holding a Dad’s Army themed dinner and dance.

Sounds like a good evening to me.

Before all this, though, the Spa Valley Railway are holding their first lunchtime fish ‘n’ chips special today and as it’s kids for a quid for the rest of the services you can steam up and down the line all day.

Rounding off a busy Thursday, Trinity has a repeat screening of the English National Opera’s The Mikado produced by Jonathan Miller. This Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera is one of their best. >> FRIDAY Friday night is music night in Tunbridge Wells with performances ranging from the top of town all the way to the bottom including The Cross Keys, Scallywag, The Grey Lady and the No 9 Smokehouse. Check Paul’s column [left] for more details.

Trinity have a turn from one of Radio 4’s comedy stars. Mark Steel’s new show is all about himself as he explores the story of his adoption. Profound stuff, but funny and moving with some interesting twists.

>> SATURDAY Saturday night is another music night in Tunbridge Wells with more performances across the town, including The Beau Nash, Trinity, (including McCrei above), The Forum, and The Grey Lady. Again check Paul for more details.

Fancy venturing into the great outdoors?

Head down to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park this morning and you can help out with planting some native species to brighten up the park this spring.

All welcome and free - just wrap up warm.

Thomas the Tank Engine and friends return to the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden for the weekend, with themed activities both days and a chance to ride the trains. It’s a good way to end the half term holiday.

Over in Tonbridge, the Oast Theatre begins a run of Blood Money where a celebrity couple with a secret return home to find their home trashed and a name daubed on the wall in blood. This runs to next Saturday (the play, that is, not the blood). >> SUNDAY This morning sees the start of the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, at 9am in Southborough if you want to cheer them off. This gruelling 13- mile route takes you up hill (I remember it well) and down dale as it loops out to Penshurst and back. If you’re running, good luck, and if you’re not get out to Mt Ephraim and St John’s from about 10am to cheer them home.

I like to see the Opera House used for its original purpose and today we will see just that as Tunbridge Wells-based company Merry Opera perform Puccini’s La Boheme on the stage there. >> MONDAY I imagine anyone who wanted to see Kenneth Branagh’s production of The Winter’s Tale starring Judi Dench would have seen it by now, but no, there’s another repeat performance at the Uckfield Picture House today. >> TUESDAY The Trinity Theatre Company begins a short run of Dial M for Murder. This play, made famous by the classic Hitchcock film, is being performed with a black and white design with atmospheric set and lighting so it should be interesting to watch. Like Blood Money, this runs to Saturday.

WHAT’S ON ■

Lulu is ready to Cry on tour with Military Wives Choirs

EMPATHY Lulu feels for the choirs’ cause LULU has performed with plenty of artistes over the years – Elton John, Atomic Kitten and Ronan Keating to name but a few. But this spring she takes sharing the stage to a whole new level as she embarks on a nationwide tour – with a different Military Wives Choir in each venue. The thinking behind the tour – and in particular the military link – was inspired by a matter very close to Lulu’s heart, post traumatic stress disorder.

Now she has teamed up with The Military Wives Choirs for the release of a new single, Cry, which will be released on Friday, February 26, with all proceeds donated to The Military

Wives Choirs Foundation charity.

She said: “Having a different Military Wives Choir join me on stage every night will be a lot of fun. But on a more serious note, later in my life I was diagnosed as having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and what that did was help me to relate even more with our men and women in the armed forces.

“I realised I would like to do something to help, so we recorded Cry and my brother and I rewrote the lyrics to apply specifically to the military.

“PTSD is not just about physical scars, it’s about the emotional scars,

and they run very deep. They are enormous and very difficult to deal with. We need everybody’s support.”

To highlight the single’s release, Lulu will perform the song with a different Military Wives Choir at each gig on her 35-date UK tour, which comes to the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells in April. This is a challenge that has never been done before by a mainstream artist.

The Military Wives Choirs Foundation is a charity that brings women in the military community closer together through singing. Being part of a Military Wives Choir makes a positive difference to women’s lives by improving wellbeing, building friendships and developing skills.

The impact of military operations can often last far longer than the conflict itself; but military wives are there to support their husbands for the long term, for the good and bad times.

Sara Scott, Trustee of The Military Wives Choirs Foundation, said: “We are delighted to team up with the amazing Lulu for the release of Cry. Women are the strength behind the strong, and there is now a network of 75 choirs on military bases across the UK and overseas. The opportunity for different Military Wives Choirs to perform Cry with Lulu at each date of her UK tour is such an honour.”

Cry will be available to download from Friday, February 26. It will also be available to buy at each of Lulu’s tour venues.

Lulu and the Military Wives Choir will be at the Assembly Hall on Monday, April 18.

79

The Pantaloons are just Wilde about ‘Earnest’ A TRIO of homegrown talent bring Oscar Wilde’s most infamous play to Trinity Theatre for a one-night show in March.

The Pantaloons, a theatre group formed when the three founder members met at Kent University, will be playing The Importance of Being Earnest on Thursday, March 17.

Artistic director Stephen Purcell has directed many shows for the Pantaloons, including Shakespeare’s Macbeth and The Canterbury Tales, and he says this production will draw on their usual energetic concoction of classicism and wackiness.

He says: “Everybody loves Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn’t exist. Or does he? We will be giving Oscar Wilde’s comic masterpiece The Pantaloons treatment in our anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners.

“This energetic show features all the usual Wildean wit, plus a few Pantaloony surprises, including singing butlers, travel by means of musical montage and a post-interval Hollywood-style recap.”

Stephen is now professor of Shakespeare and performance studies at Warwick University, and as well as performing he has written a number of works on Shakespeare and his contemporaries. He is joined by producers Mark Haywood and Caitlin Storey.

He says: “The Pantaloons draw from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions, from commedia dell’arte and pantomime to stand-up comedy and silent movies, to bring what we consider to be a vital sense of ‘play’ back to classical performance.

“We aim to recapture an aspect of drama which the modern naturalistic theatre has lost: The riotous energy of the clown. Your imagination is just as important as ours. We ask you to become co-creators of the play world with us.”

To buy tickets for the play at Trinity Theatre go to: www.trinitytheatre.net or call the box office on 01892 678 678

ANARCHIC The Pantaloons bring their individual take on Oscar Wilde to Trinity Theatre

To book Tunbridge Wells tickets call 01892 530 613.

Or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 17th February 2016

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS �

Kent Barker Country matters

83

After taking a leap from London, the plan was to start a new life in the countryside and a career as a famous author. Instead I acquired a dog and part-time work managing a community orchard. You can read these experiences on my blog: www.kentcountrymatters.blogspot.co.uk

Passing of a singularly cerebral architect

W

HENEVER he came back to England, Geoff would always be sure to visit our house, driven down to the country by his longsuffering wife, June. Actually, I don’t think she was that long-suffering, it’s just that she often complained he’d never learned to drive and so, throughout their 65 years of marriage, and the raising of four children, she’d been the family chauffeur. Mind you, I very much doubt if she would ever have dared get into a car with Geoff at the wheel. His cerebral mind would never have stooped to such mundane things as gear changes or traffic lights or, indeed, other road users.

Geoff’s association with the place I now live began immediately after the war when my father invited him home to meet his parents. The two had been war buddies in a decidedly eccentric theatrical troupe known as the ‘Balmorals’. This was the army’s answer to ENSA which, after D-Day, toured newly liberated France, Belgium and finally Germany with shows for the front-line soldiers mounted in barns and derelict theatres.

Geoff had been recruited rather late into this band of brothers as a scenery painter – somewhat less glamorous, if decidedly safer, than his role as a war artist during the Normandy beach landings. Anyway, he and my father began a friendship which lasted half a century and brought our two families into close, if irregular proximity.

After the war, Geoff qualified as an architect, married June, and went off to America, first to Harvard and then to Chicago, where he was employed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, pioneers of the modern ‘glass box’ skyscraper.

Returning to England in 1954. this experience proved bankable and he was commissioned to design a modernistic headquarters for the fabric firm Sanderson.

On one of his last visits to London Geoff could be found in the courtyard garden of this Berners Street listed building, recently remodelLed as a swanky boutique hotel. With flowing silver locks and full beard, he held court reminiscing about the emerging pop art movement in postwar Britain. He’d been part of the Independent Group of artists and designers who had staged a seminal exhibition at the Whitechapel Art

SANDERSON BUILDING Designed by Geoff Holroyd and now a London boutique hotel.

Gallery in 1956, questioning the tenets of traditional and modern art.

Before long he and June and the four children departed for the States again.

Geoff had a job teaching architecture at the University of New Mexico, but it was really just a cover for the major project he’d embarked on. He’d already met Charles and Ray Eames in London, and been transfixed by their iconoclastic approach to modern architecture. Geoff had written about them and their extraordinary Santa Monica house in the Architectural Review. Now he decided nothing less than a full book about their designs and philosophy would do. And thus began perhaps the longest gestation of any work of non-fiction known to mankind.

Part of the problem was that New Mexico was rather too far from Southern California for the non-driving Geoff to visit and interview his subjects. Even moving the family to San Luis Obispo on the Pacific Coast didn’t help much. As professor of Architecture at Cal Poly, there were lectures to prepare and faculty parties to attend, and local wines to be drunk. And the deeper Geoff got into his research the more difficulty he seemed to have explaining it. Certainly on my visits to him in California, or his to me in Kent, I found myself

struggling to grapple with his concept of the Eames’ ‘duelist strategy of treating structure and decoration… as two ideas in disagreement with each other… becoming a paradigm for a controlled dichotomy’.

But Geoffery was clearly lapping it up and soon gave up teaching to devote himself full time to his magnus opus. June later complained that he never worked again nor contributed any income to the family funds. This was not entirely true because, along with her and their two sons, Geoff started designing a series of upmarket houses in the Santa Barbara area that became known as the Holroyd Houses.

Well, it is possible that June did the bulk of the draftsmanship while Geoff theoreticised or conceptualised on Hispanic/Mediterranean architectural style, but at least he still contributed something.

Recently the local Santa Barbara museum honoured him with an exhibition recreating his 1956 This Was Tomorrow exhibit known as Group 12 and then, last year, he suddenly announced that after almost exactly 50 years his book on the Eameses was finished. It was not a good career move. He died at the end of last month aged 92.

Geoff had a singular physical characteristic.

Cut onions never made him cry. I’ll always remember him madly chopping away in my kitchen whenever he visited. It’s a very great sadness he won’t do so again.

Wednesday 17th February 2016

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Swarovski Tunbridge Wells Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN l 2SS

SWAROVSKI

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Has the tide of justice turned for fathers in the family courts?

Thousands of parents run the contact and residence battle every year. They argue and fight over who the children should live with and when contact should take place.

BY MAX BARFORD It’s not surprising considering the emotional stress that’s experienced when faced with the life changing event that comes with ending a relationship. For the majority of parents an amicable agreement based on what is in the best interests of the child will be agreed without any intervention from the Courts but for many who cannot reach that agreement an application to the Court is often the next step. Generally, the Courts will not intervene in contact and living arrangements of children unless one party makes an application for what is now called a Child Arrangement Order. This was previously known as an application for contact and/or residence before changes to the law came into effect in April 2014. It was a contact application that started the Ethan Williams court battle that has received so much press coverage recently.

The unusual thing about Ethan’s contact battle was that the media was allowed to report the case. In this case the Court made a decision to relax the limitation on publishing details in order to assist in locating Ethan’s whereabouts after his mother ran away with Ethan after the Court had ordered that he should live with his father even though his application to the Court had been for contact with his son.

Now that the mother has returned Ethan to his father the Judge must also take into consideration her reckless behaviour. The mother will have a long way to go to show she can be trusted by Ethan’s father or the Judge. There will be further hearings to determine how often she sees Ethan and there is every possibility that this will result in even less contact with Ethan. How the Judge deals with the mother will remain to be seen but the one thing her conduct will not achieve is the

reviewing of the change of Ethan’s primary residence to his father.

If you are involved in or considering arrangements for children it is very important to understand what the process is and what orders the Court can make including that the Court has the power to change which parent a child lives with where the Court believes it is in the best interests of a child to do so.

As an experienced Family Law Solicitor I have advised many parents over the years and helped them achieve the best outcome possible in their circumstances. In many cases matters can be resolved relatively quickly through correspondence from your legal advisor and without recourse to the Courts. Mediation and collaborative law can also assist with reaching an agreement that is acceptable to both parents. An application to the Courts should only take place when you are unable to reach an agreement. It should be remembered that an application to the Court means that a judge will decide when and if contact should take place with a parent and/or where your child should live.

Ethan’s case is full of heartbreak and emotion but the Judge has sent a clear message that parents who do not focus on what is in the best interests of the child will have an impact on what the Judge orders when considering contact and residence arrangements. Attention must also be paid to the harsh consequences of breaching a Court Order. In the past some judges have issued little more than stern words to the party breaching the Court Order in family contact cases but more recently the tide appears to be turning and breaches are not accepted and consequences will follow. This is an important point.

The Court simply must not be seen as willing to ignore breaches of its own Orders and allow parties to take matters into their own hands.

My advice to any parent facing the stress of contested child care arrangements is to get good legal advice at the start and understand what your options are and work with

In many cases matters can be resolved relatively quickly through correspondence from your legal advisor

your legal advisor to resolve matters on a conciliatory basis as far as possible and always focus on what’s in the best interests of your child.

If all else fails an application to the Court can be made and the judge will decide.

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Wednesday 17th February 2016

Executors risk potential claims using DIY probate applications

WHENEVER we think of solicitors one of the first thoughts that springs to mind are expensive fees and processes that seem to go on forever.

Perhaps this is the reason why some choose to take the DIY route when dealing with the Estate of a loved one. Although this route is not for everyone – the number of personal applications being made to the probate registry are on the increase.

We saved one of our clients over £115,000 in tax, so even after the payment of our fees the beneficiaries received more by instructing us than if they had done it themselves.

BY CATRINA DODDS

So what are the benefits and disadvantages of instructing a solicitor?

The most obvious benefit when dealing with the matter yourself is the saving on legal costs to the Estate. For many, this is the main reason for the Executors or personal representative (if the deceased died without a valid Will) making the probate application themselves. The DIY route is fine for many if the Estate is a straightforward, non-taxable Estate. The downside for the DIY Executor/personal representative is that, firstly, the Executors are personally responsible to the Estate and beneficiaries, which means they must accept any liability if things go wrong.

Secondly, they have to be willing to invest the time it takes to prepare the probate papers, possibly attend an interview at the probate registry to obtain the grant of probate and then collect in all the assets and distribute them in accordance with the Will or letters of administration. There is also a risk of not dealing with certain things such as the income tax of the deceased with HMRC and protecting the Estate

by advertising notices if required and minimising any tax payable.

So it’s clear it is possible to complete the process yourself, but when should you consider getting expert advice and instructing a solicitor, rather than doing it yourself?

There are a number of reasons to instruct a solicitor. One of the common reasons is simply when you don’t feel able to do it yourself or if you’re not willing to accept the risk if a mistake is made. However, there are also a number of lesser known reasons why instructing a solicitor is a good idea.

Did you know that instructing a solicitor, who is a specialist in Probate, taxation and administering an Estate could actually save the Estate money and on many occasions it can even pay for itself and leave more in the Estate to be distributed?

Solicitors who are experts in this field, not only know the process of obtaining the grant of Probate and administering the Estate, they know when to challenge inheritance tax calculations. This ensures the minimum

amount of tax on the Estate is paid and the savings can be substantial - in a recent case we saved one of our clients over £115,000 in tax on the Estate, so even after the payment of our legal fees the beneficiaries of the Estate received more inheritance by instructing us than if they had done it themselves. In addition, they didn’t have the inconvenience and loss of their time in dealing with it themselves.

We also look to see that the Will is as tax efficient as possible at the time of death, even though it may have been prepared many years earlier. If it isn’t, we will look at options available to minimise the amount of tax paid.

This again often results in tax savings to the Estate which can be substantial and frequently amounts to tens of thousands of pounds saved which in turn is passed on to the beneficiaries.

So when is it advisable to instruct a solicitor?

In addition to the examples set out above. You should always get legal advice if: • The Estate is a taxable Estate • The terms of the Will are not clear • The person who died has left money

or property in a trust • Part of the Estate is to pass to children under the age of 18 • There is land or property abroad • There is a business • Anyone is likely to dispute the Will.

Instructing a solicitor to deal with the Probate and administration of an Estate is an investment both emotionally and financially. You need to make sure that the person you are instructing is an expert in this field and is able to demonstrate to you that they offer a service that is tailored to your needs and that all tax implications are fully considered and challenges are made when appropriate. There are many Probate services that other low fixed fees and promise to turn your Probate and administration around in record time. The real reason for instructing a solicitor to deal with the Probate is to ensure that the taxes that are paid by the Estate are kept to a minimum and that the Estate is protected from any future claims. It is not just about offering a conveyor belt Probate process.

We have many years experience of dealing with not only the application process, but also with taxation issues,

Max Barford & Co. is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulations Authority. No. 71480

HMRC and other third party offices. We fully consider the tax implications of the Will at the time of death and ensure that you are advised of any tax saving measures available which will provide a more tax efficient outcome for the Estate meaning that the beneficiaries may actually receive more.

So before you decide to instruct a solicitor or not, make sure you make an informed decision. The mistake could be a very expensive one and if you are the Executor/personal representative, the beneficiaries would be entitled to pursue you for any loss to the Estate caused by unnecessary tax payment or failure to carry out a relevant step in the process. Just imagine if the Executors of the Estate that received the tax savings of over £115k had failed to get this benefit for the Estate. The beneficiaries could well be knocking on the door demanding payment!

Max Barford Solicitors 16 Mount Pleasant Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU www.maxbarford.co.uk

TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READERS OFFER Up until 29th February 2016, Max Barford & Co are offering the first 5 new applicants the opportunity to meet with a member of their expert team of Probate Solicitors for a FREE INITIAL 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION, to discuss the options available to you.

So please call us today on – 01892 539379 or email times@maxbarford.co.uk