Times of Tunbridge Wells 27th April 2016

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Today we reveal the 41 businesses and individuals that have made it on to the shortlist of the ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS AWARDS and are heading for the final round at the glittering gala dinner next month. How many people do you know on that list? It all starts on page 10…

INSIDE MAJOR FACELIFT

Town centre to benefit from £1million development grant

PAGE 3

EARLY EU RESULT Students who staged own poll vote to stay in Europe PANEL OF EXPERTS: BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? came to Bennett Memorial School in Tunbridge Wells on Friday. (L-to-R) UKIP leader Nigel Farage, International Development Secretary Justine Greening, presenter Jonathan Dimbleby, host Lisa Jenkinson, Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn and General Secretary of the RMT union Mick Cash answer the public’s questions. See page 3

Hospital doctors make history ‘There is a very strong team of senior consultants stepping in to care for patients’

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MOTORISTS honked their horns in support of junior doctors outside Tunbridge Wells Hospital yesterday on a day that saw the first all-out doctors’ strike in the history of the NHS. Over 100 medical procedures were cancelled across all sites by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust with 277 junior doctors walking out of routine and emergency care over the proposed imposition of a new contract.

Some 50 staff gathered on the grass verge by the entrance of the Pembury hospital, braving the unseasonably cold weather.

The unprecedented action is the latest escalation in the ongoing dispute with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over the introduction of a new contract. Junior doctors claim it will make them poorer and patients less safe due to possible longer working hours – a position the government rejects.

Like many who have spoken to the Times, Dr Kurar said he was not taking strike action lightly, but he PROTEST felt there was no choice: “We do feel bad and Year one foundation no-one wants to strike. doctors Dr Jones (L) “We do not want to be seen to jeopardise Dr Mapura (R) patient safety and that is certainly not the case. There is a very strong team of senior consultants stepping in… they wouldn’t be doing that if they did not support our position. They would flat out tell us to get back to work.

“Jeremy Hunt claims we are refusing to get round the negotiating table but it is the complete opposite.

“There has been cross-party support for the strike and we suggested implementing a trial period and he ignored it.”

Despite polls showing ongoing public support for the strike, some people were starting to

‘I thought I was entering a profession where women were on an equal footing’ question whether patients would be the real casualties of the walkout.

This was strenuously denied by Dr Langhit Kurar, one of those carrying placards. He said patient safety would ‘never be jeopardised’ by the action and added: “The main casualties are the junior doctors themselves. The public does not need to worry.”

Continued on page 2

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PROPERTY

48 pages of the finest homes on the market

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2 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday

UNPRECEDENTED Junior doctors protest outside Tunbridge Wells Hospital

April 27, 2016

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9C

Start off the day dry with sunshine.

Then showers.

Visibility: Very Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 63%

Sunrise: 05.38am

Sunset: 20.16pm

Wind: 10mph

Thursday

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I was surprised to catch this beautiful rainbow over The Grove while walking our dog, Titch. Steve Beardmore Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest’

Elie Wiesel

Wednesday 27th April 2016

New contract ‘heartbreaking’ for women doctors Continued from page 1 Another concern raised by those who oppose the strike is that junior doctors have not read the 80-page contract in full.

Dr Rahee Mapura, a first-year foundation student, said that while this might be true, the most salient points were well publicised: “I have not read the entire thing, but I have read the highlights and there is a good summary on the BMA (British Medical Association) website.”

Her main concern is what she believes will be the impact the new contract will have on female doctors.

She was referring to the government’s own impact assessment of the contract, which stated that any ‘adverse effect’ on women’s pay would be a ‘proportionate’ means to an end.

Under the new contract, doctors no longer get automatic pay rises for time served, meaning those who take time off – especially women raising a family or on maternity leave – will be impacted.

The Department of Health’s Equality Impact

Assessment highlighted single mothers as being at a particular disadvantage.

Dr Mapura said: “When I joined I thought I was entering a profession where women were on an equal footing, unlike in many other sectors such as working in the City.

tive working from all groups of staff in preparation for this day.”

Junior doctors (doctors below the level of a consultant), were on strike from 8am till 5pm yesterday (Tuesday) and plan to take the same action today (Wednesday).

‘Patient safety is a priority at all times during the strike’ “But this will no longer be the case and that is absolutely heartbreaking. If I have a daughter I would tell her not to become a doctor.”

Angela Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells rust said patient safety NHS Trust was a priority ‘at all times’ during the strike.

She added: “We will monitor events very closely during the period to ensure that we have the appropriate cover provided in all areas and we are very grate- NO CHOICE Dr Langhit Kurar ful for the support and collabora-

 Junior doctors from the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone NHS Trust continued to provide community services while on strike yesterday, by hosting a free meningitis and sepsis awareness event.

Held at Christ Church on the High Street, the event featured two 45-minute presentations in the afternoon on symptoms and signs and what to do.

The workshop followed on from the ‘Little Lifesavers’ event which was held during the last strike on April 7 in which parents learned how to give emergency care to children.

STUDENTS TEACH US A LESSON ON HOW TO APPROACH THE EU VOTE YOUNG people today do not get the best of press. Drug-taking, trolling on social media and rolling round drunk in the street. These are all too often images associated with certain sections of our youth.

How refreshing then to see sixth formers at Bennett Memorial (page 5) organise their own EU debate with the Senior Debating Team leading the way and their peers hurling questions at them.

A poll at the end showed the majority of students wanting to remain in Europe.

While the outcome was certainly of some note, the most important thing was the fact they showed an interest in the issue and bothered to find out the facts before ticking any boxes.

To how many others will that approach apply on June 23 when they make their mark?

DO THE members of our Conservative-controlled local council feel ‘betrayed’ by the government to which they are politically aligned?

That was the question posed by one Labour councillor in the wake of the ongoing row over school academies.

And by looking at the adverse impact of recent government policies on the council, one feels that his Tory colleagues may indeed be excused for feeling a little hard done by.

In January we learned the borough was being run so well that it found itself in the dubious position of being ‘best able to cope’ with a negative grant.

Over the years, it has succeeded in maintaining services, cutting waste, keeping council tax at the lowest rate in Kent and receiving outstanding audits in the process – everything that was asked of it.

So naturally it was singled out, along with 14 other well-run authorities, to subsidise the profligacy of everyone else.

But it appears yet more pain is in store for the council with the government determined to push through the full ‘academisation’ of every school. Something that will hit the council to the tune of half a million pounds per annum.

This is not even just a Tunbridge Wells issue.

County Hall, other Conservative-run authorities and dozens of Tory MPs are also taking issue with the proposals.

With the Conservative Party engaged in a bloody civil war over Europe, Tory councillors and hopefuls seeking election on May 5 could be forgiven for asking themselves some searching questions.

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Paddock Wood art gallery set to close THE Mascalls Art Gallery is due to close after nearly ten years of exhibitions, it has been announced.

Founded in 2006 the gallery, which is based at Mascalls School, has served as one of the main cultural hubs of Paddock Wood.

Curator Rebecca Hone said: “Over the last ten years, Mascalls Gallery has produced almost 50 exhibitions, and brought not only internationally renowned artists to rural Kent, but also the work of undeservedly less well-known artists. It is with sadness that I have to tell you that the gallery will be closing to the public on June 25.

“Mascalls School, now Academy, have been incredibly generous in their support of the gallery over the last 10 years but understandably priorities here have shifted, as they have nationally.”

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Major facelift planned following £1million development funding WAR MEMORIAL Part of the area that will benefit from the grant

The Hollow Crown PENSHURST Place will be back on television in a new historical drama featuring Benedict Cumberbatch next week.

The star of Sherlock will be taking up a new role as King Richard III, to whom he is distantly related, in The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, timed to coincide with the 400-year anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

Filming for the BBC production at the famous stately home, which has been the home of the Sidney family since 1552, was filmed over three days in December 2014 and January 2015.

Bus pass price hike KENT County Council has struck a deal with local bus operators which will see the cost of an annual Young Person’s Travel Pass rise by £20 in September, to £270.

The eight per cent rise is far in excess of inflation, but Matthew Balfour, KCC Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, argued it still represents ‘excellent value for money’.

Those on low incomes will still benefit from passes charged at £100 for a full year and £50 for a half year, while consecutive passes for more than one child will remain free of charge.

Starlight Storytellers POORLY children at Tunbridge Wells Hospital were given a treat on Friday when members of the Starlight Storytellers Tour paid a visit.

The national charity grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK. Interactive stories including Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Pinocchio were told, allowing the young patients to forget their illnesses for a short while and ‘simply have some fun’.

THE town centre is to get another boost with a major facelift after the borough council won a £1million grant from the West Kent Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which is part of the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

The money will be used to improve the area around Mount Pleasant Road from the Monson Road junction to the Church Road/Crescent Road junction; one of the aims of the council’s Five Year Plan.

In bidding for the money the council said it wanted to create a more pedestrian-focused space on Mount Pleasant Road by installing pedestrian paving across Monson Road, York Road and Mount Pleasant Road and looking at the positioning of bus shelters.

The project will introduce wide, stepped areas framing the war memorial to enhance it as a focal point and create a stronger link between Mount Pleasant Road and Civic Way.

It’s hoped that enhancing the setting of the war memorial will create the feel of a public square for use on civic occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.

Other benefits of the project include improved access and movement through the area for all users with emphasis on pedestrians and cyclists.

No date has yet been set for work to start although it’s hoped it will get underway within the next year.

Nigel Farage takes issue with President Obama WHEN BBC Radio 4’s iconic Any Questions? programme came to Bennett Memorial Diocesan School on Friday evening, veteran presenter Jonathan Dimbleby described the venue as ‘one of the highest achieving schools in the country’.

The level of debate on key issues by high profile politicians was similarly impressive.

The UK Independence Party leader and MEP Nigel Farage was in typically trenchant mood when talking about the EU referendum.

Asked about President Obama’s comment on Friday that Britain would be at the ‘back of the queue’ for trade if it left the European Union, Mr Farage said the President had been fed the line by British advisors because Americans don’t use the word ‘queue’.

He added: “It would be

nice to see the Government actually getting its facts right rather than producing dodgy dossiers.

I can only guess Tony Blair was brought out of retirement to write it.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn responded to the MEP’s belief that membership of the Union ‘diminishes us hugely’.

He said: “I wish you would stop talking down Britain. We do have a major influence.

We are not locked in the boot of the car. We are helping to drive it.”

On the subject of the foreign aid budget, Mr Farage said he did not mind giving money for natural disasters like earthquakes but claimed that huge sums were wasted on corrupt regimes.

The Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, countered: “We do spend the money effectively. The bottom line is if we stop supporting refugees in camps,

where do you think they are going to go? They are going to come towards Europe. Frankly, UKIP has a pro-migration policy.”

Each week the Radio 4 programme, which has 1.5 million listeners, visits a different venue.

More than 300 people were in the audience at Bennett Memorial after they invited programme makers to the school four years ago.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

4  LOCAL NEWS

Customers flood back to Thai café as it beats back the waters and reopens

BEFORE AND AFTER Kai and John King are delighted to be back in business after the floods

Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk EIGHT months ago parts of Kai’s Kitchen, the popular Thai café on Mount Pleasant opposite Tunbridge Wells station, were three foot under water following the flash floods.

Today it’s back in business after being forced to close for three months to repair flood damage and refurbish the premises.

At first the restaurant only shut for

three days following the August floods which inundated the area around the station and Hoopers department store. The kitchen, which was housed in the basement, was submerged under three feet of water inside 15 minutes.

But such was the structural damage sustained by Kai and John King’s establishment that they had to shut

up shop again on January 18. The renovation work was supposed to be finished by mid-March but delays meant it opened its doors again on April 14.

“Since the day we reopened it’s been incredible, almost as if we had never shut at all,” said Mr King.

“The first Saturday night was manic, people were queuing outside the door.”

They had to have a new floor put in, all the stud walls came down and the tiles had to be replaced because they were all infected. All the electrical equipment was destroyed too, but it was covered by insurance.

However, the Kings will only recoup 70 per cent of the earnings they lost because of the long-term closure and Mr King estimates the hiatus has effectively cost them in the region of £20,000.

He can remember the downpour vividly. “The rain came down in biblical proportions. It was like being in Thailand, in Bangkok itself. When the water came through it was this colour,” he added pointing at the

brown chairs of the restaurant and wrinkling his nose.

“My son-in-law Roland came and took photos of all the dead rats floating around outside.

“The water came up through the toilets and the drains in the basement like a fountain. Then it started coming in from the street, flooding the floor upstairs. The water rushed downhill and just went straight over the drains out there.”

Mr King remains critical of the authorities, who were notified immediately of the dysfunctional state of the street drains. “We’ve asked Kent County Council to come round and give the drains a good clean but we haven’t seen hide nor hair of them.

“The road had been relaid just before the floods came and the local council say they found bits of tarmac down the drains clogging them up.”

With such freak weather conditions on the rise, the experience has not deterred the Kings from staying on at the premises, which has been open for four years. But Mr King admits: “It would help if KCC maintain the drains. It’s not us that should get flooded, we’re not at the bottom of the hill. I’ve lived here 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Community venue opens in Rusthall THE former fire station in Rusthall has reopened as a community venue. The building in Lower Green Road, which was closed down in 2012, has been named The Rackliff Centre after local resident Roy Rackliff donated £100,000 towards the purchase of the site.

Mr Rackliff had wished to remain anonymous but following his death last year it was decided to commemorate his generosity. The station now consists of three rooms, the largest of which can be hired out for £15.

Open water swimming AN OPEN water swimming organisation has launched at five sites in the area, allowing the public to take the plunge in locations such as Honnington Farm in Southborough, Hever Castle and Haysden Lake in Tonbridge.

TriSwim will provide equipment, coaching and facilities to anyone over the age of eight, whether they want to try the burgeoning sport or train for triathlons. For more information, visit www.triswim.org.uk

Dog charity shop A NEW charity shop is to open in Tunbridge Wells to raise money to rehome dogs. The Dogs Trust store will be situated on Monson Road and will be the first of the 20 charity shops in the town to be concerned with animal welfare. The national charity has 20 rehoming centres across the country.

Tonbridge MP puts demands for action to Minister in Westminster’s aircraft noise debate TONBRIDGE MP Tom Tugendhat spoke to a ‘well attended’ Westminster Hall last week after he called for a debate on the impact of aircraft noise on local communities.

In addition, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and Wealden MP Nus Ghani were in attendance.

Mr Tugendhat opened the debate by making three demands from Robert Goodwill, Minister of State at the Department for Transport and responsible for aviation matters, on a number of points.

Among them was that the current ‘outdated’

Wednesday 27th April 2016

legislation on aircraft noise should be ‘refreshed’, to take into account ambient noise, as well as the absolute decibel level.

At present, 57 dB is the average level of daytime aircraft noise that marks the approximate onset of significant community annoyance.

He added the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) should take noise disturbance into account and include MP Tom Tugendhat communities not just 10

nautical miles but 18 nautical miles from airports.

There should also be a review of the angle of approach for incoming aircraft, he said, adding a steeper approach would, ‘protect heritage sites and communities in the glorious county of Kent.’

In response, the minister said it would require ‘significant’ pilot training and safety tests to change

the angle of decent onto a steeper trajectory and the government was committed to the 57 dB benchmark.

He also failed to address the issue of requiring the CAA to take into account the noise impact on communities as far as 18 nautical miles from the airport.

A spokesman for Tunbridge Wells Anti Aircraft Noise Group condemned the minister’s insistence on retaining the current noise standard of 57 dB, calling it: “Discredited, utterly inadequate, out of date and no longer fit for purpose.”

LOCAL NEWS 

5

First blood to the Remain campaign as students vote to stay in Europe

In an effort to find out how the younger generation might vote in the EU referendum this newspaper worked with Bennett Memorial Sixth Formers, some of whom are eligible to vote, to help them stage their own debate.

It was organised by students, run by students and the following report from student Holly Stafford is unedited

‘The debate gave me a clearer view of the facts’ The debate commenced with a proposition from ‘out’ speakers, highlighting the vast quantity of financial support given from the UK to the EU. A speaker said it is claimed that £350million of British money goes to Brussels each week, which is half of the English school’s budget and 60 times what is spent on the NHS cancer fund.

The opposition ‘in’ speakers responded that even though the UK invests heavily into the EU, we do benefit economically in return. They made the point that the UK put in £13billion a year to the EU, £4.5billion is directly invested back into the UK per year and the single market agreement has enabled European countries to invest £54.5million per annum in the UK. The average of this is that the UK receives £58.5 billion in return to the £13 billion it contributes.

Proposition then touched on the subject of immigration, it is

POINTS OF VIEW Members of the senior debate team

estimated that there are 2,500 entering the UK every year – 2,500 people needing jobs, housing and a source of income. One speaker suggested that by having a points based immigration system this would enable the UK to ‘select the most valuable workers who offer the best skills, allowing us to gain control of our borders’.

The opposition mentioned that in order for migrants to reap any financial benefits, they must have been a UK resident for at least four years. Meaning that until then a source of income must be found and so objecting that immigration is a complete strain on the UK economy.

Photographs: Rebecca Pate

THE European Union Referendum came early at Bennett Memorial.

On Tuesday (April 19) the sixth form students held a debate on whether the United Kingdom should leave or remain a member of the European Union.

The debate was conducted by Bennett’s Senior Debating Team, followed by questions from the floor and then students cast their vote.

Where do the younger generation of Tunbridge Wells stand on the issue of the UK’s membership in the EU? The outcome of this question could be said to affect the younger generation most, they are the voices and workforce of the future.

The Bennett Senior Debating Team have competed locally and regionally with great success: they won a place at the prestigious English Speaking Union School’s Mace debating competition and progressed to the South-East Regional Final.

The floor was then opened for questions. One voter asked the opposition ‘what shall happen in regards to the UK’s research fields, if we leave the EU?’ The response was that leaving would enable the UK to negotiate and produce research of our own. It was also explained that some medical drugs developed in the research field are blocked by the EU, leaving would mean we would not be constrained by these sorts of restrictions.

Another question was put forward to the proposition ‘the EU could be said to limit the UK on making decisions as a country on what shall benefit us most, if we leave the EU

KEEN INTEREST Fellow students put the questions

How they voted To remain in the EU: 33 To leave the EU: 13 Those ‘unsure’: 6

Here’s your chance to question the experts ITN’s Andy Bell, who cut his journalistic teeth on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, where he was the foreign affairs editor before heading across to the political desk at ITN, will be chairing an EU debate in Tunbridge Wells next month.

It’s being organised by The Discussion Forum and is your chance to put questions to a panel of experts. Behind the idea are local residents Caroline Clark and Diana Armstrong-Wilson both of whom are struggling to decide which way to vote in the EU referendum on June 23.

Panellists include Ben Patterson, former President of the West Kent European Movement, and Professor Philip Davis, Visiting ITN’s Andy Bell Fellow of the National Institute

of Economic and Social Research. They will be arguing for the ‘in’ vote.

Arguing for ‘out’ will be Brendan Chilton, General Secretary of Labour Leave, and Diane James, an MEP representing South East England.

The Confederation of British Industry’s Director of Campaigns Andy Bagnall will also be taking part.

The opening discussion will be followed by audience questions aimed at either the panel or local business representatives, giving all those attending the chance to challenge the experts.

This is your chance to get answers to those all important questions that might help you decide which way to vote on June 23.

The Times is the media partner for the debate.

wouldn’t we be freer to make better decisions for the UK?’ The proposition responded that being in the EU allows the UK to work with our neighbouring countries and that the EU is the best place to deal with any political risks.

Talking to students after they had cast their votes, one student said: “The debate presented arguments for both sides, but I’ve made up my mind for definite: vote out”.

Another student said: “The debate gave me a clearer view of the facts, however voters must vote for what will hopefully benefit them individually, and for me that is voting to remain.”

With strong arguments given from both sides, the end result was that the majority of students voted ‘in’ with 33 votes, 13 students voted ‘out’ and only six students voted ‘unsure’.

A successful debate helped define how the majority of Bennett sixth formers want to use their vote on June 23. The outcome of this day is still undefined; however the result of this vote gives a sense of how the younger generation of Tunbridge Wells stand on this monumental question.

THE DETAILS: Debate: 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells on May 25.

Pricing: £17 full adult, £15 concessions (code required), Group 10+ £12.50 Book: 01892 530613 Online: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Submit your own question by emailing caroline@ thediscussionforum.co.uk Additional names are regularly being added to the panels so go to www.thediscussionforum.co.uk for the latest news

Wednesday 27th April 2016

6  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

RAISE A GLASS Chief executive Frazer Thompson has ‘enjoyed another excellent year’

Vintage year for Chapel Down KENT winemaker Chapel Down saw sales and profits increase by more than a third last year as the Tenterden-based company benefited from one of its best harvests on record.

Chapel Down, which has won numerous awards for its wines and accolades from the business community for its pioneering use of crowd funding to raise capital, has been expanding in recent years to produce beers and ciders.

Part of this process saw the firm successfully raise £1.71million last year to build a new brewery in Ashford.

In addition, the company is listed on the ISDX market, described by some investors as AIM’s ‘little brother’, where it has a current market cap of around £33million.

Sales at the firm rose by 34 per cent in the year ending December 31 to £8.18million while gross profit climbed to £3.02million, up from £2.22million in 2014.

However, the company did record its second year of pre-tax losses, which widened to £279,000, from £83,000 the previous year.

Despite suffering ‘no real impact’ from any market uncertainty caused by the upcoming European Referendum, the vineyard voiced concern about its ability to employ EU workers and access markets in the event of a Brexit.

“Maintaining and developing a strong brand with high-quality people is our best defence [against these risks],” the company stated.

Speaking to investors the Chief Executive, Frazer Thompson, said: “Chapel Down has enjoyed another excellent year of growth.

“In a highly competitive trading environment your company has continued to invest... as we build a healthy, sustainable and innovative drinks company with an exciting future both at home in the UK and in sophisticated drinks markets abroad,” he added.

Women dominate top spots at local law firm Cripps has announced its intention to promote 17 employees across its legal and business services teams next month, with women set to dominate the top spots.

The appointments include three new partners, four senior promotions in the business services division, four new managing associates and six people being promoted to associates.

Managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “The high number of promotions this year not only reflects our recent growth but also the commitment of these individuals to deliver exceptional client service.”

The three new partners, two of whom joined the firm as trainees, are Erica Dennett, Jessica Jamieson and Kathryn Rogers.

Their rise coincides with the previously announced promotion of Clare Hyland, who will take up her new role as senior partner on May 1.

Christina Blacklaws, Adrian Jennings, Mike Burton and Ruth Napier are being promoted within the business services team.

Four of the firm’s

Wednesday 27th April 2016

senior associates, Craig Bowers, Julie Hughes, Nicola Paffard and Simon Schipper, have been appointed as managing associates.

In addition, Tom Bourne, Rob Boyett, Cathy Collins, Oliver Copp, Clare Greig and Rachel Smith have also been promoted to new roles.

Mr Tyler added: “I am so pleased to see people’s hard work being rewarded and am sure they will continue to make a significant contribution to the ongoing success of the firm.

“These appointments come at an exciting time in the history of Cripps and will undoubtedly help shape the LEADING firm’s future and LADIES development.”

Jessica Jamieson (left) and Kathryn Rogers

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

7

Crimson Tide tech firm rides crest of wave Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE Wells tech firm Crimson Tide continues to go from strength to strength as the AIMlisted company reported a doubling of profits last year.

Executive chairman Barrie Whipp said the software company was ‘very well placed for future growth’, as end-of-year results revealed pre-tax profits surging to £168,000 in 2015, up from £84,000 the previous year.

This was despite revenue only inching up to £1.4million from £1.2million, reflecting the ‘very high margin’ nature of the company’s main product mpro5.

Mr Whipp said: “The more we earn, the more drops straight to the bottom line so we do not need to sell double the amount of services to make double the profit.”

The software, which works via an app and cloud computing, allows real time data-sharing on a massive scale in order to keep head offices well informed.

Its versatility means clients, who typically sign up for three-year contracts, can track anything from newspaper circulation to the health and hygiene of a supermarket.

‘We continue to make strides – we are well placed for growth’ Clients include ‘most supermarkets’, high street stores, the health sector, Metro newspaper and Crossrail.

“Crimson Tide had an excellent year by all measures in 2015,” Mr Whipp said. “The contract for a leading supermarket that we had been working on for several years came to fruition and we delivered ahead of schedule.”

Companies pay a subscription lasting three years to use the

service, meaning Crimson Tide also benefits from ‘highly visible’ revenues moving forward.

This is important for shareholders, especially long-term investors, as they have a greater degree of certainty about the future income of the company.

And shareholders have indeed been benefiting from the rapid growth of Crimson Tide, with the price of each share almost double, at around 3.2 pence, since the Times first reported on the company in October. “The share price has done well and I think that is due to many people sticking with us,” said Mr Whipp.

While many of the company’s clients are in the UK or Ireland, he has ambitions to make Crimson Tide a worldwide brand.

“We have done some interesting things internationally such as setting up an office, albeit very small, in Germany and moving into Africa,” he said.

“We believe that mpro5 has become the de facto mobility service in facilities management,” he added.

“We continue to make strides in logistics, healthcare and other industries and we are very well placed for future growth.”

RISING TIDE Executive Chairman Barrie Whipp is branching out

Real ale fans fancy Fuggles FUGGLES Beer Café has been awarded the runner-up position in the 2016 Pub of The Year competition run by West Kent CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

Members of the organisation, led by branch chairman Iain Dalgleish, gave the award to Doug White and Dan Tapp, who were on duty at the Grosvenor Road venue in the absence of owner Alex Greig.

It is the second year running that the pub has come second, a position shared with the Halfway House in Brenchley.

CAMRA’s 600 West Kent members chose The Windmill in Sevenoaks Weald as this year’s winner of the award.

Members are invited to judge almost 300 pubs in the area based upon criteria ranging from the atmosphere to decor and the mix of clientele.

But of course, the quality and range of beers are judged as the most important categories when choosing a winner.

ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP Fuggles has impressed again

Wednesday 27th April 2016

8  LOCAL NEWS

Academy status could cost council half a million pounds every year Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE Wells could be left out of pocket to the tune of half a million pounds a year if the government succeeds in forcing all schools to become academies.

That was the message to come out of last week’s meeting of the full borough council.

It coincides with a unanimous vote by members of Kent County Council to write to the education secretary, Nicky Morgan, to say the reforms are flawed and should be dropped. The move is part of a growing backlash against the proposals.

The revelation that the borough council will lose out financially came from Cllr Paul Barrington-King, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, in response to a question from Labour Cllr Alain Lewis.

Describing the government’s plans as an ‘ideological raid’ on maintained schools, Cllr Lewis asked: “What would be the financial implications of the schools in the area becoming academies?”

Cllr Barrington-King said the largest

potential financial impact would be in relation to business rates which currently all schools, with the exception of special schools, are liable to pay.

“However, where a school becomes an academy or is voluntary aided, they can apply for mandatory business rate relief, which reduces the rates liability by 80 per cent,” he added.

‘This Conservative government is quite brutal and unfair’ He confirmed the council has no local discretion over the amount or eligibility of organisations applying for business rate relief and said that of the 40 schools in the borough, 17 currently receive mandatory relief.

“But if the remaining schools all become academies, this council will be compelled to award annual mandatory business rate relief of £508,000,” he admitted.

He continued: “I have only referred to the 40 state schools. The private schools already benefit from an 80 per cent reduc-

WHAT ARE ACADEMY SCHOOLS? Academies are state-funded schools which operate independent of local authority control, unlike maintained schools, which currently make up the majority of educational establishments in England.

They are classed as self-governing non-profit organisations and may receive additional support from personal or corporate sponsors, either financially or in kind. They can act independently of the national curriculum.

Supporters of academies often point to the vast improvements that previously underperforming maintained schools have seen since converting to academy status.

However, opponents have called it ‘privatisation by the back door’ and said many of the good results come about because academies are using their freedom to be selective about the type of pupils they admit.

Civic honour for training corps MEMBERS of the 129 Squadron Air Training Corps were collectively presented with a Civic Medallion by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Elliott, on Wednesday.

The medallion was awarded to the local squadron ‘in recognition of their sustained excellence and significant achievements over the past 75 years’ at a ceremony held in front of the Full Council.

Cllr Elliott said it gave him ‘great pleasure’ to honour the squadron, before recalling his own fond memories of flying during his school days while he was a member of Dover College’s Combined Cadet Force.

Accepting the medallion on behalf of the corps was Flight Lieutenant Tim Blackwell, who said the medallion would be ‘treasured’ by the squadron.

He spoke of the corps’ history, when it was founded during the Second World War and housed in what is now the museum, and thanked the council for its ongoing support.

He added: “I am very proud today to receive this award on behalf of the squadron.”

Wednesday 27th April 2016

HIGH FLYERS Members of 129 Squadron

tion in business rates by arranging themselves as charities.

“We have already been calling for more local say in the awarding and value of mandatory and charitable relief.

“We feel that such decisions are better taken locally with input from businesses and residents to help shape the right mix of organisations and to be fairer to all local taxpayers.”

Following the meeting Cllr Lewis described the plans as ‘shocking’ and said the funding shortfall will have an impact on wider services.

“I really wonder how the council is going to fund things like the parks or ice rink and other services in the future.

“I think the Conservative members of the council have been betrayed and are seeing that this Conservative government is quite brutal and unfair.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Academies have always been eligible for rates relief and schools – both academies and maintained schools – are funded according to the rates they have to pay.”

GREAT SUCCESS Skinners’ Kent Academy

GROWING BACKLASH SPREADS NATIONWIDE One of the leading figures in the growing backlash against academies has been Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter, who is also chairman of the County Council’s Network, an organisation which includes 37 mostly Tory local authorities.

Cllr Carter (left) has criticised the government for pushing forward the plans with ‘undue haste’, despite himself being the governor of a multiacademy trust.

He has warned the ‘one size fits all’ proposal could

reduce educational standards across the county and is particularly concerned about the impact on small primary schools and rural schools who rely most heavily on council resources.

Cllr Carter told the BBC: “My concern is that the change will lead to a poorer education system operating across Kent, and more broadly England, because the value that local authorities generally provide to schools will be removed.

“If you have a school with five teachers, and two or three of those teachers become pregnant at the same time, you need those support networks to support those schools – otherwise their finances will not be sustainable and the school will end up in a spiral of decline.”

10  BUSINESS AWARDS MAIN SPONSORS:

The stage is set for one of the highlights of the business year From start-ups to big brand names, the entries for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2016 poured in from across a variety of sectors NEARLY 200 companies and individuals put their names forward or were nominated by others for one of the 11 awards, and the waiting to find out the ultimate winners is almost over.

The entries have been read, examined, discussed and shortlists have been drawn up. Those lists will now go before the panel of six independent judges who this week will sit down to choose the winners from 10 of the 11 categories. The final category is Readers’ Choice.

More on this later.

Those winners will take centre stage at a glittering gala dinner hosted by one of the UK’s best known public faces – Edwina Currie. The former Conservative Health Minister

Wednesday 27th April 2016

has today carved out a new career as an author, broadcaster and reality TV celebrity.

She will be presenting the personalised awards during the evening at Salomons on May 19 that will be attended by 50 invited guests. Those shortlisted will be our special guests with complimentary tickets.

It promises be a night to remember at the inaugural awards event for all those involved.

You can read full details of the shortlist on the following pages.  A big thanks to all those who took part. In our book you’re all winners. For further information on how to obtain tickets to the event email Lara Milan info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

BUSINESS AWARDS 

sale and does not impose a fixed contract period, preferring to have their customers stay with them ‘because they want to, not because they have to’.

THE SHORTLIST… The following have been shortlisted for the awards and their names will now go on to the final stage where our panel of judges will decide the ultimate winners.

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TOM CHOWN Founder of Digitom

SPONSORED BY:

Fox Marketing Services

Creative Business of the Year SPONSORED BY:

Rent Locally

Service Excellence Award

The winner of this category will give outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use the business or organisation’s products or services.

They will be able to provide customer testimonials to support their entry.  First Office Systems Methodical dedication to customer service is what First Office Systems excels in. The company, which provides clients with office services and technology, was founded in 1991 with the ethos that by providing high quality service, trust and growth success will follow. To this end the firm introduced a bespoke computerised service management system to ensure everything is logged and reported, especially response times.

They also make sure they are regularly up to date with what their customers want, having carried out 1,500 surveys to gauge client satisfaction over the past ten years.  Royal Victoria Place It is unlikely anyone living in or near Tunbridge Wells has not visited Royal Victoria Place.

Situated at the heart of the town, this shopping centre is about to undergo a £70million redevelopment, which will finally add a cinema to the town centre. With over ten million visitors per year, the centre has gone a long way to making it a family-friendly place by providing

NICKY BLANCHARD Royal Victoria Place Manager free services such as a crèche, child safe zone, kids’ club, kiddy car service and Play World. It also operates a ‘Mystery Shop’ survey, to evaluate standards of customer service, achieving above-target scores averaging 95 per cent throughout 2015.  Maddisons Residential When referrals and word of mouth are essential for your company, ensuring good levels of service are vital. Maddisons estate agents, which was founded by former Coutts employee Deborah Richards three years ago, works under the strapline ‘excellence is not a skill set. It’s an attitude’. The company follows up all their valuations with a detailed marketing report, allocates a Property Relationship Manager to every

This award category is for any company over two years old in any sector that can demonstrate creativity as adding value to their business’s success.  Digitom

Founded by 37-year-old Tom Chown, this company employs five people and specialises in providing cutting-edge video production and animation for online platforms. Its many clients have included The British Army, Citibank, Shepherd Neame and Savills.

The typical client will spend between £10,000 and £20,000 per project, although the actual price range can be as low as £5,000 and as high as £40,000. And although the content is aimed for online consumption, it is made to the highest specifications, explains Mr Chown, who said: “What we always aim to do is ensure the style and structure of it is always based on traditional broadcast media. We add broadcast values, online.”  ifour Solutions

DEBORAH RICHARDS Owner of Maddisons Residential

Established in 2006, when the craze for everything ‘i’ got underway, design agency ifour has grown from strength to strength. Focusing on brand development and providing strategic

planning for clients, and working under the strapline ‘we care, we enjoy, we deliver’, the firm now employs 13 full-time members of staff who pool their diverse range of skills to deliver a product tailored to their customers’ needs. Creative Director Graeme Hall said: “Underpinning everything we do is a deep understanding of brand communications, combined with our genuine partnership approach, which means that we are proud to develop long-lasting and solid relationships with all our clients.  Larrytech

Web design firm Larrytech consists of a dynamic team of 13 employees based in Tunbridge Wells.

Set up in 2001 and co-owned by Larry Hardcastle, Doug Rubashow and James Blacklee, the company has recently developed a new website for The Skinners’ School, the sixth one they have made for them over the years, displaying the close relationship they have with their clients. Of the company’s success, Mr Hardcastle said: “We have always prided ourselves on being at the cutting edge of web technology, providing outstanding solutions and unrivalled levels of customer service.”

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12  BUSINESS AWARDS SEACREME (L-R) Laura & Jane Healy

connection, collaboration and challenging the way consumers engage with travel products today. Set up by friends Catherine Gallagher and Jessica Hargreaves, The Beyond Travel Company offers a wide range of travel options from midnight kayaking tours in London to trekking across the salt pans of Botswana. Ms Hargreaves said: “Catherine and I have always aimed to be strong female leaders running our own business.

We came together over a bottle of wine and a desire to tread our own path.”

SPONSORED BY:

Infinity Group SPONSORED BY:

Ansacom

New Business of the Year

This category is for those businesses which were founded in the last two years with a bang (start date after January 1, 2014) and are really getting noticed for what they do.  Seacreme

Jane Healy was aged just nine when a camp stove accident left her with third-degree burns covering 75 per cent of her body and permanently scarred. The ongoing suffering and pain from regular surgery over the course of her life was only ever truly relieved by going in the sea. Today, working alongside her 26-yearold daughter Laura, she has created a range of mineral-based cosmetics called Seacreme which help rehydrate the skin using natural sea salts.

The fledgling company has had its products stocked in the Tunbridge Wells department store Fenwick since January and also sells online.  Generating Interest Few things are more frustrating, or potentially damaging, for a business than suffering a power cut. And with the UK’s spare capacity at an alltime low, many companies and households will be looking to have their own personal energy source. Wadhurst-based Generating Interest was founded by Nigel Burnett, whose own experience of a week-long power cut in 2014 led him to discover there were no companies south of Derbyshire providing the automatic-backup generators he installs. And the potential rewards of entering this field are huge, with predictions that if just 0.25 per cent of rural households buy a generator, the value of the market is £279million.  The Beyond Travel Company

This agency is looking to disrupt the travel industry through concepts of experimentalism,

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Entrepreneur of the Year

An entrepreneur is more than a business person.

Entrepreneurs turn their ideas into opportunities and may run one or more businesses. These people are innovative and have turned their big ideas into successful ventures.  Blockhead Energy Chewing Gum

Danny Lowe, 22, set up this Tunbridge Wellsbased company in 2014 and has already courted major retailers such as Menzies, One Stop and WH Smith to stock his products. Mr Lowe said he came up with the idea of creating the gum after a lecture in sports science at university on absorption methods. He realised gum acts as a faster way of delivering energy than other methods, such as drinks, and so came up with a formula that combines caffeine, taurine and vitamin B – but no sugars – to provide energy to the consumer.

of lettings and into bigger premises, while always improving the residential sales experience.  Fox Print Services With 105 employees, Fox Print has expanded rapidly since it was founded in 2001 by Kevin Stanton, and there are no signs this rate of growth will slow. Having left school at 16, Mr Stanton rapidly worked his way up the corporate ladder in the print industry, becoming a director of Mastercolour just eight years after he joined as a junior sales person in 1989. He later sold his family home to set up Fox Print, which in its first six months had expenditure of over £1million.

However, to date the company is achieving annual sales of £8.1million, and in March he bought his old company, Mastercolour, with the aim of increasing this to £13million.

SPONSORED BY:

Global Office

Green Company of the Year

Being a green business can embrace many aspects of sustainability, including being environmentallyfriendly in its business approach to changes that have been made by the company to become more sustainable, saving CO2 emissions, reusing, recycling and even saving money.

 Maddisons Residential

Established by former Coutts employee Deborah Richards three years ago, Maddisons has 95 per cent of its new customers come through current client referrals. In addition, the estate agency has a fall-through rate of just four per cent – ten times less than the industry average.

These achievements come despite Ms Richards having no previous experience of running her own business.

The company now employs five members of staff with a view to moving into the world

ENTREPRENEUR Danny Lowe

 BioSun Energy

Trading under the name Green Square, this company – which specialises in the provision of renewable energy – is the ‘pride and joy’ of Paul Smith, who set it up two years ago. The company installs heating systems that use renewable energy to help homeowners and small businesses reduce their carbon footprint. The technologies employed to provide heating and hot water include biomass boilers, wood-pellet stoves, heat pumps, solar thermal, solar PV and the most advanced thermal stores.

Mr Smith explained: “Because we offer a full range of technologies, we ensure we can recommend what is right for the customer’s property, rather than be constrained by a single technology.”

GOING GREEN Paul Smith

 Royal Victoria Place

Since 2014 the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre has been actively analysing its baseline energy performance with the aim of understanding where energy was going and how it was being used. It soon became clear they could be more efficient, and they have since undertaken ‘dozens’ of projects to make the centre consume less. Since starting their ‘Ready, Steady, Green’ initiative, the centre has seen a 38 per cent reduction in 2014 and a 35 per cent reduction in 2015 of electricity use. Even more impressive has been the 92 per cent reduction in gas consumption.  Fox Print Services

In the past, one of the major by-products of the print industry has been landfill waste. However, Fox Print Services is just one of 63 UK businesses to be EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) verified, after reducing its waste to landfill by 91 per cent. It has also consistently seen year-onyear reductions in energy and water use. It has an extensive list of products which it ensures are recycled, including paper, ink, printing plates, pallets, cardboard and much more. As a result, the company is a trusted supplier to organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

SPONSORED BY:

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Family Business of the Year

These family firms are ones based locally that were set up over a year ago. They have displayed real financial success in relation to growth in turnover and profit.  MJ Exhibitions

Set up by Minda Jonuskis and his wife Rasa in 2013, this company is a classic success story.

Lithuania-born Mr Joniskis travelled to the UK in 2005 with no more than £100 in his pocket, and he

BUSINESS AWARDS 

slowly learned English while working on a farm before moving into the exhibitions industry. With a determination to establish his own firm, he created MJ Exhibitions in Tonbridge, working alone and in a rented corner of another company’s premises.

His company grew, and now he counts his wife as a co-owner and employs his brother-in-law as an installer. Turnover in 2014/15 was £800,000, which is expected to nearly double this year.  Baldwins Travel Agency

Established in 1895, Baldwins has been run by the same family since 1991 when it was bought by husband and wife Ron and Sally Marks, who are both directors of the firm. Furthermore, two out of their three sons – Nick and Chris – are now joint Managing Directors of the travel agency, which has seven branches across Kent and is looking to further expand across the region. Annual turnover at the company is expected to be £30million this year, up from £26million currently. Profits are expected to increase from £2.35million to £2.8million.  Fuller’s Butchers and Farm Shop

This company has been running since 1972, providing Tunbridge Wells with locally-sourced meats and produce from farmers, bakers, brewers and wineries, and was opened by the late Tony Fuller and his wife Margaret. After Tony sadly passed away, Margaret took on the job of running the butchers by herself while their 13-year-old son Stephen undertook an apprenticeship. Stephen now runs the company with his wife June and has help from his sister Sarah, brother-in-law Russell and even his own teenage daughter Lily, 16, and son Henry, 13.

as Tree of Hope, supporting Trinity Theatre and fundraising for good causes. The company aims to provide £60,000 to local charities over the next three years through the provision of free services and fundraising events.  AXA PPP

The largest private employer in Tunbridge Wells, with over 2,000 staff, the company describes its ethos as ‘giving local support’ and ‘developing long-lasting partnerships’ with charities, schools and other community organisations. To date, the company has partnered with around 60 charities in the area and has put investment into 40 schools. Last year the insurance giant raised just under £100,000 for charity, and through their Hearts in Action programme have seen more than half of their staff volunteer in the local community. The company also offers a work experience programme which has hosted 365 students aged 14 to 19 since it began in 2012.  Castle Cars

Tonbridge-based Castle Cars has grown from a single vehicle in 1995, when Terry Hill decided to set up his own company, to 20 vehicles, a workshop and valeting service today. Part of the success has been attributed to the loyalty of the staff, some of whom have been with the company for nearly 20 years – something ‘unheard of’ in the taxi trade. The firm engages with the community through charitable works, sponsorship of events and assisting the police through their Shop Safe initiative. But perhaps their most lasting impact is playing their part in a council-run scheme to train taxi drivers to spot signs of people trafficking.

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SPONSORED BY:

Russell Fewin Commercial Facilities Solutions

Young Business Person of the Year The Young Business Person of the Year Award recognises dynamic individuals aged 30 or under running a business. They will be able to demonstrate great success and drive in growing their company.

 Monita Cheung Design Interior design company Monita Cheung Design Ltd is pioneered by young entrepreneur Monita Williams and has been growing rapidly since she started it in 2014. Working by herself from her design studio at home, Monita has produced a well-established interior design service with an annual turnover in 2014/2015 of £75,380. Along the way she has won the KBB Young Designer Award for Bathrooms and has been a finalist for other prestigious bathroom design awards. Offering a professional design and supply service for bathrooms, kitchens and interiors, Monita strives to achieve the very best design to suit her clients’ individual needs.  Larrytech Set up by Managing Director Larry Hardcastle in 2001, Larrytech Ltd is a website design agency that develops bespoke websites for a broad range of satisfied clients. Mr Hardcastle has built his business since the age of 14 and has now grown it to a company employing 13 members of staff.

With an annual turnover in 2014/2015 of £357,000, Larrytech has succeeded by building long-lasting relationships with clients.

YOUNG BUSINESSWOMAN Jenny Kitchen Of the company’s success, Mr Hardcastle said: “We have always prided ourselves on being at the cutting edge of web technology, providing outstanding solutions and unrivalled levels of customer service.”  Yoyo Design

Jenny Kitchen has led multi-award-winning digital agency Yoyo Design since 2011. As one of the top five boutique creative agencies in the UK, Jenny’s company has a staff count of 17. In 2014/2015, Yoyo Design saw an annual turnover of £736,094.

Her biggest projects have been overseeing visual merchandising guides for M&S and leading the digital agency for RNLI. After working in marketing for six years, Jenny explained her motivations to start Yoyo Design were: “To create something that was focused on delivering worldclass solutions, building a place where people loved coming to work, being successful and being happy.”

SPONSORED BY:

McMillan Williams Solicitors

Corporate Social Responsibility This award is for organisations which have done the most to develop their social responsibility programme, and will be judged primarily on activities undertaken in 2014/2015, although projects started before then and those ongoing will be taken into account.  Infinity Technology Solutions

Infinity, which was founded in 2001, provides integrated IT support services, bespoke software consultancy and business telecoms solutions.

With 28 employees and a projected turnover of £4million this year, the company lists Specsavers and Four Seasons Healthcare among its clients.

The business engages with the community by providing free services for local charities, such

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Infinity Technology Solutions

Wednesday 27th April 2016

14  BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORED BY:

Easistore

Business Hero of the Year

Nominees for this award have gone the extra mile in their job to achieve something amazing, or overcome adversity in their professional life while at the same time continuing to deliver an excellent service. These people are ambassadors for the borough of Tunbridge Wells and a role model for their colleagues.  Lifestyle Europe: Chairman and Managing Director Marc Matthew and Peter Isted They say it is lonely at the top, but this is not the case for Marc Matthew and Peter Isted at Lifestyle Europe. Although they sit at the pinnacle of this motor organisation, which employs 425 staff, they have not lost touch with those below them on the corporate ladder. Described as ‘inspiring’ and encouraging a ‘community ethos’ among staff, Mr Matthew and Mr Isted are actively engaged in a number of philanthropic ventures by raising over £100,000 for charities such as the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre over the past few years. Together they have ensured that under their leadership Lifestyle Europe ‘is a very happy place to work’.

 StarJumpz Children’s Centre

 Signal UK

Owners Paul Chapman and Gary Rose For nine years Signal UK has provided The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre with their leaflets, posters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, banners, badges and logos cost-free. Run by Paul Chapman and Gary Rose, both of whom have been affected by cancer in the family, this community-minded design-to-print firm has saved Pickering thousands of pounds over the years. Polly Taylor, who runs the centre, said: “If anybody deserves to be nominated as heroes, these guys do. They certainly are Pickering’s hero and have the biggest hearts of anybody I know.”

SPONSORED BY:

Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors

Outstanding Business of the Year

STARJUMPZ Provides pioneering children’s services

Wednesday 27th April 2016

GLOBAL COMPANY Childrensalon

Owner Joanna Brett Since setting up Starjumpz five years ago, Joanna Brett’s vision and perseverance has taken the brand from strength to strength. A qualified Paediatric Occupational Therapist with 21 years of experience, Ms Brett is described as ‘selfless’ with her time, an ‘understanding and supporting’ team leader and displaying an ‘awe-inspiring’ dedication to her work.

The centre provides pioneering services to children with learning, developmental and behavioural challenges.

This is the ultimate award of all the categories and will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in their enterprise, as well as sound management practices.

The winner will be able to show they have a clear strategy to invest in the skills of their staff and will be expected to demonstrate sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business.

 Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Founded in 1968 from funds raised by the local community, Nuffield Health has established itself as a leading private healthcare provider in the Kent region. The hospital is a large employer in the town, with 308 staff ranging from full time to temporary. In 2014 the firm bought the Wellbeing Centre in Knights Park in order to help prevent lifestyle-induced illnesses, raise self-esteem and even help post-surgery patients recover. The company is in good financial health, with profits predicted to be £2.45million in 2016 compared to £1.65million last year.  Childrensalon This long-established British Heritage brand is now the world’s premier online destination for luxury children’s fashion. Established in 1952 and online since 1999, the family-run business has received many accolades in recent years for both the quality of its service and the strength of its finances. With profits of £14million estimated for 2016, an increase of almost £4million on

the previous year, the firm has been widely recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK. With sales surging over 700 per cent since 2011, and plans to more than double the workforce within the next two years to 450 employees, this company is one to watch.  Easistore

Edenbridge-based Easistore, now also in Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Crawley, has been around since 1989 and has been growing steadily over the years, overcoming numerous recessions and the introduction of VAT on selfstorage. The company is constantly innovating to ensure it gives good customer service, including free moving services, free rental vans, climate control in their units, free Wi-Fi and covered loading bays.

They also refund customers who discover they have purchased more space than they need. With occupancy currently at 70 per cent, the company aims to raise this to the mid 80’s over the next few years, while growth remains steady with estimated profits of £556,000 this year.

BUSINESS AWARDS  MAIN SPONSORS:

Readers’ Choice Award

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

This one is a little bit different to the other awards. We invited readers of this newspaper to nominate a local business or business person who consistently delivers outstanding customer service. Below, in no particular order, are 11 names that have been put forward in this category and there’s now a chance for you to vote for your favourite. All you have to do is email the name of the person that you want to win to info@rtwba.co.uk Closing date for voting is 9am Monday May 2, 2016

JEZ TIMMS – TORPEDO JUICE: “Jez is very passionate about his work and takes great pride in delivering a top quality product. He both knows and completely understands his industry, which means that when you go to him with an idea he will develop it into something that is right for you.”

FTA CARPENTRY: Founded in 2006, FTA Carpentry has consistently received praise from its customers for its excellent crafstmanship.

“Incredible finish, quality of work, lovely man who goes above and beyond to get the job done.”

STARJUMPZ: “The support we have received has been life changing for us all. We don’t know what we would have done without Starjumpz and I would recommend the centre to anyone who may have an ‘out of sync’ child.”

PATTISERIE VALERIE STAFF TUNBRIDGE WELLS: “The whole team are passionate with regards to their products and customers. They are hardworking, consistently attentive, smiling and pleasant while providing a great service. The

Meet the judges…

The judging panel consists of six people from the borough of Tunbridge Wells who have been chosen on merit as all have proven successful business or sector experience.

EDWINA CURRIE Hosting the awards is former Conservative health minister, and lately an author and broadcaster, Edwina Currie. Born in Liverpool, she won a scholarship to study chemistry at Oxford before obtaining a Masters at the London School of Economics.

In 1983, she was elected to represent South Derbyshire at Westminster, becoming an MP in the same year as Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. She was soon promoted to health minister under Margaret Thatcher and was noted for her work on HIV and breast cancer. Since losing her seat in 1997, she has become a best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction books and has been in much demand on both television and radio.

culture in this café amongst the staff is truly an example for any team.”

RESHMA AND KIRAN MASRANI – BIDBOROUGH STORES: “They have demonstrated a hugely positive impact on, and commitment to, the Bidborough village community. Aside from being a major focal point in the village, and good neighbours, they endeavour to buy everything as reasonably as possible from local suppliers and services.”

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SPONSORED BY:

MJ Exhibitions

PAUL @ COFFEE STATION: “He is always super friendly very early in the morning and gets to know his customers and what they drink. He always serves a great coffee and does lots for local youth football in his spare time. All round nice guy.”

JANET FULLERLOVE-JONES: “Janet is not only a dedicated mother but she is also a hard-working businesslady. She dedicates her time, effort and compassion to her work while raising her two children. Pure dedication.”

DEBBIE HARRIS – CHOSEN WITH CARE: “I don’t think I have ever met a businesswoman that manages to harness such strength and grace in all her professional roles. Debbie from Chosen with Care is a rarity.”

FINE GRIND: “Matt and the team at Fine Grind deliver first-class customer service. He has built the business from scratch and the coffee shop is now a thriving part of the High Street economy.”

SIOBHAN STIRLING – SHARP MINDS: “Siobhan is a modern-day superwoman. It is her willingness to do whatever necessary to go that extra mile for her clients that sets her apart. Sharp Minds is a product of outgrowing her previous business model and smashing every target she set her mind to.”

SIGNAL UK LTD “For nine years Signal UK has provided the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre with their leaflets, posters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, banners, badges and logos cost-free. They certainly are Pickering’s hero and have the biggest hearts of anybody I know.”

DARREN AUSTIN A partner/owner at Synergee, the chartered accountants and business advisers. He is himself a chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience. Most of which has been gained working closely with owner-managed businesses covering all industries, although there have been one or two multinationals along the way. His main focus is business development, which involves working with clients on defining and achieving their business goals.

NIGEL HARPER The CEO of Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors. He is also a partner in Holland Harper LLP, a Sussex firm of chartered accountants, has a wide range of commercial interests and has successfully built and sold a number of businesses both in the UK and abroad. Nigel specialises in providing management and business consultancy services to a number of professional and commercial clients.

JO JAMES Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the county’s only accredited Chamber of Commerce that serves more than 1,300 members’ businesses across Kent. Jo James also represents business on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, and in recognition of her 25 years at the chamber she was recently voted a National Woman of the Year 2015.

DAVID JUKES A successful businessman and Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. After completing an apprenticeship as an electrician he joined a national contracting company as a junior engineer before going on to manage major construction projects, including hotels, airports and infrastructure projects, in countries all over the world. In 1980 he started his own construction project management company and began his political career just a few years later. Although officially retired, he acts as a consultant for a number of national and international organisations.

BRIAN KEELEY-WHITING Managing Director of Whiting & Hammond, the independent, award-winning pub and restaurant group that he established 12 years ago. Today it has eight sites in the region. Its most recent accolade was the title of Best Small Group at the Employers in Hospitality Awards. Brian Keeley-Whiting started as a chef at the Savoy then joined the Brunning & Price pub company as manager and left as a director.

RICHARD MOORE Editorial Director of One Media, publishers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge as well as So magazines. He is an award-winning journalist who has been News Editor of the Sunday Mirror, a current affairs producer with BBC Radio Four and financial journalist in Bermuda. He also ran a political lobbying company in London, worked on US Presidential election campaigns and in 2008 helped launch So Tunbridge Wells magazine.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

16  NATIONAL NEWS

Questions raised over nuclear power station SENIOR representatives from the French firm EDF are being asked to explain to MPs on the Energy and Climate Change Committee why there is a delay over the £18billion Hinkley Point nuclear power station project.

Chief executive Vincent de Rivaz told the committee last month that Hinkley Point would definitely go ahead, pointing to a speech by French economy minister Emmanuel Macron that the final investment decision will be made in early May. But Mr Macron said at the weekend that the green light may not be given until September.

Immigration warning MORE accurate information on the number of immigrants from the European Union living in the UK will be published in the weeks before the referendum, despite National Statistician John Pullinger warning MPs on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee that it was impossible to know exactly how many are in the country.

Official figures suggest 257,000 EU migrants came to Britain last year but over the same period 630,000 National Insurance numbers were issued to EU citizens.

PM to visit steel works PRIME Minister David Cameron has planned a visit to the steel works at Port Talbot in south Wales to speak to bosses, unions and staff at the under-threat plant.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

‘Saddest day for NHS’ as doctors strike again and forth and a phone call between Mr Hunt and the head of the BMA on Monday, no agreement on a way forward has been reached.

Before the strike started, Mr Hunt had said: “I wish to appeal directly to all junior doctors not to withdraw emergency cover, which creates particular risks for A&Es, maternity units and intensive care units.”

More than 125,000 appointments and operations have been cancelled and will need to be rearranged across England’s hospitals as a result of the latest dispute.

The BMA has defended the walkout, repeating its stance that it would have called off the strike if Mr Hunt agreed to lift his threat to impose the contract.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Mr Hunt should ‘back off’, adding: “We must stand up and defend the NHS.” The BMA’s junior doctor chairman, Johann Malawana, described the walkout as ‘the saddest day in NHS history’ on Twitter.

He said the action was ‘entirely avoidable’ and that Mr Hunt had been unwilling to resume talks.

Early indications are that hospitals have been quieter than normal, with patients heeding warnings to stay away.

PHOTO: ANDREW MATTHEWS/PA WIRE

NEWS IN BRIEF

ON STRIKE Junior doctors at Bournemouth stick pins in a cardboard cut-out of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

THOUSANDS of junior doctors held the first allout strike in the history of the NHS after the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the government would not be ‘blackmailed’ into dropping its manifesto pledge for a seven-day health service.

The impasse between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA) prompted the industrial action, from 8am to 5pm on Tuesday and again today (Wednesday).

It is the first time services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been affected during the dispute over a new contract.

Despite an intense three days of letters back

Passengers suffer again in 24-hour rail walk-out RAIL passengers on some of the busiest routes in the country suffered travel chaos because of a conductors’ strike, which caused a ‘significant’ impact on services yesterday (Tuesday).

Southern warned travellers it could not guarantee they would get to their destinations after members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out for 24 hours from 11am.

The union said there was solid support for the walkout, in a dispute over the role of conductors and driver-only trains.

No services were running on many routes and only a limited number on others, while queuing systems were in place at many of the stations that remained open.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, said: “Our guards members on Southern are rock-solid and determined this morning as they begin this phase of industrial action in defence of the life-or-death services they provide for the travelling public and against cash-driven cuts that would see those services hacked to ribbons.

“The company, with an eye on ever-fatter profits, is prepared to axe the guards on some of the most overcrowded and potentially dangerous services in Britain so that they can squeeze every last penny out of their passengers regardless of the consequences. That is a lethal gamble with safety in the name of profit and that is why we have been forced to take strike action today.”

Two further 24-hour strikes are planned next month on Southern, which runs services across the south of England, including commuter routes into London Victoria.

Southern, owned by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), plans changes to the role of conductors which will see responsibility for operating the doors switched to the driver.

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NATIONAL NEWS 

Police chief Justice for families after apologises the Hillsborough verdicts to families THE Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police admitted the force got the policing of the Hillsborough match ‘catastrophically wrong’ as he accepted the unlawful killing verdicts announced at the conclusion of an inquest and apologised to the victims’ families.

David Crompton said relatives of those who died had been failed, and that officers will now take time to carefully reflect on the implications of the jury’s verdicts.

In a statement outside the force’s headquarters in Sheffield, Mr Crompton said: “I want to make it absolutely clear that we unequivocally accept the verdict of unlawful killing and the wider findings reached by the jury in the Hillsborough Inquests.

“On 15th April 1989, South Yorkshire Police got the policing of the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough catastrophically wrong. It was and still is the biggest disaster in British sporting history. That day 96 people died and the lives of many others were changed forever. The force failed the victims and failed their families.

“Today, as I have said before, I want to apologise unreservedly to the families and all those affected.”

Home Secretary Theresa May is to make a Commons statement on the Hillsborough inquest today (Wednesday).

Mrs May will set out the government’s response to the jury’s conclusion that the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans in the Hillsborough disaster were caused by the police, and that they had been unlawfully killed.

VICTORY AT LAST Campaigners show their relief after the latest hearings FAMILIES of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster declared that justice had finally been served as an inquest jury ruled the victims had been unlawfully killed in a tragedy caused by police blunders.

Lawyers acting for the families said the conclusions, at the end of the longest jury case in British legal history, had completely vindicated their tireless 27-year battle for the truth.

The deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final were ruled accidental at the end of the original 1991 inquest. But those verdicts were quashed following the 2012 Hillsborough Independent Panel report, which concluded that a major cover-up had taken place in an effort by police and others to avoid the blame.

Fresh inquests began on March 31 2014 in a

specially built courtroom in Warrington, Cheshire where the new jury concluded that blunders by the police and ambulance service on the day had ‘caused or contributed to’ the disaster and that the victims had been unlawfully killed.

The jury forewoman wept and had a catch in her voice as she confirmed the answers to 14 questions about the disaster to coroner Sir John Goldring.

Leading Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James died in the disaster, said afterwards: “Let’s be honest about this – people were against us. We had the media against us, as well as the establishment.

“Everything was against us. The only people that weren’t against us was our own city. That’s why I am so grateful to my city and so proud of my city.

They always believed in us.”

Surrounded by a sea of camera crews and reporters outside the court, she added: “I think we have changed a part of history now. I think that’s the legacy the 96 have left.”

The jurors were told they could only reach the unlawful killing determination if they were sure of four ‘essential’ matters concerning the deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

They had to be convinced the match commander, Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield, owed a duty of care to those who died, and that he was in breach of that duty of care.

Thirdly, they would need to be satisfied that his breach of duty caused the deaths and, fourthly, that it amounted to ‘gross negligence’.

They concluded it was unlawful killing by a 7-2 majority. The jury also ruled that fan behaviour did not cause or contribute to the tragedy.

19

NEWS IN BRIEF

Workers fear asking boss for a pay rise THREE out of four workers have not asked for a pay rise in the last three years amid fear of rejection, or having to explain why they should have a wage increase, according to new research.

A survey by recruitment agency Randstad also found that one in three were worried about the reaction from their boss if they raised the topic of more pay.

Almost half of those polled said they were concerned that asking for a rise would jeopardise their job.

Resorts welcome snow SNOWFALLS in the South East may be unusual for this time of year but they are being welcomed in ski resorts north of the border in Scotland.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures on Tuesday morning meant more than half of the 11 ski lifts in the Aviemore area are open for skiers and snowboarders.

Fresh falls of snow are enabling the ski resort in the Cairngorms to remain open until at least May 2, when staff will review the conditions.

MMR jab warning AROUND 24,000 children a year are not having their MMR jab on time, Public Health England (PHE) has warned.

In March, doctors expressed concern they were seeing the start of a measles outbreak in London and the South East.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

20  BUSINESS NEWS

Thousand jobs at risk as retail chain collapses RETAIL chain Austin Reed is poised to formally collapse into administration, putting about 1,000 high street jobs at risk just a day after BHS hit the rocks.

Austin Reed, which was founded 116 years ago, has suffered years of falling sales as it has failed to attract younger shoppers.

The upmarket retailer, whose famous clients include International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, was put up for sale in the last few weeks but has so far been unable to find a buyer.

It is expected the chain, which has about 155 shops, will continue trading after appointing administrators while a rescue deal is sought.

Austin Reed agreed to offload 31 outlets after securing a company voluntary arrangement with its creditors in February 2015.

The group also last year received financial backing from Alteri Investors, a specialist retail vehicle, which now controls the group.

It is thought Alteri may look to buy Austin Reed from administrators while Better Capital, the private equity firm which already owns fashion chain Jaeger, is also said to be among possible suitors to rescue Austin Reed, according to Sky News.

But a raft of loss-making shops is expected to close even after a rescue deal.

Carmaker comes clean on fuel issue AN INTERNAL investigation at Mitsubishi found employees had intentionally falsified fuel economy data for some of its models since 1991, the company has announced.

The news came after the Japanese carmaker acknowledged last week that it had manipulated data for more than 600,000 vehicles.

President Tetsuro Aikawa told reporters that the investigation may uncover more irregularities.

The Tokyo-based company had repeatedly promised to come clean after a massive scandal 15 years ago involving a systematic cover-up of car defects.

The inaccurate mileage tests involved 157,000 of its eK Wagon and eK Space light passenger cars, and 468,000 Dayz and Dayz Roox vehicles produced for Nissan.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

MPs set to investigate black hole in BHS pension scheme FORMER BHS owner Sir Philip Green is expected to be called to appear before MPs to face questions over the collapse of the retailer into administration.

Work and Pensions Committee Chair Frank Field said that he was sure Sir Philip ‘will be invited’.

Sir Philip owned BHS, which went into administration on Monday, for 15 years until selling it for £1 in 2015.

The committee will investigate how the collapse of BHS will affect the Pension Protection Fund.

The Pension Protection Fund is funded by a compulsory levy on companies who have defined benefit pensions. It is there to provide compensation for pensioners when companies go bust.

The BHS pension scheme has a deficit of £571million and Sir Philip has offered to make an £80million voluntary contribution.

Separately, the Pensions Regulator will investigate whether BHS’s former owners sought to avoid their obligations.

The 88-year-old department store went bust on Monday, putting 11,000 jobs at risk and threatening the closure of up to 164 stores in the biggest retail failure since Woolworths went under in 2008.

Sir Philip, boss of the Arcadia Group, sold BHS last year to the consortium Retail Acquisitions (RA) for £1, with debts exceeding £1.3billion and a pension fund deficit of £571million.

He is reported to have offered £80million Sir Philip came under fire from MPs from both towards the cost of BHS pensions, but Shadow sides of the House of Commons during a debate Business Minister Angela Eagle claimed that he on Monday night about the department store’s had left others to plug the hole. collapse.

BHS went under after last-ditch talks Iain Wright, Labour Chairman of the to find a buyer for the firm over the Business, Innovation and Skills weekend failed, administrators Duff Committee, said: “It cannot possibly & Phelps said. The company will be right that Sir Philip Green, as the continue to trade as usual while previous owner of the company, potential buyers are sought. loaded it up with debt, did not invest RA’s owner Dominic Chappell told in the business and paid his wife over the Press Association that £400million in dividends via the tax no-one was to blame, haven of Monaco.” saying that the failure Experts warned that it of Austin Reed was ‘unlikely’ a buyer for was caused by a the business in its current combination of bad form would be found. trading and not Julie Palmer, a partner being able to raise at insolvency firm enough money Begbies Traynor, from the property commented: “As an portfolio. underperforming brand The Pensions that simply hasn’t Regulator kept up with the pace confirmed it was of change in the retail investigating the sector and requires BHS pensions major investment, it scheme to looks increasingly determine unlikely that any buyer whether it would will be brave enough to UNDER FIRE be appropriate to salvage the business in Sir Philip Green sold use its antianything like its BHS last year for £1 avoidance powers. current form.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS IN BRIEF

Chernobyl vigils held

More firepower needed

Lawyer defends Prince

VIGILS were held in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia this week to mark the 30th anniversary of the explosion at Chernobyl, the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

An explosion at the power plant killed at least 30 people, exposed millions to dangerous levels of radiation and forced a wide-scale, permanent evacuation of hundreds of towns and villages.

The final death toll from Chernobyl is subject to speculation, due to the longterm effects of radiation, but ranges from an estimate of 9,000 by the World Health Organisation to a possible 90,000 by the environmental group Greenpeace.

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has urged European allies to match his decision to send 250 more American troops to Syria as he stressed the need to keep up momentum in the campaign against Islamic State (IS) extremists.

Mr Obama recently discussed the IS fight with Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President François Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

During the talks Mr Obama repeatedly pushed allies for more firepower, as well as training for local forces and economic aid to help reconstruct regions in Iraq that have been retaken from IS control, but are still vulnerable.

PRINCE’S long-time lawyer has disputed suggestions that the singer, who died last week, had a drug addiction.

L Londell McMillan, who was also once the musician’s manager, said that while Prince may have been in pain and may have taken medication from time to time, he was not on any drugs that would be any cause for concern.

Prince was found dead in Paisley Park, his home and vast recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on Thursday at the age of 57.

A post-mortem was conducted, but complete results will not be in for several weeks. Police have said there was no indication of suicide.

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Wednesday 27th April 2016

22 � LETTERS

And another thing…

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

CHEAP LABOUR Watching costs

NHS: The reason why local people are not employed

Regarding your reports of staff ratios in your paper (April 6): “Overseas workers account for one in five of all hospital staff”.

As a construction site manager previously building hospitals and medical centres, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some facts that were brought up during the construction of the hospital which has a direct relation to your article.

During the construction stage of this huge project in Tunbridge Wells there were no apprentices, upskilling and training opportunities for local young and older unemployed people.

There were no local people working on the Although it’s uncomfortable reading for the general public, from a business point of view it wascompletely viable and acceptable for two main reasons.

Why spend valuable time and money upskilling, training local people to do a job when there is a plethora of cheap, qualified overseas labour who are prepared to work at a much cheaper rate than local people?

Hospitals and construction sites are not schools or educational facilities. In both environments there are considerable risks and they are run like a business where monies must be ‘well spent’ on the principle of its function not for the financial benefit of the local communities.

The second justifiable reason is that both industries take full advantage of legal tax avoidance schemes, not hundreds of thousands but millions of pounds. The system is very simple, you employ agency staff from European job agencies where the tax and NI is deducted in the worker’s home country, paving the way for them to access housing benefit and the working tax credit system.

Whilst the European doors are open, cheap already skilled labour who do not require money and time spent on training will always be preferred rather than local people.

Steve Lukacs Via email

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Dumping steel: harmful subsidy races

If it is true that Britain had prevented the EU raising tariffs on China for dumping steel on the market by not supporting the imposition of tariffs, no one will benefit except the Eurosceptics. People will not believe that the government has behaved honestly by saying that it has done everything it could while blocking the kind of action which other European countries support to protect their steel industries from dumping.

The EU has urged 37 anti-dumping measures against foreign goods, of which 16 involved steel from China. They were blocked by the UK. Why? Potentially up to 15,000 workers will lose their jobs and another 25,000 dependent on the steel industry too. This will leave devastation to communities such as we haven’t seen since the closures of the coal mines during the Thatcher era.

The legacy of job loss was continued unemployment, working age men out of the labour market and dependent on incapacity benefits. In the decades that followed high paying jobs in the mines were replaced by low paying low quality jobs.

Added to that, Britain will face fierce resistance from the European Commission if she tries to ‘rescue’ the steel industry by way of subsidies or nationalisation. The reason for this is to prevent harmful subsidy races between EU countries and thereby lead to uncontrolled state aid by one country against another.

However, we are where we are. It is a brave person who thinks we can escape our dilemma by leaving the EU. Marguerita Morton Tunbridge Wells

Times: You helped my business

Just a quick thank you again for your article on Bright Fox last Wednesday (April 20). As a result of your piece, since Friday, I have had three new landlords approach me requesting information and to hopefully market their properties. This has made a real and significant difference to my business.

We have had very positive feedback from my existing clients and customers, too.

I can see how well received and respected your paper and quality of work is, and hope to in future build up a marketing partnership with the Times of Tunbridge Wells.

Thank you again for this.

Vanessa Strauss Via email

EU: Dutch reject trade ties

So Michael Gove wants Britain to join a European free trade zone with Ukraine and others (April 20).

However, popular democracy could get in the way of his wish. He might have noticed the Dutch have inconveniently just rejected closer trade ties between the EU and Ukraine in a referendum vote.

Dr Alan Bullion Tunbridge Wells

EU: Grammatical error in leaflet

Has anyone else noticed the grammatical error on the front page of the Government Referendum leaflet? ‘Why the Government believes that voting to remain in the European Union is the best decision for the UK’. Surely it should be ‘better’ not ‘best’– unless there are more alternatives other than In or Out!!

Will it take another £10million to correct it?

Jan Goodwin Via email

EU: Sold a Common Market pup

Nick Robinson’s current series for BBC TV on Europe made clear in the opening episode that the politicians of the day knew we were signing up to a political union; we, the public were not. The public debate at the time and the referendum was whether or not we should join ‘The Common Market’ – the clue’s in the words. We were sold a pup then and the lies continue unabated.

John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

David Cameron: Money has no morals

As David Cameron has discovered to his cost: Money has no morals. That he needed to learn it so painfully and so late in life is surprising. Didn’t he learn from an early age: “People who live in glass houses... etc” and: “As they sow the wind they shall reap the whirlwind”. Jimmy Carr must be laughing all the way to the bank now DC says that it’s all OK. Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

EU: Bureaucracy vs democracy

In response to Richard Underhill (April 20), may I point out that, although the worthies he named [Leon Brittan, Neil Kinnock, Chris Patten, Roy Jenkins and Peter Mandelson] were indeed once elected politicians, I do not recall ever being asked to vote for them as Commissioners.

Furthermore, my Oxford dictionary defines bureaucracy as ‘a system of government in which most decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives’.

In the UK we can at least vote out our governments and elected politicians.

Maxwell Macfarlane Southborough

We will always do our best to publish all letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter because of its length or content. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words.

Calverley WORD on the street is that the town is about to get a bit of an added sparkle. It seems that a certain man in the jewellery trade who rode off into the sunset is looking to return to the high street. He’s been sadly missed having proved over the years a treasured source of tales.

Watch this space.

UNKIND souls are hinting that there’s a hidden agenda behind Targetfollow’s latest attempts to tease money out of Tunbridge Wells residents.

They want to charge hundreds of pounds to those who have to cross their land on the commons to reach their homes. Cynics whisper that the Norwich based enterprise is trying to boost income to make it more of an interesting target for potential buyers. The land it owns includes The Pantiles.

TO Trinity Theatre for the first breakfast networking event held by Panoramic Wealth.

(Calverley rarerly snubs an invite for free tea and bacon butties to start the day.) It all got under way with an appropriate quip from host Gary Jefferies who told the assembled: “Welcome… but please don’t confuse Panoramic Wealth Management with Panama [leaked documents] wealth management. We are not the same business.” Another exclusive bites the dust.

RED FACES at a certain PR company last week when they called Times Towers to float a story about Jota Sport. They were patched through to one of our host of scribes. Part way through extolling the virtues of the local motor racing team they were advised that he already knew a great deal about Jota… it is owned by his family. Only the best work here.

ESTEEMED Council Leader David Jukes is never afraid of poking fun – at himself. And he was certainly on form at last week’s council meeting where members of the local Air Cadet Force received Civic Medallions for good deeds. Cllr Jukes recalled the time he signed up to serve his country in something like the Royal Air Force Reserves hoping to fly planes.

Instead he ended up working in a bunker 90 feet below ground. Some people (Not Calverley) are suggesting that’s where any bunker mentality might have come from.

KIDS can often say hurtful things to parents.

Calverley though was touched when, at a neighbour’s soiree, he witnessed the host’s daughter utter the words : “You’re such a wonderful mum… for teaching me to open a bottle of Champagne without spilling any.”

Chin, chin readers

EDUCATION n

23

It is important not to mistake a syllabus for an education The Headmistress of Benenden Samantha Price tells us what she believes a school is really for…

CERTAINLY a school’s duty is to fulfil the academic potential of every student, but a good education is about doing so much more for a young person than them just getting strong exam results. It is important not to mistake a syllabus for an education.

A school should be a place where children discover who they are, a place where they try new things, where they develop key life skills such as confidence and public speaking and dealing with setbacks. It is an environment that encourages them to stretch themselves, to produce work they are proud of, and to learn how to interact socially. Perhaps most importantly, they should be having fun.

celebration

Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price with a cake baked to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday last week. With her are (l-r) Head of School Kate Davis and School Captain Sophie Davies Jones.

Last weekend we ran our second ever Benenden Arts Festival – three days in which we celebrated music, dance, drama, art and even food.

Hundreds of girls were involved in the performances, the productions and the displays – not to mention a light-hearted parent-anddaughter cooking challenge, the Great Benenden Bake-Off, hosted by MasterChef: The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing. We welcomed staff, parents and residents of the

village of Benenden to join us for what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening weekend.

However, for the girls it delivered much more than this: The whole weekend was an education in itself. It was challenging, it was exciting, it was nervewracking at times to be performing in public, it was eye-opening and it was a proud occasion when they could show to friends, family and others their marvellous achievements.

Staging such events takes an enormous amount of time and effort but it was definitely worth it.

This is precisely the type of event that enriches what young people gain from their school years.

This festival was not part of the core academic syllabus but it served as a wonderful education for the girls. That, in my view, is what schools are for.

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HARVEY WATER SOFTENERS

WEDDING FEATURE �

25

A wedding of stately proportions Retaining all the elegance and romance of the Victorian era, Salomons Estate offers a spectacular and unique venue for your very special day…

What makes a wedding at Salomons Estate special?

There can be few better venues for a couple to celebrate their big day. Salomons offers many settings to choose from as it is set in 36 rolling acres of gardens, parkland and woods that are beautiful all year round. A particular favourite setting of mine is on the bridge over the lily pond. Salomons retains all the magic and romance of a bygone era which is guaranteed to wow the happy couple and their guests.

We pride ourselves on exceptional levels of service and each couple will have their own dedicated events host to assist with both planning and over seeing their day from start to finish.

Couples can take advantage of our Exclusive Use Wedding Package which entitles them to the whole venue from their arrival, through to breakfast the following morning. Although we have a selection of packages we recognise couples may want something a little different so we can offer a bespoke package tailored to their requirements.

What sets Salomons apart from other venues?

We know that a huge part of a wedding day is the photos and

with full access to the grounds Salomons offers the perfect setting for those key wedding shots.

For the main wedding ceremony and reception, the stunning grade 2 listed mansion boasts elegantly hand-painted ceilings and lovingly restored period features creating a spectacular blank canvas for any wedding. Salomons offers 47 bedrooms to accommodate wedding guests and there is plenty of free parking which is always an advantage.

Can couples have their ceremony as well as their reception at Salomons?

Yes, Salomons offers three fabulous function rooms licensed to host wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Gold Room can seat up to 65 people with doors that open onto the terrace, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the estate. Our Drawing Room provides a beautiful backdrop for the couple’s wedding breakfast & as it seats up to 100 people, it provides a spacious setting for their evening party.

Finally, our grand Victorian Theatre is ideal for large wedding parties and can host all aspects of the couple’s big day, from the ceremony to the evening reception.

Are you taking bookings for 2017 & Do you still have availability for 2016?

Bookings are being taken now for next year & even 2018. We are getting enquiries from couples who want to guarantee their date during our peak times. We do have some key dates available for 2016. I would recommend couples to come and see the stunning estate as this will give a real flavour of what they

can expect & they can really start to build the picture for their special day. And if they join us for a show round during April or May they can enjoy a delicious champagne cream tea in our Bistro on us!

More information can be found on our website www.salomons-estate.com or please feel free to call us on 01892 515152

‘Couples can take advantage of our Exclusive Use Wedding Package which entitles them to the whole venue from their arrival’

Wednesday 27th April 2016

26 � WEDDING FEATURE

A stunning setting with the For bride Samantha Deegan and her groom Jamie, the 16thcentury Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle near Maidstone was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Samantha tells the story of how the two of them met, and reflects on some favourite moments from ‘the most amazing and magical day’ How did you and your husband meet?

Jamie and I attended secondary school together and were good friends. Little did I know he had a crush on me! After leaving school we sadly lost touch; however, quite a few years later, we bumped into one another on a night out in Tunbridge Wells and – as they say – the rest is history!

Tell us about the proposal Jamie’s initial proposal plan fell through at the last minute, as he was unable to borrow a McLaren from work. So, after a chat to one of his colleagues about a back-up plan, he decided to propose to me at my family home. He surprised me with breakfast in bed and got down on one knee – I was in complete shock and all I kept saying was: ‘Are you serious?’ followed by lots of tears and a big ‘Yes’!

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

Jamie and I got married at the beautiful Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle. This was the first wedding venue we viewed and we fell in love with it immediately – a

stunning setting with the most magical feel. From our first meeting to the morning after the wedding, the staff at Leeds Castle were second to none; we can’t praise them enough.

Any key highlights from the big day?

It really was the most amazing and magical day, full of love and laughter. We had a small, intimate wedding with our nearest and dearest, and were lucky enough to have Jamie’s grandfather as a guest and our toastmaster, while my brother kindly gave me away, which was very special indeed. We were fortunate enough to have a McLaren for the day, which was rather fabulous, and the night before the wedding my family and I had dinner overlooking the castle. The magic began from this moment and it was the best day ever.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We went on a spa weekend break, which was lovely, and as we felt completely exhausted. It was perfect to have time to chill and be together. With thanks to our guests and their kind gifts, we’ve been able to book a Mediterranean cruise for later on in the year.

LEEDS CASTLE Perfect for weddings with a choice of venues

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Samantha and her bridesmaids Talk us briefly through some of your suppliers and how they helped make the day special We were lucky to have met some truly fabulous people when arranging our wedding, and would highly recommend the following: Venue: Leeds Castle team – Sophie Welsh, Janye (floristry), Yvonne Riley, David Cummins, Clare, Kelly and Barbara and Michelle and Sam Pearson. Amazing team. Everything about the venue/ food/ ceremony and accommodation was perfect. www.leeds-castle.com/weddings Cake: The Bonbon Bakery – it was such a pleasure working with Bonnie. She listened to all our requests and gave us very useful feedback. She made us our dream wedding cake and even made us a mock-up cake before the wedding. www.thebonbonbakery.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Photography: Simon Naish Simon Naish is a charming guy and very professional. He captured our day perfectly. www.complete weddingphotographer.co.uk Makeup: Carrina Jane Shaill – Carinna did mine and my bridesmaids’ make-up and did a fantastic job; she really listened to the style of make-up everyone wanted. Everyone looked beautiful, natural and, most importantly, they all felt comfortable wearing it. She’s organised and professional. www.carrinajane.co.uk DJ: Dean King – Dean is a charming guy who provided fantastic music entertainment and was highly praised by all. djdeanking@gmail.com Finally, describe your partner in five words Funny, kind, hard-working, thoughtful, loving.

WITH THE

I i al T ar t nd a Impion a tod

s 73 Pen 559 26 0189

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

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

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Fit for a Queen Stunning old-style country house designed with up-to-date features bracketts est.

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To celebrate the opening of our new offices, we are giving away vouchers to spend at Round Wood. Visit roundwood.com to enter our prize draw.

1st Prize: £1000 2nd Prize: £500 3rd Prize: £250

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Oak Framed Buildings | Hardwood Decking | Oak & Walnut Flooring | Home & Garden Features

Plenty of space with two cottages in one in Plaxtol

Hold your horses at a West Malling home with views

Modernised rural idyll with beams and stained glass

Wednesday 27th April 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Your at-a-glance guide to

Kate Boyes, Board Member of ARLA and Director of Alexandre Boyes Tunbridge Wells

Following the reading of the Housing and Planning Bill last Friday, David Cox, Managing Director of Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), comments on amendments regarding joining client money protection schemes: “This is positive news for consumers and a great example of the industry and policy makers working together to champion consumer interests.

At present, property agents are not legally required to join client money protection (CMP) schemes which leaves tenants and landlords at risk of losing money.

“This new measure means that when Government reviews its property transparency measures later this year, there is a real chance that CMP could finally become mandatory for all property agents in the UK. Consumers may finally have a guarantee that their money is safe and we will continue to work alongside DCLG to make this a reality.”

LONG MILL LANE CROUCH

£975,000

It is estimated that letting agents currently hold approximately £2.7 billion in client funds and yet, if a letting agent is not covered by client money protection, both the landlord and tenant could stand to lose their money. CMP is designed to protect both parties in the unlikely event that an agent goes into administration or misappropriates their client’s funds as any losses incurred through the actions of the letting agent can be covered. CMP provides for a similar type of consumer protection in the property sector as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) provides in the financial services industry.

For further information please contact: Kate Boyes, Director, Alexandre Boyes, Tunbridge Wells www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

HOLDEN ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH

£205,000

UNDER £250,000 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 27th April 2016

This purpose-built first floor flat is situated in a popular location on the edge of Southborough Common. Benefitting from double glazing, electric storage heating and off-road parking, the accommodation comprises an

entrance hall, sitting/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Although it requires some updating and redecoration, the property should be viewed on the basis of its potential and is offered with no onward chain.

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

MILL CRESCENT, TONBRIDGE

£335,000

UNDER £350,000 Set on the bank of a pretty stream, this attractive and modern end-of-terrace house features an entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, sitting room with logburning stove, cloakroom, three bedrooms and a bathroom. The

property has the benefit of an allocated parking space as well as visitor parking, and a pretty, secluded rear garden which wraps around the side of the house and has a wonderful outlook over the river.

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

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

DOUGLAS ROAD, TONBRIDGE

£374,950

UNDER £400,000 Set in the desirable Meadow Lawn area, just a short walk from Tonbridge High Street, this traditional bay-fronted house is extremely well presented throughout.

It features an entrance hall, sitting room, modern fitted kitchen/dining room, cloakroom/utility room, three bedrooms and a contemporary bathroom. Outside you can enjoy a private and easily managed partly walled garden with a raised deck.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

CRITTENDEN LANE, MATFIELD

£575,000

UNDER £600,000 This deceptively spacious single-storey property is set in stunning gardens in a large and secluded plot in Matfield.

Accommodation comprises an entrance hall, dining room, sitting room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, lobby, two cloakrooms, three bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Externally there is a double garage, plenty of parking and lovely gardens.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

HADLOW ROAD, TONBRIDGE

LONG MILL LANE CROUCH

£695,000

£975,000

UNDER £700,000

UNDER £1MILLION Situated in a convenient semi-rural position in Crouch, near Sevenoaks, Newton Cottage is a spacious character property dating from the 1920’s.

The property is well presented throughout and has been recently extended by the current owners to provide generous and flexible family accommodation.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining

room, cloakroom, utility room, drawing room and study, with five bedrooms (two en-suite) and a family bathroom.

Externally, there is an integral garage, driveway and lovely rear garden with a rural outlook.

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

This attractive family home offers the chance for some updating, and is approached over a large private drive. The ground floor has an entrance hall, sitting room, extended living/dining room, kitchen, utility room and cloakroom. To the first floor there are four bedrooms, a bathroom and WC. There is also a loft separated into two rooms which, subject to building regulations, could provide further bedrooms. There is also plenty of parking, a garage and delightful gardens.

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

Wednesday 27th April 2016

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Battle,- £1,495,000

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An attractive detached period oast house with impressive leisure complex Cloakroom, study, kitchen I breakfast room, utility, sitting room, family room. Master bedroom with en suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Leisure complex including gym, swimming pool, 1 bed annexe and 1 further bedroom. Gardens and grounds.

Barn I workshop. Quadruple open-bay garage. EPC ratings E & C. In all about 15.23 acres.

Hawkhurst An impressive Grade II Listed family residence within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, music room, drawing room, conservatory, kitchen I breakfast room, boot room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite with 'his and hers' dressing rooms and en-suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Attached 2 bedroom annexe. Triple open bay garage with storage space above. Stables and yard comprising 4 stables, tack room and feed room. Further outbuildings. Mature gardens and grounds. Heated swimming pool. Fenced paddocks and manege. In all about 10.47 acres.

Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells Stylish contemporary home offering spacious and versatile accommodation Utility room, boiler room, entrance hall, cloakroom, TV room, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen I breakfast room, family room, ground floor bedroom, bathroom. Master bedroom suite with 2 shower rooms and dressing room, guest bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached 1 bedroom annexe. Carport. Established rear garden.

EPC rating C.

Speldhurst A beautifully presented Grade II listed period house with a detached lodge cottage Reception hall, drawing room, dining room, snug, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, games room, guest cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 3 bedroom suites, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Extensive cellar. Garage. Separate cottage comprising sitting room, study, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, WC and extensive attic storage. Heated swimming pool. About 1.59 acres.

London Road, Tunbridge Wells A fine Grade II Listed Georgian town house overlooking the common Entrance hall, dining room, sitting room, sun room, kitchen, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and balcony, 4 further bedrooms, family bath I shower room. Cellar. Well-maintained garden. Off-street parking.

Wadhurst Plot with full planning permission to create an impressive country house Created for modern family living, the designs provide for a unique home, with a stunning entrance hall, light and spacious interior and features such as bi-fold doors spanning the rear. A luxurious leisure complex, cinema and games room. In total, planning and designs for 7,000 sq ft minor 9,000 sq ft, exc garage wing, set in approx. 11 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Brochure with full details available.

Albany Hill, Tunbridge Wells Spacious detached family home situated in the popular St James area Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, conservatory, study. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Established rear garden. Off-street parking. Garage. EPC rating D.

Cowden A beautifully constructed country house with wonderful views Reception hall, drawing room, dining room, kitchen I breakfast room, family room, cinema I media, study, utility room, coat room, 2 WCs. Master bedroom suite with dressing room and balcony, 4 further bedrooms, 4 further bathrooms (3 en-suite). Double garage. Log cabin. Attractive gardens. Kitchen garden. EPC rating D. In all about 46 acres.

lghtham An exquisite Grade II* listed village house with immaculate accommodation Entrance hall, superb double height drawing/dining room, sitting room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room (currently a walk-in wardrobe), guest bedroom with 'Jack and Jill' shower room, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached double garage. Driveway providing off-road parking.

Charming established gardens. In all about 0.21 acre.

Ide Hill An attractive country house with stunning panoramic views Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 3 bedroom cottage.

1 bedroom studio. Stables. Garage. EPC rating G. In all about 9.63 acres. Planning consent to extend.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

A thoroughly modern classic

AT A GLANCE ABBEY LEA BARDOWN ROAD, STONEGATE ■ Queen Anne-style country house ■ Modern construction ■ High spec but with classical features ■ Set over three floors ■ Entrance hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room

‘Inspired by the classic Queen Anne style, this exceptional country house has been built to a high specification with great attention to detail’

■ Study ■ Morning room ■ Family room ■ Two cloakrooms (one with shower) ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Walk-in larder ■ Utility room ■ Wine cellar

D

ESIGNED by renowned local architect Stephen Langer, this elegant and traditionally-built contemporary home is situated in an elevated position between Wadhurst and Stonegate. Inspired by the classic Queen Anne style, this exceptional country house has been built to a high specification with great attention to detail.

Points of note include sash windows, oak flooring, hand-crafted Chesney fireplaces, slate and Italian marble tile flooring with underfloor heating in the main living areas, and a remote controlled Sonos surround sound system to the majority of the house.

Ground floor accommodation comprises a stunning reception hall, fitted study, dining room, formal drawing room with a high barrelled ceiling and doors out to the garden, a family room and a traditional double aspect morning room, along with a formal cloakroom and a further cloakroom with shower. There is also a bespoke oak-fitted family kitchen/ breakfast room with Miele appliances and an oil-fired Aga. A walk-in larder and a separate utility room complete the ground floor and there is a substantial wine cellar below.

Six excellent double bedrooms (three with dressing rooms) and five bath/shower rooms are arranged over the first and second floors. A magnificent master suite spans the two levels, with the principal bedroom enjoying a panoramic view from the first floor, and with an adjacent wet room. A fitted dressing area and an impressive Porcelanosa bathroom lie above, accessed via a private staircase.

Exceptional recreational facilities lie alongside

the main house. There is a large swimming pool with retractable cover and a Jacuzzi, and above the garaging is a spacious first-floor games room – which could easily be converted into a self-contained guest suite.

The property lies amid six acres of gardens which include a courtyard, barbecue house, tennis court, rose garden and walled kitchen garden. As well as the coach house-style garaging to the side of the house, there is an oak-framed garage for machinery and storage.

■ Galleried landings ■ Master suite with en-suite wet room and staircase up to dressing room and bathroom ■ Three further first floor bedrooms, one en-suite and two sharing a ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom ■ Two further bedrooms on top floor ■ Family bathroom ■ Coach house-style garaging with large games room and storeroom over ■ Courtyard parking, long drive and hard standing area ■ Swimming pool ■ Jacuzzi ■ Plant room ■ Oak-framed garage for machinery ■ Gardener’s workshop ■ Barbecue house ■ Tennis court ■ Walled kitchen garden ■ Six acres in all

£4,500,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Mark Cross, Tunbridge Wells

£1,200,000 - £1,250,000

A substantial and beautifully presented Lions Green house, which has been remodelled to provide a delightful fa mily hom e with superb reception space, three bedroom suites, bedroom 4, gardens and grounds of approximately 2 acres.

Tunbridge Wells

£995,000 - £1,100,000

A d elightful family house situated in a rural loca tion between Speldhurst and Rusthall. Flexible accommodation to include Four Reception Rooms, Kitchen I Breakfas t Room, Cloakroom, Master Bedroom w ith En Suite Bathroom, Three Further Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Double Garage, Circa 1 Acre.

SPRING PROPERTY

EXHIBITION MILLENNIUM HOTEL, MAYFAIR

Etchingham

£950,000

An immaculately presented detached bungalow in a private location with circa 2 acres and fa r reaching views over fa rmland. Walking distance to the village and mainline station. Being marketed for the first time since 1962, the property provides well-proportioned accommodation comprising four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three receptions rooms, outbuildings and potential to extend STPP.

In association with Joh n D Wood & Co. we are join ing together wi t h estate agent s from across t he South o f England to promote our properties at t he exclusive Spring Property Exh ib ition .

If yo u are looking to sell your home this Spring, please contact us to find out more about how your property ca n fea t ure and how our ex tensive ma rketi ng is designed to ach ieve t he hig hest sale price.

Thursday 12 May 2016, 12 - 6pm

Tunbridge Wells

OIRO £875,000

A substantial d etached fa mily home which was built approximately 8 years ago, located in a quiet close w ithin walking distance of central Tunbridge Wells. Accommodation comprising Five Bedrooms, Three Reception Rooms, Three Bath I Shower Room s, Large Kitchen I Dining Room, Utility Room, Driveway Parking, Integra ted Double Garage and Gardens Front & Rear.

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

Blackboys, Uckfield

£750,000 - £775,000

A beautifully presented and generously proportioned detached fi ve bed room bungalow offering versa tile accommodation set in good sized secluded and beautifully stocked gardens on a quiet country lan e.

Accommod ation comprises sitting room, dining room, conservatory, kitch en, utility room, five bed rooms, two bathrooms, w .c and attached d ouble garage.

Tunbridge Wells

£775,000

Hooe, Battle

£775,000

An attractive 1930's detached fa mily hom e set in an elevated position which enjoys far reaching views over the neighbouring countryside. The property benefits from spacious accommodation over two floors to include four reception rooms, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, master bedroom w ith en suite bathroom, three further bedroom s and a fa mily bathroom. There is a stable block with a concrete yard.

Mayfield

£745,000 - £775,000

A superb detach ed townhouse by fa voured developer Millwood H omes, situated within walking distance of the High Street, Pantiles and mainline railway station. Accommodation comprises Sitting I Dining Room, Kitchen, Master Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room, Three further Bedroom s and Family Bathroom.

Garden and Alloca ted Parking.

A charming family hom e built in the 1930's providing spacious accommod ation and retaining many period fea tures. The accommodation is immaculately presented through out, and includes an Entran ce H all, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Family Room, Cloakroom, Shower Room, Four Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Front & Rear Gardens, Driveway Parking, and Detached Garage.

Goudhurst, Cranbrook

Ticehurst

£695,000

A detached converted former Forge within the Cranbrook Sch ool Ca tchment Area on the edge of the Bed gebury Estate set d own a priva te road with direct access into the forest. Double garage and gardens of approximately 0.5 acres. Accommodation comprises sitting room, dining room, open-plan kitchen/breakfast room with AGA, bathroom, master bedroom w ith en suite, two further bedrooms and sh ower room.

£650,000 - £675,000

A deceptively spacious and charming Grade II Listed period cottage in the centre of Ticehurst, originally built in 1534 w ith later additions, and with a wealth of character. The property is loca ted in the centre of Ticehurst w ith accommodation over three floors to include two reception room s, kitchen I breakfast room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, attractive gardens and driveway parking.

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

£400,000 - £425,000

Spacious four bedroom semi d etached house in Tunrbidge Wells. Open plan sitting/dining room and modern kitch en . Stairs rise from the entrance hall landing where three d ouble bedrooms and a smaller single bedroom can be found along w ith m odern family bathroom. Viewing highly recommended.

Tunbridge Wells

£365,000 - £385,000

Tunbridge Wells

£300,000 - £325,000

Unique two d ouble bedroom detached property which occupies a highly convenient position for the m ainline Highbrooms railway station. The property which has been fully refurbish ed offers superb open plan living accommodation along with two en-suite bedrooms.

Tunbridge Wells

£240,000

Attractive mid terrace Victorian house. The property is in excellent condition including a renovated basem ent and h as to be viewed to truly appreciate the stand ard through out. Subject to obtaining the relevant permissions there is also scope to convert the loft. Being situated close to the town centre and local amenities.

H aving been updated throughout by the current owner, the property offers excellent accommodation for mod ern living including; open plan living room and kitchen; bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The kitchen offers eye and base level units with integrated white good s. The bathroom offers white suite comprising bath, WC and basin. Excellent location viewing highly recommended .

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

£400,000- £425,000

Brand new three bedroom town house which form s part of this exciting select d evelopment of just three properties built by a reputable local developer. The property h as been fini shed to a high specifica tion. ncludes entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room and sitting room with d oors leading to the rear arden .

£325,000 - £350,000

Attractive split level three bedroom apartment in a very desirable loca tion with large garden to the rear.

The accommod ation comprises of spacious living room w ith large bay window and fireplace, m od ern kitch en and two linked bedrooms on the ground level. Downstairs you w ill find an additional double bedroom and bathroom. This ro ert is a must see and a viewin is hi hl recommended!

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

Crowborough

£475,000 - £500,000

If you are looking for a m ove out of the city but not read y to give up on the conveniences of urban life, this

property could be for you! With the Ashdown Forest on your doorstep, you can walk to an area of outstanding natural beauty. This house blends style and comfort and offers a wonderful lifestyle.

Tunbridge Wells

£300 ,000-£325 ,000

Tunbridge Wells

£425,000 - £450,000 An exceptional three bedroom m ews style property which is loca ted in the vibrant Southborough wareh ouse quarter. The property is within walking distance of High Brooms mainline railway station, Southborough common and sh opping parade. This stylish property offers superb open plan reception room space with contemporary Scandinavian wood burner and access directly onto the rear arden""·- - - - - - - - --

Tunbridge Wells

£275,000 - £295,000

Raised ground floor m aisonette split over three levels, situated in an enviable loca tion in the centre of town, w ithin easy reach of the railway station and the numerous bars and restaurants of Tunbridge Wells. Upstairs you w ill find a large living room with form al dining area, large mod ern kitchen with breakfast bar, separa te white suite modern bathroom. This property is a must see and a viewing is highly recommended!

Two bedroom terraced h ouse which occupies a superb position on the doorstep of the beautiful recently re d eveloped Grosvenor and Hilbert park. The High Brooms mainline railway station is within walking distance as are numerous restaurants, bars and retail sh ops. The accommod ation includes sitting room with fireplace, kitch en/breakfast room, shower room and two double bedroom s.

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

£250,000

Immaculately presented 1st Floor 1 double bedroom apartment in the much sought after loca tion of Broad wa ter Down. The living room is large, light and bright and a fantastic entertaining space with double aspect views and a gorgeous wood burner. All of this and alloca ted parking, this really is a must see home.

£395,000 - £425,000

Extended four bedroom semi detached house. The property offers immaculately presented accommodation which includes an impressive open plan kitch en/dining room with French d oors which lead to the rear garden, all of which would be considered ideal for entertaining family and fri ends.

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

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

AT A GLANCE CHURCH HOUSE CHURCH HILL, PLAXTOL n Charming Grade II listed village property n Popular location n Versatile accommodation n Character features n Reception hall n Drawing room

Grade II listed charm includes a vaulted kitchen and duck pond

C

HURCH HOUSE is an appealing Grade II listed property in the heart of the popular village of Plaxtol. Immaculately presented throughout, it boasts many character features, including elegant fireplaces, some exposed timbers, column radiators and an impressive vaulted kitchen/breakfast room.

The property is extremely versatile, having originally been two separate cottages, and now offers both formal and informal family living.

Adjoining the house is a two-storey barn which provides additional accommodation.

The principal reception rooms comprise a drawing room with a bay window, a sitting room, a family room and a morning room – all of which have fireplaces, two with wood-burning stoves.

Additionally, the impressive oak-panelled dining room has doors to the rear terrace, as does the conservatory.

The double-height kitchen/breakfast room has exposed ceiling timbers and stone walls and is fitted with a comprehensive range of units and integrated appliances.

Down below, the useful cellar comprises a wine store and three storerooms.

The first-floor master suite is accessed via its own staircase and features a private landing with

Wednesday 27th April 2016

fitted cupboards and doors through to a utility room, a bedroom, adjoining dressing room and an en-suite bathroom.

The main staircase rises from the entrance hall and has a landing with a separate WC. The guest bedroom has a well-appointed en-suite bathroom and there are two further bedrooms on this floor, one of which has an en-suite shower room.

Stairs rise to the second floor where the fifth

bedroom and a family bathroom are located.

The attached stone barn has accommodation arranged over two floors, with a garden room leading to an area currently used as a gym. On the first floor is a recreation room with an adjoining cloakroom.

The house has a gated gravel driveway and, to the rear, manicured lawns are flanked by deep shrub beds. There is also a charming pond with a duck house and aquatic planting.

n Dining room n Sitting room n Morning room n Family room n Conservatory n Two cloakrooms n Kitchen/breakfast room n Useful cellar with wine store and further storerooms n Master suite with private staircase, landing, utility area, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Two further first floor bedrooms, one en-suite n Separate WC n Fifth bedroom and bathroom on top floor n Attached barn with garden room, gym area, recreation room and cloakroom n Driveway parking n Pretty gardens n Duck pond n 0.62 of an acre

£2,250,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £295,000

An immaculately presented top floor retirement apartment located in a convenient position approx. Y2 a mile from the town centre. Open plan kitchen, living area with views to the horizon, master bedroom with en-suite, further bedroom & bathroom. Residents parking. EPC: B.

Burwash Weald

Guide Price £780,000

A detached new build residence which has been finished to a high standard with luxury fixtures & fittings. Hand-built kitchen with NEF appliances. Accommodation is set over 3 floors kitchen/family room, 2 recep rooms, 6 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Detached double garage.

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental£ 1,200

An immaculately presented 2 bed ground floor apartment within a gated development, located off of the Frant Road. Kitchen/breakfast room, living room, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Lift to all floors & allocated off road parking. WD to the town centre. Available now. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £395,000

A three storey late Victorian terrace house located in a convenient & sought-after position in the St Johns area of the town. Kitchen, living room, reception/3rd bedroom, family bathroom & 2 further bedrooms. Gas central heating & 38' south/east aspect garden. No chain. EPC: D.

Matfield

Monthly Rental £ 1,850

A recently redecorated, spacious & well-presented 4 bed end of terrace cottage. Kitchen, utility room, 2 recep rooms, 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Gas central heating, large rear garden with decking & off road parking for 3 cars. Stunning views to the rear. Available now. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £1,350

A delightful & spacious 4 storey town house located in the heart of the 'village area'. Kitchen, WC, 2 recep rooms, 2 double bedrooms, 3rd bed/study, family bathroom & courtyard garden.

Walking distance to the town centre, The Pantiles & the main line station. Available now. EPC: D.

I

/

/ Argyle Road, Southborough

£400,000 - £425,000

Offering stunning views, character and warmth is this two bedroom apartment with garden, part of a conversion of this stunning period built property in a Cul-De-Sac location.

Hadlow Park, Hadlow

I

I

I

Bitchet Green, Sevenoaks

\ OIRO £1,600,000

Located off of a private road in the beautiful hamlet of Bitchet Green is this stunning four bedroom property set in approximately three acres of secluded gardens, complete with stables and paddock area.

Guide Price £850,000 - £900,000 Lower Street, Hildenborough

Set within the grounds of the exclusive and private Hadlow Park is this superb detached family home, which has the additional potential of a self-contained annexe offering exceptionally flexible living accommodation for the growing family.

\

£680,000 - £720,000

Set within beautiful grounds, boasting both stables and a paddock is this three bedroom period style semi detached cottage located within a short distance of Hildenborough Station.

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 MBRT0416 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 27th April 2016

Andrews >

Tunbridge Wells andrewsonline.co.uk

Liptraps Lane, TN2 3AA

£279,950

Three bedroom home with downstairs we, upstairs bathroom. 2 reception rooms, one with sliding doors onto gardens running around three sides. No chain.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Stone Street,TN1 2QU

£275,000

3 bedroom family home in a no-through road in the St. James area. 2 reception rooms, fitted kitchen, first floor bathroom, rear courtyard area and further enclosed garden area.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Kingswood Road, TN2 4BP

Guide £229,950

Relax and enjoy the security and garden at this centrally located home for the over SS's. Ground floor level with garden access, residents lounge, conservatory, guest suite.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Park Road, TN4 9JN

£475pcm

First floor studio apartment for single occupancy close to the town centre with separate kitchen with fridge and cooker, built-in wardrobe storage and separate bathroom plus communal laundry room. Property benefits from allocated parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Knightsbridge, TN1 2ER

£950pcm

A two double bedroom, ground floor apartment located 1.1 miles from Tunbridge Wells train station & town centre and 0.5 miles from High Brooms train station. The accommodation comprises lounge/diner with an opening to the kitchen with a full range of integrated appliances including: fridge/freezer, washing machine, oven, hob and stainless steel extractor hood. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom. Other benefits include: double glazed windows, allocated parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+'+ Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551

Woodbury Park Road, TN4 9NQ

£725pcm

Ground floor apartment located within 0.8 miles of High Brooms train station, property benefits from being neutrally decorated throughout. Upon entering the property you will notice the living room with patio doors leading out onto you own private courtyard. Kitchen benefits from a breakfast bar. Property has a double bedroom and a bathroom leading off with a white suite and an electric shower above the bath.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

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

WITH THE

GARDENING Topical tips as summer looms

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Turning your dreams into a reality

Small can be just as beautiful

Be inspired by local gardeners with green fingers

Wednesday 27th April 2016

 GARDENING

GARDENING TIPS FOR SPRING

Victoria Truman

Garden designer

Kent-based garden and landscape designer Victoria Truman www.victoriatruman.com offers her advice and tips for making the most of your plot

Small can be beautiful when it comes to creating a garden

T

HE small garden is tricky to get right because inevitably we try to fit too much into a limited space.

The danger is wanting to have everything. When we move house we take all our pots and garden furniture and expect them to all work in a totally different space, but of course they won’t. In a small garden a few large, well-placed features are what to aim for.

First, make sure you invest in what counts. Don’t just look at what’s inside the box, look at the box itself. The boundary is the most important feature as it’s what you look at from inside the house. Think of boundaries as backdrops on which to hang things, to light up and paint.

They can function in different ways, too. A fence, for instance could be transformed into a slatted timber screen in a series of horizontal lines. Simply paint the fence dark grey, plant bamboo in front of it and you’ll get a striking contrast.

Just because your garden has three sides to it and the house makes four sides, you don’t need to make the space a predictable box. Change one of the sides – as you would create a character wall in a room.

Any feature in a small garden should have at least two

Wednesday 27th April 2016

functions. A seat should have storage space, a wall should be decorative as well as practical and a tree should have blossom in spring and fruit in autumn.

Privacy is a big issue in a town garden. You don’t need to cut everything out – it’s more psychological: You just need a sense of privacy.

A seat near a small tree will enable you to see out through the leaves to the neighbours’ buildings. Set your seating area at the side of the garden, so you have your back to something, which makes you feel protected.

Town gardens are used throughout the year so you need at least 30 per cent evergreen, keep the shapes to a minimum and view them as pieces of sculpture that are part of the design. That will give you more freedom to do what you want with the rest of the planting.

Simple, strong statements are what gives a small plot impact. Three pots in a row against a wall can be enough, but make them big, fabulous ones with dramatic planting, such as agapanthus, ferns or acanthus for shade.

Silver leaved astelia is great for urban gardens. In a limited space, use tall and slim pots, or go with low, wide, bowl

shapes raising them on plinths so they are at eye level.

A perfect lightweight solution are the fibreglass planters I have used in some clients’ gardens from Capital Garden Products (www.capital-garden.com) based in Ticehurst, East Sussex. For more than 40 years they have led the field with their quality garden planters, contemporary and traditional pots, garden troughs, tubs, urns, water tanks and wall fountains.

They design and exclusively manufacture in fibreglass for its lightness and to withstand the test of time.

Lastly, remember the key to a good design is to leave some empty space in your scheme – don’t be tempted to fill every last corner.

FLORAL ILLUSION Vibrance and colour

GARDENING 

Topical tips...

Now spring is truly underway, the daffodils are over and the tulips are at their best, thoughts turn to summer and the garden…

AS YOU look out upon your garden, does the nagging question of “where do I even begin?” sound familiar?

In my opinion, the first and foremost thing to do is to stand back for a moment and simply enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature has given us…

Listen to the birds as they sing you a spring melody... dream a

1 Feed bare soil between plants with

general-purpose fertiliser and dose acid-loving rhododendrons and camellias with sequestered iron. Blackberries, loganberries and blackcurrants need a high-nitrogen feed.

2 Prune the flowered shoots of hydrangeas and winter jasmine.

little – and then put on the gardening gloves and head out to make your dream garden a reality!

As you begin your quest for the perfect garden remember not to overdo it. It’s probably been a few months since you gave those muscles and bones a good workout, so start out slowly and avoid that Monday morning backache.

5 Pinch-out fuchsia, sweet peas and

pelargoniums to encourage bushiness and heavier flowering.

is the month for planting summer 6 flApril owering bulbs like Dahlias, Gladiolas and Lilies.

Mix bulb fertilizer, processed manure and peat moss into the planting soil.

3 Sow peas, broad beans, brassicas, leeks, 7 When they have finished blooming, you root veg, spinach, chicory, Swiss chard, salad and hardy herbs. Start tender veg and half-hardy annuals – cosmos, nicotiana, snapdragons – under cover.

Plant Jerusalem artichokes and asparagus 4 crowns.

Container-grown evergreens CREATIVE A relaxing haven

establish best in the spring. Fill pots with glamorous summer-flowering bulbs.

should deadhead your spring flowering bulbs. Do not cut off the green foliage yet.

These green leaves continue to grow for a few weeks, and provide the bulb with food for flowering next year.

8 Mowing and lawn care has started with

the warmer weather. Don’t scalp the lawn, cut slightly higher for the next month.

Hardly April blues

1 Wild Flower Plant native bluebells

(Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in the green now or as bulbs in autumn.

2 Bulb Grape hyacinth (Muscari

armeniacum) thrives on neglect in all but soggy conditions. Can be invasive so choose the less rampant ‘Valerie Finnis’.

3 Climber Robust Clematis alpina ‘Frances Rivis’ copes with windy spots, blooming through May.

4 Ground-cover Vinca minor ‘La Grave’ is

covered with larger than usual lavenderblue flowers until September.

5 Shade-lover Clump-forming Brunnera macrophylla tolerates dry soil once established.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

 GARDENING

REAL LIFE GARDENS

Get those green fingers moving Whether your outside space is tiny or large, there’s much to be said for getting your fingers green this year. If you’re in need of some inspiration, we have you covered as we talk to some local gardeners about just how they make their garden an Eden Kathleen’s Top 3 Tips

When did you first discover your love of gardening?

It comes from my mum, dad & grandfather. I have always admired their gardens and green fingers obviously run in the family.

What benefits do you personally reap from gardening?

I love to watch our garden grow and evolve uniquely every year. My family gets so much enjoyment from the outside space. Personally, I find gardening extremely therapeutic and the stresses of my working week fade away the moment I get stuck in.

For Kathleen Rose Quinton from Southborough, breaking from the formal and creating a private haven was most important…

Tip 1: When buying plants for the garden, think about when they will bloom. Buy a variety so you will always have colour somewhere in the garden no matter what the time of year.

Tip 2: Create your own compost and use water butts. It’s the best way to keep your garden fed and watered throughout the year without the extra cost.

Tip 3: I have found the best way to rid your paradise of unwanted pests is to attract as many birds and wildlife to your garden as possible. Buy yourself a birdhouse or, if you want to be a bit more creative, build one!

Wednesday 27th April 2016

How do you spend your time in the garden?

We have a seating and barbeque area at the back of the garden. Every year we use our garden to host parties with our families and friends. Nothing beats a warm summer evening in a garden with your loved ones. The children play happily and the family pets sunbathe for hours. I love nothing more than to just potter around dead heading, pruning and training the climbers. I’m always planning the next project.

What was important to you when designing your garden?

The main aim when designing our garden was to break away from the straight lines and create some privacy. Injecting some colour to create a sanctuary for our family was the dream. Seeing how your garden evolves over the years is so rewarding.

Where do you get your supplies?

I use a variety of suppliers and different means to create my garden – from pinching seeds and cuttings from my mum to visiting B&Q and local garden centres. One of my favourites is Wood Cottage Nursery in Nettlestead Green.

Kathleen’s ever evolving garden

Breaking away from straight lines

GARDENING 

Tips from the local gardeners How do you spend your time in the garden?

Our garden is somewhere for my three young boys to play, and a space for us to entertain friends whether it be enjoying a cup of tea, BBQ or dinner party. The garden is also my living larder, seasonal vegetables determine my family’s meals. Flowers are essential in our home, Supermarket flowers tend to be insipid pastel colours lacking scent, I can’t afford florist bought flowers, the answer – I grow my own in a cut flower border filling our home with beautiful scented blooms. We are fortunate to have a natural pond in the garden which is a haven for wildlife, I am slowly turning its banks into a flowering meadow which not only looks stunning but attracts more bees to the garden aiding pollination in other areas.

Joanna’s Top 3 Tips

Garden blogger Joanna Manser of producefromthegarden.co.uk has her very own organic food sprouting from every corner of her garden…

What was important to you when designing your garden?

When house hunting, selecting the right garden for our family was as important as the house.

We needed sufficient space for a trampoline, swings, football/cricket pitch and space for a kitchen garden that was far enough away from the children’s patch to avoid damage. I find that a greenhouse and football don’t mix well!

I also wanted a home where we could just step out into the garden with a seamless transition making it an integral part of our home; this means that we use the garden on a daily basis all year round.

Tip 1: Mulching your borders gives them an instant makeover, suppresses weeds, helps prevent moisture loss in summer, gives structure and can enrich your soil depending on the mulch you use. A little time spreading thick mulch will save you hours weeding and reward you with better-looking borders.

Good mulches include garden compost, wood chip and bark chippings.

Tip 2: The more you pick the more they produce. Great vegetable examples include: Courgettes, mixed leaf salads, beans and cucumbers. Cutting flowers and preventing them from going to seed will result in a stunning garden display and also give you bunches of flowers for a vase. My top three cut flowers are: Dahlias, cosmos and sunflowers.

Tip 3: We don’t get enough summer rain in the south east to grow successful luscious vegetables and cut flowers, a watering system is essential. I connect a hose to an outside tape and from that insert smaller spur pipes attached to drippers or mini sprinklers. Every evening I pop it on for a few minutes. The result compared to the time consuming hand watered garden is fabulous.

Joanna’s kitchen garden When did you first discover your love of gardening?

As a child my mother allocated me a small area of garden which I dedicated to strawberries.

Every year I would compete with the birds to eat a delicious sun-baked ripe strawberry.

What benefits do you personally reap from gardening?

I find gardening calming, therapeutic and enormously rewarding. To see a little seed develop into an amazing vibrant plant is a grounding and satisfying experience. I feel most relaxed in the garden and my favourite memories are times I’ve shared with friends and family there. My family’s meals are dictated by seasonal garden produce and my home is filled with flowers that are as essential to the design of my home as important pictures on the wall.

Where do you get your supplies?

Franchi Seeds sell wonderful ‘cut and come again’ salads, with huge quantities of seed in a packet. Sarah Raven seeds are fabulous for cut flowers, her catalogues are a visual treat, she is the queen of colour. An amazing selection from Chiltern Seeds catalogues are to be savoured on a cold winter’s day in front of a roaring fire. Not many pictures but the descriptions are delightfully enticing nuggets of prose. My favourite nursery is Wheelgate Nursery in Collier Street, a visit always includes a garden tour with the very talented owner Jeanette Lerwill, where you see amazing specimens that you just have to take home with you!

Wednesday 27th April 2016

ACCESSORIES RRP £4879

RRP £2416 Our Price

£1499

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

Build your own sand school at a stylish equestrian home

H

OME FARM is an individually designed property with the subtle blend of stylish and contemporary features and more traditional characteristics.

Set in a lovely position, with far-reaching countryside views and only a mile from the bustling town of West Malling, the property has generously proportioned accommodation which is extremely well presented throughout.

Features include vaulted ceilings with roof lights, full height

windows and glazed doors, oak and slate flooring, exposed stone walls and some exposed timbers.

The glazed entrance hall has a vaulted glazed ceiling and stairs rising to the galleried first floor landing. The spacious principal reception rooms are all double aspect with the drawing room and sitting room both having direct access to outside. The drawing room has a wood-burning stove and the dining room is open to the kitchen/breakfast room, which is fitted with a bespoke range

of cupboards with integrated appliances including an Aga. The generous ground floor accommodation also includes a utility room, a study, a cloakroom, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Upstairs, the master suite comprises a spacious vaulted bedroom with skylight windows, a dressing area, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. There are two further bedrooms, both served by en-suite shower rooms, and a further shower room.

The house has a gravelled drive

opening out to a substantial courtyard which provides ample parking, with an outbuilding providing garaging and storage (which could be converted to provide additional accommodation, subject to planning permission).

The expansive lawns are interspersed with trees and stoneedged beds and there is a stable block as well as three paddocks.

Planning permission is in place to build a sand school. In all there is just over three acres.

AT A GLANCE FARTHERWELL ROAD WEST MALLING ■ Stylish family home ■ Character features ■ Contemporary styling ■ Vaulted reception hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room/kitchen/breakfast room ■ Sitting room ■ Study ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Two ground floor bedrooms ■ Bathroom ■ Master suite with dressing room and bathroom ■ Two further bedrooms, both en-suite ■ Shower room ■ Courtyard parking ■ Outbuilding with garage and storage ■ Equestrian facilities including stables and paddocks ■ 3.1 acres in all

£1,475,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Your local independent Estate Agent

1-kMJProperty

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...contactable 7 days a week

Terrace cottage in an elevated position, open plan Living room/ dining room , fitted kitchen, rear porch/ utility space, 2 double bedrooms & upstairs bathroom . Double glazing & gas fired heating.

Stunning terrace garden. EPC D

2 bed semi-detached house requiring refurbishment with potential to reconfigure to a 3 bedroom . Open plan Lounge/ dining room, kitchen w ith recently installed gas fired boiler, 2 bed and upstairs bathroom with utility space. Double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden. EPC D.

3 Bed semi-detached house refurbished to a high standard with some original features . Lounge, dining room, modern fitted kitchen, main bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms & family bathroom . Double glazing , gas fired heating , rear garden NO CHAIN. EPC E.

Two bedroom , bay fronted , semi-detached house with Lots of potential to update and reconfigure.

Lounge, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and upstairs bathroom. Double glazing , storage heating and rear garden. EPC D

www.kmjproperty.co.uk S:3 Find us on â&#x20AC;˘ 111 Facebook

01892 515188

<i)nTheMarketcom

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

Uniquely updated period property

AT A GLANCE CHITTINGHURST BARN TIDEBROOK, NR WADHURST ■ Unique versatile period family home ■ Modernised and refurbished ■ Rural location ■ Beautifully presented ■ Accommodation over four floors ■ Character features ■ Entrance hall ■ Sitting room ■ Family room ■ Study ■ Dining room ■ Impressive drawing room ■ Kitchen ■ Breakfast room ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with shower

C

HITTINGHURST BARN is set in a private rural lane in the hamlet of Tidebrook, between Wadhurst and Mayfield. Having an interesting and versatile layout, it is a delightful detached house which has been refurbished and modernised while retaining some fine period features.

Offered with no forward chain, and beautifully decorated throughout, the property has exposed beams and stonework,

fireplaces, stained glass windows and shutters in some rooms.

The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, a sitting room, a family room and a study, with stairs down to the garden floor.

On this lower level can be found a large dining room, a breakfast room, a kitchen with integrated appliances and a cloakroom.

The most impressive room is the superb triple aspect vaulted drawing room with exposed beams,

feature wood-burning stove and two sets of French doors opening out on to a decked terrace.

The master suite is on the first floor and features a generous bedroom with shower area. A further bedroom and family bathroom are on this floor, with two more bedrooms on the top floor.

The property is approached by a private lane and has parking for several vehicles. There are steps

descending to the side entrance and there are two separate terraces designed by the garden designer Jo Thompson, who won Gold at The Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn with established shrub borders and well-placed seating areas.

A stream defines the rear boundary and there is a stable block with three stables and an adjacent paddock.

In total there is approximately three and a half acres.

■ Three further bedrooms across the first and second floors ■ Family bathroom ■ Stables and paddock ■ Stream ■ Gardens and grounds ■ Just over 3.5 acres

£1,195,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Sevenoaks, Kent

Guide price ÂŁ1.Sm

Sevenoaks Station 0.5 miles, Sevenoaks Town Centre 0.6 miles, Junction 5 of the M25 2.5 miles An extremely interesting and spacious family house built in 1986 and now in need of some updating, designed to take advantage of the topography of the site which extends to 0.8 acre of glorious grounds and includes a potential building plot.

Vaulted reception/dining hall I Cloakroom I Sitting Room I Study I Kitchen/breakfast Room I Utility Area I Five Bedrooms I Two Bathrooms I Lower ground Hall I Laundry Room I Gym/Workshop I Integral garage Extensive gardens and grounds I About 0.8 acres

Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker.corn

Sevenoaks, Kent

Guide price ÂŁ1.85m

Sevenoaks Station 3.9 miles, Sevenoaks Town 3.3 miles, Hildenborough 4.2 miles, Tonbridge 7.2 miles A truly delightful character home with beautiful cottage gardens, situated in a popular rural location and yet within close proximity to Sevenoaks town.

Entrance Hall I Dining Room I Drawing Room I Sitting Room I Kitchen/Breakfast Room I Utility Room I Back kitchen I Study I Cloakroom I Study/Boot room I Master bedroom I Guest Bedroom with ensuite Two double bedrooms I Two family bathrooms I Cellar/Wine Store I Double Garage I Outbuildings I Two garden stores I Games room I Superb south facing rear garden I About 0.41 acres

Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker.corn

ROTHERFIELD'

EAST SUSSEX

6 bedroom character house + tucked away position + 4 receptions + study + kitchen/breakfast room + mature gardens + studio + cabin with sauna/spa + double garage + driveway parking + 3,065 sq ft + about 1.29 acres + EPC=F

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

Guide £1.195 million Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Period farmhouse with scope for improvement + PP for extension + 2.5 miles South of Tunbridge Wells + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + conservatory + 4 bedrooms + attic room/studio + mature gardens + current accommodation 3,161 sq ft + proposed accommodation 4,035 sq ft + about 0.84 acres + EPC=F

Contact: Liz Devall

Guide £1 million Freehold

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Moonlight Walk Remember • Celebrate • Donate

FIVE ASHES, MAYFIELD,

EAST SUSSEX

Grade II listed family house with stunning views and converted Oast House + mainline station 3.6 miles + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + master bedroom suite + 5/6 further bedrooms + swimming pool + detached double garage + 4,288 sq ft + about 2.55 acres + further land by separate negotiation + Oast EPC=E

Guide £1.975 million

MATFIELD'

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

KENT

Stylish, character home with 2 bed self-contained annexe + Paddock Wood MLS about 4 miles + 4 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + galleried landing with study area + master bedroom suite + 4 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms + garage + outbuilding + landscaped garden and field + 3,194 sq ft + in total about 1 .60 acres + EPC: House=E, Annexe=G

Guide £1.395 million Freehold

* ** * *** {r*{r {r {r{r

Moonlight Walk Remember • Celebrate • Donate

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Gated development + 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + reception room + kitchen/breakfast room + single garage + allocated parking space + communal garden + Council Tax=G + EPC=B

Unique chalet style design + 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + open plan kitchen/ reception + off street parking + gated development + rear garden + Council Tax=H + EPC=C

£1,850 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

KENT

Close to grammar schools + 2/3 bedrooms + bathroom + reception room + kitchen/breakfast room + private entrance and hallway + communal garden + Council Tax=C + EPC=D

First fioor apartment + 2 bedrooms + 2 shower rooms + spacious reception room + kitchen + sought after location + walking distance to mainline station + Council Tax=B + EPC=C

£1,550 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,300 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

Property

1

Independent Tunbridge Wells Your Property Specialists Caxton House

Studio flat, newly decorated, south side of town. Fees apply

1 bedroom apartment, newly fitted kitchen, newly refurbished, contemporary bathroom, village area, walking distance MLS, private entrance. Fees apply

£550pcm

£895pcm

Glendale Court

Mount Sion

1 bedroom apartment, first floor, communal gardens. Fees apply

1 bedroom apartment, fully furnished, sought after location. Fees apply

£650pcm

£BOO pcm

Mount Sion

1 bedroom apartment, village area, shower room. Fees apply

£750pcm

Foxcrott Court

Studio flat, private entrance, village location.

Fees apply

2 bedroom apartment, open plan lounge/kitchen, shower room. Fees apply

2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished, allocated parking space. Fees apply

£550pcm

£795pcm

£1000pcm

TW Property, 34 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1 LU www.tw-property.co.uk Sales: Tel 01892 530109 Lettings: Tel 01892 548049

e: sales@tw-property.co.uk e: lettings@tw-property.co.uk

.~ ~. ti rightmOV9 Zoopla Smarter property search

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We are members of Property Ombudsman and Guild of Letting and Management

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Withyham, £1,295,000 A fine detached 5 bedroom country house substantially extended in recent years and in an idyllic setting adjoining Ashdown Forest. EPC: E

Dormans Park, £995,000 A grand period 4 bedroom wing forming the major part of this substantial Victorian property with gardens of about 0.75 acres including an ancient woodland. EPC: E

Rotherfield, £995,000 An exceptionally spacious 5 bedroom Victorian stable conversion within a former country house estate providing comfortable family accommodation within charming cottage gardens. EPC: D

Wadhurst, £975,000 An outstanding attached 4 bedroom country house with light and spacious accommodation forming part of this attractive rural hamlet built on the site of a former Victorian mansion in about 2004. EPC: C

Bidborough, £850,000 An individual 3 bedroom detached family house with a range of substantial outbuildings with further potential (subject to PP) set in well-stocked gardens, with views and close to local village amenities. EPC: D

Ticehurst, £825,000 A delightful detached 3 bedroom period barn in an idyllic setting in its own beautiful gardens, off a sought after country lane on the edge of the village, close to the southern end ofBewl Water. EPC: D

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

Tunbridge Wells, £1,699,900 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom Victorian villa with a stunning interior incorporating a blend of period and contemporary features in a highly regarded location. There is further potential to extend (subject to PP). EPC: E

• Renovated to an exceptional standard • Superb Kitchen/Breakfast Room with Dining and Sitting areas • Elegant Drawing Room with open fireplace • Garden just under 0.25 acre • Sought-after location close to the Pantiles and mainline station

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MADDISONS R E SID EN TI A L

~

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Excellence is not a skill. It's an attitude.

THE alllll.TIMES

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Fair Oak Farm, Witherenden Hill

£3,000,000

A rare business and lifestyle opportunity in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, incorporating a Grade II listed farmhouse, detached oast com·crsion and a thrh'ing holiday let business in beautifully com·crtcd farm buildings and cco-lodgc tree houses.

Kennett, Bidborough borders

£1,250,000

Kestrels, Burwash

£1,695,000

A simply beautiful country house , idyllically located in 10 ac res of breath-taking East Sussex countryside. \\Tith an clcrntcd position and stunning, panoramic, west-facing ,·icws, combined with elegant reception rooms, 6 bedrooms and separate, stylish ancillary accommodation , this property has much to offer.

Garlinge Road, Southborough

£1,195,000

An immaculate 5 bedroom property, perfectly located bct\\·ccn the ,·ibrant spa tmrn of Tunbridge \Velis and the c01wcnicnt market tmrn of Tonbridge "·ith its excellent rail links to central London. With m·cr .1 ,800 sq ft of \Yell-configured li,·ing accommodation, which includes a separate annexe and stunning south-facing ,·icws m·cr the surrounding Kent countryside, Kennett is a "·ondcrful residence.

An extremely spacious, detached Victorian property located on a no-through road "·ithin easy reach of all the local amenities and excellent schools. With 6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, off-street parking, a garage and a delightful rear garden ,Yith hot-tub , this really is one to ,·ic"··

The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

Vale Road, Southborough

£900,000

A fabulous. spacious triplex apartment in an cmfablc position in the ,·cry heart of Tunbridge \\'ells coming to the market for the first time in just under 25 years. Offering 4 bedrooms.

2 bathrooms. a spacious <line-in kitchen and a lmdy main reception room "·ith a balcony m·crlooking the historic Pantiles. this is an absolute gem of a property.

£715,000

A truly lm·cly. detached property located on a quiet road ideally situated for access to local amenities and the prestigious Tunbridge \\'ells' grammar schools. Offering 5 bedrooms ..1 bathrooms ..1 reception rooms. off-street parking. a garage and a lmdy rear garden ,Yith an independent studio/ ,rnrkshop. this is a ,rnndcrful family home. presented in excellent order throughout.

www.maddisonsresidential.co. uk Royal Victoria House, 51-55 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

Superb semi-rural location sports seven acres of land

‘Accommodation is arranged over two floors… it is set within generous grounds and offers plenty of potential’

AT A GLANCE RUSHLYE COTTAGE BELLS YEW GREEN, NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ Attached period cottage ■ Semi-rural yet accessible location ■ Character features ■ Reception/dining hall ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Sitting room ■ Family room

T

HIS delightful attached cottage occupies a semi-rural yet accessible location in Bells Yew Green near Tunbridge Wells and retains many period features throughout. With flexible accommodation arranged over two floors, it is set within generous grounds and offers plenty of potential.

On the ground floor there is a spacious entrance/dining hall with feature fireplace and storage cupboard. This room leads into a sitting room with access to the garden and a

large open inglenook fireplace. At the rear of the house is a dual aspect family room with a Jotul wood-burning stove and stable door opening to the garden. A well-equipped kitchen/ breakfast room completes the ground floor accommodation.

The principal bedroom upstairs has outstanding views over the grounds and to the cricket green in the distance, as well as having fitted cupboards and an en-suite shower room.

There are three further bedrooms and all are

well served by a family bathroom.

A private driveway leads to the property with parking for several vehicles as well as a double garage. There is an area of lawn either side of the drive and the majority of the land and grounds are situated at the side of the property, with an adjoining paved terrace.

To the rear is a further area of lawn and a pathway which wraps around the property and to the two adjoining cottages. In all there are around seven acres.

■ Master bedroom with en-suite ■ Three further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Double garage ■ Gardens and grounds of just over 7 acres

£795,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE

£475,000

IDEAL LOCATION FOR SCHOOLS & AMENITIES. This extended semi-detached house has lots to offer a growing family with spacious and welcoming accommodation. There are 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, light & airy sitting room with large bay window, separate dining room and a superb 23' kitchen/breakfast room - sure to be the 'hub of the home'! The property is situated on the favoured Weald Park Development with a large corner plot, driveway parking, integral garage and garden. EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

KEMSING, SEVENOAKS

Guide £385,000 to £395,000 Each

ALWAYS WANTED A BRAND NEW HOME? Then look no further, this pair of newly constructed, semi-detached houses are located in popular Kemsing village and offer generous accommodation with the benefit of a CLR 10 year warranty. On the ground floor is a spacious living room with double doors to garden, fully fitted kitchen/ dining room with integrated appliances and a cloakroom. On the first floor are 2 double bedrooms, 1 single bedroom and a luxury family bathroom. Landscaped garden & driveway. AVAILABLE NOW! Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY

£435,000

BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED. 3 bedroom link-detached house in a cul-de-sac location close to highly regarded primary school. This extended property offers spacious accommodation: kitchen/breakfast room, sun room, sitting room, dining room, ground-floor shower room and first-floor family bathroom. Attractive gardens to front and rear, driveway parking, integral garage/store. EPC:D. Apply Pembury

Q} Primelocatior

Residential

t i'rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge: 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 771616

e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

e.tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.l,kestatea1ents.com

Speldhurst

£695,000 - £725,000

• 4 Bed Detached Family Home • Fabul ous View to Rear • Village, Cul De Sac Locati on

Tunbridge Wells • Detached Family House • 3 Bedroo ms • Within 1/ 5 Mile of MLS

Tunbridge Wells • One Bedroo mApartm ent • Purpose Built Deve lopment • Open Plan Sitting/Dining Roo m

• Good Entertaining Space • Driveway & 2 Garages • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£540,000 • 87' Rea r Gard en • Off Road Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Wadhurst • 3 Bedro om Peri od Cottage • Desirable Rural Locati on • Moderni sati on Required

Guide Price: £300,000 • Vaca nt Possession, No Chain • Potential for Off Road Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: G

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Bedro om Peri od Apartm ent • Moderni sati on Required • Presti gious So uth Side of Town

£298,000 - £325,000 • Gas Ce ntra l Heating via Radiators • Parking & Garage • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£210,000 Tunbridge Wells • Close to Town and Dunorlan Park • Secure Und ergro und Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

• Exce llent Standard of Prese ntati on • Top Fl oo r Peri od Co nve rsion • Share of Free hold

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

NAEA

£159,995 • Communal Garden, Parking • Bea utiful Views • Energy Efficiency Rating: C

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woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Doubl e Bedro oms • Garage • Ce ntral Location

£950 PCM • Ava ilabl e July • Energy Efficiency Rating: C • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Bedro oms • En-Suite Showe r Roo m • All ocated Parking Space

£950 PCM • Ava ilable Jun e • Energy Efficiency Rating: B • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells • 4 Bedroo ms • 2 Rece ption Roo ms • Good Sized Rea r Gard en

£1,850 PCM • Ava ilabl e May • Energy Efficiency Rating: E • Agent's Fees Apply

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

Intermediate Cup Final Tunbridge Wells RFC v St Benedicts RUFC

TWICKENHAM 7th May 2016

woodandpilcher. co. uk

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McAufey

Estate Agents

'Family homes for a syrinBtime move

Andrews Close £675,000 FOR SALE

Wallace Close £795,000 FOR SALE

A substantial family four bedroom detached house located within the sought after area of St. James' and its proximity to Tunbridge Wells town centre. Stylishly presented over two floors, the ground floor comprises a spacious sitting/dining room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room and downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom. To the front of the property there is a driveway which leads to the integral garage, (with electric, up and over door). The pretty rear garden is arranged over different levels and provides ample space for outdoor entertaining.

An opportunity to acquire a four/ five bedroom detached house in a great location in Tunbridge Wells. Beautifully presented over two floors, it offers a large kitchen/ breakfast room, an extremely spacious sitting/dining room, study/fifth bedroom, utility room and guest cloakroom. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom. Landscaped gardens enhance the exterior of the property and a driveway with parking leads to the large double garage, (which, subject to the usual regulations, could be converted to provide further accommodation)

Grampian Close £550,000 FOR SALE

Ferndale £465,000 FOR SALE

A spacious four bedroom detached house located within walking distance of Tunbridge Wells town centre and mainline station. The property opens into a generous hallway which gives access to all rooms including the integral garage.

The ground floor comprises a sitting/dining room, fully fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and master bedroom with en-suite facilities. On the first floor there are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the rear of the property there is a patio area which leads to an area of lawn and a large storage shed.

Located within a short distance of Tunbridge Wells town centre this large property offers three bedroom accommodation. Presented over one floor this delightful property opens into a large hallway which gives access to the sitting/ dining room to the rear, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and three bedrooms, (one with en-suite facilities). Outside, there is off road parking with space or one or more cars and an integral garage which has a passenger lift to the living accommodation above. To the rear of the property there is a paved garden with established trees and shrubs for the occupants to enjoy!

Te(: (ettin3s@mcau(eymiffer.com

01892 614777

www.mcaureymiffer.com

sa(es@mcaureymi((er.com

Scholars Village Folkestone

There's a home for everyone at Scholars Village.

Following the runaway success of Phase 1 we are proud to announce the launch of Phase 2 at this popular development.

2 bedroom homes priced from

£242,995

3 bedroom homes priced from

£290,995

4 bedroom homes priced from

£412,995

Prices with Help to Buy from

£194,396*

Backed by HM Government

Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday, 1Oam - 5pm

SCHOLARS VILLAGE - FOLKESTONE Park Farm Road, Folkestone

I CTl9 SEY

J

www.pentlandhomes.co.uk Tel: 01303 210 171 · Selected plots on ly. Terms & conditions apply.

Subject to status.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Attractive designer house to let in highly desirable close T

HIS excellent detached family house, built by Millwood Designer Homes in 2004, boasts a well-arranged layout that is both light and spacious. Extremely well-presented throughout, it lies in a desirable close just off the very popular Bayham Road.

Opening to an entrance hall, there is a cloakroom and, to the front of the house, a dining room with bay window and double doors through to a sitting room with an attractive fireplace and doors to the rear terrace. The kitchen/breakfast room is well fitted and is equipped with long work surfaces, a range of cupboards and drawers and integrated

appliances. French doors in the breakfast area lead out to the rear terrace. A utility room with a door to the side completes the ground floor layout.

On the first floor there is a good sized master suite with fitted wardrobes and a bathroom. The guest bedroom boasts an en-suite shower room and there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Externally, the property has driveway parking to the front and an integral garage. The rear garden is secluded and easy to maintain with a terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining and a circular lawn.

COPPERFIELDS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£2,850 PER MONTH

Wednesday 27th April 2016

‘The rear garden is secluded and easy to maintain with a terrace ideal for entertaining and a circular lawn’

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE

n Modern family home in popular location n Built by Millwood Designer Homes n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Cloakroom n Utility room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Driveway n Integral garage n Pretty rear garden n To let unfurnished n Available now

£2,850 per month To let through Hamptons Letting Tunbridge Wells 01892 313000 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

WEDDING FEATURE �

most magical feel…

79

THE BEST DAY EVER

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED Husband and wife Jamie and Samatha SAMANTHA OFFERS HER FIVE TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT WEDDING

TIP 1 Set your budget early – decide together what aspects of your wedding will have the most importance; this will help you decide what you want to spend time and money on when planning your wedding. We chose not to have entertainment, apart from a DJ in the evening, who came highly recommended.

We felt less would be more in this instance, and this also meant we could budget for Champagne and canapés after the ceremony, which we felt our guests would enjoy.

TIP 2 Record the experience – budget for a videographer. A wedding is a once-in-alifetime moment, so record your special day and have those precious memories.

TIP 3 Be careful when buying accessories/ wedding favours from overseas – unfortunately, our beautiful-looking wedding favour mints smelled and tasted like TCP, so we were unable to give these to our guests!

We did find an alternative, which was used alongside a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to our hearts.

TIP 4 Enjoy the lead-up to the wedding – I wish I hadn’t been so worried that absolutely everything that could go wrong would go wrong before our wedding, and just enjoyed the planning. And remember that your friends and family will be happy and excited for you, so nothing else will really matter.

TIP 5 Make the day your own – it’s a celebration of you and your partner’s love for each other, so don’t get bound up too much in what a wedding should be. We didn’t have a traditional top table, but what we did worked for us and our situation.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

80 � WEDDING FEATURE

Complete luxury in One Warwick Park This extensively refurbished hotel located in the very heart of Tunbridge Wells promises the splendour and beauty to make any special day one to remember

‘The Function Room is a stunning Grade II listed former school house with vaulted ceilings’ Tell us what we can expect from the interior of One Warwick Park The Function Room at One Warwick Park is a stunning Grade II listed former school house.

Exhibiting heaps of character, with vaulted ceilings and full height arched windows, this space is flooded with natural light and charm. A classic combination of neutral tones and pairedback décor flows throughout the 142sqm of space which provides a beautiful blank canvas for the special day and a wonderful sense of versatility.

One Warwick Park is set to open in June following a multi-million pound rebuild and refurbishment programme which will continue to wow you and your guests.

What makes the building and location so special?

One Warwick Park is nestled in the heart

of the charming town of Tunbridge Wells.

Although there is no dedicated exterior area, the venue sits right in the charismatic Pantiles district which offers you incredible photo opportunities.

The hotel is a former school house built in 1846, which has been lovingly restored to enhance the brickwork exterior and traditional slate roof. Set in line with the beautiful historic Pantiles district, the building exuberates elegance and luxury.

Do you have a wedding licence?

Yes. The ceremony would take place in the main Function Room, which can transform into the perfect backdrop for couples to tie the knot. At 142sqm, and allowing for a central aisle, the venue can accommodate approximately 120 guests for the ceremony.

What about the reception?

Our spacious Function Room provides the idyllic space to host all wedding receptions, and it can accommodate up to 120 guests for a sit-down reception. The venue benefits from a dedicated adjoining bar area, which offers additional space for your guests to enjoy.

important occasion will be arranged. Our wedding and events host will support you throughout the day so the wedding party can relax and enjoy every minute of their special day.

When you stay at One Warwick Park, you can be certain of a beautiful, individually-styled room. Our bedrooms have been developed with comfort and luxury in mind with comprehensive thought given to the requirements of our guests. Whilst no two rooms are identical, guests can be assured of attention to detail in each room, irrespective of size and location.

Our suite includes some period features with traditional elegance whilst the Townhouse rooms deliver luxury in a modern and contemporary manner. Therefore the bride and groom can be certain their wedding party can relax before and after their big day.

One Warwick Park features an exceptional duplex suite providing the perfect space for the bridal party to pamper themselves before the ceremony. With everything under one roof, is the perfect venue to entertain and impress your guests.

Any additional information:  One Warwick Park opens in June 2016 and is

taking bookings now.  One Warwick Park has key dates available

in 2016.  You could be ONE of the first brides to get

married at One Warwick Park.

What makes this venue a stand-out for  One Warwick Park promises to be the most couples who are looking to tie the knot? luxurious venue in Tunbridge Wells and Kent.

One Warwick Park is set in a stunning location  The new property designed by HMY and features many unique and impressive characteristics, such as a glass Atrium and architects in collaboration with interior feature Gallery. This combined with the neutral architects KTB and interior designers Envy and classic colour scheme means the venue can London will offer stylish and contemporary be transformed with any colour arrangement or interior design as well as a carefully curated décor desired by the wedding party. experience in each of its rooms, suites and From a licensed venue to onsite catering by entertainment spaces. our highly skilled top chefs, all aspects of theLicensed Wedding Venue New

www.onewarwickpark.co.uk ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL WEDDING OPEN DAY 16THWedding JULY 2016 OPen day 16tH July 2016 One WarWick Park HOtel

SePteMber 2016 Main event Wedding SHOW 25tH SHOW MAIN EVENT WEDDING 25TH SEPTEMBER 2016 One WarWick Park HOtel promises to be royal tunbridge Wells’ ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL most luxurious venue for your special day.

promises to be Royal Tunbridge Wells’ most luxurious venue for your special day.

BOOK NOW ON 01892 552590 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

On the menu at...

FOOD AND DRINK ď Ž

Toasted banana bread with vanilla infused ricotta and honey

Avocado with pancetta, a poached egg on sourdough toast

Smoked haddock and dill fishcakes on sweet potato and assiago rosti

Breaded chicken, ham, cheese, tomato and rosemary chutney

Breakfast stack with bacon, avocado, roast tomato, baby spinach and feta

Sweet potato and chickpea veggie burger with avocado

Eggs Benedict on sour dough

81

Spiced butternut squash salad with falafel, pine nuts, roast peppers

The Black Dog, 20 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PY | 01892 549 543 | www.blackdogcafetw.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

82 � FOOD AND DRINK

A unique, modern bar At The Trading Post Bar & Lounge, delicious food is coupled with a top selection of wines, beers and spirits. We find out what’s available this summer, and how its relaxed and friendly setting could provide the perfect backdrop for an al fresco celebration or private function with friends and family TELL US the background of The Trading Post We set up The Trading Post five years ago after the building was closed from being The Downs Tavern. We have a couple of wine shops already established in the town, such as TN2 Wines on Frant Road, and it was a great opportunity to open our own bar and share our passion for quality food and drinks.

and salt and chilli squid.

We also offer sharing boards with cheese and meat selections.

SHARE OPTION Cheese and meat board

Why set up in Tunbridge Wells?

Tunbridge Wells is such a diverse and vibrant town these days, with a wonderful variety of bars and restaurants, so we thought we could fit in nicely, with our bar offering something a bit different for local people.

In what ways have you achieved that?

At The Trading Post, we offer a unique, modern bar environment, with a wide selection of handpicked beers, wines and spirits. The emphasis is on core traditional values, where we try to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for our customers to relax with friends and family.

RAISE THE BAR The emphasis is on core traditional values

SERVED WITH RELISH Lamb burger with gruyère and special tomato sauce

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Talk us through some of the menu’s bestsellers Popular dishes on our extensive menu range from eggs Benedict, to our club sandwich on our lunch menu, to tapas dishes like Balinese chicken satay, grilled chorizo, vegetable paella

And which tipples are people enjoying at the moment?

Popular drinks at the moment vary from our wine selection, such as glasses of Sauvignon Blanc (£3.75), Pinot Blush (£3.75) or an Argentinian Malbec (£4), to our beers and lagers like Long Man Best (£3.50) or Moretti (£4). We also have a good juice selection, as well as a lot of interest in our bottled selections of ciders and craft beers for the adventurous ones.

‘Our terraced garden is a real suntrap, the perfect setting to relax’ Do you work with local breweries, vineyards and suppliers?

We use Tonbridge Brewery from time to time as a guest ale, and the same with the Long Man Brewery and Harvey’s. We also use Chapel Down Vineyard, along with Biddenden Vineyard, to give our customers a varied choice of tipples. Plus, we use Fuller’s of Hawkenbury for our meats and Oliver Veg, also from Tunbridge Wells, which provides us with fresh ingredients for our chef to use.

Can you tell us about your private function services?

We cater for any functions within the bar, and also outside functions of any kind. We provide

FOOD AND DRINK 

environment

83

SIGNS OF PROGRESS The Trading Post ‘offers something different’

TOP TABLE The Trading Post offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere

a bespoke service for our guests, catering for all their needs at a venue of their choice, whether it be a wedding, birthday or anniversary. Within the bar, we can offer an area for up to 60 guests for drinks and canapé parties, and again can provide whatever the needs are, such as arrival drinks and cocktails.

What can customers expect from a visit this summer?

We’ll be organising a few events, such as live music and food evenings, plus some fantastic offerings on our lunch menu, tapas menu and wines – which are available to take home too.

We try to keep it seasonal here, so a more varied option on chilled wines and even some cocktails and fresh fruit drinks.

Will there be many al fresco opportunities?

Our terraced garden is a real suntrap and the perfect setting to relax and while away the summer evenings. It’s a great place for meeting friends and sharing some food and a chilled bottle of something. We also provide shade, should the British summer get to be a scorcher!

Where would you like to take The Trading Post going forward?

The aim for the future is to continue to offer a high level of service, and develop new and exciting food and drink menus for our customers.

SATISFIED CUSTOMER Balinese chicken satay is one of the tapas choices

THE TRADING POST BAR & LOUNGE 5 Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SA 01892 459 867 www.thetradingpostbar.co.uk

Wednesday 27th April 2016

84 � LIFE AND STYLE THE BELL The Bell in Ticehust has a reputation for ambitious events for a country pub and world-class comedy is just the latest enterprise.

Stephen K Amos, who, according to The Times, is now a national treasure, will close the first season of comedy at a quirky country pub that punches above its weight! The first seven gigs over the past nine months played to capacity houses of 130 who have delighted at Frisky and Mannish’s Christmas show, been charmed by up-and-coming youngster Ivo Graham and made to feel just a little uncomfortable by drag queens Jonny Woo and Le Gateau Chocolat!

The indomitable Abandoman kicked off the season and brought the house down, while comedy trickster Paul Zenon’s close up magic left them all asking how?

Don’t miss out - those from further afield can get a 20% discount on one of the 11 extraordinary rooms at The Bell if comedy tickets are booked at the same time. Quote COM at the time of booking.

Tickets for Jonny & The Baptists performing on 19th May are on sale from 7th April and tickets for Stephen K Amos performing on 7th July are on sale from 18th May from www.thebellinticehurst.com/whats-on Bar opens from 6pm for a prompt 8.00pm start, followed by supper at 9.00pm. For more information, call 01580 200234 or email culture@thebellinticehurst.com

KENT MOBILITY SIGNATURE There can be nothing more important than ensuring our most vulnerable in society are cared for in a manner which is kind, compassionate and offers them a safe and trusting environment which meets all of their needs. The role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is to inspect services to reassure the public that this is exactly the type of care which is being delivered.

The Miramar has recently been inspected and received an overall ‘Good’ rating which is a real testament to the hard work undertaken by the staff, and shows that we are providing just that type of service to our 70 residents. The Miramar has evolved beyond recognition over the decades from a pub, to a hotel then to a small care home right through to the large and sophisticated care home that we are now.

The Miramar is not just a care home it is an experience, able to provide our residents, some who are still driving and live here as a lifestyle choice, couples who move in together to ensure that they experience the independence they desire whilst knowing that if needed there is a vast support network ready to react, through to residents who require nursing and dementia care.

The key to our success is that the residents have a massive say in how their care home is run and are able to let us know what they want to see happening. This at times is a real challenge for us, luckily my team are fully committed to solving any challenge laid down. The key to overall success is believing that there is nothing more complicated in being able to provide care at the highest level than staff who are committed to delivering the kind of care that they would want to receive themselves, believing that good is in fact just not good enough and always wanting to be outstanding.

I took over as the General Manager of the Miramar in February of this year having been the Care Services Manager for over a year, having a varied and extensive nursing career I once upon a time could not have imagined working in a care home let alone feeling that this is the best job I have had in my career thus far. Achieving a ‘Good’ rating was great but now everyday our goal is to be ‘outstanding’ in everything we do.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

The staff and customers were joined by Steve Brown, 2012 Great Britain Paralympic rugby captain for the re-opening of Kent Mobility’s newly refurbished Tonbridge showroom. Steve cut the ribbon on Monday 13th April which began the proceedings on a week of celebrations.

“We have had an excellent turnout throughout the week from both existing and new customers, with tea and cake on offer, along with expert advice from our showroom staff.”

The showroom located at 6 Sanderson Way, Tonbridge closed shortly after Christmas and has undergone an extensive refit, it is now fully open plan allowing us to stock a vast range of products, and it has new automatic doors for ease of access and free dedicated parking directly outside the doors.

To find out more about Kent Mobility Limited and the products and services we offer please visit our website at www.kentmobility.co.uk or call us on (01732) 770998.

WITH THE

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

FIRST DRIVE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

JAGUAR F-PACE

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: £40,360 ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp and 318lb.ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels

By Matt Joy WHAT’S NEW? On paper, the F-Pace is as new as they come.

Rumours of Jaguar building an SUV started in the 1990s, but it’s taken until now for one to arrive.

It's designed to offer the space and practicality that SUV buyers demand whilst still looking – and crucially, also driving – like a real Jaguar should.

Under the svelte skin, the F-Pace is based on the same aluminium architecture as the XF, while the four-wheel-drive system is derived from that used on the F-Type. It also gets some off-road technology as well as some neat tricks of its own.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Finished in the striking Caesium Blue of the special First Edition model and riding on the vast 22-inch alloy wheels, the F-Pace is a superb looking machine in the flesh. It's a coherent design too, not just a Jaguar grille applied to a tall car, with obvious nods to other Jaguar models and a sense of style and speed. The lower-specification models still look good too, although it's likely that the 22-inch wheels will become something of an essential choice.

There's no doubt Jaguar's image has been on the up for the best part of a decade now and it's certainly ready to carry an SUV in its range. With the reputation of its other models well cemented, it may just become the driver's pick in the segment.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY There's no escaping the fact that buyers move into SUVs from other models because they want the space, whether they use it or not, but Jaguar has clearly done its homework. It's a mid-sized machine

but inside it feels big, front and rear. From the driver's seat you get the better view out, but still with a saloon-like driving position, with plenty of leg and elbow room.

There's excellent legroom in the back too and sufficient width for three adults, though headroom is fine up to average heights with the optional sunroof.

The boot is huge at 650 litres with the seats in place and it's well sized; long and tall as well as wide with no irritating intrusions, with plenty of useful storage in the cabin too.

BEHIND THE WHEEL It's a complement to the F-Pace and the team behind it that sometimes it's easy to think you're behind the wheel of a Jaguar saloon.

Regardless of engine choice there is a sweetness and a directness to the response from the controls – in particular the steering – that demonstrates a commitment to driving pleasure. Whether you're just ambling around town or destroying a B-road, the F-Pace flows along as well as its saloon siblings.

The 375bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol is likely to be the least popular option, but it's definitely the most fun. It rasps and crackles when extended and makes the F-Pace a real sporting car.

During a long drive on some challenging country road, it made fantastic progress, being quick, controlled and composed.

The 2.0-litre diesel with 178bhp will be the best seller in the UK and, while it can't compete with the V6 petrol on performance, it has a strong set of figures; 318lb.ft of torque, 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, 53.3mpg combined and 139g/km of CO2. The eightspeed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly to make the most of the engine torque and noise levels are kept in check.

Even though it will almost never be used this way, the F-Pace still has genuine off-road ability too. All Surface Progress Control allows the driver to set a desired speed below 19mph and the F-Pace will trickle along, managing the brakes and accelerator up or downhill as you steer.

VALUE FOR MONEY The entry-model in the F-Pace range is the twowheel-drive Prestige 2.0-litre diesel manual costing £34,170, which comes with cruise control, torque vectoring, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, 18-inch alloy wheels and the InControl Touch infotainment system with DAB and satellite navigation, which for many buyers will be all the kit they'll ever need. There's even a clever gadget called the Activity Key, which is a rubberised waterproof wrist strap that allows you to lock the actual keys in the car during sports or activities, and is unlocked by simply touching the boot badge with the strap. It's a smart idea for £300.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 129mph, 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds ECONOMY: 53.3mpg combined EMISSIONS: 139g/km of CO2

its rivals, which may attract more female buyers. It's also great fun to drive as well as relaxing, which will make it more appealing to buyers who need to trade up for more space. And those who do need the space should find the F-Pace has as much as they need, with the reassurance of off-road security. The F-Pace could be the car that blows the competition out of the water.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Complete.

IF THIS CAR WAS AN... indicator of Jaguar's future, it's looking exceptionally rosy..

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The F-Pace is a car with exceptionally broad appeal. It has the SUV presence and heft that buyers are keen on, but it's better to look at than any of

Wednesday 27th April 2016

86 n MOTORING

CITROEn

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-·..

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This fantastic offer ends 30 June 2016.

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E Wrli citroen.co.uk

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CITROEN prefers TOTAL Offer applies to retail sales of quaHying models ordered & delivered 0 1/04-30/06/2016 or until such time as offers/prices may be withdrawn by Citroen at its complete discretion & include VAT, de~very to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months' graduated vehicle excise duty. 'Citroen SimplyDrive 3 year Personal Contract Purchase offer available on all Citroen C1 models. A deposit is required followed by 35 monthly payments, with an optional final payment at the end of the contract. Excess mileage charges will apply if yo u exceed the agreed annual mileage. A guarantee may be required. Over 18s only. Finance provided by & written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited !company registration number 01024322) t/a Citroen Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Wi't/, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Citroen Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Thames Motor Group (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd is acting as a credit broker & is not a lender. To finance your purchase we will only introduce you to Citroen Financial Services, the exclusive provider of SimplyDrive. ooThe first year's Road Fund Licence !RFLJ is provided with the car. Vehicle tax is charged at a rate of £0 for Citroen C1 as it falls within vehicle tax band A. The customer must apply for years 2 & 3 RFL. Citroen SimplyDrive is subject to status. +Minimum age 18, maximum age 75. DRIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE TELEMATICS BOX & CONSENT TO DATA CAPTURE & TRANSMISSION TO QUALIFY FOR INSURANCE. All drivers must hold a full UK licence & meet eligibility criteria including ~mits on driving convictions & claims. INSURANCE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION IF YOU RECEIVE FOUR WARN INGS FOR POOR DRIVING. Excesses apply. 3 years motor insurance is provided and underwritten by UK Insurance Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Pi'tfments will vary according to age, post code & annual mileage. The costs of insurance, servicing & Roadside Assistance are included within the monthly cost of Citroen SimplyDrive but are provided on a monthly pi'tf·as-you-go basis & can be cancelled at any time without penalty or affecting the remainder of the Citroen SimplyDrive contract. Routine servicing included , excludes wear parts. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & C0 2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Citroen C1 PureTech 82 manual 5.4/52.3, 3.7/76.3, 4.3/65.7, 99. Lowest: Citroen C1 VTi 68 S&S manual 4.5/62.8, 3.4/83.1, 3.8/74.3, 88. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide For comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

THAMES MOTOR GROUP 01892 549766 NORTH FARM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN2 3EY www.thamestunbridgewells.citroen.co.uk

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.

Model shown is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 litre V6Summit at £52.715 OTR including special paint at £720. OFFICIAL FUELCONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE JEEP®GRAND CH EROKEE RANGE INMPG[L/100KM]: EXTRAURBAN29.4 [9.6] 43.5[6.5]. UR BAN13.9 [20.3] - 30.4 [9.3], COMB INED 20.9 [13.5] - 37.7 [7.5]. C01EMISSIONS: 315 - 198 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 •claim relates to Jeep Grand Cherokee nameplate over its lifetime. tpromotion available on new Grand Cherokee models registered between 1st April and 30th June 1016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep HirePurchase. 0% APR Representative Hire Purchase available for a3year term with aminimum deposit of 11% required. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Term s and Conditions apply. Jeep Financial Services. PO BOX 4465. Slough. Sll ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep®is aregistered trademark of FCA US LLC .

Wednesday 27th April 2016

MOTORING �

87

Repairs MOT Testing Annual & Routine Servicing Air Conditioning Courtesy Cars Quality Parts

Our premises are lacated at Kingstanding Way Business Park in Tunbridge Wells.

We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

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I

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Wednesday 27th April 2016

88 n MOTORING

www.lifestyleford.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 739131

Tonbridge 01732 758 726

Redhill 01737 336 446

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Horsham 01403 289 293

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Official fuel consumption figure s in mpg (11100km) for the Ford Kuga range: urban 30.4 (9.3 ) - 52.3 (5.4 ), extra urban 45.6 (6.2) - 65.7 (4.3), combined 38.2 (7.4) - 60.l (4.7) . Official CO, emissions 171-122g/km .

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.04.16 and 30.06.16. *Finance example shown available over a f inance period of 37 months with £2,354.89 customer deposit, £1,700 deposit allowance, £4,054.89 total deposit. Amount of credit £20,940.11. Charge for credit £1,410.89. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10. Total amount payable £26,425.89.

Optional f inal payment £11,587. 2.9% APR, 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at Bp per mile. When f inanced with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options. Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/ indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and without notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

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INVICTA MAZDA TUNBRIDGE WELLS Tunbridge Wells Business Park, Dowding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DS 01892 597726 www.invicta-mazda .co .uk

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Th e o ff ic ia l fu el co nsumpti o n fi g ures in mpg ( 1/ l OOk m) fo r th e Ma zda2 r a nge: Urban 43 .5 (6.5) - 74 .3 (3 .8). Extra Urba n 6 8 .9 (4 .1 ) - 8 8. 3 (3.2) . Co mbin ed 56 .5 ( 5 .0) - 83. 1 (3.4). Co2 emi ss io ns (g/ km ) 117 - 89.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced f rom official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory test ing. These are provided for comparab ility purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results .

Retail sales only, subject to availability for veh icles register ed bet ween 01.04.16 and 30.06.16 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *0 % APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all Mazda2 models. "'£500 Mazda2 petrol models, excluding Sport Black, and £1,250 Mazda2 diesel models. At the end of the agreement there are 3 opt ions: (i) Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Ret urn the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Based on 9,000 miles per annum; excess mileage charge of 14.9p per mile applies. Finance subject to st atus, 18s or over. Guarantee may be requ ired. Mazda fi nancial Services RHl lSR. Model shown: Mazda2 75ps SE, OTR from £12,195. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic pa int (£660). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months' road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years' European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunct ion with any other offer unless specified.

Cambria automobiles pie , trading as lnvicta Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

ADVERTISING �

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Model shown is NewAlfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £18,975 OTR incl. Stromboli Grey Special Paint at £525. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 - 60.1 mpg (9.5 - 4.7 lj100km); Extra Urban 54.3-88.3 mpg (5.2 - 3.2 l/100km); Combined 41.5 - 74.3 mpg (6.8 - 3.3 1/100km). C0 2 emissions 157- 99 g/ km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real -life driving conditions. 'Customer deposit is £1,559. Optional Final Payment is £5,593. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £18,975 OTR registered between 1st April and 30th June 2016. Alfa Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL! ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Porsche recommends Mobil D and ~

If history is any indication, you're looking at the future of sports cars.

The new 911.

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Porsche Centre Tonbridge Scan to witness the 911 in action

Brook Farm, Five Oak Green Road Tonbridge TNll OQN info@porschetonbridge.co.uk www.porschetonbridge.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the 911 Carrera 4S Coupe in mpg (1/lOOkm): urban 22.8 - 27.4 (12.4 - 10.3), extra urban 41.5 - 42.8 (6.8 - 6.6), combined 31.7 - 35.8 (8.9 - 7.9). C0 2 emissions: 204 - 180 g/km. The mpg and C02 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona

92  TRAVEL

ROMAN ARENA Opera in Verona

By Patrick Millar FOR those who had not yet noticed, this year we are marking 400 years since the death of England’s most celebrated playwright – Shakespeare, an iconic symbol of English literary culture. However, the Bard’s themes were drawn from wide-ranging sources of

inspiration, many of which strayed beyond the borders of Elizabethan England itself.

Aside from the history plays, some of his most celebrated works are set abroad – from the quarrels of the Danish nobility in Hamlet to the classical ancient world which played host to Anthony & Cleopatra, Coriolanus and of course Julius Caesar.

However, Shakespeare’s favourite

Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona

Wednesday 27th April 2016

locations, and those which have become most often associated with his most popular plays, are the cities of northern Italy. And these are also some of the best destinations for a short break, where you will not only be able to imagine the scenes of the plays set against city backdrops often barely changed since the 16th century, but you can also enjoy some of the country’s finest art, architecture – and cuisine.

Any visitor to Venice today will see a city very similar to that in which The Merchant of Venice or Othello was set. The canals and baroque palazzi with their ornate facades form a uniquely untouched cityscape – one not even marred by the anachronistic presence of road traffic.

Perhaps the most famous of Shakespeare’s Italian sets is the city of Verona, which is the centre of the action in Romeo & Juliet.

The two main characters and their fiercely opposed clans play out their tragedy in this historic city and neighbouring Mantua – a charming university town just a short rail journey away. There are few better cities in Italy for a short break than Verona – it is a delightful small city, with plenty to keep you occupied for three or four days, yet easy to navigate on foot. The most obvious site for

Shakespeare fans is of course the famous ‘Juliet’s Balcony’ – the supposed inspiration for the famous ‘Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’ scene. It may be one of the places which attracts you to visit Verona, and is certainly worth a look, but the crowds which throng the courtyard at most times of year make the experience slightly less romantic than the imagination leads one to expect. To see it at its best, try to visit first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon when the day trippers have all moved on.

But don’t spend too long here – there is far more in Verona than a famous stone balcony, and this was once a major Roman settlement, which retains some impressive ancient monuments.

Not least of these is the Roman Arena in the centre of the city – a vast, and very well-preserved Roman amphitheatre which has been carefully restored and is still used every summer for the spectacular Opera Festival. Since 1914, grand

JULIET’S STATUE In the courtyard of Juliet’s House

Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona

Shakespeare, Shakespeare wherefore art thou in Italy?

TRAVEL 

productions of some of the classic Italian operas have been staged in the open-air Arena on warm summer evenings. Whether you are a keen aficionado or a curious amateur, it is an experience which should be on everyone’s travel wish list.

If you are in Verona during July and August, there is a tingling atmosphere in the streets as the sun sets and tourists mix with locals in the bars and restaurants of Piazza Bra in anticipation of what is to come. The crowds then descend like the Roman citizens two thousand years ago to take their seats in the Arena. Here it is very important to take some advice from someone who knows the seating plan to make sure you choose the right tickets – it can make the difference between a perch on a stone bench and a comfortable upholstered seat.

Remember that the performance can go on until midnight, so it is worth making sure you are comfortable – and do take a jacket for the walk home.

‘After 400 years, Shakespeare’s “fair Verona” is just as fair, but it is certainly not just a city for star-cross’d lovers’ If you do travel during the summer opera season, or even during the late spring and early autumn when crowds are slightly lessened, it is also worth taking care to select a hotel. The centre of Verona is an atmospheric and stimulating place to be, surrounded by some excellent local shops, delicatessens and restaurants, but after a busy morning of sightseeing – or perhaps an evening at the opera – there is no better feeling than being able to retreat into a little haven of tranquillity away from the hoi polloi. One of the best places to do this, is the charming, privately owned Relais Fra’

Lorenzo, just half an hour on foot from the centre (or a few minutes in a taxi). Set in the hillside overlooking the city from its own private gardens, it has an inviting outdoor swimming pool and a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy local wines and delicious produce from the surrounding Veneto countryside, whilst gazing over the rooftops below.

If you choose to stay in Verona for more than a few days, then it is the perfect base from which to take a couple of day trips into the countryside or the nearby towns and villages. The shores of Lake Garda are just 45 minutes’ drive, and can be combined to create a two-centre holiday with a few days of relaxation by the water. Alternatively, the vineyards of Valpolicella and Amarone offer ample opportunities for wine tasting, and there are some scenic walks and cycle rides for the more active.

After 400 years, Shakespeare’s “fair Verona” is just as fair, but it is certainly not just a city for starcross’d lovers.

TRAVEL FACTS Relais Fra’ Lorenzo (A superior country house hotel). Nestled in the Torrecille hills above Verona, this charming palazzo has the feel of a quiet country cottage. The gates open to reveal a large lawn with panoramic views over the city of Verona.

There are only seven bedrooms and three apartments, all of which feature elegant furnishings and original beamed ceilings.

Amongst the ancient olive trees in the gardens you’ll find a salt-water swimming pool.

A selection of light dishes is available for lunch and dinner. On foot, it is ten minutes to Ponte Pietra and the city walls and a further 20 minutes to Piazza Bra in the centre.

3-night price from £745 (1 May-23 June) 3-night price from £870 (opera season: 24 June-3 September)

Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona

Courtesy of Fondazione Arena di Verona

93

Wednesday 27th April 2016

94 � RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

NOT REALLY FITTING IN? SOMETIMES YOUR CURRENT POSITION JUST DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT...

FIND YOUR DREAM JOB WITH THE TIMES

Wednesday 27th April 2016

RECRUITMENT n

95

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

Part Time Manager/ Company Secretary Required for prestigious apartment block in central Tunbridge Wells To oversee day to day running of the building and residents’ requirements

£1,300 a month Applications & CV in by 1st May 2016 jillkendrick@me.com

Term Time Teachers • Teachers, TAs & support staff required for day to day, short/long term and permanent positions.

• Term Time Teachers has been established for 15 years with a dedicated and experienced team.

• We are the local supply service with an open door policy to call in any time to discuss personally your requirements.

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Tel: 01892 676076 | office@termtimeteachers.co.uk | www.termtimeteachers.co.uk

Fill your vacancy now in print or online.

For more information contact Jordanne Reville at jreville@markerstudy.com or call 01892 576049

Wednesday 27th April 2016

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98 � ARTS & CULTURE

‘Carousel is an iconic musical and a really spectacular show’ The curtain went up last night on the Tunbridge Wells Operatic Dramatic Society’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Carousel. Eileen Leahy spoke to its director David Fawcett (left) ahead of its five night run at the Assembly Hall about why this popular piece of theatre is such a fantastic hit with actors and audiences AS MUSICALS go, Carousel is one of the world’s best loved and contains some of the genre’s biggest hits including You’ll Never Walk Alone and If I loved You. The story was adapted from a play called Lilliom, written by Ferenc Molnar in 1909 and developed into a musical by the legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein who also wrote Oklahoma. Rodgers went on to say that it was his favourite of all the musicals he had been involved in.

First performed on Broadway in 1945, it tells the story of the charming carousel worker Billy Bigelow who falls in love with local millworker Julie Jordan. Sadly their romance means they both lose their jobs and as a result Billy plans a robbery to make ends meet

and to provide for their unborn child. When things don’t go to plan Billy decides he’d rather die than go to jail but is fortunately given the chance to put things right. A secondary plot line runs alongside this focusing on Julie’s best friend and millworker Carrie Pipperidge and her romance with the ambitious Enoch Snow.

Audiences should prepare themselves for night filled with plenty of drama and heartbreak …

Operatic Dramatic Society (TWODS) just for this show. I did Sister Act with them last year and they kindly asked me to come back and do Carousel.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH CAROUSEL? I’m what they call a guest director so I’ve come in to help the Tunbridge Wells

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO FIT YOUR DIRECTING DUTIES IN WITH YOUR TOURING? It’s pretty busy but good fun. The good thing is that most of our Barricades shows are at the weekends so Carousel fits in quite nicely.

A CLEAN SWEEP The girls take on the boys

LET’S DANCE A young Julie and Billy share a romantic moment

Wednesday 27th April 2016

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT DIRECTING AMATEUR DRAMATICS? I’m a singer and I tour with a show called Beyond the Barricades. It was put together by a group of former Les Misérables principals, including myself. It’s full of songs from popular musicals and 17 years on, we’re still performing all over the world.

We have 80 dates in the UK this year and we’re off to New Zealand in September for a month.

ARTS & CULTURE 

99

LIFE IS A CAROUSEL The TWODS dancers perform on stage

WHY DID YOU AGREE TO GET INVOLVED WITH A TWODS PRODUCTION AGAIN? I love Carousel. It’s just a really great, iconic musical. It’s a fairly simple story but it has a good moral message and the cast have responded to it very well.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE STORY? It’s set in New England in the United States at the end of the 19th century and centres around a carousel worker called Billy Bigelow who falls in love with a girl called Julie Jordan. The pair end up getting sacked from their jobs as a result of their romance and things go downhill from there. Billy plans a robbery in order to provide for Julie and their unborn baby but it all goes wrong.

Rather than go to jail he decides to kill himself and – without giving too much away – Billy then gets the opportunity to put right all he has done wrong...

HOW MANY PERFORMERS ARE IN THE CAST? There are approximately 35 people involved in the production overall with eight principals, a big chorus and lots of dancers so it’s a fairly big show.

DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CASTING THE LEAD ROLES? Everything is done by committee at TWODS so a number of people are involved in choosing the cast but the final decision about who is picked for which role usually comes down to myself and the choreographer Bertie Witt. We discuss casting between us and hope that the committee agrees with us, which on this occasion they did.

ARE THERE ANY DIRECTORS WHO YOU ADMIRE? I worked with Trevor Nunn and John Caird on Les Misérables, they are two of the biggest musical theatre and Shakespeare directors in the West End. I learnt a lot from them and was inspired by their work but I am also influenced by many of the original directors of classic musicals since they pioneered this type of theatre in the first place.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MUSICALS? The fact that they’re not real life, they’re magical. They also appeal to a wide audience and allow you to convey so many different emotions through song. A lot of people criticise musicals but they are one of the most difficult forms of theatre as they combine acting, singing and dancing all at once and so your problems as a director are potentially threefold! But when it all comes together it’s great.

WHAT CAN AUDIENCES AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL EXPECT WHEN THEY COME ALONG TO SEE CAROUSEL? Great singing, fantastic dancing, brilliant costumes, lots of colour and ultimately a really spectacular show. Audiences will get to spend a night with one of the world’s most famous musicals and in my opinion that’s just brilliant.

Carousel is on at the Assembly Hall until Saturday April 30.

Performances start at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets available from TWODS Box Office on 0345 269 1889 or www.twods.org

HOW DO YOU FIND WORKING WITH TWODS, CAN YOU SINGLE OUT ANY ACTORS? Different people have their individual merits but the fact is the chorus are just as important as the principals. Without the whole package you don’t have a show.

GIRL POWER Lelia Di Domenico performs You’ll Never Walk Alone

HOW LONG IS THE PROCESS FROM AUDITIONS TO THE CURTAIN GOING UP? We would usually have started in November last year but due to various work commitments and Christmas we postponed the auditions until January. By the second week we had cast everyone and by the end of the month we were rehearsing, so we turned it around pretty quickly.

CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU PUT A SHOW OF THIS SCALE TOGETHER? It has been quite intense but I believe a shorter period of rehearsal time helps to focus the mind. We started with the music side of things in late January and then we started ‘blocking’ the show at the end of February. This means the process of quite literally starting to set the scenes and direct actors.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

100  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

Local events >> WEDNESDAY The Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition launches today as part of the Mayfield Festival. The first round of the prestigious international event, which is aimed at musicians aged 17 to 27 and divided into MAKING MUSIC piano, wind and strings The annual Tunbridge sections, runs from Wells International Wednesday to Friday. The Music Competition semi-final takes place on starts this Wednesday Saturday with the final on Sunday. Ticket prices start at £10 for the first three days or £35 for all five. For further details visit www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk The Moonlight Drive-in Cinema company will be hosting a special screening of the action thriller Criminal tonight and tomorrow evening at 8pm at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. Starring Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Costner, it’s guaranteed to have you on the edge of your car seat.

Tickets cost £20 in advance and £25 on the gate. For further information visit www.moonlightcinema.com TOTAL CARNAGE Yasmin Reza’s latest play is on at Trinity

>> THURSDAY This afternoon John Vigar from the Tonbridge Decorative & Fine Arts Society presents Britain with Betjeman. It takes place at the Angel Centre and charts the story of the famous poet’s life with a focus on his architectural writings. www.tonbridgefas. org.uk At Trinity Theatre, Yasmin Reza’s God of Carnage continues every night at 8pm until Saturday, with an additional matinée at 3pm on the last day.

This humorous play, illustrates how a spat between two sets of parents and their children dissolves into satirical farce. www.trinity theatre.net

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

At The Stag Theatre there is An Audience with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe. The Strictly star dancers will waltz, samba and cha-cha their way through a number of favourite routines from the hit TV show.

Ticket prices start from £22.50 and are available from www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk >> FRIDAY The Small Tales exhibition is an interesting concept which has just launched at the Tunbridge Wells Museum. The art gallery has had the clever idea of presenting a children’s story through an installation of dolls’ house furniture. Artist Alec Stevens and writer Jo Kimber have been commissioned to work on the project, which runs until September 3.

Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular plays tonight and tomorrow at The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge. Directed by Phil Porter, it promises to be an evening filled with laughs and social faux pas.

Ticket prices vary, for more information visit www.oasttheatre.com >> SATURDAY Fancy a Saturday night with a difference? Then why not chug along to the Ales on the Rails evening on the Spa Valley Railway line. Tickets cost £19 for adults and £14 for children and include a fish and chips supper, pint of ale (for adults) and a pleasant evening journeying through the picturesque Wealden countryside.

The train departs at 7pm from Tunbridge Wells West station.

Alternatively, you could take in a live

performance of the Met Opera’s production of Elektra at the Odeon cinema. Richard Strauss’s opera focuses on a young princess seeking revenge for the death of her father, King Agamemnon, who was killed by her mother, Klytamnestra. The performance starts at 6pm www.odeon.co.uk OFF THE WALL Chris Lloyd and his quirky wall >> SUNDAY books will be at Chiddingstone If you’re keen on culture Literary Festival then make sure you have your tickets booked for the Chiddingstone Literary Festival which takes place today until Tuesday May 3. >> TUESDAY Offering a diverse and interesting array of guests The new Wealden Tai Chi Club for beginners – which include Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, continues today at Showfields. Starting at 10am, it is veteran ITN war reporter Sandy Gall and former run in association with the Number One Community Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis – the inaugural Trust, and tickets cost £5 per adult. There are other event promises to be both informative and classes in alternative locations including Tunbridge inspiring. For ticket information visit Wells Football Club on Wednesdays (10-11am) and www.chiddingstonecastle.org two in Ticehurst Village Hall on Mondays (12-1pm) Every Sunday afternoon visitors to Quebec House in and Fridays (10-11am). For more information call: Westerham can enjoy Mrs Wolfe’s recipes – a taste 01580 201850. of 18th century life courtesy of a selection of cakes This is the last week you can enjoy Pashley Manor and bakes on offer inspired by the recipes of the in Ticehurst’s annual Tulip Festival. Boasting over 100 former lady of the house, who was married to different varieties of this beautiful bloom, the General Wolfe. Pop along to sample some of the gardens are positively ablaze with colour. The event delicious Georgian goodies that have been recreated runs until Saturday May 7 and visitors will have the between 1 and 4pm. For more information visit www. chance to chat to experts and order bulbs for delivery nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house in the autumn. www.pashleymanorgardens.com This afternoon CBeebies’ Chris Lynch will perform in The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio – a contemporary version of the children’s classic by Marcello Chiarenza. Staged at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School, the tickets cost £8. To book call Weald of Kent Craft & Design 01732 304241 or visit www.boxoffice.tonbridgeShow, Penshurst Place school.co.uk The Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show runs from April 30 and takes place in the majestic >> MONDAY surroundings of Penshurst Place. As well as lots of Today sees the official reopening of Grosvenor and handmade gifts, jewellery and offerings to Hilbert Park. After major regeneration work that was enhance your home, including beautiful ceramics, carried out last year, the park is better than ever with a there will be stalls selling local produce. Visitors fabulous new adventure playground, community can also expect cookery workshops with a Master orchard and cool café. Why not pop along and enjoy Chef of Great Britain, Paul Da-Costa-Greaves, and the fun activities on offer on the special fun day which the ever popular Birds and Beasts Roadshow. include inflatables, donkey rides, vintage cars and a dog show. For more information go to www.fogh.org.uk Tonight at the Olde Chequers Inn, Tonbridge there will be another evening of traditional folk music led

by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer from 8pm. Musicians and singers welcome.

WORTH A TRIP…

ON THE RIGHT TRACK Enjoy an ale evening on the Spa Valley Railway

LIST YOUR EVENT… LET’S DANCE Strictly’s Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite perform at The Stag

If you’d like to see your event featured in our What’s On pages you can email the details to info@ timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or post to The Time’s 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NU Event’s name Date and time Ticket cost Contact information

Wednesday 27th April 2016

WHAT’S ON 

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton

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

Live music MY TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK ARE AS FOLLOWS: For jazz/blues/soul fans, this Wednesday at The Cross Keys Pub you can see the incredible Derek Nash (sax) & Dave Colton (guitar). On the following night there is the fantastic UK Life Unsigned showcase featuring a wealth of up-andcoming artists.

For fans of acoustic and alternative genres, this Thursday at The Grey Lady sees popular local groups Cyrano, Night Without Sleep and The Naming of Things all in action.

This Friday night you can see iconic songwriter Nick Van Eede with his band Cutting Crew at The Forum. He will be joined on the bill by Londonbased progressive, pop rock band Blurred Vision.

If you feel like having a boogie and singalong this Saturday night, I strongly recommend the brilliant Velvet Goldmine at The Royal Oak Pub and J.E.M at The Beau Nash.

For die-hard blues fans, the superb Eric Bibb Band are at The Assembly Hall this Sunday night.

The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge put on regular live music and the excellent Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton will be performing this coming Tuesday night.

Eric Bibb

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road Show times & ticket prices vary, visit www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for more details SUNDAY Eric Bibb Band THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk WEDNESDAY Tarot Rats (EP Launch): Tarot Rats + Burn Marilyn + Sean de Burca + Blackshot 21 THURSDAY Silence From The Fallen + Attack The Skyline + Shreddertron + Lucie FRIDAY Cutting Crew + Blurred Vision SATURDAY Local & Live Electric: Possessor + Eden + Rocinia SUNDAY 2000 RPM: Rock, Punk & Metal night: Lump Buzkit + Tom Hunt’s ‘The Devil’s Music’ + Jimmy Crabface & The Pop Punk Pirates THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY Alex Beharrell, Emily Izen Row, Ant & Fie, Kyla and Nat THURSDAY Cyrano, Night Without Sleep, The Naming of Things FRIDAY Salas Camina SATURDAY Project 5 SUNDAY refer to www. pdag.co.uk/events for listing for show listing TUESDAY refer to www.pdag.co.uk/ events for show listing WEDNESDAY refer to www.pdag.co.uk/ events for show listing SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Free entry, music

from 8pm to 10pm Dinner reservations@spahotel. co.uk FRIDAY Live Jazz: The Violet Jive

101

Nick Van Eede

NO.9 SMOKEHOUSE 9 Nevill Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late FRIDAY Bad Pandas SCALLYWAG 45 Mount Ephraim Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply FRIDAY Ed Watts Jazz Piano WEDNESDAY Carradine’s Cockney Singalong CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR Castle Street Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late FRIDAY Urban Chaos THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards SATURDAY Velvet Goldmine MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm TUESDAY Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton The Naming of Things

THE BEAU NASH INN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY J.E.M. SUNDAY Quentin Holway THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Derek Nash & Dave Colton THURSDAY UK Music Life Unsigned FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues: refer to venue website above MONDAY TWUNTS: Ukulele Night Thing WEDNESDAY Paul & the Nocasters with guests THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY Live in the living room presents: The Reeds

Wednesday 27th April 2016

102 ■ THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kent Barker Country matters

Weeping over a cut willow

I

HAVE often felt that a phrase, however banal, gains gravitas if quoted in Latin rather than English. Thus ‘quis custodiet ipsos custodes’ sounds a good deal more impressive than ‘who guards the guardians.’

Equally ‘illegitimi non carborundum’ has rather more impact than ‘don’t let the bxxxxxds grind you down’ – though in this case it’s ‘cod’ Latin and meant to be a joke.

My offering to the exercise is as follows: ‘Venit hora venit vir’. For those of you who either don’t speak Latin fluently, or who may not have studied it at school (though I can’t imagine what sort of school you went to!) I’ll translate, ‘Venit hora venit vir’ – ‘Cometh the hour, cometh the man.’

I’ve always thought it a somewhat trite phrase, used to describe a politician or sportsman coming to the fore just when the occasion demanded it – Winston Churchill in 1940 or Jonny Wilkinson in 2003 for instance – though perhaps their achievements were of a slightly different magnitude!

Wednesday 27th April 2016

But when I put the ad for a gardener into the magazine I had no idea of who I would end up with, nor that this aphorism would prove so apposite. Now you should know that I am not particularly ‘garden-proud’. Which is a good thing because you couldn’t really describe the land around my house as a garden at all. There’s some grass which I generally remember to mow once or twice a year (whether it needs it or not) and a couple of shrubby type bushes which produce some blossom in the spring and look exceedingly dull for the rest of the season. This is not to say I wouldn’t like to be a good gardener. I often have visions (don’t worry I am taking the tablets) of a sort of Gertrude Jekyll cottage garden beyond my back door, full of hollyhocks and foxgloves and other things with complicated names like Solanum Dulcamara (see, I told you Latin made things sound more exotic – this is blue bindweed or bitter nightshade – though on reflection I may not actually want it in my dream garden).

THE AXEMAN COMETH Tree surgery after the storm So a man called Garry Cooper phoned. No, not that one! He’s been dead half a century. Gardener Gary. As he was looking for work I set him to digging over the vegetable patch. Last spring his predecessor spent the best part of two months on this task. Not full time, you understand – it’s only a small vegetable patch – but week after week he’d arrive and roll up his sleeves and, very very slowly, put spade to soil. He was so slow that even the snails had abundant time to get out of the way. He took procrastination to new heights. I actually marvelled at his ability to string out the job – though still resented paying for it. Anyway, he’s no longer in my employ and Gary set to with a will and, two hours later, he had the entire patch dug over. As he sipped his coffee the conversation got

round to trees. Of which I have quite a lot. My father was mad keen on them and planted whenever and wherever he could. Which was fine as far as it went. But it meant most of the garden is in perpetual shade (which may be why nothing grows) and now many of them are reaching the end of their lives and threatening to split and fall.

Indeed the little weeping willow which was planted in the 1950s had become so tall that it would probably have hit the house had it come down. And last year a sizeable section DID come down. So I’d been thinking about getting a tree surgeon in for some time.

But then Gary announced that’s exactly what he was. A tree surgeon with all the climbing gear and skills. So we arranged a date the following week when he’d come and reduce the tree to a more manageable and safer size. But I’d reckoned without a gathering storm.

As I lay in bed listening to the wind howling round the house I was sure the willow was about to come down and smash the roof right over the bedroom. Indeed at about 3.30am I heard a dreadful crack followed by a loud crash, but the ceiling remained intact. In the morning I could see it was a massive tree on the far side of the pond that had split and crashed down, completely blocking the path and half the lawn.

But no matter. I now have a tame tree surgeon who’s spent the last couple of days cutting it up AND reducing the weeping willow. As I said earlier: ‘Venit hora venit vir’!

Concerned about your home being sold to fund your future care fees?

The Issue You probably own your home as joint tenants if you are a couple and solely if you are single. For couples this means you own it wholly, jointly and severally. Ultimately therefore you do not own it 50:50 as you might have assumed. You actually own all of it together and when one partner dies the surviving partner owns it solely and absolutely.

It is sole and absolute ownership that enables a whole property to

be taken into consideration as an asset by the local authority and puts the property in danger of needing to be sold to fund care.

The Reality Today The care Act 2014 introduced in April 2015 allows local authorities to assess your assets to determine if you need to pay for your own care under the new charges and assessment of resources regulations.

Currently if you have assets above £23,250, you are on your own and require care, you will probably have to pay for it all - currently averaging around £1,000 per week.

Savings, cash and income would be used first and then your property would need to be taken into consideration. You would be expected to pay for all of your care until such time as your assets were depleted to below the £23,250 threshold.

You would then pay for a proportion of your care until your assets were below £14,250 - at which point all your future care would be paid for after any relevant income was taken into account.

The Solution For couples, simply by changing the way you own your property well in advance of any care considerations i.e. from joint tenants to tenants in common and by setting up two property Trusts either immediately or within a properly structured Will at the same time will in most cases, protect the integrity of your home should you ever require care in the future, so long as avoiding care fees was not a primary motivating reason behind the implementation fo the strategy - i.e. you should be looking to protect your half of your property should your spouse remarry after your death, or you should be looking to ensure that your children would not lose 50% of their inheritance should they be made bankrupt or divorce or for example you should be looking to prevent a generational inheritance tax burden in the future. These are all sound reasons for implementing this strategy which in themselves are not deliberate deprivation of assets, but the implemantation of which protects the integrity of the property.

For sole owners the process is simply to set up a Trust now and convey your property into it which will produce the same result again this must be well in advance of any care considerations and the motivation must not solely be for the purpose of preventing your home being used to fund your care.

The Reasoning When you own your home as tenants in common you actually own half each. With our Post death Property Protection Package when the first partner dies, they leave their half into their Trust. The

~

surviving partner is the Trustee of that Trust and also the Primary Beneficiary which mea,1 that as they own half and are Trustee of the other half they have complete control over the property and what happens to it. The children and/or whoever else is also nominated as ultimate Trust Beneficiaries will have access to that half of the property when the surviving partner dies. The first half of the property then is 100% securely in Trust for the beneficiaries and will not be at risk. As a result of this simple strategy and because it is not possible to sell just the survivor's half of the property, the integrity of the property is protected. While the "market value" of half a property is negligible, The Care Act 2014 guidelines do allow for this half to have a charge placed on it under a deferred payment arrangement for care fees which is why this package includes a Lasting Power of Attorney grant for Property and Financial affairs which will enable a pre-appointed Attorney to act on behalf of the survivor should they be unable to themselves and negotiate with the Local Authority for the property to be rented out and a percentage of the income given to the Local Authority instead of a charge being placed. The second half of the property would then ultimately go into the Trust for access by the nominated beneficiaries when the surviving partner eventually dies.

With our Whole of Life and Post Death Complete Property and Family Protection Package both halves of the property are conveyed into Trust IMMEDIATELY. This means the whole property is protected straight away and not just after the first party dies. The benefits of this package are that it then protects the property even if both parties go into care before the death of either. It also means that if the survivor goes into care the property does not have to be rented but if it is 100% of the income goes directly into the Trusts for the benefit of the survivor or any of the other Trust Beneficiaries and does not have to be given to the Local Authority. The most important benefit of this package though is the property can be sold at any time and the resulting proceeds be fully protected for the whole family within the Trusts and no negotiation with the Local Authority is required.

Sole owners and couples who have immediately conveyed their properties into Trust well in advance of any care consideration and not solely for the purpose of preventing their home being used to fund their care (deliberate deprivation of assets) secures the integrity of the property (so long as entry into care is not within 6 months of setting up the strategy) as the property is not absolutely owned by an individual anymore and it is not legal to force a Trustee to do something that is not in the ultimate best interest of the Trust Beneficiaries.

Call us now for a friendly chat about which package would be of best benefit to you and your family.

TONBRIDGE: 01732 605411 TUNBRIDGE WELLS: 01892 278171

www.thywill.co.uk

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