Times of Tunbridge Wells Issue 11 May 13th 2015

Local, National and International

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All the news that matters

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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

HELPING WITH KENT TEST Page 20

THE ENTERTAINING JAGUAR XE PORTFOLIO

TOP TIPS FOR LOVERS OF ASPARAGUS Page 54

Page 62

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES RETURNS Page 68

Next stop Number 10, Mr Clark?

INSIDE VE DAY

Tunbridge Wells marks 70th anniversary

PAGE 3

ELECTIONS

Full coverage of the general and local polls

MP now tipped for the top after cabinet in reshuffle TUNBRIDGE Wells MP Greg Clark has spoken of his joy at being awarded a ‘dream’ cabinet role as the new Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement in his post-election cabinet reshuffle after last week’s poll.

Rising star Mr Clark, 47, takes over the role from Eric Pickles, who lost out in the re-organisation of top posts.

He told the Times: “It wasn’t expected and it came as a total surprise, I have to say. It’s a big responsibility being a full member of the cabinet in such an important department for the government.

“It takes in big areas such as local government, cities, devolution, housing and planning and the like but I’ll be supported by a good team of officials and junior ministers will be appointed in the days ahead.”

Asked if he was daunted by the new job, he said: “No, more inspired by it. These areas of responsibility are ones that are very close to my heart. It’s a fantastic opportunity one can only dream of.

“I am familiar with the department having been a minister there before. As far as my constituents are concerned, it helps them for me to be part of the top team having colleagues as key decision makers.

“When I became a minister, I made it absolutely clear that my constituents come first. Even my political opponents in Tunbridge Wells would say I have been a visible constituency MP during the time I’ve been a minister.”

Tory colleague Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover, said: “Well done to Greg.

Good guy and he will do a good job in that department. These are areas he is very passionate about.”

Asked if he could be Prime Minister one day, he added: “He is a very able, truly gifted and intelligent member of the Kent parliamentary delegation.

Anything is possible.”

National newspapers, including the Daily Mail, have described Mr Clark as a ‘rising star.’

The MP was a policy director for former party leaders William Hague, Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard

PAGES 4–7

HOUSING

Homes scheme is too high say residents

PAGE 8

BUSINESS

Classic cars prove a sound investment

until he was elected as MP. Lord Howard said: “He’s very intelligent, very sensible and will take time to make the right decision.”

For the past ten months, Mr Clark has been the minister for universities and

science but has held a number of junior government roles.

Mr Clark was born in Middlesborough, studied economics at Cambridge and gained a PhD from the London School of Economics.

PAGE 16

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2 � NEWS

WEATHER

Big-hearted Alex sells toys to help Nepalese

WEDNESDAY

A YOUNG Pembury boy was so moved by TV reports of the tragedy in Nepal he sold his toys to raise cash to help.

After hearing the news Alex Green was so upset by the plight of the Nepalese children suffering the after effects of the earthquake he insisted he did something to help and he raised nearly £300.

The eight-year-old from Gimble Way got his mum and dad to take him to the Hop Farm boot fair last weekend where he sold his own toys and games.

People were so moved by

THE WEEK IN VIEW

WET, WINDY WITH SOME SUNNY SPELLS MAY 13 2015

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

15 C O

Pollution: low Sunrise: 05.12am

Visibility: very good Humidity: 76% Wind: 6 Sunset: 20.39pm

THURSDAY

12OC

FRIDAY

13OC

SATURDAY

14OC

SUNDAY

14OC

MONDAY

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TUESDAY

14OC CONTACTS

EDITOR SIMON FINLAY simon@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576042 DEPUTY EDITOR ELEANOR JONES eleanor@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 HEAD OF SALES JOE STONER joe@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779624 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 GENERAL INQUIRIES newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timesoftunbridgewells timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timesoftw

Alex selling his things they donated money to his cause without buying any toys helping the Pembury Primary School boy to raise £290 for the cause.

The young boy’s grandfather, David Coleman also from Pembury said: “Alex is really happy at being able to help and wants to thank everyone who donated money or bought stuff.”

An earthquake of 7.9 magnitude hit Nepal on Saturday, April 25 killing tens of thousands of people.

See letters, page 18

Drivers face disruption as A21 is given a night-time resurfacing MOTORISTS in Tunbridge Wells could face disruption later this month for resurfacing on the A21.

The southbound A21 from the A25 interchange to Morleys roundabout will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Tuesday May 26 for two nights.

The Highways Agency claims a ‘clearly signed’ diversion will be in place via the A25 eastbound, A224 and A225 southbound before joining the A21 at the Morleys roundabout.

The northbound A21 from the link road to the M25 clockwise at junction 5 and the link road to the M25 anti-clockwise at junction 5 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am on Thursday 28 May and between 11pm and 6am on Friday 29 May. A diversion for road users travelling northbound on the A21 towards junction 5 will be in place via junction 6 of the M25.

There will be lane closures on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 between

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QUOTE UNQUOTE

“In a world wracked by hatred, economic crisis, and political tension, America remains mankind’s best hope.”

President Ronald Reagan at Kansas State University, 1982

Wednesday 13th May 2015

junction 4 and junction 5 overnight, between 11pm and 6am on Friday 29 May and between 10pm and 5.30am on Monday 1 June.

The anti-clockwise carriageway of the M25 between junction 4 and junction 3 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 17 June until Wednesday 1 July (Monday to Friday only).

Work on Fridays will take place between 11pm and 6am. A signed diversion will be in place via the M25 junction 4 spur road, the A224 and the A20 to junction 3.

Drivers planning to use these sections of the M25 and A21 are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

A spokesman for the agency said: “We plan maintenance and improvement projects carefully to allow road works to

be completed safely, in a cost effective way while keeping disruption to road users to a minimum.

“We do as much work as possible overnight and when roads are less busy in order to keep more lanes open for road users at peak travel times.

“Drivers are advised to check their route for road works and allow extra time for their journeys where needed.”

EDITOR’S COMMENT ANY parent who has prepared a child for the 11-plus will know how stressful and frustrating it can be.

One of the bonuses of having the selective system in this county is you can access some very good schools, should the child pass the Kent Test.

Even if they fail, there are still some exceptional non-grammar schools and an appeal process which allows mistakes in tests to be rectified.

On the down side, the state primaries are unable to coach, tutor or mentor the children through the exam and the type of question they are likely to face.

Nor can they teach the pupil the best techniques for passing the exam.

Primary heads are usually happy to offer advice and guidance and teachers will do what they can to help the children without actually coaching them for the test, which

take place in September.

The primary schools tend to encourage their more gifted individuals to take the test but the children must have parents who are willing and able to engage in the process of preparing them at home.

It would not be too much of a generalisation to suggest that grammar-educated parents from reasonably affluent stock are more likely to be motivated to do this.

Others will spend a small fortune on £40 a session tutors getting their children into a position where they can pass the test, even if they are not grammar material.

The potential losers in the race for the grammar places are children from low income or less-advantaged backgrounds.

This is where three local women have stepped in with a charitable project aimed at putting that right. We wish them all the very best with this great idea. You can read all about it on page 20.

THE general election has now passed and Tory Greg Clark has been returned to Parliament with a thumping 23,000 majority while the borough council will continue to be dominated by the Conservatives.

The campaign was fought with respect and dignity throughout and the candidates, particularly in the general election, did so with admirable restraint.

Such an overwhelming mandate locally for the Conservatives would seem to suggest a desire to put the economy right, cut the deficit, stand up for business, reward hard work, fairer taxation, getting to grips with immigration, having a straight in-out EU referendum, caring for the NHS and providing schools to be proud of.

We’ll be watching.

Simon Finlay, editor

LOCAL NEWS �

‘Solemn’ respect shown on VE Day

REMEMBRANCE A crowd gathered at the war memorial (VEDay)

VETERANS and dignitaries gathered at the Tunbridge Wells war memorial to commemorate Victory in Europe Day last week.

At exactly 3pm on Friday, May 9, a maroon was fired from the town hall and the mayor, former servicemen and members of the public bowed their heads for two minutes in memory of those fallen in the Second World War. Standards were lowered and two minutes later, another signal was fired to mark the end of the silence.

Organised by the Royal British Legion in Tunbridge Wells, the event marked the 70th anniversary of the end of war in Europe.

Borough councillor Bob Backhouse said: “We interrupted the local election count to go to the war memorial for what we thought was a very important commemoration of a very important day.

“There was a large groundswell of public, councillors and former servicemen who gathered to remember the dreadful loss and the tremendous victory we had.

“It was a very, very moving ceremony. A very solemn event.”

Before the ceremony, RBL members had lunch at the Ghurkha restaurant in Church Road with all profits raised going to the Nepal earthquake appeal.

All set for The Pantiles food festival weekend

Metro Bank to open TUNBRIDGE Wells mayor Julian Stanyer is due to cut the ribbon at the opening of the town’s Metro Bank next week.

The branch, opposite the main entrance to Royal Victoria Place, will be the bank’s 35th in the UK and will employ 21 people.

American owner Vernon Hill believes the store – ‘we don’t call them branches’ – will change the face of high street banking by opening seven days a week from early till late.

Town centre gridlocked as 999 crews race to the scene

Assault charge date A MAN has been charged with assault and criminal damage over an alleged incident in Crescent Road.

Benjamin Richards, of Bradley Street, Tonbridge, was arrested on May 3 when, it was reported, a car had been damaged and a man assaulted.

The 23-year-old was charged the same day and released on bail. He is due to appear before Maidstone magistrates on June 8.

ACCIDENT The woman was trapped underneath the black car

A JOGGER was trapped beneath a car for more than half an hour after a crash in Tunbridge Wells.

The woman, in her 30s, was involved in the collision with a black car at the junction between Vale Road and London Road at about 8.10am on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as ‘horrible’.

Paul Mitchell, who was taking his young son to school, said: “We were stationary near the junction with the main road when a woman jogger came from our right, from the area of the common, and across the road. I think she had headphones on.

“Just then, the car in front of me started to move and ran into her. The woman ended up right under the car, trapped.”

His young son added: “It was horrible.”

The fire service used air bags to lift the car but it still took more than 30 minutes to free the woman.

Ambulance staff treated the jogger at the scene for chest and pelvic pain before she was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

The air ambulance was sent to the scene with a

NEWS IN BRIEF

THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to The Pantiles this weekend for the sixth annual festival of food.

Visitors are expected from across Kent and Sussex to enjoy cooking demonstrations at the bandstand and the beer festival in the Corn Exchange at The Pantiles Food Festival.

There will be more than 40 stalls selling local and international food, comedy with the King Elvis Chefs, live music and entertainment for children.

The event, which runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is organised by the Market Square Group and supported by local sponsors Targetfollow, The Pantiles traders and the Lower Pantiles.

Event spokesman Paul Kennedy said: “It’s bound to attract a lot of people into Tunbridge Wells and is essentially a fun event for all the family to enjoy as well the serious foodies.

Jogger trapped under car after road crash • By Julie Rae

3

Baby badges on trains doctor and a critical care paramedic on board but was not needed.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “A woman in her 30s was hit by a car. SECAmb received reports that the she was running at the time. She suffered chest pain and pelvic pain and other injuries that were treated at the scene before being taken by road to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for treatment.”

SOUTHEASTERN has launched ‘Baby on Board’ badges to make travelling by train easier for pregnant passengers.

The badges’ aim is to help other travellers spot mums-to-be more easily.

Elizabeth Duff, NCT senior policy adviser said: “We welcome the introduction of the badges. We’re sure they’ll be appreciated by many pregnant women.”

Badges can be applied for at www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

Kent Police said: “We were called at 8.12am following reports of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. A woman was trapped under the car, her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the woman was freed by 8.51am.

julie@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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4 � ELECTIONS 2015

What next?

Greg Clark’s plans IN A major interview prior to the election, MP Greg Clark outlined the eight issues he will be fighting for in the next five years. Here, in his own words, Mr Clark says how he sees it… � DUALLING A21: “I fronted the group of all

the MPs up and down the road and we finally got the money agreed in 2014 with the whole community working together, but we now need the next section dualled, between the Blue Boys roundabout and Lamberhurst. I’ve always been clear it’s a two-stage plan.” � COLTS HILL: “It’s very dangerous and we need

to improve safety and capacity.” � HEALTH: “On health, we’ve got the best

hospital in the county but we need to make sure we’ve got the best services, especially mental health for children and young people in particular, Alzheimer’s and stroke services, which aren’t as good as they should be.” � RAIL SERVICES: “One thing we didn’t have

until we campaigned was rail services every 15 minutes from Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms but we need better value for money, and flexible tickets for people who work less than five days a week and can’t get season tickets.” � CYCLING: “We need better cycling facilities,

that’s another big campaign I’d continue, as is aircraft noise, which affects people in the west of the constituency.” � RURAL BROADBAND: “The next issue is mobile

phone and broadband coverage in rural areas.

We need comprehensive coverage for mobiles and broadband, a lot of rural businesses depend on it, and to put pressure on phone companies to share their masts.” � TOWNS and VILLAGES: “We need to strengthen

our town and village centres. I’m not a fan of out-of-town shopping, it’s very important we have active and vibrant town centres, including a top quality building on the old cinema site, a re-opened hall and theatre in Southborough, and action on flooding in Paddock Wood, Five Oak Green and the villages. � YOUTH: “We need to back young people. We

need to make sure they can get school places, apprenticeships, jobs or further education and get on the housing ladder.”

A dawn chorus heralded another mighty Tory win • COMMENT

By Eleanor Jones AT ABOUT 4.20am last Friday, Tunbridge Wells were deserted.

The sky was still dark but clearly audible in the silent streets were the faint beginnings of the dawn chorus. It was not yet morning but the birds knew what was coming.

With a surfeit of clunky allegory, it was the same inside the Assembly Hall Theatre. The result wasn’t announced until gone 4.30am but everyone knew who was going to win.

It’s fair to say, Tunbridge Wells is not a marginal seat; independent Graham Naismith joked that Greg Clark could walk naked but for a swastika through The Pantiles and still be elected.

But for a sitting MP to increase his majority in such impressive fashion speaks volumes about that MP as a person, not just his party. Even his political opponents have cited Mr Clark’s enthusiasm, availability and results. He may have to toe the party line but he also, as he puts it ‘gets stuck in locally’.

Well done, that man.

Another candidate praised by his fellows in what was indeed a very good-natured campaign, in general, was Labour’s

ON THE NIGHT Greg Clark, left, chats to Labour’s Kevin Kerrigan

Kevin Kerrigan. He and his team worked very hard and were rewarded by second place, a result which also says a great deal about politics in our town; compare his and the Lib Dems’ results to those of five years ago and it’s a sea change. As nationally, will the Lib Dems ever return?

Green candidate Marie Jones also enjoyed a

successful campaign and a good result, as did Ukip’s Colin Nicholson, both doubtless taking over from some of the previously mellow yellow households.

But it was also good to see the 458 independent votes. Graham Naismith was under no illusions and indeed had no desire at all to be an MP but as he said, his standing wasn’t about that.

He stood because he could. Because none of what the other parties were offering matched what he wanted so he stood as a non-political candidate with nothing but the town’s best interests at heart.

Because any votes for him might resonate with others and because, as he also said, a great thing about this country is that anyone can do it. Anyone

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can run for parliament and serve the community if democratically elected to do so.

As Graham said to the Times earlier this year: “It’s the thing about ‘I don’t agree with what you’re saying but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it’. You can go out and have a chance to make a difference.”

That sums it up, really.

VOTES CAST Joanne and Joey Moore with new baby Balthazar, and their older children Bellatrix, three, and Artemus, two

HE WAS born half an hour before voting opened last Thursday.

But once fed and changed, Balthazar Stanley Young, who came into the world weighing 9lb 12oz at 6.30am on May 7, accompanied his parents Joanne and Joey Moore to the polling station, St Luke’s Church.

Mr Moore, 38, said: “Balthazar was born at home on Thursday morning and we had to go out and vote that day so of course we couldn’t go without taking our new beautiful baby.

“Just after Balthazar was born, the Times fell onto our doormat and now our little election baby with the big name is being featured in it making history.”

ELECTIONS 2015 �

5

Calverley

at the count

TO THE election count which may only ever have had one outcome but which provided entertainment nonetheless. The affable William Benson, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council grand fromage, for example, provided light-hearted banter throughout the evening.

“A pair of glasses has been found in the ladies’ toilet,” he announced, early on. “I hasten to add, it was not me who found them.”

MR BENSON leapt upon the stage a number of times during the evening’s festivities, to reassure those present that things were moving on.

“Hopefully in the next 15 to 20 minutes we’ll have finished verifying and can start the count,” he promised in the small hours. “Having said that, I am a bit of an optimist.” As was indeed proved, 15 to 20 minutes later.

SEAL THE DEAL The winner Greg Clark

Big victory ‘humbles’ MP Greg Clark’s 23,000 majority in high turnout • By Eleanor Jones EXTENDING his majority to nearly 23,000 was ‘seriously humbling’, said newly re-elected MP Greg Clark, who has pledged to make ‘a fantastic part of the world better still’.

The Conservative party enjoyed a 2.4 per cent increase from 2010 in last Thursday’s general election, garnering 30,181 votes and 58.7 per cent, while Labour came second, with 7,307, and Lib Dem support plummeted by 16.8 per cent to 4,342 and fourth place behind Ukip.

Mr Clark thanked the counting and polling station staff, as well as his family, campaign team and volunteers, and paid tribute to his fellow candidates.

He said: “It was a very good-natured, goodhumoured campaign, which I think represents the best tradition of Tunbridge Wells politics.

“My biggest thanks have to go to the people

of Tunbridge Wells. It’s a tremendous honour to be re-elected as the representative of this famous and wonderful place and I’m conscious that comes with a responsibility to continue to work hard for every constituent, however they voted.

“This is a fantastic part of the world but we can make it better still and I commit to that, and pledge to make myself available to every constituent who needs my help.”

Ukip’s Colin Nicholson said he was delighted to see his party’s share rise from 4.1 per cent in 2010 to 12.6 per cent, and Green Marie Jones, who secured a 3.4 per cent increase, was ‘absolutely over the moon.’ Labour candidate Kevin Kerrigan said he was pleased to see his party return to opposition, thanked his voters and praised his team’s ‘hard work’.

Independent Graham Naismith added: “I’m delighted to have secured the highest number of votes for an independent in Tunbridge Wells

– but the journey ends here.

“It’s been a hell of a ride, I’ve enjoyed it more and more. I met an 86-year-old man who’d always voted Labour but voted for me, that was brilliant.

“I’m not tempted to continue but it’s been tremendous.”

Mr Clark said he had enjoyed the election campaign.

He added: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I think that’s the biggest majority a Tunbridge Wells MP has ever had, that level if support is very humbling, especially when it’s re-election, you’re running on your record.

“I didn’t quite believe comments about a 20,000 majority, I never dreamed it would be that high, and I’m very touched by it.

“I’ve always taken a positive approach and got stuck in with local campaigns and I’m going to continue my energy and ambition for the future, there’s more we can do.”

GENERAL ELECTION 2015: RESULTS IN FULL PARTY

CANDIDATE

Votes

%

+/-%

� CONSERVATIVE

Greg Clark (elected)

30,181

58.7

+2.4

� LABOUR

Kevin Kerrigan

7,307

14.2

+3.4

� UKIP

Colin Nicholson

6,481

12.6

+8.5

� LIBERAL Democrat

James MacCleary

4,342

8.4

-16.8

� GREEN

Marie Jones

2,659

5.2

+3.4

� INDEPENDENT

Graham Naismith

458

0.3

–

MAJORITY TURNOUT

15,576

0.9 70.3

GRAHAM Naismith, the independent candidate who secured an impressive 458 votes, was the life and soul of the count, along with his friend and glamorous assistant Andy, who ‘only got involved because I lent him a mallet’.

“Well we’re not going to win Rusthall,” Graham observed in judicious fashion early on. Soon afterwards though, the first cross was spotted next to his name. “We don’t need to reinforce the table yet though,” Andy confided.

WHILE he was out campaigning before this election, Greg Clark tells me how he was mildly surprised when one door was opened by a toddler.

“Is your mummy or daddy there?” he enquired.

The tot turned and, according to Greg: “Bellowed into the house: ‘Mum, there’s a scary man at the door!’”

AS THE votes mounted up, neatly clipped and colour-coded, there was rather a lack of yellows.

“Anyone got any Lib Dems anywhere?” called one counter. There was no answer.

TALKING of counters, one man had dressed for the occasion, in a crisp white shirt and natty polka-dot bow-tie, complete with intent expression.

He lived up to his appearance as well, according to impressed onlookers. “The man’s a machine,” one breathed, watching the ballot papers become a white blur ‘neath his flashing fingers.

AS TIME marched on, the candidates were regularly called to check the spoiled papers, at what the amiable Mr Benson repeatedly referred to as the ‘doubtful table’.

For anyone wondering, I can confirm that it was a table, there was no doubt about it at all.

MANY of those who spoiled their ballot papers had crossed every box, or written ‘none of the above’ or similar.

One however had declared ‘Jesus is the only way’, while another had written something really rather rude.

“I don’t think I’ll read that out,” murmured the official. In Tunbridge Wells? Really?

Chin chin!

Wednesday 13th May 2015

6 � ELECTIONS 2015

Election of borough councillors: who got your vote?

Sixteen borough council wards were up for grabs at last Thursday’s election in Tunbridge Wells.

It proved to be a clean sweep for the Conservatives and expected Ukip gains did not materialise.

Here are the full set of results...

BENENDEN AND CRANBROOK WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

Linda Marian HALL *

The Conservative Party

PADDOCK WOOD WEST WARD

VOTES (%) 1859 (50%) 337 (9%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

Raymond Peter MOON

Labour Party

Isobel Clare KERRIGAN

Labour Party

Tom NEWMAN

Liberal Democrat

Paul Alexander THOMSON

UKIP

624 (17%)

Colin NICHOLSON

UKIP

Matthew WARNE

Liberal Democrat

824 (24%)

Claire STEWART *

The Conservative Party

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

420 (21%)

name SURNAME

Party Name

number (%)

144 (7%)

name SURNAME*

Party Name

number (%)

VOTES (%)

419 (21%)

VOTES (%)

Highlighted row and * indicate elected candidate

1024 (51%)

SHERWOOD WARD CULVERDEN WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

Alan James BULLION

Liberal Democrat

Rick LESLIE

Green Party

Alex LEWIS- GREY *

The Conservative Party

Steve LUKACS

UKIP

Carol WILSON

Labour Party

PANTILES AND ST. MARK’S WARD VOTES (%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

566 (15%)

Lorna BLACKMORE

Labour Party

418 (11%)

Alun ELDER-BROWN

UKIP

Lawrence Frank HEASMAN *

The Conservative Party

419 (11%)

Isla Megan MCLACHLAN

Liberal Democrat

460 (13%)

565 (15%)

Christo SKELTON

Green Party

352 (10%)

1903 (49%)

FRITTENDEN AND SISSINGHURST WARD POLITICAL PARTY

Thomas Edward DEVLIN

Labour Party

James Robert HANNAM *

The Conservative Party

Tim KEMP

Liberal Democrat

June Lavinia MOORE

UKIP

124 (10%)

John Christopher

Independent

349 (29%)

VOTES (%)

Simon James FOWLER

Labour Party

Edmund William HASTIE *

The Conservative Party

Christopher Pierce David HOARE

UKIP

Nancy WARNE

Liberal Democrat

2079 (57%)

81 (7%) 554 (46%) 107 (9%)

POLITICAL PARTY

Gillian DOUGLASS

Liberal Democrat

689 (18%)

Nick MALTBY

Labour Party

621 (16%)

Tracy MOORE *

The Conservative Party

Andrew David OSBORNE

UKIP

VOTES (%)

VOTES (%)

POLITICAL PARTY

T erry CLOAD

UKIP

771 (24%)

Margaret MORGAN

Labour Party

439 (14%)

338 (13%)

Sue NUTTALL *

The Conservative Party

283 (11%)

Tannice Noami PENDEGRASS

Liberal Democrat

300 (12%)

VOTES (%)

1678 (52%)

RUSTHALL WARD POLITICAL PARTY

John AUSTEN

UKIP

463 (10%)

1925 (60%)

Russ BISHOP (elected)

UKIP

430 (9%)

Labour Party

342 (11%)

Clive Graham BREWER

Labour Party

420 (9%)

Liberal Democrat

342 (11%)

Alex BRITCHER

Labour Party

593 (13%)

David Charles HOLTON

Green Party

397 (9%)

Thelma Rosemary HUGGET *

The Conservative Party

Peter Lewis

Liberal Democrat

326 (7%)

Catherine Shaune MCLACHLAN

Liberal Democrat

356 (8%)

Joy PODBURY *

The Conservative Party

POLITICAL PARTY

Harry Roy ALLEN

UKIP

Godfrey Hamilton BLAND *

The Conservative Party

David BURGESS Thomas Camille DEACON

VOTES (%) 587 (18%)

PADDOCK WOOD EAST WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

VOTES (%)

Peter Mark BICKNELL

Liberal Democrat

173 (8%)

Thomas Graham CHETTA

UKIP

524 25%

Sarah Ann HAMILTON *

The Conservative Party

1126 (54%)

Terry WHITE

Labour and co-op Party

260 (12%)

Liberal Democrat

Martin Roland BETTS

UKIP

John Philip CHAPPELL

Labour Party

Lynne WEATHERLY *

The Conservative Party

VOTES (%) 253 (9%) 639 (23%) 511 (19%) 1323 (49%)

SOUTHBOROUGH AND HIGH BROOMS WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

VOTES (%)

Dianne HILL

Labour Party

Naz MIAN

UKIP

546 (16%)

Marguerita Gladys MORTON

Liberal Democrat

325 (10%)

Zulhash UDDIN *

The Conservative Party

1235 (36%)

1289 (38%)

SOUTHBOROUGH NORTH WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

Nicholas Richard BLACKWELL

Labour Party

David ELLIOTT *

The Conservative Party

Mark Robert NICHOLSON

UKIP

Jo WRIGHT

Liberal Democrat

VOTES (%) 372 (16%) 1343 (58%) 256 11% 357 (15%)

SPELDHURST AND BIDBOROUGH WARD

351 (11%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

Victor BETHELL

466 (12%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

1621 (64%)

POLITICAL PARTY

2126 (54%)

PEMBURY WARD

HAWKHURST AND SANDHURST WARD

Wednesday 13th May 2015

324 (9%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

GOUDHURST AND LAMBERHURST WARD POLITICAL PARTY

423 (12%)

PARK WARD

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

VOTES (%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

VOTES (%)

874 (19%)

804 (17%)

NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

VOTES (%)

David JUKES *

The Conservative Party

Will O’SHEA

UKIP

446 (12%)

Jacqueline PRANCE

Liberal Democrat

491 (14%)

Ann Christine TYLER

Labour Party

366 (10%)

2289 (64%)

ST. JOHN’S WARD NAMES OF CANDIDATES

POLITICAL PARTY

VOTES (%)

Phyl LESLIE

Green Party

349 (10%)

Christine Jennifer MARSHALL

UKIP

389 (11%)

Peter John OAKFORD *

The Conservative Party

1478 (41%)

Trevor William POILE

Liberal Democrat

890 (25%)

Timothy John RICH

Labour Party

503 (14%)

LOCAL ELECTION �

CLEAN SWEEP A delighted David Jukes at the count

7

THE Assembly Hall theatre erupted with applause last Friday, when it was announced that TWBC leader David Jukes had kept his seat with a 1,798 majority.

David Jukes has been a Conservative councillor for Speldhurst and Bidborough since September 1990.

He is currently leader of the council and chairman of the cabinet. He also sits on the finance and governance cabinet advisory board.

In 2014/15 Mr Jukes claimed allowances of £27,040 including £19,250 special allowance for being leader of the council.

Council leader crows with delight as the Tories take every seat going Borough gets a total ‘blue wash’ in the local elections • By Julie Rae “HOW about that? A clean sweep – every one a winner,” the council leader David Jukes crowed, as all 17 seats went to the Conservatives in last week’s local elections.

The Tories won in all 16 wards, beating opponents including an independent councillor with 13 years’ experience, a Labour stalwart who lost by 54 votes and all the Ukip candidates.

The party now holds 42 of the 48 seats on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, with Labour, the Liberal Democrats and one independent as opposition.

As the final two Rusthall seats were declared, TWBC leader David Jukes, who kept his own Speldhurst and Bidborough seat with 63.7 per cent of the vote, cheered and clapped his hands.

The ‘blue wash’ started with the defeat of independent Frittenden and Sissinghurst councillor John Smith who said: “Obviously I’m disappointed but it’s not unexpected. I’ve enjoyed my time as a councillor. It’s been good but now I’ve got more time to play golf.”

Mr Smith, who lost his seat to James Hannan, has been a borough councillor for 13 years,

as a Conservative and then from 2010 as an independent. He was also mayor of Tunbridge Wells in 2012.

He added: “I’m pleased for James and I hope he does well for the ward.”

Labour councillor Dianne Hill lost the Southborough and High Brooms seat she had held since 2011 to Zulhash Uddin by 54 votes.

She said: “It’s sad there’s very little opposition in the borough council now. But I will continue to work for my community as I’ve always done.”

Lib Dem Trevor Poile, who tried unsuccessfully to regain the St John’s seat he lost last year, said: “I’m disappointed. It was a hard fought campaign.

“I might try again though – never say never.”

St John’s was taken by Southborough town and Kent county councillor Peter Oakford for the Conservatives.

Vic Webb, former Ukip councillor for Rusthall, stood down to stand as a parliamentary candidate in Derby. His seat, and an extra one left vacant when Ukip colleague Piers Wauchope resigned last year, were among those contested last week.

Rosemary Huggett, who took one of the seats, said: “I was drafted in at the last minute. Now I’ve won I’m thrilled and I’ll do everything I can for the people of Rusthall.”

The Ukip defeat means the party now has no borough councillors in Tunbridge Wells.

But candidate Colin Nicholson, who also stood in the parliamentary election, said: “We’re confident of doing well in the locals next year.

We’re here to stay in Tunbridge Wells.”

Mother of three Tracy Moore took Park ward with a 1,437 majority.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the ward I live in. I want to make a difference to my community.

There are growing numbers of young families in this town, I’ll be proud to represent them.

Newly re-elected MP Greg Clark added: “Everyone is thrilled at how well it’s gone, both for me and the councillors. It’s been very solid.”

HARD-WORKING: The vote counters were kept busy

TURNOUT VOTERS had to queue at polling stations throughout the area, as demonstrated by the overall turnout of 70.9 per cent in the local elections.

Pantiles and St Marks 73.1 per cent, Speldhurst & Bidborough 78.6 per cent, Southborough North 73.6 per cent, Park 72.6 per cent, Pembury 73.3 per cent, Sherwood 59.9 per cent.

TWBC chief executive William Benson said: “Presiding officers reported that it was exceptionally busy throughout the day, it was more than one voter a minute in many polling stations and there were queues out the door from when they opened.

“We’re very pleased with the turnout that was in excess of 70 percent.”

Wednesday 13th May 2015

8 � LOCAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

CONCERNS John Chappell is not happy with the height of the buildings

Driver ordered on ‘thinking’ course A MAN who stole petrol and drove while banned has avoided a prison sentence – but must complete a ‘thinking skills’ course.

Joseph Pearce, of Bowls Place, Paddock Wood, drove a Vauxhall Corsa in Pembury High Street while disqualified and without insurance on July 10 last year. On the same day, the 29-year-old made off without paying for petrol worth £14.94 from a service station in the same road.

Pearce pleaded guilty to driving while banned and without insurance and making off without payment. On April 15, west Kent magistrates sentenced him to 140 days in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered him to take part in the ‘thinking programme’ and banned him from the roads for five years.

He must also pay a £700 fine, £500 costs, £20 compensation and an £80 victim surcharge.

Cold callers target town TRADING standards have warned consumers to beware after reports that cold callers were targeting Tunbridge Wells.

Two men were recently spotted knocking on doors offering paving work in the Mount Ephraim and Culverden area of the town and posting advertising leaflets through letterboxes.

In response to this, Trading Standards officers have warned residents not to employ door to door traders as it could result in their being overcharged for often poor quality work with poor preparation and finishing.

Pub group high spirits THE family-run pub and restaurant group Whiting and Hammond has bought its eighth site – this time in Surrey.

Among others, it already owns the Mark Cross Inn just outside Tunbridge Wells, the Kings Head in Sevenoaks, the Chaser Inn at Shipbourne and the Little Brown Jug at Chiddingstone Causeway.

The group is now working with Star Pubs to spend £750,000 on bringing back to life the Blue Ball at Walton on the Hill.

The pub has been closed for two years.

me ed Ti

Limit

Project ‘too high’ says residents • Eleanor Jones A GROUP of residents angry over the height and position of a major development have taken their complaint to the local government ombudsman.

Ukip county councillor Chris Hoare has made a formal submission to and is awaiting a verdict from the watchdog, over the Greggs Wood Road project.

John Chappell, joint chairman of the Sherwood Residents’ Association, says the group feels Town & Country Housing’s plans were not communicated clearly enough – although the housing association says it consulted with the public on every aspect of the scheme.

Mr Chappell said: “It seems everyone’s complained, to no avail.

“The balconies of the houses in phase two look into the bedrooms of the houses in Greggs Wood

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sightlines and they feel hard done-by. This is three storeys in a two-storey road.”

Mr Lissenden said: “The old buildings weren’t great and the residents said: ‘Get rid of them’.

“We came up with a design and consulted all the way through.

“We had boards with detailed artists’ impressions and there’s no difference between what we consulted on and what we’ve built.

The new buildings have the same ridge height as the old ones, it’s just the way the perspective works. There’s a height difference but it’s not significant, not an extra floor and we brought them forward to get usable roads.

“The woodland is the critical thing, we’ve spent money on opening it up into a community resource, as people couldn’t really access it or the lake before.

“The vast majority of people are really proud of what’s happening here.”

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Road. I feel everyone’s been misled over the height of these buildings.”

Town & Country development director Colin Lissenden said the development, of 257 residential units and facilities such as a public park in three phases of building, had come about in response to residents’ requests and that the association had consulted ‘all the way through’.

But Chris Hoare, Ukip county councillor for the area, said the complaint he has submitted to the ombudsman was ‘resident-driven’.

He added: “They’re upset, they feel they were misled.

“There’s a three-storey cliff face running along the road. The blocks before were big but set back, so there was green space and views of the lake.

“The blocks were run down and needed attention but the residents have lost the

12/05/2015 12:11

THREE local people have been invited to the Queen’s summer garden parties.

Invitees are usually nominated in recognition of their roles in local communities.

They join 7,000 other guests for tea in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and three such events are planned this summer.

Jane Angell-Payne, of Pembury, works at the Dandelion Time charity and is also clerk and trustee to the Bedgebury Foundation and treasurer and trustee at St Peter’s Tunbridge Wells.

Derek Dennard, of Penshurst, does voluntary work for Penshurst Church, where he was sole churchwarden, and he helped in a once-ina-lifetime refurbishment at a cost of about £700,000.

Since Remembrance Sunday 2000, Clive Roberts, of Tunbridge Wells, has worked to record the history of every person listed on the village war memorial – 116 in total.

He published a book in 2011 entitled Rusthall’s Fallen, A Village at War 1914 – 1918.

Mr Roberts gave all the profits from the sale of the book to the restoration of the war memorial and worked on his own to raise the rest of the funds required which amounted to £6000.

On 21 July 2014, the memorial was rededicated with a large number of parishioners present.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS �

Guests queue to enjoy TV presenter’s talk

STAR APPEARANCE From left, Baldwins directors Chris Marks and Ron Marks with Simon Reeve and Nick Marks (Salomons) GUESTS queued to hear TV presenter Simon Reeve speak on subjects from lionfish to prisons at Salomons.

Baldwins Travel Group organised the talk, which included clips from Mr Reeves’ latest series Caribbean and a question and answer session, on April 29.

Baldwins director Nick Marks, who introduced the celebrity, said: “It was a truly special event, I have seen Simon speak before and he didn’t disappoint. Fantastic evening was had by all.”

A spokesman for the travel company added: “Simon’s easy demeanour and amusing storytelling style had the audience captivated throughout the one-hour talk, regaling us with stories of the good, bad and ugly areas of the Caribbean that he encountered filming his latest documentary.

“Everything from lionfish to life inside the walls of some of the most notorious prisons where inmates have tear tattoos to reflect the lives they have taken. Each story was told with honesty,

emotion and with good humour.”

The evening finished with an introduction to 3H, a Speldhurst-based charity which enables disabled children, adults and carers to have holidays and for which £400 was raised from a door collection and a percentage of ticket sales.

Ed Langridge of 3H said: “It was a superb and very rewarding evening. The amount raised is incredible! What a wonderful guy Simon is, genuinely warm-hearted and he was so interested in the charity.”

Traffic wardens’ video cameras are going ‘step too far’ Officers can record dealings with public when tickets are issued CAMERAS worn by traffic wardens in Tunbridge Wells are ‘Big Brother-ish’ and a ‘step too far, drivers have warned.

Since December, civil enforcement officers employed by the borough council have been wearing tiny video cameras on their uniform –to record interactions with the public rather than illegal parking.

Residents described them as ‘a bit over the top’, while civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch said they were ‘intrusive.’

Clare Fuller, 44, who lives in the town said: “I think it’s a bit Big Brother-ish. It’s not as if Tunbridge Wells is exactly a rough area is it?”

Another resident, 47-year-old Louise Ryder, said: “It’s a little over the top and a step too far, especially for Tunbridge Wells. We’re not really a violent lot here.”

Big Brother Watch director Emma Carr said: “With almost every police force using or trialling bodyworn cameras, it was only a matter of time before traffic wardens would want a piece of this action.

“It is important to remember this technology has the capacity to be incredibly intrusive.

“For many members of the public, it will be unacceptable that these devices are being rolled out when there is little regulation or transparency around how they should be used. Without this, the public simply cannot have faith the technology will be used proportionately.”

Introduced to protect lone workers, the cameras are about the size of ID badges and worn by all 20 civil enforcement officers at a height designed to catch people’s faces. The cameras are switched on when tickets are issued or if anyone approaches aggressively but the wardens have to tell people they are being filmed.

Video footage is kept for eight weeks, then automatically erased unless needed for a dispute, in which case it is either kept or handed to police or parking officials as evidence.

The cameras are on top of 38 CCTV cameras already in place in the borough.

Mum Jasmine Pountney, 22, did not like the idea

9

NEWS IN BRIEF

Officer and driver’s bravery awards A POLICEMAN and a train driver have been recognised for their bravery in tackling a man they suspected had a gun.

Sergeant Duncan Anderson and Graham Slingsby, who works for Southeastern, were awarded commendations by the Chief Constable of British Transport Police.

The men, both off duty were travelling separately on a train between Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks on April 28, when the train guard told Sgt Anderson she believed a man had a gun.

Sgt Anderson called police, arranging for the train to be met at Tonbridge, and with Mr Slingsby, cleared the carriage.

The pair detained the man when he entered. When armed police at Tonbridge station searched his bag, they found an airgun.

Drunk driver banned A DRUNK driver who was twice the legal alcohol limit behind the wheel has been disqualified from the road for 20 months.

Stanley William Wendon, 66, of Chestnut Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, drove a Ford Fiesta in Silverdale Road in the town on April 2 2015.

When stopped, he gave a breath test of 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Magistrates disqualified Wendon, who pleaded guilty, from driving for 20 months and fined him £390. He must also pay £85 costs and a £39 victim surcharge. He was sentenced on April 14.

First U3A meeting that she could be filmed without written consent.

She said: “It’s not enough that they tell you. You should have to sign something to say it’s okay for them to film you, keep that footage for however long and use it if necessary.

“I would be extremely angry if footage of me was handed to the police or parking people without my written consent, without that it’s wrong.”

But John Scott, of Tunbridge Wells, was unconcerned.

Rosemarie Bennett, parking manager at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said: “The civil enforcement officers didn’t ask to have them but have welcomed their introduction. The cameras were identified as a risk reducer as part of a risk assessment for lone workers. They are used to protect members of the public and our staff and footage provides a record of what has taken place in the event of any dispute.”

TWBC did not comment on whether any abusive or violent incidents had been caught on the cameras and reported to police, or on how such cases were dealt with if not reported.

WINE appreciation, pottery and jazz will all be on the menu thanks to a Cranbrook branch of the University of the Third Age. The group’s first meeting will be next Thursday, May 21, at the Vestry Hall from 2.15 to 4.15pm, when people will be able to join and sign up for local interest groups.

U3A is described as ‘a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.’

For more information, call 01580 714514.

Argos creates jobs RETAIL giant Argos in Tunbridge Wells is creating 16 jobs.

The company is seeking drivers ‘with a difference’ for the roles, which will involve driving and delivering items to other branches and customers’ homes.

Based in Longfield retail park, Tunbridge Wells, the retailer is offering permanent contracts of between 16 and 30 hours a week.

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10 � GENERAL ELECTION 2015 NEWS IN BRIEF

Family’s grief over car ‘murder’ of dad THE family of a man allegedly murdered when he was hit by a car have said they cannot understand why he was ‘cruelly’ taken.

Allan Frampton, 60, of Hatfield Peverel, Essex, died on Saturday after being struck by a silver Mercedes S Class in Osea Way, Chelmsford.

A 63-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of murder. He is receiving medical treatment.

Mr Frampton’s family said in a statement: “We can’t even begin to understand the events that took place on Saturday evening.

“A loving father, caring partner and doting grandad was taken from us far too early. With so much to look forward to, his life was cruelly taken away.”

A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and further tests will be carried out to establish the cause of Mr Frampton’s death.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Rail workers’ strike?

NETWORK Rail workers have voted in favour of going on strike in a row over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union backed walkouts by 4-1 on a turnout of 60 per cent, beating planned Government thresholds on strike ballots.

Workers voted by 92 per cent for other forms of action, giving the new Government its first major challenge on the industrial relations front.

The result will now be considered by the union’s executive.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “This is a massive mandate for action and shows the anger of safety-critical staff at attacks on their standards of living and job security.”

National winner’s road to Hennessy

GRAND National hero Many Clouds could make his return over hurdles next season.

Trainer Oliver Sherwood said he would consider giving his Aintree winner such an outing as preparation for his defence of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November.

The eight-year-old earned the trainer his second Grand National win last month, 24 years after Sherwood won with Arctic Call.

Sherwood said: “I think the Hennessy will be the

“He surprised me how well he took everything in the race because he was bouncing the next day. He took it all in his stride.”

Sherwood says the ultimate aim is an Aintree return.

He said: “We are just enjoying it all and haven’t really discussed it, but I would almost certainly think the Grand National would be the aim.

“Whether the Gold Cup comes into it, I don’t know. I trained him for the Gold Cup and wasn’t keen to run in the National, but it was obviously a hell of a prep run.”

Call for DPP to be grilled by MPs on Lord Janner child sex allegations MP calls for director publicly to explain her decision

THE director of public prosecutions should be called before the Commons home affairs committee to explain her decision not to prosecute Lord Janner, veteran Labour MP David Winnick has said.

The peer is accused of a string of child sex abuse allegations during the 1960s, 70s and 80s but was

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first big goal. I’d like to get a prep run, as speaking to both Alan King (Smad Place) and Willie Mullins (Djakadam) they both wish they’d had a prep race going into the Hennessy.”

Although things have been intense since Aintree, Sherwood said his stable star had enjoyed it all.

He said: “It’s been manic, but most importantly, the horse has handled it really well.

“He’s loved the attention. He went to Cheltenham, Newbury to meet the Queen. He has been a star.

CHAMPION Grand National winners Many Clouds and Leighton Aspell

deemed unfit to stand trial UNDER FIRE because of his dementia.

Director of public It was announced last month prosecutions that the judge leading an Alison Saunders independent inquiry into child sex abuse is to investigate claims made against him too.

Justice Lowell Goddard, a New Zealand judge appointed chairman of the inquiry by Home Secretary Theresa May, could even call the 86-year-old peer to give evidence.

Mr Winnick, who will be standing for re-election to the committee he has served on since 1997 in the new Parliament, said DPP Alison Saunders should be called to give evidence.

He said: “When the home affairs committee is reestablished it should call in The Goddard inquiry cannot order Ms Saunders the director of public prosecutions for her to review her decision, nor can it find Lord to explain to the committee as she has done Janner guilty but it can make findings of fact publicly the reasons why it was decided that in relation to the allegations, which it can then Lord Janner should not be charged. make public.

“It goes without saying that someone with Lord Janner denies the allegations against him. dementia is in no position to answer in court.”

His family have said he is ‘entirely innocent of But he added he believed Ms Saunders any wrongdoing’. should explain why she made the decision The election for membership to the Commons rather than allowing the court to decide. home affairs committee is expected to take place Ms Saunders has come under fire for her shortly after the Queen’s Speech. Committee stance and has been asked to hand over all members are elected by party members and the documents and evidence. chairman by the whole house.

NEWS �

Inquest found children’s deaths ‘must be unlawful’

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police: murder inquiry over body found in case

Christi, 7, and Bobby, 6, died in fumes from faulty boiler in Corfu

A JURY in the inquests into the deaths of two young children who died of carbon monoxide poisoning during a holiday in Corfu has been told by a coroner the only conclusion it can come to is unlawful killing.

A two-week hearing in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, heard that Bobby and Christi Shepherd, aged six and seven, died at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel when they were overcome by fumes from a faulty boiler.

The children, from Horbury, near Wakefield, were on a half-term break with their father Neil and his partner, now wife, Ruth, when the tragedy happened in October 2006.

Yesterday, West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff said the only conclusion the jury can come to ‘would be a conclusion of unlawful killing’.

TRAGIC Christi and Bobby Shepherd died in Corfu

He told jurors: “This has been a complex, difficult and sometimes harrowing exercise.

But you have to make your determination based on the evidence you’ve heard and not on any feelings of sympathy and empathy.”

The children were found dead in a bungalow in the grounds of the hotel by a chambermaid.

Mr and Mrs Shepherd were found in comas but recovered.

The jury heard Christi and Bobby had felt ill the day before and, at bedtime, the adults also felt unwell.

Mr and Mrs Shepherd went into the children’s bedroom but remember nothing else until they woke in hospital.

The jury heard Bobby and Christi were poisoned by carbon monoxide from a faulty boiler in an outbuilding.

There was a series of faults in the rusting boiler, including a failure to fit a flue, a water leak which meant it was over-working, a crucial safety device which had been short-circuited and holes left in the walls between the outbuilding and the bedroom when air conditioning pipes had been installed.

The coroner called this final error a ‘bodged and botched’ job.

A couple who stayed in the bungalow immediately before the Shepherds also became ill, the inquest heard.

They were taken to hospital but not diagnosed at the time with carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Shepherds had booked the £2,000 holiday with Thomas Cook. A series of former employees

Wildlife and landscape laws ‘at risk’ EUROPEAN Union laws protecting some of the UK’s best-loved wildlife and landscapes are at risk, campaigners have warned.

Voluntary organisations say a ‘fitness check’ of EU birds and habitats directives, the cornerstone of Europe’s efforts to protect nature, poses the biggest single threat to UK and EU wildlife in a generation.

They fear the European Commission’s review means the laws are at risk of being weakened by those who mistakenly regard them as blocks to growth.

Campaigners argue that sectors from renewable energy to water utilities and construction benefit from the certainty the directives provide.

Any revision would cause long-term uncertainty and put nature at risk from short-term political priorities, the Joint Links group, which represents organisations including the National Trust, Woodland Trust, the RSPB and WWF, warns.

The birds directive, the EU’s oldest piece of nature legislation, provides for special protection areas and bans activities that directly

threaten wild birds.

The habitats directive protects more than 1,000 species and habitats such as forest, wetlands and meadows.

A review of the habitats policy in the UK, ordered in 2011 by Chancellor George Osborne, found that in the large majority of cases, implementation was working well to allow development of key infrastructure while protecting nature.

Kate Jennings, from Joint Links and the RSPB, said: “The directives are the foundation of nature conservation, and scientifically proven to be effective.

“They deliver demonstrable benefits for nature, as well as significant social and economic benefits.

“For over 30 years they have protected some of our best loved, most iconic landscapes. They are essential to the protection of species from basking sharks to hazel dormice.

“Uncertainty over their future resulting from the review could be bad for nature, bad for people, bad for business.”

11

of the firm went into the witness box and exercised their legal right not to answer questions.

This included chief executive at the time of the tragedy, Manny Fontenla-Novoa.

Asked whether the firm put ‘profit before safety’, Mr Fontenla-Novoa refused to answer.

But current chief executive Peter Fankhauser said: “I feel so thoroughly, from the deepest of my heart, sorry but there’s no need to apologise because there was no wrongdoing by Thomas Cook.”

Mr Fankhauser said the right checks were not carried out because the hotel lied to Thomas Cook about there being no gas-fuelled water heaters at the complex.

He said company representatives undertook safety checks based on this misinformation.

Another former Thomas Cook employee who exercised her right not to answer questions which could be self-incriminatory was Nicola Jordison, who was called Nicola Gibson at the time of the tragedy.

Holiday rep Ms Jordison and customer affairs executive Richard Carson were both put on trial

by Greek authorities charged with manslaughter by negligence, and causing bodily injury by negligence to Mr and Mrs Shepherd. Both were cleared in 2010.

THE death of a woman whose body was found in a suitcase in a canal is being treated as murder, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

A post-mortem examination on the body, found in the Grand Union Canal near Maida Vale, London, on Sunday was inconclusive and further tests will be carried out.

Police believe they know the identity of the woman, although she has not yet been formally identified.

Euro rights rejection EUROPEAN judges have rejected a claim from a prominent Northern Ireland republican that detention breached his human rights.

Colin Duffy was held for 12 days after his arrest over the murder of two soldiers in 2009. He was later acquitted of all charges. He complained to the European Court of Human Rights that his detention was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

On Tuesday, Strasbourg judges ruled that Duffy’s application was inadmissable.

Royal rail station fire

A RAILWAY museum in a station used by members of the Royal Family has been badly damaged by fire.

Emergency services were called to the Old Royal Station in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, at about 2am on Tuesday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said 75 per cent of the building had been badly affected by the blaze.

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

12 � NATIONAL NEWS

PM: Conservatives ‘the real party for working people’

DAVID Cameron said the Conservatives are the ‘real party for working people’ as he met his new cabinet for the first time.

The Prime Minister outlined measures aimed to create jobs, reform welfare, offer more apprenticeships, create jobs and assist with childcare costs.

“I want everyone around this table to remember who we’re for,” the PM said to his first Conservative-only team.

“Every decision we take, every policy we pursue, every programme we initiate, never forget: we’re here to give everyone in our country the chance to make the most of their life.

“I call it being the real party for working people: giving everyone the chance to get on, with the dignity of a job, the pride of a pay-cheque, a home

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of their own and the security and peace of mind that comes from being able to support a family.

“And just as important – for those that can’t work, the support they need at every stage of their lives.”

The most senior jobs remain as they were, with Theresa May as Home Secretary, Philip Hammond as Foreign Secretary, George Osborne as Chancellor and Michael Fallon as Defence Secretary.

Jeremy Hunt, Nicky Morgan and Iain Duncan Smith remain as health, education and work and pensions secretaries respectively, while Patrick McLoughlin stays on at transport, Liz Truss at environment, Theresa Villiers at Northern Ireland and Stephen Crabb at the Wales Office.

Sajid Javid has become Business Secretary, a role previously held by Liberal Democrat Vince Cable, while BBC licence fee critic John

Whittingdale is now Culture Secretary.

Other new faces include Tunbridge Wells’ Greg Clark, as Communities and Local Government Secretary, and Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd, who moves from a junior ministerial position in the Department for Energy and Climate Change to the secretary of state role.

David Mundell, the Conservatives’ only surviving MP north of the border, has been made Scotland Secretary, Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands was appointed to Danny Alexander’s former job of Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Michael Gove moves from chief whip to Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary at the expense of Chris Grayling, who becomes Leader of the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson has a role in the political cabinet but will not have a ministerial job while he remains London mayor.

With goals of full employment and three million new apprenticeships, Downing Street said the first Queen’s Speech will include a legal duty to report progress in these areas to Parliament annually.

It will also include a Bill to reduce the benefit cap to £23,000, with savings going directly to supporting apprenticeships. Also, under a new scheme, young people with no work experience will be required to take part in training or work placements or lose benefits.

Increasing free childcare for three and four-yearolds to 30 hours per week will also be prioritised, as will plans to introduce tax-free care for every child.

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Lamb: Fees debacle undermined trust THE ‘debacle’ of the Liberal Democrats’ U-turn on university tuition fees massively undermined voters’ trust in the party, a leadership candidate has admitted.

Norman Lamb said the party had learned a ‘painful lesson’ from raising fees, although former leader Nick Clegg promised to vote against increases before the last coalition government was formed.

Mr Lamb is the first MP to declare his candidacy for the leadership following the party’s disastrous general election showing.

He was a government whip when he voted in favour of tuition fee increases in 2010, when his most likely leadership challenger Tim Farron rebelled and voted against.

Mr Lamb told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “Trust for me is critically important and that debacle massively undermined people’s trust in the party.

“I believe very strongly we have now learned a massive lesson, an extremely painful one. But I don’t think we will ever make that mistake again.”

Surviving Lib Dem MPs have criticised Mr Clegg for strategic errors which led to the party’s collapse to just eight Commons seats.

The former deputy prime minister has previously acknowledged the mistake on tuition fees, apologising in 2012 for breaking his pledge in a video.

Former health minister Mr Lamb confirmed his candidacy for the leadership on Monday, promising to put ‘body and soul’ into the job.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS �

Nepal hit by second large earthquake in a fortnight Tremor measuring 7.4 on Richter scale felt in India ANOTHER major earthquake has struck in eastern Nepal, barely a fortnight after a devastating tremor which killed 8,000 people.

The latest quake hit near the town of Namche Bazar, near Mount Everest.

The US Geological Survey reports it had a magnitude of 7.4.

An earthquake on 25 April, centred in western Nepal, had a magnitude of 7.8.

According to reports, the latest tremor was felt as far away as the Indian capital Delhi, as well as Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Strong tremors were felt in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, which was badly damaged in last month’s earthquake.

“This is a really big one,” Prakash Shilpakar, the owner of a craft shop in Kathmandu, told the Reuters news agency.

Reports said people rushed from buildings in Kathmandu as the quake struck at 12:35 local time (07:50 GMT).

The epicentre of the latest earthquake was around 50 miles from the Nepali capital Kathmandu in a rural area close to the Chinese border.

It struck at a depth of 18.5km (11.5 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

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The quake came just hours after the Nepalese army rescued 117 people - including two U.S. citizens who had been searching for a missing relative - who had been stranded in trekking villages after the April 25 quake.

The 115 Nepalis and two Americans were evacuated from Syanjen, Kenjing and Langtang Village, where hundreds of people were killed in a huge landslide and avalanche triggered by last month’s earthquake.

The crisis in Nepal has sparked a massive humanitarian response from the people of Kent who feel a strong link to the country because of the presence of Gurkha soldiers and their families in the county.

Picasso classic sells for £115 million PICASSO’S Women of Algiers has become the most expensive painting ever sold at auction £115m at Christie’s in New York.

Eleven minutes of prolonged bidding from telephone buyers preceded the final sale - for much more than its pre-sale estimate of £90m.

The evening sale also featured Alberto Giacometti’s life-size sculpture Pointing Man, which set a record as the most expensive sculpture, at £90m.

The buyers chose to remain anonymous.

The Picasso oil painting is a vibrant, cubist depiction of nude courtesans, and is part of a 15work series the Spanish artist created in 1954-55 designated with the letters A to O. The final price of £115m includes Christie’s commission of just over 12 per cent.

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The previous world record for a painting sold at auction was £90m, for British painter Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud.

That sold at Christie’s in 2013.

Divided Cypriot leaders resume negotiations THE leaders of the divided Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus plan to resume peace talks which broke down last year.

The announcement followed a UN-brokered meeting in Nicosia on Monday.

President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will relaunch the peace process in Nicosia’s neutral buffer zone.

Mr Akinci was elected last month. The Turkish-controlled north broke away in 1974

13

after a brief Greek-inspired coup.

A UN envoy, Espen Barth Eide, said the new peace initiative was ‘a unique opportunity, an opportunity that will be grasped - it’s truly rewarding to work with two leaders with such a strong commitment’.

Peace negotiations stalled last October, when the Greek Cypriots walked out in protest at the presence of a Turkish ship prospecting for natural gas off the island’s south coast.

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

14 � BUSINESS NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

PROFIT But EasyJet shares have fallen in price

£500m windfall as Lloyds stock is sold UK TAXPAYERS received a £500m windfall yesterday after the Treasury announced it had successfully sold a further one per cent stake in Lloyds Bank.

The sale saw the government’s holding in the bank reduced to just under 20 per cent, down from 41 per cent in 2009.

The government acquired a holding after it was forced to prop up the lender during the financial crisis, at the time costing the taxpayer £20bn.

Since then, the government has raised over £10bn as it seeks to wind down its holding through sales.

The UK’s remaining stake is currently worth about £12bn at today’s prices.

Chancellor George Osborne is expected to press ahead with plans to sell a further £4bn of shares through a retail offer by which small investors can buy stock at a five per cent discount.

Beer tie response BRITAIN’S biggest pub landlord is to sell up to 1,000 outlets and ramp up its number of managed sites after a vote by MPs to axe the beer tie.

Enterprise Inns, which has almost 5,200 outlets, plans to expand from 16 to 850 managed pubs. These are owned by the group, rather than individual landlords.

The Solihull-based firm will boost the number of commercial properties, run by landlords without a beer tie, to about 1,000 pubs from 185 outlets currently. The rest of the group’s estate are leased or tenanted.

The ending of the beer tie allows tenanted pub landlords to break the link with their pub groups, leaving them free to search for more competitive beer contracts.

Enterprise said that for every tenanted landlord that ends the beer tie, the group would see increased rent, but ‘it is possible that our total income would be adversely affected by this amendment.’

EasyJet share price fall despite its £7m profit Airline blames strike action for cancellations • By Adam Hignett EASYJET saw its shares tumble ten per cent in early trading yesterday after the carrier said it expected to take a £25m hit from ongoing disruption caused by French air traffic control strikes.

The budget airline said the action had contributed to most of the 600 cancellations it recorded last month.

The slide and the share price comes despite EasyJet recording a £7m pre-tax profit for the six months ending March, a huge improvement on

the £53m loss recorded during the same period last year.

The profit marks the first time EasyJet has not recorded a loss in the first half of its financial year in more than a decade and comes as the carrier enjoyed a 3.8 per cent rise in passenger numbers.

In total, the airline carried 29 million passengers in the six months ending March 31, with numbers boosted by a strong finish to the ski season.

Investors were also worried after the carrier said it expected the strong pound to knock £20m off full year profits.

EasyJet, which last year carried more than 40 per cent of all passengers using Gatwick, also announced it had added12 new routes in the past six months, including Gatwick to Stuttgart.

The airline said it would grow its overall network capacity by a further six per cent this summer, and expected to offer its customers better value fares while continuing to grow revenue and profit.

Brokers expect the carrier to report a 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits for the full year at £680m. newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Industrial output boost BRITAIN’S industrial output enjoyed an unexpected boost in March as oil and gas extraction surged by 4.9 per cent, it was revealed yesterday.

Overall industrial output grew by 0.5 per cent during the period, the fastest pace since September.

On an annualised basis, output inched up 0.7 per cent as electoral uncertainty took its toll.

AOL takeover plan US TELECOMS giant Verizon announced its intention to launch a takeover of struggling internet firm AOL yesterday in a deal valuing the company at £2.8bn.

Verizon is particularly interested in AOL’s advertising capabilities and subsidiary companies such as the Huffington Post.

The deal, which values each share at £32, is subject to regulatory approval.

Greek debt latest

GREECE was forced to tap its emergency funding account yesterday as the beleaguered country scrambled to pay off the latest tranche of its IMF loan.

The embattled country is believed to have borrowed £466m from its IMF holding account in order to repay £538m in debt interest it owed to the institution.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

‘Government has to slash red tape’ THE Conservatives need to slash red tape and simplify tax if the economic recovery is to be sustained, traders said yesterday.

In the first survey of small business owners to be conducted since the general election, the Federation of Small Business (FSB) found that just over half (53 per cent) of those questioned wanted to see a concerted effort to reduce regulation.

The survey of 2,327 small firms

also identified reforming business rates (44 per cent) and improving the employability of the young (41 per cent) as top priorities for the new government.

Mike Cherry, national policy chairman of the FSB, said: “This response from FSB members shows first and foremost, businesses want stability and certainty.

“This requires putting public finances on a sound footing

and for ministers to give a comprehensive vision for how they will support enterprise.”

The survey also revealed expectations of the new government are relatively high, with 51 per cent of small businesses believing the Conservatives will deliver.

However a significant minority (28 per cent) are still not confident in the ability of ministers to follow through with their requests.

STABILITY Mike Cherry of the FSB

Union warns Next on Sunday working NEXT has been warned it will face claims of unfair dismissal if workers are sacked for refusing to give up extra pay for Sunday working.

The retail giant has announced it will not pay a Sunday premium, arguing that only staff who joined before 2008 were given the extra pay, so it could not justify paying different rates to workers doing the same job.

Next said its proposal had been accepted by

99 per cent of its employees. The firm employs 50,000 staff, about 800 of whom receive Sunday premium, from time and ten per cent to time and a half.

The company said only a small number of workers were affected by the change.

But GMB national officer Mick Rix said the union started receiving calls the day after the general election from members saying managers

were asking them to agree to the change.

He added: “They were warned that failure to do so could result in redundancy and many told us they felt bullied into signing it. What a disgrace.

“As there is no collective bargaining at Next the ‘vote’ has no legal standing and those sacked can claim for unfair selection for redundancy and unfair dismissal.”

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16 � BUSINESS NEWS

Classic cars prove a sound investment

PASSION Anthony Godin sells to customers from across the world

Dealer ships to customers all over the world • By Steve Hemsley FOR someone with a very limited knowledge of classic cars and bikes, it is hard to comprehend that a tired-looking rusty motorcycle is worth £105,000.

Apparently, this is a 1924 Brough Superior SS80, a model once described as The Rolls-Royce of

motorcycles before production ended with the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. A similar model was ridden by TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia.

It needs a bit of work, but this classic is one of about 30 motorcycles and 20 vintage cars displayed at Godin Sporting Cars & Motorcycles

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

based just off Seven Mile Lane near Mereworth.

Among the car highlights is a 1933 Lagonda threelitre Tourer on sale for a whopping £119,995.

Classic vehicles are big business and for company owner Anthony Godin, these are good times. The former session musician and sound engineer has customers all over the world. In fact, about 60 per cent of orders are placed by overseas buyers, with an increasing number of vehicles being shipped to the United States.

“This is a global market, helped and hindered by the internet,” said Mr Godin, who learned to ride and race motorbikes aged seven.

“The web allows people to find what they want and to buy, but it also means everyone knows the value of everything.”

Mr Godin lives in Tunbridge Wells and has been in the industry for 27 years. His excellent reputation means that many international customers will buy a motorcycle or classic car without even seeing it. He will send potential purchasers pictures and videos but, ultimately, a transaction worth thousands of pounds is based purely on an incredible level of trust.

He also uses his working knowledge of the classic car auction industry to offer clients marketing and negotiation advice if they want to buy or sell using this method.

The cars for sale, including a gorgeous 1966 Jaguar E Type S1 4.2 FHS and a 1958 Austin Healey ‘Frog Eye’ Sprite MK1, tend to range in price from £15,000 to £150,000. The bikes can cost anything from £5,995 for a 1992 BMW R80GS Paris Dakar up to £200,000.

The passion oozes from Mr Godin when he talks about his business. He started in the industry supplying spares for E Type Jaguars, becoming one of the first entrepreneurs to import crashdamaged and unrestorable cars and break them up for spares.

He then moved into the retail sector working with Harley-Davidson dealers in the UK and then in the Middle East where he established and managed the first motorcycle dealership in the Sultanate of Oman.

He returned to the UK and for four years ran Godin Banks with another local businessman, Justin Banks, until the men went their separate ways in 2013. Mr Banks now runs Justin Banks Ltd in Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells.

Turnover at Godin Sporting Cars and Motorcycles has just topped £1m, and changes to the pension

law are giving the classic car and bike market a further boost. Those aged 55 can take their pensions and choose classic vehicles as an investment.

Classic cars do not attract capital gains tax.

“Since the law changed I have already started to see people coming in having cashed in part of their pensions,” said Mr Godin. “The motorbikes people used to ride to work in the 1950s are now classics and there is a demand to own one again.

A perfect example is the Triumph Tiger 110.”

There is also an emerging trend to buy cars from the 1980s that have earned classic status. He recently sold a 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera.

Mr Godin wants his business to grow organically because this is a market where cash flow can be a problem if he holds too much stock.

He has also opened a workshop and appointed 24-year old Ben Harwood as manager. Mr Harwood is as fanatical about the bikes and cars he services as his boss.

“The workshop will become a very important part of the business and I like to get in there too because I still love to get my overalls on and my hands greasy,” said Mr Godin.

Yet he dismisses the idea of adding a shop selling accessories to his business. From his time with Harley-Davidson, he understands the costs of running a retail operation. He points out that the margin gained from selling one classic vehicle is much higher than the profit he would make from numerous bits of clothing or merchandise.

One of the perks of owning the business is that he can drive any of the vehicles at any time, and he often takes a different one home each night.

His excuse is that “old cars and bikes need plenty of exercise” – and who can argue with that?

‘The web allows people to find what they want and to buy, but it also means everyone knows the value of everything’

BUSINESS NEWS �

TED talks coming to town

EXPERT 3D printer Justin Carpenter will be giving a talk A GLOBAL series of inspirational talks designed to motivate business people and schoolchildren is coming to Tunbridge Wells.

The TED (technology, education and design) talks

began in the US in the 1980s and have featured Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Jamie Oliver.

TEDx is a local version, and the ‘Diversity of Tunbridge Wells: A Day of Celebration, Challenge and Curiosity’

event takes place at Skinners’ Kent Academy on Saturday, June 6.

The list of presenters includes scientists, philosophers, musicians, business people, religious

leaders and philanthropists and each person will address the audience for 18 minutes.

They include Justin Carpenter, who runs 3D printer business Active3D in London Road, who will

talk about medical 3D printing technology, and Karen Hickson Smith, who manages youth charity Life & Soul.

Other speakers include the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council chief executive William Benson, who will give insight into the town’s diversity, while zoologist Ross Piper will reveal what lurks unseen in Tunbridge Wells.

Event organiser and TEDx licence holder Dan Foreman says the event is open to anyone looking for inspiration.

“TED events appeal to people who want to be stimulated and challenged. It could be someone thinking about starting their own business or a young person still at school and planning their future,” said Mr Foreman. “Anyone coming along will hear about just how varied Tunbridge Wells really is.”

Tickets cost £20. For more information, visit www.ted.com/tedx/events

17

PR company expansion A PR firm specialising in promoting technology companies has increased turnover by 50 per cent and quadrupled its number of staff from six to 25 in 12 months.

GingerMay PR, founded five years ago by former data analyst Victoria Usher and based in Calverley House, now has clients in the United States, France, Germany, Italy and Australia as well as the UK. Last month, it won the PR account for The Association of Online Publishers, which promotes the interests of print, TV and radio as well as online media for members including AOL and the BBC. “This has been a crazy year as we have moved on from being a start-up,” Mrs Usher said. “We are now being recommended by companies we have not heard of and 65 per cent of our business is with US clients. We are also more selective about the work we take on.”

She is recruiting more account managers and senior account managers for the business, which she has modelled on a US-style communications agency.

“My background as a data analyst means we are very detailed in our approach to PR and report writing and the US clients seem to like that,” she said. “We aim to be like a New York agency in our culture and how fast we react to requests.”

This includes asking account managers to be available to talk to clients and journalists in the US and Australia late at night using cloudbased technology, taking the time off later.

GingerMay has opened an office in Bedford Street, London, and has medium-term plans to open an office in New York.

Telecom giant AdEPT to sign £12.5m agreement Turnover is set to rise by 30 per cent

before narrowing it down to this one,” said Mr Fishwick. “We now have some very clever top of the range technology to offer customers.”

TUNBRIDGE Wells-based AdEPT Telecom has bought This includes smart building technology, which Hampshire telephony services business Centrix in a enables owners of properties with multiple business deal worth up to £12.5m. tenants to save money by offering a shared internet AdEPT, based in Mount Ephraim, is Kent’s largest connection, but still send out individual usage telecoms firm offering data connection, reports and bills. mobile and broadband services. The Mr Fishwick said the process of acquisition will add about 30 per cent finding a company that fitted its to its turnover and increase profits. expansion strategy took about seven Centrix provides technology and months, adding: “This is the 20th communications services to large purchase we have made as we look organisations including councils and to bulk up the business.” hospitals. The proportion of revenue Although the 19 other acquisitions AdEPT will earn from public sector and have been integrated into AdEPT’s healthcare customers following the Tunbridge Wells office, Centrix’s Chief executive Fishwick deal will more than double owing to senior management and customer existing contracts. service teams will stay at its site in AdEPT will pay £7m for the business plus the cash Hook, Hampshire. balance of Centrix at completion.

The deal was made possible after the company A further £3.5m cash payment may be due negotiated a new £15m credit facility with Barclays depending on how well Centrix performs following Bank with the help of regional law firm Cripps, the acquisition. which also advised on the transaction. This is the In the year to the end of December 2014, Centrix fourth AdEPT deal Cripps has advised on in the past reported turnover of £8.75m and pre-tax profits of three years. £2.26m.

Partner Nigel Stanford led the Cripps team of What also appeals to AdEPT chief executive Ian solicitors and said the purchase of Centrix is further Fishwick is that approximately 80 per cent of Centrix’s evidence of how AdEPT has a clear vision of how sales are generated from recurring revenue streams. it wants to grow and how it has the resources to “We looked at 64 businesses to possibly acquire achieve its ambitions.

• By Steve Hemsley

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18 � LETTERS

And another thing…

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

Barker and I walked the walk which I agree could be so much better.

But he misrepresents the value for money which the visitor centre delivers.

The price includes audio information which is very informative and the displays inside are brilliant and so is the catering.

3000 people a day cannot climb the stones like we did as kids and £16 per head is normal these days.

More balanced reporting needed unless you intend to perpetuate disgusted of Tunbridge Wells.

Mark McAlister Via email

The ShelterBox

MEMBERS of Southborough and Pembury Rotary Club, who meet regularly at the Salomons Estate, made a ShelterBox collection at the Royal Victoria Place on Saturday and Sunday. This collection was in aid of victims in the Nepali earthquake.

Over the two days we collected £2,950 which was a fantastic total and means that five more ShelterBoxes will be sent to Nepal.

We were also approached by schools who wanted to donate and a band who are raising money. So we will receive more money over the next few weeks.

I WANTED to say a big thank you for your coverage of my London Marathon run – and to the people of Tunbridge Wells for their magnificent sponsorship.

By the time all my pledges are in, I will have raised more than £4,000 for the MS Society. I have been really overwhelmed by the support from friends and businesses in the town, especially the members of the Royal Spa chapter of BNI and business delegates attending Click Networking at the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School.

Running the marathon was an amazing experience. I managed not to hit the dreaded ‘wall’, but when it got a bit tough at mile 24, I thought of my friends who have multiple sclerosis and let the support of the crowds get me through the last two miles. Seeing Polly Taylor of the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre at the Mile 22 water station was a real boost!

They did a good job, as I managed to finish in under four hours.

I will be buzzing from the experience for the next few weeks.

Siobhan Stirling Via email

Many people were pleased to support a charity where they knew the aid would actually reach the people in need.

Being able to display the ShelterBox and responding quickly, when the news was still full of the devastation in Nepal, was important and Rotary enabled this to happen.

Please pass on our thanks to the people who were shopping in the Royal Victoria Place at the weekend.

Further donation can be made via the ShelterBox website.

Peter Cornish, Rotary Club of Southborough and Pembury

HOW fortunate we are to have so many townsfolk willing to share their musical talents and enthusiasm with us! The Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society under their conductor Rebecca Miller continued hitting the heights with their performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion on Sunday, April 26. The choir numbered over 100 and had been arranged on the floor of the hall in a ‘V’ shape around the London Handel Orchestra.

This meant rather than being isolated on the stage, the performers were very much in the auditorium and the audience were much more involved in the varying moods and passion of the piece. The period orchestra was superb and contributed greatly to the sense of a performance that might have graced an 18th century stage. All in all this was a first-class afternoon and one can only wonder why there were a few seats left unsold.

David Trainor Via email I RETURNED to Stonehenge after 50 years just like your columnist Kent

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16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

Wednesday 13th May 2015

THE degree to which the major parties are seeking to outbid each other on the matter of taxes has become risible and totally ignores the fact that no civilised society can exist without an adequate amount of taxation. We are often told that leaving money in the pockets of individuals offers them more choice and is therefore a good thing but this is grossly overstated. Obviously a very wealthy person could pay for their own health care, the education of their children and, by living in a gated community protected by hired security guards plus employing permanent bodyguards, could guarantee their own safety without using the police force, but for the overwhelming majority these things would not be possible and are not therefore subject to choice.

In addition how many, even if rich, would be willing to contribute personally to the financing of the armed forces?

The reality is that taxes must be raised, inter alia, for health, education, police, defence, infrastructure and general administration unless we are to live in anarchy. Clearly it is only right that taxes should be fair, and levied on all who can afford to pay, so those who use sophisticated financial instruments to avoid paying must be prevented from doing so, while the wasting of taxpayers’ money on overpaid bureaucrats, useless managers and foolish projects must be stopped.

Nevertheless it is a scandal that the politicians treat us as ignorant children, who are supposed to believe that we can be provided with all these essentials without taxation being set at the level necessary to sustain them. Such an attitude is yet another example of how much the people of this country have been betrayed by

the ignorant and self-serving political class. We must not so misguided as to ignore the old adage that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Colin Bullen Via email FRIENDS of the Earth are running a campaign, Meat Free May. I am not an ethical, healthy eater but I do try. Availability of vegan and nice crunchy vegetables when I eat out rather than those cooked to mush almost that you get most places would help. I don’t want to suffer for the good of the world but to enjoy the food and feeling well.

Consuming milk which is the worse for the formation of the greenhouse gas methane, the meat and leather are by-products of milk production.

So switching from leather shoes, which I have done, is not about the environment or animal welfare but a piece of symbolism I chose to make.

As far as personal health is concerned, you can be a junk food vegan or veggie as you chose but if you eat all the colours in your fruit and veg plus beans, nuts and a pinch of dirt (that we all need anyway) you will be fine. I find and others report land based meat is bad or very bad.

Some blood groups find a little meat is okay but not necessary.If you eat out in Tunbridge Wells many places will do variations; Ragged Trousers, Black Dog, Kitsu, Lo-Gi, Trinity Theatre, Kai’s Kitchen, The Royal Wells many of the Pizza, Chinese and Indian restaurants, such as Pizza Express, New Diamond, Weavers, Water Margin in Southborough.

Places like Sainsburys have lists of ingredients and, for example, the veggie-chilli baked potato is vegan as it comes. Muffin Break also has a dairy free option. The Bicycle Bakery makes bread the traditional way: flour, sunflower oil, yeast and a pinch of salt it is one of the best. Smith’s Patisserie has been the best for decades, particularly the sunflower and multi-seeded loaves which are dairy free.

Andrew H Lohmann High Brooms IS IT any wonder that Tunbridge Wells is the butt of jokes on Have I Got News For You when the front page of our local paper has a picture of a dark raincloud, accompanied by a story confirming it as a raincloud, and a Met Office spokesman quoting it as ‘very Constable-esque’?

David Ellis Tunbridge Wells

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk facebook.com/timesoftunbridgewells

timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

@timesoftw

Calverley SO FAREWELL then, Graham Naismith.

The independent candidate was never going to snatch the parliamentary seat from under Greg Clark’s nose, as he well knew, but he not only secured a few votes, he also enlivened the campaign.

Take the St James’ church hustings for example, at which the ‘bigger’ parties were given more time, based on the percentage of vote won in 2010.

“0.3 per cent,” mused Mr Naismith, “I make that about nine seconds I’ll have to speak. I’m just wondering whether the Tories will get the biggest table…”

SPEAKING of failed candidates, I discover the self-confessed Liberal Democrat James MacCleary is an Everton football fan. If Calverley and all his rugger-loving friends had known, we would never have voted for him.

AS regular readers will know, Calverley is not a man to gossip but I hear there is a tittle-tattle mongering scallywag in our midst, dear reader. Someone has taken to the Tweetosphere upon the interwetneb touting for ‘local news, rumours, gossip, stories, scandals and hearsay. Tell me what you know and watch it grow.’ I say! I wish the scribbler well, it’s not like there is a shortage of material.

WILD horses will not drag from me the identity of two local well-known people, both in public life, who were rumoured to have been seen canoodling in a discreet location in a local green space. Nothing wrong with two married people showing one another affection, I agree, except they’re not married to one another.

BEWARE a life of crime. Joseph Pearce, 29, of Paddock Wood, was sentenced 140 days in the clink for driving while disqualified and making off with £14,95 worth of petrol from a service station. Silly scamp. Mind you, he managed to swerve going inside by agreeing to a suspended sentence and attending a ‘thinking programme.’

One doesn’t mind betting by the time he finishes the course, he’ll wish he’d gone to prison.

ELECTION time. A politically aware chum calls with a gag.

Q. What are the five most feared words in British politics?

A. Michael Crick is in reception.

Chin chin!!

PEOPLE �

19

Egging on our broody hens WHAT happens if your chickens go broody?

Let them get on with it, says SIMON FINLAY… TWO of our chickens have gone broody. It’s been a few years since any of our hens decided to absent themslves from the day to day life of the coops to sit in one place for at least three weeks. Now we have a pair, albeit in separate houses.

Eggles is a splendid mum-to-be. She’s a beautiful buff Pekin bantam my daughter Astrid and I bought as recently fledged chick from a farm in the middle of nowhere just outside Tunbridge Wells last spring. Along with Barbara (also a Pekin) and Paddy, the lot cost £45 which is about the going rate for quality, pedigree birds.

All our chickens are pets. All have been given names by Astrid and all are doted on like the cats.

It’s slightly different to my upbringing in the country where people treated livestock without emotional attachment, although the respect for animals which made the farmer’s living was undoubted.

Paddy – a Buff-Laced Wyandotte - was named after a great aunt, who died a couple of years ago. (Her real

name was Gladys and as a child she burnt her long hair in the fire. My great grandmother had her locks cut short and the local boys in the village called her Paddy, which stuck until the day she died.)

When we picked the bantams from the farm, it was my daughter who chose the birds but at such a young age it is hard to sex chickens. The breeder picked up Paddy and looked at us straight in the eye.

“I’m not sure about this one. I think it might be a boy”, she said, “But if you like, I’ll swap it or give you a refund if you don’t want to keep it.”

It was a generous offer because with young chicks, as I have learnt in the past, one has to take a chance.

By the time we realised Paddy was a boy – it is handy my brother is called Patrick so we didn’t need to change the name – he was already part of the family. We knew as soon as he was long of leg and started to cock his head forward in a dry crowing motion that we’d picked a male.

He reached sexual maturity earlier this year, so almost all of the eggs laid by the girls are fertilised.

Miranda - who lives with Tulisa and Angie in the ‘big hen house’ – is a pure white Amber Star and went broody about two weeks ago, not long after Eggles.

She is now sitting on three bantam eggs while we’ve restricted Eggles to two, all of which have been marked with a green felt tip pen, so that we

know roughly when in the three week cycle our chicks might hatch.

The broody chicken will leave the clutch from time to eat and so on but for 22 days or so it takes for a chick to hatch, she will sit looking almost flat across them.

In normal circumstances and left to its own devices, the broody hen will lay up to a dozen eggs – perhaps even 20 - and sit on the lot.

There is no certainty any will emerge but the birds seem to take the incubation process incredibly seriously. Do take care when putting your hand into the nesting box with a broody chicken inside as they will greet such interference with a vicious peck.

I just let them get on with it, try to intervene as little as possible and, if I can, take the broody out of the chicken house altogether.

In a couple of weeks’ time, Astrid and I may have a bit of a problem.

Because the resulting chicks are likely to be mongrel cross-breeds and, if the statistics are to be believed, the majority could well be males and therefore quite hard to dispose of. Our cockerels will have no worth as they are not pedigrees.

My wife tells me of the husband of a friend called Tom who has little sentimentality when it comes to rural matters – he unapologetically shoots foxes as ‘vermin’ – and will probably take the male chicks off my hands for a bag of growers’ pellets and the promise of a few Sunday roasts in the future.

Methinks a few cockerels crowing at all the times of day and night would inevitably irritate our patient and good-natured neighbours – most of whom are born and bred country people themselves - and probably get us a council noise abatement order or an Asbo.

I’d rather find homes for the boys, if we get them, and which is why I’m writing this piece. I’ll keep you posted.

To be continued…

KNOW YOUR CHICKENS AND EGGS

Breeds which make good broody hens • Orpington • Australorp • Cochin • Easter Egger • Silkie Breeds which rarely go broody • Rhode Island Red • Leghorn • Barred Rock • Rosecomb My hen is broody – what do I do?

First, just decide whether or not you want more chickens. Chicks always seem to be much happier with a mother, so go for broody than an egg incubator. Chicks being raised and hatched by a mother hen is more natural.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

PAIN OF DIVORCE INCREASES THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK Research shows women’s health at greater risk of harm caused by the effects of emotional and psychological stress on the heart

BY MAX BARFORD Ending a marriage is never easy but the consequences can be far more damaging than first imagined. New US research carried out on 15,827 people showed that those who divorced had a higher heart attack rate than those who remained married.

The study, published recently in the journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality Outcomes, does not prove that divorce causes a heart attack but rather the emotional and financial stress of divorce can have an impact on the body that increases the chances of a heart attack.

The research suggests men have a 10% increase of heart attack compared to a man who remains married. This rises to a 24% increase in risk for women compared to a woman who remains married. The risk increases substantially for second and third time divorcees with a jump to 77% increase for women and 30% increase for men.

One of the main stresses of divorce is the uncertainty about what the future will look like post divorce. Not knowing whether the family home will have to be sold, what your finances will look like and how your children, family and friends will react all places a great emotional and psychological strain on you.

As an experienced family solicitor I, along with my team, have helped many people leave an unhappy marriage and move on with their lives. Although every divorce is different, the one thing that is very clear is that reducing conflict involved and taking a conciliatory approach can only help lower stress and therefore the health risk for men and women.

Taking control of your situation with the benefit of good legal advice will reduce stress and emotional anguish. It will also dispel many of the myths, misconceptions and fears and help you make informed decisions about your future. You can explore the best way for you to negotiate a financial and emotional settlement with your spouse.

You and your spouse may feel able to reach an agreement about how your finances and children matters will be settled between yourselves. You can then just seek legal advice for the agreement to be drawn up and filed

with the court.If this isn’t possible, mediation, collaborative law or negotiation through your solicitor are all extremely effective ways of reaching a settlement.

Whichever option is right for you the key issue is to know what a good settlement looks like for you before you reach any decision – this is what we call making informed decisions. If you get it wrong you will have to live with the implications for many years to come.

Separation and divorce is never easy but taking legal advice at the earliest opportunity along with a conciliatory approach can reduce the stress brought on by divorce significantly and ensure you achieve the best settlement possible for you.

Throughout May Max Barford & Co is offering a selected number of Times of Tunbridge Wells readers an opportunity to meet one of their experienced family solicitors for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. They have 20 appointments available and we know from previous experience that these appointments will book up very quickly.

If you wish to apply for a consultation to find out how you can achieve a conciliatory divorce with as little stress as possible contact Max Barford today on 01892 539 379 or email times@maxbarford.co.uk and quote reference TTWD0605.

Max Barford & Co 16 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1QU www.maxbarford.co.uk

Wednesday 13th May 2015

20 � EDUCATION

Women making the Kent Test less testing THE Kent Test, or 11 Plus, can be one of the most stressful times in any child’s life or, indeed, their parents’ lives.

For children from lower income or disadvantaged backgrounds, the chances of sitting the exam – let alone passing it – are slim.

Now three women from Tunbridge Wells have set up a group to help them as SIMON FINLAY reports…

THE season for 11-plus appeals is upon us.

It is a time when parents whose child has narrowly failed the Kent Test nervously face an independent panel to persuade it that their child deserves a place in a grammar school.

In a few weeks’ time, they will find out whether they have been successful. A few marks shy of a pass can make all the difference to the future of a child’s education, especially one who might gain most from a grammar education. And west Kent, Tunbridge Wells in particular, has no shortage of fine grammar schools.

The selective system may seem unfair to many and reviled as class-based and divisive by its critics – sometimes quite vehemently – while to others it is perceived to be best one can get in the state sector in terms of academic achievement and attainment, as wells as a passport to the best higher education.

Educated or well-to-do parents will aspire to grammars and spent small fortunes on tutors – who charge around £40 a session – coaching them through the Kent Test. State schools are not permitted to provide lessons for their children

LESSONS Children receiving Kent Test coaching

for the 11-plus while private establishments will coach their kids to the limit to get them through.

For less advantaged or single parents or those for whom English is not a first language, preparing for the test can seem daunting, even off-putting. The chance of a special, gifted or highly-intelligent individual not getting a grammar place are much higher among the less advantaged.

Three Tunbridge Wells mums, Kate Murphy, Zoe Bissett-Catania and Kimberley Sheppard have set up AIM - Achieve, Inspire, Motivate – to provide free tuition to bright children from lower income homes.

“It is a lottery,” says Mrs Murphy, 45, “It’s all about passing the test and you need to know what you are doing when you sit the test.

“AIM is for lower income families. We are not taking people with rich parents!”

AIM is a charitable body run by volunteers in association with the Number One Community Trust at Showfields Library for ten children with a tutor sponsored by Town & Country Housing.

“We passionately believe that access to the

TESTING Zoe, left, and Kate from AIM

best, and most appropriate, education makes a huge difference to the lives of young people.

“The grammar school system is a bit Marmite!

People either love it or hate it, but either way, it is what we have and we must work within it. We see one of the problems is that in order to get a grammar school place, children have to take, and pass, the Kent Test.

“We subject our 10 year old children to a rigorous exam, with no second chance if they fail.

And the outcome can have massive effects in the rest of their lives.

“State schools, or those under LEA control at least, are not allowed to prepare children for this test.

“But those families who can afford to do so hire a tutor for their children, to improve their chances of passing. Those who cannot afford a tutor have no option other than to tutor at home themselves, if they can, or send their child to the test completely unprepared.”

Peter Read, a former head teacher, now an education consultant specialising in admissions and appeals, said back in 2013 he has

encountered children as young as five years old being tutored by 11-plus specialists.

The Guardian reported two yeras ago there was growing concern in Kent about an unhealthy coaching culture, which gives some children from more affluent families an unfair advantage over those from less well-off backgrounds.

And it also means some ‘over-coached’ children struggle to keep up with the standards when they do get into grammar schools.

According to educationalists in Kent, the test is meant to identify 25 per cent of the students suitable for grammar places but coaching is now so endemic, it may have created an unfair advantage.

The county council has set about introducing a ‘tutor proof’ test after reviewing the practice elsewhere such as Buckinghamshire. Sceptics believe it will not take long for the tutorial industry long to circumvent the process.

Mrs Murphy puts it more simply: “Either you get rid of the Kent Test or you allow all the schools to coach the children to pass the Kent Test. All the private schools do.”

FACTFILE: WHAT IS AIM? AIM is affiliated with Number One Community Trust and was set up by a group of three local mums to ‘level the playing field’ and offer affordable 11 plus preparation to bright children who would not otherwise receive it, and so make Grammar school places more accessible to all.The main tutor is Keiran who currently teaches at a local primary school. He has been teaching years five and six for ten years and has extensive 11 plus tutoring experience. We will also have a volunteer tutor helping out.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Places are restricted so it will be a first come first served policy. All local year five children can sign up with confirmation from your school that they can work at 11 plus level. A few questions regarding income will be part of the entry criteria.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE CHILDREN? Our reward system encourages attendance, motivation and attainment. Children will be expected to attend to attend regularly and do a small piece of homework each week. For those who successfully graduate the course we have a very special treat after the test is over.Our tutors and volunteers have up to date DBS and paediatric first aid certificates.

WHEN DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE? Monday evenings from 5.15- 6.45pm during term time, plus extra sessions during the school holidays.

WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN? Showfields Library, 1 Rowan Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells.

IS THERE A COST? We ask for a contribution of £2 each week to cover all learning materials stationery and refreshments.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

PEOPLE �

21

Lawyer helps divorcing couples through the ‘worst of times’ • By Eleanor Jones VANDA James, a solicitor with an ‘excellent’ reputation for her work with high net-worth divorcing couples, has just joined a Tunbridge Wells firm. Eleanor Jones went to Cripps to meet her…

SINCE Kathleen Wyatt and Dale Vince divorced in 1992, he has become a multi-millionaire, thanks to his green energy company Ecotricity.

And because a relevant legal order was not made at the time, Vanda James explains, Kathleen has been given permission to apply for a proportion of her ex-husband’s wealth, by the Supreme Court, and the case has made national headlines.

“That’s why we have to do it,” Vanda explained. “A solicitor would have told them to get a court order.

“They divorced and went their separate ways but then the husband was very, very successful and because there was no order back then, she’s been given permission to file a financial claim.

“You may have agreed everything, which is fine, but do get legal advice so it becomes a legally binding court order.”

Vanda, who has handled divorces involving ‘significant’ pensions, business interests and offshore assets, specialises in cases with ‘international elements’, and also advises on pre- or post-nuptial agreements.

But the keen runner, who lives between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, admits she became a solicitor almost by default.

“My mum was in law,” she explained. “I used to go into the office with her in school holidays and I realised there was always something different coming through the door, you never knew what was going to happen.

“With family law, you can go to work thinking you know what you’re going to do, then suddenly, there’s a phone call from a client which completely throws everything up in the air.

“I do lots of international work – people who live here and their families are here but they work overseas. That makes it more interesting because you have to be aware of different jurisdictions and practices.”

Family law is very case-orientated, EXPERT Vanda explains, Vanda James but the has joined legislation Cripps behind it has not changed since the 1973 Matrimonial Causes Act.

“But more people co-habit these days, there are civil partnerships and same-sex marriages. Things have moved on but it’s been very slow, “she said.

“That’s why it’s case-orientated and in the UK, judges have discretion and can exercise it and as long as the deal’s ‘reasonable’, it can’t be appealed.”

The start of the case, from Vanda’s point of view, is always her first meeting with her client, at which everything from the length of the marriage to the ages of any children to, crucially, the assets available to both parties are discussed.

“The first interview is really important because you have to make the client feel comfortable,” Vanda said. “With family law, it really is a personal thing in a way a property transaction, say, isn’t.

“Clients are entrusting you with their lives and generally, you only get one opportunity to get it right and it’ll affect them for the rest of their lives.”

Even now, Vanda explains, a married couple cannot get divorced on a whim.

“It’s still fault-based,” she said. “Two adults, even if they both agree it’s over, still have to comply with the act. Someone has to initiate proceedings, be the petitioner, and the other the respondent, one person has to cite another’s behaviour or adultery.

“Desertion is a factor, but in 25 years, I’ve never dealt with one case. Bringing a marriage to an end is a paper exercise which isn’t the bit people argue over – that’s money and children.”

So what does the solicitor actually do?

“Sometimes, the husband and wife think they agree but actually when it comes to it, they don’t,” Vanda explained.

“I have to protect my client and fight their corner. My role is to get to the bottom of what the assets are, as it’s not always obvious, and how they’ve been accrued and find out what’s important to the client.”

Divorce cases do not always end up in court either, as Vanda explains, collaborative trained lawyers such as she is can meet and thrash out a deal with their clients.

“It’s not a panacea,” she warns, “But it’s far better for the adults involved, and more importantly the children, if we can come to a solution without going to court. But unfortunately, that’s not always possible, there are some which you know from the outset will end up in court.”

These include those involving third parties, because people are upset and bitter about the circumstances, says Vanda, who described divorce in general as ‘horrid’.

“I get to know all my clients very well and I think that makes me a better lawyer,” she adds.

“I know their boundaries, what they want, even if they can’t necessarily articulate it themselves. I need to be able to empathise but not get involved as that may make you take you eye off the ball, which yyou can’t do. There’s a balance, which comes from experience.

“It’s hard, you’re seeing people at the worst times of their lives and some people can’t stand it.”

Dealing with very wealthy couples’ divorces is different to those of average earners too, owing to the volume and variety of assets involved.

“The more educated people are, the less I think they argue about trivial things,” says Vanda.

“But not always, I’ve had a number of cases acting for very educated people who have fought like cat and dog.

“There are those who have worked very hard, understand the value of money and have more focus on what’s important, but their affairs are more sophisticated, more complex, pensions, offshore, trusts, company assets – you need to think out of the box and come up with creative solutions.”

The work is changing in that there is more of an international flavour to it now, but Vanda says she also sees more high-earning women than before, more cases involving the wife bringing in the main income, rather than the husband.

“The courts regard a wife who’s stayed at home to look after the children as having made an equal contribution to that of the wealth creator,” she said. “And I see more cases of that wealth creator being the woman, while the man’s taken the more traditional role of looking after the children. The law equally recognises men’s contributions.”

Vanda says the best bits of her job are meeting people and helping them through what is always a difficult time – she is still friends with some clients – to a better future.

Be more...

PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS VANDA says pre-nuptial agreements are being drawn up ‘more than ever’.

“You can have whatever you like in the agreement, as long as it hasn’t been signed under duress and a minimum of 28 days before the marriage and as long as there’s been full disclosure of what both parties have,” she said.

“The law hasn’t changed but the courts now are more willing to take pre-nuptials into account.

The burden of proof has shifted and courts have to have exceptional circumstances to deviate from them.

“I’ve got a case now with a pre-nuptial but it won’t make things simpler as it was created 15 years ago. It’s worth having one, in the right circumstances, but that’s what makes family law unique – every case is different.”

“The worst is all the emotions,” she added. “Seeing the dreadful things people do to each other, when they started out in love. I think it’s really sad.”

Vanda’s main advice to anyone embarking on a divorce is to secure a good lawyer, recommended and trustworthy.

She herself, by the way, is happily married.

At the weekend I’m a philosopher

re??

, am I real y he

but then again

The New Course Directory is now available from our centres and libraries across the county.

With almost 4,000 courses, designed for all levels of ability - whether you’re learning for pleasure, or to gain a new skill or qualification, there’s a course at a time to suit you.

Courses start from only £14

Amanda, 29, PA

...what do you want to be?

For more information visit: kentadulteducation.co.uk pop in to your local centre or call 03000 41 22 22 kent adult education

Kent Adult Education is part of Community Learning and Skills

Bringing learning to life Wednesday 13th May 2015

22 � FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY IN SAFE HANDS Chris Meaden demonstrates the havening techniques SPECIALIST Linzi Meaden (right)

Safe havening CAN you change the way your brain stores negativity? Charlie Bond gives the havening techniques a go… ®

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

DEVELOPED by American Dr Ronald Ruden, a medical doctor, neuroscientist and neuropharmacologist, the havening techniques are a form of therapy involving touch, while erasing traumatic coding from the mind. The techniques are used to deal with everything from phobias to bereavement, and currently there are fewer than 100 practitioners in the world.

Two of these are Chris and Linzi Meaden, who live in Tunbridge Wells, train with the likes of Paul McKenna and specialise in hypnotherapy, coaching and havening techniques.

Today I’m meeting the couple to discover what the havening techniques entail. Although I’m intrigued by hypnosis, it might be hard to justify sleeping on the job, so instead, Chris and Linzi are going to try and help me de-link the negative thoughts and feelings associated with a trauma I’ve experienced.

I’ve always been a nervous driver; it took me five attempts to pass my test and to this day, I’ll drive around a car park for ages until I can find a space away from other cars. I’ve had panic attacks in multi-storeys and the thought of attempting to parallel park brings me out in a cold sweat. With a road trip to southern France looming in a few weeks, I’m hoping a session of havening will help me feel a bit more confident when driving on the other side of the road and battling the pesky tolls.

“We were very lucky because we went to the world’s first training on this technique and only 50 people were invited,” explains Chris.

“A lot of people don’t like the thought of being hypnotised and think it won’t work for them, but it’s understanding that to make a change you don’t need to be hypnotised; with havening we’re making a chemical change.

When we use havening, we’re making a change at a neurochemical level.”

Chris and Linzi see clients from all over the world and for those undertaking havening, they can need as little as one session to help them recover from their fear or trauma, whereas with other techniques, the healing process can be a lot longer.

“Most people get a change in one session. A lot of people have tried other things so it’s getting them to put aside those techniques and start afresh.

We want people to get back out there living their lives as soon as possible,” says Chris. “The techniques we use now are

so advanced and rapid. It never surprises us the amount of miracles we come across. There was one lady who had all kinds of issues and had spent £650,000 on treatment. She was grinding her teeth in her sleep and was really scared at night, but she came back after one 90-minute session and it had all stopped.”

I’m keen to give the technique a go and see what it entails, so Chris and Linzi ask me to sit down and hold my palms out. Chris shows me how the havening touch works – a firm stroke to the palms and my arms.

“I won’t do your face because it does tend to make people quite sleepy!” he says.

I’m asked to close my eyes and visualise the traumatic memory, remembering as many details as possible. He then asks me to give it a SUD (subjective unit of discomfort) score between one and ten.

Then, he starts stroking my arms as I close my eyes and visualise walking along a beach. He asks me to count backwards from 50 to zero in twos, which catches me off guard and I find it hard to visualise the beach. I also forget about my car worries for a moment too though, so I suppose it must be working!

I open my eyes, then he asks me to close them again and imagine I’m climbing 20 stairs, repeating the word ‘calm’ as I take each imaginary step. As soon as I’ve finished, he asks me to hum the tune to Old MacDonald.

“Take a deep breath and now try and remember the incident again,” he says. I try, but it’s really hard. My SUD score is now around a three rather than the eight or nine it was before, and I feel very calm, even when I think about parallel parking.

Another issue I have is that I’m easily embarrassed, so Chris repeats the technique again but gets me to relay an embarrassing incident in my mind.

Again, when I open my eyes it’s hard to remember why I was ever embarrassed. Success!

CHRIS AND LINDZI’S HAVENING TIPS

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

1) Take a deep breath in through your mouth as you slowly rub the palms of your hands together 2) Before exhaling, hold your breath for a moment, keeping your head straight forward as you roll your eyes up as if trying to look at your eyebrows, 3) Then slowly exhale (make the out-breath longer than your in-breath, so steps 3 to 6 are all done on the out-breath), as…

4) …you close your eyes…

5) …loosen and soften your jaw as you relax…

6) …and allow your shoulders to soften and drop down 7) Cross your arms and place hands on your shoulders as you stroke from shoulder to elbow three times counting from one to three yourself. www.chrismeaden.com/TimeForMyMind

VERDICT: Although I’m yet to tackle a multi-storey car park, I have successfully parallel parked with no panic attack, which is a bonus.

Linzi showed me self-havening techniques too so I can use them when I need them, although trying to stroke both of my arms while driving may cause me more issues than I started with!

Cocorose London weather applique pumps There is nothing better than slipping into a pair of comfy shoes after a day out shopping or a night out dancing. This week, I’m loving these Cocorose London weather applique pumps (£48) which roll up into a handy pouch so you can take them everywhere. Plus, their cute design helps them to make every outfit stand out. They’re a summer staple! www.cocoroselondon.com

THE TOWN’S NEW PROPERTY GUIDE A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MOVE WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LAKE HOUSE

This imposing and substantial home, with its lakeside setting, private woodland and extensive accommodation, is one of a range of properties for sale For full details, turn to page 27.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

24 � PROPERTY AT A GLANCE

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Carol Prier Director Firefly Properties Ltd

Detached house in a sought-after location BELIEVED to date back to the 1880s, Grange Cote is a substantial home in one of the most soughtafter locations in Tunbridge Wells. The property has four floors and offers flexible accommodation with well-proportioned reception rooms, period features, a self-contained lower ground floor flat and a swimming pool. Set in grounds of just under half an acre, off Bishops Down Road, this imposing family home has recently been partially refurbished.

Packed with character and including period features such as fireplaces, original stripped pine doors, deep skirting boards and high ceilings, this property offers some 6,568sq ft of accommodation and is in walking distance from the centre of town and the station.

The property is accessed through a covered entrance porch which leads to an entrance hall, through to a large dual aspect drawing room enjoying views of the grounds to the front and a working open fireplace. On the other side of the hall is a comfortable sitting or family room and a cloakroom. There is also a magnificent dining room with wood floors, fireplace and an archway to the kitchen/breakfast room.

The kitchen offers hand-painted wood units

AT A GLANCE 2 HOWARD GARDENS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Semi-detached Located close to The Pantiles and railway station Cloakroom Study Utility cupboard Stunning open-plan reception room/kitchen Master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite shower room Two further double bedrooms Single bedroom Small bedroom used as study Family bathroom Off-road parking Attractive enclosed gardens Unfurnished £2,800 per month To let through Savills 01892 507000 www.savills.com

Wednesday 13th May 2015

with granite work surfaces and a central island unit with breakfast bar. The kitchen has two steps up to a spacious breakfast area, a walk-in larder and a door to a decked terrace.

A utility room and second WC complete the accommodation on the ground floor.

The property has twin staircases, allowing remodelling options. On the first floor, a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom has a bay window and glazed doors to a balcony. A second and third bedroom are served by a cloakroom and steps lead to a second landing, with large bathroom and two bedrooms, each with an ensuite shower room. Another flight of stairs leads to the second floor, with a further two bedrooms, a large playroom/office and storage areas.

The lower ground floor is currently a selfcontained flat with access from the garden. This comprises a kitchen/sitting room, a room that could be used as a gym or separate sitting room, a bedroom, bathroom and study. A boiler room and several storage rooms complete this level.

Outside, there are gardens to the front, side and rear. With parking space near the main entrance and a further driveway and garage, there is also a fenced outdoor swimming pool and pool room.

GRANGE COTE, BISHOPS DOWN ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Large detached property on four floors Period features Versatile accommodation One-bedroom self-contained flat Entrance hall Twin staircases Drawing room Sitting room Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room to decked terrace Utility room Two cloakrooms Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom Four further bedrooms on the first floor, two with en-suite shower rooms Family bathroom First floor cloakroom Two further bedrooms on the second floor Large playroom/office Extensive storage rooms Garage and parking Gardens of almost half an acre £1,895,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Spacious home to rent near the popular Pantiles AVAILABLE to let now and superbly located just off Frant Road, 2 Howard Gardens is a spacious semi-detached modern property. Boasting an attractive garden that wraps round the rear and side of the house, it also offers valuable offroad parking.

The well-proportioned family home has an entrance hall, a cloakroom, a large cupboard where the washing machine and tumble drier are housed and a study on the ground floor, as well as a vast, dual-aspect reception room open plan to the stunning contemporary kitchen, which was fully refurbished last year. Four sets of double doors open to a terrace and flood the living and dining areas with natural light. There are wood floors throughout the open-plan room and a modern gas fire sits on a raised hearth in the corner of the living area.

There are two double bedrooms on the first floor, including the master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room, and a family bathroom. A further flight of stairs leads to the second floor with a double bedroom, a single bedroom and another small room

currently used as a study.

Outside, the property benefits from a pretty, enclosed garden with a terrace and shed. There is off-road parking for two cars.

WHY not choose a strictly internet-based agent? This is a question I am often asked when I’m out on a valuation, with the internet as the powerhouse to sell your home these days, it would seem a good way to save money and we are all aware that our reputation as an industry goes before us as to ‘what do we do to earn our money’!

My answer is very simple. Local knowledge is, in reality, the powerhouse when selling your home, not the internet.

I have been a local estate agent since 1985, working predominantly in Paddock Wood, Brenchley, Matfield, Horsmonden and Pembury. In old money, as my father used to say, I have a wealth of contacts in my ‘little black book’.

Alongside knowledge, you have to ask yourself the question, would you want to conduct your own viewings and then get to know your buyer really well? What comes next, of course, is the offer. Just think about this, you have now become friends and are possibly on first-name terms with your buyer, are you going to have the backbone to hold your ground to negotiate the offer to a level you feel completely happy with? This is a really hard task and in the world where everyone is on social media telling you what you should or shouldn’t be doing. A reasonable agent’s fee is worth every penny for it can save you money by realising a good offer on your behalf, possibly to the extent of an extra £10,000 in the mid-range market!

Lastly, when trying to sell on your own, you get closer to the final hurdle and the surveyor will require comparable evidence to substantiate your offer, are you going to be able to supply that evidence? Again, the internet is very resourceful but usually the information a surveyor will require will not be available to you or the surveyor and it also has to be from the last three months. At Firefly Properties we would be armed with all the material to qualify an offer on your behalf.

Just stop and think for a moment, what do you want from an agent when you live a busy bustling lifestyle?

Local knowledge, Integrity, Confidence, Sales ability, To show your home seven days a week, Compassion, Maturity, Experience Your home is probably the most expensive and precious commodity you own, choose wisely and choose an agent who understands exactly my point!

PROPERTY ďż˝

Explore this versatile former coach house

25

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

AT A GLANCE

THE wonderfully named House Of Magnolias is in a tucked-away position, a no-through road in Boars Head, between Eridge and Crowborough. With sensational rural views to the rear, this extended former coach house offers great space and unique and versatile accommodation, within beautiful walled gardens.

Well presented throughout and with the potential to create a self-contained annexe, this property has class, character and a truly idyllic setting.

An entrance hall opens to the truly impressive open-plan garden room which boasts original timbers from the old coach bays and floor to ceiling sliding doors making the most of the view of the gardens. The inner hall leads to a fantastic double-aspect drawing room with two windows to the front and a large side window looking into a private courtyard.

The focal point is a fine stone fireplace with a coal-effect gas fire.

There is a well fitted kitchen/breakfast room with a striking red Aga, granite work surfaces, a lovely garden outlook and an adjacent conservatory utility room with stairs down to a cellar storage area and doors to the garden. A separate dining room, cosy sitting room, study, downstairs bedroom, bathroom, integral double garage and workshop complete the flexible accommodation on the ground floor.

HOUSE OF MAGNOLIAS, BOARS HEAD Extended former coach house Rural setting Versatile accommodation Character features

is side access at either end of the house, with an ornamental pond, circular terracing and two magnificent magnolia trees, from which the house takes its name, at one side.

The main gardens are enclosed with a beautiful old stone wall and mainly laid to lawn, with a feature gated archway leading to a farm track which forms part of the Kent and Sussex footpath network. The gardens are very well stocked with a wide range of mature plants and trees and extend to about 0.4 of an acre.

Large first floor games room

Impressive garden room

Master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom

Drawing room

Three further bedrooms

Dining room

Bathroom

Sitting room

Separate WC

Kitchen/breakfast room

Two staircases

Study

Integral double garage

Utility room

Workshop

Cellar

Beautiful walled gardens

Entrance hall

There are two staircases to the first floor, creating even more possibilities for remodelling. One leads into a superb vaulted games room, with exposed timbers, wood floor and four windows offering superb views across the gardens and countryside. A double-aspect principal bedroom at the other end of the house has a dressing area and ensuite bathroom. Three further bedrooms can be found on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate cloakroom.

To the front, a driveway provides parking for a number of cars and there

Downstairs bedroom and bathroom

ÂŁ1,295,000 | For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 | www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 13th May 2015

26 � PROPERTY

Charming Prospect Road house well-proportioned for family life

AT A GLANCE 60 PROSPECT ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH Elegant double-fronted property Period features Spacious rooms Entrance hall Family room Sitting room Dining room Kitchen Utility room Rear lobby with cloakroom Four good size double bedrooms Bathroom and WC Off-road parking Rear garden £650,000 For sale through Wood and Pilcher 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Wednesday 13th May 2015

ONE of only a handful of properties of this style in Prospect Road, Southborough, this doublefronted Victorian home has bags of space and charm. With well-proportioned family accommodation, a good size rear garden, offroad parking and character features, this period property has a lot to offer.

The house is approached through a small front garden with a central path and front gate.

A part-glazed door leads in to an enclosed entrance porch with period tiles step, porch light and double-glazed front door to the entrance hall.

At the front of the property is a family room, which features a bay window and polished wood floorboards and is open plan to the sitting

room at the rear. This has French doors to the garden and an open fireplace with stone hearth.

The layout is the same on the other side of the house, with a dining room to the front open plan to a beautifully fitted kitchen at the rear.

The dining room has a bay window, wooden floor, a period fireplace with raised tile hearth and a squared archway to the kitchen. Of a good size and boasting a range of fitted Howden units, the kitchen has windows to the side and rear, wood work surfaces, integrated fridge and dishwasher, space for a Lamona five-ring gas cooker and tiled floor with underfloor heating. A doorway leads back to the entrance hall and to a utility room, which has space for a washing machine, tumble drier and fridge-

freezer, as well as a butler’s sink. The kitchen also has a door to an L-shaped rear lobby with a downstairs cloakroom and door to the garden.

The staircase in the entrance hall leads to a split level landing with a bathroom and separate WC on the first level and the bedrooms on the second. All of a similar size, the four double bedrooms are spacious and bright, the two at the front benefitting from the same double-glazed sash-style bay windows as the rooms below them.

Outside, there is off-road parking on a driveway and gated side access to the rear garden. The enclosed garden is mainly laid to lawn, is west-facing and features a decked terrace, mature trees and shrubs.

PROPERTY �

27

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

AT A GLANCE

LAKE HOUSE, EWEHURST LANE, SPELDHURST

An enviable lakeside setting for this immaculate family home LAKE House is situated on a private no-through road on the outskirts of the highly desirable village of Speldhurst, about three miles northwest of Tunbridge Wells. In a convenient yet private and peaceful setting, beside its own beautiful lake, this substantial home is attractive, spacious and immaculately presented.

The property is approached through an impressive gated entrance to a sweeping brick-paved drive, passing the lake and continuing to the front of the house and the triple garage block. Beside the lake are decked terraces, and pathways meander through the private woodland. With about 3.6 acres in all, this property’s grounds take some beating.

The imposing detached house, decorated throughout in gleaming whites and neutral tones, has an extremely generous reception hall with a study and a cloakroom to the

front, so the main living areas all enjoy views of the gardens at the rear. A large and bright family room has a bay window and two sets of double doors to a rear terrace, creating a wonderful informal living space.

Beside this, a formal dining room enjoys a double aspect.

A superb kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with classic wood units and black granite work surfaces. With tiled floors, a useful central island unit and a great deal of natural light thanks to the room’s triple aspect, this spacious and well fitted kitchen is the heart of the home. Off the kitchen and with a door giving side access to the house is a utility room and second cloakroom.

At the far end of the house is the stunning triple-aspect drawing room. Large, bright and beautifully decorated, it is built at an angle to the rest of the property and has two sets of double doors to another rear terrace.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom

Substantial detached property in a lakeside setting Immaculately presented throughout Impressive reception hall Family room Dining room Study Kitchen/breakfast room Utility room Two downstairs cloakrooms Superb triple-aspect drawing room Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom Four further bedrooms on the first floor, two with en-suite facilities Family bathroom Bedroom suite on the second floor, with dressing/sitting area and en-suite bathroom Formal gardens Wooded areas with pathways Decked areas by the lake Triple garage block Long private drive with gated entrance 3.6 acres in all £1,945,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

boasts plenty of fitted storage space and an en-suite bathroom. Two further bedrooms on this floor also benefit from en-suite facilities, one with a shower room and the other a bathroom. Two other bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

A further staircase leads to the sixth bedroom suite, on the second floor and comprising a bedroom, a dressing or sitting area and a beautifully fitted ensuite bathroom.

The property is set among stunning partly wooded grounds with formal gardens, lawns, decks and terraces providing plenty of areas for outdoor entertaining. Although on the edge of Speldhurst, it is within walking distance of the village centre which offers a convenience store, a highly regarded primary school, doctors’ surgery, church and one of the most popular gastro pubs in the area.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XU

01892 507050 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

New Instruction

New Instruction

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, kent

MATFIELD, kent

Two bedroom apartment ø two underground parking spaces ø 1 reception room ø 1 shower room ø 1 bathroom ø communal garden ø EPC rating = B £1,200 pcm + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Grade 2 listed detached cottage overlooking the village green ø 3 bedrooms with one en-suite ø kitchen/breakfast room ø sitting room/dining room with inglenook fireplace ø gardens £2,000 pcm + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

BRENCHLEY, kent

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, kent

Contact: Katrin Olander

Contact: Katrin Olander

5 bedroom detached house ø 4 reception rooms ø 3 bathrooms ø off road parking ø gardens Open plan living, dining, kitchen ø useful storage room/study downstairs ø cloakroom, family ø EPC=E bathroom and ensuite shower room ø walk in dressing room ø five bedrooms ø EPC rating =D £2,600 pcm + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* £2,800 pcm + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Contact: Katrin Olander

Contact: Katrin Olander

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

Renting or letting this summer? Talk to Savills.

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XU

01892 507000 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

SPELDHURST, kent

FORDCOMBE, kent

Tucked away semi rural location ø Tunbridge Wells 2.1 miles ø 2 receptions ø study ø 4 bedrooms ø gardens ø stream ø pond ø about 1.01 acres ø 2,280 sq ft ø EPC=E

Stylish family house ø tucked away position ø vaulted hall ø 3 receptions ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5 bedrooms ø garage ø gardens ø about 0.37 acres ø 2,980 sq ft ø EPC=D

Guide £1.125 million Freehold

Guide £1.1 million Freehold

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

Contact: Liz Devall

Open House by appt: saturday, 23rd may TUNBRIDGE WELLS, kent

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, kent

St James' area ø 0.8 miles MLS ø scope for updating ø 2 receptions ø garden room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø utility room ø garden ø off street parking ø 1,459 sq ft ø EPC=E

Top floor apartment ø South side of town ø MLS 0.7 miles ø open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room ø 3 double bedrooms ø balconies ø 2 secure parking spaces ø 1,200 sq ft ø EPC=B

Guide £750,000 Freehold

Guide £450,000 Leasehold

Contact: Liz Devall

Buying or selling this summer? Talk to Savills.

Amanda Wyatt Negotiator 01892 507009 acwyatt@savills.com

Liz Devall Negotiator 01892 507060 ldevall@savills.com

Contact: Liz Devall

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XU

01892 507000 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

FRENCH INSPIRED ELEGANCE WADHURST, east sussex

Wadhurst MLS under 2 miles ø rural outskirts of this popular village ø 4 reception rooms ø study ø open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room ø 5 double bedrooms ø natural swimming pool and alfresco dining terrace ø tennis court ø lake ø outbuildings ø about 3.92 acres ø main house 5,978 sq ft ø garage 614 sq ft ø EPC=C Guide £3 million Freehold

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

Buying or selling this summer? Talk to Savills.

Savills Tunbridge Wells 53 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XU

01892 507000 tunbridgewells@savills.com

savills.co.uk

NEVILL COURT, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, kent Prestigious private road west of town ø 1.4 miles mainline station ø 2 reception rooms ø 4 double bedrooms ø 2 garages ø gardens ø about 0.78 acres ø 2,408 sq ft ø planning application submitted to extend to 3,274 sq ft ø EPC=D

Guide £1.75 million Freehold

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

MAYFIELD, east sussex

OLDLANDS, HERONS GHYLL, east sussex

Grade II listed cottage in rural setting ø 2 receptions ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 baths ø detached barn ø garden ø double garage ø 1,314 sq ft ø about 0.92 acres

5 bedroom portion of a country house ø far reaching views ø scope for refurbishment ø communal grounds ø 3,600 sq ft ø private garden of about 0.35 acres ø EPC=E

Guide £795,000 Freehold

Guide £795,000 Freehold

Contact: Charlotte Melrose-Cantouris

Buying or selling this summer? Talk to Savills.

Amanda Wyatt Negotiator 01892 507009 acwyatt@savills.com

Charlotte MelroseCantouris Negotiator 01892 507001 cmcantouris@savills.com

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

Guide price: ÂŁ1,950,000

Hartfield A unique and substantial modern country house Entrance hall, 3 reception rooms, study, kitchen / breakfast room, utility room. Master bedroom with dressing area, nursery / study and en suite bath / shower room, 6 further bedrooms with en suite facilities. Detached triple garage with large storage loft above. In all about 5.6 acres. EPC rating D.

Guide price: ÂŁ750,000

Horsmonden A beautifully converted oast house with wonderful views An attractive and spacious Grade II listed attached family house, arranged over three floors. 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Detached open bay garage. Gardens with fantastic views over surrounding countryside. In all about 0.68 acres.

Cranbrook A beautiful family house on a quiet lane within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area

Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, family room, kitchen / breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, ground floor guest bedroom with en suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Gardens and grounds.

Detached open dining room. Detached double garage. Workshop. EPC rating F.

Guide price: ÂŁ1,600,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW150127

To find out how we can help you please contact us KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells tunwells@knightfrank.com 01892 310269

@KF_TWells KnightFrank.co.uk

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

NE W Tunbridge Wells

£250,000

Tunbridge Wells

• Investment Opportunity • On Road Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: E

• 1 Bedroom • Attractive Kitchen • Sought After Location

£750 PCM • Available June • Energy Efficiency Rating: C • Agent’s Fees Apply

NE W

• Terraced House • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Reception Rooms

Wadhurst • • & •

Ashurst 3 Bed Semi Detached Home Village Location 2 Reception Rooms Large Conservatory

£775,000 • 3 Reception Rooms, 2 Bathrooms • Double Garage with Studio/ Office Above • Energy Efficiency Rating: E

£360,000 • • • •

Crowborough

Master Bedroom With En Suite Excellent Transport Links Off Road Parking Energy Efficiency Rating: E

• • • •

5 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms Conservatory En-Suite Shower Room

£2,100 PCM • • • •

Good Sized Rear Garden Available June Energy Efficiency Rating: D Agent’s Fees Apply

• • • •

Popular Location Available July Energy Efficiency Rating: C Agent’s Fees Apply

• • • •

Close To Mainline Station Available July Energy Efficiency Rating: B Agent’s Fees Apply

NE W

• • • •

Individual Detached House Panoramic Views Over Garden & beyond Four Double Bedrooms

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells • • • •

Stunning Duplex Apartment 3 Double Bedrooms Large Living Room & Kitchen/Diner Prime Central Location

£395,000 • • • •

On Street Parking Gas Central Heating No Forward Chain Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£250,000

Spacious 2 Bed Apartment • Vacant Possession, No Chain • On Street Parking Private Lower Ground • Energy Efficiency Rating: D Entrance Town Centre Location

Southborough • Semi Detached House • 3 Bedrooms • Lounge/Dining Room

£339,950 • Well Presented • Garage En Bloc • Energy Efficiency Rating: C

woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells • • • •

1 Bedroom Spacious Living Room Modern Kitchen Allocated Parking Space

£675 PCM

NE W

• • • •

Tunbridge Wells Office 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 528888 lettings@woodandpilcher.com Southborough Office 01892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk OTHER OFFICES Tonbridge Office 01732 351135 tonbridge@woodandpilcher.co.uk Crowborough Office 01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Heathfield Office 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells • • • •

3 Bed Victorian Town House Accommodation Over Three Floors Desirable Village Area Many Period Features

£590,000 • • • •

On Road Permit Parking Rear Courtyard Garden Current PP To Extend Kitchen Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Tonbridge • • • •

2 Double Bedrooms En-Suite Shower Room Private Balcony Allocated Parking Space

£950 PCM

andrewsonline.co.uk

Granville Road, Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price - £299,999

Four bedroom home with features, on this popular road located 0.7 mile from Tunbridge Wells town centre. On the ground floor there are 2 reception rooms, kitchen, sun room and bathroom. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, one of which has stairs up to the second floor, where another bedroom is located.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

St. James Road, Tunbridge Wells

Guide Range - £350,000 to £375,000

Bright semi-detached halls-adjoining family home in the St James area, 0.5 mile from main shops, with Grosvenor Rec. nearby. 2 reception rooms, kitchen and utility lobby, 3 bedrooms, upstairs bathroom, generous loft area with skylights and enclosed courtyard garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

The Greenways, Paddock Wood

Guide Price - £415,000

Three bedroom detached home located in a cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Paddock Wood. On the ground floor is the garage, lobby, hallway, bathroom, lounge, family room, kitchen & utility. Upstairs there are three bedrooms & en-suite.

Planning for an extension has been granted.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

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

Brook Road, TN2

£595 pcm

One bedroom apartment 0.1 miles from High Brooms station. Set to the rear of this purpose built block, the second (top) floor flat comprises an open plan living room and kitchen with fridge, washing machine and hob & oven, double bedroom and modern bathroom with mixer spray over the bath plus private balcony, airing/storage cupboard, entry phone and off-road parking to the rear on a first come, first serve basis.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Southfield Road, TN4

£900 pcm

Located in the favoured St Johns area just to the north of the town centre, in an area well provided for by the majority of the town’s secondary schools. This recently upgraded second floor purpose built flat is located within 1.3 miles of the town centre, shops and amenities and within 1.4 miles of the central station. There is a footpath opposite leading to St Johns Park. The property offers a modern kitchen with granite worktops and integrated appliances. The bathroom has a shower over bath. The property has double glazing and electric heating. The flat comes with an en-block garage, communal grounds and views to the rear across TWGGs playing fields.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

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

York Road, TN1

£750 pcm

This one double bedroom flat, situated in the award winning York Road, is less than half a mile from the mainline station. With its own private courtyard garden, the property comprises entrance hall, lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom with shower over the bath and a double bedroom as well as gas central heating and double glazing.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Sales | Lettings | Financial Services | New Homes | Surveyors Leasehold Management | Property Management | Conveyancing

bracketts est. 1828

When experience counts...

Tunbridge Wells – Guide Price: £235,000

· · · ·

Stunning 3 storey character town house 2 recs / 4-5 bedrooms Elevated central location Parking and courtyard garden EPC: B

Groombridge – Monthly Rental of £1,350

· · · · ·

· · · · ·

A spacious 2 bedroom ground floor maisonette Situated in popular St Johns area Garage and small patio area EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells – Price Range: £599,950 - £625,000

· · · · ·

Tunbridge Wells – Guide Price: £750,000

A modern 3 bedroom semi-detached property Situated in centre of semi-rural village Well presented throughout Private rear garden EPC: D

A substantial 4 double bedroom detached house Situated in highly regarded Culverden area Requires comprehensive updating/modernisation 185’ rear garden EPC: E

Groombridge – Guide Price: £675,000

· · · · · ·

A newly created 4 bedroom detached house High quality contemporary fittings throughout Far reaching views 200’ south facing rear garden Large balcony EPC: B

Tunbridge Wells – Monthly Rental of £675

· · · · ·

A spacious lower ground floor 1 bedroom flat Own entrance Central town location Outside space EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk

bracketts.co.uk

38 � INTERIORS

Finishing touches Looking for the final feature for your walls?

These paints, stickers and wallpapers might just do the job…

Sunset self-adhesive wallpaper £35 www.in-spaces.com

Ecos paints, rinestone £41.63 www.ecospaints.com

White bookshelf wallpaper £70.00 www.housejunkie.co.uk

Sea impression tiles PoA www.reptiletiles.co.uk

Purlfrost window film, stained glass effect £52.00 www.purlfrost.com

Three hares large tile £24.00 www.blueindigogallery.co.uk

Swallows wall stickers £24.99 www.in-spaces.com

‘Ere be dragons wallpaper £60 www.paperboywallpaper.co.uk

Stair stickers PoA www.purlfrost.com

Wednesday 13th May 2015

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

39

THINKING OF MOVING HOME THIS SPRING? 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

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REMEMBER TO ARRANGE BUILDING INSURANCE FROM THE DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS. From exchange of contract 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 home buying/selling experience contact our office today and speak to one of my property team on 01892 539 379 or email times@max.barford.co.uk

For a free copy of the Kent Guide to Buying and Selling Your Home or for further advice regarding your home buying/selling experience just complete and cut out this coupon and post to the address below. Alternatively call or email us today quoting reference MBRTO104 Telephone 01892 539 379 or Email times@maxbarford.co.uk

E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

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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 knowledge of a service history, so why would you run this financial risk when buying a house?

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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.

M

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 If you take the risk of buying without the support and guidance of an expertly trained legal conveyancer, you run the risk of walking into a financial booby trap which can seriously hamper your progression up the property ladder. You should also make sure you know who you are instructing and that the firm is registered with a regulatory body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority. There are bogus law firms out there who will take your money and then close up shop which means you lose the money and your dream home. That is why it is essential that you get the advice and guidance you need every step of the way from a known reputable law firm. They are there to help you avoid the pitfalls of what can be a murky area.

The cheapest option may not always prove to be the best. Remember, this may well be the biggest purchase you’ll make and you want to be sure that you know what you are buying. You should be able to contact your conveyancer and fully understand what is happening at each step of the move. If you are not sure, ask! One further point to bear in mind is that your conveyancer

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BY DEBORAH MILLER

Name Address

Tel.No Email Max Barford & Co 16 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU www.maxbarford.co.uk

3

REMEMBER TO FACTOR IN THE TRUE COST OF MOVING. Mortgage arrangement fees, survey fees, legal costs and removal costs are all substantial costs of moving.

However, the often overlooked but most expensive cost is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) which varies dependent on the value of the property purchased. If you purchase a property above £125,000 SDLT becomes payable. Recent changes to SDLT have been introduced to try to make the tax fairer. Under the old regime the SDLT percentage rates increased at various thresholds. Under the old rules SDLT was payable at a single rate on the whole transaction value. From 4 December 2014, SDLT is payable on a sliding scale depending on the portion of the purchase price that falls within each rate band. Where contracts have been exchanged on or before 3 December 2014, and the transaction is completed on 4 December or later, you can choose whether to use the old or the new rules.

There is no doubt that the SDLT changes will be of benefit to many home buyers. For example, under the old regime, Stamp Duty Land Tax payable on a purchase price of £350,000 would be £10,500 and under the new regime it would be £7,500 representing a saving of £3,000.

Max Barford & Co. is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No. 71480

Wednesday 13th May 2015

40 � DÉCOR

Outside interests • By Gabrielle Fagan IN A triumph of hope over experience, we plucky Brits persist in defying our unpredictable weather, eating, socialising and relaxing al fresco as soon as there’s a glimmer of sunlight.

But while we can’t guarantee good weather, it is at least possible to make a stylish and comfortable setting a dead cert, by lavishing

DOWN TO EARTH

Natural materials – wood and stone – are always a sound choice for a patio, as they look more beautiful as they weather and their colour tones blend into the surroundings.

“The blurring of the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces means that entertaining is no longer confined to one area of the home, and now commonly involves using kitchen, dining and outdoor spaces to create a flow through the home,” says Nicola Gidlow, buyer for outdoor living at John Lewis.

“Furnish this space as you would an indoor room and, ideally, choose colours and prints that echo your indoor scheme. This will unify all the spaces.

If you haven’t got green fingers, a collection of faux trees and plants in pots grouped around the boundary of the patio could delineate the space.”

some love on your outdoor space.

As well as the advantage of creating another ‘room’ – always welcome in our space-starved times – investing in a patio could also literally help you ‘grow’ money.

A garden can increase the value of a property by up to 20 per cent, according to research by RatedPeople.com, the UK’s largest online trade recommendation service, which also found that the majority of buyers (66 per cent) say outdoor

space would be a key deciding factor when it comes to buying.

“People can always tell the difference between a house and a home, and it works the same way with a garden,” says RatedPeople ambassador and Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer.

“Don’t be afraid to add personality to your outdoor decor and accessories – this is your space and it says as much about you as your interior. Wall decorations, interesting plant pots

PATIO PICKS: Candlelight evenings are so romantic, and Artisanti’s Corinthia smoked glass candle lantern, currently reduced to £120 from £142, is so much smarter than a tea-light holder.

PHIL’S TIP: “Consider the amount of time and care

you want to give to your garden when you create it,” advises Mr Spencer. “Shrubs and conifers add stature and texture, and can be virtually left to their own devices once you’ve prepared the soil. Similarly, weather-proof furniture, which can be left outside, is ideal if you don’t want to get involved in yearly maintenance and haven’t any winter storage.”

Marks & Spencer’s dahlia collection, in grey-painted eucalyptus wood, is a winner, combining both style and comfort. Sofa, £599; armchair, £349; coffee table, £179; lounger, £259, and that absolute summer essential, a funky deckchair; tropical floral deck chair, £69.

Italian company Manutti is synonymous with style, and the teak Livorno garden table, £4,025, teamed with Malibu chairs, £480 each, is patio perfection and available from Go Modern. Turn to stone for a traditional, stately-home effect and plunder the innovative range at Neptune. A Portland tenseater table, £1,445, comes in a composite stone mimicking the effect of expensive limestone, and would pair well with an all-weather willow Tuscany armchair, £265.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

and special features will make your garden eyecatching and, just as important, more enjoyable for you to spend time in.”

A simple test can tell you whether that space is fit for purpose: plant yourself on your outdoor furniture and decide whether you’re as comfortable as you would be indoors, and could linger there as long over a meal or drinks. If the answer’s a resounding ‘no’, it’s time for revamp.

Choose from one of this year’s top outdoor trends...

DÉCOR �

BOTANICAL KITSCH

Whatever the weather, your patio will have a tropical twist with furniture in neon hues and playful accessories.

“This season’s tropical trend has found its way into our gardens, with bold and bright accessories leading the way. From jewel-hued cushions to colour-pop parasols, these fun additions are a great way to add character and style to al fresco spaces.

They can also be mixed and matched with ease,” says Kate Watson, interior designer for furniture specialist Fishpools.

“Choose two ‘key’ colours – and don’t be afraid to be bold – then complement with small splashes of accent colours to add interest.”

PATIO PICKS:

Fishpools’ colourful Savona lounger chairs, £25 each, would jazz up a space, as would Oliver Bonas’ Paloma egg hanging chair £350. Splash the colour but not the cash with Dunelm’s tropical fan furniture: table, £6.99, and chair, £19.99.

Habitat’s a reliable source for funky, colourful pieces, and it doesn’t disappoint with a new Minaji range in easy-care polypropylene. Their two-seater garden bench, in orange or black, is £395; garden armchair, in green or black, £195 (not pictured).

PHIL’S TIP: “Remember it’s not the size that

matters, it’s what you do with it, when it comes to patios,” says Mr Spencer. “If you’re working with a small area, don’t fill it with too many features, as it can look busy and cluttered. Consider a mirror or water feature to add depth, while lining the edges of a larger garden with shrubs, such as laurel bushes, will make it look more cosy and enclosing.”

WHITE HOT

Lighten up and look beyond dark brown and black furniture (so yesterday!), and give a more spacious feel to even the most compact space.

“Neutral shades – white, taupe, varying shades of grey – are a strong trend this year,” says Tina Mahony, director of garden furniture company Go Modern.

“These are natural partners with sleek, streamlined furniture, which truly turn a patio into an outdoor room. This is a contemporary, chic interpretation and can look spectacular on a light stone floor, and makes a cool contrast to the colour and interest of the garden beyond.”

Pineapples are this year’s must-have accessory, and Tesco’s metal pineapple tealight holder, £8, available in store, is a steal. Revamp a patio by painting or tiling outdoor walls and decking. Valspar’s 40 paint shades, in a mid-sheen finish for garden and decking, start from £32 for 2.5L at B&Q stores.

PATIO PICKS:

GARDEN GO-TOS: ARTISANTI 0345 259 1410 | www.artisanti.com B&Q www.diy.com DUNELM 08451 656 565 | www.dunelm.com FISHPOOLS 01992 636 465 | www.fishpools.co.uk

PHIL’S TIP: “Keep it light is the watchword for

modern gardens! Nowadays, they can easily be transformed with lighting, which will make a space intriguing with spotlight areas and, crucially, more usable at night,” says Mr Spencer. “Use uplighters or spots to highlight features, and you’ll draw attention away from an unattractive outlook or corner.”

41

GO MODERN 020 7731 9540 | www.gomodern.co.uk Shelter from the sun (hopefully), or even a light shower, in colonial style under a Suntime polenza gazebo with net, £199, John Lewis. Add the illusion of space and light with two clever accessories – a cream metal garden mirror, £42.95, Melody Maison, and a shining pot lamp, from £215, Out There Interiors.

HABITAT 0844 499 1111 | www.habitat.co.uk JOHN LEWIS 0845 6049 049 | www.johnlewis.com MARKS & SPENCER 0333 014 8000 | www.marksandspencer.com MELODY MAISON 01302 711 116 | www.melodymaison.co.uk NEPTUNE 01793 427 450 | www.neptune.com OLIVER BONAS 0208 974 0110 | www.oliverbonas.com OUT THERE INTERIORS 0208 0997 443 | www.outthereinteriors.com

Bring Spanish style to a space with the Arc Garden collection from Go Modern, with its soft, curved lines and white weatherresistant rattan. Round table; £1,200, and club armchairs, from £560 each. Create a lounging area with a Milan five-seater conversation set, £399.99, available in white rattan, Dunelm.

RATED PEOPLE www.ratedpeople.com TESCO www.tesco.com

Wednesday 13th May 2015

42 � PROPERTY

Enjoy the good life in highly desirable Fordcombe farm THIS attractive detached property is situated in a quiet location within the desirable village of Fordcombe, about four miles from Tunbridge Wells. Set in a small enclave of five properties, it has a rural outlook and beautiful gardens..

On the first floor is a master bedroom with double wardrobes and an en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. But what really sets this property apart is the attractive formal gardens, the paddock of about one acre and the generous private parking area. An outbuilding at the rear houses a washing

AT A GLANCE Property: 5 Brooklands Farm Close, Fordcombe

Master bedroom with

Substantial detached

Second bedroom with

property

en-suite shower room

Pretty village location

Three further bedrooms

Rural outlook and large

Family bathroom

gardens Entrance hall

en-suite bathroom

Double garage Beautiful gardens

Cloakroom Study Sitting room Dining room Spacious kitchen/dining room Utility room

Wednesday 13th May 2015

£975,000 For sale through Wood and Pilcher 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

machine, tumble drier and oil-fired boiler.

The generous accommodation begins with an entrance hall, with wood flooring, storage cupboards and a cloakroom, leading to a large double-aspect sitting room. The room features a wood-burner with exposed chimney and tiled hearth, a window to the front and patio doors to the rear garden. Glazed doors lead into the dining room.

The impressive kitchen/breakfast room boasts views over the gardens and comprises a range of attractive white units with black granite worktops, a matching island unit with inbuilt scales, a five-ring hob with extractor fan, butler’s sink, built-in fridge, dishwasher and double oven. The breakfast area has double doors to the garden and tiled floors with underfloor heating.

Also on the ground floor are a study and a useful utility room with kitchen units, sink and space for a washing machine and tumble drier. This room also has direct access from the front of the property.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has windows to the rear and the side, and a lovely en-suite bathroom with cast iron roll top bath. The second bedroom is also of a very good size, with a dual aspect and an en-suite shower room. Three further bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the accommodation.

The garden, a real feature of this property, offers many different areas in which to enjoy the peace and seclusion. These include a pergola-covered patio, a gravel path which meanders through a large area of lawn and a fenced wooded area complete with water cascade and stream with a small bridge.

To the front is an area of lawn with trees and shrubs bordering a gravel driveway which provides parking for several vehicles. A detached double garage with two upand-over doors and a personal side door lies to the front of the property.

T UE U EN O AV D E OL TH S

W O N

THE LANES

NEW PHASE - NOW RELEASED

Computer generated image indicative only

The Lanes, the next phase of contemporary homes at Knights Wood, is released for sale.

This charming collection of three and four bedroom homes are set amongst tree-lined avenues, enveloped in circa 205 acres of established woodland.

Each home features the high level of specification and attention to detail that is fast becoming synonymous with this landmark development.

Register your interest now to avoid disappointment!

Prices from ÂŁ425,000. Legal fees paid on selected homes, ask for details.

by

CALL NOW TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST knightswood.co.uk 01892 800 580

VILLAGE CHARM

RURAL SETTING

VIEWS TO THE CHURCH

WAD HURST

RURAL FLIMWELL

WAD HURST

£315,000

GUIDE PRICE £895,000

£699,000

"THE LOCATION, LIGHT AND SPACE MAKES YOU FEEL YOU ARE ON HOLIDAY EVERY DAY." "THE HOUSE WAS SO CHARMING, WITH A THIRD BEDROOM ON THE TOP FLOOR, AND OFFERED ALL THE SPACE WE WERE LOOKING FOR AT THE TIME."

INSIDE THIS HOME Detached Oast House: 4 Double Bedrooms; Potential for Sth Bedroom: Master with Dressing Room and En-Suite: 2 Reception Rooms: Large Kitchen: Rural Setting: Large Gardens and Grounds Extending to Approximately 0.5 of an Acre (Subject to Measured Survey): Detached Substantial Outbuilding with Potential for Variety of Uses (STPP): Far Reaching Rural Views over Countryside and Nearby Dale Hill Golf Course: Short Drive to Mainline Station: EPC Rating C.

INSIDE THIS HOME Attractive End of Terrace Victorian Home: Character Features: 3 Bedrooms: 2 Reception Rooms: Fitted Kitchen: Modern Bathroom: Sought After Location: Close to Shops and Schools: Rear Garden: EPC Rating D.

LOCATION, LOCATION WAD HURST GUIDE PRICE £395,00 - £415,000

INSIDE THIS HOME Detached Single Storey Home: 2 Double Bedrooms: Kitchen: Large Reception Room with doors to Landscaped Garden: Off Road Parking: Detached Garage: Central Village Location: EPC Rating D.

"IT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF ITS POSITION AND ITS BEAUTIFUL GARDEN AND NOW SOMEONE ELSE COULD TAKE IT ON AND MAKE IT INTO SOMETHING THAT IS VERY SPECIAL TO THEM."

"THE LOCATION IS FANTASTIC. YOU CAN REACH ALL OF THE LOCAL VILLAGE AMENITIES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, THE STATION AND COUNTRY WALKS."

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INSIDE THIS HOME Beautiful Newly Built Home: Light and Bright Interior: Accommodation over 3 Floors: 4 Double Bedrooms: 2 with En-Suites: Wow Factor Kitchen/Dining Room with Doors to Landscaped Gardens: Spacious Reception Room with Feature Open Fireplace: Far Reaching Rural Views to Front: Garage: Parking: Edge Village Location.

ELEGANCE AND STYLE

FLIMWELL

LAMBERHURST

£615,000

OIRO £695,000

"WE LOVE THE QUIRKY STYLE OF THE PROPERTY, WHICH INCLUDES AN ORIGINAL, EXPOSED BEAM AND LOW CEILINGS."

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

INSIDE THIS HOME Character Filled Family Home: 4 Double Bedrooms: Master Bedroom with En-Suite: 3 Reception Rooms: Kitchen/Dining/Family Room; Gardens to 3 Sides; Off Road Parking and Garage; Direct Access to Playing Fields and Woodland Walks; Walking Distance Bewl Water and Bedgebury Forest: EPC Rating E.

.'

"AS WELL AS LIVING SO CLOSE TO SCOTNEY CASTLE WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE MINUTES FROM BEAUTIFUL BEWL WATER COUNTRY PARKAS WELL AS BEDGEBURY FOREST." INSIDE THIS HOME Substantial Semi- Detached Cottage; 4 Bedrooms; Adjoining Scotney Castle Estate: Superior Specification and Presentation Throughout: Beautiful Oak Features; Stunning Kitchen With Wood Burner; Beautiful Master Bedroom With En-Suite; Further 3 Double Bedrooms: Sitting Room/Dining Room; Large Gardens: Generous Parking: EPC Rating E.

MIDDLE MANOR, HADLOW DOWN, EAST SUSSEX, TN22 4HH £685,000 An attractive and substantial property which, as the name of the house implies, was formerly part of a grand, late Victorian manor house which displays classical features of the period including stone mullion windows on the lower level and Tudor style timber frames on the upper level. The property has been refurbished to an excellent standard and provides fabulous living and entertaining space with some 2705 sq ft of accommodation which includes a large basement/cellar and attic.

Notable features are the large kitchen/dining room with vaulted ceiling, sizable entrance hall with open staircase, the large sitting room with adjoining family room and the inner hallway which serves as a useful study area and opens directly onto the garden. There are four characterful bedrooms on the first floor together with a bathroom and separate shower.

Outside the property is approached from a shared entrance with open parking and turning area; this in turn leads onto the private gravelled driveway with five bar gate which leads up to the house and a large parking area. There is direct access to the end of the garden from the entrance way. The garden is an impressive feature of the property providing excellent space for families with children and for entertaining.

TA I LO R - MA DE I N C E N T I VE S ?

C OME TO C A L A NOW * Computer generated image - The Ewhurst

HOME OF THE MONTH Plot 44, The Ewhurst 3 bedroom semi-detached home

AVAILABLE AT £542,500 WITH STAMP DUTY PAID* & £1,000 TOWARDS LEGAL FEES

We are open daily and look forward to seeing you. For access details please visit cala.co.uk

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 5HU CALL 01892 628 676. CALA.CO.UK 5 star customer service 6 years running

TWT13MAY 5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 surveys, undertaken by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). *Maximum contribution of £17,125 towards stamp duty paid against a purchase price of £542,500.

Stamp duty paid and other incentives available on home of the month only.

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

Single Office South East “Estate Agency of the Year 2014” “From the initial consultation all the way through to completion the counselling and professional ser vices provided by Deborah Richards were of the highest possible standard enabling us to sell our family home with the minimum of fuss and maximum value. Maddisons provided a hands-on personal approach supporting us at ever y stage of the marketing and sale of our property including excellent advice on the presentation for photography and viewings, personally directing the photography, identifying prospective buyers and expert negotiation on both price and timing. Deborah said she would sell our house within six viewings and she managed it in four! What’s more she managed to achieve 10 percent higher than our best expectation. All this for a ver y competitive fee. Thank you so much”.

Ian and Jane Rumgay

We have a proven track record in successfully selling properties in and around Tunbridge Wells and would simply love to help you make your next move. So please, call us today.

You’ll feel the difference immediately.

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

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough ÂŁ1,295,000 In a lovely tucked away position, along a no-through road and with sensational rural views to the rear this extended 5 bedroom former coach house offers exceptional accommodation all within beautiful walled gardens. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,325,000 In a prime position off Rodmell Road and only a short walk from the Pantiles and High Street, this property is a substantial 5 bedroom detached home providing spacious accommodation arranged across two floors and is offered in excellent order throughout. EPC: D

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

Eridge Green ÂŁ1,850,000 A wonderful conversion of this detached Grade II Listed 5 bedroom twin roundel oast and barn with about 3.5 acres situated in a rural, yet convenient position with views on high ground about 3.5 miles from Tunbridge Wells.

Rotherfield ÂŁ1,295,000 Along a private lane in a rural position on the edge of Rotherfield, this 6 bedroom detached family house offers both spacious and versatile accommodation with many period features and lovely gardens of about 1.2 acres. EPC: F

50 � ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEWS...

ALEXANDRE BOYES OPEN NEW BLOCK MANAGEMENT OFFICES AT 43 MOUNT EPHRAIM

W

would benefit from improvement and also positioning ourselves with a strong team with a breadth of skills to look after our Clients, both old and new, moving into 2015 and beyond.

Our 9 strong team are receiving instructions to manage blocks from East Sussex to West London.

The new telephone number for block management is 01892 574880 and our senior block managers are Kevin Guthrie (kevin@alexandre-boyes.co.uk) and Keren Dolan (keren@alexandre-boyes.co.uk).

Emma Child Appointed Partner of Alexandre Boyes WE ARE THRILLED to announce the promotion of Emma Child to Partner.

Emma joined Alexandre Boyes in 2009 as a negotiator in our lettings team. She was promoted to Lettings Manager in 2011.

Emma has been a key contributor to the management and operations of our lettings department over the last 6 years, proving invaluable in keeping staff performance, administration and the operation as a whole on track.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

01892 525522

info@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Alexandre Boyes launches new maintenance arm for lettings & block management clients

by Kate Boyes FARLA MRICS

e are very excited to announce the opening of our new block management offices at 43 Mount Ephraim. Our block management team have now moved into the premises following their refurbishment which include a meeting room for clients to utilise for AGM’s and directors meetings.

We have spent the last few months at Alexandre Boyes re-structuring our block management team, having listened to feedback on areas of service that

www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Her work ethic, attention to detail, understanding of the lettings market, clients and suppliers; as well as her understanding of Alexandre Boyes’s values and their delivery, is core to our lettings business and Dan and I are thrilled to give recognition to Emma’s value though her promotion to Partner.

Emma can be contacted on 01892 525522 or emma@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Alexandre Boyes now manage over 1000 properties and as such have recognised the importance of being able to offer a quick, reactive and reliable service to ensure all of our clients needs can be met. 2015 has seen the introduction of our inhouse property maintenance team reactive to repairs and maintenance, including but not limited to general repairs, decorating, carpentry, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom fitting, and roof repairs.

With an ever expanding portfolio, we are trying to evolve the multi-disciplined approach that has become the ethos of Alexandre Boyes.

Mark has worked as a multi trade professional in the South East for 35 years specialising in carpentry and joinery. During his career he has worked on projects at the Royal Society of Arts, the British Museum and the Saatchi and Saachi advertising agency crafting their headquarters board tables. Other projects include shop fitting, stable building in Stroud, antique restoration, penthouse refurbishments in St Johns, and in more recent years working in both the private and social housing sector across the South East. Mark is proving to be a great asset in providing a responsive repair and maintenance service to our lettings and block clients.

FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY �

51

Business casual what does it mean?

•

By Catherine de Crevecoeur, image consultant

YOU’VE been invited to a work conference. The invitation states that the dress code is business casual. And then it dawns on you. You don’t actually know what that really means. So you give it your best shot but end up showing up to the event completely under-dressed. You’re uncomfortable and your confidence takes a knock.

Decoding dress codes can be a tricky affair, so understanding them and what they mean will help you to avoid any mishaps. Many highly intelligent, wellqualified, capable men and women are often dismissed because they don’t give a first right impression. They’ve left the ‘business’ out of ‘business casual’ and the lack of professional appearance holds them back. As I said before, your personal image forms a part of who you are, your personal brand. So as much as it might seem unfair that we are first judged on our clothing rather than our actual competence, it does, however, influence other’s perception of those qualities. This reality impacts career opportunities.

The problem is that most people don’t have a clear understanding of the different dress codes today. For example, there is no general agreement on the definition of the term “business casual”. It depends on several factors including the industry,

size of the company, number of employees, amount of interaction between employees and customers, geography, climate, culture, and average age of the workforce. At most companies, however, the ‘business casual’ dress code encourages employees to project a professional, businesslike image while enjoying the advantage of more casual and relaxed clothing.

So how can you make your business casual wardrobe work for you?

For women, aim to look professionally dressed, but in a relaxed yet puttogether type of way. For example, tuck a delicate knit top or cream blouse into a patterned or floral skirt that falls just at knee level and team with some open-toe sandals.

Or pair a coral or pastel-coloured top under a crop-sleeved fitted navy jacket with some tapered white trousers and flat white brogues.

For men, the aim is similar. Avoid big shirts, baggy pleated trousers and square-toe shoes. Instead try a pair of tailored grey trousers with a fitted navy jacket (preferably with high arm holes and slim sleeves) over a white shirt and with a pair of suede shoes. Or if you’re not in the mood to wear a jacket, go for a thin, slim-cut jumper in an understated solid colour (avoid patterns) over a dress shirt and team with a pair of fitted chinos.

What you said…

In my last column, I asked whether or not readers agreed that what you wear empowers you. It was fantastic to receive so many responses. Here is what some of you had to say: ‘I definitely AGREE that clothes help women with their self-esteem. If I don’t absolutely love an outfit or it doesn’t make me feel great, I will not have it in my wardrobe. It doesn’t matter how beautiful you are or how fantastic your hair is, if the clothes are wrong, you won’t feel empowered.’ Sonya S

‘For men, the aim is similar. Avoid big shirts, baggy pleated trousers and squaretoe shoes.’

‘For women, aim to look professionally dressed, but in a relaxed yet put-together type of way’

‘HUGELY! If I am wearing flat shoes to a meeting and a pair of jeans, I feel inferior.

I’m not saying that’s good but it’s fact’

Paula F

‘It makes a big difference. In the right clothes I stand taller and more confidently.

I usually achieve more too’ Cheryl H ‘Most definitely. When I wear my killer client suit – I own my meetings. I feel confident, powerful and in control. When I am in mum get-up, I feel mumsy!’ Claire A

Wednesday 13th May 2015

52 � TRAVEL

Discovering the wild side

• By James Edgar AS I clamber off the boat at Ile aux Aigrettes, I am stepping back in time.

Surrounded by pristine turquoise water, this tiny coral island off the southeast coast of Mauritius is home to some of the oldest species native to this remote paradise in the Indian Ocean.

The ill-fated dodo once roamed here, and now a team of dedicated conservationists is working hard to prevent more endangered flora and fauna from following in its footsteps.

Rare giant tortoises, bats and rodents are now thriving on this perfectly round islet, 27 hectares in size, which wallows in the warm waters of Mahebourg Bay. Shaded by resurgent ebony trees, once-threatened creatures, including the pink pigeon and Telfair’s skink, are multiplying in numbers, and tourists can now go to the island to catch a glimpse of them.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

Most visitors to Mauritius are understandably drawn to its stunning beaches, luxurious accommodation and glorious weather, and many explore no further than the confines of their hotels.

But this tropical Utopia has so much to offer the more adventurous visitor.

Ile aux Aigrettes is a jewel in the crown of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), which is rightly proud of its achievements.

Since 1987, the non-governmental organisation has been concentrating on returning the island to the ‘natural museum’ of endemic species of animals and plants that it was before humans first disturbed the delicate ecosystem more than 400 years ago.

I take an eco-tour of the islet with a trained ranger, which lasts some two hours at a relaxed pace.

The walk is perfect for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers, with interesting things to be found with every twist and turn.

Within minutes, we encounter one of the island’s

celebrities – an Aldabra giant tortoise affectionately called Big Daddy.

He is one of about 20 of the species here and he lives up to his name – he is huge, and unquestionably the boss of the community.

My guide takes time to explain to my group all about the species and what is being done to make sure they continue to prosper.

The MWF released 20 Aldabra tortoises on Ile aux Aigrettes in 2000, as part of ongoing restoration work. By 2004, they were allowed to roam completely free.

The aim was that the tortoises would eat the ebony fruit and disperse the seeds around the island in their droppings, naturally encouraging growth of the rare trees.

My guide says the strategy has been a success, not just because ebony trees are being spread across the island, but also that they have been found to germinate more successfully, because they have passed through the tortoises’ bodies.

The magnificent animals are also breeding, and tiny babies are regularly taken from Ile aux Aigrettes to the Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary (GDEWS) in the southwest region of Mauritius, where they are reared until their release back into the wild.

The MWF works closely with local and international partners – including Chester Zoo in the UK – with the long-term aim of recreating lost ecosystems by saving some of the rarest species from extinction and restoring the native forest.

Staff also work hard to raise awareness about conservation issues through an education programme.

As well as working on Ile aux Aigrettes, the MWF has projects on Round Island to the north of Mauritius, and Rodrigues, another some 350 miles to the east.

I find the experience fascinating and exhilarating, and it’s comforting to know that by visiting the island, I am contributing towards this special project.

TRAVEL �

of Mauritius

TROPICAL The racecourse in Port Louis

‘Rare giant

PROTECTED A giant tortoise on Ile aux Aigrettes My hotel, The Residence, has a partnership with the MWF by which guests are able to make donations to the charity.

Regular tours are arranged, and it takes just 45 minutes to reach the coralline limestone haven.

Once I return to The Residence, which is inspired by turn-of-the-century plantation houses, I can be as adventurous or as lazy as I please.

From windsurfing to waterskiing, the hotel has all kinds of complimentary water sports for when guests want a change of scenery from its pristine secluded beach.

In just one minute’s speedboat ride from the shore, I arrive at the coral reef which stretches along this part of the east coast of Mauritius.

The water may only be two or three metres deep, but the marine life is breathtaking.

As soon as I take the plunge into the waters kept calm by the reef, I encounter butterflyfish, Moorish idols and bluestripe snappers, as well as all sorts of coral species.

Other free activities organised by the hotel include canoeing, glass-bottom boat trips, tennis and volleyball, while scuba diving, deep sea fishing, horse riding and catamaran cruises are available at extra cost.

For children, The Residence has a club at which, where youngsters between three and 12 can be looked after from 9am to 10pm. Experienced staff members supervise activities including treasure hunts, snorkelling, sports, body painting, hiking and picnics.

While the kids are being taken care of, the perfect escape for mums and dads is the Sanctuary Spa. With 11 treatment rooms, one set in the hotel’s tropical gardens overlooking the sea, the spa offers therapies from anti-ageing treatments to massages.

While many visitors to Mauritius choose to stay away from the capital, Port Louis, I am keen to go on a day trip.

I travel with one of The Residence’s drivers in

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tortoises, bats and rodents thrive on this perfectly round islet which wallows in the warm waters of Mahebourg Bay’

a comfortable 4x4 across the island, through sleepy villages and field after field of sugar cane plantations – one of the main exports here.

After 45 minutes, we arrive in a bustling melting pot of cultures.

To get a feel for the historic city and for one of the best views, it is well worth trekking up to the citadel. From there, you can see the famous racecourse of Port Louis – still one of the most popular activities for Mauritians – and the docks from which huge amounts of sugar and fish are shipped around the world each year.

During my trip to Mauritius, I find the island’s luxurious pursuits can be balanced perfectly with opportunities to explore its rich and diverse wildlife.

With a small amount of adventurous spirit, you can encounter rare and stunning animals, learn about fascinating conservation projects and hike in pristine nature reserves – that is if you can peel yourself away from the beach.

VIEW Seen from Ile aux Aigrettes

TRAVEL FACTS James Edgar was a guest of The Residence Mauritius (cenizaro.com/theresidence/ Mauritius) who offers rooms from £143 per night on a half-board basis.

Air Mauritius flies up to four times a week direct from London Heathrow to Mauritius, prices start at £700 for a return economy class flight (www.airmauritius.com).

For more information, visit www.mauritian-wildlife.org and www.ile-aux-aigrettes.com

Wednesday 13th May 2015

54 � FOOD AND DRINK

Top tips from an asparagus specialist TOP GROWER Stephen Barnes of Birchden Farm

• By Adam Wells WITH just three letters to its name, May manages to spell the start and end of many things.

With the election campaign, the football season and even the royal pregnancy all coming to their respective ends, the asparagus season is just building up steam.

Symbol of spring and ubiquitous side dish, asparagus is hard to miss this time of year.

For the eight brief weeks it’s in season, from the end of April to midsummer’s day, we go mad for it.

But where exactly does our love affair with this vegetable stem from?

At Broadwater Forest Lane, Groombridge, Birchden Farm’s Stephen Barnes gives an asparagus lesson.

“Asparagus was originally a Mediterranean shoreline plant,” he explained. “It likes salt, it likes sand.

“The Romans cherished it for its alleged medicinal properties. As their empire expanded, so did its popularity. They moved it around the world.”

In fact, the empire’s love of the plant was such that Roman emperors dispatched special ‘asparagus fleets’ to gather and transport it, and Augustus coined the idiom ‘velocius quam asparagi coquantur’ to indicate haste, which

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translates to ‘faster than asparagus can be cooked’.

Though its history stretches back into antiquity, asparagus has never been more popular than it is now.

“We’ve been doing this for 21 years,” said Stephen. “Demand is always increasing, year on year.

“About ten years ago the AGA (Asparagus Growers’ Association) had a big PR drive.

There’s a lot more publicity now.

“There’s been a real attempt to appeal to the younger generation and to take away the expensive image asparagus had.”

The publicity has paid off. UK demand for asparagus outweighs supply, and not a single spear produced in this country is exported.

“There’s not enough to satisfy home demand”, said Stephen.

The demand Birchden Farm works to meet is very close to home indeed.

Stephen said: “We have 30 acres here, which produces 30 to 40 tonnes a year.

“We cut seven days a week so it’s always fresh.

We sell it in our farm shop, and supply local restaurants, pubs and traders. It generally stays within a ten-mile radius.”

And why is demand so high?

“It’s a highly versatile plant,” Mr Barnes explained. “It doesn’t have to just be steamed and eaten with butter any more. You can stir fry it, barbecue it, roast it –the list is endless.

“And it’s one of the very few remaining plants that’s still truly seasonal. Eating asparagus is a tradition and an addiction. For the eight weeks of the year they can get it, people go mad for it, knowing there’s an end in sight.”

Helping Mr Barnes feed this healthy addiction are four asparagus cutters, two sorters, preparers and packagers, and one very able helper who sells it in the shop.

One or more of the cutters is out in the fields

FRESH The asparagus is cut every day every day of the week, ensuring the asparagus on sale is always fresh. The harvest is then graded, sorted and packaged in the farm shop, a process on full view to visitors and customers.

On the Birchden grading line, every asparagus spear will fall into a certain category, depending on its thickness, straightness and beauty.

One way they aren’t divided here is by their sex. No female plants have made it this far.

The males are far more productive than the females and make up the vast majority of commercial asparagus crops.

And productive males aren’t the only strange thing about it.

Stephen said: “It’s an unusual plant. It’s highly temperature sensitive. When the soil’s hot, it shoots up. When it cools down it stops.

If there’s a heatwave in May or June, we’ve got asparagus coming out of our ears.

“The weather’s very important. Our climate is cooler than continental Europe. Asparagus grows more slowly here and that makes for a more intense flavour.

“It’s this slow growth that makes ours taste so much better than imported asparagus”

FOOD AND DRINK �

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1 Harvey’s beer battered cod with chunky chips and peas 2 Bacon and avocado salad

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3 Fig and goats cheese parcels 4 Surf and turf

The Pantiles Food Festival

5 Deli Board 6 Moules mariniere

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7 Mixed bread board with oils

Royal Tunbridge Wells

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9 Cajun chicken stalls featuring local,burger regiona 10 Spicy crab cubes and international food & drink with lemon 10

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On the menu at...

8 Garlic and lemon king prawn ciabatta

mayonnaise

THE BRECKNOCK ARMS, Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9BJcooking Tel: 01892 750237 demos With this great taste and the great demand it fuels, Stephen could be forgiven for wanting the lucrative asparagus season to last a little longer. But the idea of its following strawberries and other previously strictly seasonal goods to a state of near year-round availability, is not one he endorses.

He said: “I hope it won’t ever go that way.

It’s certainly not something we’re going to do ourselves at any rate.”

So how to best enjoy asparagus for the short time possible?

Stephen advised: “Having said everyone should be versatile in their use of asparagus, I must confess I like it best steamed with butter!”

And how about the supposed aphrodisiac effect? Will a dinner date really melt with the butter?

A smiling Mr Barnes paused, then said, “Not in my experience!”

TOP TIPS Asparagus ready to be cut

A popular history of asparagus 1ST CENTURY BC Native to eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor regions, asparagus became popular with the Romans.

Their first emperor, Augustus, created specialist ‘asparagus fleets’ to gather the plant and deliver it to the empire.

1ST CENTRUY AD 5TH CENTURY The fall of the Roman Empire led to the decline of the plant’s popularity. It went largely overlooked in Western cooking for 1,000 years.

17TH CENTRUY Having grown in popularity over the previous two centuries, asparagus appeared in the royal courts of Europe, and was cultivated in France for Louis XVI’s consumption. His successor’s famous mistress, Madame de Pompadour, was known to enjoy the flavourful tips of asparagus as a delicacy.

These were known in France as the ‘points d’amour’ (love tips).

The world’s oldest surviving cookbook, De re Coquinaria, includes instructions for cooking asparagus: ‘Asparagus, in order to have it most agreeable to the palate, must be peeled, washed and dried, and immersed in boiling water backwards.’

15TH CENTURY The Perfumed Garden of Sensual Delight, an Arabian sex manual, hailed asparagus as an aphrodisiac, and helped put it back on the map.

on the bandstand, beer festival in the corn exchange, street food, comedy with the King Elvis

The Pantiles

Chefs, live music, children's entertainments

Food Festival Royal Tunbridge Wells

The Pantiles Food Festival Royal Tunbridge Wells

Friday 15th, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17th May 20

stalls featuring local, regional and international food & drink cooking demos on the bandstand, beer festival in the corn exchange, comedy with the King Elvis street Stallsfood, featuring local, regional and Chefs, live music, children's entertainments

international food & drink

Cooking demos on the bandstand, beer festival in the corn exchange, street food, comedy with the King Elvis Chefs, Live music, children’s entertainments

18 CENTURY TH

Colonists brought the treasured plant from Europe to America, and its popularity on both sides of the Atlantic has been rising ever since.

Friday 15th, FridaySaturday 15th, Saturday16th 16th & and Sunday May 2015 Sunday 17th May17th 2015

Don’t forget the Pantiles food & craft market on the first and third Saturday of each month!

Wednesday 13th May 2015

DOVER CALAIS £45 to

PUZZLES �

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

WORD SPIRAL

Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

23. How the landlord communicates? (2,6) Down 2. Learner on the railway? (7) 3. Chief female character takes drug from the East (7) 4. An angry state not touching the towns? (6,7) 6. Risk a pound in church (7) 7. Record of business produced in a short time (7) 8. Visitor with something to shout about? (6) 13. Noticed 1,000 were sick of the timber works (7) 14. Gives sound reception (7) 15. A scare for the Emperor (6) 16. Gather for prayer (7) 17. Looks on mineral as a hideosity (7)

1

12. It is thus lawful to beg (7) 13. Choose rings for high-class groups (6,7) 18. Saw return of broken flute as uneconomic (8) 19. The dregs of more than one sheltered side? (4) 20. Exit can be seen to be faulty (7) 21. Suffer from depression underneath (5) 22. Hold out to the very end (4)

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Across 1. Captive (8) 5. Legend (4) 9. Blemish (4) 10. Endorsed (8) 11. Inflexible (5) 12. Curt (7) 13. Concentration (13) 18. Kingdom (8) 19. At that time (4) 20. Free (7) 21. Abuse (5) 22. Whirlpool (4) 23. Banner (8)

Down 2. Disturbance (7) 3. Fawning (7) 4. Institution (13) 6. Ancient (7) 7. Speech (7) 8. Decrease (6) 13. Duck (7) 14. Matted (7) 15. Regular (6) 16. Provoked (7) 17. Asylum (7)

6

Shove Difficult Extinct bird Gemstone Missing Cab Notion Cain’s brother

5

9. Bloomer or cob 10. Vendetta 11. Watch face 12. Nobleman 13. Prima donna 14. Among 15. Besmear 16. Group of countries

Keyword clue: A fruit

SUDOKU

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1.

What is the name of the new CGI animated Thunderbirds revamp featuring Lady Penelope voiced by Rosamund Pike?

new 2. In which Channel 4 series are 14 men and 14 women abandoned on separate desert islands in the Pacific Ocean?

3. The Day is My Enemy is the title of the current album from which British electronic group?

4. What is the full title of the latest film in the Avengers series, whose stars include Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth?

5. Which BBC1 children’s programme ran from 1964 to 1976 and was designed specifically for deaf children?

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6. What is the title of the latest single from Olly Murs?

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7.

What is the full title of the 1963 Stanley Kubrick film more commonly known as Dr. Strangelove?

8. Which actress has returned as the titular detective in the ITV1 drama series Vera?

9. Nobody’s Diary and Don’t Go were Top Ten hits of the 1980s for which British pop duo?

SOLUTIONS

10. Which new film stars Reese Witherspoon as a Missouri woman who helps Sudanese refugees to settle in the US? 11. Which character in Channel 5’s Neighbours was recently killed in a car accident?

12. What was US singer Ben E. King’s only UK Number One hit, upon its reissue in 1987?

13. Which actor played Heathcliff in the 1939 film version of Wuthering Heights?

14. Debby Ryan plays the titular nanny to the children of a high-profile couple in which Disney Channel sitcom?

15. Which British band’s hits of the 1980s included Doctor Doctor and You Take Me Up?

CODEWORD: 1=X, 2=U, 3=A, 4=K, 5=H, 6=Z, 7=F, 8=Y, 9=P, 10=R, 11=C, 12=W, 13=D, 14=J, 15=T, 16=I, 17=B, 18=Q, 19=V, 20=E, 21=L, 22=N, 23=G, 24=O, 25=M, 26=S

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ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Thunderbirds are Go; 2 The Island with Bear Grylls; 3 The Prodigy; 4 Avengers: Age of Ultron; 5 Vision On; 6 Seasons; 7 Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb; 8 Brenda Blethyn; 9 Yazoo; 10 The Good Lie; 11 Matt Turner; 12 Stand By Me; 13 Laurence Olivier; 14 Jessie; 15 Thompson Twins.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 3

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SUDOKU:

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

2

9

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ

CODEWORD

1

3

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 1 At the bar; 5 Scum; 9 Pair; 10 Try again; 11 Anvil; 12 Solicit; 13 Select circles; 18 Wasteful; 19 Lees; 20 Inexact; 21 Below; 22 Last; 23 By letter. Down: 2 Trainee; 3 Heroine; 4 Across country; 6 Chancel; 7 Minutes; 8 Caller; 13 Sawmill; 14 Listens; 15 Caesar; 16 Collect; 17 Eyesore.

Quick: Across: 1 Prisoner; 5 Saga; 9 Scar; 10 Attested; 11 Rigid; 12 Brusque; 13 Intensiveness; 18 Monarchy; 19 Then; 20 Release; 21 Slate; 22 Eddy; 23 Standard. Down: 2 Ruction; 3 Servile; 4 Establishment; 6 Antique; 7 Address; 8 Reduce; 13 Immerse; 14 Tangled; 15 Normal; 16 Nettled; 17 Shelter.

WORD SPIRAL: 1 Push; 2 Hard; 3 Dodo; 4 Opal; 5 Lost; 6 Taxi; 7 Idea; 8 Abel; 9 Loaf; 10 Feud; 11 Dial; 12 Lord; 13 Diva; 14 Amid; 15 Daub; 16 Bloc.

Keyword: Avocado

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across 1. Drinking in the legal profession? (2,3,3) 5. Surface impurities in clouds, cumulus especially (4) 9. Quiet tune for two (4) 10. Have another go to reach a verdict? (3,5) 11. Is seen in blacksmith’s shop in Norman village (5)

2

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QUICK CLUES:

Scribble pad

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

58 � WHAT’S ON

‘Happy Days’ at Heart

BREAKFAST PRESENTERS JAMES AND BECKY ON THE EXAM SEASON IT WAS a very exciting day yesterday at Heart Towers, as we gave away an amazing £100,000 on Heart’s 100 Happy Days! Can you imagine waking up with that amount of money in your bank account, all just for listening to the radio?!

They will most probably have the best bank holiday weekend (yes, there’s another one fast approaching) planned! Even though that competition has now come to a close, do make sure you stay tuned, listening into Heart as they’ll be more opportunities for you to win some amazing prizes very soon!

Well how is it all going in your house? If you have got children of GCSE age, then the dreaded exam season is well and truly under way! Good luck to everyone taking them at the minute, I remember that the only way I could get through, what seemed like a mountain of revision, was to reward myself with Haribo sweets! In fact, I think I just ate the whole way through exam season!

Then, when I was actually taking the exams, I remember getting a sinking feeling in one of my English exams when the girl in front of me asked for more paper and seemed to be writing and writing and I couldn’t understand what she could possibly be saying! I was stuck after half a page!

But never mind, I didn’t do too badly in the end!

So, finally the royal baby is now nearly two weeks old and Charlotte’s birth certificate was has been released, with her full name on it.

However, there’s always a debate about a name before you register isn’t there? This then sparked the question ‘What did your parents nearly call you...’ before they went to the registry office to confirm their final choice or even before you were born? If you don’t know, ask your parents, there is always a funny story attached to it. In my case, my Mum told me if I had been born with blonde hair I would be called Aimee…Aimee Ives!

I couldn’t imagine being called that now!

However, my gran, still to this day calls me Rachel, I tell her its Rebecca, but she says Rachel is nicer! I have given up trying to correct her!

James didn’t actually know the answer so he emailed his mum and was quite surprised by the response!

‘It was always going to be James and it was always going to be a boy and it was! Reason I wanted it to be James was because when I was about 15 I had a crush on a chap, (unbeknown to him!!) who was called James!!’

James felt that all was a little bit too much information and lord knows if his poor dad ever knew! John from Folkestone called us and told us the story of his sister and how she came to be called ‘Becky’ (great name) after the mid-wife who helped deliver her as his parents couldn’t think of another name! If you don’t know what you were nearly called, ask your parents, the results are always interesting and there’s a guaranteed story attached.

Join us for the Dinner event of the year which combines fine food and comedy action, served up ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES style.

Marlene & Boycie are hosting a Gala Dinner, but will things go to plan with Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert (when I was in the war) on the guest list?

SEVEN DAYS OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE Dave Barnett makes a selection of events from around Tunbridge Wells. Details of these and many more events are shown at www.tunbridgewellsevents.co.uk/thisweek The Netherlands National Circus opened at Dunorlan Park last night and its run continues until Sunday. Expect thrills and hopefully, not too many, spills as the talented all human cast perform their spectacular acts! >> WEDNESDAY There’s only one film at Trinity this week and it’s Blind, a Norwegian film that has won awards at Berlin and Sundance Film Festivals. >> THURSDAY This week’s shows at the Assembly Hall begins with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with special guest Marc Almond. Always popular, this one will probably be returns only.

One of the good thing about these cultural screenings is that you get several opportunities to see something you might struggle to get to normally. This week there are five chances to see the National Theatre’s production of Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman starring Ralph Fiennes; tonight it’s on at the Odeon, the Hawkhurst Kino and the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School.

While a classic of a different sort is on at Trinity where Flintlock Theatre present a performance of Don Q. This is a modern reimagining of Cervantes’ tale of Don Quixote. >> FRIDAY It’s time for some more Friday fun for younger children at the museum, this week’s theme is Sneaky Smugglers and it’s free, starts at 10.30.

There’s another popular show at the Assembly Hall as Paul Merton and his Improv Chums bring their original comedy to Tunbridge Wells. And foot stomping abounds at Trinity as Flamenco Express perform the songs, sounds and dance styles of Spain.

And this evening sees the start of the Pantiles Food Festival. It’s on all weekend and features stalls, demonstrations, music and other entertainment. And plenty to eat of course.

Slightly out of town, at the Olive Stores at the Hop Farm, there’s a music with the Congo Faith Healers. Their sound has been described as a gypsy blues with voodoo vocals and a Latin American groove, it should be fun. >> SATURDAY If you need something a little different for your home then The Decorative Living Fair may be for you as it returns to Eridge Park today.

If you’re more interested in your garden then the Hospice in The Weald at Pembury is holding their annual plant fair and farmers’ market.

Expect an evening of chaos and mayhem with extra large portions of comedy.

This is a BIG FUN NIGHT OUT in a friendly party atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors in the land, professionally produced to the highest standards with your enjoyment at the top of the menu!

Will Raquel put in an appearance and sing! Surely not after the last time?

FRIDAY 26th JUNE 7:00pm Tickets £40.00 Includes 3 Course Meal To Book Phone 01892 614411 or Email

Karen@woodsrestaurant.co.uk Pantiles Tunbridge Wells www.comedy-dining.co.uk Wednesday 13th May 2015

DON’T MISS...

Peppa pig at the Spa Valley Railway Sunday 18th May

This afternoon, at Bedgebury, Illyria presents the traditional tale of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

There’s a spectacular set, amazing effects, the original music as used in Fantasia, as well as eye-popping magical illusions! Sounds good!

There’s more classic popular music as the Counterfeit Stones visit the Assembly Hall.

At Trinity the Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir are joined by the choir of Bennett Memorial for an evening of four-part harmonies and over at Tonbridge School Chapel, the Tonbridge Philharmonic Society presents a concert featuring Nicolai, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky.

There’s a special event in the occasional Museum at Night series this evening with Tales

by Lantern Lights featuring performance artists Nicole Mollet and Frog Morris. >> SUNDAY There’s another popular children’s event as Peppa Pig returns to the Spa Valley Railway.

The newly reopened Royal Wells Hotel has a wedding fair today. Perhaps it’s a good chance to have a nose around!

If you missed the screening of Man and Superman on Thursday there’s opportunities to catch this tonight as at Hawkhurst Kino and Trinity Theatre.

The final Assembly Hall performance for the week is the original Dr Hook, Ray Sawyer, playing his classic 70s hits. >> MONDAY Tonbridge is well represented here this week as Tonbridge School begin a short run of Great Expectations at the EM Forster Theatre. >> TUESDAY More cultural screenings at the Odeon, Hawkhurst Kino and Trinity with a live performance of the ENO’s Pirates of Penzance, everyone’s favourite comic opera. And I wonder if there will be a round on the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan at either of the pub quizzes at The Bedford or The Cross Keys.

All together now; I am the very model of a modern major general... >> COMING SOON Next weekend is another bank holiday and fans of live music will be looking forward to the Unfest Festival centred on The Forum but at various venues around the town. Look out for flyers and posters and on social media.

WHAT’S ON �

Live music & events

Times

O F TUNBR IDGE WEL LS

MUSIC

Times

O F TUNBR IDGE WEL LS

MUSIC DO YOU HAVE A GREAT BAND OR EVENT YOU FEEL SHOULD BE LISTED? If so then drop our editor a line at: Times of Tunbridge Wells, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU

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Meet Peter Pan this half term CHILDREN can meet the boy who never grows up at Groombridge Place this half term.

Peter Pan will be joined by Captain Hook, Smee, Tinkerbell and more, every day between May 23 and 31.

Youngsters can visit teepees in the Enchanted Forest, and make Indian head bands with Tiger Lily, and three plays featuring the characters will be performed every day. There will also be sword fights between the Lost Boys and pirates and the chance to ‘learn to be a fairy’, as well as archery taster sessions and birds of prey displays.

The estate is open seven days a week, 10am to 5.30pm. For more information, visit www.groombridgeplace.com or call 01892 861444.

01892 779 650 newsdesk @timesof tunbridgewells .co.uk

Paul’s gig of the week is…

DAVID Migden & The Twisted Roots www.pdag.co.uk/ event/2015/05/13

Paul Dunton reveals his guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead…

I would also like to mention that the Jazz on The Pantiles is now running every week until end of August/ beginning of September. This is a great open-air weekly event and vital that it is well supported for The Pantiles and the musicians alike, please support the jazz if you can! On another note, the incredible Jools Holland is back at the Assembly Hall this Thursday…enough said!

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday – Mannheim and Possessor Friday – Arcane Roots, Carnival Kids and Gallery Circus Monday – The Garden Wednesday – The Picturebooks, Billy Jupp and The Black Market THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, Doors 7.15pm, entry £5/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk and www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday – Calafia, Dave “Shep!”

Open Mic Night with your host Champagne Charlie Wed 20th May 45 Mount Ephraim, TN48AA

Sheperd, Mystery Clarke (full band), David Migden & The Twisted Roots Friday – (9.30pm till late) Soul Kitchen Saturday – (9.30pm till late) Funkin Function Sunday – Opening act tbc, Red, Green & Blue, Quentin Holway Tuesday – Ellie Wade, Ash Evans, The Knockities Wednesday – Joanna McGowan, Bea Everett, Megan Jordan, The Varlies THE ASSEMBLY HALL Crescent Road, Doors 7pm, event information and tickets at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or 01892 530613 Thursday – Jools Holland Saturday – The Counterfeit Stones Sunday – Dr Hook with Ray Sawyer

Sunday – TARC Acoustic Open Mic Monday – TWUNT Ukulele Jam Session Wednesday – Open Mic Night THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street, Free entry, music from 8pm.

Thursday – TARC Open Mic JAZZ ON THE PANTILES Open air performance on the bandstand, music starts at 7.30pm.

Pantiles Traders ask all listeners to pay £2 donation towards the cost of musicians and event staff.

Thursday – The Terry Pack Trio THE BLACK HORSE PUB Camden Road Tuesday – TARC Open Mic

TRINITY THEATRE Church Road, Doors at 7pm, event information and tickets at www.trinitytheatre.net Friday – Flamenco Express Saturday – Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir Tuesday – ENO Cinema: Pirates of Penzance

THE ROYAL WELLS HOTEL 59 Mount Ephraim, Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards Saturday – Northern Soul Night

THE CROSS KEYS St Johns Road, Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Thursday – Sonny’s Jazz: Check venue website Friday – Sonny’s Blues: Check venue website

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Beer & Music Festival running Friday to Sunday. For more details visit www.facebook.com/ events/1420973384874422/

THE BEAU NASH Mount Ephraim, Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm.

Saturday – Quentin Holway

New comedy for west Kent THERE is comedy at the Oast Theatre, Tonbridge next month.

Justin Brett, Lou Sanders and Max Davis perform on Friday, June 19 from 7pm.

Justin is an actor and stand-up who has appeared in Peep Show, Pulling and The Bill, and is a regular member of hit comedy group Showstoppers.

Lou may be familiar from Russell Howard’s Good News or the ‘shambolic’ radio show she presented with Richard Herring, while Max is a ‘gifted comedian and writer with a talent for improvisation and a taste for the absurd’. A full time comedy writer for BBC Radio 4. he has contributed to shows including Dead Ringers, The Now Show and Newsjack.

Tickets, priced £14, are available from www.jumblebee.co.uk/tncomedy

Open Mic Night with your Pianist

Tom Carradine FREE ENTRY. Bring Sheet Music

Bookings - 01892315281 Wednesday 13th May 2015

60 � YOUR TV

OUR PICK OF THE WEEK

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday 13th May 2015

THE DELIVERY MAN ITV, 9.30pm

Former policeman Matthew faces an unexpected challenge in his new career as a midwife at Easthill Park when he discovers a baby who has been abandoned in one of the hospital’s cupboards. He desperately tries to track down the mother before the authorities are called in – or senior consultant obstetrician Luke finds out.

THURSDAY

MODERN TIMES: THE GREAT BRITISH GARDEN WATCH

BBC2, 9pm

Lucy Cohen’s film follows people all over Britain who have transformed their gardens into filming environments to capturing the daily and nightly goings-on among the wildlife population.

John has had a fancy new hands-free phone kit fitted in his car, but he arrives at Kayleigh’s house only to discover she is far more excited by the previous night’s events. Comedy about the daily journeys of supermarket employees John Redmond and Kayleigh Kitson, who have been thrown together in a company car share scheme. Co-written by and starring Peter Kay and Sian Gibson.

THE GREAT CHELSEA GARDEN CHALLENGE

BBC1, 9pm

W1A

The documentary series continues, revealing how the creatures are far more than just the hunters they are sometimes perceived as. New discoveries have revealed a hidden side to the shark’s character, uncovering how their intricate social lives involve complicated courtship rituals, surprising ways of raising their young, and impressive powers of navigation. Paul McGann narrates.

The corporate merry-go-round continues to turn, as the spoof documentary draws to a close. Primetime Factuality executive David Wilkes turns to Izzy Gould for inspiration in fleshing out the concept for new show One Big Family. Meanwhile, a new job title as Head of Inclusivity is enough to persuade Lucy Freeman to remain at the BBC, but she faces a new headache in the form of “viralizing” Muslim BBC Weather.

FRIDAY

MAN AND BEAST WITH MARTIN CLUNES

MRS BROWN’S BOYS

The comedy actor sets out on an international journey to investigate the extraordinary relationship between man and beast. In the first of two episodes, Martin travels to Nepal, where he meets a farmer whose cows not only supply his income from milk, but also provide the fuel for lighting and cooking in the family home.

Dermot’s pre-marriage nerves get the better of him and he locks himself away in a cupboard, so it is up to Agnes, Father Quinn and best man Buster to try to calm him down.

ITV, 9pm

BBC2, 8pm

The three remaining competitors visit the RHS Headquarters in Wisley for the grand final of the garden design competition. Here, they are given five days – and their biggest budget yet – to put together showpiece gardens that will impress judges James Alexander-Sinclair and Ann-Marie Powell, and prove they are worthy of going to Chelsea. Joe Swift provides expert tips, with the winning designer earning the chance to put together a garden for the Main Avenue at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015. Last in the series.

BRITAIN’S GREATEST GENERATION

BBC2, 9pm

BBC1, 9.30pm

SATURDAY

The Second World War saw men from all classes unite to fight the Nazis, and this programme meets some of the last surviving pilots of the Battle of Britain. Women, who had been excluded from many jobs, worked in everything from anti-aircraft gun batteries to steel-making factories.

The Blitz saw rescue workers risk all to save those trapped in bombed buildings. For many of the era’s last survivors, the defiant spirit that brought the nation together remains one of their proudest moments, as this documentary reveals.

CORNWALL: WALKING THROUGH PLAY TO THE WHISTLE ITV, 9.20pm HISTORY

POINTLESS CELEBRITIES

Channel 4, 7pm

BBC1, 6.10pm

Tony Robinson takes a four-day trek along the coastline between Plymouth in Devon and Falmouth, learning about the thriving smuggling trade in Cornwall during the late 18th century. The area’s tiny secretive harbours, beaches and secluded coves were ideal for illicit imports such as tobacco and brandy, and the business was so huge it threatened the national economy.

Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman host another round of the quiz, this time with a ‘British Film’ theme. The celebrities aiming to come up with the obscure answers are Quadrophenia stars Phil Daniels and Leslie Ash, Trainspotting and Shallow Grave actor Keith Allen, Gregory’s Girl actress Clare Grogan, Mean Machine’s Vas Blackwood, This is England’s Thomas Turgoose, comedian, impressionist and screenwriter Phil Cornwell and Sally Thomsett, who played the youngest Waterbury sibling, Phyllis, in the 1970 adaptation of The Railway Children.

JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL

BBC1, 9pm

At the beginning of the 19th century, the world no longer believes in magic – until the reclusive Mr Norrell stuns the people of York by making statues surrounding the city’s cathedral speak and move. Meanwhile, the rich and charming Jonathan Strange discovers that he too has magical powers.

THE CLASS OF 92

The body of a missing computer expert turns up in a hospital morgue under a false name, so the team reopens the investigation into his disappearance. The dead man worked for the Metropolitan Police, giving him access to a great deal of sensitive information – added to which, he was in contact with a group of online hackers. But he died of natural causes – so why was his body hidden, and by who? As the seasoned detectives unravel the mystery, Brian struggles to accept Steve as the new Ucos member.

ITV, 10.40pm

Documentary telling the story of six of Manchester United’s most successful players – David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Phil and Gary Neville. The film follows their rise from playing for the club’s youth team to forming part of a squad that would win the European Cup.

Ruth Goodman and Fi Glover reveal they have been saving their most gruelling challenge for last.

Having spent the past 72 hours experiencing the grim reality of life in Victorian Britain, the six time-hopping celebrities must now ensure the horrors of the workhouse, where there are no rewards and only punishment.

The impact of the war begins to be felt in Great Paxford as the women are forced to make sacrifices for the salvage effort. But soon matters on the personal front replace their efforts on the home front as Kate and Jack’s relationship intensifies, Pat’s marriage deteriorates and Claire finally plucks up the courage to ask Spencer out – unaware he is hiding a secret.

New series. Documentary following demolition crews bringing down some of the country’s biggest buildings, revealing the precision required to reduce complex constructions to rubble. One team attempts to bring down the 100m cooling towers of Didcot A power station, which have long dominated the Oxfordshire landscape.

NEW TRICKS

BBC1, 9pm

HOME FIRES

ITV, 9pm

BBC2, 8pm

BBC1, 9pm

24 HOURS IN THE PAST

Holly Willoughby hosts the comedy panel show, in which team captains Frank Lampard and Bradley Walsh and regular contributors ROmesh Raganathan, Seann Walsh and Jimmy Bullard are joined by former jockey AP McCoy, broadcaster and chat-show host Jonathan Ross, and Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster). Guests and regulars alike are challenged to take part in physical games, headto-head quizzes and traditional antics.

DEMOLITION: THE WRECKING CREW

MONDAY

TUESDAY

BBC1, 9.30pm

SHARK

BBC2, 10pm

SUNDAY

PETER KAY’S CAR SHARE

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2015 BBC2, 8pm

Monty Don and Joe Swift present coverage of medals day, revealing which designs have won, reviewing results from around the showground and chatting to the winner of the prestigious Best in Show award. Carol Klein checks out the record-breaking exhibits on display in the Great Pavilion and one garden designer reveals how she brought her Middle East-inspired ideas to life.

GOTHAM

five, 9pm

Barbara stays the night with Jason, who seems to have decided that she isn’t the one for him, meaning her life isn’t in immediate danger. Jim Gordon has found out about the kidnapping and goes to desperate lengths to track Dr Thompkins down. He demands that Cobblepot gets him into a seedy sex club where the Ogre is a known regular in exchange for a favour. However, with the detective occupied Penguin takes control of Gotham’s mob network and leads a massacre among his enemies.

Meanwhile, Bruce finally gets into Bunderslaw’s safe.

BLINGING UP BABY: YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT!

five, 9pm

New series. Following last year’s documentary of the same name, this three-part series examines the growing trend for parents to kit out their young children in glamorous outfits. The spotlight falls on British mothers who believe it gives their tots the very best start in life, bringing them fame, success and the confidence to face the world.

YOUR TV �

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE FOOD

BODYSHOCKERS: MY PIERCING HELL

INSPECTOR GEORGE GENTLY

London is home to more billionaires than any other city on the planet and they use a private network of luxury food suppliers. This two-part documentary follows the companies who cater to them.

FRAUD SQUAD

THE GAME

ITV, 9pm

BBC2, 9pm

The documentary series exploring the work of detectives from the City of London Police unit concludes with an insight into an operation to shut down a large-scale bank-cheque fraud empire. Run by a Zimbabwean gang, the scheme involved counterfeiting cheques from thousands of people.

Arkady reveals the name of a sleeper agent with lethal connections in the US military, but the team needs to find out what her mission entails. With her access to American bases, this new contact may be ready to undertake a terrifying attack, but as Operation Glass continues to take surprising turns, Joe and Jim are left wondering whether they can really trust anyone.

MARY BERRY’S ABSOLUTE FAVOURITES

Channel 4, 9pm

Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show’s version of the famous quiz, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson joined by guests Kathy Burke and Kevin Bridges.

Countdown regular Susie Dent is assisted in Dictionary Corner by Joe Lycett, while Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from Nick Helm.

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

five, 10.20pm

Two teenage sisters attract the attention of a young man – but sometime later, his dead body is discovered abandoned in a public toilet and the girls are nowhere to be found.

The investigators learn that the missing sisters are the daughters of a crime lab director who had tried to recruit Nick for his own team, and suspicion falls on a biker gang their father helped to prosecute.

BBC2, 8pm

The veteran cook draws on her wealth of specialist knowledge to share a selection of her recipes, each inspired by a different place.

In the first programme, she draws her inspiration from childhood trips to the seaside, preparing goats cheese and shallot tarts.

RORY BREMNER’S ELECTION REPORT

BBC2, 10.45pm

GRAYSON PERRY’S DREAM HOUSE

Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show’s version of the famous quiz, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson joined by guests Kathy Burke and Kevin Bridges. Countdown regular Susie Dent is assisted in Dictionary Corner by Joe Lycett, while Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with help from Nick Helm.

Documentary following the creation of Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry’s most ambitious project to date – the building of a secular chapel near Harwich in tribute to Essex women. The building has a one-off visual style, handcrafted down to the finest detail, with relief tiles and tapestries depicting the character of Julie, who stands for Essex women everywhere.

ITV, 9pm

Jamie Theakston takes a stern look at cyber-crime in this documentary, which charts the rise of thieves using technology to commit unlawful acts at an estimated cost of £27 billion a year to the UK economy. The presenter investigates the problem and learns how the government is ploughing millions into specialist units, before meeting those who have fallen foul of the criminals.

NO OFFENCE

Channel 4, 9pm

Racial tensions in the area are on the rise when an Asian woman is murdered in what is suspected to be a racist attack.

An undercover operation is organised to bring the prime suspect to justice. Deering is finally allowed to resume her place on the serial killer investigation.

THE DOG RESCUERS WITH ALAN DAVIES

five, 8pm

New series. The return of the programme following the work of RSPCA officers. The tide is rising on a rottweiler stranded on the River Dee’s mudflats in Merseyside, and a spaniel with too much spring in her step is sent on a course with a specialist dog trainer to calm her nerves.

THE NIGHT BUS

FOREVER

Channel 4, 11.05pm

Sky1, 8pm

Fly-on-the-wall documentary making use of remote-controlled cameras fitted to an ordinary London bus to explore the unique role this form of public transport plays in the hectic night lives of the capital’s residents.

As the fantasy saga nears its season finale, the long suffering Henry embarks on an emotional quest that pushes the immortal to his limits – he attempts to find his beloved Abigail. Ioan Gruffudd, Judd Hirsch, Joel David Moore and Alana De La Garza star.

VIRTUALLY FAMOUS

RELATIVELY CLEVER

Actress Denise Van Outen and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith – both former Strictly participants – join forces with comedians Bobby Mair and Dane Baptiste and team captains Seann Walsh and Chris Stark to be quizzed about the latest viral sensations on the internet.

Lancashire locals the Clipstons take on West Midlands brood the Gordons in the series finale. Host Mel Giedroyc oversees the closing battle and eventually reveals which of the families will be crowned Relatively Clever.

Channel 4, 11.05pm

Sky1, 8pm

CASUALTY

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

Charlie goes to Bucharest to track down his missing son Louis, taking Connie with him. They discover that Louis is addicted to heroin, and owes money to some shady characters. Charlie tries to stop his son from selling his kidney on the black market to pay his debts, while Connie offers moral support to Louis’ girlfriend and finds comfort with a local doctor – only to realise he may not be trustworthy.

Sky Living, 8pm

A teenager bursts into the precinct and shoots an officer before making his way to the interrogation room, where he takes DB hostage.

THE DETECTIVES

NCIS: LOS ANGELES

BBC2, 9pm

Sky1, 10pm

New series. Documentary following the work of a Greater Manchester police team focusing on sex offences. DS Carol Barlow leads a high-profile historical abuse investigation into Manchester DJ Ray Teret – a former friend of Jimmy Savile – who is accused of a string of sex offences against schoolgirls in the 1960s and 1970s – no easy task when the alleged crimes happened more than 30 years ago.

Channel 4, 9pm

SCAMMERS

A film-maker is given access to the lab to document an unusual case about a corpse simultaneously decomposing in two different ways.

Meanwhile, Booth becomes emotionally involved in the investigation when it comes to light the victim was a fellow police officer.

BBC1, 9.20pm

The impressionist is joined by John Bird, Matt Forde and Sara Pascoe to reflect on the events of the general election and look forward to what lies ahead. There is a peek inside Westminster to see the mandarins at work during the political break.

8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN Channel 4, 10pm

Sky Living, 10pm

Katie Piper meets Emily, a Croydon girl with stretched earlobes, a huge tattoo on her chest and piercings all over her face and body. Now, Emily is desperate to get her natural look back, but will it be possible? Meanwhile, Jodie, a 23-year-old beautician from Luton, wants to take her body modifications to the next level by getting permanent holes punched through the top of her ears, and Pete has serious regrets about a tattoo that has made him a laughing stock among his friends.

The detective is called out when a body is found on a rubbish pile under the Tyne Bridge. It initially looks like suicide, but evidence reveals the victim was dead before he landed. Crime drama, guest starring Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves).

8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN

BONES

Channel 4, 11pm

BBC1, 8pm

Channel 4, 8pm

BENEFITS STREET

EPISODES

Mother-of-six Julie has her hands full with brain-damaged son Reagan, 15, as well as her badly-behaved 12-year-old. Meanwhile, Maxwell’s girlfriend punches him and kicks in his front door after he refuses to watch TV.

Matt learns that his financial situation is even more dire than he thought. To make matters worse, his ex-wife’s upcoming marriage, which would save him millions in alimony, is suddenly on shaky ground. Meanwhile, Beverly is still reluctant to do another TV show.

Channel 4, 9pm

Callen and Sam are left with pressing questions to answer as they investigate a number of unexplained deaths on the missing oil tanker used in Arkady’s deal with Russia. They discover that the retired KGB officer had a personal connection to the ship. LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell star.

CRIMINAL MINDS

BBC2, 10pm

Sky Living, 9pm

The BAU investigates three disturbing cases of murder after a trio of unlikely killers attack their loved ones after claiming to see a terrifying shadow monster.

MIDSOMER MURDERS

ELEMENTARY

As darkness covers Midsomer Stanton during a total eclipse of the sun, Jeremy Harper is killed by a blow to the head with a meteorite. The victim was a leading light in the village – an amateur astronomer who was passionate about preserving Moonstone Ridge, a Bronze Age heritage site.

Holmes turns his attention to an interstate hunt for an escaped convict, and uses his deductive powers to learn more about Detective Bell’s relationship. Lucy Liu, Jonny Lee Miller and Jon Michael Hill star.

ITV, 8pm

61

Sky Living, 9pm

THE BIG FISH OFF

ITV, 11.10pm

Game show in which two celebrity guests take part in a series of fishing challenges. In the first episode, owner of the Sugar Hut nightclub Mick Norcross brings along his friend, actor Tamer Hassan, but things get off to a bad start when Tamer announces that he cannot think of anything worse than golf or fishing.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

62 � MOTORS

The composed and entertaining Jaguar XE Portfolio

• Matt Joy Classic Car

servicing & repair in Kent / Sussex

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MOT preparation General repair Modification advice Quotations on request Fixed price servicing available Call our Service Dept on 01622 817938

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www.anthonygodin.co.uk Wednesday 13th May 2015

WHAT’S NEW? THIS car is a big deal for Jaguar. Not only does it have to take on two very popular German rivals, it also aims to boost its sales volume considerably and bring new customers into the brand. No surprise then, that it’s practically 100 per cent new.

An all-new aluminium and steel architecture, new engines and new suspension are wrapped in a brand-new exterior design. Inside there’s a new generation infotainment system as well as more personalisation options. Jaguar is making some big claims for the car, particularly that the most efficient diesel version can hit 99g/km.

LOOKS AND IMAGE There’s a familiar air to the XE but this is no bad thing. Look at it alongside the existing XF saloon and the resemblance is clear, but the XE is a little more compact and has a much shorter overhang at the rear. It also has the sporty look that buyers are really keen on, although models like this Portfolio have a

more restrained and luxurious feel.

Halo cars like the F-Type have transformed Jaguar’s image in recent years and the XE will be trading on this in order to bring new buyers to the brand. With its smart appearance and obvious kerb appeal, it should prove to be a winner from a stylistic point of view.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY It might be a compact saloon, but the space inside the XE is generous. Up front, there’s a good view out thanks to the low-set dashboard, although the high waistline gives a welcome enclosed feeling. The seats are very supportive and offer a good range of adjustment, while head, leg and hip room are all good enough for those over six feet tall.

In the rear, space is a little tighter, but there’s enough legroom to take adults comfortably. The boot is well-shaped and offers up to 455 litres of space.

The cabin itself is clearly laid out and easy to use, with the new infotainment system offering attractive graphics and slick operation. Storage space is good too, although the overall design is a little more conservative than the exterior.

‘There’s a great deal to love about the XE and although it wears a premium badge, it’s the kind of car that will appeal to a broad range of buyers’

MOTORS �

BEHIND THE WHEEL Jaguar set itself the modest target of being the best driver’s car in the class, but it has the potential to do so. The brand-new 2.0-litre diesel engine is usefully brisk in 180PS form as long as there is 2,000rpm showing and the six-speed manual gearbox is slick and satisfying to use. At a cruise, the engine is impressively refined, and although the noise levels go up when worked hard, it never becomes coarse or unrefined.

Without doubt however, it is the XE’s chassis that impresses. Overall there is clear sporting bias to the suspension set-up but the ride quality is excellent; controlled over undulations but with no harshness even on a variety of surfaces.

Yet it is beautifully balanced and free from roll when pressing on; there is excellent grip front and rear and the XE delights in hustling through bends, remaining composed and entertaining. The final ace card is the steering which, although not packed with feel, is sharp without being nervous, accurate and rewarding. Keen drivers will love it; everyone else will just think it’s just right.

VALUE FOR MONEY There’s no skimping on the standard specification either. Even the base SE model

63

comes with satellite navigation and DAB radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. This top-specification Portfolio comes with double-stitched leather in a choice of colours, aluminium trim, ten-way electric seats, high-specification Meridian audio system, bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? There’s a great deal to love about the XE and although it wears a premium badge, it’s the kind of car that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. Executive types will love the way it drives and the sharp looks, but it’s also spacious enough that a modestly-sized family could use it all the time. If you have to have a saloon, there’s almost certainly a version to suit your tastes.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD Impressive IF THIS CAR WAS A...

Hooligan, it would be doing doughnuts on BMW’s front lawn right now.

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL AND PRICE

Jaguar XE 2.0 Diesel Portfolio, £33,675

ENGINE

2.0-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp and 317lb/ft of torque

TRANSMISSION

Six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels

PERFORMANCE

Top speed 142mph, 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds

ECONOMY

67.3mpg combined

EMISSIONS

109g/km of CO2

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

PER MONTH PLUS INITIAL RENTAL

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Personal contract hire offer on all-new Mazda2 75ps SE on orders received between 01.04.15 and 30.06.15, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,409.83, then 41 monthly rentals of £159.00. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 31,500 over 42 months charged at 7 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Mazda Contract Hire. Package includes road fund licence and Mazda Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Mazda Contract Hire, BS16 3JA. Model shown: all-new Mazda2 75ps SE, OTR from £11,995. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£650). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 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 conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ^ Free warranty for life, terms & conditions apply, please speak to retailer for further details.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

64 � MOTORS

Electric revolution comes to UK BRITAIN is switching on to the electric revolution, with four of the top ten cars in a recent high-profile ownership satisfaction survey being electric or hybrid.

The Auto Express Driver Power survey, which had 61,000 responses from car owners, was topped by the third-generation Lexus IS 300h with an outstanding satisfaction score of 93.96 per cent.

Lexus also scored sixth overall with its NX 300h - an impressive result for such a new car.

Renault’s Zoe all-electric car pipped the NX to fifth place, though, and classified as the best electric car ahead of the Nissan Leaf, which placed eighth overall.

It is the first time all-electric cars have finished in the Driver Power top ten, and the first time a hybrid has won the overall honours.

Second place was taken by the first-generation Skoda Yeti, with the brilliant and recently-introduced Hyundai i10 completing the podium.

The current Seat Leon was fourth and won its class, while there were strong results for the Jaguar XJ, Mini three-door hatchback and, against all expectations, the MG3, which came 10th overall.

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: “Car buyers are attracted by the low running costs of hybrid and electric cars, but Driver

Power 2015 shows that the whole ownership experience for these cars is pretty enjoyable, too.”

AUDI MAKES DIESEL FROM WATER ALREADY at the forefront of diesel technology with its current production cars, Audi is claiming a revolutionary step towards carbonneutral cars after creating a new type of diesel from water and carbon dioxide.

Using renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar power, the water is split into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is then mixed with carbon monoxide, harvested from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and under high pressure and temperatures the two react to create crude.

This can then be refined and mixed with conventional diesel or used on its own. According to test results, it is also more efficient than conventional diesel, with 70 per cent of its stored energy available.

The fuel is being produced by Sunfire in Dresden in collaboration with Audi, the only downside being that only 160 litres are being produced per day. However there are plans for a larger factory and once viable production levels have been achieved it could sell to the public for less than the current cost of regular diesel fuel.

ELECTRIFYING The 2013 Lexus IS 300h

Beware cars with outstanding finance TWO out of five drivers are unaware their cars are legally owned by finance companies owing to loans or leases being outstanding on the vehicle.

With one in four cars in the UK subject to outstanding finance, 42 per cent of used car buyers could pose a risk to trade and private buyers when they sell.

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

66 � RECRUITMENT

RECRUITMENT MAKE THE CHANGE

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BORED AT WORK? LOST YOUR SPARK? NO LONGER FEELING CHALLENGED? LET US HELP...

Every week the Times of Tunbridge Wells is full of great local and national jobs, we can help find the right fit for you.

O F TUNBR IDGE WEL LS

To book a recruitment advert please contact Alice Harding: Recruitment Manager Tel: 01892 774 794 Mobile: 07917 090 668 Email: alice@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Fenwick are seeking a number of outstanding individuals to join our team.

We have various full and part time opportunities at all levels including Counter Manager, Beauty Therapists and Make-up Artists.

We have a wide variety of brands in store including:

Clarins Beauty Space Jo Malone Darphin Chanel Bobbi Brown Nails Inc. Estée Lauder Kiehl’s Fragrance Benefit Molton Brown MAC It goes without saying that you will be well groomed, articulate, and enthusiastic and have a genuine passion for cosmetics.

Previous experience in a sales and customer service role is essential and you will need to be flexible in your approach to work.

If you feel you have the right attributes and would like to be part of our extremely successful and expanding team, please complete an application form online or alternatively email your CV . Otherwise you can call into the store and collect an application form from Customer Services on the first floor,

or call 01892 516716 The HR Department, Fenwick Limited, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2SR Email: rtwswitchboard@fenwick.co.uk

Head of Marketing & Communications Markerstudy Leisure represents one of the fastest growing group of companies in Kent. Our unique portfolio of leisure businesses includes a country house, gymnastics academy, luxury hotel, private aviation company and a media publishing house.

We are now looking for a highly experienced Head of Marketing & Communications to oversee and manage all the marketing and PR activity for the five Markerstudy Leisure brands. Managing, leading and motivating an established team of 6 marketing executives to create, implement and manage the core marketing programs designed to generate targeted revenue and awareness for agreed brands within the Leisure group of companies.

It provides marketing, project management and communication support to the all the Leisure brands. Supports the development and execution of marketing, advertising, direct marketing, promotions, PR and collateral across all companies, events and sales support. Working as part of the senor commercial team you will report directly into Group Commercial Director, whilst having a dotted line of reporting to the HOD’s of the MSL brands manage.

This is a key role within an ambitious and rapid growingly group of companies and plays a vital part in achieving and shaping the commercial targets and objectives.

Package depending on experience: Circa £50k pa + bonus + pension + health cover To apply please email lmilan@markerstudy.com with covering letter and C.V. Closing date for applications: 25th May 2015 www.markerstudyleisure.com

Wednesday 13th May 2015

RECRUITMENT �

Times of Tunbridge Wells

The Times of Tunbridge Wells has an opportunity for a qualified senior reporter to join the team on Kent’s newest newspaper. The Times of Tunbridge Wells was launched in March by One Media, part of the Markerstudy Group of businesses which has an annual turnover of almost £3billion. The group is ranked 11th in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2015.

The newspaper has a print run of 30,000 copies and is available to readers free of charge on Wednesdays. It carries local, national and international news.

The title is looking for an ambitious, self-starting senior journalist to spearhead its coverage in this Royal spa town. Applicants must have passed their NCTJ or equivalent qualification and have at least two years’ newspaper experience. They must also be passionate about delivering news in print, online and through social media.

A knowledge of Tunbridge Wells and the wider West Kent area would be advantageous but not essential. A working knowledge of digital publishing would also be desirable.

Whilst we are looking for a qualified reporter with experience, there may be an opening for a recently-graduated NCTJ ‘gold standard’ trainee reporter who is keen to progress in the industry.

Applicants must have their own car, a full, clean driving licence and business insurance.

One Media already publishes So Tunbridge Wells, the town’s leading lifestyle magazine.

Salary: £25k per annum.

Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical care, 3 x life assurance and pension matched up to 5%.

To register an interest please email your CV in confidence to the Editor Simon Finlay simon@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Teachers

Three R’s Teacher Recruitment are currently recruiting SUPPLY, LONG TERM & PERMANENT TEACHERS

Three R‛s Teacher Recruitment

To register for immediate work please contact us today Call Amy or Nicki anytime on:

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asquith day nurseries & pre-schools

Passionate about childcare?

MAKE THE CHANGE

Senior Journalist Based: Tunbridge Wells Employer: One Media Sector: Regional Press Employment type: Full time

67

If you’re looking for a job with fantastic benefits, training and progression then you could have a career at Asquith Day Nurseries and Pre-Schools.

We have exciting opportunities available at our nurseries in Southborough and Tonbridge.

Email recruitment@asquithnurseries.co.uk or call 01494 779 090

Apply now to take the next exciting step in your childcare career!

“The safety and wellbeing of the children and staff is our number one priority.”

THE NEW SCHOOL AT WEST HEATH Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1SR

“Rebuilding lives through education” The New School at West Heath is a Specialist Independent Residential School for diverse range of needs, Co-Ed, age 10-19 providing education and therapy for male and female students with whom have emotional & social communication difficulties.

Qualified English Teacher Teacher Pay Scale – M Grade + SEN1 September 2015 Start Suitable candidate must have excellent specialist subject knowledge, functional skills and experience of teaching.

Teach across ability range in KS3/4/5.

Have the ability to work within a team.

Speech & Language TA Specialist Salary - £15,104 pa – experience preferred Teaching Assistant in School/ College Salary - £12,973 pa Supporting students individually and/or in groups with their academic, personal and social development. This role can be demanding and challenging but very rewarding. The School works towards helping students develop life skills and enjoy social activities.

Experience and working in a SEN school is preferred but not essential.

Term time only – Monday to Friday 08:30 to 15:30.

School Nurse £24,00 pa - Term Time Only Monday to Friday 08.30 to 17.00 Suitable applicants will be Register General Nurse or have a Specialist Community Public Health (School Nurse) qualification. Knowledge and experience of providing first aid and healthcare needs for the children. Experience with caring for children with chronic illness will be advantageous.

Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and subscribe to the Updating Service.

If you would like to find out more about our school, plus application form and JDs please visit the website

www.westheathschool.com or contact lynne.mcgrath@ westheathschool.com if you have any questions.

Closing date for applications is 1 June 2015 The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults.

Wednesday 13th May 2015

68 � ARTS & CULTURE

All that jazz returns to The Pantiles EVERY Thursday night throughout the summer, thousands of Tunbridge Wells locals and visitors flock to the bottom of the town to enjoy the sultry sounds of Jazz on The Pantiles. The man behind the music, Lionel Shell, explains how the event got started and what we can expect this year.

• Fred Latty Tell us about the background of Jazz on The Pantiles I have to give credit where it was due: it was Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s initiative and started between 17 and 19 years ago. The council decided to put on an event and they employed a local jazz promoter to do it. His name was David Jacobs – not to be confused with the DJ – and he was a very influential jazz booker. He knew everybody and he used to arrange very low-key duos and trios only. It went on like that for a number of years.

How has it developed since?

Because I’m a jazz fan and I want other people to get to hear the music they perhaps wouldn’t otherwise hear, my idea was to try and get more people involved. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

backed out about ten years ago when David Jacobs died, so I took over doing it for free and went to finance it through the restaurants and bars. We’ve gone from four weeks to 21 weeks, as I managed to persuade the restaurants in the area to go to a longer and longer period.

In what ways has your audience changed?

With due respect, the audiences were what I call ‘jazz anoraks’ – the dedicated jazz followers. We wanted to get a broader audience, but we didn’t want to lose those people either, because it was their event and designed for the enthusiasts. It has become slightly watered down in order to expand, so that more people enjoy more aspects of it.

What challenges do you face?

The first is the physical constraints of this building. It’s a serious compromise because it was originally built to meet a lot of different needs like ballroom dancing and dinners, but unfortunately

• CINEMA • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • LIVE MUSIC • COMEDY • DRAMA • MUSICALS • OPERA • BALLET Search Stag Sevenoaks Wednesday 13th May 2015

the market has moved on. Most of that ‘flat floor’ capability has gone, and over the last ten years, we’ve focussed much more on theatrical ambience; we’re trying to create a theatrical experience for people. The building just about does that, but it’s not without a lot of work on the part of everyone behind the scenes.

Are you happy with where it is now?

I’m really happy with it; the only thing is that I’d like to do it two nights a week. That’s not an option, although there’s enough material, bands and public enthusiasm to do those nights. The powers that be within the Pantiles Association are looking to do other things, but this really is the big event.

What have been some of the main challenges you’ve faced in putting it on?

As it has become more popular, it’s slightly a victim of its own success. The costs now are

ARTS & CULTURE �

69

CLASS ACTS

PACKED Crowds at a 2014 Jazz on The Pantiles concert

TRUMPET Bands ‘queue up

Lionel introduces five performers to look forward to over the coming weeks Paul Malsom and the NoCasters – May 21 The quartet featuring Jez Owen on drums, Chris Sergaent on bass, Graham Mann on keyboards and Paul Malsom on guitar, explore that space between jazz, blues and more! With vintage guitar tones in a similar vein to the likes of Robben Ford and BB King, the band play upbeat Latin grooves to funky, ‘blue note’ inspired grooves, plus a touch of New Orleans and rumba.

The Two Bobs’ Worth – May 28 The Two Bobs’ Worth have been together for 20 years, playing jazz standards, Latin, funk and blues, from Benny Goodman to Stan Getz to Jimmy Smith.

Featured local musicians include freelance musician Bob Bernard on saxophone, clarinet and flute, Bob Haddrell on keyboards and vocals and Neil Bernard on drums, who plays in the style of Joe Morello and Shelley Man.

Do you think the town’s culture is thriving?

Tunbridge Wells, in my view, is getting stronger and stronger. There are great events on at Trinity Theatre and always have been; The Forum is very well recognised in its area as being a leader and has done so well; The Pantiles in itself is fabulous, and within that, there are various restaurants and pubs that put on live music.

At one of them, The Grey Lady, there’s something on every night, which is amazing for a town this size. huge, as it has grown beyond 50 people to the biggest numbers we’ve had, which were 3,600 on the busiest night last year. You can’t stop a good thing, and we wouldn’t want to, but the physical constraints of The Pantiles mean it will only take so many people, so it cannot go beyond that.

It must create a lot of buzz for local bands…

We get bands queuing up to play there, because, apart from the fact it’s a terrific venue, most bands don’t get the chance to play to 2,000 or 3,000 people. They get the opportunity to open to a large crowd and the atmosphere is amazing. You’d never believe you were in England; it’s just like being anywhere on the Continent. It’s the most fantastic thing and I’m so happy it has kept going and grown.

Can you tell us more about the costs and funding?

Until this year, the bars and restaurants have

FRIDAY 15 MAY 8PM 01892 530613

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

been the sole people that have paid for it. We started to do a voluntary collection of £2 or more, which helped, but didn’t really cover the costs. When it first started, the event on a Thursday night cost between £200 and £300; now, it’s between £2,000 and £3,000 per night. It’s not the bands that are earning this money – they deserve a lot more – it’s the administration, security and all the additional costs you have to have to run an event. There are so many other components and that’s a cost you have to meet.

What can we expect from this year’s event?

We’re having a low-key start of light jazz, then as the weeks pick up, we build the programme so that the event is a little bit more exciting. We hope to keep this momentum; we don’t want it to get any bigger because everybody likes it as it is. If it went on any longer, it might get watered down.

Let’s talk about noise complaints – is this a widespread problem for music venues?

There are a lot of places throughout the country where this is happening. People buy a commercial property, turn it into apartments, and the neighbours – live music venues – are suffering because of the noise abatement law, which in principal is good, but doesn’t make sense in practice. If one person complains, you can be closed down, which isn’t right, especially if you were there first. The culture of music shouldn’t be eroded by something new that comes in and opposes something that has already been successful and hasn’t been a problem.

End of story.

Jazz on The Pantiles runs from 7pm every Thursday night, from May to September in The Pantiles. To find out more about upcoming acts and events, visit www.pantilestraders.co.uk

Marc Parnell Quartet – June 11 Marc is the youngest son of legendary drummer/ band leader, Jack Parnell. He was trained classically (winning a music scholarship to Bryanston School) on piano and violin, and played drums from the age of 16. Playing drums professionally for over 30 years, he has spanned a wide range of music genres, from rock to jazz, pop to Latin and more.

Clark Tracey Trio – July 9 Clark Tracey has led his own groups for over 30 years. One such ensemble is his trio, which performs compositions by British jazz composers, such as George Shearing, Ray Noble and Victor Feldman, in tunes that have become worldwide jazz standards. Clark is an award-winning drummer whose style easily accommodates different jazz genres and he is joined by two of London’s most versatile and exciting musicians.

The Jive Aces – July 23 The Jive Aces, the UK’s number one jive and swing band, are renowned worldwide for their highenergy, swinging music, spectacular live show and being the first live band to reach the final rounds of Britain’s Got Talent. This extremely in-demand sextet average 300 shows a year and have worked with Van Morrison and Status Quo, as well as performing for the Queen.

STARRING PAUL MERTON • RICHARD VRANCH • LEE SIMPSON SUKI WEBSTER AND MIKE McSHANE

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MANDY WARD ARTIST MANAGEMENT

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Wednesday 13th May 2015

70 � THE GREAT OUTDOORS FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH

• By Eleanor Jones

Country matters with Kent Barker

A supreme bee-ing?

IT SEEMS I may be undergoing an epiphany. And before you say: “Ooh, that sounds painful”, I should tell you that the term is generally defined as ‘a moment of sudden and great revelation or realisation’. In church parlance, it apparently describes the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. But let’s stick with the non-religious definition for a moment.

The thing is that, at this time of year, I suffer from crippling guilt – no, not Catholic guilt, the other kind – and I worry that I am a lousy beekeeper. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bees and there is nothing more wonderful that seeing them emerge from their hive on a warm spring morning and go about their business of housekeeping – clearing out the debris of the winter before flying off in search of pollen.

But, on one or two occasions in the past, they simply haven’t come out from the hive and, on

PHOTOGRAPH: Tara Li-An

SWARMING Bees on the move

Wednesday 13th May 2015

inspection, I’ve found a large pile of dead bodies inside. This is particularly distressing both because they are such wonderful insects and are sorely needed for our survival, but more because it may have been me who caused their demise.

Traditionally, beekeepers are taught that they can take (steal?) the colony’s food stores – the honey – as long as they feed them with sugar syrup in return.

Calculating the amount of diluted sugar that’s needed is not an exact science and so, if your bees die, you are left with the worry you’ve not fed them enough and they’ve starved over the winter.

This, of course, doesn’t take into account any of the diseases they might have contracted, varroa, foul brood, chalk brood, or the mysterious CCD – colony collapse disorder. However, apart from the last, there are chemical treatments a conscientious beekeeper can administer to protect his little stripy charges.

But a conscientious beekeeper I am not. I generally open the hive up in the spring and make sure that there is evidence that the queen is laying eggs and raising a brood. Then I leave them alone until there is a ‘super’ full of honey to remove. I replace this with fresh foundation comb, and do little else except watch them coming and going throughout the summer.

This means that, generally, they will swarm. As far as I am concerned, this is a good thing. I have no close neighbours. I might be able to catch the swarm and start a new hive. If I can’t, then it’s likely that they’ll find a hollow tree and create a feral colony. It means the old lot will produce less honey, but I generally get more than enough for myself and friends anyway.

If I’ve correctly calculated, and it’s been a productive year, and the swarming hasn’t depleted them too much, they won’t need feeding. There will be enough stores in the broodbox and new supers to last the winter. I usually intend to mix up the sugar solution and give them an autumn feed just in case, but I don’t always get round to it. Hence my spring guilt if many have died.

Now to digress slightly: even though I am an avid Radio 4 listener and always awake to the Today programme, I rather dislike Thought for the Day. My main objection is that they won’t allow humanist speakers and, if those that believe there is a deity are to be catered for, then surely those who believe there is not, should too.

But, ironically, it was Anne Atkins’ homily at 7.50am the other day that let to my moment of revelation. She had been using the hive as an analogy for a Christian society when she mentioned she was a practitioner of natural beekeeping. I rushed to the internet. YES, hallelujah (in the humanist sense of course) here was the justification – nay, the motivation and even inspiration – for my abject laziness.

Natural beekeeping holds that intervention is bad and should be minimised, swarming is good and should not be prevented and that feeding with sugar syrup is the work of the devil (well, pretty bad anyway as processed white sugar is more drug than natural food.)

The philosophy has further refinements, such as not providing foundation comb, encouraging drones and regarding the entire colony as a whole – a sort of single ‘bee’ organism, rather than 30,000 individual components. It seems that some studies have found that non-intervention and eschewing all chemical treatments produces better long-term results.

I need to find out more about the concept but I’m instinctively sympathetic to it. It’s just the nagging worry that my guilt has been assuaged as a result of a religious commentator on Thought For The Day. An epiphany is one thing, but a fullscale Damascene conversion quite another!

Read more at KentCountryMatters.Blogspot.com

LET’S talk dressage. Anyone non-horsey who nevertheless got caught up in the excitement of the British team and individual dressage golds at the London Olympics might remember Charlotte Dujardin’s winning freestyle to music routine, complete with excerpts from The Great Escape, Land of Hope and Glory and even the chimes of Big Ben. Others might talk vaguely and slightly disparagingly of ‘dancing horses’ but to anyone with an inkling of what that standard of performance means, it was absolutely breathtaking.

I was there in Greenwich Park on August 9, 2012, when Charlotte won on the amazing Valegro – they have between them since won just about every major title going across the world – and it was stunning.

It was a perfect sunny day, the views from the park across to London were spectacular and the atmosphere very happy and patriotic but everyone was there for the performance and it did not disappoint, far from it. Riders like Charlotte and horses like Valegro, or Blueberry as he’s known at home, do not come along very often and it was a privilege to be there to see them triumph.

Dressage is not the discipline in which I have ambitions – I would rather go to a dressage show than no show at all but I just don’t find it exciting when there are no jumps involved, there’s no buzz from it for me.

Having said that, however, I want my horses to go properly on the flat, which is what dressage is, as it will improve them all round and benefit their jumping. And I have competed in a few dressage shows in the past when there was some excitement, even if it wasn’t entirely planned.

There was the time I took my ex-horse Dave to compete at preliminary level – I have no idea why, dressage really wasn’t his thing – and it’s fair to say we didn’t shine. I think we actually came last, which takes some doing.

The problem was, Dave’s friend was also there, in a different ring, and Dave spent his whole test, in which he should have been relaxed and working into a soft contact on his mouth, doing his best giraffe impression and shouting his head off to his friend. It felt like riding a plank of wood crossed with a bouncy ball and I wasn’t surprised by our low mark.

What did make me laugh though was the written comment on my marks sheet: “Well sat, shame he was a bit saucy!” It was a typical restrained comment from a dressage judge who, like all her colleagues, had seen it all before and must sometimes really want to write exactly what she really thinks.

Others I’ve heard from friends include ‘Some interesting interpretations of the required movements’, on a horse which had dumped its rider twice, and, about a horse which had done its best rodeo impression during a scheduled canter, ‘disobedient – but spectacular!’

INDOORS & OUTDOORS �

Captain questions his own position in Kent Rob Key admits he has been batting ‘like a muppet’ CAPTAIN Rob Key has questioned his own position in the Kent cricket side and admits he needs to improve his form.

The skipper made scores of 8 and 7 batting at number three as Kent drew with Leicestershire at Canterbury, prompting the 36-year-old to drop himself from the County Championship match against Glamorgan this week.

Having failed to win their opening three games, losing to both Lancashire and Essex, Kent have had a difficult start to the 2015 campaign and some playing staff have come under intense scrutiny.

No more so than Key, who has a new role this

season, dropping from opening the batting to number three, and he admits he needs to start playing better to warrant a place.

He said: “I don’t enjoy watching. It’s been too long now I haven’t played well enough. I need to sort myself out. It’s not good enough for whatever reason – mentally, technically or whatever.”

“I play the game because I love batting. I don’t enjoy fielding – I can be honest, I don’t think it’s any surprise to many people, and I enjoy winning games of cricket. The county needs me scoring runs, not batting like a muppet.”

Key said he wants to turn his own form around.

SKIPPER Captain Rob Key, with club chairman George Kennedy

He added: “It’s something I have to try to work out how to do. I didn’t have a great year last year.”

Key always looks at his best when attacking the opposition bowling and pre-season, looked in great form, but he admits he needs time in the middle before he can start asserting himself: He said: “I need to be in long enough to try and do that, which I haven’t been. It was a tough game, this game, but I always say – it only takes three hours to get yourself right.

“Whatever happens as a captain and as a team, I generally judge myself on how many runs I score, and at the moment, I’m not judging myself particularly well.”

Someone who has gone through a similar struggle is England captain Alastair Cook who having scored a century against the West Indies, seems set to keep his place.

For Key, the issue is similar, but puts everything into perspective.

He said: “The problem is, when you look at someone like Alastair Cook, you think ‘why am I struggling or moaning, because I’m not playing Test cricket with all the scrutiny.’ I’ve not got Piers Morgan slating me on Twitter.

“I might have a few Kent members probably not happy with my form, quite rightly so, but they’re not Piers Morgan!”

71

Racer hopes to bounce back RACER Mike Bushell is hoping to bounce back quickly after a horrific crash.

The 25-year-old former Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys pupil was going all out in qualifying in the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton when he was involved in a high-speed crash, leaving him with severe ligament damage to his left leg.

The heavy nature of the impact with barriers caused extensive damage to the driver’s side of the Ford Focus, so Bushell had to exit via the passenger door.

Bushell was treated by medical teams at the scene, then taken to the circuit medical centre and on to hospital in Southampton for further checks and assessment.

Having been diagnosed with severe ligament damage, the driver is determined to be back behind the wheel as soon as possible: He said: “The impact was obviously a lot harder than I thought. Travelling at such high speed, I just shut my eyes and waited. I felt I was hurt and couldn’t get out of the driver’s door, so I just scrambled out and let the medical staff do their thing.

“It’ll most likely be a few weeks on crutches, then maybe up to six weeks for the damage to heal.

“There’s an awful lot of damage to the car, to the engine, gearbox and shell.”

AmD Tuning team boss Shaun Hollamby had nothing but praise for those that came to the aid of his driver: “The most important thing is that Mike has escaped more serious injury as a result of the accident,” Hollamby said.

“While it’s a disappointing way for our weekend to finish, I’d like to put on record my thanks to the marshals and medical teams who were on hand for their fantastic response to the incident.”

LAMBERHURST GOLF CLUB OPEN DAY 30th MAY 2015

What’s happening...

• Play either a 3 hole“taster” or a full 18 hole “experience” of golf at Lamberhurst • Free group lessons led by our PGA Golf Professional ~ a taster to see how it feels.

• Putting ~ You’re never too young to start and never too old to perfect your technique

When...

From 2pm on Saturday 30th May.

In order to secure your place pre-registration is essential.

Who it’s for...

Whether you have been playing golf for years, have played in the past and would like to get back into the swing, or have never played at all and would like to see what all the fuss is about then this day has something for you.

To book a place email:

secretary@lamberhurstgolfclub.com or phone our office on

01892 890591 More details about this event can be found on our website at

www.lamberhurstgolfclub.com Wednesday 13th May 2015

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Ballon Bleu de Cartier Pink gold and steel, diamonds

63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XU 63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XU Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 Tel. 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 Email.01892 info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com

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