Times of Tonbridge 13th November 2019

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Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Bishop blames social media not Brexit - for ‘bitter’ division

PUBLIC FAITH Simon Burton-Jones warns of election ‘confusion’ LEST WE FORGET: Representatives of (l-r) the Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Cadets 2520 Squadron, Scouts and Guides dip the standards while the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band plays the Last Post at the Remembrance Sunday service in the Memorial Gardens on Sunday [November 10]. See moore on pg 6

CCTV camera cited as evidence that River Lawn cannot be ‘village green’ A DECISION is expected soon on whether River Lawn will be designated as an official village green in order to save it from developers.

The campaign group Keep River Lawn Green [KRLG] remains optimistic despite Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council spending more than £10,000 on legal fees to fight the application.

If the land is deemed to be part of a development plan or has had a planning application approved, it cannot be given village green status.

The council is arguing that permission to install a single CCTV camera on the edge of the site 15 years ago is sufficient to stop the bid.

It also claims that the half-acre plot in the town centre was identified as a potential site for development in the Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan of 2008.

According to a Freedom of Information request by KRLG, the council has spent £11,825 plus VAT on barristers and a QC to protect its financial interest in the site.

“The site was not included in the current draft Local Plan for development” Its Cabinet voted to sell River Lawn for residential housing in 2017. But the Barden Residents’ Association approached Kent County Council with its green plan at the start of this year.

County Hall has confirmed that it is currently working on its final report and is about to send out invitations to

the decisive meeting.

KRLG’s chair, Emma Hood, told the Times: “The site was not included in the current draft Local Plan for development. And they have highlighted a bigger area than the CCTV camera is in.

“If you read the rest of the Action Plan document, it talks about developing the area in an environmental way as a conservation area, and about developing the front of the bordering properties. I think it’s just semantics.”

Adrian Stanfield, the council’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Central Services, said: “The legislation relating to village green applications excludes the right to apply for registration where a prescribed event,

Continued on page 4

THE Bishop of Tonbridge has warned that with a general election impending on December 12, Brexit is not the reason for divisions within society.

The Right Reverend Simon BurtonJones, who has been an outspoken critic of social media, says it is responsible for the animosity within communities.

And while politicians are being blamed for their failure to reach agreement over leaving the EU, the online platforms are also making their profession more dangerous.

In a special election message the Bishop said: “The way we discuss issues of local and national importance has become bitter and divisive.

“It is tempting to think this is a function of the impasse over Brexit, but there are signs it goes deeper and wider than this.”

He added: “Social media has opened up a vista of nastiness where public servants are being threatened in the ordinary course of their duties.

“We are also slowly waking up to the way those who want to undermine our democracy are using social media to

Continued on page 4

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Bishop on bitter division Continued from page 1

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Queen visits borough for Legion centenary

set people against one another and to confuse and demoralise all. Both may be evident in this election.”

He says these processes are eroding public faith in the longstanding structures of society and belief in the concept of communal values.

“Meanwhile, trust in the institutions that glue us together and help build community is being eroded at just the moment we can ill afford this.

“As time passes, it feels like there is less of a coherent set of ethics with which to shape our common life.

“The language of community is routinely deployed, but it feels evanescent, like the echo of a voice in a cave, rather than the voice itself.”

Tugendhat: Russia report must be made public now TOM TUGENDHAT has called on his own government to publish the report into Russian interference with the 2016 referendum on leaving the EU. The highly regarded politician, who has been MP of Tonbridge & Malling for four years, made the statement on his last day as chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee before the General Election.

An inquiry by a sister committee, Intelligence and Security, is understood to have investigated allegations that the Russian government tried to influence the Brexit campaign.

It is also believed to have looked into claims that large amounts of Russian money were received by organisations in the UK including donations to the Conservative Party.

Downing Street has said the report must be scrutinised for reasons of national security.

Unlike other committees, it needs the Prime Minister’s permission to be published.

Mr Tugendhat, said: “I think this is an extremely important report and urge the government to change their mind and publish it.

“Our last report is about autocracies must deal with democracies and how democracies cope with the real threat that is posed, and this is another example.

“We’ve seen it reported in the Sunday Times about how the Chinese state has been interfering in academic studies in the UK and we’ve seen this with democratic freedoms in Russia as well.”

CONTACTS

NOVEMBER GREY The town’s Poppy Appeal organiser Carl Lewis has written the following poem, called November Grey, which was included on last month’s Poetry Trail around the town and sited at the Memorial Gardens: Bikes and pushchairs swiftly go Without stopping by to say hello Everyone so busy today No time at all to look our way

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Queen marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion [RBL] with a visit to the borough ahead of Remembrance Day. She attended the opening of the latest development at the RBL Centenary Village near Aylesford on November 6.

While she was there, she met a 99-year-old veteran of World War Two, John Riggs, and told him: “I must remember to get your card on the

GENUINE AND KIND George Murrell

River lawn cannot be ‘Village Green’

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Carved in stone our names are here To be remembered, to shed a tear But in the dark when you go home We still stand guard, together, alone

PURPLE HEART The Queen visits veterans at the new Appleton Lodge

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REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

known as a ‘trigger event’, has occurred within the planning system relating to that land.

“The borough council has made representations to Kent County Council that two such trigger events have occurred in relation to the land at River Lawn, and are currently awaiting determination of the application by the county council.”

KRLG countered the council’s legal strategy by gaining assistance from the Environmental Law Foundation [ELF], which has provided a barrister on a pro-bono basis.

Mrs Hood said: “Without the assistance of ELF we would have faced difficulty in responding to the objections made by the borough council.

“Without the ELF many people would not have the funds, knowledge or resources to fight legal teams from councils, property developers etc. to protect green spaces.

“They help to readdress the imbalance between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in our society, ensuring all can benefit from specialist legal advice and representation.”

KRLG have been represented by Cain Ormondroyd, who earlier this year overturned a judicial review brought by a developer in Lancaster against a village green application made seven years ago.

right date next year.”

The village provides accommodation for armed forces personnel and their families, including those with disabilities.

The £22million project, which began in 2015, is designed to support ex-servicemen and women who are in need for another 100 years.

Mr Riggs, served in Burma with the Chindits, a renowned special operations unit formed to carry out long-range penetration raids to protect India from Japanese invasion.

His daughter Barbara Rajkumar said: “He served extensively in the Middle East and was

From A to Z we are here each day Not just for wreaths in November grey Far from where our youth was lost In fields of mud, on waves that tossed So when you walk next past our way Stop and think, and pause, and say For our lives, a small lament In honour and praise, lest we forget. behind enemy lines in Burma.“He came out of the jungle weighing seven-and-a-half stone.”

Mr Riggs, who was also at the Siege of Tobruk and attained the rank of captain, has been living in the RBL’s accommodation for more than 50 years.

HSE investigate death at farm AN INQUEST will be held into the death of a man who was trapped when part of a farm building collapsed.

George Murrell, 21, died after the structure fell on him at John Foster & Son at Fishponds Farm in Upper Hayesden Lane on April 30.

Senior coroner Roger Hatch ordered an inquest to take place before a jury in June 2020; it is expected to last three days.

The Health and Safety Executive [HSE] is investigating the incident and John Foster has requested to give evidence.

A fundraising page was set up on Justgiving

HORSE CHESTNUT LOVE CONKERS ALL The River Lawn tree that was saved by a week-long, 24-hour vigil by protesters has produced a bumper crop which were used at the Conkerer of Tonbridge Championships last month. The mature horse chestnut was suffering from canker and was due to be felled to make way for the new Tonbridge Medical Centre on River Lawn Road but has been treated by arboriculturalists. KRLG’s Emma Hood said: “It’s in excellent condition, as it should be they’ve been feeding it really well!”

Mrs Hood said: “ELF invited me to a 25-year celebration in London and it was impressive the calibre of people they have - Prince Charles is their patron.

“One barrister told me it’s not about how much

in his memory, which has raised more than £3,000 for the charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

One tribute said: “He had an idyllic childhood on the farm and had turned into an amazing, genuine, kind young man.”

Mr Murrell, who studied at Plumpton College in Lewes, grew up in Tring, Hertfordshire and played for the local rugby club for 10 years.

The club said: “He was a lovely, smiley boy who grew up into a smashing young man working his way through life doing what he loved, farming.” money you’ve got, it’s about supporting communities, and that really gives you courage.”

She added: “It would have cost an absolute fortune for us to hire a barrister. There is no way we could have put up an advice to the council’s advice - it cost us £900 just for a single letter from a solicitor.”

“I presented them with information about the village green, the fight for River Lawn, our protests and how the land was used in the past.”

She points out that after the end of World War One the Urban District Council, the forerunner of the current borough council, purchased the land using ratepayers’ money.

Veterans were employed by the Employment Grants Committee to renovate and regenerate the area in order to help with their rehabilitation.

The Union Cinema Company tried to build on River Lawn but ‘were informed that the council were not prepared to sell or grant a building lease in respect of the land’.

Then in the 1950s the British Legion requested to build a hut there but the council said it was a ‘ludicrous prospect’ akin to building on Castle Lawn.

Today sites can be put up for the application ‘by virtue of the use of the land for the purposes of lawful sports and pastimes as of right and without challenge by the landowner for a period of over 20 years’.

KRLG says the First Tonbridge Scouts Group, based at Lamberts Yard, have been using River Lawn at least since the 1920s.

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Controlling boyfriend jailed for two years A HAWKHURST man who admitted pushing his girlfriend’s head into a pan of hot cooking oil, has been jailed for two years.

Freddie McPherson subjected his partner to nine months of repeated physical and mental abuse, including choking her until she was unconscious, beating her with a metal chair and stamping on her.

After the 21-year-old was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court last Tuesday [November 5], PC Ian Loft of the West Kent Vulnerable Investigation Team said McPherson was ‘immature and selfish’ and ‘demonstrated no sense of shame’.

He added: “He has subjected her [the victim] to the most appalling violence as well as relentless mental anguish, much of which was intended to humiliate and degrade her and which sometimes took place in front of a young child.”

Council shortlisted WEALDEN District Council has been made a finalist in a local government award.

Wealden has been shortlisted in the Entrepreneurial Council category of the 2020 Local Government Chronicle Awards, alongside seven other councils.

Trevor Scott, Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that our innovative approach to service delivery has been recognised by the LGC in the form of this nomination.

“As the LGC itself says, shortlisted councils have demonstrated outstanding practice as well as cutting-edge innovations.

“Our commercial strategy has allowed us to take a more entrepreneurial approach to managing our finances and generating income.”

Local Plan consultation THE consultation period for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s draft Local Plan ends this week.

Members of the public have until 5pm on Friday, November 15 to comment on the Council’s proposed plan for housing in the borough.

The Local Plan will see 2,000 homes built in the village of Tudeley and a further 4,000 around Paddock Wood.

It has been heavily criticised from both residents and neighbouring Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

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Scottish play’s gala night hailed a success

Local News Saturday’s Gala who raised a significant amount for this important cause.”

VIP guests at the night included well-known actors Allan Corduner, Nigel Fairs and Ben Humphrey who were treated to bubbles and canapes at a pre-show reception with a raffle and other fundraising activities all in aid of the local charity.

Hospice in the Weald ambassador

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Glenn Goodall spoke movingly about the charity and the incredible work they do supporting patients and their relatives through difficult times.

Donations to Hospice in the Weald will continue to be collected

by The Shakespeare Project until the end of the run.

Macbeth runs at the Salomons Estate Victorian Theatre until Sunday, November 24.

MACBETH A HIT WITH SCHOOL PUPILS STAGE IS SET The Shakespeare Project is enjoying a succesful run of Macbeth MORE than £550 was raised for Hospice in the Weald following a charity night put on by the team that has brought Macbeth to Tunbridge Wells.

The Shakespeare Project raised the money at their Gala Charity evening on Saturday [November 9] at the Salomons Victorian Theatre.

Artistic Director Peter Basham, said he established the partnership with the charity at the very beginning of the project.

He told the Times: “The work of Hospice in the Weald is so important for our community, helping patients and their families to come to terms with end of life.

Reception “We were very pleased to be able to partner with them for the whole of our run at Salomons Estate and would like to say a big thank you to our generous audience at

NEARLY a thousand pupils from schools across Kent and East Sussex have booked to see Macbeth at Salomons Estate during its run.

The ‘Scottish play’, which began last week, is one of the key texts studied for English GCSE, so the performance by The Shakespeare Project has been a hit with teachers and pupils alike, with more than 900 classroom age children booking seats.

Mr Andrew Duncan, Head of English and Drama for Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham said “We are lucky to have such a professional production in Kent.

“The intimate and enchanting venue helped create the magic for the play Macbeth. Our students were amazed, enthralled, shocked and moved - they are looking forward to studying the play.”

Artistic Director, Peter Basham, said he was ‘over the moon’ with the response from the teenage audience.

He added: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have managed to reach so many local schools. As an RSC Associate Education Practitioner I have a passion for making Shakespeare accessible for young people without over simplifying, or patronising our audience.”

Traders condemn car park permit changes

By Richard Williams TRADERS say changes to two town centre car parks is heaping more misery on independent shops in the town.

From last week [Monday, November 4] motorists have been prevented from parking in Beech Street Car Park off Camden Road without a permit during the day.

Instead visitors and shoppers are being asked to use the opposite Camden Road Car Park.

The Council says that there has been no loss of pay and display parking spaces in the area as they are simply moving all permit holders to Beech Street.

But traders along the street say the move is another ‘kick in the teeth’ to independent businesses as it means one car park is full all day while the other is half empty.

Jack Ward, owner of Velocipede bicycle shop, opposite Beech Street Car Park, says it is already affecting trade.

CAR WARS Camden Road car park is full throughout the day “It is ridiculous to have one car park absolutely full so people cannot use it while the other car park is empty all day because permit holders are at work,” he said.

He continued: “It is difficult enough as it is at the moment, what with the roadworks and everything else that is going on, and this is just another kick in the teeth. People use that car park to drop bikes off at my shop, now they have nowhere to park.

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“It is not as if people can stop outside because the traffic wardens refuse to use any common sense. My customers will end up going somewhere else where they can park.”

He said to combat the changes, he is thinking of starting a petition, ‘among other things’.

Former Mayor and councillor for St James’, David Neve, has also criticised the move by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

He told the Times: “What annoys me is that they have done this without any committee or any councillors being involved. Traders were also not informed. The signs went up even before the order was issued.

“The Council says there will be no loss of parking spaces but there will be a loss of choice.”

A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “We’ve been listening to the feedback about these proposed changes and we will be opening Beech Street to short-stay users on the weekends.”

Disruptive roadworks to be cut short after interventions ROADWORKS that begun this week despite protestations from both the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and the town’s MP, are to be cut short, SGN has confirmed.

As reported in the Times last month, a series of roadworks has brought misery to traders and caused traffic chaos, bringing the town centre to lengthy standstills.

Because of this, both Council Leader Alan McDermott and Greg Clark, when he was still an MP, wrote to SGN last month urging the gas company to delay plans to upgrade old metal gas mains with plastic pipes in Calverley Road.

Cllr McDermott told SGN the works could ‘be the final straw for’ traders in the area who ‘were already on their knees’.

But SGN decided to press ahead on Monday and began digging up the road, placing another diversion in the town.

Following further intervention from Greg Clark yesterday [Tuesday], SGN has now agreed to shorten the works, which were set to finish on November 22, and have them completed by early next week instead.

Mr Clark said: “The works are urgent, and the current disruption is burdensome, but reducing it to a week will be a relief for traders, residents and visitors alike.”

SGN has also agreed to donate £3,000 to Tunbridge Wells Christmas lights.

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Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Thousands turn out as towns pay their respect on Remembrance Sunday

By Richard Williams THOUSANDS paid their respects to the fallen in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on Sunday as the towns came out to remember.

Remembrance Sunday [November 10] saw a number of events held in Tunbridge Wells to servicemen and women who lost their lives in war.

As revealed in the Times in August, the Royal town’s annual Poppy Appeal has been scaled down after no volunteer was found to organise the event.

The Royal British Legion warned at the time it would have ‘a profound effect’ on a town that has ‘proudly supported’ the Armed Forces community over the years.

Despite the setback, more than two thousand people gathered in front of the War Memorial at the Town Hall to pay their respects at the service of Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Dedication on Sunday.

Joining the Mayor, Cllr James Scholes, were members of the Royal British Legion, 128 Squadron Air Training Corps, Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadet Corps, the RTW Orpheus Male Choir and the Salvation Army Band.

The service began at 10.50am, leading up to the eleventh hour where the traditional two-minute silence was observed after the playing of the Last Post.

Sacrifice Following the ceremony, a service was conducted by the Mayor’s Chaplain and Vicar of King Charles the Martyr, Reverend Laurence Powell, before the laying of wreaths.

There was then a March Past where the Mayor took the salute.

Later on, at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, a Civic Event was held where the Mayor laid wreaths at the four war memorials in the cemetery - the two Crosses of Sacrifice, the

LEST WE FORGET Two minutes silence being observed at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells [picture TWBC]

PEMBURY A knitted ‘poppy man’ sits in the village [picture Facebook]

IN MEMORIAM Paying respects at Tonbridge Memorial Gardens [picture Kerry Barton]

Civilian War memorial and the RAF Memorial.

In addition, the family of Sgt William A Burnett, a Wireless Operator in the RAF who died when his Lancaster III crashed at Canada Farm, Suffolk, laid a wreath at the airman’s grave.

A World War II exhibition in the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery Chapel, and John Cohen OBE, Chairman of the RTW branch of the Royal British Legion gave a talk.

The Mayor was also joined by representatives of the Royal British Legion in Royal Tunbridge Wells to commemorate Armistice Day on Monday [November 11], which marked 101 years since the end of World War I.

A short ceremony was held in front of the War Memorial and the two minutes silence observed.

In Tonbridge the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band, fresh from appearing at the Lord Mayor’s Show, led the parade down the High Street in Tonbridge.

The parade featured the Army Cadet Force, the RAF Air Cadets of 2520 Squadron, Kent Police Cadet Force, St John Ambulance, Scouts and Guides.

The service in the Memorial Gardens was led by Rev Wendy Carr, Curate of Tonbridge Parish Church and James Lark representing the Lions Club.

There were also events in other local towns and villages over Remembrance weekend. A poppy display had been put together by villagers in Pembury, incuding a hand-knitted man made from poppies.

People also gathered at the war memorials in Southborough, Paddock Wood and Rusthall.

PAYING RESPECTS Mayor James Scholes at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery [picture Caroline Auckland]

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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Toy Appeal launches following anxious search to find new home

By Holly Stafford AN APPEAL that allows hundreds of disadvantaged children to receive a gift from Santa at Christmas is back for its 30th year, despite being under threat after outgrowing its home.

The Mayor’s Toy Appeal 2016 which has a new head quarters on Camden Road, officially launched Friday November 8 in the town centre.

Mayor James Scholes is backing the project which encourages residents to donate toys at the various drop-off points to then be distributed across the borough.

Last year, the scheme broke its record with more than 500 children receiving at least three major presents as well as stocking fillers.

As reported in the Times last month, event organiser Karen Collins had warned that this year’s appeal was under threat after the charity had struggled to find suitable premises.

The appeal had been operating at the Big Yellow Self Storage in Tunbridge Wells but had outgrown it as a base.

Now, IT providers CMS Group in Camden Road, has stepped in at the eleventh hour to provide the appeal a place in which to operate.

Ms Collins said: “We are enormously grateful to CMS Group for their generosity in allowing us a space.

“My hopes for this year are that we get enough toys and gifts to enable all the children to have a sack, as the numbers are rising each year.

“We have so many lovely thank yous from parents and referees after Christmas that reduce us to tears and make us aware that all the work is so worth it. We are so grateful for the continuing support of the local people and businesses.

Referrals “At this early stage we have already received nearly 300 referrals, so anticipate that we will certainly equal and likely exceed last year’s total of 520 referrals and sacks!”

Founded in 1989, the appeal has allowed thousands of children to have something to open on Christmas Day who may not otherwise have received a gift at all.

Donations can be dropped off from now until December 11. Gifts should be not be used or include soft toys, weapon-type toys or candles.

For more gift ideas and to find your nearest drop off point, visittwmta.co.uk

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Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Popular country pub goes up for sale again

MILESTONE The team at Thomson Snell & Passmore outside their new head office

Move for world’s oldest law firm

By Richard Williams A TUNBRIDGE WELLS law firm that is soon to celebrate its 450th birthday moved into new headquarters this week.

Thomson Snell & Passmore, which was founded in 1570, has moved from its offices in Lonsdale Gardens to a 28,000 sq ft newly refurbished, modern, openplan office spanning five floors at Heathervale House in Vale Avenue.

The premises will act as a hub for all legal services provided by fee-earners based in Tunbridge Wells, in conjunction with the firm’s other office in the Thames Gateway.

The move follows an announcement by the firm earlier in the year reporting five successive years of financial growth, with fee revenues totalling £21.96million in the financial year ending June 5, 2019 – which is a 5.9 per

cent increase on the previous year.

‘The world’s oldest law firm’, which celebrates its 450th anniversary in July 2020, says Heathervale House will be the base from which it will continue to offer clients a broad range of practical and specialist legal advice spanning core practice areas, including Private Client, Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Property and Family.

Pillar The company says the new office also reinforces Thomson Snell & Passmore’s position as the fourth largest employer in Tunbridge Wells, where it has had a presence for more than a century, as it looks to attract further talent to the firm in line with its organic growth plans.

Senior Partner James Partridge said: “Thomson Snell & Passmore has long

been recognised as a key pillar of the local community.

“As we continue to grow our legal offering to clients and increase in size, we remain committed to building on our heritage by investing in our people and the local area.

“Since the firm started in 1570, we have had a strong presence in the South East, and Heathervale House will be a home for the future generations of Thomson Snell & Passmore.

“We continually seek efficiencies in the delivery of our services, as well as reinvesting in our employees, clients and community, and our new location in Tunbridge Wells reflects this ethos.

“We remain at the heart of the local community, and the excellent legal service we provide to clients can only continue to improve with this new collaborative workspace.”

A 13TH-CENTURY village inn is back on the market two years after it was last sold.

The George & Dragon in Speldhurst is being listed on the property website Rightmove after the current publican, Chris Cozens, decided to sell the pub.

The traditional establishment has a guide price of £150,000 and is described as ‘an impressive period part timber-framed building, having part colour-washed rendered elevations and part brick elevations under a predominantly clay tiled roof’.

ON THE MARKET The George & Dragon

The George & Dragon, which has an annual turnover of £650,000, is being sold under lease – tied on draft beer and cider – to landlord Brakspear Brewery.

It was bought by Mr Cozens in the summer of 2017, and he managed to increase revenues by 40 per cent after focusing on the food offering.

Now, though, he has decided to sell the well-known country pub, along with the 18th-century Leicester Arms in Penshurst, which he also took over in 2017.

The Leicester Arms is listed for sale with a guide price of £199,950.

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BID makes festive investments

By Richard Williams THE organisation responsible for the Business Development District [BID] has launched a Christmas guide to promote shopping and Christmas in the town centre.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Together say the glossy 28-page guide is being door-dropped by Royal Mail to 110,000 homes across the region.

It features gift ideas from more than 100 businesses in the town centre, and also promotes events such as ice skating in Calverley Grounds, eating and drinking, Christmas shows at local theatres, markets in The Pantiles and Royal Victoria Place and Santa Special trains on The Spa Valley Railway.

Initiative “This is all about shopping locally this Christmas and enjoying what our lovely town can offer,” said Karen Pengelly, BID Manager at Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

“It’s easy to overlook what’s on our own doorsteps, but hopefully this beautiful guide will remind people what a wonderful array of gifts and items they can source locally without resorting to online shopping or travelling miles away.

“This is all about supporting the bricks and mortar local businesses who contribute so much to our town. They offer better advice and service as well as better after sales care – why wouldn’t people cherish and value that?”

The Christmas guide is not the only festive initiative by BID – which is funded by businesses in the town centre.

Mrs Pengelly said she is also working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to give the town centre a lift this Christmas by adding to the annual festive decorations.

The town’s Christmas lights and decorations were bought by the council in 2015 at a cost of £50,000.

But traders in the town have complained that the annual yuletide decorations are underwhelming.

Mrs Pengelly added that she is hoping to give them a boost this year.

“The council are providing the existing lights as usual and they are fine, but the council has a limit on what it can spend and we would like more and better lights in the town,” she said.

She confirmed that traders approached RTW Together around three months ago to say they wanted extra lights and wondered whether BID could make a contribution.

“I’m hoping we won’t actually have to spend any BID money on them, though, as I am speaking to a couple of developers in the town and I think they will agree to help fund them,” she said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

London expansion part of travel firm’s growth plans A TUNBRIDGE WELLS travel firm has expanded its London footprint with a new office location in Holborn.

CT Travel Group, which has branches in Maidstone and Cardiff, say the London expansion provides ‘scope to attract the best talent and provide a modern and conveniently located space for the business to operate’.

Tunbridge Wells will remain as the group’s headquarters.

The Managing Director of Corporate Travel, Clare Collins, said: “The Holborn office is an extremely exciting addition to our existing locations, and demonstrates the Board’s ongoing commitment to our clients and staff.

“As we continue with our growth plans for the future, I look forward to the opportunities that Holborn presents for the entire group.”

Retail applications halve NEW analysis has discovered that the number of planning applications made to district and borough councils for new retail units has almost halved in the last five years.

The research by the District Councils Network [DCN], which represents 191 district and borough councils in England and Wales, shows that just 1,258 applications were received by local authorities for retail and service developments in the year ending June 2019, down from 2,216 in the year ending June 2015.

DCN say the figures suggest high streets are in a ‘state of emergency’ and it has called on central government to give local authorities funding to revive the struggling sector.

Mark Crane, DCN Lead for Stronger Economies, said: “These figures paint a

worrying picture about the future of our high streets and town centres, and highlights the uphill battle we face tackling the housing crisis.

“There are huge opportunities to reshape places into thriving community, cultural and employment hubs – by investing in new housing, infrastructure, services and events.

“However, district councils, which are responsible for delivering housing and improving high streets, need the funding certainty and powers to transform town centres, to attract investment into infrastructure, and to build new homes.”

He continued: “Without new powers and long-term funding for local areas, our country will continue to struggle to turn around our town centres and face real difficulties tackling the housing crisis.”

New partner for Cripps TUNBRIDGE WELLS law firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish has expanded its London employment team with a new city partner.

Melanie Stancliffe joins Cripps from Irwin Mitchell’s London office.

She is ranked as an expert in legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and has over 21 years’ experience advising executives, professionals and corporates on a range of employment matters, including terminations, boardroom disputes and tribunal claims.

She said: “I’m excited to join Cripps Pemberton Greenish. The firm has a great reputation for supporting businesses and individuals for all their needs, including its employment work, highlighted by its recent rankings in key legal directories.

“I am delighted to work with the team to continue to build on this reputation, and add to its offering to clients.”

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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NEWS

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Solicitors’ quiz helps to fund summer breaks for child victims of Chernobyl

GROW AND GLOW Last year’s ‘help-yourself’ bracelet tree

Wonder Lights is back to lead the way to Christmas season THE Wonder Lights neighbourhood event is firmly establishing itself on the Tunbridge Wells festive calendar as it reaches further across town.

The community project calls on residents to ‘light up’ their windows – and front gardens – with bright illuminations for an evening on Sunday November 24.

Organiser Mat Waugh said: “As before, Tunbridge Wells residents are invited to plan something sparkly, magical and eye-catching for their front windows, ready to display between 5 and 8pm.”

He is hoping for a record number of people to register to take part, and

Community News

also to explore their neighbourhood on the night.

“People seem to like Wonder Lights because it’s easy, fun and free,” the children’s author said.

“The only limit is your imagination – and your willingness to get creative with a pair of scissors!

“There’s a domino effect, so when one house in a road joins in, others follow.

All you need is a front window and a little imagination.

“Wonder Lights is for everyone. Households have created awe-inspiring wholehouse displays, given children free rein, or simply lit a candle.

“The only unwritten rule is: No Santas!”

The display was initially centred on the St John’s area when it was launched in 2017, but last year it expanded to High Brooms and Southborough and covered around 20 streets.

Among the creations were a giant twostorey giraffe, a moving First World War tableau for the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, and Willy Wonka and Banksy themes.

Participation is free and it’s easy to enrol, and to find out where to see the displays: Households simply add themselves to the online map.

For full details, visit wonderlights.info

STAFF at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors organised a quiz night in Bells Yew Green to help raise money for Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline.

The charity organises summer placements with host families in West Kent for children affected by the nuclear catastrophe in 1986.

The evening raised £190, and all proceeds will go towards paying air fares for sick children to come to the UK for four-week stays.

These breaks allow their immune system to recover, alleviating their symptoms, while also giving respite for parents or the children’s carers, who are often their siblings.

Anastasiya Day, the West Kent co-ordinator of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, said: “Every penny we raise goes in support of sick children.

“Bringing children from Belarus to the United Kingdom for a few weeks in the summer gives their immune an important boost to help them fight a range of blood cancers and auto-immune diseases.

“We continue to hold regular events in support of the charity but are looking for people who could spare some time to help raise funds.”

The charity also seeks to improve conditions for children in hospital in Belarus and Ukraine suffering from cancer and blood disorders caused by the disaster.

Belarus received more than 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the explosion at a nuclear reactor in what was then the Soviet Union.

Over 50,000 children are affected and suffer an increased incidence of thyroid cancer, bone cancer and leukaemia.

Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, which was set up in 1992, provides equipment and daily essentials, as well as medicine and clothing in the wider community.

To find out more about the charity, or to organise a fundraising event, call Anastasiya on 07890 098180 or email: anastasiya.day@gmail.com

QUESTIONS OF LAW: Thomas Mansfield Solicitors staff enjoy their quiz night

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CHOC SHOCK Theo (circled) and right Hollie O’Callaghan, Suzi Mitchell and Gregg Wallace

Triple chocolate delight and a MasterChef surprise for Theo

By Andy Tong A GIRL who suffers from Hodgkin lymphoma saw her ambition to make a chocolate cake come true thanks to Taylor Made Dreams – and received a MasterChef award from Gregg Wallace.

The Crowborough charity fulfils bucket lists for children with long-term illness, while also providing holistic support to their families. To date, it has organised more than 850 ‘dreams’.

Surprise Twelve-year-old Theo Acha wanted to learn how to bake a triple chocolate cake from an expert and then have an afternoon tea.

That expert was Hollie O’Callaghan from Hollie’s Little Cakery in The Pantiles, who showed Theo her exquisite baking and decorating skills.

Once Theo had mastered the cake-making, she moved on to the Hotel du Vin in Crescent Road, which laid on a sumptuous afternoon tea.

And MasterChef presenter Gregg, one of Theo’s idols, was there to surprise her with the trophy and took tea with the family.

They were also chauffeured around town

throughout the day courtesy of Bentley Motors in Southborough.

Taylor Made Dreams founder Suzi Mitchell said: “It’s always a pleasure to grant a special wish for our poorly children and their families.

“A big thank you, as always, to our local businesses and contacts for helping us to arrange such a wonderful day that Theo and her family enjoyed hugely and will remember.”

Taylor Made Dreams is one of the finalists in the Groundwork Community Awards out of more than 750 entries nationwide.

It is contending with two others in the best community group contribution to improving health and wellbeing category, and also the overall People’s Choice Award.

Groundwork is a federation of charities aiming to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

The awards recognise grass-roots community groups and leaders who make a difference to people’s quality of life.

To vote for Taylor Made Dreams, go online to groundworkawards.org.uk/taylor-made-dreams For more information on the charity, visit taylormadedreams.net

High Street store is venue for massive ‘shoebox’ operation

THE former Woolworth’s store in Tonbridge is being transformed into a major processing centre for Operation Christmas Child, which provides shoeboxes of gifts for young people in need around the world.

The warehouse at 77-81 High Street, which until recently housed the Mid Kent Bed Centre, will be a base for around 300 volunteers.

They will spend approximately 4,000 hours processing and shipping an estimated 37,000 shoeboxes that will be collected from the South East of England.

The facility is one of 38 around the country that will be running the appeal from November 18 until December 6. The shoeboxes are filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.

The premises is much larger than the one used last year, enabling greater capacity. It will also be a drop-off location for local people to make donations until December 4.

The project, organised by the international Christian relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse, aims to reach 11 million children in more than 100 countries.

Shoeboxes sent from the UK this year are specifically destined for Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine, the Middle East, Central Asia and Liberia and Nigeria in Africa.

“It’s amazing to see the local community come together to create a lasting impact for children around the world,” said David Gibbons, the local

regional manager for Operation Christmas Child.

“We see all ages getting involved – and more and more every year.”

For more information about volunteering at the Tonbridge Processing Centre, go to occ-sepc.eventbrite.co.uk The public can also donate £5 to make a shoebox gift online through ‘Follow Your Box’ to cover project costs and receive a tracking barcode, which will enable them to find out the destination country. Visit samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ

PRIME LOCATION (L-R) Linda Smith, processing manager Melanie Knight, Greg van Mol of the building’s owners Milford Estates and Helen Taylor

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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National News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Uber driver jailed for passenger sex assault AN UBER driver who sexually assaulted an ‘utterly defenceless’ woman passenger as she leaned out of his cab door to be sick has been jailed.

Temur Shah, 45, groped the 27-year-old woman after picking her up from a West End address in the early hours of the morning of January 15, 2018.

Isleworth Crown Court heard his passenger said she felt unwell during the journey, and that Shah had stopped the car, asking her to move into the front seat.

When she told him she was about to vomit he stopped a second time, then leaned over to open the door and put his hand under her bra.

He was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Moldova coalition falls MOLDOVA’S government coalition between a pro-European group and a Russianbacked party has fallen after losing a noconfidence vote in parliament.

Prime minister Maia Sandu’s government lost Tuesday’s vote as 63 of 101 legislators supported the no-confidence motion.

Relations between Ms Sandu’s ACUM group and the Socialists deteriorated over her plan to take control of the process to nominate the country’s prosecutor general, which she presented as a key issue in her anti-corruption efforts.

Zimbabwe banknotes ZIMBABWEAN banks have started issuing new notes and coins aimed at easing severe cash shortages.

The new notes are the latest currency reform in the troubled southern African country’s constantly changing, and at times confusing, monetary framework.

Zimbabwe has the world’s second highest inflation after Venezuela, according to International Monetary Fund figures.

With prices rising faster than at any point in a decade, amid rapid devaluation of the local currency, cash is king.

In 2009, the government abandoned the local currency amid hyperinflation and adopted a multi-currency system dominated by the dollar.

Morales flees Bolivia BOLIVIA faces its worst unrest in decades amid a political vacuum as Evo Morales, who transformed the Andean nation as its first indigenous president, fled the country after weeks of violent protests.

He flew out on a Mexican government plane late on Monday after being granted asylum, as his supporters and opponents fought on the streets of the capital while an opposition leader tearfully laid out a possible path towards new elections after his resignation.

Mr Morales stepped down on Sunday after weeks of widespread protests fed by allegations of electoral fraud in the October 20 presidential election that he claimed to have won.

Israel kills Jihadist ISRAELI air strikes have targeted a senior Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza and Syria.

In eastern Gaza, the Israeli strike killed Bahaa Abu el-Atta and his wife. The Israeli military said Abu el-Atta was the mastermind of recent attacks.

Syrian officials said an Israeli air strike in the capital Damascus targeted another Islamic Jihad commander, Akram al-Ajouri, but he was unharmed.

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Handling of flooding ‘woeful’ OPPOSITION leaders branded the Government’s response to the severe flooding hitting parts of the country as ‘woeful’ and accused it of not taking it seriously enough.

Severe flooding hit several areas in Yorkshire and the East Midlands last week, with parts around the River Don near Doncaster worst affected after the river burst its banks.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn branded the government’s response as ‘woeful’ while Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said it was not taking it seriously enough.

Supports Speaking at a rally in Blackpool, Mr Corbyn said: “The Conservative government’s response to the floods has been woeful.

“If this had happened in Surrey instead of Yorkshire and the East Midlands, I think it would have been a very different story.”

Jo Swinson pledged to increase the Defra budget by £1billion a year to cope with flooding.

She said: “These floods are devastating for local communitites and highlight the need to invest in our flood defences.

“The Liberal Democrats will create a £5billion flood prevention adaptation fund over the next five years to support small community and council-led schemes to reduce flooding.”

PLEDGE Jo Swinson in Stainforth, South Yorkshire yesterday [Tuesday]

Corbyn raises concerns after the Labour Party hit by ‘very serious’ cyber-attack HACKERS have mounted a ‘sophisticated and large scale cyber-attack’ on Labour’s digital platforms, the party has said.

A spokeswoman said the incident had been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre but they were confident no data breach had occurred.

Some campaigning activities were temporarily slowed, but the systems were back up to speed by yesterday [Tuesday] morning.

Suspicious “We have experienced a sophisticated and large scale cyber-attack on Labour digital platforms,” the spokeswoman said.

“We took swift action and these attempts failed due to our robust security systems. The integrity of all our platforms was maintained and we are confident that no data breach occurred.

“Our security procedures have slowed down some of our campaign activities, but these were restored this morning and we are back up to full speed.

“We have reported the matter to the National Cyber Security Centre.”

A National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) expert has said the cyber attack on the Labour Party was low level and that there was no evidence of sponsored activity.

Jeremy Corbyn said: “We have a system in place in our office to protect us against these cyberattacks, but it was a very serious attack against us. So far as we’re aware none of our information was downloaded and the attack was actually repulsed because we have an effective in-house developed system by people within our party.

“But if this is a sign of things to come in this election, I feel very nervous about it all because a cyber-attack against a political party in an election is suspicious, something one is very worried about.”

Speaking in Blackpool where he was attempting to win over Brexit supporters with his vision for ‘drastic change’, the Labour leader announced an ‘education for all’ legacy for every adult so they can study and retrain.

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

First female FT editor THE Financial Times has appointed a female editor for the first time in its 131-year history, following the decision of long-serving editor Lionel Barber to stand down.

Mr Barber, the longest-service national newspaper editor in the country, announced he would quit early next year and be replaced by current deputy Roula Khalaf as editor.

Ms Khalaf has been the FT’s deputy editor since 2016, and was previously foreign editor responsible for leading a global network of more than 100 correspondents and pushing for greater diversity in the newsroom.

Most recently she launched Trade Secrets, described as ‘a new content vertical focused on global trade’ and concentrated on winning over more women readers.

Recent investigations have looked particularly at the behaviour of senior men in business, including an undercover report from the President’s Club Ball and allegations of wrongdoing by the founder of cloud business UKFast, Lawrence Jones.

Tsuneo Kita, chairman of Nikkei, which owns the FT, said: “I am delighted that Roula Khalaf has agreed to take the position of editor.

“I have full confidence that she will continue the FT’s mission to deliver quality journalism without fear and without favour, inspire and lead a team of the most talented journalists and pursue the FT’s new agenda covering business, finance, economics and world affairs.

Achievements “Roula’s 24-year FT career, including her tenure as deputy editor, has proven her integrity, determination and sound judgment.

“We look forward to working closely with her to deepen our global media alliance.”

Lionel Barber is Fleet Street’s longest serving editor, having been at the paper for 14 years. He is due to step down in January.

He began his career at the FT as a business reporter in 1985 and became Washington correspondent a year later, before being appointed Brussels bureau chief in 1992.

After stints as news editor and at the continental European edition, he was appointed US managing editor, before moving back to London.

Since he took over the editorship at the prestigious London paper, Mr Barber, 64, has presided over a switch away from print to become an online publisher – the FT was the first newspaper to operate a pay wall.

In an email to staff sent yesterday [Tuesday] Mr Barber said he is leaving ‘the best job in journalism’, adding: “When I took over as editor, I pledged to restore the gold standard in the FT’s reporting and commentary, and to help the board build a sustainably profitable business.”

Frank Dobson dies at age 79 FRANK Dobson, Tony Blair’s first health secretary after the landslide Labour victory in 1997, has died at the age of 79.

The Yorkshire-born politician resigned from the House of Commons four years ago, having serving as Holborn and St Pancras MP for 36 years.

He was replaced by Sir Keir Starmer, now the shadow Brexit secretary.

The former leader of Camden Council was Labour’s candidate at the mayoral election in 2000 having been persuaded to go for the newly-created job by Mr Blair.

Mr Dobson came third, losing out to Ken Livingstone.

Announcing his passing, a family spokesman said: “The Dobson family, is sad to announce the death of Frank Dobson, former MP for Holborn and St Pancras and secretary of

state for health.

“His family would like to thank all the staff at the Homerton University Hospital for their outstanding expertise, commitment and care in the last few months and also the staff of York Hospital for his previous excellent care.

Backbenches “He also greatly appreciated the support of his many friends and former parliamentary colleagues.”

Mr Dobson entered the Commons the same year Margaret Thatcher became prime minister.

Following his unsuccessful bid for City Hall at the turn of the millennium, he returned to the backbenches and spoke out against a string of party policies including the Iraq War, top-up fees for students, the marketisation of parts of the

NHS and longer detention without charge for terror suspects.

Following his decision to step down in 2015, the West Ham supporter said at the time: “It has been an honour to represent the people of Holborn and St Pancras for all these years and to have made at least some contribution to making it a better place to live.

“I am proud of the people I represent. They get on together and help one another.

“Outsiders who have tried to stir up divisions have always failed. Common sense and human decency have prevailed.

“It has been hard work keeping up with the needs and aspirations of local people and helping resolve their problems.

My constituents have been slow to chide and swift to bless.”

He leaves behind his wife Janet and their three children.

REMEMBERED Frank Dobson

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BUSINESS

National News

UK sees biggest fall in jobs since 2015

UK EMPLOYMENT suffered its sharpest decline in more than four years in the three months to September, as the number of job vacancies also plunged, figures reveal.

The number of people in work declined by 58,000 to 32.75million in the quarter, as the number of people becoming economically inactive jumped higher, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

However, the slump in employment was smaller than analysts predicted, having forecast a decline of 102,000.

Slump The quarterly decline in employment was nevertheless the heaviest since May 2015, when the level fell by 65,000.

The ONS said the falling number of people working in retail, on the back of a number of a recent major collapses and store closure programmes on the high street, significantly contributed to the slump in employment.

Despite the falling number of people in work, unemployment figures for the period also fell, dipping by 23,000 to 1.31million.

Analysts had predicted that the rate of employment would stay flat at 3.9 per cent, but the figures revealed a decrease to 3.8 per cent.

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Rugby World Cup gives ITV an advertising boost ITV enjoyed a victorious Rugby World Cup, even if the players from the Home Nations did not, as England and Wales’s strong runs in the competition boosted advertising revenues.

Total advertising take was up 1 per cent in the three months to September 30, with bosses revealing they expect flat revenues over the Christmas period.

Carolyn McCall, ITV chief executive, added: “ITV’s overall performance for the first nine months of 2019 was as we expected, and although the economic environment continues to be uncertain, we are making good progress in executing our strategy.

Performance “On-screen and online viewing performed well with highlights including four of the five highest rating new dramas so far this year and the Rugby World Cup which saw a peak audience of 12.8 million viewers during the final. We have reached our 2021 target of 30 million registered users on ITV Hub ahead of plan.”

She also said ITV was pleased with positive feedback on its new BritBox service, and had agreed a distribution deal with BT and EE, as well as a content partnership with Channel 4.

The production side of the business also enjoyed a boost from successes in the US. Ms McCall said: “ITV Studios’ performance in 2019 will benefit from a very strong second-half delivery schedule and our Q3 performance reflects this, with good growth across the business, particularly from ITV America with Love Island US and the part delivery of Hell’s Kitchen and Snowpiercer.

“We expect this performance to continue in Q4, and over the full year we are confident that we

will deliver at least 5% growth in ITV Studios’ total revenues at a margin of 14% to 16%.”

She added that a pipeline of shows is looking strong with new and returning programmes including The Serpent, Zero Zero Zero, Suburra, Crank Yankers, Queer Eye, Saturday Night Takeaway and Love Island.

ITV is also hoping viewers will tune into I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Sticks And Stones, England qualifiers for the 2020 European Football Championships, The Masked Singer and Flesh And Blood.

However, there was no mention of the impact the axing of The Jeremy Kyle Show has had on revenues or on ITV’s reputation.

The omission is despite the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee publishing a damning report on the show following the death of a participant.

MPs accused ITV Studios of ‘corporate failure of responsibility’ towards Jeremy Kyle’s guests after viewing new, behind-the-scenes footage from a whistleblower.

They said the footage “makes a mockery of the ‘aftercare’ it has claimed to provide”.

ITV said at the time it could not comment on the accusations because the select committee had not shared the footage with them.

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sales are exceedingly good at Mr Kipling THE nation’s sweet tooth helped set Mr Kipling-maker Premier Foods on the road to recovery in the first half, with cake sales rising 8 per cent.

The company performed better than expected in the six months to September.

Mr Kipling’s growth followed on from a strong financial year ending in March.

Compared with this time two years ago, the brand is selling an extra 22 per cent more cakes across the UK.

Slow Christmas start THE ‘big four’ supermarkets have seen a slow start to the crucial festive period despite shoppers already spending £17million on mince pies and £3million on Christmas puddings, figures show.

Slowing growth in the overall market saw sales at Asda and Morrisons fall by 1.2 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively, while Sainsbury’s and Tesco proved slightly more resilient with drops of 0.2 per cent and 0.6 per cent in the past 12 weeks.

Lidl was the fastest growing supermarket with sales up by 8.8 per cent.

Vodafone India threat VODAFONE has warned that the end of a long-running court battle with authorities in India could lead to the telecoms giant quitting the country.

The business recently lost a Supreme Court judgment which could leave it on the hook for 3.7billion euros (£3.2billion) and bosses said that, without an intervention by the country’s government, it would be forced to leave.

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Letters

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Last month, Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, a family-friendly festival presenting the best of international and UK puppetry, took over the town for an exciting weekend of indoor shows and free events.

This letter is to thank all the performers, audiences, volunteers, funders and sponsors who made the event such a success. Royal Victoria Place and Woods Restaurant on The Pantiles were especially helpful in allowing us to perform some of the free street performances that had originally been planned for outside but had to come indoors because of the rain.

Our thanks must also go to The Times of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and SO Magazine, who really helped us get the word out and raise awareness for the event.

This year’s festival was double the size of the last one in 2017, with 55 performances, 22 different shows, seven workshops, an exhibition, and two community projects in partnership with Age UK called Shadow Play and Sea of Stories.

We are one of only three dedicated Puppetry Festivals in England. In 2021 we want our festival to become the best in the country.

To do this we need support from committed volunteers who can work with our very small, core professional team.

Not the way to drive our local economy I agree with Colin Walton [October 30] that the ‘prospering’ and ‘flourishing’ signs around town are misleading, but disagree that we should be encouraging more cars into the town by offering free parking.

Many residential roads are not nice places to live any more and residents are crying out for less polluted, safer streets for themselves and their young folk.

When I’ve been canvassing in York Road, for example, people expressed delight at their temporary car-free environment, caused by the work on Mount Pleasant and Monson Roads.

People who walk to the High Street spend up to 40 per cent more than people who drive there. A pedestrian will visit the High Street, on average, 16 times a month, while the figure for cyclists is 12 – and for motorists, eight. Food for thought.

We can’t deny that in the future we will be travelling more sustainably, and for that to happen we need an integrated transport system, which we are a long way from at the moment.

Liz Orr Women’s Equality Party candidate for Culverden ward, Tunbridge Wells

Bin men should hit the ground running For the third consecutive recycling week the bins were not emptied on the Wednesday, as applies to us. Most neighbours report this and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council hand out case notices like confetti.

No councillor is accountable for the collections other than rosy-eyed comments in local papers that we should give the refuse company more time.

PHOTO: David Bartholomew

We need your help to make our Puppetry Festival the best in England

workshop and storage spaces.

In this way, local groups can create arts that are accessible to all (and let people know about them). We can involve young people in the arts by running workshops or enabling them to volunteer at festivals. We can take music, drama and crafts into residential homes and day centres for older people.

People I talk to are full of ideas about how to establish Tunbridge Wells as a cultural beacon.

I hope the council is listening!

Justine Rutland Liberal Democrat candidate for Culverden ward

Get Out Of Jail Free card for Mr Clark

PECKING ORDER: The Keeper’s Nests puppet magpies entertained the town If you’d be interested in working with us on festival 2021, or our current project scheduled for 2020, Puppets & Pastries – a series of free workshops in association with Age UK to encourage seniors to come to puppetry making classes, and have a cuppa and a chat, please email us at: info@twpuppetryfestival.org Linda Lewis Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival Director This was the case in the 1970s and 80s, but now we have strict ‘due diligence’ guidelines and a company that had a year to get organised should have hit the ground ‘running’.

So, like the roadworks, parking, planning, etc., it would seem the council is not fit for purpose.

No councillor wants to be involved, so why should we be paying our taxes? Salaries and pensions of councillors, perhaps?

John Pearce Southborough

Put our grass-roots culture up in lights The demise of Calverley Square has created a wonderful opportunity for Tunbridge Wells to start afresh in its aspiration to grow as a cultural centre.

The prospect of a one-trick theatre has galvanised many residents to consider what really constitutes art and culture in the town and how the council can best help it along.

There is an economic argument for increasing our cultural provision, but also a wellbeing one – studies show that arts and culture help make us healthy and happy. I suspect the kind of culture that many of us value is one in which we not merely observe, but one in which we take part and create.

The Town Hall and theatre site has amazing potential, but we would also be wise to look after our grass-roots cultural events and community groups, much of them run by volunteers. I would love to see the council help out in practical ways, such as bookkeeping, admin and promotional support; providing an events noticeboard; and offering free rehearsal,

Someone wrote recently asking who our next MP would be, but it seems the old one’s back. So Hercules’ labours at a local level have been suspended, he doesn’t get to clean out the stables.

Has Greg Clark changed his tune on Brexit, though, or will he continue to frustrate the government’s and his party’s policy?

He’s a lucky fellow, he’s been given a Get Out of Jail card. Disloyalty doesn’t have many friends, let’s see how he plays it.

Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: Tunbridge Wells voted to remain

MP has not represented our interests In response to Tom Tugendhat’s column [October 30], his term as MP has seen a U-turn on his claim to halt more PFI in the NHS. He has been instrumental in the sale of the Teen and Twenty Club (at a huge loss to our borough in the reduced sum paid by the developer) to Assura to build their Medical Centre.

The centre will cost the NHS double the rent of the three surgeries it replaces. It should have been built by our own council, who would then reap the rewards of recurring returns on their investment.

Parliamentarians are supposed to use their judgement yet he has voted against the government only once on any issue.

Conservative-controlled Kent County Council has hiked the price of the Freedom Pass to £350, which is actually forcing children to abandon buses altogether according to their own data.

The Green Party acknowledge that buses and trains need to come back into public hands to provide services which match demand, and call for a completely free bus service which will transform our transport system.

Tom has been invisible during the Tonbridge & Malling Local Plan process, which proposes 5,000 homes on our precious green belt while disregarding alternative sites for 11,700 houses.

It is all very well commenting on development in nearby boroughs, but the same damage is being inflicted here. We need an MP who will represent the interests of the people of Tonbridge & Malling, not the narrow interests of the Conservative Party.

Cllr Mark Hood Green Party representative for Judd ward, Tonbridge

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

SCHOOL PHOTOS must surely be things to look back on and treasure. Those gaps in the teeth, the unruly hair and even the odd freckle. Childhood and innocence personified. Not any more, if some people have their way. Now those school snaps can be doctored. Minor blemishes can be air brushed while the ‘premier’ option means teeth can be whitened and enhanced. And they call that progress. What message does it send to youngsters? Many of whom are already fretful about their body image.

Hopefully, the idea will not catch on.

GARAGE forecourt etiquette has featured more than once in this column. This one, though, takes the biscuit, or the full tank.

Whatever. There are three cars queuing for petrol when the chap in the 4x4 pulls up next to a pump and gets his mobile. But this is no emergency call. Five minutes later he is still on the phone until Calverley taps on his window and threatens to let his tyres down.

What he in turn threatens to do to Calverley, before driving off with no petrol, cannot be repeated. It was much the same, though, as many readers have offered…

TO DUNORLAN PARK for the grand firework display organised each year for charities by the Round Table. What worthy fellows.

Despite the torrential downpour it was, as usual, a splendid night with rockets lighting up the skies. At least it would have been an evening of magic, despite the rain, if the people in front had not insisted on holding their iPads and phones about two foot above their heads to live stream the event to all their friends who could not be bothered to turn out. How selfish and thoughtless can some people be? Quite a bit, it appears.

PEOPLE can be so cruel. Calverley just happened to be on a bar stool (where else?) when a gastro pub chef comes bursting through the doors and heads for the kitchen. He was stopped in his tracks when one of the regulars shouted out: “No rush, Chef – the microwave is broken.”

Some chefs have no sense of humour.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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

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EDUCATION Times Tonbridge Grammar School continues to win top marks Ofsted announced a new and more rigorous framework of school inspections earlier this year and Tonbridge Grammar School was one of the first in Kent to be assessed…

STAFF, students and parents at Tonbridge Grammar School [TGS] are celebrating after a recent visit from Ofsted confirmed the school’s ‘Outstanding’ rating.

As a previously ‘Outstanding’ school, the grammar had been exempt from inspection since its conversion to an academy in 2011, but that changed with the introduction of Ofsted’s much-publicised new Education Inspection Framework [EIF] rolled out in September this year.

‘The TGS community is extremely proud of the outcome of the inspection’ The new Ofsted framework raises the bar considerably for schools, placing an emphasis on quality of education and assessment of the integrity of the curriculum offered to students.

TGS’ inspection took place over two days and included in-depth ‘deep dive’ assessments of subject provision in a number of areas, including English, Maths and Science, lesson

PROUD TGS Head Teacher Rosemary Joyce (front centre) with students observations, staff, student and governor interviews and a parent questionnaire.

Tonbridge Grammar School is one of the first secondary schools in Kent to have been assessed under the new framework and received outstanding judgements across the board, including the areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

TGS is one of just two schools in Kent that

achieved the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ since the new framework was introduced.

Head Teacher Rosemary Joyce commented: “The TGS community is extremely proud of the outcome of the inspection and its recognition that the curriculum experience at TGS is outstanding for its breadth and rigour and, importantly, for the preparation for life it offers our students.”

She went on to say: “They are exceptionally well supported academically and it is the focused and individualised support our dedicated and knowledgeable staff provide which means that students do so well.

“I am delighted that the Ofsted Inspection Team chose to highlight that in their report.”

Education

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Oakley School gets Green Flag FOR the last 18 months Oakley students have been working hard on a variety of environmental projects in the hope of being awarded a prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag.

Eco Schools is a global programme engaging 19.5 million children across 67 countries, making it the largest educational programme on the planet.

Earlier this term, pupils from Oakley School – from the nursery all the way up to Year 11 – met with an Eco Schools official assessor at their Tunbridge Wells site to demonstrate what they had been doing to improve their environmental credentials. Following an ‘intense’ couple of hours, the assessor decided to award the school and its pupils a much coveted Eco Schools’ Green Flag, which arrived earlier this month.

“After an intense inspection we were delighted to find out we had been awarded an Eco Flag,” an Oakley spokesperson told the Times.

“Our students had great fun raising it outside the school reception when it arrived last week.”

The Eco Schools assessor said she found the students were ‘very enthusiastic’ about their Eco projects.

FLYING “They are clearly THE FLAG proud of their school For ecology and of all that they do to help the environment. They are well supported by staff who share their enthusiasm.

They have exciting plans for the future and I feel sure that Eco Schools will play a central part of the students’ work in years to come. Well done to everyone.”

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Weekly comment

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Ben Chapelard

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Ben Chapelard is a Liberal Democrat councillor and Leader of the Opposition on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. He is also the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the Tunbridge Wells constituency at the next general election, scheduled for December 12, 2019

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate

GENERAL ELECTION

2019

Support for the Lib Dems is surging ON FRIDAY afternoon, as I took delivery of another 40,000 Liberal Democrat General Election campaign leaflets, the van driver turned to me and said: “So you’re targeting here, are you? You think you can win? I would have thought Tunbridge Wells is as Tory as they come.”

It took me just two minutes to convince him otherwise.

The fact is that this election is different from any other in my lifetime – my parents’ lifetime, in fact.

For the first time in more than a century, there is a real opportunity for the people of Tunbridge Wells to elect an MP who is not a Conservative.

Over the last few months, as I’ve talked to hundreds of local people on the doorstep, it has become clear that both lifelong Conservative voters and committed Labour supporters are switching their support to the Lib Dems in our town.

I think that’s because people are recognising three facts: 1. A vote for our Conservative MP is a vote for Boris Johnson’s disastrous Brexit deal.

Our MP campaigned for remain in 2016. He represents a remain-voting constituency. He’s spoken many times about the economic harm which Brexit will do. Yet, to save his career, he has voted to leave the EU time and time again.

He even voted in favour of Boris Johnson’s hard Brexit deal, which the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has said would cost the UK economy £70billion in the next decade! Local people know that this is just the latest example of the Conservatives taking our area for granted.

2. The Lib Dems can win here in Tunbridge Wells and we can stop Brexit. Since 2017, support for the Lib Dems has surged in our borough. In the local elections in May, we were just two percentage points behind the Tories.

In the European elections, we were streets ahead. Analysis of polling by companies such as YouGov shows that our constituency is a tight Lib Dem and Conservative contest. We can win here in Tunbridge Wells, and we must. Local people deserve an MP who will stand up for our interests on Brexit and other issues. If elected, I will never vote for Brexit – deal or no deal. I will vote for the investment our schools and hospitals desperately need, and for action to address the climate crisis.

3. Labour and the other opposition parties can’t win here. Everyone knows that Labour can’t win here. In the two elections held here in the last 12 months, Labour came fourth and sixth. In the European elections, just 1,520

OUT IN FORCE Liberal Democrats hit the campaign trail

people voted Labour, in comparison to nearly 11,000 who voted Lib Dem. Labour couldn’t even find a local member to stand in this election: Their candidate is a councillor in London.

I’m a teacher who became a local councillor and was then convinced to stand for Parliament.

I never thought I would be here, in a close fight to become our next MP. Yet in recent weeks, our campaign’s

April Clark Tonbridge & Malling Green Party parliamentary candidate

momentum has grown and grown. Two weeks ago, the tactical voting website Get Voting recommended that people wanting to stop Brexit should vote Lib Dem here in Tunbridge Wells. Last week, as part of the ‘Unite to Remain’ initiative, the Green Party candidate agreed to stand aside in this election.

This election promises to be historic. I hope you will lend me your vote.

April has lived in central Tonbridge since May 2008 and works full-time in London in the Financial Services industry as an HR Director. In 2019 she was elected to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and is the Green Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency

Three reasons you should vote Green in Tonbridge & Malling THE electoral pact across 60 seats involving Greens, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru is exciting – it shows some parties are able to put aside their differences and work together for a common goal.

But it is also worrying that such pacts are needed, thanks to our undemocratic electoral system.

In Tonbridge & Malling, people want to know how they can use their vote to make a difference – but the truth is that this is not a marginal seat.

In the last General Election, Conservatives received two thirds of all votes, so even if every other party had done a deal and stood one candidate together, we still would have lost by a long way. But there are some very good reasons to vote Green: 1. Increasing our national vote share It is critical that Greens increase our vote share in seats like Tonbridge & Malling, to make up for the votes we are giving up by agreeing to stand down in other areas.

National vote share leads directly to vital resources, including media air time and short money (funds from Parliament allocated to opposition parties by vote share, to help with their costs).

The Green Party does not accept donations

from big business – we rely on our supporters to fund campaigns, so these precious resources are even more valuable to us.

2. Showing support for our distinct position on the key issues Greens have different policies to all the other parties on the key issues – e.g. we continue to lead with the most holistic policies on ending climate chaos, and we think there should be a People’s Vote including the option to remain so that everyone (whether they want to leave or remain in the EU) can have a say over the final deal.

Even if we don’t win a seat here, if people vote to show support for this position we can influence how our MP and the government think about these issues.

Look at how UKIP, with no elected MPs, managed to influence the Conservatives to hold the EU referendum – we can exert this same kind of influence if we can demonstrate significant support for our policies.

3. Building the case for Proportional Representation The reason we even have ‘tactical voting’ is that our electoral system is fundamentally broken.

People feel forced to vote for something they don’t really want to avoid an even worse situation.

First Past the Post rewards competitive instead of collaborative behaviour. It results in mediocrity by encouraging ‘safe’ centre-ground policies that won’t lose votes (or financial backers!) instead of the bold, innovative ideas we need to address the climate crisis.

And the main parties don’t like it, because they

know it means people won’t feel obliged to vote for them in future – they will instead be free to vote for what they believe in.

That is why it is up to smaller parties like us to keep making the case for how unfair our current system is – and we need your votes to show support.

GREEN MACHINE April with Green Party canvassers

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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ELEGANCE IN PRIME TOWN POSITION

Rent a genuine ‘Grand Design’ on Salomons Estate Page 24

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NEW HOMES RELEASED IN TENTERDEN

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Best property buys for...

The Stables

We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

£3,000

Mill Farm Close Tunbridge Wells RENTAL PCM

Available now

CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A genuine rarity – a chalet-style property that featured in the Grand Designs TV series is being offered to let amid the beautiful surrounds of Salomons Estate. Dubbed ‘The Finnish Log Cabin’, the environmentally-friendly home featured in the series in 2005, and was built by carpenter John Cadney when he couldn’t afford to buy a home of his own. The whole house was imported from Finland as hundreds of pre-cut bits of wood – all he had to do was figure out how it all fitted together. Luckily, he did!

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Full height open-plan living/dining space with vaulted ceiling, wood burner and wrap-around veranda overlooking a rustic garden and brook

n Kitchen open-plan to living room, including range cooker, American-style fridge freezer, dishwasher and breakfast bar

n Mezzanine sitting/office area n Spacious master bedroom with large contemporary en-suite shower room

n Bedroom 2 with en-suite shower room and ladder to loft area

n 2 further bedrooms, both sharing a ‘Jack & Jill’ en-suite shower room

n Driveway with security gates and parking area for several cars

The LOG CABIN LOOK...

n Large, detached office/workshop/studio with bi-fold doors

n Rental includes lawn mowing

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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The PRICE…

The TERRACE VIEW…

Sandhurst Avenue Pembury GUIDE PRICE

£420,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A semi-detached home in village cul-de-sac.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Spacious living room n Kitchen with range of white units n Conservatory/dining room n 2 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and further bedroom fitted as a dressing room n Shower room and family bathroom

Dry Hill Park Road

n Loft room access with pull-down ladder

Tonbridge

n Gardens with wrap-around patio, lawn and spacious garden room

PRICE

n Off-road parking for two cars

£1,750,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com An individually-designed home styled with the growing family in mind in a convenient location. The superb sporting and gym facilities at Tonbridge School Centre are just around the corner, and it’s easy to reach other renowned schools as well as the High Street. The amazing view towards the North Downs from the garden terrace is another big bonus.

Bredbury House

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

£550,000

n Generous drawing room with striking three-sided glass gas fire

n Sitting/TV room with feature gas fire n Stunning 40ft kitchen/dining/family room opening out on to terrace

n Study

Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A superb first floor apartment in a prestigious building opposite Tunbridge Wells Common.

n Oak and glass staircase to galleried landing

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Master suite with walk-in wardrobes, dressing

n Stairs and lift to private door and hall with video entryphone

room and en-suite bathroom

n Guest suite with dressing room and en-suite n 3 further double bedrooms n Family bathroom and separate shower room n Mature, secluded garden with impressive stepped granite terrace, lawn, vegetable garden, greenhouse, summerhouse and shed

n Parking for four to five vehicles n Underfloor heating on two floors, water softener and Zip Tap

n Wonderful 23ft x 36ft open-plan living space with oak units, floor-to-ceiling sash windows and treetop views of Common n Kitchen/breakfast area with island n Master bedroom with dressing area, built-in wardrobes and en-suite bathroom n 2 further double bedrooms n Family bathroom n Allocated parking space and visitor spaces

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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Hill Road

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AT A GLANCE GROVE HILL ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Located in the ‘village’ area of Tunbridge Wells n Arranged over four storeys n 2 spacious reception rooms separated by double doors and also with doors to garden n Impressive Siematic kitchen/dining area designed locally by Rencraft in 2017, with bi-fold doors to terrace n Lower ground floor bedroom/ playroom) with shower room and side property access n 3 first floor double bedrooms n New family bathroom fitted by CP Hart in 2018 and separate WC n Top floor master bedroom n Top floor home office n Landscaped south-facing garden backing on to the Grove Bowling Club with steps from the terrace to the lawn and a paved area at the far end

Beautiful Victorian family home ideally placed for Calverley Park and station

GUIDE PRICE £975,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk

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TRADITIONAL KENTISH FEEL One of the street views

NEW H OMES

Church View rings in yet more new homes – now including apartments A NEW phase has been launched at the awardwinning Church View development in Tenterden offering a diverse mix of homes and – for the first time – apartments, just 400 metres from the town’s pretty, tree-lined high street.

The new release includes two, three and fourbedroom houses plus a selection of one and twobedroom contemporary apartments available from £255,000 (for a one-bedroom unit).

The stylish apartments have been designed to complement the attractive street scenes at Church View, characterised by the traditional Kentish architecture Tenterden is renowned for.

With a kitchen/living/dining area giving a spacious and airy feel, plus a master bedroom with a built-in wardrobe, Dandara say they are a perfect example of their approach to design and quality. And allocated parking brings that extra sense of peace of mind.

The mix of new two, three and four-bedroom houses, including The Rye making its debut and a semi-detached version of The Reed, comprise:

n The Brook: A two-bedroom end-of-terrace or semi-detached home with parking for one vehicle – ideal for those looking to either downsize or to take their first step on the housing ladder Priced from £345,000 (end-of-terrace)

n The Rye: A distinctive mid-terraced home on Six Fields Path. Available as a two-bedroom plus study, and also a three-bedroom house, it has a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en-suite shower room, plus plenty of storage space THE HYTHE Just one of the property types available to buy

Priced from £385,000 (three-bedroom. Price for two-bedroom + study available on application)

n The Hythe: Available as a detached or semidetached property, this is a three-bedroom house featuring a dual-aspect living room with double doors leading to the garden Priced from £480,000 (detached. Price for semi-detached available on application)

n The Reed: Previously only for sale as a detached property, this stunning four-bedroom home is now offered as a semi-detached house, too. It boasts a stylish kitchen/dining room with a utility room and a separate living room with doors to the garden.

Plus a garage or carport and driveway for two cars Priced from £510,000 Speaking about the new release, Dandara Sales Manager Kyle Fennell commented: “I have always said that the homes at Church View are a delight to behold and a joy to step inside – and all of the properties included within the latest phase illustrate this perfectly.

“Tenterden is an incredibly popular place to live, and many buyers may believe owning at home here is beyond their reach – but at Church View there is a Dandara home for everyone.”

NEW AWARD Church View has just scooped one of ten new awards for Dandara, for The Glen house-type, at the 2019 UK Property Awards

CONTACT: For more details, or an appointment to view, call 01580 854 076 or visit dandara.com Alternatively, pop into the Church View Marketing Suite at Recreation Ground Road, Tenterden TN30 6RA, which is open five days a week from 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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JUDY GARLAND COMES TO TRINITY

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Catch Sir Lenny Henry at the Assembly Hall Page44

GYMNASTIC TRIO TRIUMPH

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Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Prepare for a knight

of brilliant comedy Top comic Sir Lenny Henry comes to the Assembly Hall this Friday, November 15. It’s the first time the legendary funnyman has been on the road in quite a while, so James Rampton asks him why the time is right to tour his new show, An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?

T WINNING WAYS The boy from Dudley first shot to fame at 16 in TV’s New Faces

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

HERE is really very little that Sir Lenny Henry cannot do. As well as being one of Britain’s best-known and most celebrated comedians, he is also an acclaimed writer, radio DJ, TV presenter, co-founder of Comic Relief and an award-winning actor. In addition, Lenny has a PhD in Media Arts and in 2015 was awarded a knighthood for his services to charity and drama.

But now, I am delighted to report that Lenny is returning to his first love: Live performance. Since last month, the comical star has been touring the country with a brilliant new show, ‘An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?’

Following the recent publication of his memoir, also entitled ‘Who Am I, Again?’, Lenny will dazzle audiences with stories from his life.

In the first half, he treats us to a series of

anecdotes – triggered by writing his memoir – which are both hilarious and poignant.

Lenny recollects growing up in the Black Country, puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and unabashed racism. He remembers how – with his mother’s mantra of ‘H-integration’ ringing in his ears – he did his best to overcome those obstacles and make his way in the world.

Success Lenny will regale audiences with memories of his stellar career. After he burst into the public consciousness in 1975 as the splendidly gifted 16-year-old winner of the TV talent show New Faces, he enjoyed enormous success on such TV shows as Tiswas, Three of a Kind and The Lenny Henry Show.

‘Live performance is just the best.

Being in front of an audience is the best thing you can do. Films and telly are extra, but live is you unfiltered’

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Despite his huge popularity, however, Lenny could not help himself wondering at every stage: Am I good enough? Is this what they want?

In the second half of the show, Lenny will be interviewed by friend, broadcaster and author Jon Canter, offering further insights into his life and career. There will be audience interaction throughout: Perhaps their questions will help Lenny work out ‘Who Am I, Again?’

The performer, now 61, who has also enjoyed critical acclaim in his roles in A Comedy of Errors and Othello in the theatre, says he can’t wait to be back on stage.

“Live performance is just the best. Being in front of an audience is the best thing you can do. Films and telly are extra, but live is you unfiltered. It’s just you stood there talking to an audience.”

‘I attempt to communicate to the audience that “We’re gonna have a great time for the next 90 minutes, and then we’re all off home! HOORAY!”’ The Broadchurch and Chef! star goes on to recall the greatest live show he ever witnessed: “What Morecambe and Wise did in front of a live audience was very different to what they did on telly. Their TV show was brilliant, but Eric was probably 20 times funnier on stage than he was on telly. I worked with him in Bournemouth in 1979, and it was one of the most extraordinary live experiences I have ever had. It was so funny and loose.

“I try to get to the same space when I perform live, create a real sense that this is unmediated and unmitigated. I attempt to communicate to the audience that ‘we’re gonna have a great time for the next 90 minutes, and then we’re all off home! HOORAY!’ And what is lovely is that they

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk have grown with me over the years, they get me and what I’m trying to do – I really cherish that.”

He goes on to say that with this show audiences are not just going to get ‘a prepared, scripted presentation, but the bits in between, too’.

“My favourite comedians are the ones that have not only put in the hard work on their

Arts & Culture

show, but they can swim between sections of their script and fool around.

“That’s what’s really exciting about live performance – you’re not watching a robot, you’re watching a human being. If you come to play, the audience really appreciate that.”

As he looks back on his early years in the business, Lenny underscores how valuable they have been in forming him as a comedian.

“If you write a book about your early years, there is a palpable sense that the past is another country and that you’re looking at yourself from 1,000 miles away.

“You write with these

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words indelibly printed on your brain: ‘Well… that was a very interesting time… these were interesting experiences… they probably made me who I am today’. This kind of reflection can make you realise why you are the way you are in the present day. I’ve noticed that I now stick up for myself and also want to be an integral part of the creative process, which all stems from the experience of my first ten years in the business.”

Revelatory Lenny closes by emphasising that the show should not only be entertaining but also provide insight into his true identity.

“I hope people enjoy their evening out with me – but I also want them to feel at the end that they’ve learnt something about who I am and how I got there. This is a Len they’ve never met before.

“The show is going to be loose, fun, insightful, and revelatory – did I say ‘fun’ yet?”

Yes, you did, Sir Lenny.

Finally, what does he hope that audiences will take away from ‘An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?’?

“A book!” And, no doubt, many, many laughs.

‘An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?’ comes to the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells this Friday, November 15.

To book tickets, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or lennyhenryontour.net Lenny’s autobiography ‘Who Am I, Again?’ (left) is published by Faber, priced £20, and out now

46

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Going Out

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going goingout 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY You can still catch Macbeth at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells. Follow the ambitious Scottish Lord Macbeth as he turns from celebrated war hero to bloody tyrant. Starring Peter Basham, Louise Jameson, Ffion Jolly and Aaron Sidwell, amongst others, the production is the first by The Shakespeare Project – a collective who want to bring quality productions of the Bard’s work to the South East. The show will be on until November 24. To book tickets, go online to theshakespeareproject.co.uk THURSDAY Feeling festive? The Wealden Times Midwinter Fair will no doubt remedy any residual autumnal blues when the gates open at 9am today at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. You’ll find plenty of great presents for the season in over 220 stalls: Everything from artisan food to alpaca knitwear (made from alpaca wool, not knitted by alpacas!)

Plus children’s toys and hand-made interior pieces. The Street Food Café will be serving snacks and meals if you need refreshment, and local schools will be performing Christmas carols.

A day ticket costs £9.50 for adults and £5 for children, so for more information and to book, visit wealdentimes.ticketsrv.co.uk FRIDAY This is the last day you can see David Atkins’ New Paintings at The Fairfax Gallery. The artist’s main focus in this collection is the Ashdown Forest, as well as Winchelsea, Rye, Dungeness and Camber Sands. His subtle oils capture the scale and

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

SATURDAY EVENING See Roger Gorringe’s work and more at the RTWAS Winter Exhibition

By Jerome Bowman

beauty of these locations and all 25 canvases will be worth seeing. Atkins has a strong connection to the Ashdown Forest in particular. Entry to the gallery is free, but opening times vary, so for more information go to fairfaxgallery.com Whatever the weather, you can still see Pressure at the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge. This tense, slow-cooker drama tells the story of the days before D-Day, when half a million men were poised to launch a massive amphibious invasion – and it was down to meteorological arguments to determine the outcome. The performance starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £11, or £7.50 if you are a member.

For details and to book, go to oasttheatre.com SATURDAY The Pantiles Market will be offering local produce, artisanal crafts and designer clothes from 10am to 4pm. Enjoy guest traders, seasonal themes and a changing range of goods. If you are interested in pitching your own stall at the market, or

DARK HORSE See Macbeth at Salomons Estate

for any other enquiries, you can email: markets@ thepantilesevents.com Under the theme of celebration, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society’s Winter Exhibition opens today. Featuring a huge variety of works by both amateur and professional artists, and covering a wide range of topics, the exhibition can be seen until December 1 and is free to attend. However, opening times vary, so for more information go to rtwas.org

Figuratively split your sides at the Trinity Comedy Club night, which features Live at the Apollo star Mike Gunn, the uncompromising Fin ‘Whitey McWhiteFace’ Taylor and actor and comedian James Redmond.

If you fancy laughing on a full stomach, Trinity Theatre will be serving a two-course meal before the main event. Tickets cost £20 if you would like to eat and £13 if you can subsist entirely on laughter. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net SUNDAY The Bell’s Frost Fair in Ticehurst opens today from 11am till 3pm.

Traditionally, these frost fairs were held on the Thames when it

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Going Out

A STAR IS BORN See the Judy Garland biopic at Trinity Theatre

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PICK OF THE WEEK:

Revelations EM Forster Theatre Thursday, November 14, 7.30pm Actor, comedian and master storyteller James Rowland is bringing his new show to Tonbridge, following hot on the heels of the award-winning Team Viking and A Hundred Different Words for Love. Triggered by a personal request to donate sperm, James struggles with love, death, God and chicken nuggets through story, comedy and song.

Tickets cost £15, or £13 for concessions. To book, visit emftheatre.com

FAIR WARES Visit The Bell in Ticehurst for a winter market

frozen over, but now you can enjoy all the local produce of artisans without the risk of plunging into a watery grave. Entry to the fair is free and refreshments will be available. For more information, go to thebellticehurst.com The fifth Singing for the Hospice concert will be on today at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Tonbridge. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Choir and The Judd School Choir, with Arianna Rebecca Firth as lead soprano, will be performing a variety of popular songs from classical and pop to musicals, including Bridge Over Troubled Water and Somewhere from West Side Story.

The concert originally started in remembrance of Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Choir member Glen Goodall’s late wife, Doreen, and has since been in support of Hospice in the Weald. Tickets, which cost £10, can be bought on the door or booked by calling 01732 368824

CAWBLIMEY Comic Mike Gunn is set to soar at Trinity Theatre

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MONDAY Join the TWUNTS in The George for their relaxed Ukulele Jam at 8pm. All levels of experience, including mistaking the ukelele for a banjo, are welcome. Grab a drink at the bar and join in with the group on a huge variety of songs. Attendance is free. For more information, visit twukulele.com TUESDAY Click your heels together three times and say ‘Take me to see critically-lauded film Judy’, and with any luck you will appear at Trinity Theatre tonight at 8pm. If not, make sure you book! The biopic stars Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland as she grapples with her fading stardom and substance abuse issues. Zellweger’s performance in particular has been praised. Tickets cost £11 for adults or £10 for concessions. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Vertical Ghost Cat, Wild Horse (acoustic duo set) Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Dino Baptiste Duo Sunday Shep, Matthew Falloon, Peter Taylor

live music With Paul Dunton

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HERE are at least two cracking midweek shows in town tonight [Wednesday] – Life headline at The Forum with support from Night Flowers, and Vertical Ghost Cat and Wild Horse are at The Grey Lady Music Lounge.

My top picks for Friday include G2 Definitive Genesis at Trinity Theatre, Super Duper & The Yaa Ya’s at The Bedford, and Suncharmer at The Forum with support from Standard Lamps front man Mike Wilton. Fans of folk and roots can enjoy Oysterband & June Tabor at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, and The Trials of Cato at St Edith Folk Club, Kemsing, and for classical music enthusiasts, acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason is at St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst.

Saturday night is busy with many

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com

great local acts in action, including Disco Odyssey at The Beau Nash, Dino Baptiste at The Grey Lady and Velvet Goldmine at The Royal Oak. Sunday offers the breathtaking Eisenach Consort performing works

by Haydn, Handel & JS Bach at The Pajoma Hall, Sevenoaks School and the Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra return to The Stag for a rousing performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

You can also enjoy some uplifting acoustic vibes with Lewis Ross live at Verdigris in Tonbridge and Shep at The Grey Lady with support from Matthew Falloon and Peter Taylor.

On Monday, Tonbridge Folk Club host Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter, and the excellent Kent Duchaine returns to The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge on Tuesday.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Life, Night Flowers Friday Suncharmer, Mike Wilton Saturday China Crisis, Kevin Pearce Sunday Monster Truck MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry, music from 8.30pm.

Information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Super Duper & The Yaa Ya’s TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Event information and tickets available at trinitytheatre.net Friday G2 Definitive Genesis

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Event information and tickets at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Friday Oysterband & June Tabor Sunday Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra – Elgar Cello Concerto ST EDITH FOLK St Edith Hall, Kemsing Event information and tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday The Trials of Cato THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8.30pm Saturday Velvet Goldmine THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Disco Odyssey Sunday Open Mic Night THE PAMOJA HALL Sevenoaks School Event information and tickets at thespacesevenoaks.co.uk Sunday The Eisenach Consort

performing works by Haydn, Handel & J S Bach VERDIGRIS High Street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 6pm More details at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday Lewis Ross THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) Music from 8pm, all welcome More details at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Sally Ironmonger with Brian Carter THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Kent Duchaine

Dino Baptiste Duo

ST MARY’S CHURCH Lamberhurst Full event details and tickets available at lamberhurstmusic.co.uk Friday Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cellist) THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks

CHRISTMAS DAY AT O N E WA RW IC K PAR K H OT E L Christmas is a time for loved ones, so join us at One Warwick Park Hotel, where we will take care of all the hard work so you can sit back, relax and make the most of the cherished family time.

Available from 12.30pm n £85.00pp, Childre 50, 12 and under £42.

Children under 5 eat free

Starters

Mains

Desserts

CELERIAC & APPLE VELOUTE (V) With homemade bread

BALLOTINE OF TURKEY (GF) Stuffed with cranberry stuffing, traditional trimmings & au jus

CITRUS CURED SALMON (GF) Pickled fennel, preserved lemon, char-grilled leaks, crispy shallots & tender pea shoots

SLOW ROASTED STRIPLOIN OF BEEF Rosemary roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables & Yorkshire pudding

CHERRY & AMARETTO CHRISTMAS PUDDING (V,GF) Disaronno amaretto sauce & redcurrants

HICKORY INFUSED KENT DUCK BREAST (GF) Textures of plums, golden beets & parsley gel

ROASTED COD LOIN (GF) Baked potatoes, winter vegetables, sorrel & white wine sauce ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH (V,GF) Stuffed with Blue Murder, spinach & walnuts, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables

SEVENTEEN VANILLA CHEESECAKE White chocolate, espuma Passion fruit coulis

To book call 01892 520 587 or email reservations@onewarwickpark.co.uk

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 5 JANUARY assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk AssemblyHallTheatre

ahttw

AssemblyHallTheatre

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food

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The new edition of Mary Berry Cooks Up A Feast by Mary Berry and Lucy Young is published

by DK (£25) dk.com

Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

A perfect recipe for a feast with friends The queen of the kitchen is back with a new book that’s full of delicious dishes that are great for easy entertaining. Here, in this exclusive extract from Mary Berry Cooks Up A Feast, we share a tasty main and indulgent pudding that are ideal for serving up to friends and family over the weekend…

Tiger prawn balti Tiger prawns are expensive, but this is a great dish for a special occasion. To cut costs, you could use a mixture of tiger prawns and other cooked seafood, such as mussels and squid. Serve with Pilaf rice (see recipe tip below).

Serves 6  3 tbsp sunflower oil  2 large onions, finely chopped  2 red peppers, halved, deseeded, and roughly chopped  6cm (2½in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated  3 red chillies, halved, deseeded, and roughly chopped  1 tsp turmeric  2 tsp ground coriander  2 tsp garam masala  1 tsp black mustard seeds  2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes  300ml (10 fl oz) water  4 tbsp tomato purée  4 tsp lime pickle  Juice of 1 lime  2 tbsp honey  Salt and freshly ground black pepper  1kg (2¼lb) raw shelled tiger prawns  1 heaped tbsp freshly chopped coriander, to garnish Serves 12  5 tbsp sunflower oil

 4 large onions, finely chopped  4 red peppers, halved, deseeded, and

roughly chopped  18cm (7in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated  6 red chillies, halved, deseeded, and roughly chopped  2 tsp turmeric  4 tsp ground coriander  4 tsp garam masala  2 tsp black mustard seeds  4 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes  600ml (1 pint) water  8 tbsp tomato purée  2 heaped tbsp lime pickle  Juice of 2 limes  4 tbsp honey  Salt and freshly ground black pepper  2kg (4½lb) raw shelled tiger prawns  2 heaped tbsp freshly chopped coriander, to garnish Method 1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or saucepan, add the onions, peppers, ginger, and chillies and fry over a high heat for 2 minutes or until starting to soften.

2. Cover with a lid, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes or until the onions and peppers are nearly soft. Add the spices and stir over a high heat to coat the vegetables.

3. Add the tomatoes, water, tomato purée, lime pickle, lime juice, and honey. Bring to

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

the boil and simmer for 10 minutes (15 minutes for 12). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, add the prawns, and cook for 5 minutes (5-10 minutes for 12) or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Garnish with the coriander and serve straightaway.

In the Aga At step 2, cover with a lid and transfer to the simmering oven to soften for 30 minutes, then continue on the boiling plate.

Prepare ahead and freeze The sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead.

Reheat to serve, adding the prawns at the end.

Freeze the sauce without the prawns for up to 1 month.

Pilaf rice

Serves 6 n 225g (8oz) basmati rice n Salt and freshly ground black pepper n 50g (1¾oz) butter n 1 onion, roughly chopped n 4 garlic cloves, crushed n 1 red chilli, halved, deseeded, and finely chopped n 225g (8oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced n 1 tsp paprika n Juice of 1 lemon n 50g (1¾oz) sultanas n 25g (scant 1oz) flaked almonds n 100g (3½oz) cooked petits pois Serves 12 n 450g (1lb) basmati rice n Salt and freshly ground black pepper n 75g (2½oz) butter n 2 onions, roughly chopped

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk n 6 garlic cloves, crushed n 2 red chillies, halved, deseeded, and

finely chopped n 350g (12oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced n 2 tsp paprika n Juice of 2 small lemons n 100g (3½oz) sultanas n 50g (1¾oz) flaked almonds n 225g (8oz) cooked petits pois 1. Cook the rice in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain, refresh in cold water, and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion, garlic, and chilli and fry for 2 minutes. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the onion is soft.

3. Add the mushrooms, turn up the heat, and fry for 3 minutes or until soft. Sprinkle in the paprika, lemon juice, sultanas, almonds, and petits pois and fry for a few minutes, stirring.

Add the rice and stir until it is piping hot.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

In the Aga At step 2, cover with a lid and transfer to the simmering oven for 20 minutes. Return to the boiling plate at step 3.

Prepare ahead The pilaf can be cooked up to 12 hours ahead.

To reheat, transfer to a buttered, wide-based ovenproof dish, cover with buttered foil, and place in an oven preheated to 200°C (180°C fan/ 400°F/Gas 6) for 15 minutes (25 minutes for 12) or until piping hot. Not suitable for freezing.

Chocolate and hazelnut boozy roulade The perfect celebratory dessert for any special occasion, especially Christmas. If you haven’t time to make praline, top with a coarsely crushed bought praline bar.

Makes a 33cm (13in) Roulade (serves 8-10) Special equipment: 23 x 33cm (9 x 13in) Swiss roll tin, greased and lined with non-stick baking paper n 175g (6oz) plain chocolate, broken into pieces n 6 eggs, separated n 175g (6oz) caster sugar n 2 level tbsp cocoa, sieved n 50g (1¾ oz) chopped and roasted hazelnuts For the filling: n 300ml (10 fl oz) double cream n 2-3 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream For the hazelnut praline: n 100g (3½ oz) granulated sugar n 50g (1¾ oz) whole blanched hazelnuts, halved n Icing sugar, to dust Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/ Gas 4). Melt the chocolate slowly in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Allow to cool slightly until warm but still runny.

2. Whisk the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until stiff but not dry. Put the sugar and egg yolks into a separate large bowl and whisk until light, thick, and creamy. Add the melted chocolate and stir until blended.

3. Gently stir two large spoonfuls of the egg whites into the mixture, then fold in the remaining egg whites, followed by the cocoa.

Stir in the hazelnuts. Pour into the prepared tin and gently level the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until risen.

4. Remove the cake from the oven and set aside to cool in the tin.

5. Whip the cream into soft peaks and stir in the Baileys. Dust a large piece of non-stick baking parchment with icing sugar. Turn the cake out on to the paper and peel off the lining paper, then spread with the whipped cream. Make a cut part way through the roulade along the short edge nearest to you, about 2cm (¾in) in. Roll

up the cake, tightly to start with and using the paper to help. Don’t worry if it cracks – that is quite normal and part of its charm! Place on a long plate.

6. To make the praline, put the sugar and 3 tablespoons of water into a stainless steel saucepan. Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. When clear, bring up to the boil. Boil until a medium straw colour. Add the hazelnuts, then pour quickly on to a baking sheet lined with non-stick paper. Leave to cool slightly, then use a teaspoon to carefully group together small clusters of nuts. Leave to cool and become hard. When set, break into pieces and arrange on the top of the roulade. Sprinkle with icing sugar to serve.

In the Aga Bake the roulade on the grid shelf on the floor of the roasting oven, with the cold sheet on the second set of runners for about 18 minutes – turn round half way through.

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Christmas Special

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

6 good reasons to visit Royal Tunbridge Wells this Christmas With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best local places to eat, shop and experience this Christmas

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The Abergavenny Arms

THE Abergavenny Arms are delighted to announce the arrival of their new Head Chef, Craig Wales, who joins them from Biddenden’s Michelinstarred restaurant The West House. He has creatively designed their new Christmas Party and Christmas Day menus to blend the traditional fayre with a fine pub dining experience utilising the highest quality local produce. So please join your hosts in their warm, cosy, historic pub for a festive feast that will tantalise your taste buds, served to you by the friendly and attentive staff.

Frant Road, Frant, Nr Tunbridge Wells TN3 9DB 01892 750233 abergavennyarms.co.uk

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Christmas Special

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Visit Hever Castle

THIS Christmas Hever Castle & Gardens will be taking you on a magical journey down the rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland.

Twilight Christmas evenings take place on December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 23, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the Alice in Wonderland trail after dark and meet interactive characters such as the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the King and Queen of Hearts.

Be captivated by the exquisite

lights in the grounds and colour washes on the castle, and enjoy the festive decorations by the warmth of the log fires (extra date added this year by popular demand).

Feel the Christmas spirit with a carousel ride on the castle forecourt or enjoy vintage fairground stalls.

Visitors can also pose for a picture with a husky (suggested £2 donation towards Siberian Husky Welfare Association).

Twilight Christmas evenings take place from 6pm to 9.30pm and must be pre-booked.

Hever Road, Hever, Nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG 01723 865224 hevercastle.co.uk

d

£ pe 1 rc 0 hi l

SANTA’S GROTTO Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Santa’s Grotto at Salomons Estate

l be open The Grotto wil : 10am - 4pm on th December Thursday 19th ember Friday 20 stDec ember ec Saturday 21nd D ember Sunday 22 rd Dec ecember Monday 23 D

Santa will be bringing some seasonal cheer to Salomons Estate as he opens up his cosy Christmas Grotto! Come and meet him and his hard-working elves as they take up residence in the beautiful grounds of the estate.

To book call 01892 515152 or visit www.salomons-estate.com/events/whats-on/ EST ESTABLISHED

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Christmas Special

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Wednesday November 13 | 2019

RTW Together

Tunbridge Wells offers visitors a truly unique retail experience, especially at Christmas time.

With 300-plus retailers to choose from, and over 100 independently owned boutiques that are ‘not on the high street’ anywhere else, that special gift you’ve been searching for is right around the corner.

From exquisite jewellery and

3

The Hop Farm

Father Christmas is back at The Hop Farm on selected dates this December, so treat the kids and meet the big FC up close and in person in his magical Grotto.

Your Christmas experience inside The Big Red Grotto includes: • A visit with Father Christmas in his cosy Grotto • Indoor Grotto experience (unlimited time)

• Meet his jolly helpers • A Christmas gift • Storytelling with Mother Christmas • One free printed photograph per group • Write a letter to Father Christmas, post it in his North Pole postbox or give it to him in person • Balloon models • Craft and activity sheets • Christmas tunes, cartoons, plenty of photo opportunities and more!

Father Christmas at The Hop Farm in Kent is always very popular, and he only has limited time to meet children and their families before he sets off on his very busy night delivering

presents on Christmas Eve, so don’t delay, book today!

Ticket price includes FREE entry into the Family Park, animal farm and indoor soft play centre: Child (includes up to two free adults per booking and gift) – £18 Extra adults – £2 per adult Infant (under one year old, includes two free adults per booking if an infant only booking and gift) – £15 Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Nr Tonbridge TN12 6PY 01622 872068 thehopfarm.co.uk

beautifully crafted homeware to one-of-a-kind artworks and exclusive items of clothing, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a treasure trove of unique items. Shop luxury in the High Street and Chapel Place, big brands in Royal Victoria Place, specialist items on The Pantiles and in Monson Road, and quirky wares in Camden Road – you’re quite literally spoilt for choice.

Market Square Office, Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS 01892 531985 tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

5

Trinity Theatre

For a novel take on a festive favourite, don’t miss A Christmas Carol on Thursday November 28, as actor John O’Connor delightfully recreates Dickens’ famous performance of his best loved ghost story.

Audiences will be transported from Dickens’ own warm study to Scrooge’s freezing house, and the Cratchits’ welcoming dinner table.

This December, Trinity Comedy Club moves into the foyer, accompanied by a three-course festive

menu laid on by their Kitchen & Bar – the ideal setting for an up close and personal experience to rival any venue on the circuit. Perfect for a grown-up night out or your work Christmas party.

Trinity is delighted to welcome back Richard Durrant on Thursday December 19, as the guitarist and composer heralds the start of the Christmas season with singer Amy Kakoura and master fiddler Nick Pynn to serve up a festive feast of acoustic Christmas music.

Church Road,Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP 01892 678678 trinitytheatre.net

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Christmas Special

SKATE

Set in beautiful Calverley Grounds, just two minutes’ walk from

Tunbridge Wells Station, SKATE

Tunbridge Wells is now open with stylish skating, delicious food and drink, music and Christmas spirit.

There are exciting additions this year with a SECOND rink. This will be a very special Tiny Tots Rink dedicated to two to four year olds and will be open all day from 10am with the last session at 5pm daily, kindly sponsored by Childrensalon.

SKATE is also very excited to offer Bavarian Curling on the smaller rink from 6pm, a traditional German ice game somewhere between curling and bowls, so come and show your

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skills from beginners to professionals on the leaderboard! This is one of very few places in the UK with this fabulous attraction, and the only place in the South East to offer it.

SKATE is also collaborating with The Forum, the lifeblood of the local music scene, in hosting live music every Thursday for the first five Thursdays.

And it’s not just about skating and events, SKATE is also one of the best food and drink destinations in the South East, with beautiful pop-ups serving pizza, crêpes, doughnuts, sweets and, of course, mulled wine on offer.

For booking, please visit the website below.

Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU Box Office: 01892 530613 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

GruB & LIquOr Christmas 2 Courses £22.99 3 Courses £25.99 Includes a glass of fizz

Christmas Lunch from £17.99 Buffet party menu £12.99 Includes a glass of fizz

Midwinter Fair

Sponsored by

BURFIELDS HOUSE WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD

dj & disco party every weekend in December

www.burfieldshousewm.co.uk

Book christmas dinner by the end of october and receive a complimentary bottle of

£2.50 OFF on the door ticket

price with CODE TOTW1*

prosecco for every 6 guests

function room Available for large parties

new years Eve Cocktail party 31st december

14th, 15th & 16th November 2019

The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood TN12 6PY wealdentimes.co.uk/events

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01892 457899 hello@grubandliquor.co.uk 9 nevill street, tunbridge wells, tn2 5ru

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travel

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TWO NEW SHIPS To take you on the voyages of your dreams

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

Boutique Brilliance: Saga’s new era of luxury cruising Find out all about Saga’s new boutique hotel-style ships Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, and how they will ensure memorable voyages of a lifetime with a host of luxurious extras included

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HE year 2019 heralded a new beginning for Saga Cruises, with the launch of Spirit of Discovery, their first purposebuilt ship. And with the launch of a second new ship planned for 2020, there’s even more on the horizon for this award-winning cruise line.

SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY Saga has taken the concept of boutique hotels to a whole new level by applying it to cruising. That’s what you can look forward to when stepping aboard their new flagship Spirit of Discovery.

All the comfort, luxury, fine cuisine and high levels of service you’d expect in a boutique hotel are there, but you will wake up in a different destination to the one you went to sleep in.

Spirit of Discovery is the only new small ship built for the British market, offering a balcony for every guest and a choice of free speciality restaurants.

And it is all backed by Saga’s famous personal service and inclusive value.

Fine dining has long been an integral part of every Saga cruise, and this

continues aboard the new ship.

Guests can look forward to Saga’s widest-ever selection of restaurants at sea, led by an expert team of Executive Chefs. They include the Grand Dining Room, serving British and International cuisine, an informal Grill and Verandah, plus Asian and seafood speciality restaurants. All are completely free of charge, with no extra cost to dine.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT Other surprises on Spirit of Discovery include a 444-seat theatre, a luxurious Spa, cutting-edge gym and outdoor sports deck. There’s also the Terrace, an outside bar and garden on the ship’s wrap-around promenade deck.

Then there’s The Club by Jools – Saga’s first celebrity-endorsed venue – its patron being music legend Jools Holland. Recalling the famous music lounges of the 1950s, The Club combines sumptuous cocktails and dining with live music. The man himself even appears on a number of cruises throughout 2019 and 2020, performing live with this famed band.

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE Spirit of Adventure, sister ship to Spirit of Discovery, will take to the oceans in Summer 2020.

Sharing the same high levels of boutique luxury but with her own distinct character, she will introduce a second wave of luxury cruising to Saga’s distinctive new portfolio.

The free-to-dine speciality restaurants on Spirit of Adventure are another real

standout. They include Khukuri House, the world’s first Nepalese restaurant on the ocean wave, along with Amalfi, serving high-end Italian cuisine.

There is also the Supper Club, which combines a premium steakhouse restaurant with a live entertainment venue, complete with large dancefloor.

Like those on Spirit of Discovery, the cabins aboard Spirit of Adventure are light, bright and effortlessly stylish.

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In keeping with Saga’s luxury boutique feel, each one has a balcony so you’ll always have your own private outside space to enjoy.

Solo cruisers on both ships are spoilt for choice with 109 single balcony cabins across a wide range of grades. This is a first for the cruising industry; no other cruise line has dedicated such space to solo cruisegoers.

GREAT VALUE, INCLUDING TRANSPORT TO PORT Whichever ship you choose, Saga always stands out for its unbeatable value for money. Once the fare has been paid, there is very little to budget for on your cruise. Saga includes so much more in the price; they really do leave other cruise

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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lines in their wake.

Better still, Saga celebrated the launch of its state-of-the-art new cruise fleet by announcing that all 2020 cruises aboard Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure will be all-inclusive.

This means guests can enjoy a range of selected drinks from the bar completely free of charge – including beers, wines, house-branded spirits and even cocktails. Boutique luxury has never been such good value.

In fact, the value literally begins at your own front door. Every Saga cruise includes a chauffeur picking you up from home and driving you to the port. It’s not an added extra but included as standard for everyone, up to 250

miles each way. When you’re on board all meals are included, even dining in all the speciality restaurants. A choice of complimentary wines are served at lunch and dinner, while snacks, afternoon tea and 24-hour room service are also included, so is free Wi-Fi throughout your cruise.

Last but by no means least, cruise with Saga and all gratuities are included, too, with no awkward moments about who or how much to tip.

Even the bars have no service charges. It’s premium value for money unrivalled by any other cruise line.

DESTINATIONS Destinations-wise, Saga’s upcoming calendar of cruising adventures are a real ‘wow’. You could find yourself visiting Macchu Piccu high in the Andes, ice sculpting in Norway’s amazing Igloo Hotel, trekking across the ocean floor in Lanzarote, or how about an unforgettable helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro?

For something closer to home, their short

cruises to the Continent are a perfect choice, and a great way to try your first boutique cruise.

That’s really just the start. And with all cruises sailing direct from Dover or Southampton, there’s no flying required.

With so much to tempt you, there’s never been a better time to start planning your first Saga cruise. But if you’re still unsure, their Price Promise and money-back guarantee should be enough to put your mind at rest.

Firstly, Saga’s Cruise Price Promise means you will never miss out on a late deal, because if the price comes down after you’ve booked they will automatically work out how much you would have saved and pass the value of the saving back to you. And secondly, they guarantee that if you don’t love your first cruise on a Saga ship, they’ll refund your money.

You can’t say fairer than that!

It really is time to look again at Saga, as they sail into a brand-new era of luxury, boutique cruising

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Motors

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

This week… n A new superbike n An ultra-hot Mini n Two improved vans

Honda reveals its most powerful Fireblade yet HONDA has unveiled its hugely powerful new Fireblade, which is designed to challenge the Ducati Panigale V4R for superbike supremacy and packs 215bhp from a 999cc inline-four engine.

Weighing just 201kg with fluids, the Fireblade has been graced with a variety of mechanical and styling upgrades.

The engine has been given a new top end, while a diamondlike coating has been applied to the cams to help improve performance.

A newly designed exhaust system has been fitted helping

to reduce its size by a third while allowing it to comply with the latest Euro5 emission regulations, plus a silencer from Akrapovic.

The wheelbase has been increased in size by 48mm, aiding stability, while the crank is further and higher up from the front wheel to improve high-speed cornering.

Launch control is included as standard and the throttle has also been updated. And the bike’s fairing has been totally redesigned to improve airflow.

Pricing has yet to be revealed.

Mini teases its GP John Cooper Works hot hatch MINI’S new high-performance GP John Cooper Works will be offered from £34,995, the British firm has revealed, along with the release of the above teaser image.

Set to arrive on UK roads next year, just 3,000 examples of the ultra-hot hatch have been slated for production. The car has yet to be unveiled, but demand will surely be high for a model that has traditionally played a role as the run-out model for its respective Mini generation.

Little else has been confirmed about the car so far, but it will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 302bhp. That puts it equal with the latest Mini Clubman John Cooper Works for the title of the firm’s most powerful car ever.

As well as a potent engine, images of the

car’s test mule have suggested major bodywork revisions will be made in order to make the most of its power. These include an aggressive bodykit with flared arches and a large rear wing – the latter of which is visible in a new teaser image of the car.

Other confirmed introductions include light alloy wheels, large air intakes for improved cooling, and a bespoke suspension set-up.

The two previous generations of the GP – produced in 2006 and 2013 – also had performance-oriented enhancements, such as the removal of rear seats, grippier tyres and uprated brakes. It’s likely similar improvements will be made to the new car.

Mini will reveal the GP John Cooper Works in full at the Los Angeles Auto Show, running from November 22 to December 1.

Nissan upgrades van efficiencies

NISSAN has given its NV300 and NV400 vans a mid-life refresh, improving comfort, safety and efficiency, with the biggest change being new powertrains which meet the latest Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards.

The NV300 receives a new 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine available in one of two power outputs, as well as the choice between a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The NV400, meanwhile, gets a 2.3-litre turbocharged diesel, which also features in the firm’s Navara pickup. Available in one of three power outputs, it can also be fitted with either a manual or automatic transmission.

The NV400 has an all-new dashboard and steering wheel design and more storage. An updated infotainment system has been added to both vans, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity accessed via a seven-inch touchscreen.

New safety systems for the NV400 include Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure warning, while extra locks have been added to the rear and side doors for improved security.

The NV300 gains new satin chrome interior trim finishes, upgraded seat fabric and a new DAB audio system.

Prices for the NV300 start from £21,655, while the NV400 enters the market at £24,930.

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Recruitment

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Wednesday November 13 | 2019

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Cartref Homes UK Limited

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Ideally applicants will have experience of working with adults with Learning Disabilities and/or mental health issues. However, training will be provided for suitable candidates.

Due to location applicants must be able to drive.

We seek staff with positive attitudes, flexibility and good written and verbal communication.

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CODEWORD 3

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas Day in the stunning surroundings of Bewl Water.

8

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

S T S T U N F A M H I O C Z B E C T H

A C C A T O O O P S R R N U P C L I E L E A G N S I RWA E M N G E D Q U I L U C U L T I J T O R C U A T U P K N I O U E C A N P E R V E

X E N B MB S E N D A R K E U N N V E L R S

8 7 3 5 9 6 1 4 2

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S E

6 3 5 2 4 1 7 8 9

7 4 1 8 5 9 3 2 6

9 2 8 6 3 7 5 1 4

3 1 2 9 6 8 4 5 7

4 6 7 1 2 5 9 3 8

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3 8 4 1 5 2 7 6 9

9 4 6 5 1 8 2 3 7

8 9 7 3 4 6 1 2 5

2 7 8 9 3 4 6 5 1

4 3 5 7 6 1 8 9 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

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DESSERTS

Y

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Sport

FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Wednesday November 13 | 2019 Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Girls’ combined ‘A21s’ on the road to success RUGBY: GIRLS from the rugby clubs in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks have won their first league game of the season 29-20 against Dartfordians.

The two clubs work together to develop opportunities for more girls to be involved in competitive rugby and have formed a combined ‘A21s’ team at under-15 level.

Playing at Knole Paddock, the A21s pulled together some strong forward play and good hands in the back division to lead Dartfordians 17-5 at half-time.

The visitors came out strong at the start of the second half, scoring three tries in quick succession. But the A21s hit back, running in a converted try from their own 10-metre line.

With Dartfordians still applying huge pressure a concerted effort from the A21s drove them back with a string of rucks and mauls culminating in a final try.

For more information contact Simon Parsons, Director of Ladies Rugby at ladies@twrfc.com

Tunbridge Wells 15 Sevenoaks 15

By Graham Withers RUGBY: GREAT anticipation had grown around this ‘A21 derby’ ever since Sevenoaks’ promotion into the London and South East Premier Division last season, and it proved to be a typically close and nail-biting affair.

It was more than three years since the last meeting of the two sides at St Marks and both clubs were looking forward to resuming a strong, but very amicable, rivalry. The last two matches had been settled by a single score, both going Wells’ way.

There was a First XV debut on the home wing for Harvey Colangelo, a home-grown talent who has played his way through the ranks from the Under-6s.

Despite wet and testing conditions the game started at a frenetic pace, and would hardly relent throughout with defensive work and the forwards dominating.

Early on the hosts suffered a setback when newly capped Polish international prop Kamil Wiecaszek had to go off with a knee injury.

Home skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy looked certain to open the scoring but he was stopped in his tracks by former Wells hooker Scott Sedgwick.

On 26 minutes a huge drive from a penalty saw Oaks shunted backwards and as Nick Doherty

went to collect the ball the scrum popped up and was wheeled illegally, the referee awarding a penalty try to Wells and giving Sedgwick a yellow card.

Then Oaks pushed Wells off their own scrum earning a penalty, and full-back Tom Gray comfortably slotted his kick from 20 metres to make it 7-3.

But Wells had the bit firmly between their teeth and George Montgomery fed Max Hobbs, who had come off his left wing, to score two minutes before half-time; Frank Reynolds was unable to convert.

Penalised With ten extra minutes to be added, TaylorDennehy was penalised for holding on at his own 10-metre line, and another penalty led to a lineout near the line.

Wells were having great difficulty dealing with Sevenoaks’ speciality, the rolling maul, and flanker Josh Baldock came up with the ball to score. The tough conversion was missed and it was all to play for at half-time with Wells leading 12-8.

The second period definitely belonged to the men from Knole Paddock as they got the better of the breakdown and continued to dominate in the maul.

When Montgomery was penalised for playing the scrum-half rather than the ball another

PHOTO: Bruce Ellliott

Wells withstand Oaks’ mauling in tough derby

attacking maul looked likely but indiscipline from visiting prop Dan Power saw him sent to the sin bin and the penalty was reversed.

As another Oaks maul moved forward, Wells were warned but they came in offside and collapsed it. Another penalty was awarded and this time it was Wells who were down to 14 men as Ben Whale received a yellow card.

As another maul collapsed, giving a penalty advantage, fly-half Tom Simmonds chipped through into the dead ball area and Oaks centre Leighton Ralph was first to the ball to dot down under the posts. Tom Gray popped the

conversion over and it was now 12-15 to Sevenoaks after 63 minutes.

With three minutes of normal time remaining the visitors were penalised for not releasing at the ruck and from 20 metres out Reynolds took the opportunity to level the scores.

But there were to be another nine minutes of added time, played in very dark and gloomy conditions, and the resilient hosts withstood repeated mauls to hang on for the draw.

Wells remain in fifth place as they travel to Hertfordshire to take on Tring on Saturday (November 16, kick-off 2.30pm).

Tonbridge Juddians 42 Westcliff 5 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS recovered some of their runaway success of the early season with a powerful second-half fightback against promoted Westcliff.

TJs were poor in the first period and they started by conceding early penalties - with one Westcliff shot at goal bouncing back off the crossbar.

Desperate defence and further infringements by the home side saw TJs’ Ryan Jackson handed a yellow card.

From yet another penalty the visitors won the lineout and drove the maul over the line. Initially the referee signalled held-up but after consulting his assistant the try was awarded to hooker Billy Morant; the conversion went wide.

Still grimly defending their goalline, TJs’ replacement hooker Tom Petty received was also sent to the sin-bin, reducing a rather ragged

home team to 13 men - though they hung on to go in at half-time 5-0 down.

Futher disruption came from the restart as a high tackle led to another yellow card for the hosts’ Jimmy Green, though Westcliff could not capitalise. The sides were evened up at 14 each, however, when Westcliff’s lock forward Ian Dartnell was sent to the sin-bin.

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Six of the best as Jackson leads stunning fightback

Overturned No TJs sprung into action in emphatic fashion.

From a lineout the driving maul saw Jackson touch down for TJs’ first points, Will Robinson converting.

Jackson scored again when another lineout was overturned near the line and the hooker only had to drop over for his second try, which Robinson again converted.

After a pick-and-drive Murray Galbraith-Lowe

RIDING HIGH: TJs scored all 42 points in the 2nd half

fed the ball to newcomer Noah Ferdinand on the wing and he beat the cover to score wide out on the right, Robinson adding the extras.

From a scrum in the centre of the field, a straightforward passing move allowed centre Finn Coxon-Smith to cruise through to score TJs’ bonus-point try which Robinson converted.

Another new boy, lock Josh Groocock, made a good impression with a storming run upfield and subsequently touched down for Robinson to convert.

TJs’ energy in defence had also improved and they denied Westcliff any further scoring opportunities before adding a sixth try by Coxon-Smith following a strong burst from flanker Jack Nay, Robinson slotting his conversion again.

The win keeps TJs at the top of National Two South as they travel to Bristol to play fifth-placed Clifton on Saturday (November 16, kick-off 2.30pm).

Wednesday November 13 | 2019

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Sport

Fine balance as Sam and Sammi win gold

By Andy Tong GYMNASTICS: TWO gymnasts from Tunbridge

Wells brought back a gold medal from the Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships in Israel.

Representing Great Britain, Sam Large, 18, and his partner Sammi Nassman, 14, won the Junior (13-19) level for Team GB in the Balance routine final in Holon, scoring an impressive 28.75.

The pair had already won gold when they represented Great Britain at the World Championships in Belgium in the 12-18 category.

This year they were selected at Junior (13-19) level, and the reigning British champions are aiming to be picked at Senior level in 2020.

In Israel they also won a bronze medal in the Dynamic routine final, when they scored 28.15

- the same total score as the Ukraine men’s pair, who were awarded the silver because they had a better execution mark, and only 0.2 behind the Azerbaijan men’s pair who took gold.

Sam and his ‘top’ Sammi also were awarded the highest score for their Combined routine. But the results for the all-round medal were comprised of the Combined score added to the Balance and Dynamic qualification round scores.

TOP TRIO (L-R) Olivia Hossenboccus, Fran Arnell and Amy Rowe with their bronze medals

Gill shows cross-country form ATHLETICS: CATHY GILL was first Harrier home for the third time in a row as Tunbridge Wells athletes took part in the Senior Women’s race at the Kent Cross Country League meeting in Danson Park, Bexley.

The muddy conditions, cold weather and some course changes meant that the race was not as fast and flat as in previous years.

Gill romped home in 22nd place, followed by Jillian Holford (39th) with Gemma Stilliard (74th) making up the trio for the three-to-score team event.

Stillard was closely followed by Michele Bradshaw (75th) with Clare Andrew (99th) and

Amanda Smith (100th) completing the six-toscore team event.

After three races so far in the season, Gill is currently in 16th place with Michele Bradshaw second in the W55 category.

Ian Bracken and Bryon Taylor finished in 9th and 11th place respectively in the M70 race.

Two Tunbridge Harriers made the short trip to Beckley, near Rye for the 10k race there and both picked up silverware.

On a scenic but hilly course, Keith Mitchell finished second overall in 38min 40sec and was first M40,while Alex Holmes ran 40.09 for sixth place and second M40.

CROWDED FIELD Cathy Gill (blue and yellow stripes) leads the Harriers in Bexley

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Butler hits winner in added time to crown fightback HEADS UP Sam Large and (top) Sammy Nassman in action in Holon

Ambitious The boys had sustained a 1.0 penalty in the Dynamic qualification for a music technical fault, and had to settle for another bronze. But they had knocked the reigning world champions from Russia off the podium places.

Tigers Gymnastics Centre in Tonbridge also sent five club members to the showpiece event.

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Olivia Hossenboccus, 17, Amy Rowe, 14, and Fran Arnell, 12, were represented their country for the first time and achieved a bronze medal in the 12-18 Women’s Group.

Twelve-year-old Bea Henderson made her international debut in the 12-18 Mixed Pair category with club mate Hector Kinghorn, 15.

They finished sixth in qualifications, missing out on the final because only one pairing from each country could go through.

Hector formerly teamed up with Sam, winning a European title together in 2015 and a silver medal at the World Championships a year later.

Sam was formerly at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and trains for 20 hours a week at Heathrow Gymnastics Club. Sammi was a pupil at Bennett Memorial School before moving to be closer to their training base.

Sam is taking a gap year after A levels and working 30 hours a week at Cycling Made Easy on St John’s Road while travelling to Heathrow five days a week.

He has set up a fundraising page to help him realise his gymmastic ambitions. For more information visit gofundme.com and search for Sam Large.

Croydon 2 Rusthall 3

By Rich Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL stunned promotion rivals Croydon in the Southern Counties East League Division One with a second-half fightback at the Sports Arena.

The home side looked in complete control at the interval, leading 2-0 with goals from Andy Somo and a Martin Smith penalty.

But the Rustics showed their strength after the break. Despite very wet conditions they took the game to their hosts and got a foothold on 51 minutes when James Miles scored.

Prolific With Croydon now on the back foot Rusthall continued to push for an equaliser and Reuel Powell-Downey scored in the 73rd minute.

The Rustics squad has shown real character in recent weeks and instead of settling for a point they went in search of an unlikely winner.

In stoppage time Tommy Lawrence swung in a corner from the left and with Croydon unable to clear the ball, skipper Paul Butler smashed it into the net from close range.

Third-placed Rusthall now travel the London Hire Stadium to take on Sutton Athletic on Saturday (November 16, kick-off 3pm).

At Jockey Farm the Reserves eased past West Farleigh 3-0 to reach the semi-final of the Tunbridge Wells Senior Cup with goals from Kane Ramsell and two from prolific young striker Ben Boodle.

Tonbridge Angels’ National League South fixture at Hungerford Park was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.