Times of Tonbridge 10th July 2019

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Furious MP says US leaks will endanger public LOCAL MP Tom Tugendhat reacted angrily to the leaks of Foreign Office communications about President Trump’s administration written by the UK ambassador in Washington, Kim Darroch.

The Conservative, who is chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “The sharing of those messages is wrong.

Not just because it’s embarrassing (it is that) but because it undermines the security of the British people.

“People around the world talk to our diplomats and officials because we’re seen as trustworthy.

“That means we’re often better informed than others and able to shape outcomes to our advantage.”

GLAM ROCK: Revellers

flock to the Castle for Tonbridge

Music Weekend with tribute

‘Confidence and respect’ good report for struggling– Ofsted delivers Hadlow College acts to Dolly Parton and

Elton John, organised by

Andy Brett (in star glasses).

Page 4

By Andy Tong

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Good Ofsted report is a boost for Hadlow College page 3

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STARLIT NIGHTS

Elton and Dolly tribute bands lead Music Weekend page 4

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Trust

investigated for financial The former Army intelligence irregularities. results are positive for the college.

More than 700 students andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk officer and military assistant are aged tected while an investigation “Inspectors concluded to the between 16 and 18, with is carried that leaders out into around 900 and managers what happens at an adminis- Chief of Defence Staff added: “Trust adults and 200 apprentices. at the college are ensurHADLOW COLLEGE has matters in diplomacy just trative level. been ing that the quality of as it Richard Atkins, the FEC, significant and much-neededgiven a education promatters with the people noted in his grammes The Ofsted inspector Andy boost report that it we work for learners remains high.”

Fitt found with every after receiving a positive was still claiming to that students value day. If you trust someone be monitoring ‘outstanding’ The report said Mr Morley, and enjoy their you report from education watchdog for overall effectiveness ‘supported courses, work better with them.” producing written and effectively by the educational Ofsted. and leadership The college became the practibased on an Ofsted adminis- cal work of He cites examples such first in the report from trators, senior leaders ‘good quality’. as country to be placed 2010. and the advisory dissidents in Russia or a trade He in educational added: “They grow in group, has made sure confidence negotiator administration in May that the educa- during after it had ‘comin Brussels, saying: their courses. They can tion of students at the pletely run out of money’. say what “Now you learn college has not they ‘Leaders and managers have learned and are that someone been adversely affected’. clear about senior in The Further Education the British government the skills they are developing.”

Commissioner are ensuring that the The finding is in keeping is [FEC] said he was ‘genuinely with Mr Morleaking the most He also said apprentices shocked’ ley’s stated aim that there ‘develop the conversations sensitive quality of education for by what he found when should be no skills, he paid a visit and views about their knowledge and workplace impact on teaching and in February. behav- closest ally – learning. learners remains high’ iours they need to be successful...bene the US. Imagine how After he took over, he said: He arrived to discover “The finan- fiting from - you feel then? the principal, cial issues are quite serious, well-planned framework Paul Hannan, and vice-principal, but none and standards-based “Every conversation that are impacting on the students Mark doesn’t programmes’.

Now Ofsted has praised Lumsdon-Taylor, were and staff. happen leaves British policymakers the interim on sick leave.

The funding of apprenticeships “They are principal brought in to Both were suspended at the more likely to steady the ship, operational at a strategic rather than an college has been and have since Graham make bad decisions. a cause for concern, level. I do think, and Morley, for ensuring that resigned – along with “Whoever did this has I’m with the the chair the weakened board of governors, vice-chair, of the students have not been ‘adversely very convinced of the fact, that the pro- Agency Education and Skills Funding the British government and harmed six other affected’ by investigating money that vision will continue.” external board members the scandal. was the interests paid to the group and the clerk. of the British people.

The process of educational A spokesperson for the to provide the That’s The agricultural college, adminiscollege said: tration, why I’m so angry about which has “On June being conducted by account- schemes, which the ESFA dispute that it.”

20-21 2,089 students and 454 Mr Tugendhat has called it was entitled to. staff, is being a monitoring Hadlow College received ants BDO, is also on the designed to ensure visit from Ofsted and the Metropolitan Police to investigate the students and their courses are pro- Continued and bring charges against on page 4 whoever was responsible.

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Furious MP says US leaks will endanger public

GLAM ROCK: Revellers flock to the Castle for Tonbridge Music Weekend with tribute acts to Dolly Parton and Elton John, organised by Andy Brett (in star glasses). Page 4

‘Confidence and respect’ – Ofsted delivers good report for struggling Hadlow College

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk HADLOW COLLEGE has been given a significant and much-needed boost after receiving a positive monitoring report from education watchdog Ofsted.

The college became the first in the country to be placed in educational administration in May after it had ‘completely run out of money’.

The Further Education Commissioner [FEC] said he was ‘genuinely shocked’ by what he found when he paid a visit in February.

He arrived to discover the principal, Paul Hannan, and vice-principal, Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, were on sick leave.

Both were suspended and have since resigned – along with the chair of the board of governors, vice-chair, six other external board members and the clerk.

The agricultural college, which has 2,089 students and 454 staff, is being

investigated for financial irregularities.

More than 700 students are aged between 16 and 18, with around 900 adults and 200 apprentices.

Richard Atkins, the FEC, noted in his report that it was still claiming to be ‘outstanding’ for overall effectiveness and leadership based on an Ofsted report from 2010.

‘Leaders and managers are ensuring that the quality of education for learners remains high’ Now Ofsted has praised the interim principal brought in to steady the ship, Graham Morley, for ensuring that the students have not been ‘adversely affected’ by the scandal.

A spokesperson for the college said: “On June 20-21 Hadlow College received a monitoring visit from Ofsted and the

results are positive for the college.

“Inspectors concluded that leaders and managers at the college are ensuring that the quality of education programmes for learners remains high.”

The report said Mr Morley, ‘supported effectively by the educational administrators, senior leaders and the advisory group, has made sure that the education of students at the college has not been adversely affected’.

The finding is in keeping with Mr Morley’s stated aim that there should be no impact on teaching and learning.

After he took over, he said: “The financial issues are quite serious, but none are impacting on the students and staff.

“They are at a strategic rather than an operational level. I do think, and I’m very convinced of the fact, that the provision will continue.”

The process of educational administration, being conducted by accountants BDO, is also designed to ensure the students and their courses are pro-

tected while an investigation is carried out into what happens at an administrative level.

The Ofsted inspector Andy Fitt found that students value and enjoy their courses, producing written and practical work of ‘good quality’.

He added: “They grow in confidence during their courses. They can say what they have learned and are clear about the skills they are developing.”

He also said apprentices ‘develop the skills, knowledge and workplace behaviours they need to be successful...benefiting from well-planned framework and standards-based programmes’.

The funding of apprenticeships at the college has been a cause for concern, with the Education and Skills Funding Agency investigating money that was paid to the group to provide the schemes, which the ESFA dispute that it was entitled to.

Continued on page 4

LOCAL MP Tom Tugendhat reacted angrily to the leaks of Foreign Office communications about President Trump’s administration written by the UK ambassador in Washington, Kim Darroch.

The Conservative, who is chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “The sharing of those messages is wrong. Not just because it’s embarrassing (it is that) but because it undermines the security of the British people.

“People around the world talk to our diplomats and officials because we’re seen as trustworthy.

“That means we’re often better informed than others and able to shape outcomes to our advantage.”

Trust The former Army intelligence officer and military assistant to the Chief of Defence Staff added: “Trust matters in diplomacy just as it matters with the people we work with every day. If you trust someone you work better with them.”

He cites examples such as dissidents in Russia or a trade negotiator in Brussels, saying: “Now you learn that someone senior in the British government is leaking the most sensitive conversations and views about their closest ally – the US. Imagine how you feel then?

“Every conversation that doesn’t happen leaves British policymakers more likely to make bad decisions.

“Whoever did this has weakened the British government and harmed the interests of the British people.

That’s why I’m so angry about it.”

Mr Tugendhat has called on the Metropolitan Police to investigate and bring charges against whoever was responsible.

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HADLOW COLLEGE: Continued from page 3

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Master work about town at war is priceless ‘legacy’ for schools

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

FIRE FIGHTING: Graham Morley has made sure students are not ‘adversely affected’ Those with ‘high needs’ were said to be making ‘quick progress with their learning – staff check the progress of these students very effectively’.

“Teaching and support staff plan carefully to ensure these students develop the social and employment-related skills they need to be successful in their next steps,” the watchdog added.

The report concluded the new management had made a favourable impression on the staff.

It said: “Staff take great pride in the work they do. They have high levels of confidence in, and respect for the current senior team.”

“Leaders and managers have developed their systems to improve classroom performance. “[They] check and improve the quality of curriculum areas effectively. They support staff well to make changes that help more students to achieve their qualifications.”

This progress was deemed to have addressed concerns about achievement rates for 16 to 18 year olds, with student retention having declined since 2016-17.

‘Substantially more students’ are completing their courses compared to last year after the new management made a raft of changes.

These include better advice to make sure they are more aware of the requirements, regular reports for parents, and identifying the times when students would be most at risk of leaving and introducing ‘inspirational talks’.

Unlike Ofsted’s full reports, which are graded with verdicts such as ‘outstanding’, ‘good’ and ‘inadequate’, a monitoring report does not require a grading.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Wednesday July 10 | 2019

LOCAL historians Pam Mills and David Swarbrick have written a 1,000-page history of the town during the First World War to serve as a ‘legacy’ for schools.

The History of Tonbridge and its People in the Great War, which is published in two volumes, has been donated to 15 schools across the town.

Mrs Mills, who was deputy Poppy Appeal organiser in the town for the last six years, was the force behind Tonbridge 100, a living history weekend held last year to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

She was supported in staging the extravaganza

by Mr Swarbrick, a retired schoolteacher from Hildenborough with a passion for researching family ancestry.

The remarkable book is the culmination of the 100th anniversary, and Mrs Mills will be holding a talk at the Angel Centre on Thursday July 18 to mark its publication.

The launch coincides with the centenary of the signing of the peace agreement to end the war, the Treaty of Versailles, and the Peace Day celebrations that were held

across Britain on July 19 1919.

The talk will look at the end of the war, the parties and the part played by schools. Mrs Mills said: “This book is the ultimate summary of the Tonbridge 100 project, it’s where everything comes together. It’s a vast document.

“The first volume is a narrative about how the town contributed to the war effort, while the second is a record of all the police officers, firemen, people who worked on all the committees, cemetery workers.

“History is for sharing,” she added. “It’s about normal people. There were troops based here for 18 months, it was like a garrison town, and there was a lot going on.”

The authors first worked together on a volume called The Tonbridge Fallen in 2014, the first book to research those who died during the Great War. “While we were writing that, we came across so many stories and we were building up an archive of background material around the fallen.

And we had the foundation of our latest work. It was a long labour of love.”

The master work has received National Lottery funding because of its educational value. Mrs Mills explained: “When I applied to the Lottery Heritage Fund for Tonbridge

‘Lofty’ Bunyon is new Lions President TONBRIDGE Lions Club have inaugurated their 70th President, Keith ‘Lofty’ Bunyon. His predecessor Tom Simmons presented him with the chain of office in a luncheon at Bewl Water.

Mr Bunyon, 59, has lived in Tonbridge since he was eight years old, having moved from London in 1968. He remembers how the town and the surrounding area were devastated by floods in September that year.

He attended Woodlands Junior School and then Tunbridge Wells Tech, now Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, where he has been chairman of TWGSB Alumni.

Keith was a keen cricketer and captained the school’s first XI and also played for Tonbridge Ramblers Juniors before having to retire at the age of 23 due to a back problem.

After leaving school he joined the department store Chiesmans in Tunbridge Wells and became the company’s youngest ever manager.

While working in retail he met his wife of 35 years, Joan. They have one son James, an actor, dancer and singer who lives in Cologne, Germany.

Mr Bunyon then became a self-employed double-glazing salesman alongside specialist furnishings. He is now a consultant for home improvement with over 36 years experience.

IN-DEPTH RESEARCH: David Swarbrick and Pam Mills; (below) the cover of their book 100 last year, they said they would fund the book if it was for schools because it was a legacy to keep the learning going.”

She added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Lottery, Kent County Council’s Engagement fund, the Lions, Clarke Williams insurance and Warners Solicitors, and everyone who contributed by sharing photos or narratives of their ancestors or by adding to or confirming our research. It’s been a great pleasure meeting families who I have interviewed and who have shared stories with us.”

The hardback edition published by Tunbridge Wells company Heronswood Press costs £350.

But for a small donation to the Poppy Appeal there is a PDF version that can be downloaded from Mrs Mills by contacting pjstmills@aol.com The talk starts at 7pm in the Angel Centre’s Riverside room and entry is free.

However, places should be reserved by contacting the same email address.

PRIDE OF LIONS Outgoing President Tom Simmons (left) with Keith ‘Lofty’ Bunyon

Honour His nickname came from his early years as a Scout leader, and he has been active in the Tonbridge Scout movement for almost 50 years.

For many years he performed duties as Parade Commander for both the annual Scout & Guide St George’s Day parade and the town’s Remembrance Day parade.

Since joining the Lions in 2008 he has chaired the Carnival committee. His favourite event is the club’s annual It’s A Knockout for local special

needs people held at The Angel Centre when he acts as master of ceremonies.

Mr Bunyon said: “It is an absolute honour to be trusted to represent the oldest and one of the largest Lions clubs in the country in its 70th year.

“I am looking forward to meeting many special and interesting people in my year as President.”

Dolly and Elton storm the castle Churches Together’s THE Tonbridge Music Weekend proved another great success with 5,300 attending the three days of outdoor gigs at the Castle.

Friday night saw Sarah Jayne take the stage with Dolly Parton and the Country Superstars.

And on Saturday night The Rocket Man, Jimmy Love’s Elton John tribute band, was supported

by Stayin’ Alive UK playing the Bee Gees.

Sunday’s acts were put on by local impresarios Hannah Rotchell and Oliver Tourle.

They featured a Princesses’ Picnic followed by West End leading ladies performing musical theatre, with Kerry Ellis headlining.

The picnic, which was hosted by Disney princesses in costume, proved a massive draw with more than 1,300 attending.

Andy Brett, who has organised the Weekend since it began in 2013, said: “It was probably the best in terms of total numbers.”

He was delighted with the first Country and Western evening he has staged.

“I decide what type of music will go down well given what has come before but I try not to repeat, and that one was very successful.

The annual series of free summer concerts starts on Castle Lawn this Sunday [July 14], with a mixture of amateur and professional bands.

Organised by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, they take place between 3pm and 5pm.

There is no need to book and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. There will be an arts and crafts stall to entertain children.

Cllr Mark Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Once again we have a great selection of music for everyone to enjoy, ranging from soul classics and jazz numbers to big band classics.

“I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a summer afternoon.”

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS Sunday: Jon Hamilton Big Band July 28: Second Wind Jazz Band August 11: Invicta Jazz Orchestra August 18: Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band August 25: East Grinstead Concert Band

fun day with Angels

TONBRIDGE Area Churches Together are holding a Sunday Funday this weekend [July 14] from 11am to 4pm at Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead stadium.

Activities include Inspire Allstars cheerleaders, the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band, Scottish dancing, freestyle football, dogs shows, a community choir, drumming workshops, magicians and puppet shows.

Generosity Food and drink will be on sale at the ground, and visitors can have picnics in the stands at either end of the football pitch.

Rev Sally Allen, outreach minister at Tonbridge Baptist Church, said: “Sunday Funday wouldn’t have been possible without the generous gift from Tonbridge Angels Football Club of their wonderful facilities and fantastic staff team.

“We want everyone to enjoy a free day out because we love a God whose generosity knows no bounds.”

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Horse seized after cruelty complaints POLICE have seized a horse from a home on the Sherwood Estate after a video circulated on social media showing it being abused in a back garden.

The year-old foal was taken by officers after footage emerged online of several men attempting to ‘break’ the horse in by jumping on its back.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media reporting to show a horse being mistreated in Tunbridge Wells.

“Our officers have seized the horse and it is safe from harm.

“The RSPCA are investigating the circumstances.”

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Popular bar changes hands leaving staff out in the cold

By Richard Williams STAFF at one of the town’s top restaurants were not told it was being sold to a British pub chain until the venue closed.

More than 20 people worked at the Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill, which closed with immediate effect last week, after owners, Individual Restaurants, sold the High Street eatery to Young’s.

The new owners say they intend to turn the venue, which opened in 2007, back into a ‘local pub in the truest sense’ and will be reverting to its former name of the ‘White Bear’ - a popular venue with pub-goers in the town in the 1980s and 90s.

It is expected to re-open at some point later in the summer following an ‘extensive refurbishment’.

This will be little comfort to the full-time and

BARRED Staff were not given notice of the Bar & Grill sale

Drink drive capital KENT is the drink drive capital of the South East, which itself has been revealed to be the worst region in the UK for people getting behind the wheel after having consumed too much alcohol.

New data reveals that 7,313 motorists in the South East were caught drink driving in 2018, up from 7,041 in 2017.

Kent saw the most drink drivers in the region with 2,312 motorists caught by police in 2018, according to the research by Confused.com.

Hospital apologises TUNBRIDGE WELLS Hospital in Pembury has apologised after doctors performed a lumbar puncture on the wrong baby.

The ‘never event’ happened on February 12 when two babies from the postnatal ward met the criteria for sepsis, but only one required the spinal procedure.

A spokesman said: “Patient safety is our absolute priority and we are currently carrying out a detailed investigation into the matter.

“Never events are rare in our hospitals and it is our aim to ensure we consistently deliver the very highest standards of clinical care for our patients.”

Airlift after A26 crash A MAN was flown to hospital after a crash that closed St John’s Road in Tunbridge Wells for most of Monday morning.

The driver was taken by air ambulance to Kings College Hospital suffering from serious injuries, after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed into an HGV.

Groombridge Place owner dies THE TELEVISION veteran and owner of Groombridge Place Justine Bodle has died at the age of 58.

He passed away at his home in the South of France last Tuesday [July 2] from a suspected brain haemorrhage.

The father-of-three and former member of the British army, began his TV career selling advertising before moving on to distributing TV productions.

Among the most notable programmes he sold during his career was The Muppet Show, which he sold to British TV along with other Jim Henson shows such as Fraggle Rock.

He created his own TV production and distribution businesses in the mid-1990s, Power Television, which was one of more than 20 companies formed by the TV executive.

His production credits include the Emmy Award-winning Henry VIII, which stared Ray

Winstone, Archangel, which featured James Bond star Daniel Craig, and the US TV drama series Crusoe.

He bought Groombridge Place in 2001 to ensure his three children had nice surroundings in which to grow up.

Attraction A spokesperson for the country estate, said Mr Bodle would ‘be much missed by family, friends and colleagues’.

She continued: “The family will continue to operate Groombridge Place as a visitor attraction as Justin would have wanted.

“The planned investment at Groombridge will continue and the attraction will be welcoming families over the summer holidays to see the Wizard of Oz Musical in the new Outdoor Theatre at Crusoe World.”

Local News

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part-time staff members who have been told they have to either find a new job or wait until the new venue re-opens when they might be considered for work.

One bartender who did not want to be named, told the Times: “They just told us the night before.

“They gave us a choice of either working at another bar miles away or wait for this new place to open.

“I was told I’d get paid a reduced rate of just £29 a day for this week.

“But they never gave us any notice. They must have known about the sale. It is no way to treat people who have worked for you. Even my manager did not know about it.”

Individual Restaurants, which also owns celebrity chef Gino D’acampo’s restaurants in London, as well as Italian chain Piccolino, said it was a ‘unique situation’ and the building’s owner had forced the sale.

Steven Walker, founder of Individual Restaurants, said: “After 12 wonderful years, we have decided to sell the Bar & Grill.

“The owner of the building wanted to sell to an opportunistic buyer but the deal involved our lease.

“Our strategy is to open restaurants, not sell them, but this was a unique situation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible team in Tunbridge Wells, you our loyal guests and the local community for all the support we have received since we opened.”

A spokesman for new owners, Young’s, said they were ‘delighted’ to have acquired the Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill and would be considering taking on its staff.

He said: “We are currently consulting with all staff to discuss future employment opportunities.”

Theatre appoints a new artistic director TRINITY THEATRE in Tunbridge Wells yesterday (Tuesday) announced that a new artistic director has been appointed to lead the venue into its next ‘exciting new chapter’.

Kezia Cole is to take over from outgoing director John Martin and will start her new position at the arts venue in September.

She joins the Tunbridge Wells theatre following six years as artistic director of SharkLegs, an award winning visual theatre company.

Alex Green, CEO of Trinity Theatre, said: “Kezia’s track record in delivering truly creative theatre in and outside of a traditional setting perfectly aligns with Trinity’s ambition to build on its current offering.”

Speaking of her appointment, Kezia said: “I am thrilled to be joining Trinity and the wonderful team to develop the next stage in the journey of this incredible venue.”

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Mela Festival highlights area’s cultural diversity A SHOW OF COLOUR Mela’s music and dance brought Calverley Grounds alive on Sunday

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Carer who stole from 89 year old ordered to pay back £22,000

By Andy Tong A CARER who stole thousands of pounds from an 89-year-old woman in Penshurst has been ordered to pay back £14,300.

At a confiscation hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, 62-year-old Anna Bavenhielm was told to pay the compensation. Two sums amounting to £7,645 had already been recovered.

Bavenhielm, of no fixed address, worked as a live-in carer from March 2017. Between April and November that year, she made 66 separate withdrawals at cash machines with the victim’s bank cards, stealing a total of £21,646.

Officers found bank statements in her bedroom belonging to the victim, along with receipts from cash machines and life insurance documents.

She was arrested in November 2017 and was granted bail during the investigation but she ran away, before being arrested again in Exeter in October last year.

Deplorable

By Holly Stafford THOUSANDS descended on Calverley Grounds on Sunday to celebrate the cultural diversity of Tunbridge Wells.

Despite the overcast weather, more than 4,000 people attended the 14th Mela, the festival that highlights diversity through music, food and dance.

Local group Fireflies opened proceedings, followed by acts such as Just Dance – a troupe of primary school aged children performing Hollywood and Bollywood fusion.

Local favourite the Paul Dunton Orchestra also played.

Other highlights included a life-size papier-mâché elephant walking through the crowd with an entourage of singers, dancers and drummers, while the Dancing Maharajas and Sahrudaya demonstrated music and dance from South India.

The event, which was organised by Cohesion Plus and the Kent Equality Cohesion Council with the support of Arts Council England, had free acrobatic aerial workshops, as well

as arts and crafts activities for the public to enjoy.

Festival goers were also able to immerse their taste buds in cultural offerings from a number of food stalls from North and South India, the Caribbean, Thailand and Greece. There were also ice cream, doughnuts and fudge to enjoy and tipples served by the Tunbridge Wells Forum bar.

Gurvinder Sandher, Mela Festival Director, said: “I have been involved with the festival from the start and am always amazed by the positive response we get to the event. This year was no exception.

“Despite the early poor weather, the community of Tunbridge Wells came out to support us and were rewarded with an exciting programme on and off stage, an array of food stalls and by midafternoon the sunshine.

“I am very grateful to all the volunteers who work with us to make the Mela Festival happen and I am already looking ahead to 2020 although at this stage we do not know if it will be in Calverley Grounds.”

She pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, where she was sentenced to 14 months in prison last December.

Bavenhielm told police that she was funding a scratchcard gambling habit. Her crime was discovered when a relative visited the bank with the victim.

Detective Inspector Annie Clayton of the Kent & Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “This woman’s actions were simply deplorable and caused considerable upset to the victim and her family.

“Financial investigators identified a quantity of cash held in one of Bavenhielm’s bank accounts, and she now has 42 days to pay back the money or she will serve a further eight months in prison.”

She added: “My message is clear. Crime shouldn’t pay and we will use the legislation that is available to seize any cash or property that we can prove has been obtained through criminal behaviour.”

KCC pension money still locked in fund KENT County Council [KCC] will have to wait at least another month before it can withdraw more than £250,000 of its pension money from an investment fund after the fund manager extended a trading suspension.

At the end of April, KCC attempted to withdraw £260million of its pension money from an investment fund run by renowned money manager, Neil Woodford.

The request by county hall is said to have caused Mr Woodford to freeze the fund on June 3, after it triggered a surge in withdrawals.

Despite the fund being suspended, Mr Woodford is still charging investors around £100,000 a day to administer the fund, money he says he needs to pay overheads such as trading costs and employee wages.

The fund’s authorised corporate director, Link Fund Solutions, has now told investors it is in the ‘best interests of all investors’ to continue the suspension until at least the end of July.

Provision It said it expected to provide another update before July 29 but London analysts are already predicting investors’ money could be locked up in the fund until December or even the new year.

The KCC investment represents around 4 per cent of the council’s total investments of £6.4billion from its pension fund.

Currently, the county council say there is no loss to the pension fund, and whatever happens with the Woodford Fund there will be no impact on the council’s cash reserves or service provision, or on the pension benefits of scheme members.

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Village primary school finally gets the go-ahead 12 months behind schedule

By Richard Williams THE CONTRACT to build a new primary school next to a housing development in a Tunbridge Wells village that has been beset with delays has finally been given the go ahead.

Planning permission for the new St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Hawkenbury was granted in February, but progress came to a halt after a ‘rogue’ gas reading prevented the changeover of land to Kent County Council [KCC].

As reported in the Times in April, the gas reading could have led to the £7.1million project to be abandoned altogether.

The gas reading was only the latest in a long line of delays that have seen the project, which was originally meant to be open by September this year, to be put back with a completion date now set for just before the start to the 2020 school year.

The one-form entry school with space for 30 pupils, is relocating from Windmill Street to a site nearby to the new 250-home development on Hawkenbury Road.

Berkeley Homes, who are building the new houses, scheduled to transfer ownership of the land for the school to the county council in July last year.

A new survey has found no evidence of any underground gas, meaning KCC is free to now take possession of the land and proceed with the building of the school.

Roger Gough, KCC’s Cabinet Member

for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Planning permission for the new school building was issued in February, however, construction works could not commence until the results of additional land surveys had been received.

Contract “The necessary surveys have now been completed and reviewed, they have not identified any impediment to the school’s construction.

“The ownership of the land will shortly transfer from Berkeley Homes to the County Council and we will be entering into the build contract with Baxall Construction.

“These two key milestones are expected to be achieved this week to maintain the delivery programme for

completion of the school building next summer.”

The news will come as a relief to the families moving into the new housing development.

Park ward councillor, Nicholas Pope, who represents Hawkenbury residents, said: “The news that the school has the go-ahead is long awaited good news. My understanding is that the school is still planned to be completed in time to open at the end of next summer with a one-form entry, although I am not certain this is still possible with the delays that have taken place.

“With the new houses being completed in the Hollyfields development in Hawkenbury, the second phase to expand the school to accommodate two forms should, in my opinion, be brought forward.”

LATE FOR SCHOOL The site of the intended new primary in Hawkenbury

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ARTIST’S IMPRESSION The installation is part of RVP’s £11m refurbishment

Local artist wanted to make big impression at shopping centre “We’re looking for a talented, TUNBRIDGE WELLS shopping centre, local designer with a passion for Royal Victoria Place, is looking for a local artist to design and construct a Tunbridge Wells. The installation is going to make a big difference to new art installation. the look and feel of It will be part of the Royal Victoria Place and retail centre’s £11million The art I’m excited to get refurbishment plans, installation started.” which also involve She added that when upgrading to new modern commission will be to produce the works are flooring throughout the centre, fitting highan imaginative completed in early quality seating areas installation that summer 2020, the will have and installing bespoke is inspired by centre enhanced visitor rooflight features. the landscape facilities within the The art installation and heritage of malls, including commission will be to produce an imaginative the local area refurbished toilets and modernised signage installation that is throughout the centre inspired by the to help improve the experience for landscape and heritage of the local shoppers. area, and the centre is now open to Those wanting to express an expressions of interest. interest and receive a full design RVP centre manager Nicky brief should contact Nicky Blanchard said: “This is a really Blanchard on Nicky.Blanchard@ exciting part of the renovation of royalvictoriaplace.com. our centre.

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Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Care home holds recruitment drive

Share dealers start early Double award win

A LOCAL care home is carrying out a recruitment drive tomorrow [Thursday].

Bluebird Care Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells is hoping to attract more people into the profession.

The care industry has struggled in recent years to attract staff, with a 2018 King’s Fund report suggesting that securing an ‘adequate workforce is one of the greatest challenges facing domiciliary care’.

A carer who supports elderly and vulnerable people across Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells has spoken about her rewarding role after celebrating her fifth anniversary in the sector.

Jenny Skirrow, 28, from Tonbridge, began her career in care with Bluebird Care Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells five years ago. She said she was encouraged to become a professional carer by her grandmother, and she’s never looked back.

“I can’t think of a more rewarding career than caring. It’s so satisfying to know that every day I’m helping someone in need and making their lives a little bit easier,” said Jenny.

Clare Mortlock, Operations Manager at Bluebird Care, added: “Our care services play an important role in the health and wellbeing of elderly people in our communities.

And as well as making sure that their basic needs are seen to, we also spend time to help our customers get out and about and enjoy a fulfilling and CAREER CARER active lifestyle.”

Jenny Skirrow

LUXURY childrenswear retailer Childrensalon has scooped two first places at the annual Kent Excellence in Business Awards [KEiBA].

The Tunbridge Wells-based company won both the Large Business of the Year Award as well as the Business Commitment to the Community Award – given to businesses that demonstrate commercial success and strategies for growth while still remaining committed to the support of the local community.

The company says they are ‘thrilled’ with the two wins.

A spokesperson said: “The company is passionate about its development, and while we value growth we are careful to ensure that it isn’t at the expense of the commitment to our customers, the team that work here, our company culture and the community we operate in.”

SKIN IN THE GAME The Skinners’ School, where pupils have been learning share dealing

By Felix van Oordt newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk STUDENTS at a Tunbridge Wells grammar school have had a taste of how the world of stocks and shares operates, thanks to a national investment competition.

Shares4Schools sees Year 12 pupils from across the country attempt to make a profit from an initial grant using various investments.

The scheme is designed as a means to enable students to learn more about business and economics and to provide ‘real-life experience’ of how the stock market works.

A spokesperson for the initiative, which is run in conjunction with The Share Centre, an online stock market investment company, said: “The school puts in an initial stake of £1,000. This is matched with £1,000 by The Share Centre to create an investment pot of £2,000. Therefore the investment pot is made up of real money.

“At the end of the competition the shares are sold and The Share Centre reclaims its £1,000. The remaining portfolio value,

including any profit, is returned to the school.”

She added that 16-17 year olds at The Skinners’ School made a 7.6% profit (£151.32) on an original £2,000 investment during the time between November and June in this past academic year.

Returns The Skinners’ competitors bought shares in a wide range of companies, such as Ocado, Telefónica (owner of mobile network O2) and Greggs, as well as companies specialising in property, finance and gold-mining.

The Head of Economics and Business at Skinners’, Vicki Illing, said: “The experience has given the team a better understanding of the importance of researching positions very carefully, how timing is everything in order to maximise returns and not to get emotional.”

She added: “Some of the team enjoyed the thrill of investing so much that they are considering careers in the field, and they will be given an opportunity to spend an afternoon with leading London brokers when they attend the awards ceremony in October.”

for Childrensalon

Charity Bank gets £5million deposit

TONBRIDGE-based Charity Bank has received a £5million cash injection from an independent charitable trust.

The charitable trust Power to Change deposited the money.

Vidhya Alakeson, Chief Executive at Power to Change, said: “Power to Change exists to create better places through community business, and we know that by saving with Charity Bank, our cash is being used as a powerful tool for social change.”

The bank says the deposit will increase Charity Bank’s lending capabilities and improve access to finance for charities and social enterprises.

So far the bank has made 41 loans to Kentbased charities and social enterprises since its launch in 2005.

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Inside one of the South East’s largest and oldest law firms LEGAL PRESENCE The Cripps Pemberton Greenish building on Mount Ephraim

By Richard Williams THE legal firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish is one of the town’s oldest and most established businesses.

Started by William Cripps in 1852, and continued on by his son, the company now employs 450 people across its London and Tunbridge Wells offices, including 72 partners, and turns over more than £45million a year.

The firm’s ongoing success owes much to current Managing Partner Gavin Tyler, who has steered the business through two mergers, first with Vertex Law in 2013, and more recently with Pemberton Greenish, which has seen the size of the business almost triple during his tenure.

Not bad for a man who didn’t really want to be a lawyer in the first place.

‘I see myself as a businessman rather than a lawyer – I have to, I have 450 people and their families relying on Cripps Pemberton Greenish’ “It was my intention to join the army,” admitted Gavin, who has held the reins of the top-70 law firm since 2013.

The 58-year-old father of three joined the company in 1984, after getting married. Back then, Cripps had just 13 partners and employed 65 people.

“My wife had fallen pregnant just as I was about to pursue an army career, so it wasn’t a good time to go off and join the military,” he recalled.

The former College of Law student was steered into a legal career by his father, himself a lawyer at Cripps: “He didn’t get into law until in his 40s, but had become a partner so was keen for me join the firm.”

The young Gavin Tyler soon progressed, rising through the legal ranks from articled clerk [trainee solicitor] to associate, and by the age of 29 he had become a Partner himself.

“I started as a general litigator, doing everything from magistrates’ court hearings to divorces,” remembered Gavin.

However, he says he no longer sees himself as a lawyer.

“I’m far more interested in the business of law rather than law itself.

“I see myself as a businessman rather than a lawyer – I have to, I have 450 people and their families relying on Cripps Pemberton Gavin Tyler Greenish.”

Perhaps the biggest change to the 166-year-old firm has been the recent merger between Cripps and London-based property and private wealth lawyers Pemberton Greenish, which was completed at the end of last year.

Following the deal, Cripps Pemberton Greenish has become one of the largest practices in the South East outside of London.

“I spent three years looking for suitable merger partners,” explained Gavin. “They needed to be like us, with a similar culture, and we wanted them to be London-based as 40 per cent of our clients now have a London postcode.”

Despite this, the former Skinners’ pupil has a deep caring for the town in which he has lived and worked all his life.

“I love this town. I grew up here and have spent my entire life working here. I also love this business and its history and tradition, which are very much part of Tunbridge Wells.”

While changes to legal aid have meant the law firm no longer offers this service, this does not stop Cripps Pemberton Greenish from putting something back into the community to which Gavin says he owes so much.

“We do an awful lot of pro bono work, and we have our annual charity, which raises up to £40,000 a year, which is very important to the staff here, especially the younger generation.”

He added that going forward, the law industry is facing some tough challenges.

“Over-regulation is a big problem for the profession. As a country we are good at regulating unnecessarily, and lawyers have been regulated to within an inch of their lives.

“Most of us got into this business because we want to help people and make a difference, and this over-regulation is going to stop the next generation choosing this as a career.”

FIRM DEFENDED THE FIRST SPEEDER… Cripps has a long history, including defending the world’s first speeding motorist.

In 1896, Walter Arnold was spotted driving his Benz Motor Carriage in Kent at eight miles an hour, more than four times the legal limit at the time – and he also didn’t have a man in front with a red flag.

After a local policeman gave chase on a bicycle, Mr Arnold, from East Peckham, was arrested and charged.

Despite a robust defence by William Cripps [junior], Mr Arnold was convicted of speeding and fined a shilling plus costs in the world’s first conviction for speeding.

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

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Bee walk will show pollinators can still thrive in urban spaces

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

ON YOUR TOES: Students are trained in Russian classical ballet as well as other disciplines

Annual show for School of Dance THE SOUTHBOROUGH SCHOOL OF DANCE will be holding their Annual Performance at West Kent College in Tonbridge on July 13-14.

There will be two displays in the Mac Theatre in Brook Street, on Saturday at 5.30pm and on Sunday at midday.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children aged 18 and under, and are available on the door or from info@danceschoolkent.co.uk Young people aged three to 18 will perform ballet, modern, tap and jazz dances. The pieces include Gaieté Parisienne, a lighthearted ballet following tourists around the sites of Paris, and Ragtime Fun, set to Scott Joplin’s music.

For more than 20 years the students have been trained by Tamara Moubayed, a specialist in the Russian classical ballet style, and her team.

The school has recently relocated to Southborough Primary School since the Methodist Church in London Road closed down.

Visit danceschoolkent.co.uk

LOCAL naturalist Dr Ian Beavis will be leading a bee walk through Tonbridge on Sunday [July 14] to find out more about how they live and the threats they are facing.

The event, which lasts two hours, begins at 10.30am from the Farmers’ Market in Sovereign Way car park, at the stall run by Friends of the Earth, who are organising the walk.

Parking is free in public car parks, and all ages are welcome, though dogs may not take part. It is suggested that participants bring a magnifying glass or binoculars and a notebook.

‘Actions such as growing bee-friendly flowers make a beneficial difference to bees, wherever this takes place’ Bees play a vital part in nature, and in our economy it would cost UK farmers £1.8billion a year to pollinate their crops without bees.

Yet they are facing a huge loss of habitat – the UK has lost 97 per cent of its wildflower meadows since 1945, and are also being decimated by pesticides.

Last year the European Union voted to impose a permanent ban on the outdoor use of three beeharming pesticides.

The walk is being held in the town rather than the countryside in order to show people that bees can thrive wherever habitats are made available for them.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS Naturalist Dr Ian Beavis will provide expert knowledge Anthony Bales, of the local branch of Friends of the Earth, said: “Actions such as growing beefriendly flowers make a beneficial difference to bees and other pollinators, wherever this takes place, from planting in a window box to creating new wildflower meadows.”

The walk will take in Angel Community Garden, formerly a patch of waste ground in Sainsbury’s car park, which shows how small spaces in urban

areas can be transformed to support bees and other pollinators.

It will follow a stretch of the Medway by Big Bridge, emerging on Lyons Crescent and taking in the graveyard at St Peter & St Paul Church.

It will also visit the Roadside Reserve between the London and Shipbourne Roads, created by Kent Wildlife Trust and Kent County Council.

Email: tandm.foe@gmail.com

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Terry Waite offers fascinating insights into Probus meeting THE Tunbridge Wells branch of The Probus Club welcomed Terry Waite, CBE, to address their meeting last month.

He described his imprisonment in Beirut by Hezbollah terrorists from 1987-91, the first four years of which were in solitary confinement.

He was acting as the special envoy of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, when he embarked on the rescue mission in Lebanon to try to secure the release of four hostages.

Mr Waite, who is now 80, subsequently published a bestselling book about the experience called Taken on Trust.

Adrian Moss, President of Royal Tunbridge Wells Probus, said: “Terry’s talk to some 70 members and their guests was fascinating in terms of the poignancy of his experience and the lack of resentment of a truly remarkable man.”

The Probus Club of Royal Tunbridge Wells meets once a month for fellowship, conversation and lunch, followed by talks on topics of interest.

To find out more about the cub’s activities, visit royaltunbridgewellsprobusclub.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

STEPPING OUT Yoyo staff enjoy their 27.5-mile circular walk

Yoyo trek to help Mind and support wellbeing LOCAL digital agency Yoyo embarked on a Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind while encouraging employee wellbeing.

The team of ten undertook the challenge of Yoyo: Around the Weald, a 27.5-mile route which

took ten hours and 50 minutes to complete, raising £1,550 in the process.

The route passed through the town of Southborough and the villages of Pembury, Frant and Groombridge.

It included such notable places such as Tudeley

Church; the site of Keyes Mill painted by JMW Turner; Harrison’s Rocks; The Spa Valley Railway heritage line and Groombridge Place.

Harriet Kinsey, Yoyo’s Marketing Manager, said: “We’re all acutely aware of the horrible statistic which highlights that one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem.

“Many of us have experienced this ourselves directly or supported close family and friends who have struggled with this illness, so it’s incredibly important to help this charity.

“We want to do our bit to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem on their own.”

She added: “As well as the charitable side to this, Yoyo’s MD, Jenny Kitchen, has over the past eight years continually strived to ensure that staff wellbeing is at the heart of the workplace.

“This has seen the implementation of weekly massages, yoga, reflexology and providing fitbits for the team and implementing lunchtime walks.

“It’s clear to see a huge amount of time has been dedicated to supporting a healthy, happy team.”

Jenny told the Times: “The Weald walk was a brilliant experience that brought the whole team even closer together.

“Inspired by the team themselves, it was the perfect challenge to help raise money for an awesome charity.

“This beautiful yet challenging walk encouraged us all to take a moment, a breather from the daily stresses of work and life, get some perspective and reflect on the huge importance of keeping active, happy and healthy.”

For more about Yoyo, visit yoyodesign.com

Free swimming lessons in August to promote water safety TRULY REMARKABLE (L-R) Jonathan Farley, Terry Waite and Adrian Moss, President of Royal Tunbridge Wells Probus

FUSION LIFESTYLE at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre and The Weald in Cranbrook are providing a month’s free swimming lessons to help promote safety in the water.

The leisure company is offering all new Swim School members who sign up before July 19 the whole of August free of charge.

Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at

Fusion Lifestyle, said: “We know how important learning to swim is and we’re delighted to offer a whole month of free lessons to everyone who wants to learn.

“Raising awareness of water safety is really important and we’re proud to have the chance to do our bit to help everyone in Kent learn to swim.”

Jo Talbot, Commercial Operations Director at

the Royal Life Saving Society UK, who organised last month’s Drowning Prevention Week, added: “Learning to swim is one of the best ways to stay safe and is something we would encourage everyone to do, no matter how young or old you are – it’s never too late to learn.”

To take advantage of the offer, visit fusionswimschool.com

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Corbyn backs new Trump ‘disrespectful and wrong’ EU vote and Remain says Hunt after new Twitter rant JEREMY CORBYN has called on the next Tory leader to hold a second referendum before taking Britain out of the EU and said Labour will campaign for Remain.

Following a meeting of the shadow cabinet, the Labour leader said that whoever wins the Conservative leadership contest should have the confidence to put any new deal they negotiate with Brussels – or no-deal – to the public.

The move follows weeks of wrangling within the party over its position on Brexit – backing a second referendum only in certain specific circumstances – which was widely blamed for its dismal showing in the European elections.

In a letter to party members, Mr Corbyn said Labour would campaign for Remain ‘against either no-deal or a Tory deal’, but did not explain what Labour would do if it won a general election.

He added: “Now both Tory leadership candidates are threatening a no-deal Brexit – or at best a race to the bottom and a sweetheart deal with Donald Trump.

“Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no-deal, back to the people in a public vote.

“In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either no-deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.”

Vote for abortion and same sex marriage PARLIAMENT has voted overwhelmingly to extend the UK’s same-sex marriage and access to abortion rights to Northern Ireland.

MPs voted 383 to 73 to pass the same-sex marriage amendment, proposed by Labour MP Conor McGinn, a longstanding campaigner for equal marriage in Northern Ireland.

The amendment was tabled onto a technical motion aimed at keeping Northern Ireland running in the absence of devolved government.

Before the vote on same sex marriage, McGinn told the Commons it had previously ‘failed LGBT people in Northern Ireland before’ by not extending the right to the region.

In a subsequent vote MPs voted 332 to 99 to also extend abortion rights to Northern Ireland after a another amendment by the Labour MP Stella Creasy.

Before the votes, the Northern Ireland minister John Penrose said: “Should this pass, it will go into law.”

He added: “It will become part of primary legislation. And so ministers will be bound by it and the government will proceed.”

DONALD TRUMP has dramatically stepped up the war of words over Britain’s US ambassador, branding him a ‘pompous fool’.

Prime Ministerial hopeful Jeremy Hunt, the Foreign secretary, reacted to the latest broadside by saying on Twitter that the President was being ‘disrespectful and wrong’.

In his latest explosive tweets, the president complained that Sir Kim Darroch was a ‘very stupid guy’ who had been forced upon the US. He also again attacked Theresa May over Brexit, accusing her of ignoring his advice and ‘going her own foolish way’.

His latest intervention came as the Cabinet reiterated its full support for Sir Kim following the leak of diplomatic dispatches branding the US administration as ‘inept’.

Mr Trump said: “The wacky ambassador that the UK foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy.

“He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was handled.”

He added: “I told Theresa May how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way - was unable to get it done. A disaster!

“I don’t know the ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool.

“Tell him the USA now has the best economy and military anywhere in the world, by far and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.”

Downing Street said Sir Kim remained in post after Mr Trump warned on Monday the White House would have nothing more to do with him.

The first indication of that became evident when the ambassador was ‘uninvited’ to a White House dinner on Monday evening held in honour of the Emir of Qatar.

Honest It was reported he had also decided not to attend a meeting between International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and the president’s daughter, Ivanka, in Washington on Tuesday.

Mrs May briefed senior ministers on the row at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet in Downing Street.

“She said we had made clear to the US how unfortunate that this leak is and that the extracts were selective and do not reflect the closeness of our relationship,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

“It is hugely important that ambassadors are able to provide honest, unvarnished assessFOOLISH ments of the Trump criticised politics in their Theresa May again country.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Minorities are paid less EMPLOYEES from ethnic minorities earned on average 3.8 per cent less than their white British counterparts in 2018, new figures show.

The pay gap was biggest for the Bangladeshi ethnic group at 20.2 per cent less, while for Pakistani workers it was 16.9 per cent.

By contrast, employees in the Chinese ethnic group earned 30.9 per cent more than those in the white British group.

The figures are included in the first analysis of Britain’s ethnicity pay gap, published by the Office for National Statistics.

No more fish and chips A FISH and chip restaurant has closed its doors after deciding ‘there’s not plenty more fish in the sea’.

The Fish And The Chip in Leicester displayed a poster in the window saying it was ‘not

comfortable’ with the impact the business was having on the environment.

The owners said an ‘eye-opening’ fishing trip had shown them the impact pollution was having on the oceans and fish stocks.

They have now said they will be reopening, but are committed to making gluten-free and plantbased food.

Meghan aide stops photos A TENNIS fan has described how she was told by the Duchess of Sussex’s protection officer not to take photos of Meghan because she was at Wimbledon in a ‘private capacity’.

Sally Jones, who was seated in the same row as Meghan in Court One last week, claims she was actually taking pictures of Serena Williams and had not noticed the duchess.

She said the protection officer told her: “Would you not take photographs of the duchess. She’s here in a private capacity.”

PREPARED Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw

Gatwick drone chaos because police could only deal with one POLICE failed to stop drones causing chaos near Gatwick Airport because they had only been trained to deal with one device at a time, a senior officer has suggested.

A number of drone sightings forced Britain’s second-busiest airport to shut down for 33 hours in December, disrupting 140,000 passengers’ journeys.

Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, head of armed policing for Sussex and Surrey, is alleged to have revealed the shortcoming at the Interpol World Conference in Singapore last week.

He reportedly said: “We had at some stages two drones, which caused the airport to close for about 30 hours.

“We’re happy that on at least a couple of those occasions there were two drones flying.

“We were prepared, we’d done a lot of work beforehand around drone mitigation. We had a drone response plan.

“We’d been tested by the Centre for the Protection of National infrastructure and we came out really well on that around our drone plan.

“But that was really around a single drone incursion and not a multiple one.”

Unique In the wake of the chaos between December 19 and 21, Gatwick spent millions on anti-drone measures.

Eventually the Army moved in to resolve the issue, reportedly using the Israeli-developed Drone Dome system, which can jam communications between a drone and its operator.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said Mr Burtenshaw ‘reaffirmed, as we have always reported, that this illegal drone incursion presented a unique challenge for those agencies involved’.

“This was deliberate, targeted and persistent, designed to disrupt airport operations.

“There has been a significant amount of learning from the incident which has already been applied.”

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Accountants move in to find care home millions INVESTORS in a series of hotels and care homes – some of which were never built – are closer to finding out what happened to millions of pounds they gave to Gavin Woodhouse.

Accountants Duff & Phelps have been granted interim powers to go into Mr Woodhouse’s Northern Powerhouse Developments to help find the missing money.

The appointment follows an application to the High Court by seven investors who had put money into companies owned by Mr Woodhouse.

He also persuaded investors to part with their cash to fund Afan Valley, which was supposed to build a £200million adventure resort in South Wales promoted by TV adventurer Bear Grylls.

Earlier this month Duff & Phelps took over the three companies and yesterday [Tuesday] it was revealed that they are now in control of the parent company. The other two businesses were owned directly by Mr Woodhouse.

Water firms may stop shareholders’ payouts WATER companies could be barred from making shareholder payouts under measures unveiled by the industry regulator to ensure they remain financially robust and protect customer interests.

Ofwat outlined plans for a common set of standards designed to strengthen water utility firms’ financial resilience - including committing to maintaining an investment grade credit rating.

The watchdog wants firms to sign up to the standards that mean, if they are at risk of losing their investment grade rating, they could be prevented from making payouts to shareholders or removing money or assets from the business.

These so-called cash lock-up conditions would provide ‘greater clarity of expectations’.

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Mini reveals first electric car as ‘tipping point’ for switching

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Bovis Homes is building confidence despite Brexit HOUSEBUILDER Bovis Homes has brushed aside Brexit uncertainty to cheer a ‘significant’ step up in profits as it reported rising sales and prices.

Housing completions rose 4 per cent to 1,647 in the six months to June 30, with average private selling prices rising to around £342,000, up from £334,700 a year earlier.

Total average selling prices rose by 3 per cent to around £270,000.

Its average weekly sales rate per site jumped 15 per cent to 0.6, the group added.

CREATING A BUZZ The Mini Electric is aimed at a ‘whole new group of drivers’ THE first fully electric Minicar has been unveiled at the car-maker’s Oxford factory.

Mini claimed the car could be a ‘tipping point’ and encourage motorists who have been considering switching to an electric vehicle to ‘take that step now’.

Manufacturing of the Mini Electric will begin at the plant in Cowley, Oxford, later this year with deliveries beginning in spring 2020.

The zero-emission vehicle will be fully integrated into the production process at Oxford, running down the same lines as conventionallyfuelled Mini models.

Oliver Zipse, board member at BMW, which owns Mini, said: “We are entering an era in which electric cars will become a normal choice for our customers.

“By 2023, two years ahead of schedule, we will have 25 electrified models on the market. More

than half of them will be fully electric.”

The firm says the Mini Electric is ‘instantly recognisable’ as a three-door Mini hatchback, and offers the ‘design and go-kart handling’ synonymous with the brand.

David George, UK director of Mini, said: “We believe the new MiniElectric could be a tipping point for those who have been thinking about choosing an electric car, to take that step now.

“We aim to introduce a whole new group of drivers in the UK to the fun and cost savings of electric driving, in a way only Mini can.”

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and MP for Tunbridge Wells, said the Mini Electric will play ‘a key role in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, greener vehicles’.

He added: “I am delighted this modern British icon will be manufactured in Oxford.”

Error in Stobart accounts HAULAGE firm Eddie Stobart Logistics has warned first-half earnings will be at the lower end of expectations and revealed a hit of around £2million to last year’s results after an accounting error.

Trading issues have been caused by slower than expected productivity in its contract logistics and warehousing units, and exiting a ‘problematic contract’.

New chief finance officer Anoop Kang also found problems in the company’s accounting policies around leasing.

Fire damage hits Ocado OCADO has unveiled widening losses as it laid bare the impact of a warehouse fire.

The online grocer reported a loss before tax of £142.8million for the 26 weeks to June 2, marking a significant increase on the £13.6million loss reported last year.

The fire in Andover is now expected to have a £15million impact on earnings.

M&S may close more stores in bid to double food profits THE chief executive of Marks & Spencer has left open the possibility of more store closures after saying its current plans to shut 110 stores are ‘not finite’.

Steve Rowe said its portfolio of legacy stores was ‘holding it back’ as he spoke to shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting.

Chairman Archie Norman, the former MP for Tunbridge Wells, added it is now paying the price for ‘not shutting stores 10 or 20 years ago’.

The company is in the midst of a major overhaul, which includes plans to close 85 full-line stores and around 25 of its Simply Food outlets in a bid to return to sustainable profit growth.

‘The organisation we inherited became slow, unaccountable and lost the voice of the stores’

The chairman said the restructuring would stabilise the firm as it looks to direct resources elsewhere, including online growth, and double the size of its food sector.

Mr Rowe said the company is on the right track but needs to iron out ‘wobbles’ in its business, which included selling out of popular jeans and ‘some of the worst availability I’d seen in 30 years’ earlier this year.

He said M&S is on target to meet its £350million savings targets through axing ‘old-fashioned stores’.

Mr Norman added the company would speak to store staff more as part of the company’s attempts to deliver future growth.

He said: “Somewhere along the line, the organisation we inherited became slow, unaccountable and lost the voice of the stores. If we hear the voice of the stores, we will grow.”

This year, the company’s entire workforce missed out on their annual bonuses after failing to hit performance targets.

Mr Rowe is among the thousands of staff who missed the payout as it pushes forward with its turnaround plans.

Despite missing out on the bonus, his total pay for the year jumped by 48 per cent to £1.7million, compared with £1.1million a year earlier.

It is understood, according to proxy votes, his annual pay deal was approved by shareholders.

16

NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 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 Hospital parking is so bad, it’s a mad rush to get to your appointment The pain of hospital parking in Tunbridge Wells is a nightmare. We join a queue to get past the barriers, find no space, come out again and try another car park, normally high on the hill. Queues on the hill gradually getting nearer to the barrier.

Time ticking by for the appointment. Once we have our ticket we start fretting about the cost starting – whilst driving around hoping to get to someone pulling out of a space.

This is not acceptable. It’s bad enough patients have to pay to park, but to also pay whilst still searching for a space is adding insult to injury. Then a mad rush to get to the

appointment. Not much fun if not medically fit – and getting back up the hill afterwards is another punishment.

This hospital is new; where the hell did common sense go when deciding how many spaces would be needed? Did no one think about the huge population from the post-war birth rate needing the service more as they age?

The same horrible grub still served. Cousin living on toast, Weetabix and yoghurt as being only edible stuff. Good money wasted on lazy choices made by those who do not care.

M Mcjannett Via email

CHARGING AROUND Not enough spaces in the hospital’s car parks

Cripps use their good offices to publicise this alternative, and also possibly promote the notion that a responsible council has a duty to preserve its listed buildings?

The voting on the motions put before the extraordinary meeting on June 17 suffered greatly from the Conservatives introducing a last-minute, and badly drafted, so-called ‘amendment’.

The Conservative councillors and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council officials had plenty of time to expertly draft clear additional and constructive motions but chose not to do so.

Their draft amendment, delivered to the councillors at the meeting well after June 17, left no time for proper consideration. It was almost certainly a rival motion requiring seven days’ notice.

It is disappointing that the Chief Executive has written to say that he is not willing to ‘debate’ these important constitutional matters. He has a duty of fairness to all the councillors and not just the majority party.

The original motion No 1, proposing immediate termination, was correct, however embarrassing to the Conservative councillors.

John Pickering Tunbridge Wells

We exported our carbon footprint

Genuine consultation is required You call for the opponents of the theatre complex to propose an alternative scheme [June 19]. To do so would surely be to repeat the mistake of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

This would risk stirring up opposition from all quarters, including those who wish to abandon the whole project and write off the time and money spent so far.

The positive approach would be to see how far the benefits originally promised can be secured with development which is less inflexible, destructive and expensive.

What is needed is to recognise that alternatives ought to be possible to the scheme so emphatically rejected by the voters. This means a genuine public consultation involving interested parties under neutral chairmanship.

Areas which need to be tested anew include: n The use or reuse of the Town Hall and Assembly Hall n The need for and location of the ‘underground’ car parking n The need for a theatre which is genuinely capable of a wide range of uses n The shape of a civic centre accessible to the public It is fundamental that any proposal should fit into a strategy for the whole town centre, as the council’s plan did not.

There is no future for a development which is forced through by the council leadership, possibly against the wishes of a majority of councillors and certainly the electorate.

Alastair Tod Tunbridge Wells

Showing the best – and the worst It is not incumbent upon protesters to deliver alternatives to the theatre complex [June 19], it is the job of our elected representatives and their support staff to pay heed to the overwhelming objections to the proposed development and to consider other and

less grandiose ways of town regeneration.

In common with many other council taxpayers, I sat through the charade of fudge and obfuscation that was the Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on June 17.

It appeared that the ‘rump’ of the former council had still not grasped the implications of the recent election which witnessed the demise of our former ‘Dear Leader’, amongst others.

At times it was like the officers of the Titanic reluctantly conceding that the second serving of dinner might have to be cancelled.

There were some effective and well-considered arguments put forward, despite the most ineffective chairing I have ever been party to.

The most bizarre support for the project was mounted by a would-be eco-warrior who made the passionate point that the new buildings would be much more energy efficient than the present council offices and theatre.

That there might be other, less costly ways of saving the environment than a £90million-plus project did not seem to have been factored in.

So the best and worst of Tunbridge Wells were alive and well at this event.

I can only hope, in the immortal words of The Who, ‘We don’t get fooled again’!

Paul Fisher Via email

Duty to preserve listed buildings The new Council Leader Cllr McDermott’s assertion ‘that the existing Assembly Hall and Town Hall are nearing the end of their useful lives’ [June 19] needs to be refuted.

These listed buildings can be developed to accommodate modern council offices with spare capacity to let, and both a flexible and effective theatre.

Indeed, there is such a scheme, developed by our distinguished local architect, Dr Whitbourn, of which the council is perfectly well aware, but has chosen to largely ignore.

Why don’t the Times and Gavin Tyler from

Greg Clark’s article is naive, hypocritical and deceitful [June 26]. Our CO2 emissions are falling because we have exported our carbon footprint.

We hardly make anything – partly because UK energy prices are uncompetitive.

We may not have ‘burnt a gram’ of coalproducing electricity, but the power stations were still running, burning coal. You can’t just turn them on and turn them off.

His proposed amendment to legislation committing the UK to a 2050 zero target – Mrs May’s ‘legacy’ – will not be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, it will pass via a statutory instrument. So much for democracy.

The UK accounts for about one per cent of total CO2 emissions. The USA, China and India will not abandon their cheap energy policies.

Mr Clark is deluded if he thinks the rest of the world will follow us. In 2050 the UK will be smug, but poor.

I commend to Mr Clark Dominic Lawson’s article in the Sunday Times of June 16 on which this letter relies.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

There’s no reason to feel superior Greg Clark wrote that he is proud the government has announced a Climate Emergency and set the date of 2050 for the UK to become carbon neutral [June 26]. He boasts how the UK appears already to be reducing CO2 emissions, but these figures hide a lie!

The reason that our emissions have reduced, while other countries’, such as China’s, have risen, is that we no longer manufacture much in Britain. Half of China’s emissions come from factories making goods for customers in the West, according to the Centre for Alternative Technology.

Production has moved to developing countries like China or Bangladesh, and as CO2 emissions are credited to the producer rather than the consumer, they appear to be the baddies.

In the West we are consuming more and more imported stuff. We fly more, eat more exotic foods, and buy more clothes and electronic goods than ever before. Yet we persist in feeling superior to other countries!

Although Greg is right in saying that renewables have become cheaper and better, and that the UK should become a world leader in the field, I only wish that his government would put its money where its mouth is.

They should not be building a third runway at Heathrow, encouraging fracking whilst banning cheap onshore wind, and putting VAT of 20 per cent on solar whilst keeping VAT on domestic coal at five per cent.

There is still no room for complacency. This government must follow words with actions.

Fran Long Co-Chair, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

Defending freedom of expression I have no idea who Euan Philipps is, possibly because as a septuagenarian I do not use Facebook or Twitter, and so do not know whether he was present at Baroness Tonge’s talk to the Fabian Society some weeks ago.

I was in the audience, and should like to assure your readers that nothing less like a Nazi rally could be imagined – an elderly peer and respected medical doctor (an Hon Fellow of the Royal Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) speaking to an equally elderly audience about her personal experiences in the West Bank and Gaza, which had left her shocked by the regular human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli authorities on the Palestinians, tacitly or explicitly supported by the Israeli government.

This genteel assembly asked her questions, and were evidently more than capable of forming their own opinions in the light of what they heard.

Mr Philipps is quoted [June 19] as saying that ‘the baroness should not be given any kind of platform’. On the contrary, without the freedom to hear the first-hand experiences of others and debate their ideas, we cease to be a free country.

Of course there is no place for any incitement to violence or violation of human rights, in private or in public. But where that is absent, criticism of governments, states and individuals is a legitimate and necessary part of a healthy democracy.

Mr Philipps’ authoritarianism has, however, had one positive result – I have decided to join the Fabian Society.

Dariel Francis Via email

Why are we funding big BBC salaries?

Having just received a letter from the BBC regarding the forthcoming television licence changes, I feel I have to comment, although I fear it will have little impact.

Why is it that pensioners now have to fork out £154 per year so that the BBC can continue to pay exorbitant salaries to their staff?

I quote (from our friend Google) John Humphries £600,000 per annum, Andrew Marr £400,000, Carol Kirkwood £400,000, Gary Linker – for talking about football – £1,750,000, Chris Evans £1,660,000 [before he left the BBC], Graham Norton £600,000, plus numerous so-called news anchors (too many to mention) who get millions, and many more who receive a minimum of £150,000.

I hope they can sleep soundly knowing taxpaying pensioners are keeping them in their lifestyle.

As I said at the beginning, I don’t suppose this will make the slightest difference, but it makes you think about government priorities.

DB Hickey Tunbridge Wells

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 | Calverley is still away, picking his own strawberries

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

EDUCATION Schools’ partnership proves a top success

Education

Times

NEWS

17

An educational organisation made up of eight local schools has held its inaugural masterclass for pupils of all abilities commenced, students heard from Deborah Sims, The West Kent Independent State School a chartered engineer from the University of Partnership (WKISSP) is a partnership of eight Greenwich, who provided an overview of secondary schools: Beechwood Sacred Heart Leonardo’s career and legacy. Ms Sims also School, The Judd School, Kent College discussed the artist’s unprecedented work in Pembury, The Malling School, Mascalls various fields.

Academy, Oakley School, The Skinners’ School After her lecture, students in Years 7 and 8, and The Skinners’ Kent Academy which was were asked to choose one established earlier this year. masterclass to study in depth. Led It was set up with a number of The projects will by different teachers from the aims including sharing resources and also providing high not only benefit partnership schools, students choose to study either aspirational learning pupils, but also could Anatomy and Art, Engineering and opportunities for all eight schools’ pupils which they may not be able enable teachers Ethics, Politics and Media, to offer independently. The to extend their Engineering and Textiles or Beginners’ Italian. projects will not only benefit professional “The masterclasses were pupils, but also enable teachers to extend their professional development designed to be academically challenging, thought-provoking development, free from and offer stimulating curriculum constraints. opportunities,” a WKISSP spokesperson told the Last month in order to mark the 500th Times. The special cross-schools partnership anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, hopes to offer a similar lecture and a day of the WKISSP held its first day of inspirational inspirational masterclasses for its member masterclasses at Mascalls Academy in Paddock pupils on an annual basis.

Wood for 90 students. Before the masterclasses

WORKING TOGETHER: Pupils from local schools participate in the WKISSP workshops

NEWS IN BRIEF

Skippers Hill Manor Nursery in UK’s top 20

CLASS ACT: Students outside the IBarn, Tonbridge Grammar School’s dedicated Sixth Form study centre, celebrating their IB exam results

Local students celebrate impressive International Baccalaureate results Students at Tonbridge Grammar School (TGS) have enjoyed another successful year of results for their International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

These continue the school’s strong record of achievement since moving to an exclusively IB Diploma Sixth Form seven years ago.

A TGS spokesperson told the Times: “The students study an academically rigorous programme designed to develop critical thinking skills and create breadth of experience and

knowledge; whilst at the same time preparing them for both higher education and the world of work.”

The average IB point score awarded to Tonbridge Grammar School students was 36 which was well above the 2018 UK average score of 34 and the 2018 global average score of 30 points. Thirty six per cent of TGS students scored 39 points and above (equivalent to in excess of 4 A* at A Level) while three scored an impressive 44 points.

Rosemary Joyce, TGS Head Teacher said: “Warmest congratulations to each and every one of our IB Diploma students for their truly outstanding results. World-class results, coupled with the wider experiences and skills the IB Diploma provides really give students the competitive edge in Higher Education and the workplace. Congratulations also to the dedicated and inspirational team of staff who work tirelessly to support our students to such fantastic success.”

Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School in Mayfield has been placed in the UK’s Top 20 Recommended Nursery Groups for the second year running. The poll is based on parents submitting personal reviews of pre-schools.

Headmaster of Skippers Hill Manor Mark Hammond, said: “We would like to thank all our parents and carers for taking the time to write a review for us, and our Nursery staff for their continued enthusiasm and commitment in providing such outstanding care for the youngest children at our school.”

New head announced for Sevenoaks School JESSE ELZINGA has been announced as the new Head of Sevenoaks School. He will take up his post in September 2020.

The Chair of Governors at Sevenoaks School, Ian Doherty, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Elzinga to Sevenoaks. He will deliver a wealth of academic leadership, a passion for the International Baccalaureate, and a forward-thinking perspective.”

18

NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Martin Betts

Vice Chair of Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Labour Party member Martin Betts lives in Southborough and has long been active in local politics. He retired after a long career in the Civil Service, where his last job at the Department for Work and Pensions was in communications. He qualified at Leicester University in human resources and training and development. The Times also publishes regular opinions from members of other political parties.

We have no time to waste in this global climate emergency ON A daily basis we face the dominance and division of Brexit. Yet the one issue that should unite all of our political parties is our response to the global climate emergency. It is this crisis which threatens the very existence of our species and our planet.

We are already seeing the effects of climate change through extreme weather.

The Chief Executive of the Environment Agency recently warned that we are looking into what he called the ‘jaws of death’ and could run short of water within 25 years. At the same time, we are experiencing the devastation of flash flooding.

Around the world ice caps are melting, coral reefs dissolving, and there are droughts in Africa, hurricanes in the Americas and wildfires in Australia.

The heating up of our climate is contributing to the terrifying loss of animal and plant species.

According to the WWF [World Wide Fund for Nature], humanity has wiped out 60 per cent of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970.

We are warned that many insects could become extinct within a century unless action is taken. Without the pollination that insects provide there is no food and no human species.

Young people are at the forefront of a campaign to make us aware of a climate crisis that will spiral dangerously out of control unless we take rapid and dramatic action now.

They have the most to lose.

Campaigners like 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, the UK Student Climate Network and Extinction Rebellion are helping to wake us up to what needs to be done. Sir David Attenborough has added his powerful voice to the campaign.

Agreeing to a motion successfully proposed

by Jeremy Corbyn, the UK Parliament is the first national parliament in the world to declare a climate emergency.

Intervention The motion calls on the government to work to achieve net zero carbon emissions before 2050, and for ministers to outline urgent proposals to restore the UK’s natural environment and deliver a ‘zero waste economy’ within the next six months.

For many this ambition is not enough and many campaigners want us to work to a 2030 date.

It requires large-scale government intervention to kick-start industries, to direct investment and boost research and development in the green technologies of the future. Labour wants a Green Industrial Revolution.

But government at all levels, businesses and individuals have a part to play in ensuring this urgent project is successful and that we

FEELING THE HEAT Pupils at Sussex Road Primary School in Tonbridge protesting about climate change protect our planet for future generations.

Many local authorities are recognising the climate emergency and pledging to take actions to reduce their own carbon emissions, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council should do the same.

Tunbridge Wells could also become a green borough. It could support building energy-

saving homes and the use of electric cars, buses and refuse vehicles. It could plant hundreds of trees, increase biodiversity, encourage reductions in the use of plastic.

These are just a few thoughts; the council could set up a citizens’ panel to develop more ideas and get them working.

We have no time to waste. Let’s get on with it!

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

WITH THE

Move Times

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

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INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk

Fairy-tale home

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TAKE A SEAT IN A STUNNING KITCHEN

We’re all fired up over a fabulous French style chimney breast Page 21

31

SUPERB COTTAGE ON EDGE OF TOWN

20

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Times

Best For FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Best property buys for...

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 extremely appealing…

The CHOCOLATE BOX LOOK …

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Oakenden

Oakenden Lane Chiddingstone Hoath GUIDE PRICE

£1,250,000 CONTACT • Savills Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A marvellous opportunity for updating comes with this Grade II-listed medieval Hall House, which has been in the same family since the 1950s. It also boasts an annexe and beautiful gardens with far-reaching views over pasture and woodland. Additionally, this chocolate box gem lies down a rural no-through road, adding to the fairy-tale feel as well as privacy.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST Main House

n Drawing room with inglenook fireplace and stable door to terrace

n Double-aspect dining room with inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove

n Part-vaulted kitchen/breakfast room with butler sink

n Impressive vaulted master bedroom with ceiling timbers and en suite with roll-top bath

n 3 further bedrooms (one with fireplace) n Family bathroom n Lapsed planning to extend kitchen Attached Annexe

n Sitting room, kitchen, bedroom and shower room Outside

n Established gardens with brick terrace, pond and seating areas

n Parking area

The original part of this enchanting medieval home has been dated to 1490 through a survey complied by the Wealden Hall House Association

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

The OUTDOOR POOL…

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Times 21

The PRICE…

Aultmore Court Kingswood Road Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

£340,000 (Share of freehold) CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

A first floor purpose-built apartment including a terrace and a garage.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Prestigious building with lift n Reception room with door to terrace n Kitchen/breakfast room with views to perimeter of Dunorlan Park n 2 bedrooms and a bathroom n Use of communal gardens n Garage en bloc

Kidds Hill House

Kidds Hill, Colemans Hatch GUIDE PRICE

£2,250,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk A superb improved country house with direct access to Ashdown Forest.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST Main House

n Reception hall and dining room n Drawing room leading to further room with wide opening to garden

n Large, vaulted kitchen/family room with Aga, French-style chimney breast and woodburning stove. Plus tri-fold doors and Velux windows which auto-shut when it rains

n 6 bedrooms (three en-suite) Attached Annexe

n Sitting room, kitchenette, double bedroom and bathroom Outside

Cloth Edge

n Immaculate gardens with sweeping lawn

Church Road, Goudhurst

n Well-maintained hard tennis court

Offers in excess of

n Swimming pool with pool cover and summerhouse/pool chalet

n Stable block with three loose boxes n Front and rear driveway entrances n Attached double garage

£895,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook • 01580 720000 • jackson-stops.co.uk

n In all, about 5 acres, including two fields Built in the 1600s, this period home also has a garage that was a WWII Ambulance Station.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Drawing room with wood-burning stove n Dining room with walk-in larder n Light, bright kitchen with oil-fired Aga n Oak timber-framed garden room n 3 good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom n Landscaped gardens with terrace n Drive, brick garage and timber garage n Annexe: Living area, bedroom and shower n Cranbrook School catchment area

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

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Croft House

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Times 23

Fabulous modernised period property within walking distance of The Pantiles and station AT A GLANCE CROFT HOUSE FRANT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Elegant reception hall with wood panelling and open fireplace n Informal sitting room n Formal drawing room with bay window and open fireplace n Stunning open-plan kitchen/dining room, including bespoke units, a huge central island with breakfast bar and wide bi-fold doors to garden n Utility room n Master suite with walk-in dressing room and shower room n Guest bedroom with en suite n 3 further double bedrooms n Main bathroom n Top floor play area n Secluded garden, mainly laid to lawn n White five-bar gate and driveway providing parking for several cars n Within easy reach of The Pantiles and High Street, and just 0.4 of a mile from Tunbridge Wells Station

GUIDE PRICE

£1,600,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Blackhurst

Cottage

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AT A GLANCE BLACKHURST COTTAGE CORNFORD LANE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Main House n Semi-detached cottage believed to date back to 1916 n Reception hall with wood floor n Drawing room with open brick fireplace and French doors to garden n Dining room with wood burner n Kitchen/breakfast room n Double-aspect study n Square conservatory n Cloakroom n Principal bedroom with en suite n 2 further bedrooms and a bathroom n Just over half an acre of gardens with a terrace and two summerhouses n Superb swimming pool with solarpowered cover, pool house and brickbuilt barbecue area n Spacious driveway providing parking n Garage Annexe n Sitting room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom

Character cottage in popular town lane with outdoor pool and annexe

ASKING PRICE

£865,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk

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This one-off incentive is being offered exclusively to the purchaser of apartment 8 at One Three Three, Tonbridge High Street – the highly specified 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. The buyer can choose either an annual rail card from Tonbridge station or a John Lewis furniture pack upon completion. Priced at £295,000 subject to scheme rules

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Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Life&Times

ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...

IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk

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CLASSIC COMEDY CAPERS

46

ANGELA HARTNETT’S IN TOWN

48

A RED HOT LITTLE NUMBER

Pillow fight Page 40

MAIN PHOTO: Symon Hamer

Trinity Theatre Club presents Alan Ayckbourn’s Taking Steps

53

HEVER’S FESTIVAL OF ENDURANCE

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Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Three’s company

Why did you choose Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy Taking Steps for your next production?

Trinity Theatre Club [TTC] was looking for a small cast comedy which would contrast with its spring production of Albee’s Three Tall Women, and also with the large cast period comedy it has planned for October.

I knew that Alan Ayckbourn would satisfy the brief. He is a master of comic theatre, and I was fortunate enough to direct his play Private Fears in Public Spaces for TTC in 2017.

Next week Trinity Theatre Club stage their production of Taking Steps, a farcical comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. The play’s director, Kirrie Wratten, tells us more about it…

PHOTOS: Symon Hamer

arts

40

What is Taking Steps essentially about?

Misunderstanding and miscommunication. It is about people who are either literally, or metaphorically, trapped.

At a time when sexual equality was in its infancy, it is about women trying to find their own freedom.

What appealed to you about the play, as a director?

It’s Ayckbourn’s skill of being able to combine the humanity of real characters with often hilarious comedy in the situation in which he places these flawed characters.

‘Directing Taking Steps was described by Ayckbourn as being closer to directing traffic than directing a play!’

He has described Taking Steps as his only true farce, and these elements were certainly one of its attractions.

Directing Taking Steps was described by the playwright as being closer to directing traffic than directing a play!

Tell us about the actors you’ve cast in the comedy I am fortunate to be working with a very strong cast which includes some professionally-trained actors; most of whom have worked with me before.

A SLEEPERY SLOPE That’s sure to have a comical outcome…

What do you think audiences will enjoy most about it?

It’s a play that can boast all the joy and humour of farce, but with a dark underbelly.

As What’s On Stage described its revival in Richmond in 2010 – it’s ‘comedy bliss’.

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

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Arts & Culture

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41

One play will benefit from chamber music by Mozart, another from contemporary jazz, and another by Dire Straits songs.

PILLOW TALK But not the usual kind, as some of the stars take a bit of a bedtime bashing

‘Everyone contributes their own piece of magic, and the playwright’s words on the flat page are transformed’ Best of all, though, is working with the actors and the creative team. Everyone contributes their own piece of magic, and the playwright’s words on the flat page are transformed into the live performance the audience enjoys.

What unusual elements did you face in bringing this to the local stage?

One of the trickiest elements in staging Taking Steps is adapting a play designed for a theatre in a round space (such as Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, where Alan Ayckbourn’s plays are always premiered).

Happily, because the audience look down on to the stage at Trinity, this feature of the space solved part of the difficulty.

Secondly, our designer, Andy Newell, is both a very experienced Stage Designer, and also very familiar with Trinity. His

design supports the action of the play, but also ensures the sightlines work for the audience.

How often do you work with Trinity, and why do you enjoy doing so?

I have worked with Trinity, on and off, in various roles since 1996. In the past few years I have directed for the company about once a year.

TTC is a vibrant club with many talented and hard-working members. As a director, I can work with people who share the same passion for theatre and the same

commitment to producing the best possible shows.

As a community, we are fortunate in Tunbridge Wells that we still have our own local theatre and arts centre.

What do you like most about directing in general?

Theatre directing is a job of infinite variety – you can be researching railways in rural Russia in the late 19th century one minute, and Victorian brothels the next.

What plans do you have to work with Trinity again in the near future?

I shall be directing Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing in April next year. Meanwhile, audiences can look forward to TTC’s autumn production of The Man Who Came To Dinner, a brilliantly witty, and muchloved comedy by Moss Hart and George S Kaufman, which will be directed by the inimitable Helen Thorpe.

Taking Steps will run at Trinity Theatre from Tuesday July 16 to Saturday July 20.

Tickets cost from £15 and can be booked at trinitytheatre.net

Life&Times

Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

A CLOSE SHAVE Enjoy some comic opera in the shape of Figaro at the Odeon

WEDNESDAY Trinity Theatre will be screening Amazing Grace tonight at 8pm. The film was shot in 1972, during Aretha Franklin’s recording of the eponymous album at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church. One of the best-selling live gospel albums of all time, the performance is among

her greatest. Tickets cost £11 and can be booked online at trinitytheatre.net You can still catch The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society Summer Exhibition. The oldest art society in the South East have curated a wide range of works, including traditional paintings, more modern eclectic pieces and sculptures.

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

The exhibition, open from 10.30am till 3.30pm, features established artists as well as up-andcoming ones. Entrance to the gallery is free, and if you are interested in becoming a member or finding out more about the society’s various talks and workshops, visit rtwas.org THURSDAY Are Students These Days More Fragile? This lecture by Dr Jennie Bristow of Canterbury Christ Church University might go some way to answering this question. It is to be held at the Salomons Institute in Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, and Dr Bristow will argue that the preoccupation with students’ fragility represents a wider ambivalence about how young people can be socialised into adulthood. The talk starts at 6.30pm and tickets cost £5 (concessions £2.50). To book, go online to canterbury.ac.uk/arts-andculture/calendar.aspx The Spa Valley Railway is open today, and this time it’s Kids for a Quid! You can visit Tunbridge Wells West, High Rocks and Groombridge, all of which have plenty to see and do. Steam and heritage diesel locomotives will be on the line.

A ticket gets you unlimited rides for the day and can be purchased in advance at spavalleyrailway.co.uk FRIDAY For all things German and motor-driven, Penshurst Place is hosting Volks Weald 2019 THEATRE TRIP The 39 Steps is at The Beacon this Friday

PHOTO: Stefan Hanegraaf

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THE MAIZE MAZE In 2017, it was cut in the shape of Penshurst Place’s Sidney Oak tree. How will they amaze us this year?

once again, starting at 12noon today and running until 5pm on Sunday. The weekend promises to pack in plenty of entertainment, with over 150 cars and a special show for VW Beetles to commemorate their discontinuation as of this year. There will also be live music, a DJ set tonight [Friday] and an auto-jumble. Ticket prices vary, so for more information and to book, go to volksweald.co.uk Theatre troupe Get Out of My Space are bringing their production of The 39 Steps to The Beacon’s Amphitheatre. Watch just four actors play an unbelievable and inadvisable amount of roles as we follow Richard Hannay and discover what the mysterious 39 Steps are. Tickets for this comedy cost £12, or £28 if you would like to dine at the pub before the show. To book, go to gooms.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk SUNDAY Glyndebourne – The Barber Of Seville 2016 is being screened at the Odeon, Tunbridge Wells, this afternoon at 5.30pm. Said barber, Figaro, has a cunning that knows no bounds in this story of love, lies and total confusion. Glyndebourne have received favourable reviews for their lively and characterful production of Rossini’s seminal comic opera, and the performances of the cast have received especially high praise.

To book tickets, which cost £20.75 for adults and £18.75 for concessions, visit odeon.co.uk The famed Penshurst Place Maize Maze has risen from the earth for the summer. The design of the maze has been kept secret up to the launch and now you can discover it for yourself, collecting clues and stamps if you wish as you go. If you survive, you can trade expedition stories at the Porcupine Pantry or stroll around the grounds. Entrance to the maze is included in the price of admission.

For more information, or to book, go online to penshurstplace.com

DO THE LOCOMOTION On The Spa Valley Railway

SATURDAY Put your petal to the metal at this year’s Penshurst Village Flower Show. Held in the Penshurst Village Hall, there are a whole bed of catagories to enter, as well as classes on baking and a best dressed scarecrow competition.

Tickets for punters cost £1, and to enter a catagory, visit penshurstvillageflowershow.org.uk

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT… See the quirky and the classic at Volks Weald 2019

Going Out

MONDAY Join the TWUNTS in The George for their relaxed Ukulele Jam at 8pm. People with all levels of experience, including those 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 Tonight is the opening night of Trinity Theatre

PICK OF THE WEEK: Summer Jousting Tournaments Hever Castle July 13 and 14, 1pm

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Club’s production of Taking Steps, directed by Kirrie Wratten. Alan Ayckbourn’s beloved farce combines six eccentric characters with a decaying Victorian mansion and a tangle of confusions and misunderstandings. The play is perhaps best known for portraying the three floors of the house as a one-level set. The high energy high-jinks start at 7.30pm and the show runs until Saturday [July 20]. Tickets, which cost £15, can be booked online at trinitytheatre.net See also our feature on the play on pages 40-41

Join Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn to watch the valiant knights battle for points in the saddle and on foot. The Knights of Royal England promise stunts, action, falls and flights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. You can watch the joust from the medieval spectator stands or bring a blanket and watch from the grass. Standard admission prices apply.

Do not bring rotten fruit to throw at the losers! For more information, visit hevercastle.co.uk

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Life&Times

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 Jack Vagabond, Rob Picazo, The Frampton Sisters Friday The Informers Trio Saturday The Violet Jive Sunday Sean Manuel, Becky Briggs, Milly Rusling

live music With Paul Dunton

R

ENOWNED local acts Jack Vagabond, Rob Picazo and The Frampton Sisters will be performing at The Grey Lady tonight [Wednesday]. And for a rockin’ night at The Sussex Arms Basement, I highly recommend the superb Mantra with great support from Dearist.

On Thursday night, the excellent J Sonics play Jazz on The Pantiles.

Another fine July option is Folking In The Strawberries at Stonepitts Farm near Sevenoaks with Steffan James, King-Size Slim, Cunning Folk and The Lucky Dandy all performing.

Friday night sees the opening of the great Pub in the Park weekend event, and other shows include Ryan Weeks at The Bedford pub, The Informers Trio at The Grey Lady and

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

superb Stone Roses tribute Total Stone Roses at The Forum.

Saturday night brings Midnight Rider at The Beau Nash Tavern and The Violet Jive at The Grey Lady.

On Sunday, The John Hamilton Big Band play on the lawn of Tonbridge Castle, and Sophie Mullan makes her debut at Verdigris in Tonbridge.

Meanwhile, local singer songwriters Milly Rusling, Becky Briggs and Sean Manuel will be at The Grey Lady.

Next week, Lyndsey Rule headlines at The Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday evening, and the TWUNT Ukulele night is at The George pub.

On Tuesday, Sonny & The Harp are at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge and blues fans can catch Debbie Bond, Radiator Rick & Roger Nunn at The Toad Rock Retreat in Upper Street.

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Jemima Price Fragile House

VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Sunday Sophie Mullan THE NELSON ARMS Cromer Street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 6.45pm Sunday MusicStation jam session – all welcome

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Mantra, Dearist JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Pantiles Bandstand Music from 7.30pm (donations welcome) Thursday J Sonics FOLKING IN THE STRAWBERRIES Stonepitts Farm, Seal, Nr Sevenoaks Music from 6pm-9.30pm. Price is per car Thursday Steffan James, King-Size Slim, Cunning Folk, The Lucky Dandy MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential. Call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult Band Workshop, all levels welcome.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Thursday Under-18s Open Mic Friday Total Stone Roses (Stone Roses tribute) Saturday Xavier Ralph, Sorrel Nation, Isabella Coulstock Sunday Rolo Tomassi, Cryptodira

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Saturday Fragile House

PUB IN THE PARK Dunorlan Park Three-day event. Tickets via pubintheparkuk.com Friday Rick Astley, KT Tunstall, The Paul Dunton Orchestra Saturday Basement Jaxx, Stereo MCs, Suncharmer, Soul II Soul, Alice Jemima, Jack Burns Sunday Will Young, Gabrielle, The Bluetones, Natalie Williams & The Soul Family (See feature on pages 46-47) THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Friday Ryan Weeks THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Saturday Midnight Rider TONBRIDGE CASTLE High street, Tonbridge Free entry Saturday 3pm-5pm Jon Hamilton Big Band

TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm Monday Lyndsey Rule THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNTS: Ukulele Jam Session THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Upper Street Free entry, music from 7pm Tuesday Blues with Bottle Presents: Debbie Bond, Radiator Rick & Roger Nunn THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Sonny & The Harp The Frampton Sisters

Life&Times

food

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

Your invitation to savour some gourmet food and good grooves

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

MASTERCHEF Angela Hartnett

Over three days this weekend, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge brings his big Pub in the Park event to Dunorlan Park for the second year running, from Friday to Sunday. Here’s what’s in store for 2019…

‘Our aim was to serve up the highest quality food, quickly and consistently. Happily, we achieved that’

O

VER the weekend of July 12-14 Dunorlan Park will play host to a raft of famous celebrity chefs, top musical acts and lots of delicious food and drink thanks to Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park rolling into town again.

This is the second year of the event, which also takes place in other areas around the country, including Bath, in Tunbridge Wells knew what Pub in the Park was going to be all about. Everyone Knutsford and also Marlow, Tom’s grabbed it, got and loved it!” home town, which is where it all For its 2019 stint in Tunbridge began three years ago.

Wells, once again there’s And Tom and his team a stellar line-up of are hoping that this top chefs on the bill, year will be just as including the likes of big a success as it MasterChef’s Angela was last summer, Hartnett and our very when thousands own James Tanner and descended upon the his brother Chris who beautiful Tunbridge Wells park. co-run Bidborough’s The Kentish Hare.

“Everyone was “What a beautiful such great fun and and fantastic event last there was a great vibe year was,” James says. at Dunorlan,” says “It was really great, there was a Tom. “The fantastic wonderful festival feeling and the weather made it so bands were amazing. We got some special, and the fact it was HARE AND THERE really great food producers and James Tanner the first year there. But what chefs from all over Kent turning I also liked was that everyone

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Food & Drink

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47

Summer is cider time!

READY TO PARTY Tom Kerridge

Times Drinks Editor James Viner picks craft ciders which boast a true taste of summer 1) ORGANIC SUPERMARKET CHOICE: A POTENT OFF-DRY HEREFORDSHIRE DELIGHT Dunkertons Black Fox Cider, 500ml, Herefordshire (£1.83 offer, down from £2.29, until July 16, Waitrose; also Abel&Cole, Alc 7%) Named after the elusive local legend and hand-crafted in Herefordshire, this skilful ten-apple blend, including the scented star Stoke Red, classic bittersharp Kingston Black and bittersweet Dabinett, packs a potent bite. Secure a stash now for summer.

One for sausages and mash, pulled pork or a cheeseboard (think Cheddar, Camembert, Gruyère and Beaufort).

Don’t forget the 20% discount until July 16 at Waitrose. An organic beauty. up.

“There’s no denying it was fast and furious for those of us catering to hundreds of people every day, but we were well set up for it all.

“Our aim was to serve up the highest quality food, quickly and consistently. Happily, we achieved that. The feedback we had from customers was amazing!”

As well as lots of gourmet goodies to savour from the numerous popups, such as the one run by the Tanner brothers, there’ll also be lots of local artisan food and drink producers present and a brilliant music line-up to enjoy, including the likes of Rick Astley, Soul II Soul Sound System, Basement Jaxx, Will

Young and Gabrielle.

And what does Tom, who runs two Michelin-star pubs – The Hand and Flowers and The Coach in Marlow – as well as fulfilling his many media commitments, enjoy most about putting on this gastro and grooves event?

“Wandering around seeing people eating loads of food, enjoying the sunshine, having a couple of drinks then watching a band.

“Now, it really doesn’t get better than that, does it?”

For further information on the Pub in the Park bands playing at the Tunbridge Wells event, visit pubintheparkuk.com/tunbridgewells

2) ZINGY LOCAL CANNED HERO FROM BEKESBOURNE, NEAR CANTERBURY Kentish Pip Wild Summer Sparkling Elderflower Cider, 330ml can, Kent (£1.66-£2.50, Amazon/Eebria/ Woolton Farm Shop/ kentishpip.co.uk, Alc 4%) Sam Mount exemplifies the contemporary face of Kentish cider, mixing creative logistic skills (he used to produce music festivals) with a natural inquisitiveness about flavours. This light and accessible cider in tinny form is medium to sweet but rounded and refreshing. An

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine elderflower cordial was added to the ripe, mainly dessert apple mix prior to a light carbonation and canning.

It’s very easy to drink and perfect for hot, summer days. Vegan friendly and gluten-free, too.

3) COMPLEX AND CONTEMPLATIVE OUTOF-THIS-WORLD SPARKLING DRY CIDER Oliver’s Bottle-Conditioned Vintage Fine Cider, Season 2013, 750ml, Herefordshire (£7.50, oliversciderandperry.co.uk, Alc 5.3%) Renowned cidermaker Tom Oliver has won more awards for his cider and perry than there are wasps in his orchards at harvest. I dream of this

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stuff – a magical blend crafted from the very best barrels. Sublime! It’s 100% juice and wild-yeast fermented without preservatives, filtering or pasteurising.

Put this on any dinner table and drink with roast pork. A triumph of a grownup, food-friendly, sparkling dry cider.

ENJOYING CIDER ON TAP LOCALLY Craft keg cider can really complement your drink offering, local publicans!

Thankfully, there are now several top-tier producers who are kegging (Kentish Pip, Hawkes and Crafty Nectar, for example, and Worleys will start soon) and this will continue to grow.

Fuggles in Tunbridge Wells has a nice small but well-curated selection – try Andy Hallett’s incredible full-bodied Dabinett-blend ‘Real Cider’ from Caerphilly. Sublime with organic Hafod Cheddar.

Must-Try British Master Cidermakers: • Little Pomona Cidery & Orchard (Herefordshire) • Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry (Herefordshire) • Oliver’s Cider & Perry (Herefordshire) • Find & Foster (Devon) • Pilton Cider (Somerset)

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Life&Times

Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

This week…  Puma purrs again  A small boys’ toy  New Corsa latest

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

New engines to bolster Vauxhall Corsa line-up

McLaren toys with futuristic version of its 720S supercar

Ford Puma crossover is revealed with clever boot and hybrid engines FORD has revived the Puma name for its new crossover, which majors on practicality and efficient powertrains.

The car will get Ford’s new mildhybrid powertrain, which utilises a small battery and electric motor to take over ancillary functions at low speeds and assist the internal combustion engine to improve efficiency.

It will be available on the 123bhp and 153bhp 1.0-litre petrol engines, with Ford claiming the electric motor improves efficiency by around 9%.

A 123bhp version of the 1.0-litre engine will also be available without the mild-hybrid set-up, while a diesel powertrain and seven-speed automatic transmission will join the line-up later.

Practicality is high on the agenda, with a clever ‘MegaBox’ luggage com-

partment in the bottom of the boot, which helps increase the boot space to a class-leading 456 litres.

The Puma’s styling is described as ‘a new chapter in Ford’s design identity’, with high-mounted headlights and a sloping roofline at the rear. It’s been launched in ST-Line trim, available with 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and functional roof spoiler.

Inside, the technology on offer includes a wireless charging pad and optional ten-speaker B&O sound system.

Stuart Rowley, President of Ford Europe, said: “We’ve gone to every length to give customers the flexibility they want, and the best-looking car they’ve ever owned.”

The Puma will go on sale at the end of 2019, with pricing to be announced.

MCLAREN is making a fresh move into the autonomous and electrified market in one fell swoop – albeit in the form of a children’s toy.

This is the 720S ‘Ride-On’ – a scaled-down version of the firm’s 710bhp supercar, with an electric motor sitting in place of a twinturbocharged V8 engine.

It’s aimed squarely at the emerging three to six-year-old petrolhead market and comes packed with features to appeal directly to the demographic.

First up is its autonomous technology, up to a point. A remote control can be used by an adult to operate the vehicle without any input from the driver, giving those in the hot seat a luxurious chauffeur-like experience.

It also boasts state-ofthe-art sound recreation technology.

By that we mean it plays an audio file of a V8 engine when the little motorist behind the wheel puts the accelerator down to the floor for a more spirited drive.

A screen in the cockpit displays information to prevent any concerns of electric range toddlers may have.

This unit also plays host to an infotainment system that’s capable of playing a number of pre-loaded children’s songs – though it also supports USB and SD card inputs for those wanting to personalise the experience.

Young owners even have a choice of replica McLaren colours to choose from, with eye-catching Papaya Spark an exclusive to the firm’s dealership network.

Available to order now, the McLaren 720S Ride-On is priced from £315.

For comparison, the full-sized machine would set you back at least £220,000.

VAUXHALL has revealed details of petrol and diesel powertrains for its all-new Vauxhall Corsa, following on from the reveal of the all-electric Corsa-e last month.

From launch, two petrol units and one diesel will be offered for the supermini.

Kicking off the former’s range is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit producing 74bhp that’s sent through a five-speed manual gearbox.

Up next is a 99bhp turbocharged unit of equal capacity, lifted straight from French owner PSA Group’s catalogue, coupled to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. As for the sole diesel, that’s a 1.5-litre unit developing 99bhp and 250Nm of torque.

These engines join the all-electric e-Corsa in the line-up, which features a 50kWh battery.

The electric range is claimed at 211 miles, with charging from flat to 80% said to take just 30 minutes on a rapid unit.

The new Corsa is the first model designed from the ground-up under Vauxhall’s PSA Group ownership, after it purchased the British firm in 2017. It’s said to weigh 980kg – up to 108kg less than the previous car – despite retaining similar dimensions.

Full specifications for the Corsa are yet to be confirmed, but the firm has said equipment will include full LED headlights, Vauxhall Connect services and a ten-inch infotainment screen.

Expect the arrival date to be in early 2020.

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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.

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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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Codeword:

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

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4 8 7 6 4

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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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

R E P A S T E A P V E R D I U A N E GG O B O Z S Y N T A X E I N Q U I R S U M E A N I N I Y F C A S T S

S L I E C H O K L I V Y J U S P I E S N T G A L G Y I E

I L A C O H R T L E T E I O U S E I C E S A J E T O O L L OW E E L D E D

4 5 1 6 7 3 9 8 2

6 7 3 2 9 8 1 5 4

5 1 9 8 4 2 3 6 7

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8 2 7 3 6 9 4 1 5

9 5 8 7 1 6 4 2 3

2 4 3 5 7 1 8 6 9

4 2 9 6 5 3 1 8 7

5 3 6 8 2 9 7 4 1

1 8 7 9 4 5 6 3 2

Sudoku:

1 8 5 9 2 4 7 3 6

7 6 4 1 3 5 8 2 9

9 3 2 7 8 6 5 4 1

2 9 8 4 5 1 6 7 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

7 6 5 3 8 2 9 1 4

8 1 2 4 9 7 3 5 6

6 9 1 2 3 4 5 7 8

3 7 4 1 6 8 2 9 5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

50

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

WITH THE

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

Fill your vacancy now in print or online

From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

52

Life&Times

Sport

FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

Captain Williams mixes aggression and caution with perfect ton Canterbury 179 lost to Tunbridge Wells 181-6 by 4 wkts

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: CAPTAIN Chris Williams led from the front with a superb unbeaten century to see his side home on a bowler-friendly track at Canterbury’s Polo Farm.

But while he received little support from the rest of the top order in the run-chase, his bowlers had been impressive - particularly teenage left-arm paceman Isaac Bepey, who is staking a claim to a regular spot in the first team.

Williams won the toss and asked Canterbury to bat first but his front-line bowlers were initially

unable to make an impression despite the helpful conditions.

The home captain Isaac Dilkes (35) and Bradley Goldsack (29) defied them in raising an opening stand of 69 in 14 overs before Dave Smith finally broke through.

Bepey returned for a brief second spell in which he grabbed 2 for 4 as the total slipped to 81 for 3, but Elliot Lewis (28) and Justin MacVicar (35) steadied the ship again and the score rose to 142 for 3 after 33 overs.

The visiting attack now shuffled its resources to great effect and dominated the second half of the innings, as the last seven wickets fell for 37 runs.

Bepey came away with 4 for 27 while Ari Karvelas, Smith and spinner Marcus O’Riordan each took two wickets.

Canterbury were suddenly all out for 179, leaving four overs unused as their resistance was abruptly swept aside.

Despite an early loss, opener Williams was at his attacking best and found decent support from Christian Davis as they added 51 in eight overs.

Resolve Once Davis departed, however, the rest of the top order fell away alarmingly to be 69 for 5, with Ben Rutherford (3-19 from ten overs) the chief architect of this collapse.

But Williams showed the sternest resolve, and found a willing partner once again in Ian McLean (23), as the sixth wicket brought a combative and vital stand of 74.

Enthusiasm, skill and sportsmanship are winners at Kwik Cricket Festival

After his brisk start, Williams now presented an immaculate defence while neglecting no opportunity to punish the bad ball.

When Karvelas walked out to join his captain 37 runs were needed, and the tail was exposed.

But Williams guided his side home in a steely, unbroken seventh-wicket partnership.

He reached three figures and then immediately scored the winning boundary at 181 for 6 with 12.4 overs to spare.

His innings of 104 not out off 121 balls with 11 fours and four sixes was an exceptional knock of rare skill, determination and ingenuity.

The victory meant Wells maintained their fourth place in the Kent League Premier Division.

They now take on Lordswood at home on Saturday (July 13).

Cowdrey spin twins are unable to make late breakthroughs Cowdrey 134 lost to Nonington 135-7 by 3 wkts

By Stuart Clarke

KWIK LEARNERS: Leybourne (left) and Woodlands Primary Schools with Mayor Jill Anderson; both have gone through to the county final at Canterbury CRICKET: AROUND 100 young cricketers from six primary schools took part in the Tonbridge & Malling Kwik Cricket Festival at Kings Hill Cricket Club.

Nine teams played each other for points leading to an overall winner based on the highest scoring school, and the tournament was won by Leybourne Primary.

The festival was organised by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council in partnership with Kent Community Cricket.

It forms part of a national programme to encourage more schools to offer cricket as part of the PE curriculum and provide a platform for pupils to showcase their skills.

St Margaret’s Clitherow of Tonbridge saw their

Year 3 and 4 team win the Most Sporting Team Award for their positive behaviour and consideration for others throughout the competition.

‘It has been such a pleasure to watch the students playing with such enthusiasm’ Ten young peopled aged 14 to 16 who are taking part in the council’s Young Cricket Leaders Programme helped out with scoring and umpiring, providing great support for the children.

The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Cllr Jill Anderson, came to watch and presented trophies to the winning teams.

She said: “Congratulations to Leybourne Primary School for their most impressive win.

“It was an enjoyable afternoon and it has been such a pleasure to watch the students playing with such enthusiasm.

“I would like to thank all the young cricket leaders and the coaches involved for their exceptional scoring and umpiring efforts, and the staff at Kings Hill Cricket Club for hosting such a fabulous event again this year.”

Leybourne and Woodlands Junior School in Tonbridge will be taking part in the county final tomorrow (Thursday) in Canterbury.

Local challengers miss out on Open chance GOLF: MORE than 100 golfers came to Wildernesse to take part in the fifth regional qualifier for the Open Championship at Portrush on July 18-21.

In addition to the top regional players, there were also entrants from Europe, Africa and America among the 116 competitors vying for the 13 places available for the final qualifying round at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich.

Stephen Shephard, a 22-year-old amateur from Florida, produced some spectacular golf and won with a course record score of 64, which included only 25 putts.

Oliver Sly from Knole Park came second with an excellent round of 66. Liam Burns of Chislehurst, Jensen Hull from Hever Castle and Simon Khan, who won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2010, all tied for third place with scores of 68.

Craig Sutherland, who plays at Poult Wood near Tonbridge, also secured a slot at the

Sandwich finale with a round of 69.

There were nine players tied for 12th place with a score of -1, all competing for the final two qualifying spots which were decided by a three-hole play-off.

Hobbs on hot form to win Bewl’s 20th race

By Andrew Deighton

Encourage Hull went on to record another sub-par round of -1 at Prince’s but it was not enough to secure a place in the showdown at Northern Ireland.

Sly and Sutherland also missed out with rounds of +6 on the par-72 course, while Burns went round in +7.

Wildernesse’s chairman David Evans commented: “We are honoured to be one of only 13 clubs in the UK and Ireland to host an event of this stature.

“We hope this will encourage more people to visit us and explore the wonderful course and facilities at Wildernesse.”

CRICKET: A WEAKENED Cowdrey side lost to Nonington at Swanmead in a tightly fought contest in Kent League Division Three - a further setback after suffering two very narrow defeats.

Ryan Addison won the toss and elected to bat but he saw overseas player Sherynl Burns (3 for 28) remove Cowdrey’s top three with a hostile spell of fast bowling.

Minhaj Jalill and Jason Carver went about rebuilding the innings, and then the Sri Lankan all-rounder found another ally with Oscar Holmes to take the total up to 121 for 5.

A score of 200 looked possible but another collapse saw the home side dismissed for 134 with almost 12 overs unused.

Jalill was the last to depart for 48, caught on the boundary trying to add to his tally of two sixes, Harry Mansell picked up 3 for 35 at the end.

It was a below-par effort and Cowdrey knew they had to come out fighting. Thom Brown (2 for 34) duly did so, removing both openers.

As Daniel McHugh settling well, however, spin was introduced at both ends and Jalill (2 for 26) and Ralph Yeats-Brown (3 for 27) caused havoc.

McHugh eventually fell to the latter for 50 with eight boundaries, and at 95 for 7 the door was ajar for an unexpected Cowdrey win.

But the home team saw luck desert them again as Nonington lost no further wickets as they reached 135 for 7 off 37.3 overs, Burns remaining unbeaten on 22.

Cowdrey must now take on the league leaders Harvel at home on Saturday (July 13].

GREEN KING: Stephen Shephard from the United States needed only 25 putts in his round of 64

ATHLETICS: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Harrier Billy Hobbs continued his successful year by winning the Bewl 15-Mile race.

It was the 20th anniversary of the race, which follows the pathways around the local reservoir and its surrounding country lanes.

Hobbs led home a field of more than 700 runners in a time of 1hr 26min 8sec.

Keeping it in the family, the next Harrier was his father Martin in 1:56 for 12th place in M50.

He was followed by Simon Howden (1:58), Paul Hollis (2:04), Chris Walmsley (2:06), Matt Newman (2:14), Michael Youlton (2:22), Gary O’Reilly (2:39) and Duncan Ralph (2:45).

Gem Stilliard was the first Harrier home in the women’s race, her time of 2:09.44 securing 10th in the F40 category, while Rose Sawyer (2:29) and Carol Tsang (2:42) also had good runs.

Wednesday July 10 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Sport

Stansfield shatters Bastion record to win title again at Hever Festival of Endurance

TRIATHLON: THIS year’s Hever Castle Festival of Endurance raised the bar for the full Ironman distance, with a new course record set for the first time.

The Bastion, as the race is called, consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run and is renowned as one of the UK’s toughest long-distance triathlon events.

Returning to defend his title, Sion Stansfield stormed to victory again with a time of 9hr 48min 31sec, half an hour better than his 2018 performance.

He shaved eight minutes off the previous best, and it was the first time the record had been broken since Fraser Cartmell set the mark at the inaugural Bastion in 2014.

Once again Stansfield consigned Sam Walsh to

second place with a time of 10:34.46, while Oliver Teenan was third in 10:51.08.

Stansfield said: “I was surprised to get in the lead on the bike quite early, it was good fun.

“I didn’t have good bike legs but I managed to hold it on the run.

Remarkable “I won with ten hours 18 minutes last year and I wanted to have a sub ten-hour time today.

“This is my full Iron distance PB [personal best] so I’m happy with that.”

The women’s Bastion also delivered remarkable performances, with Cleo Fychan winning at her first attempt at the full Iron distance with a time of 13:53.01.

Thompson beats infection and storms to shine in Transylvania

By Amy Pay TRIATHLON: TWO Tunbridge Wells athletes were competing in Romania for the Team GB Age Group squads at the ETU Multisport European Championships.

Michael Thomson took part in the standard distance duathlon (10km run, 38km bike, 5km run) at the Transylvania motor circuit.

He had a rocky build-up to the race, contracting a septic knee infection and receiving the all-clear only two weeks ago.

Heavy thunderstorms delayed the start, creating a wet and slippery course.

But he found some fast straights on the bike and used his technical skills to finish fifth M50-54 with a time of 2hr 11min.

Unrivalled Stephen Dunkerley (M55-59) took part in the middle-distance aqua bike (1.9km swim, 83km bike), which he completed in 3:26 to earn himself ninth place in his age group.

Three club athletes took part in the bucket list race, Challenge Roth in Germany (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km marathon run).

With more than 5,000 competitors and 260,000 spectators, support for the athletes around the course was unrivalled.

First home for the club was Kieran Fitzpatrick in 10:04, finishing the race with a strong three-hour, 25-minute marathon.

He was followed by Adam Dennis in 10:25, knocking over an hour off his previous best on this course, with Guy Whitby following in 10:37 after a strong bike leg.

Matt Bridgeman raced in Ironman Austria, with 3.8km swim taking place in beautiful Lake

Wörthersee. During the bike course, a huge thunderstorm threatened to stop the race but he managed to finish his first Ironman in 15:56.

Closer to home, Tunbridge Wells was also represented well at the Castle Triathlon Series Festival of Endurance held at Hever Castle.

Three took part in The Bastion, a gruelling full Iron distance race (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42km run) looping Ashdown Forest and surrounding areas.

First home for the club was Grant Aitken (M50) in 12:06.25, taking first place in his age group, followed by Ed Moffatt (M30-39) in 13:33.48 and Steve Lindsey (M40-49) in 15:40.20.

The festival’s half iron distance race, The Gauntlet (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run), was completed by Sam Gibbs (M30-39) in 6:16.13 after what he described as a ‘brutal race, the hardest half I’ve ever done’.

The long distance aquabike (3.8km swim, 180km bike) was completed by club chairman Ken Macsporran (M40-44), won won his age group in a time of 5:47.34.

Lloyd Collier (M45-49) came third in his categoery in 5:45.51 and John Fuller (M45-49) was fifth in age group in 6:41.10.

And nine club members competed in the Outlaw Half, held at Holkham Hall in Norfolk (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run).

Richard Bysouth (M40-44) was first home for the club in 5:29.58, while Clare Roche (F60-64) gave a fine performance in her first attempt stepping up to this distance, finishing second in her age group with a time of 6:50.45.

Other athletes completing the race were John Kendall (M55-59) 5:59.37, Chris Dickinson (M55-59) 6:04.35, Richard Pearce (M35-39) 6:24.20, Jim Bonner (M50-54) 6:40.06, Su Bonner (F50-54) 6:40.07 and Laura Finch (F40-44) 7:22.34.

She was closely followed by Jennifer Ansell less than three minutes later, recording a time of 13:55.58, while Emily Carter was third in 14:25.21.

Fychan said: “I have completed a half Iron distance before at Woburn Abbey, and today I just wanted to come in under 17 hours.

“I’d read about how hilly the course is so I’ve been preparing for this race on hills.

“It made a massive difference having my parents here supporting me from this morning and throughout the day.

“I want to say to all women competing in triathlon that no fear should stop you from taking on courses like this.”

More than 1,600 athletes took part in a variety of triathlon, multisport, marathon, half marathon and open water swim events at the festival.

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Angels fight back with predator Read Sittingbourne 2 Tonbridge Angels 3

PHOTOS: Paul Mitchell/AWOL Adventure

STORM THE CASTLE: Sion Stansfield finishes the Bastion in record time while (right) Cleo Fychan relaxes with her parents after winning the women’s race

Life&Times

FOOTBALL: THE Angels found themselves 2-0 down after 10 minutes in their friendly at the Brickies’ Martin & Conley Stadium.

The arrears were reduced in the 12th minute when Tommie Hession-Harris’s cross saw Sonny Miles meet the ball with a well-placed header.

The visitors equalised in the 26th minute when Tommy Brewer made no mistake from 10 yards out following a free kick from Hession-Harris.

They found a winner in the 87th minute when Miles headed a corner back across goal and and Alex Read converted at the far post.

Assistant Manager Barry Moore said: “Apart from a mad first 10 minutes we subsequently gave ourselves some discipline and played with much more cohesion and organisation.”

Tricky Powell-Downey ensures win for Rustics Rusthall 3 Peacehaven & Telscombe 1 FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL’S keeper Aaron McGuigan was forced to make a few smart saves in the club’s first friendly of pre-season, and the visitors opened the scoring with a solo effort.

The game then turned on a mistake by The Tye’s keeper, who fumbled a ball into his own net.

The teams went in level at half-time, and the Rustics came out to dominate the second half.

A triallist latched on to a through ball after setting up the move and finished with aplomb.

Then the tricky Raul Powell-Downey jinked his way into the box and was brought down. He got up to score the resultant penalty and sure victory.

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