Times of Tonbridge 16th August 2017

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Wednesday August 16 | 2017

INSIDE THE GOLD STANDARD School choir become world beaters in Latvia Page 2

HESLOP HITS BACK

PHOTO: Laura Chesson

Council Leader says survey is ‘politically motivated’ Page 6

HUNDREDS of people turned out at the Racecourse Park to enjoy the second Tonbridge Calling festival on Saturday [August 12]. An estimated 1,500 revellers basked in the long-awaited August sun while they witnessed a range of pulsating performances and tucked into tasty treats from local providers.

STRANDED BY G4S

Outsourced transport denounced by patient and CCG Page 10

Continued on page 2

Calls for creation of Tonbridge Town Council Survey shows depth of opposition to the controversial sale of River Lawn site

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE views of hundreds of Tonbridge residents show that the borough council is ‘completely out of step’ with public opinion, according to River Lawn campaigners trying to save the town site.

Following Cllr Trudy Dean’s call for ‘the fullest possible consultation’ on the site that fulfils ‘the spirit of the law, not

just the letter’, the Keep River Lawn Green group decided to take matters into their own hands.

The council plans to sell River Lawn and the site of the old Citizens Advice Bureau on River Walk and invest the money in property funds as they look to plug a shortfall of money from central government. The final decision will be made at the Cabinet meeting on October 11.

The campaigners made efforts to draw from a neutral sample of people, post-

ing the ten-question survey on to three prominent online community pages: Tonbridge Mums, Tonbridge Gang and Tonbridge Daily.

‘It isn’t just the distance that makes Kings Hill feel remote’ The poll did not indicate any connection to the Keep River Lawn Green group, was not circulated among its

own members, and was entitled ‘Town Centre Survey’.

Just under 500 people responded, with results pointing to a strong disapproval of the council’s current asset strategy.

Only seven per cent (33 of 484) supported the borough council’s current approach of selling the assets it deems necessary to invest money in less risky national property investment funds.

Continued on page 2

EARLY PROMISE

Angels start the season with a victory over Hendon Page 62

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Local News

PHOTO: Stanford Photography

NEWS

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

BEST IN SHOW Danielle Hadaway with Cooper the Mastiff

Choir hitting all the right notes at the European Championship

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Not so mini Cooper scoops top award HUNDREDS of dogs and their human companions enjoyed the sun during an action-packed day at the Tonbridge Dog Show.

Four-legged friends of all shapes, sizes and breeds took part in a variety of novelty classes including best trick, cutest puppy, best oldie and waggiest tail on Sunday July 30 at the Racecourse Park.

Cooper the Mastiff won the best in show under the guidance of proud owner Danielle Hadaway.

He was recently rescued from Australia and is now happily in his forever home in Tonbridge.

Runner-up was Reginald the Xoloitzcuintli, a Mexican hairless dog with owner Hannah Wright.

The show was organised by the borough Dog Warden Lorraine Baseden and representatives from the council were there to encourage responsible dog ownership.

This year, more than £1,125 was raised for still birth bereavement charity Abigail’s Footsteps, which was founded

by David Ward, the CEO of the providers of the borough’s dog warden service.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 REPORTER MURRAY JONES murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 GENERAL INQUIRIES newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

THIS is the moment pupils from Tonbridge Grammar School celebrated their gold medal victory in Latvia.

Representing Great Britain, the 33-strong Motet Choir joined more than 10,000 singers from 150 groups, at the Third European Choir Games in the city of Riga.

The girls, aged 14-18, entered two categories: Youth Choir and Sacred Music.

Much like the Olympics, there are competitions for different choral music styles.

Performances are judged on a marks-based system, similar to gymnastics. Seven judges award scores for a range of choral skills, such as technique and difficulty of music.

Directed by Assistant Head Teacher Adrian Pitts, they achieved the second highest score of their group of eight in the Youth Choir Competition, qualifying for a final face-off against four champion youth choirs. They didn’t win, but were awarded a gold medal, signifying a very high appreciation from the judges.

In the Sacred Music category they were even more successful, taking on representatives from Spain, the USA and South Africa and

achieving the highest score of the competition.

It earnt them a place in the Champions category where they competed against two adult choirs from Latvia as well as an internationally renowned Russian choir, Alye Parusa. The seven judges again liked the performance, awarding a high score and silver medal.

The awards were presented in front of the 10,000 contestants in a grand ceremony].

“It was like the Olympics – national anthems

MUSIC TO OUR EARS The choir were delighted with the performance

Volunteers make it a ‘fantastic’ day Continued from page 1 The community spirit underpinning the Tonbridge Calling festival was clear for all to see on Saturday.

More than 40 volunteers ensured the event at the Racecourse Park ran smoothly and all the acts performed for free.

The stage was borrowed from Tonbridge School while members of the public brought along their own gazebos for the first aid tent and food stalls.

Sophie Quinnell, one of the six core organisers, said: “We entirely rely on the support from everyone.

“But I think that gives it a sense of ownership and means people are going to get involved.”

The festival was set up last year, in response to the rising reports of hate crimes after the Brexit result.

This year the message of unity was very much the same.

“Sadly we need it more than ever,” said Sophie. “In a lot of places we are seeing so much division but all we could do is demonstrate that Tonbridge is a welcoming town.”

“There was such a feeling of love and goodwill, it was fantastic.”

Headlining were Lazlo Baby, a Stockport folk-ska five piece, who got people dancing.

The music appealed to everyone, young and old, with even a 13 day old baby taking in the music.

Plans are already under way for next year’s festival as Tonbridge Calling cements itself in the town’s social calendar.

PHOTO: Laura Chesson

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and flags,” Mr Pitts said. “We are delighted and still can’t believe it wasn’t a dream.

“The girls took on choirs from all over the world – not only their age, but adults as well,” he added.

“The TGS girls sang their hearts out. I’ve run the choir for 25 years and these were superlative performances of our varied programmes of choral music in Latvia. The girls stepped it up a gear.”

CAN’T STOP THE BEAT The Pengenista Drummers woke up the town with their vibrancy

Six-person decision raises concerns Continued from page 1 And there was a clear sense that residents desire a greater involvement in decision-making, with 90 per cent (438 of 484) saying they would like to see a full public consultation before the sale of publicly owned land or buildings.

The River Lawn issue ignited a discussion of representation, with many questioning the fairness of leaving the decision in the hands of the six-member Cabinet rather than the 54-strong Full Council.

In the survey, 78 per cent of people felt the decision should lie with every representative.

Similarly, there was an appetite for a Tonbridge Town Council, with 82 per cent (397 of 485) approving the idea. Tonbridge is peculiar in that it does not have its own specific authority, unlike other areas of the borough which have parish or town councils.

‘I think it’s about time Tonbridge got itself a town council’ Campaigner Mark Hood, who designed the survey, said: “Tonbridge residents feel completely unengaged from decision making, as demonstrated by the low turnout at a recent by-election and the huge majority who desire a town council.

“Our councillors don’t hold surgeries, and in our experience don’t reply to letters and emails.

“It isn’t just distance that makes the decisions made at Kings Hill remote.”

Cllr Dean, a Liberal Democrat who represents Larkfield, said: “I think it’s about time Tonbridge got itself a town council, as the norm in the rest of the country would be that a Tonbridge Town Council would own, and therefore control, this sort of public space, rather than its future being controlled by borough councillors as far away as Snodland and Borough Green.”  Council Leader Nicolas Heslop described Keep River Lawn Green as ‘a politically motivated campaign’ and questioned the legitimacy of their earlier petitions. The Times asked Cllr Heslop for his views on the survey. For his full response, see page 6.

Local News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

A-Level results to be announced tomorrow THOUSANDS of teenagers will be nervously waiting in anticipation tonight before they pick up their A-Level results tomorrow [August 17].

The 17 and 18 year olds are the first cohort of the new system which has seen coursework scrapped in favour of end of course exams.

In response to concerns that the new course’s tougher standards would lead to a huge slump in grades the threshold has been lowered by regulator Ofqual. This means that a similar proportion will have passed and achieved top grades compared to last year, with one quarter attaining A or A*.

Last year, The Skinners’ School pupils got the best A Level results in Kent, according to The Telegraph, with 87 per cent achieving A*- B.

The first Pride parade TUNBRIDGE WELLS will host its first Pride parade on Sunday to celebrate its LGBTQ+ community.

Everyone, whatever orientation, is welcome to join in the revelry which begins at The George, on Mount Ephraim at noon before heading down to The Forum where a family friendly party will be held until 7pm whereupon it becomes a strictly 18 and over event.

Furniture firm has legs AN INDEPENDENT business that designs and manufactures bespoke kitchens and furniture is looking to expand after outgrowing its current premises.

Traditional Bespoke Furniture, who were established in 2003, currently resides in a showroom and workshop in Matfield but have put in for planning permission to convert a building into a larger site at Mill Farm in Brenchley.

Stamp of approval MONSON ROAD has become the new home of The Stamp Shop after a booming trade led owner James Cook to seek a new premises.

It moved from Castle Road and will host the largest stamp and coin auctions in the south east every six weeks.

NEWS

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Hundreds asked to ‘move on’ as police enforce dispersal order

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk POLICE took the rare step of implementing a dispersal order on Thursday [August 10], following complaints made about drunkenness and abusive behaviour in Tunbridge Wells town centre.

A spokesman for the Kent force said the measure, which is used ‘sparingly’, ran from 4pm to 4am and included areas within The Pantiles, the Common, Calverley Park, Royal Victoria Place and the Corn Exchange.

The decision to implement the order was taken the previous day ‘after a period of assessing the issues’, the spokesman confirmed, and was made on the basis of a ‘combination’ of increasing complaints from residents and police intelligence.

While the order is running, anybody over 10 years of age who is acting in an anti-social or disorderly manner, can be directed by an officer or Police Community Support Officer to leave the area for a specified time. It is an offence to fail to leave when directed, without a reasonable excuse.

Hundreds of people were required to comply with the order but no arrests were made as the requests were generally followed with little hassle.

Chief Inspector Chris Mayers said: “This order

allowed my officers to focus on disorderly behaviour reported in the town’s public spaces, particularly on Thursday evening.

“My officers required over 200 people, many of whom were from outside the town, to leave the area and seized more than 50 bottles and glasses of alcohol and a quantity of cannabis.

“We will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle these issues and anybody intending to visit the parks and public spaces of Tunbridge

Wells to act in a disorderly manner can expect similar dispersal tactics in the future.”

Dispersal orders are issued by a police officer of the rank of Inspector or above who must give the instruction in writing and have ‘reasonable grounds’ for believing it is appropriate.

Prior to 2014, implementing a dispersal zone required giving the public notice in advance, either via the press or the through displays in the target areas, but this is no longer deemed a necessity.

NOT WELCOME Police disperse more that 200 people

Government crackdown on cruelty welcomed by Animal Aid A TONBRIDGE-based animal welfare charity has praised the government’s decision last week to make CCTV compulsory in slaughterhouses as ‘a huge step forward’.

It comes as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed it could seek the prosecution of a Tunbridge Wells abattoir after alleged abuses were recorded using undercover footage supplied by Animal Aid. Forge Farm Meats, on Powder Mill Lane, was investigated by the Tonbridge animal rights group in April and May of last year. Images obtained during this time were later passed on to the FSA. The organisation claims its undercover camera footage found ‘serious

Speaking on August 9, Isobel Hutchinson, Director of Animal Aid said their investigation shined a light on ‘the brutal reality’ of Britain’s slaughterhouses.

She went on to say it adds to the cause for concern’ over the way animals were treated. This included the method used to stun animals which led them to believe many animals may have been killed without first being stunned properly.

The FSA has since launched its own investigation, and will be referring the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision on whether to bring criminal charges.

‘FSA launch investigator into local abattoir’ ‘overwhelming evidence’ of the need for mandatory, independently monitored CCTV. Two days later Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, said he was proposing the mandatory introduction of video monitoring which can then be verified by vets, in order to

uphold the ‘very highest standards’ of food production.

In response, Ms Hutchinson said: “After many years of campaigning for mandatory, independently monitored CCTV in slaughterhouses, we are greatly encouraged by this news… this development is undoubtedly a huge step forward.”

A spokesman for the FSA said: “‘We are investigating alleged offences at the Forge Farm Meats premises and, if there is sufficient evidence, we will consider referring to the Crown Prosecution Service. We are unable to provide any further comment as investigations are ongoing.”

Forge Farm Meats did not respond to a request for comment.

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NEWS

Local News NEWS IN BRIEF

Wealthy wine investor is betting the house A TUNBRIDGE WELLS solicitor has been held up as an example of a new trend of wine investors using equity from their homes to seek a handsome return in the vintage wine trade.

Reported in The Times under the pseudonym Guy Atkinson, the 54-yearold city law firm partner has taken out a £136,000 mortgage on his family home to buy up 96 cases of Bordeaux wine.

Admitting the unregulated trading environment is ‘more risky’ than other investments, Mr Atkinson said he was seeking better returns on his money than can be found elsewhere during this period of ultra-low interest rates and increased stamp duty.

Local firm recognised RUSTHALL condiment company Salter’s Must Chup has been nominated for an accolade at this year’s Food and Drink Federation Awards, in London on September 21.

Shortlisted for the Growth Award, the tomato and mustard sauce, which comes in three varieties, is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Andrew and Mark Salter.

Wilko jobs face the axe DISCOUNT retailer Wilko has confirmed it has started redundancy talks with 3,900 staff after pre-tax profits plunged by 80 per cent during its last trading year.

The chain which opened in Tunbridge Wells last summer said it was implementing a new management structure.

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Report claims Brexit will sting – whatever guise it comes in

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftonbridgewells.co.uk THE economies of both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge will suffer in the coming years due to Brexit, a new report by the London School of Economics claims.

Titled The Local Economic Effects of Brexit, the study shows every authority in the UK will see its prosperity curtailed regardless of whether it is a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ Brexit.

In Tonbridge & Malling, the predictions are 2.3 per cent and 1.1 per cent smaller, respectively.

As well as tariffs, the report takes into account ‘non-tariff barriers’, such as regulations, affecting British trade, which are estimated to increase as policies between the UK and EU diverge. In contrast, its authors assume further market integration within the EU would make the internal market more efficient in the ten years after Brexit.

Tariffs According to the report, if the UK was to undertake a ‘hard Brexit’, then in the ten years after crashing out of the EU the economy of Tunbridge Wells will be 2.6 per cent smaller than if it had stayed in.

‘Hard Brexit’ is defined as leaving without a trade deal and relying on World Trade Organisation rules – which would incur tariffs on many sectors and products.

Under a ‘soft Brexit’, defined as the UK remaining in the Single Market and negotiating a deal like Norway with tariffs remaining at zero, the economy will be 1.2 per cent smaller.

GLOOMY OUTLOOK The claims are we will be poorer

In essence, the UK, and by extension local authorities, will also miss out on growth opportunities.

However, co-author Henry Overman said the report ‘is not a prediction of a big recession’ as it is formed from ‘predictions relative to trend’ over a decade.

With that in mind, the economy of Tunbridge Wells borough, last estimated as having a GVA [Gross Value Added] of £3.28billion in 2015, is not going plunge by £85.4million – or

2.6 per cent – the moment the country leaves the EU under a ‘hard Brexit’ scenario, as has been reported in other media. But it will be 2.6 per cent smaller over the course of a decade than it may otherwise have been if the referendum vote had resulted in the UK remaining.

The report’s authors, who work for the university’s Centre for Economic Performance, state they have modelled their estimates on ‘medium to long run impact of changes to trade costs’, and have ignored effects on innovation, immigration and inward investment.

Estimations of the impact on local authorities stem from the centre’s research on the expected impact of Brexit on each economic sector.

Therefore, areas such as London – and by extension Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge – with high exposure to finance are going to suffer more than generally poorer areas with more basic industries.

But the report notes that although they would be hit harder at first, ultimately it is the richer areas that tended to vote remain – who have more diverse and highly trained workforces – that will recover faster and succeed more in post-Brexit Britain.

Local News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

and disruptive to the continuing provision of services.”

Warning the Town Hall and Assembly Hall ‘must not’ be left vacant or without a plan to fill them, Historic England said it is currently working with the Council to find a future for them.

Regarding Caverley Grounds, the organisation believes the western edge of the park is already ‘spoiled’ by the Great Hall and Mount Pleasant Avenue car parks, both of which will form the footprint of the £72 million development.

It describes replacing them as ‘an opportunity for enhancement’ of this edge of the park and notes ‘other public benefits’.

Cherished

IMPROVEMENT? Historic England is on the fence

Cautious conservationists hedge their bets over the Civic Complex

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftonbridgewells.co.uk HISTORIC England is ‘prepared to be persuaded’ about the case for a new Civic Complex and Theatre next to Calverley Ground the organisation has said in a highly conditional statement.

In a letter to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council outlining its position, the organisation – whose remit includes acting as the Government’s statutory adviser on all aspects of the historic

environment – admitted the development will cause ‘some harm’ to Calverley Park.

Among the concerns raised by Historic England is what will become of the existing Town Hall and Assembly Hall, which make ‘a major contribution to the townscape’.

Acknowledging there is a case to say they are no longer fit for purpose, the organisation bolsters the Council’s claim that moving is the only viable option, stating: “The alterations that could be necessary to continue using the existing buildings might be both harmful to their significance

Historic England states: “We would expect the park around any new building to be restored and, wherever possible, enhanced. A detailed landscaping scheme will therefore need to be provided.”

An exercise to evaluate how the planned buildings will look from various viewpoints around the town must also be undertaken.

The letter ends: “This is a cherished part of the town and we acknowledge that there will be some harm caused to Calverley Park. Heritage conservation is all about weighing competing public interests in the balance. If the harm is minimised and the enhancement of the park maximised, we are prepared to be persuaded that a case for the development can be made.”

In response Councillor Alan McDermott, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning, said the council has ‘pledged’ to ensure the Town Hall and Assembly Hall Theatre will not be left vacant. It is also ‘committed’ to restoring the edge of the park and ensuring ‘a detailed landscaping scheme put in place.’

He added: “We share Historic England’s view regarding this and we will continue to work with them in order to ensure the project meets with their full approval.”

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CIVIC COMPLEX COMMENT: SAVE OUR PARK: Chris Gedge, spokesman for the Save Our Park campaign – which successfully forced a full council debate on the issue – said it ‘welcomes’ the statement from Historic England, but they ‘encourage’ the organisation to press the council into remaining in its current offices.

He added: “We agree with Historic England that Calverley Grounds is a cherished part of the town and that the proposed development will cause harm to the grade II registered parkland. Whilst the proposed buildings will replace car parks on the western boundary their scale, which at 26m is five times the height of the existing car park and more than twice the height of the current tallest building on the park perimeter, threaten to dominate a popular public park.”

FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY GROUNDS: Chairman Nicholas Pope said Friends of Calverley Grounds (FOCG) ‘is in agreement’ with Historic England that the existing Town Hall and the Assembly Hall Theatre are out of date and not suitable for modern working and larger theatre productions.

However, he questioned if the buildings can be preserved without major changes to the internal layout, especially if converted to residential use as the Council is on record as considering.

Although the current car parks are not ideal, they are either not visible from the park or, in the case of the Great Hall car park, small in scale and have a ‘minor impact on the view’. This contrasts with the ‘dominant buildings’ that will replace them.

“FoCG believes there are better ways, with a much lower impact on the park, to tidy up the western edge of Calverley Grounds. FoCG is particularly uncomfortable that the proposed development would take public green space to build an office largely used for commercial, not civic, use.”

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Council Leader is ‘puzzled’ by demand for consultation TONBRIDGE AND MALLING Borough Council will, in October, decide whether to sell an area of land in the town centre.

The idea has not proved popular amongst many residents with a campaign group, Keep River Lawn Green, being formed to lead the opposition.

The site is split into three parts. The headline sale was the closure and disposal of the Teen and Twenty youth club which will make way for a new ‘state of the art’ medical centre.

While the loss of the historic youth centre originally raised concerns, it was the sale of the adjacent green space and former Citizens Advice Bureau building which drew the most criticism.

Protestors launched their own online survey that showed only seven per cent (33 of 491) supported the council’s current approach of selling assets it deems necessary to invest money in less risky national property investment funds.

And there was a clear sense that residents want a greater involvement in decision-making, with 90 per cent (445 of 491) saying they would like to see a full public consultation before the sale of publicly owned land or buildings.

Many questioned the fairness of having the decision in the hands of the six-member Cabinet, rather than the 54-strong Full Council. In the survey, 78 per cent of people felt the decision should lie with every representative (382 of 487).

Similarly, there was an appetite for a Tonbridge Town Council with 82 per cent (397 of 485) approving of the idea. Tonbridge does not have its own specific authority, unlike other areas of the borough which have parish or town councils.

Following the survey the Times put relevant questions to Council Leader Nicolas Heslop.

Do you recognise the survey at all?

“I wasn’t aware of the survey so I’m grateful to the Times of Tonbridge for bringing it to my attention. The Council will consider any evidence that is put before us before taking any future decisions, which will include public responses, along with reports from officers and financial information.

“In respect of any survey or petition, we need to be careful that it is interpreted appropriately and also keep in mind that the River Lawn campaign is evidently politically motivated. Some initial analysis of the petition shows that a significant number of people who signed it neither live in Tonbridge or indeed within the Borough. We will maintain a balanced view in our considerations.”

Why do you think Tonbridge residents do not feel consulted on this issue?

“Actually, from the level of response it does seem that our consultation has raised a good level of awareness and enabled many people to express opinions that the Council will take into account.

“However, it is not the same to say that those completing the survey are representative of the whole population of Tonbridge or the Borough area. I would have thought with the significant amount of media coverage, including reports by

MY VIEW Nicolas Heslop (inset) gives his response on River Lawn (right) the Times of Tonbridge in advance of the first Cabinet meeting, the intention to dispose of the land was clearly in the public domain.

Consequently I am puzzled that consultation remains an issue.”

After the backlash from this proposal, do you think you will approach asset disposals differently in the future?

“This is a politically motivated campaign, centred round a small piece of land in an area where regeneration is required. It is worth saying that it also adjoins a very wide area of public open space where the Council has invested heavily to enable people to relax or pursue sport in the heart of Tonbridge.

“We are, of course, always prepared to learn and develop our policies to make sure that we are following best practice and perhaps in some cases explaining the wider context might be a helpful way to support any future disposals when they are brought forward.

“The Council has disposed of many small parcels of land over the years. We have a set of procedures for doing this which we have followed in this case. It must also be remembered that the Council is acting as a landowner and that ultimately the issue of development can only be tested through a planning application which will of course be subject to our normal levels of consultation as a Planning Authority.

“In any event, given the amount of coverage in the local press and the campaign that has been organised, we feel it is unlikely that people who wish to comment have not had the opportunity to do so.”

What are your thoughts on the idea of creating a Tonbridge Town Council?

“Residents are free to campaign for a Town Council, although the Borough Council currently already fulfils all of the functions of a Town Council for the ‘unparished’ Tonbridge area.

Creating an additional tier of local government could be costly both in terms of set up costs and ongoing council tax demands.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

You sip what you grow

SMILES ALL ROUND Everyone is loving the dinosaurs exhibition

Kent named UK’s second largest consumer of English wine

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftonbridgewells.co.uk

Dino Live draws in shoppers THE dinosaur display at the Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells has proved a resounding success, helping to boost footfall by ten per cent within its first week.

Running throughout August, the exhibition consists of a series of scenes located throughout the shopping centre where the dinosaurs are displayed in environments replicating their natural habitat over the course of 250million years.

Displaying the life size dinosaurs – including a Ceratosaurus, Iguanodon, the

aptly named Kentrosaurus and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex – has helped draw 175,000 shoppers to the centre, a like-for-like increase of ten per cent on the same period last year.

Popular Marc Burchett, Marketing Manager of Royal Victoria Place said: “Dino Live has proved to be a big hit during its opening week and has really exceeded our expectations.

“We have seen not only local families come to see the event but also visitors from across the South East region. The dinosaurs are certainly proving to be very popular and it’s great to see the smiles on the faces of everyone that sees them.”

Karen Pengelly, Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Manager said towns have to ‘work hard’ to attract visitors, adding: “It’s great to see that Royal Victoria Place are staging such a high profile and engaging event through the all-important summer holiday period.”

KENT is not only one of the leading producers of English wine, but is also one of its largest consumers, industry figures have revealed.

Only London downs more of the home-grown fizz, a report by independent seller Naked Wines found, with just under 19 per cent of the company’s sales taking place in the capital.

Accounting for 5.62 per cent of all bottles sold last year, Kent tops a board of regions that is dominated by the Home Counties.

Lancashire, in ninth place with around half of Kent’s intake, is the only county not within an hour’s drive of the capital to make it into the top ten.

Naked Wines, which runs crowdfunding campaigns for independent winemakers, said it has enjoyed a 16 per cent surge in English wine sales in the 12 months to July.

This has vindicated the £1million investment the firm

has made in English Wines through its crowdfunding campaign.

Eamon FitzGerald, Managing Director of Naked Wines UK, said: “As a crowdfunded wine business, we invest where our customers tell us to, so it’s fantastic to see English fizz now bubbling over as one of their favourites.

Dreams “People are voting with their taste buds, backing British businesses and winemakers pursuing their dreams.

“This has given us the confidence to commit £1million of investment into English wine.

We’re very proud to be backing Britain.”

Among the best-known vineyards in Kent and Sussex is the NEX Exchange Market-listed Chapel Down, which operates across Tenterden, Blue Bell Hill and the Weald.

London Stock Exchange member Gusbourne Estate grows around Appledore in Romney Marsh and in Sussex.

Biddenden Vineyard, Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst, and Mount Vineyard in Shoreham, near Sevenaoks, are among many others.

Local Business News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Restaurants ready for September showcase CULINARY companies throughout Tunbridge Wells are set to celebrate September Food Month.

Backed by the business group Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, the first event on the calendar will be The Pantiles Harvest Food Festival, running from September 8-10, followed by a second festival at Calverley Grounds on the weekend of the 23rd.

Hospitality and food venues throughout the town will be organising special menus and events during the month, with further announcements to come.

Karen Pengelly, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together ‘s Town Centre Manager, said: “Tunbridge Wells has some superb food producers and restaurants. We are in the heart of The Garden of England, and September is a time of harvest and plenty.

“This is a perfect opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and talents.

“We hope that all our local food businesses will have a successful month and that residents and visitors will support local this September.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

A21 final improvements

THE finishing touches are being put in place for the A1 dualling scheme between Tonbridge and Pembury, which has resulted in some further road closures.

The northbound carriageway between Pembury and the Vauxhall interchange has been closed overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday and is due to reopen on Saturday [August 19].

In addition, Longfield Road is closed in both directions between the Knights Park and Longfield West roundabouts, including the northbound exit and entry slip roads at Longfield for the same period.

Clearly signed diversions are in place for the duration of the A21 closures via the A228, A26, A2014 and A26.

The scheme is due to be completed later this summer, a spokesman for Highways England has said.

Office move for EPG

HEALTH communications firm EPG Health Media has relocated from The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, where it has spent the past seven years, to a self-contained office building in the town centre.

Their new offices are at the former Cripps site, Wallside House in Mount Ephraim Road.

Relocation has been prompted by significant growth over the past few years, with the workforce increasing by 65 per cent in 2016-17.

Metro branches out

AFTER establishing its first Kent presence in Tunbridge Wells in 2015, followed by Maidstone, Metro Bank is opening its third branch in the county in Canterbury.

Around 25 new jobs will be created by the challenger bank, which has proved popular due being open seven days a week, 362 days a year.

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Local News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Damning verdict on performance of the hospital transport service

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftonbridgewells.co.uk HEALTH chiefs have such a ‘lack of confidence’ in the ability of private contractor G4S to ferry people to and from hospitals they have issued an official warning over its performance.

It is just one area of concern raised about the Patient Transport Service provider revealed in a report presented to the NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group’s governing body.

In a review of the operator, which secured the £90million contract to provide patient transport in December 2015, serious concerns are raised about the opaque way in which G4S operates.

The report cites one incident of a patient dying ‘very shortly’ after being returned home by G4S. Out of five categories, the provider only gets a ‘green light’ in one, ‘amber’ in two and ‘red’ in the remaining two.

For the category termed responsive – classed as ‘services [that are] organised so that they meet people’s needs’ – the Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG] gave a red warning due to the inability of G4S to handle complaints effectively.

The situation has become so bad that the CCG has issued a ‘contract performance notice’ to G4S, meaning the provider was required to attend a Contract Management Meeting within ten days of the notice to discuss the subject.

In addition, the CCG has decided to manage ‘all

G4S complaints for Kent & Medway’, citing: “The decision to take oversight of these complaints in to the CCG was as a result of a lack of confidence in G4S’s internal complaints procedure.”

G4S also gets a red light when it comes to the category ‘well led’, with concerns expressed about

the organisation’s governance and leadership.

The report states: “There is a continued lack of reporting of schedule 4 [NHS quality requirements], safeguarding and infection prevention control metrics as required by the contract for quality assurance. This is despite repeated

requests for reporting at Performance and Quality meetings; meeting with G4S Compliance, Governance and Audit Manager to discuss the requirements; and the circulation of these requirements to the G4S Director of Operations.”

The report adds there is a ‘persistent lack’ of adequate or timely response to concerns and complaints, and G4S ‘do not submit any information on staff feedback or experience’.

In the category ‘safe’, classed as protecting people from ‘abuse and avoidable harm’, the operator is given an amber light.

‘All of these serious incidents are now breaching the 60-day time frame to be dealt with effectively’ The report notes three serious incidents since the G4S contract began in 2015: A patient falling from a transport and receiving a fracture; a patient dying ‘very shortly’ after being returned home by G4S; and a road traffic collision involving one of its transports.

All of these serious incidents are now breaching the 60-day time frame to be dealt with effectively, the report states, adding: “It is not possible to give assurance regarding the compliance with safeguarding or infection control training… as these metrics continue to be unreported by G4S.” Amber is awarded in the category ‘effective’,

Local News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

classed as achieving good outcomes in people’s care treatment and support, as: “It is not possible to give assurance regarding the compliance with basic life support training or other required training or workforce data as these metrics continue to be unreported by G4S.” No schedule of audits has been provided by G4S either, it adds.

Only ‘caring’ gets the green light, with ‘no concerns’ being raised about the ‘compassion, kindness, dignity and respect’ patients receive during their journey.

Ian Ayres, Accountable Officer for the CCG, said: “We have met with G4S and are working jointly to resolve the issues.”

The Managing Director of G4S Specialist Transport Services, Russell Hobbs, said: “After experiencing high demand for non-emergency patient transport services in recent months, our teams have met with West Kent CCG to discuss how changes can be made to accommodate the growing need for this vital service.

“We have implemented a new complaints process with additional resource, which is being closely monitored by our team leaders, including West Kent CCG, and our new central data team will shortly be producing a revised quality report, which will include all the key metrics highlighted by commissioners.”

WHAT IS PATIENT TRANSPORT? Used in non-emergency cases, the Patient Transport Service is for people whose health means they cannot get to or from their NHS appointment in any other way.

To qualify for Patient Transport in Kent, people must be registered with a GP in the county; be going for physically demanding treatment, such as dialysis; and cannot use other forms of transport because of their medical or physical condition.

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Patient told to ‘sort it out yourself’ after G4S leave her stranded The Times began looking into the Patient Transport Service provided by G4S after being contacted by reader Husnara Begum, who suffered an ‘appalling’ experience with the group.

Ms Begum, known for her role coordinating the local Remain campaign during last year’s referendum on EU membership, was left stranded at University College Hospital in London – where she is treated for severe Rheumatoid Arthritis – for six hours.

Since the incident, which left her in ‘floods of tears’, the corporate lawyer-turned-legal recruiter has also brought the issue to the attention of Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark.

Ms Begum often has to use an electric wheelchair, and booked the service as the treatment she receives means using public transport is not viable.

After being dropped off for the appointment on July 21 an hour late, she was then told upon completion of her treatment at 5.50pm that it would take up to three hours for her to be collected.

“Two hours passed with no updates, so I approached the G4S representative on the transport desk and she told me in a very abrupt and unhelpful manner that I had to wait another 20 minutes before my enquiry would be dealt with,” Ms Begum said.

Once the representative got round to contacting the controller looking after transport for Kent, Ms Begum was told no vehicle had been assigned to her and no information on when it could be provided was available.

The representative then abruptly told Ms Begum her shift was over, and left her with a phone number of an unnamed contact to deal with the issue herself.

“Words cannot begin to describe how upsetting it was to essentially be abandoned by the G4S transport desk and to be told to ‘sort it out myself,’ said Ms Begum.

At no point was she offered food or water.

Ms Begum, who at the time was on the drug Rituximab – an immune system suppressant that results in increased tiredness – said she ‘lost her composure’ and ‘burst into floods of tears’ upon being left alone.

Hospital staff then escorted her to A&E to wait while they tried to contact G4S, who eventually collected their patient just before midnight, getting her back to Tunbridge Wells at 2am.

“Suffice to say I was feeling absolutely awful. I was exhausted and in severe pain,” Ms Begum continued.

“I understand that the delay wasn’t caused by severe congestion on the motorways or a broken down ambulance.

As far as I can gather, it is simply down to a lack of investment and poor management.”

The Managing Director for G4S Specialist Transport Services, Russell Hobbs, said: “We have written to Ms Begum to apologise for the very poor service she received during her appointment at University College Hospital, and we are looking into what went wrong.”

MP GREG CLARK SAID: “I have been very concerned that constituents have reported a number of problems with the performance of the G4S Patient Transport Service, which I have raised with the company, and I have requested a meeting with the Clinical Commission Group and G4S to discuss this further.”

ORDEAL Husnara Begum

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Community News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Music venue recognised for improving disabled access

PRIZED AWARD The Forum’s Eloise Bulmer, Richard Simm, Natalie South and Jason Dormon

TOP town music venue The Forum has become the first in the UK to be accredited in a charity’s new ‘Charter of Best Practice’.

The initiative has been launched by Attitude is Everything, the country’s leading authority on live music accessibility for deaf and disabled people.

Their charter is targeted at small and independent music venues, with the aim of implementing low or zero-cost access solutions, acknowledging the tough economic conditions that most venues operate under.

And first out of the blocks was the Tunbridge Wells Forum, which is in the process of retrofitting an accessible toilet, and which has recently made adjustments to external access routes to enable level entries both into the per-

formance space and into the backstage area.

The Forum has already updated its website to include detailed access information, such as how to obtain tickets for personal assistants and how to use their viewing platform. The efforts have earnt them a bronze award.

Richard Simm, co-owner of the Tunbridge Wells Forum, which is located on the Common, said: “The Forum is honoured to have been the first venue to be accredited under this scheme.

“Attitude is Everything’s advice has been invaluable in improving access by better understanding the needs of deaf and disabled patrons.

“Live music, enjoyed up close as only a small venue can provide, is a beautiful thing, and should be available to all.”

Open gardens welcome ever-growing audience

MORE than £2,000 was handed over to Hospice in the Weald and Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom after the latter’s successful Open Gardens Scheme in June.

Competition Six gardens in the town opened their gates to more than 300 people with plant sales and prizes providing a total of £2,037.40 for the two causes.

These included 10 Birch Close,

Calverley Park Crescent, 9 Royal Chase, Ivy Chimneys at 28 Mount Sion, 2 Cumberland Gardens and Halliwell Care Home. Most of the participating gardens have a connection with RTW in Bloom – the community gardening competition.

Anyone living in Tunbridge Wells who is interested in opening their garden for one day in the Open Gardens Scheme next year can contact Helen.Timms@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or on 01892 554031.

TASTE BUDDIES Youngsters enjoy their handiwork

Children learn how to cook at farmers’ market FLOWER POWER Hospice in the Weald’s Claudia Jenkins (second from right) with (l-r) RTW in Bloom’s Cllr David Elliott, Peter Every, Helen Timms and Katharina Mahler-Bech

PARENTS and producers have banded together in Hildenborough this month to show the next generation that cooking isn’t just for mum and dad.

As part of the weekly farmers’ market, ‘Cooking for Kids’ sessions have been held during August.

The periodical event has been going since the market started nine years ago, and has always proved popular.

Community News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

STIR CRAZY Mixing it up

Pair celebrate joining company’s 25 Year Club TWO employees of Hendy Automotive have been congratulated for serving the firm for a quarter of a century.

The addition of Karen Ackerman and Tony Lane to the company’s ‘25 Year Club’ brings the number of members up to an impressive 104.

Hendy, who have dealerships in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, rewarded members of the club with an evening of entertainment at Hever Castle with drinks, a tour and music from a string quartet.

Chief Executive Paul Hendy said: “Our friendly and motivated staff are key to our success, so it’s important to us to reward them for their loyalty.

“I am immensely proud that such a high percentage of our workforce want to stay here for decades.”

Hendy Group forecasts that 15 per cent of its staff will have racked up 25 years of service or more by 2022.

They attribute the high retention levels to ‘good training, staff development prospects and the fact it is family-run’.

On Tuesday August 8, around 40 young visitors took part – trying their hand at making Spanish omelettes.

Biscuits Market organiser Julie Kury said: “While their parents or grandparents take full advantage of the wonderful local produce available in our lively market, the children can be ‘hands on’ and learn that cooking isn’t rocket science, and that it is easy to make your own food. The first week we made scones, and our third and fourth weeks this year will feature biscuits and then fruit kebabs.”

Hildenborough Farmers’ Market is held weekly at the St John’s Church Centre.

LOYAL Paul Hendy (centre) flanked by Karen Ackerman and Tony Lane

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MIND THE MUSEUM Curator Kathy Chaney hands over to Chris Jones

Historic handover as new Salomons curator arrives A LOCAL historian has been named as the new curator and tour guide for Salomons estate.

The grand Southborough structure has been home to three generations of pioneering Salomons.

Designed by Decimus Burton and set in 36 acres of parkland, it is currently owned by Markerstudy Leisure and run as an events venue.

But history is very much at its core, and its museum charts the story of the Salomons family, as well as the Science Theatre, both of which are now under the control of new curator Chris Jones.

A member of the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society and Local History Group, Mr Jones said he was ‘thrilled’ to be taking on the role, adding: “I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for 36 years, but my connection with Salomons goes back much further than that. It was while staying here one weekend

with my wife and baby daughter that we first visited Tunbridge Wells and decided to move here.

“In a way my involvement goes further back than that. As a student in 1970, I studied Jewish History with historian Lionel Kochan, and David Salomons featured in that.”

In 2008, Chris wrote the book ‘Tunbridge Wells in 1909’, and in 2011 was awarded a Master’s degree in English Local History.

And last year he gave a series of talks on the ‘Lost Houses of Tunbridge Wells’.

He described Salomons as a ‘really good fit’ while he continues with his studies, mainly looking at the early part of the 19th century.

He succeeds Kathy Chaney, who has worked at Salomons for 20 years and became curator in 2002.

• Salomons museum is free to visit and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

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No more vaping at North Kent Hospital A HOSPITAL in North Kent has gone further than most NHS establishments by extending its stringent anti-smoking measures to include ‘vapers’.

Darent Valley Hospital already prohibits staff from smoking within hospital grounds, but is extending this to patients and visitors from October 2.

However, the blanket approach is also being applied to the users of e-cigarettes, or ‘vapers’.

The hospital has defended the move on the grounds that there is not enough evidence to prove e-cigarettes are a healthy replacement.

A smoking shelter will be taken away, and hospital officers and volunteers will enforce the new rules, advising those who do light up to put it out.

Deal moves on CPO CAMPAIGNERS hoping to reopen the old Regent cinema in Deal scored a victory after their district council agreed to take steps towards implementing a compulsory purchase order [CPO] last week.

If the process is completed, a CPO would give the council the power to buy the building without the owner’s consent.

A series of recommendations for action will go before the Dover District Council Cabinet on Monday, September 4.

The Art Deco-style Regent cinema was built in 1928, but was converted to a bingo hall in 1963. It then closed in 2009, and for the last five years has been owned by developers James Wallace and Mark Digweed.

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Kent ranks in top five for rural crime

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftonbridgewells.co.uk RURAL Crime cost the county of Kent £1.5million last year, figures from the NFU Mutual have revealed.

The insurer’s annual Rural Crime Report, published on Monday [August 14], placed Kent as the fifth worst county in the UK in 2016 when it came to thefts from agricultural and pastoral businesses.

However, while the value of property stolen in 2016 was down five per cent on the previous year, the report warns: “The cost of rural theft has risen sharply in the first half of 2017.”

Lincolnshire, where value of property stolen

was recorded as £2.5million, is rated as the number one hotspot for rural crime, while Essex saw the largest increase between 2015 and 2016, up 44 per cent.

The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Kent over the last 12 months were ATV (all terrain vehicles) and quad bikes, tools and machinery. Mike Welham, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Kent, said: “Although the figures for rural crime in Kent are down, countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment.

“In some parts of the county, farmers are having to turn their farmyards into fortresses to protect themselves from repeated thieves who are target-

Foreign vehicles skipping £3million in crossing fees ALMOST £3million has been lost to the taxpayer by foreign vehicles failing to pay for the Dartford Crossing since electronic charging was introduced three years ago.

Between November 30, 2014 and May 31, 2017, a total of 1,137,643 vehicles with foreign plates failed to pay the toll when using either the bridge or tunnels connecting Dartford in Kent and Thurrock, Essex.

Prior to the introduction of the electronic ‘Dart Charge’, which requires motorists to pay online or by phone within 24 hours of using the bridge, using the crossing

without paying was all but impossible due to the toll booths.

However, although scrapping the booths has led to significant improvements in the flow of traffic, concerns have been raised over the ability to track down foreign vehicles which fail to pay.

Excluding pre-pay, the minimum charge for a car to cross is £2.50, while the maximum charge is £6 for 16-wheeler lorries. This means at least £2.9million has been lost, based on the minimum charge, although the true figure is likely to be higher.

The Highways Agency employs a

ing quads, tractors and power tools. They are using tracking devices on tractors and video and infra-red surveillance in their farmyards.”

The report reveals that being ‘staked out’ is the biggest worry for country people, followed closely by longer police response times in rural areas, according to the leading rural insurer.

Criminals continue to target Land Rover Defenders, quad bikes, tractors, tools and livestock, despite increased security on farms.

Mr Welham added: “Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures, making imp- rovements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police and local farm watch schemes.”

European debt collection agency to track down foreign vehicles which have failed to pay the charge, and road users have to pay a fine of £70 – although the price is halved if it’s paid within two weeks. It increases to £108 if unpaid for more than a month.

Nigel Grey, from Highways England, told the BBC: “It is difficult to get messages over, particularly to COSTLY The Dartford Crossing

foreign users of the crossing, but we’ve worked very hard on that.

“We’ve issued press releases in 27 different foreign languages, we’ve got foreign language leaflets which are available on ferries and both sides of the crossing.”

But the number of unpaid foreign drivers is ‘probably higher than we hoped,’ he admitted.

County News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

MAKING A NEW CONNECTION (l-r) James McFadden, Meagan Dorney, Paulius Vitkunas and Nick Jones with animal rescue home resident Buster

Volunteers take time out for four-legged friends ANIMAL-loving volunteers from gas network company SGN were in their element recently when they spent the day helping out at the Last Chance Animal Rescue home in Edenbridge.

Last Chance Animal Rescue is a Kent-based charity which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs, cats and rabbits.

Four volunteers from the Connections team at SGN’s Horley head office spent the day at the rescue home.

As well as helping with fun chores like walking and playing with the dogs, they also rolled up their sleeves to tackle some of the more essential tasks, such as cleaning out and painting

kennels and washing the rescue home’s vans.

SGN Connections Process Assistant Meagan Dorney, who organised the volunteer day, said: “We all thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The animals are all such characters, it’s hard to understand how anyone could abandon them.”

Suspects identified Profits fall after shooting Kent for Beadles mother of three BRAZILIAN police have reportedly identified two suspected gang members they want to speak to after a woman from Kent was shot in front of her family.

Mother of three Eloise Dixon, 46, was shot in the stomach at the beginning of August after accidentally straying into a slum near Rio de Janeiro while looking for water.

The former West Kent College student was born in Dartford and currently lives in Bromley.

Mrs Dixon and her family are said to have ended up in the favela – a Brazilian shanty town or slum – after a SCARED Mrs Eloise Dixon

miscommunication with a local. They reportedly asked where they could buy water and ended up in a slum area called Agua Santa. Agua is the Portuguese word for water.

Local media also said Brazilian police believed the family were shot after they failed to understand warnings being shouted at them in the country’s native language to leave the area.

Mrs Dixon’s husband Max, who was driving, and her three young children witnessed the horrific attack.

Police said Mrs Dixon was recovering in hospital in Rio de Janeiro after surgery, but she had so far been too scared to give a formal statement.

KENT car retailer Beadles has reported a fall in profits a month after it was taken over by a US motor giant.

The firm, which owns dealerships in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, suffered a 12% decline in pre-tax profits to £2.6million in the year to the end of March.

The figure comes from its first set of accounts filed at Companies House since its July takeover by Group 1 Automotive, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

However, the business reported a 20% increase in revenues to £289million, predicting further growth this year as car buyers continue to enjoy access to cheap finance on new vehicles.

In his company report, Finance Director Tim Humphries said: “Market growth in new vehicle sales continues to be driven by the availability of low-interest finance. This pattern looks set to continue throughout 2017, although the results of the UK vote to leave the European Union, and the general election resulting in no overall majority, has resulted in further weakening of sterling, which may impact on supply and/or pricing in the UK.”

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Drinks are on the house in Britain’s luckiest pub

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Commuter ‘sardines’ are left behind by 3.6% hike in fares

A PUB landlord in Lincolnshire has become the third person at his hostelry to win £1million on the National Lottery.

Ian Brooke, 43, who runs the Mallard in Scunthorpe, picked up the prize in the EuroMillions draw last month.

In 2015, two of his regulars, David and Kathleen Long, became the first people to win a EuroMillions prize of £1million twice.

Mr Brooke said he planned to share his winnings with two of his friends. He said: “We always had a gentleman’s agreement if one of us won we would share the prize.”

Change in regulated rail fares over last decade:

Brexit’s three-day week A FORMER aide to David Davis has claimed that the Brexit Secretary only works ‘a threeday week since day one’ and has the former UKIP leader Nigel Farage on speed dial on his mobile phone.

James Chapman, who worked at the Department for Exiting the European Union after the referendum last year, was originally a Remainer and has now become a vocal critic of Brexit.

Carla back on the street CORONATION STREET star Alison King will return to the soap opera over Christmas.

Her character, the former factory boss Carla Connor, was last seen on the programme in May last year.

The show’s producer, Kate Oates, told the Radio Times: “I didn’t want to put her on that familiar cycle of self-destruction, recovery, followed by more self-destruction.

“What we’ll have instead are these two strong Connor women – Carla and Michelle (played by Kym Marsh) – on opposing sides and in conflict for a change.”

Mick Cash called for renationalised rail to end to ‘Government sponsored racketeering’.

Mr Cash said: “The huge hike in fares confirmed today is another kick in the teeth for passengers who already fork out colossal sums to travel on rammed out, unreliable trains while the private operators are laughing all the way to the bank. It’s no wonder we are a global laughing stock.”

NOT FAIR Protesters outside King’s Cross THE prospect of higher rail fares has sparked anger among commuters packed on to trains ‘like sardines’ and has led to calls from unions for the railway industry to be renationalised.

Passengers will see fares rise by 3.6 per cent when price changes come into force in the new year.

Calculations by the Campaign for Better Transport show a season ticket from Basingstoke into London costs £4,308 in 2017, and will cost £4,463 next year.

Finance manager Natasha Coello, who hurt her collar bone when the 0513 from Royston hit the buffers at King’s Cross on Tuesday morning, said: “We all commute because we want to have more opportunities and better wages in order to pay for the roof over our head, but unfortunately the fares do not even

 2008:

+5.1%

 2014:

+3%

 2009:

+6%

 2015:

+2.4%

 2010:

-0.4%

 2016:

+0.8%

 2011:

+6.4%

 2017:

+1.9%

 2012:

+6.2%

 2018:

+3.6%

 2013:

+4.2%

More rail misery after triple disruption allow you that opportunity due to the cost.

“So for example my ticket costs me £27.30 from Stevenage to London. That is £436.80 a month for me to stand all the way even though all first-class carriages are empty in the morning, for me to have delays due to a driver not turning up, and after today’s incident I have paid for me to come to work injured.”

She added: “How can they justify these rail prices when on some of the route you’re having to stand like sardines with so many issues happening on a regular basis?

“The trains do not even cater for the amount of passengers travelling and our wages do not even increase as much as these fares do.”

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union leader

RAIL passengers into London were hit with three separate disruptions to rail networks on the day that the season ticket rise was announced.

Travellers were told to avoid Waterloo station all day because of a points failure and a passenger train derailing after hitting a Network Rail engineering wagon at around 5.40am.

South West Trains said all services would be disrupted all day at Britain’s busiest railway station, which is undergoing huge improvement works.

Shortly after, a train at King’s Cross Station hit buffers before a fume-filled Holborn underground station was briefly evacuated.

The London Fire Brigade said the Holborn issue was caused by an ‘overheated compressor’ and not a fire.

Turtle who stole shark food feels buoyant after diet

OFF THE SCALE Noah is lifted out of the tank

A ‘GREEDY’ turtle who stole food from the sharks he shares his tank with has shed 11lb after being put on a four-month diet.

Noah (pictured), the endangered green sea turtle at the Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, would devour the squid that were meant for the blacktip reef sharks at feeding time. He had excess fat on his back and ankles.

He had weighed 14st 13lb (95kg) before his diet, but when staff lifted him from his tank in a basket for his weigh-in they found it had dropped to 14st 2lb (90kg).

The 13-year-old reptile had been placed on a diet of egg-shaped snacks made of green, low-calorie, turtle-friendly jelly with vegetable delicacies including broccoli, spinach and kale set in their centres.

Aquarist Shane Breadmore admitted: “He’s still quite greedy. You’re probably not going to be able to change his personality.

“It’s just how he is and you’ll see every time we feed the sharks, he’s always coming over.

National News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Criticism over failure to address social housing issue in Grenfell inquiry THE Grenfell Tower public inquiry has come under attack for failing to include the issue of social housing in its terms of reference.

The Prime Minister Theresa May set out the scope of the probe following recommendations from Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the judge leading it.

It will examine the actions of authorities before the blaze on June 14, including Kensington and Chelsea Council, and how the aftermath was handled, but stops short of scrutinising broader social concerns.

Mrs May said the problem would not be ‘unanswered’, instead allocating Housing Minister Alok Sharma to review social housing.

Initiative Emma Dent Coad, the Labour MP who represents the west London neighbourhood, said: “We were told ‘no stone would be unturned’ but instead are being presented with a technical assessment which will not get to the heart of the problem: what effects, if any, the lack of investment into social housing had on the refurbishment project.

The inquiry has now officially begun and will hold its first hearing on September 14, with an initial report by Easter.

Sir Martin suggested limiting the scope of the inquiry would avoid the dragging on too long in addressing safety concerns.

He also expressed concerns about the immigrant status of some of the tower’s residents, which might affect their willingness to give evidence.

He encouraged Mrs May to ‘take all necessary steps to dispel those fears’.

Quarter of a million each for Manchester victims’ families THE families of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing are set to each receive £250,000 from money donated by the public.

Those bereaved have already been able to claim £70,000 from the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, set up in the wake of the attack on May 22, and the charity’s trustees have now announced they will be eligible for a further £180,000.

The latest round of payments from the fund will mean more than half of the £18million

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‘LOVELY LEGACY’ Charlie’s mother Connie Yates

raised will have been distributed, including £3.5million to those injured in the atrocity.

Councillor Sue Murphy, chair of the trustees of the fund, said: “The city and the world responded with such extreme generosity and soliThose bereaved have kindness, darity in the aftermath of the already been able to Manchester Arena attack.

“Thanks to this we have raised claim £70,000 more than £18million and we were conscious that we had to Trustees of the fund, which get some of swiftly this to those has provided access to free with immediate needs. financial counselling for the “We have therefore given bereaved families, will next around a third of the total to the decide how and when to distrib- bereaved families and £3.5milute the rest of the money. lion to those who were hospitalised after the attack.

“In total this means GENEROSITY we have allocated over More than half of the existing £18million has money already. We been raised will now spend some time looking at how we will distribute the rest of the funds.

“This will be a complex and sensitive process as we will need to assess the long-term impacts of the attack.

We will issue an update as soon as we know more.” Those affected can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Charlie’s parents set up fund for ill children CHARLIE GARD’S parents say they will use £1.3million donated by well-wishers to set up a Charlie Gard Foundation to help other children with rare diseases.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates have announced their decision on a fund-raising website.

Charlie died last month after protracted court battles over whether he should be allowed to travel to the United States to receive untested treatment.

The couple had appealed for money to cover Charlie’s medical bills on a GoFundMe page more than six months ago. More than 84,000 people have donated money.

The couple said in a statement. “Too many children are losing their fight against rare medical conditions, which emphasises the need for more research, and we hope we can help deliver this through Charlie’s foundation.

“Access to medical treatment, and expert clinicians, should never be denied if funds are available. We will be looking at ways in which we can help make things clearer for families and hospitals alike. We feel that the foundation will be a lovely legacy for Charlie.”

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National Business News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Laura Ashley falls again after property revalued LAURA ASHLEY shares tumbled by 18 per cent after the homeware and fashion retailer issued a second profit warning in six months.

The company revealed that its full-year earnings would take a £2.8million hit on the back of a revaluation of one of its freehold properties. It did not disclose the location of the revaluated property.

As of the end of 2016, its portfolio consisted of 190 stores across the UK, including 25 concessions.

RBS set to slash IT jobs MORE than 800 IT jobs at Royal Bank of Scotland have been put at risk as part of a major reorganisation proposed by the lender.

The bank, which is 72 per cent owned by the taxpayer, is mulling over changes that would result in an overall reduction in IT roles.

RBS said: “Inevitably as RBS becomes a simpler, smaller bank focused on the UK and Ireland, our technology function will undergo reorganisation and will reduce over time.”

Savers’ seven-year itch SAVERS face locking their money away for seven years in order to find a cash account that keeps up with current inflation rates.

Those searching for an account that matches the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation at 2.6 per cent have the option of putting their money into a fixed sevenyear bond from PCF Bank Limited, according to Moneyfacts.co.uk.

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

First-time buyers borrowed a quarter more in busy June FIRST-time buyers borrowed a total of £5.9billion in June - marking a 26 per cent surge on May amid a ‘busy month’ for the mortgage market.

Trade association UK Finance, which released the figures, said first-time buyer borrowing was also up by 9 per cent compared with June 2016.

But Paul Smee, head of mortgages at UK Finance, warned: “There are also signs of a softening market and we are not anticipating that this performance will be sustained in the second half of 2017.”

People taking their first step on the property ladder took out loans £2,000 higher in June compared with the previous month, at £139,000 on average.

Separate figures released jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Land Registry and other bodies showed that, across Britain, the average first-time buyer faced paying 4.9 per cent more in June for a home than they did a year earlier, with the typical price paid at £188,947.

UK Finance’s figures also showed that home-movers borrowed £7.8billion in June, which

MOVING ON Prices have risen £10,000 in a year

was also by up 26 per cent on May, as well as an increase of 15 per cent year on year.

Meanwhile, buy-to-let lending totalled £3billion, up 3 per cent on May and a 3 per cent increase compared with a year earlier.

‘House prices are around £10,000 higher on average than a year ago’ And home owners took out £6billion worth of re-mortgage loans, up 5 per cent by value on May and 7 per cent compared with June 2016.

Meanwhile house prices are around £10,000 higher on average than a year ago but the annual pace of growth is slowing, according to figures released jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Land Registry and other bodies.

Average house prices across the UK increased by 4.9 per cent in the year to June, down from 5 per

cent growth in the year to May. Bucking the upward trend, average prices in the City of London plunged by 20.3 per cent over the past year, making it the weakest-performing local district in the UK for annual price growth in June.

The average house price in the City of London in June was £724,000, while across the UK it stands at £223,000.

Return of red tape as Brexit borders face complications BUSINESSES could face a host of new requirements under Britain’s plans for future customs arrangements with the EU – including claiming refunds on import tariffs or pre-notifying ports of imports.

New IT systems are also likely to be required at borders while firms could be asked to self-assess their own customs duties under proposals

outlined in a Government’s Future Partnership Paper.

The document sets out how the Government will seek to make trade as ‘frictionless’ as possible after Britain leaves the customs union.

Beyond an ‘interim’ period broadly replicating current arrangements with the EU, the paper sets out two options for long-term customs.

One would be for Britain to mirror Brussels tariffs for imports that are bound for the EU, while operating separate duties and requirements for goods which will stay in the UK. To enforce this, a repayment mechanism could be introduced, which would see importers to the UK pay whichever is the higher tariff, Britain’s or the EU’s, and then face

having to claim money back if their goods were sold to a customer in the region with a lower tariff.

The second, ‘highly streamlined’ option would see a continuation of some existing arrangements with the EU, while negotiating to make it easier for firms to trade in other areas, and adopting technology to ensure smooth working of ports.

World News

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

SPORT IN BRIEF

Costa still has future at Chelsea despite exile CHELSEA want Diego Costa to end his exile, return to London and prove his fitness, according to reports.

Costa, who is currently in his native Brazil, has criticised Chelsea’s treatment of him this summer and said he is prepared to remain in exile for a year as he agitates for a return to his old club Atletico Madrid.

He has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, while the Spanish club are under a transfer embargo and cannot register new players until January.

Barry to join Baggies GARETH BARRY will undergo a medical at West Bromwich Albion today [Wednesday] ahead of a proposed move from Everton.

The 36-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a 12-month contract at The Hawthorns with the option of another year.

Barry, who has made 628 Premier League appearances, needs to play five more matches to overtake Ryan Giggs’s record for all-time record number of games.

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Now it’s Iran’s turn to respond to US ‘threats’ with nuclear options The US legislation also applies terrorism sanctions to the Revolutionary Guard and enforces an existing arms embargo.

If Washington continues with ‘threats and sanctions’ against Iran, Mr Rouhani said in parliament on Tuesday, Tehran could easily restart the nuclear programme.

“In an hour and a day, Iran could return to a more advanced (nuclear) level than at the beginning of the negotiations” that preceded the 2015 deal, Mr Rouhani said.

The landmark agreement between Iran and world powers two years ago capped Iran’s uranium enrichment levels in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

HARD LINE Hassan Rouhani goes on the attack

Wimbledon’s new roof THE All England Club has secured a £175million loan facility to finance the construction of a retractable roof at Wimbledon’s No 1 Court and other ‘Master Plan’ projects.

The roof will cost £71million and should be completed in time for the 2019 championships.

NEWS

IRAN’S president has issued a direct threat to the West, claiming his country is capable of revitalising its nuclear programme within hours.

Hassan Rouhani also said the country could quickly bring the nuclear programme to even more advanced levels than when Iran reached a deal with world powers that limited its ability to produce nuclear weapons.

His remarks to politicians follow the Iranian parliament’s move earlier this week to increase spending on the country’s ballistic missile programme and the foreign operations of its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

The bill - and Mr Rouhani’s comments - are seen as a direct response to new US legislation earlier this month that imposed mandatory penalties on people involved in Iran’s ballistic missile programme and anyone who does business with them.

‘In an hour and a day, Iran could return to a more advanced (nuclear) level than at the beginning of the negotiations’ The US and other world powers fear Iran sought the ability to produce atomic weapons. Iran has long denied that it seeks nuclear arms and says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes.

Iran has said the new US sanctions amount to a ‘hostile’ breach of the 2015 nuclear deal.

A TREE that fell during a popular religious festival on the island of Madeira has killed at least 12 people. The Portuguese government said 52 others were injured in the accident near the island’s capital of Funchal.

The Nossa Senhora do Monte festival is the island’s biggest annual festivity.

Ancient tombs found in Egypt THREE ancient tombs have been discovered by ­archaeologists south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.

The sites, which are thought to be 2,000 years old, were found in burial grounds in the Al-Kamin al-Sahrawi area of Minya, and contained ­sarcophagi and clay fragments.

Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry said the discovery ‘suggests that the area was a great cemetery for a long span of time’.

One of the tombs, which was reached through a shaft carved in rock, contained four stone coffins depicting a human face.

Clay pieces found have been dated from between the 27th Dynasty, founded in 525BC, and the Greco-Roman era, which lasted between 332BC and the fourth century.

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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 at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

Children are not inherently evil and warrant a second chance Everyone should welcome the falling numbers of children who end up being arrested and held in custody throughout Kent, and the country as a whole [August 9].

Decades of evidence has shown that once a child or minor enters the criminal justice system

Planning fiasco beggars belief I simply can’t believe that Groombridge Place have been getting away with no planning permission for four years [August 9].

The hoops I have had to jump through with planning permission just to hold a small event in my local park have almost put me off bothering in the future. And yet they can invite thousands of people down for commercial festivals without any authorisation from the council – it beggars belief.

And, worse still, there will be absolutely no repercussions for this. They will submit their retrospective application, which will be waved through by the planning department out of embarrassment more than anything else.

I would say it is one rule for big guys and another for the rest, but I don’t actually think that applies here. I think it is just sheer incompetence that often produces these unfair scenarios.

Jordan Salinger Via email

Fix infrastructure not theatre As a follow on from your excellent feature on the flooding episode [July 26], I find it incredulous that those who are supposed to represent our community have decided to take it as reasonable to expend more than £72million on a new office/ theatre complex, whilst our local infrastructure continues to blight the well-being of our town and those who live and work here.

I have some empathy with the Friends of Calverley Grounds on this matter, but must add that if all was well, i.e. roads and pavements

their chances of committing further offences upon release go up.

This is for two reasons. Firstly, because they inevitably associate with other youngsters who have a bad track record and their behaviour becomes normalised by their peers.

Secondly, they may feel that as they have got off to a bad start in life, they have not much else to lose by continuing to lash out at society.

By giving them a second chance, and a punishment that does not permanently blight their life chances, there is a vast decline in reoffending.

Children and young people are not inherently evil. Those who commit criminal acts are often the products of dysfunctional homes.

Dealing with the poor environments which produce young offenders is the best way of preventing youths from offending.

Lastly, despite the significant reductions in the number of children in prison, England and Wales still has the highest level of child imprisonment in Western Europe, and therefore much more work could be done.

Joseph Cottrell Via email were clean and fit to use instead of too often a patchwork of trip hazards, potholes, overgrown hedges, litter and grasses growing in kerbs, etc., I might have a more open mind on a project that is purported to enhance Tunbridge Wells life.

Where is the logic in adding a project to increase activity to a town that is already creaking with traffic and inadequate parking? Why is it that we see shops routinely closing down and frustrated local people finding it easier to shop elsewhere?

When this council can demonstrate that they have done everything to remedy these failings, I would be open to considering a reasonablybrought case to further advance cultural and working life here.

Over 120 residents and a BBC reporter were excluded from the council meeting which voted through this proposal [on July 26].

Residents might be interested to discover which councillor voted either for or against this project, and whether they actually live in this town.

Democracy only works if ordinary people take an active interest in such matters.

Martin Dawes Via email

Gatwick’s behaviour unacceptable With reference to the appalling behaviour of Gatwick Airport vis-à-vis overflying Tunbridge Wells [August 2], Gatwick have always been entirely disingenuous in their approach to this problem.

Not only did they blatantly lie when challenged about their change of approach in 2013, but their

behaviour since has also been completely unacceptable.

Gatwick make all the right noises, but it is all PR flim-flam of no real substance. Their statement says it all: “Gatwick will continue to do everything possible to minimise its effects.”

What this actually means is: “We will do everything possible to minimise noise, provided nothing we do impacts the number of flights as this would adversely affect the profit we can make for our foreign owners and also affect our executive bonuses.”

The only meaningful way noise can be controlled is by returning to the pre-2013 approach to flight paths, which operated for 40 years with minimal public impact. However, this will require Gatwick to accept a decrease in flight volume, which means – in line with their glib and disingenuous statement – it is not possible.

It is possible, of course, but it requires political will and a little consideration, empathy and respect for West Kent residents.

Greg Clark [MP] clearly does not have the backbone for the fight. He, too, makes all the right noises but does nothing tangible.

Unless the public outcry gets ever louder, we are all condemned to the horrors of sleep deprivation.

That said, with recent research showing a tangible link between sleep deprivation and Alzheimer’s Disease, it is our children who will ultimately suffer as they struggle to care for us all.

Norma Pinkerton Tunbridge Wells

More commuter woes on the way Thank you for publishing the fact that Southeastern have misled commuters by publishing inaccurate figures on whether trains have left or arrived somewhere on time [August 2].

This is yet another galling thing to have to swallow for us commuters, who all too regularly have to phone their place of work or important London-based appointment to say we are running late because of train delays.

Why can’t Southeastern just publish the truth and admit that on a frequent basis they deliver their customers to their destinations late?

Perhaps it would have been good to also include in your article the fact that Southeastern is temporarily closing down a stretch of their line in and out of London this August due to ‘essential engineering works’.

I’m sure they have picked the week as it falls during the school holidays, but may I politely point out that not everybody chooses to go away at this time of year, and our commute will once again be hugely impacted by these works causing more time and extra expense due to having to navigate our way around London’s tube network with no compensation. It’s just added stress!

Try and spin that, Southeastern.

Annie Beatty, via email

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

Observations on life and more important things

MODESTY is not one of Calverley’s stronger traits, so he has few reservations in awarding himself a pat on the back for outstanding work. What prompted this? Contact from one of his legion of fans in California.

Genevieve Bourne emailed seeking a copy of a column [July 19] and declared: “The main reason for my wanting a copy of this column is that the little asides throughout are so very British and funny. More than 50 years of living in the US makes me yearn for the clever, often whimsical or trenchant use of language that Calverley employs. The simple joy I take in it is enough to keep me smiling for hours.” Few fans locally, maybe, but in California he’s big…

SOMETIMES people just end up doing the wrong job. Take the Practice Manager at a West Kent GPs who has a fear of needles. Himself discovered the phobia when the lady walked into a room where he was having a blood sample taken. The poor woman nearly passed out.

OFF to visit Bruges [you know where it is, no need to look it up] on a budget coach trip costing £25 return. Only took three hours to reach the place and become immersed in canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings.

Brilliant. Journey back not so great. It took nine hours after the coach broke down and the driver did not know how to refuel the replacement vehicle. More than an hour stuck at a garage while he figured it out. Where’s Eurostar?

AMAZON home deliveries can be a wonderful way of shopping, although sometimes things go wrong. Take the experience of a neighbour.

She arrived home from work to find a note through the letterbox telling her the package she was expecting had been hidden in a bin.

Problem was, it was a recycling bin that earlier had been emptied by the council. Oops!

ROMANCE is dead. When the chap said he would take his teacher fiancée out to celebrate her 29th birthday, she got all excited. Where did they end up? At the birthday celebrations of his friend’s mother. She was 65. When asked what she wanted to drink, the somewhat annoyed younger birthday girl said: “A pint of red wine”. She got it. And downed it.

Chin, chin readers

Education

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Top marks for new special school’s innovative design The creative team behind a state-of-the-art building for a special needs school in Tonbridge have been praised for ‘leaving a positive and lasting impression’ number of visits.”

One particular initiative was inviting the students at neighboring Hadlow College, near Tonbridge, to design a ‘sensory garden’, providing a range of different textures, colours and sounds in a safe outdoor setting.

The design competition for the undergraduates gave an opportunity to research alternative planting schemes and structures to provide sensory interest.

BAM gave the winner a £200 prize.

Nexus School is one of four schemes in the county all being delivered by BAM, and funded by Kent County Council. The new school is nearing completion and will be handed over to the council in August in time for the staff to plan for the students in September.

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY The vision for the new Nexus school in Tonbridge

Facilities INDEPENDENT inspectors from the Considerate Constructors Scheme [CCS] visited the site of the new Nexus School in Upper Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, formerly the Ridge View School of Cage Green Road. The new building caters for children with additional and special needs, and is being built by BAM Construction.

The CCS visits around 10,000 construction schemes across the UK every year. Its inspector ranked the site as ‘excellent’, and singled out the team’s approach to respecting the local community, which he scored as ‘exceptional’.

Project Manager James Gray said: “We actively approach schools and colleges in the areas where we build because we recognise what a great learning opportunity a construction scheme presents.

“When carefully managed,

students can get a huge amount of practical benefit from understanding how we work, and also a great sense of excitement. We need them to be the engineers and surveyors of the future.

“The team has made a positive impact by supporting the local school and colleges, giving careers and safety talks and hosting a

SENSORY GARDEN How it might look

Long walk for Africa A PUPIL at Vinehall School has recently completed his second fundraising walk in aid of the children of Rwanda, in Africa.

Seven-year-old Hugo Edgar strode 12 miles from his home in Fairlight to the Robertsbridge school in July.

He raised more than £1,200 and arrived just in time to be presented with a scroll on behalf of Rwanda Aid at the school’s summer fete.

“I’ve not walked anywhere near as far as this before,” said Hugo, who was just five when he completed his

first fundraiser. “But it hardly compares to the daily struggles that the children in Rwanda face. I really want to do something that challenges me for the children in Rwanda.”

Motto A spokesperson for the independent school said: “Vinehall’s motto is ‘to do your best for the benefit of others’ and Hugo’s epic journey is an excellent example of how our children are always keen to help others.”

It includes facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, soft play and sensory rooms, fully-fitted classrooms and outdoor play spaces.

In addition, a life skills building has been constructed to provide a home environment to teach independent living skills for the older students.

Nexus School Headteacher Jacqui Tovey said: “It has been a huge learning curve for me as Headteacher to be involved in the design of such an amazing learning environment and all the BAM staff have been exceptionally supportive.

“The Student Council have been making regular visits to the new building and have been able to take photographs and report back to all of the other students about how the building is progressing.

All of the students are very excited about their new school and we can’t thank BAM enough for making our vision a reality.”

CHARITABLE ENDEAVOUR Hugo Edgar walked 12 miles for Rwanda Aid

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Tom Tugendhat

MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. He was elected as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in 2017.

This is why Tonbridge is special…

FOR many, August is a chance to get away and relax. It is an opportunity to spend time with your family and reflect amid the beautiful part of the country we are lucky enough to call home.

Even when I go away, I always look forward to returning home to Kent as it makes me appreciate what a fantastic place Tonbridge is to live.

Our community makes that happen. Last weekend we saw the second ‘Tonbridge Calling’ festival, which embraces the spirit and diversity of the town. Local music artists and community groups all contributed to making last Saturday a special day, once again.

The support from many, including local business, makes events like this. If I look back just a couple of years, there has been a real revitalisation in the town. Our outstanding, traditional businesses have been joined by new, innovative, independent retailers. The Bakehouse at 124, Basil’s and others have joined favourites like Finch House and Ian Chatfield’s, and have added so much to Tonbridge over such a short space of time.

Businesses like these help regenerate towns, and breed other successful ones. Last Friday saw the opening of Fuggles, who rightly spotted an opportunity here in Tonbridge and want to expand into our town. I’m sure there will be many of us who look forward to going there!

We also have the refurbished Chequers pub further down to look forward to, and the Gatehouse, which are also great places to meet friends.

Tonbridge Old Fire Station is showing the blend of old and new that makes our town stand out.

Using a vacant property to become an office, a restaurant, and a place for any number of events, has

‘Events like Tonbridge Calling show the value of a community which looks out for others’ put it firmly at the heart of our town. Richard, Sam and the team are always looking out for opportunities. It, rightly, became a favourite of the Australian Athletics team, who were in town just a couple of weeks ago preparing for the World Championships. I know why!

I could go on, but for me our town is special and the recent additions keep on proving that. It’s no wonder more and more people want to move here and make the town their home. The vibrant community spirit we have is testament to the people who make it.

So, thank you to everyone who is involved in our

THRIVING Community and business spirit town – in whatever capacity that may be. Events like Tonbridge Calling show the value of a community which looks out for others. Our independent businesses work together to contribute back to the

town and provide the backbone of the High Street.

This summer, even while we spend some time relaxing, we know that our town remains a fantastic place to live.

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To suit your budget

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations

HIGH STREET TONBRIDGE £215,000

LEASEHOLD

Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774 781

Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU

UNDER £350,000

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ALBANY CLOSE TONBRIDGE

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£340,000 A modern home a short walk away from the town centre. The entrance hall has laminate flooring and leads through to the recently fitted kitchen/dining room. The dining area leads to a fully enclosed garden via glazed sliding doors. There is also a

living room on the ground floor. The first floor has two double bedrooms and a newly fitted contemporary family bathroom. There is a private driveway, front garden, and a patio area to the rear of the house. Plus there is current planning permission for a rear extension.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £450,000 WOODSIDE ROAD TONBRIDGE

£425,000 Flexible accommodation arranged over three floors with an entrance hall, downstairs cloakroom/shower room and utility room together with bedroom four/playroom and an integral garage currently in use as an office. On the first floor there is a

sitting room with doors leading to a balcony, a separate dining room and fitted kitchen including all modern appliances. The second floor has three good-sized bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate WC. Outside, there is parking and a rear garden with a patio area and shed.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

To suit your budget

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 CASTLEWOOD COTTAGES, BRENCHLEY GUIDE PRICE

£680,000 A semi-rural cottage with Victorian attributes and modern-day facilities set in an acre of grounds. The property has two reception rooms, a fitted kitchen, rear lobby utility area and cloakroom, plus four bedrooms (three of which are doubles) and a well-designed bathroom. Notable features include an electric Aga, exposed beams and large garden with additional land to the rear which has recently been purchased by the current owners.

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£870,000 cupboard with sliding mirrored doors, a radiator, power points and a large window. The property is being sold with no forward chain CONTACT Bracketts 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

A semi-detached Victorian house situated close to town centre. The accommodation is arranged over three floors and includes features such as original fireplaces, moulded cornicing, and sash windows. There are four bedrooms, plus a family bathroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room and rear lobby. There is a gravelled parking area and a paved terrace leading to lawn and further terrace behind the house.

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PROPERTY

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Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

The Forge

PROPERTY

The spacious family accommodation is mainly on two floors – with views over green belt land

AT A GLANCE

Stylish and contemporary home originally owned by blacksmith

THE FORGE LAMBERHURST, KENT n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Drawing room/dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room with WC n Large study n Family room n Principal bedroom with en-suite shower room n Guest bedroom n Luxury bathroom n Terrace and decked veranda n Enclosed garden area with level lawn n Large meadow n Just over 0.5 acres

£865,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

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Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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PROPERTY

Wyatts

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

WYATTS BIDBOROUGH, KENT n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Cloakroom n Principal bedroom n 5 further double bedrooms n Family bathroom n Shower room n Laundry room n Workshop n Gym n Family room n Study n Garage n Car port

Neo-classical Georgian property offering generous family living

n Mature gardens n Just under 1/3 of an acre

£1,795,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Winscombe

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

PROPERTY

AT A GLANCE

WINSCOMBE CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX ■ Reception hall ■ Cloakroom ■ Living room ■ Kitchen/family room ■ Dining room ■ Utility room ■ Principal bedroom with en suite ■ 3 further bedrooms (one with en suite) ■ Family bathroom ■ Shower room ■ Double garage

Rurally located new build has south-facing rear garden

Family home with luxury features, including vaulted ceilings and a double garage

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Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

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Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

It’s all fair game The Glorious Twelfth saw the official start of the British game season – on August 12.

To celebrate the 121-day event, Times’ wine writer James Viner selects his top five tipples to accompany the best grouse cuts HIGH SEASON The gamey grouse

L

AST Saturday was the Glorious Twelfth – the day in the countryside almanac that many foodies look forward to as it signals the start of the country’s fourmonth British grouse season.

It all started in 1853, and was a pursuit solely for the aristocracy. The introduction of railways around Britain made it easier to get to the outlying moors of England, Scotland, Wales and

Northern Ireland, and when breech-loading shotguns became more widely available.

Both red and black grouse are shot, but red ones are considered the most sought after as they represent the supreme shooting challenge. This is because they fly sporadically at speeds of up to 70 miles an hour, and are also native to Britain.

Not only is the grouse the first feathered game bird of the season, it’s also one of the juiciest. A whole grouse on a plate isn’t to everyone’s taste, and as a nation – of course – our bird of choice is chicken. Gamey in flavour, roast grouse, however, has less than a third of the fat and double the protein of roast chicken. And if you wait a couple weeks, the price will decline.

While the bird itself is a bit of an indulgence in terms of expenditure, it goes a lot further than you might think since the carcass and legs can be cooked up into a gamey gravy, or turned into a rich broth that makes a marvellous base for soups.

Such a special gamey bird can make a

great delicacy for a small dinner party, and it calls for a toothsome red with a prickle of tannin. So try sampling one of these…

Must-Try Supermarket Choice: Te Haupapa Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016, New Zealand (£8.99, Aldi)

You should rush to buy this lip-smacking Kiwi bargain from one of the most capricious red grape varieties because only a small parcel of stock exists, and it exudes undeniable charisma.

Raspberries, red cherries and roasted strawberries abound amidst a background tinge of dried herbs and coffee. This pinpoint-accurate concoction will adore the fresh, milder game at the very start of the season, or roast lamb and duck. It is stellar value and a good introduction to the delights of Central Otago Pinot Noir, New Zealand’s only wine district with a continental summer climate, which grows the world’s southernmost vines.

You simply must hunt this wine down. Alc 14%

Spicy Syrah from New Zealand’s Oldest Wine Producer: Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015 (£10.95, The Wine Society)

This vibrant Syrah has lashings of class and boasts a refined, perfumed nose with cracked black pepper, plums and blackcurrants. Notes of spice and sweet dark berries flood the juicy palate, underpinned by a surge of ample, soft and finely polished tannins, which provide balance. Step up to this star red with medium-rare roast grouse or a meaty BBQ. It’s unbridled pleasure in a glass, with a gratifyingly long finish defined by pristine acidity. Delicious! Alc 13%

Benchmark Northern Rhône Red: Crozes-Hermitage 2014 Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, France (£11.49, Majestic)

Syrah’s original, and ongoing yardstick is the Northern Rhône in France. Pure, fresh aromas and flavours of red raspberries and black cherries are the driving forces in this exceptionally fine Crozes-Hermitage, which is pure, pretty, and pleasing at every turn. With a tickle of spice, black pepper and a bright, focused finish, this is a wondrous gamey wine – and not a blockbuster – that shows off the true potential of this famous appellation. Drink it with traditional roast new season grouse accompanied by game chips, gravy and bread sauce, or a midsummer meaty BBQ. It’s also perfect for a venison casserole a little later in the year.

Classic cool climate style from a qualityconscious cooperative and an early-maturing vintage. Serve very lightly chilled.

Alc 12.5%

High-Street Choice Claret: Diane de Belgrave Haut-Médoc 2011, Bordeaux, France (£19, Oddbins) What better way to celebrate the arrival of appetising game dishes than with a wine which bears the name of the handsome Diana, Roman Goddess of the Hunt? Enjoy the first grouse of the season with this stylish, juicy claret, which has a wealth of red fruit and chocolate aromas touched with a hint of spice and youthful tannins to complement the lean dark meat of late summer game,

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

especially partridge and grouse.

It’s the second wine of Dourthe’s Classified Growth property, Château Belgrave, previously a royal hunting lodge esteemed for its game-rich woodlands dating back to the reign of Louis XV. Lighter than the 2010, but equally delicious, this has class stamped all over it in big letters from end to end.

If you’re interested in splashing out, it will startle you with its class. Decant and delight in its scented majesty.

Alc 13.5%

Must-Try Red for Well-Hung Game: Chateau Musar 2001 Lebanon (£28-£29.70, Roberson Wine & Majestic)

This unmistakable mature Levantine red from 40-year-old vines in Lebanon’s elevated, near-desert Beqaá Valley is perfectly suited to well-hung grouse and other feathered game later in the season. It’s a celebrated (and, yes, gamey!), quirky full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault, with a long and wellframed finish. Developing, utterly fascinating and complex, it’s worth every penny – just make sure there is plenty of meat to go with it.

Alc 13.5%

For more information on wines, you can contact James via Twitter: @QuixoticWine

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How about putting a twist on traditional game dishes by spicing things up a little? Try this delicious recipe, inspired by the flavours of India ACHARI-SPICED VENISON

(SERVES 2)

Venison is a wonderfully rich, gamey meat that is also quite lean and therefore healthy. It has not, however, received the recognition it deserves over the years in the home kitchen. The richness of the meat lends itself well to being served as part of a special or formal occasion rather than an average weekday meal. And because of the strength of the meat flavour, the dish needs another boost to complement the rich gaminess. ‘Achar’ is the Hindi word for pickle, and it can be used to describe many different types. This recipe features a marinade which still has the main essence of Indian pickle. The marinade tenderises and flavours the meat, and the pungent dry spice rub adds aromatic flavour to the steaks.

2 venison steaks MARINADE 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon natural/plain yogurt ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon gram/chickpea flour ½ teaspoon garam masala ½ teaspoon red chilli/chili powder ½ teaspoon fenugreek powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried chilli/hot red pepper flakes DRY RUB 1 teaspoon onion seeds ½ teaspoon ajwain seeds ½ teaspoon rock salt ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

TO SERVE Mashed potatoes (add a pinch of saffron strands for extra flavour) Steamed vegetables of your choosing Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade together in a large mixing bowl, mix well and add the venison steaks. Coat the steaks in the marinade and allow them to marinate for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. If you do not have the time, you can allow the meat to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature instead.

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) Gas 5.

Mix together all of the ingredients for the dry rub and sprinkle as little or as much as you like over the steaks (bearing in mind that this rub is quite pungent and aromatic). A little sprinkle should be ample.

Set an ovenproof frying pan/skillet over high heat. Seal the steaks in the hot pan on both sides, then transfer to a baking dish. Put the dish in the preheated oven and cook the steaks for 5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.

Allow the steaks to rest for 3 minutes at room temperature, then serve. I like to serve the steaks with some ghee and saffron mashed potatoes and accompanying vegetables.

Cookbook offer Recipe extract from My Modern Indian Kitchen

by Nitisha Patel, Ryland Peters & Small (£16.99) Photography by Clare Winfield ©Ryland Peters & Small. Times readers can order the book for the special price of £11.99, including postage & packaging, by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference KB4

GAME, SET AND MASH The ideal way to serve achari-spiced venison

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Advertising Feature

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Just around the river’s bend…

Europe is a map of striking rivers just asking to be explored. Linking historical cities to jaw-dropping landscapes, a cruise along the waterways is the perfect way to mix both worlds AN EASY TROT Travel to Vienna’s former imperial palace, the Hofburg, by fiacre

SAILING ON THE RHINE

Rising in the Swiss Alps, the Rhine flows for more than 1,200km through six countries as it winds its way towards its mouth on the Dutch North Sea coast. Along its course you will find a great variety of landscapes, steep banks carpeted in vines, the romantic ruins of centuries-old castles which still watch over travellers as they pass below, charming medieval towns, and some of Europe’s great cities.

Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of pretty Rudesheim with its half-timbered houses and traditional taverns, explore two of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne and Speyer, both home to spectacular, UNESCO-listed cathedrals, and discover the unique joie de vivre of Strasbourg, the entrancing capital of Alsace and headquarters

of the European Parliament.

SAILING ON THE MAIN

A less-travelled river of Europe, the Main flows quietly through the heart of Germany, with its navigable stretch beginning near the city of Mainz – known for the old town features of half-timbered houses, medieval market squares and a Romanesque cathedral. This major tributary of the Rhine becomes less navigable as it weaves through the UNESCO-listed northern Bavarian town of Bamberg – ending its 246-mile journey having travelled serenely past fairy-tale castles, palaces, picturesque olde-worlde towns and vast forests that brim with history and character.

Stops along the way include Würzburg – a city renowned for its lavish art and architecture, including the outstanding 18th-century Residenz Palace, and Miltenberg – home to one of the oldest inns in Germany, Zum Riesen, which has been in operation since at least 1411.

SAILING THE DANUBE

A RHINE ROMANCE The river meanders through Boppard in Germany

Running through a great swathe of Europe, from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube once formed the northern boundary of

the Roman Empire, and has been a vital transport link for millennia. Celebrated in great works of literature, art and music, The Blue Danube flows through ten countries, including Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia.

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its pretty riverside towns, castles, churches and vineyards, before exploring the majestic city of Vienna, home to the stunning Hofburg Palace – the former residence of Austria’s emperors.

SAILING THE DUTCH WATERWAYS

The neighbouring countries of the Netherlands

and Belgium are perfect destinations for scenic river cruising, with so many inviting historical towns and cities in a relatively compact area.

The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is a joy, whether you are on foot or on a leisurely river cruise along its famous canals. Or you could take a short trip to view the millions of flowering tulips in the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens.

Also worth a visit are the 12th-century Castle of the Counts and St Bavo’s Cathedral in the medieval city of Ghent, and spend time enjoying the sights of the charming Belgian capital, Brussels, including the elegant main square, the Grand Place, the Gothic Town Hall and the Royal Palace.

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS A Dutch windmill nestles amid the garden of spring flowers at Keukenhof in Holland

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FEATURES

Travel

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

The perfect Bank Holiday break is waiting for you right here on your doorstep at Bewl Across the sprawling landscape of the reservoir you will find something for all the family

By Jonathan Banks IF you’re fed up with motorway gridlock or laborious luggage check-ins at airports then why not spend your August Bank Holiday on your own patch?

Glamping is available for the first time at Bewl Water, which means you can explore the wonders of nature without sacrificing the luxuries of modern life.

The sweeping views around the reservoir provide the perfect setting for the spacious bell tents that are filled with big beds, sheepskin rugs and fairy lights.

Whether you’re looking for a family adventure or just a couple’s

getaway, the ‘glamp-site’ serves as the ideal base camp for a whole raft of activities including a cycle tour, laser tag or mini-golf.

Or if you put much greater priority in relaxation then there is the option to go out on the water, either on the Bewl Belle or by hiring a pedalo or rowing boat.

Alternatively, of course, you can sit outside your luxury tent and serenely watch the world go by.

Breakfast at The Waterfront Café is included in the price of £99 per night for a two-person tent or £149 per night for four people, while tables for dinner can be booked at The Boat House Bistro for £20 per person for two courses.

Travel

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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Things to do at Bewl: n Tackle the 12-and-a-half-mile track round Bewl Water, either on foot or hire bikes and cycle round.

The route provides spectacular views across the water, with only a short section taking in public roads. n Family Fun Day Sunday featuring bouncy castle, range cars, laser challenge, face painting and much more (Sunday only).

‘The glampsite serves as the ideal base camp for a whole raft of activities’

n Go fishing. Bewl Water has been extensively restocked with trout over the past two years and has its own fish farm to keep stocks at high levels. You can cast your line from the shore, or hire one of the fleet of new fishing boats and head out onto the water. n Sail. Bewl Water operates a turn up and go policy, so as long as you have the appropriate accreditations, you can bring your own boat, pay on the day and take to the water with a minimum of fuss. n Take a cruise on the Bewl Belle. Either take a full 45 minute tour or walk part of the round Bewl Water track and catch the boat back from one of three jetties that can be found around the shore. n Get out on the water under your own power by hiring a rowing boat or pedalo. n Get a group together and tackle the Bewl Water Laser Challenge, a test of tactics, skill and agility. n And after working up an appetite with all that activity, enjoy refreshments at the Waterfront Café, or relax and watch the sun go down over a fine evening meal in The Boathouse Bistro with its magnificent views over the water. www.bewlwater.co.uk

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Gardening

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Natural remedies: The benefits of gardening R Our horticultural expert Victoria Truman explains why gardening is so good for your health

ESEARCHERS have come to the conclusion that gardening is beneficial to your health. In fact, it has been found that pulling weeds and smelling roses can actually lower blood pressure, help you feel happier, and increase brain activity. Because of the overwhelming body of evidence, it has been dubbed ‘horticulture therapy,’ and is used in a variety of settings to help people cope with their emotions and illnesses.

Most notably, it’s being used in hospitals, schools, and even in prisons.

Summer gardening tips

‘Horticulture therapy helps people cope with their emotions and illnesses’

clematis wilt  Care for houseplants while

on holiday  Water tubs and new plants if dry,

but be water-wise  Deadhead bedding plants and

repeat-flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowering

Recharged From a personal point of view, whenever I need to feel recharged or I’m in need of escaping, I head into my garden and spend the day working in it, weeding, mowing, clipping – seldom sitting!

By the end I’m happy, aching, recharged and full of new ideas and designs.

And a study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that active hobbies like yard work and gardening were as good as going to the gym for heart health.

Older adults with hobbies like this were able to cut their risk of heart attack or stroke and their chances of dying from any cause by 30 per cent.

 Check clematis for signs of

 Pick courgettes before they

become marrows  Treat apple scab  Clear algae, blanket weeds

and debris from ponds, and keep the water topped up  Order catalogues for next year’s

spring-flowering bulbs  Give the lawn a quick-acting

summer feed, especially if it was not given a spring feed  Harvest apricots, peaches

When you walk out into a garden and you literally smell the roses and see the bees buzzing on the lavender, it instantly uplifts the soul and mood.

The people I work with are helpful,

engaging, free-spirited and for the main relaxed, and I’m pretty sure that’s down to the amount of time we all spend engaging our senses with gardens, landscapes, plants and trees.

and nectarines www.victoriatruman.com

Gardening

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

FEATURES

Design ideas for entertaining outside

More reasons why gardening is good for you n Gardening burns calories: Gardening is

considered moderate to high-intensity exercise.

You can burn up to 330 calories during just one hour of light gardening and yard work — more than lifting weights for the same amount of time.

The National Institute of Health goes so far as to recommend 30 to 45 minutes of gardening three to five times a week as part of a good strategy. n Gardening strengthens your immune system: While you are outdoors basking in the sun you will also soak up plenty of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. In turn, calcium helps keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy. n Gardening decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis: When you dig, plant, weed and

engage in repetitive tasks that require strength or stretching, all of the major muscle groups are getting a good workout. n Gardening is a stress buster: As a matter of fact, it may be an even more effective stress buster than other leisure activities. n Being surrounded by flowers improves one’s health: Flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods, and have an immediate impact on happiness – a long-term positive effect on mood.

So, if you have any green space and want to feel good inside and outside (once the aching subsides) get GARDENING!

Concentrate on making the most of your outdoor space. You can increase your square footage by creating a social family outdoor area – bringing the living room, dining room and kitchen outside – where you can eat, drink and entertain family and friends.

Clients are asking for a more distinctive outside-room-designed garden to allow for more useable space throughout the year – outdoor kitchens, fire pits, dining and sofa sets are top of most of their wish-lists.

Landscape lighting is an effective way of prolonging your time outside, especially in the autumn months. Outside lighting can create the right ambience around outdoor seating areas, using a combination of uprights as well as lights installed on outdoor structures to illuminate the spaces effectively. Some pin spotlights in and amongst the planting areas can add interest and drama.

These well thought out areas are seen as an

investment, a bit like adding a ground floor extension to your house.

SCULPTURES Sculpture shouldn’t just go anywhere. They need to evoke a feeling or emotion when placed. Simple, large contemporary forms work well, whether it be a series of pots or topiary shapes. Using repetitive forms is one of the simplest tricks to make a garden feel harmonious. The best shapes are big, complemented by planting. Hedging and topiary can achieve a similar effect.

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Motoring

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

FIRST DRIVE

Jaguar F-Type Coupé Some may protest that the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine reduces the big cat’s roar, but it’s still a proper Jag, writes Jack Evans

WHAT IS IT? The F-Type has formed a crucial part of Jaguar’s line-up for some time now, providing sports car looks and thrills to contrast with the more practical vehicles in the British manufacturer’s range. Traditionally powered by large, dynamic engines, it has now been fitted with a smaller, more efficient unit. Some may protest that the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine doesn’t suit the Jag’s muscular feel, but we’ve managed to get behind the wheel to assess whether such criticisms are deserved.

WHAT’S NEW? The biggest change is that all-new engine.

Despite its relatively low capacity, the fourcylinder, 2.0-litre unit still manages to churn out 295bhp and a genuinely impressive 400Nm of torque. The biggest benefit of having a small engine is economy, and the F-Type is bang on the money in this respect, returning 39.2mpg on a combined cycle – a reduction of more than 16 per cent compared with the V6-powered F-Type – and emitting just 163g/km CO2.

There’s also a wider range of safety systems fitted to this model, including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane-keep assist.

The interior has been updated, too, with new lightweight sports seats and Jaguar’s latest Touch Pro infotainment system, the latter being a huge step up in usability and responsiveness over the previous generation. As usual, the four cylinder is available as either a Coupé or Convertible.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The original F-Type always had a certain muscle car feeling to it. That was most likely down to the

traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout – though the all-wheel-drive versions changed this – as well as the stocky and powerful pair of engines to choose between.

On the face of it, the car has changed little. Sit behind the wheel and, yes, some elements of the cabin have changed and, yes, the lightweight slim sports seats do provide a little more comfort than the units they have replaced.

But you could be sat in pretty much any other F-Type – until you start the engine, that is.

Whereas you’d usually expect the low grumble of a V8 or the crackle of a V6, you’re greeted by a much throatier hum than you think you’d get from a four-cylinder. Boring it ain’t!

Up and running, this one feels a touch sharper than those powered by either a V6 or V8. Turn in is very good, and the car feels more sprightly than before. This is due to the four-cylinder’s 52kg weight-saving over the equivalent V6-powered model, and you certainly feel it.

There’s next to no turbo lag, and the plentiful torque on offer means the car is relaxing to drive when you want it to be, while acceleration still feels more than adequate for a sports car – it takes just 5.4 seconds to hit 60mph.

As regards sound, of course, the 2.0-litre was never going to match the full-fat 5.0-litre V8 fitted to the F-Type R for sheer aural drama, but it isn’t half bad. Plant the throttle and you’ll be rewarded with a genuinely sporty engine note. This is down to Jaguar’s specific tuning of the exhaust to maximise its sound.

The F-Type’s ride is also impressive, dealing admirably with lumps and bumps in the road.

The car’s spring rates at the front and rear have been reduced to compensate for the overall reduction in weight, and they’ve been tailored in

‘You’re greeted by a much throatier hum than you think you’d get from a four-cylinder.

Boring it ain’t!’

just the right way, giving enough stability through corners or at higher speeds as well as plenty of ride comfort at lower speeds.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? There’s no denying the F-Type is a pretty looking thing.

Even now, despite going on sale back in 2013, it still looks fresh on the road. And thanks to redesigned bumpers and new LED headlights, it looks even fresher than before. Our test car’s Ultra Blue paint colour [above] really did make it an impressive car to look at.

The interior features some of the harder plastics that drew criticism of the older car, but all in all it’s a well-appointed, comfortable place to be.

There’s plenty of aluminium used throughout, while tan leather seats – such as those fitted to our test car [pictured above] – do wonders at lifting the overall feel of the interior.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The inside of the four-cylinder is much like that found in the standard F-Type.

That’s no bad thing, as its driver-focused nature suits the overall feel of the car.

As mentioned before, there are some harder plastics to be found lower down the vehicle, and the rotary gear selector is starting to look a touch old, but it’s generally nice inside. Those slimmer sports seats offer plenty of support, too, and look noticeably better than the older ones.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Prices for the F-Type four-cylinder start at £49,000. For that, you get an increased variety of driver assistance systems, adding to the car’s safety levels. Autonomous emergency braking comes fitted as standard, and this system can detect a collision and apply the brakes should it need to.

The Touch Pro infotainment system is –as you’d expect – controlled by touch and is leagues better than the system it replaces, incorporating satellite navigation, media connectivity and Bluetooth. It also allows for pinch-to-zoom map controls – handy when trying to quickly find a destination – as well as a ‘Commute’ mode that learns regular journeys, then gives estimated arrival times inclusive of traffic conditions on the route.

VERDICT Many diehard Jag fans won’t be enthused by the idea of fitting an F-Type with a 2.0-litre engine.

However, given its additional poise and sharpness, as well as its added economy levels, there’s no reason why this four-cylinder shouldn’t be considered a proper Jaguar.

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

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FEATURES

Life & Style

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

SJD PROJECTS What if we told you that you could be sitting on an opportunity that could help transform your business and set you on the path to success?

Thousands of business owners around the country are losing out on potential sales and instant financial gains – how? They own commercial and industrial sites in the centre of towns and villages; sites that do not add value to the business and can hinder its growth.

While a prime location in the centre of a town or village was vital to achieving success, changes in consumer spending habits in the last two decades have changed the rules of the game. Today, many of the companies that own these locations are now better suited to retail parks, which offer both competitive prices and on-site parking.

PENSHURST VINTAGE & ANTIQUES FAIR Come along to Penshurst Village Hall this month for the Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair. Entrance is only £2 and the event, running over the weekend of the 26th, runs from 10.30am-5pm with an array of fashionable vintage items, French brocante and decorative antiques for the home and garden on sale.

Industrial sites and commercial properties with multiple floors have the highest potential. These second floor spaces are often seen as a by-product of business operations and are not utilised.

However, while it may appear that the bulk of the property’s value lies in the bottom floor, today that is simply not the case. Nearly a quarter of a million homes in the UK lie empty – wasting both space and money.

As well as the regular attendees, there will be new stalls from places including Chinese antique store Yiju, Caroline Ramm interiors and Barnstar Vintage Store. The forecourt will be filled with summer colour by Blackstem Plants from Lamberhurst and there will be delicious homemade cakes with tea from Rose & Olive.

Contact Tara on 07507876637 or visit tara.franklin_antiques on Instagram or Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair on Facebook for more information.

LOCAL AUTHOR RELEASES SEQUEL TO LANGTON GREEN BASED BOOK Local author, Jules Hillyar, has brought out the new instalment of his two part chronicle, Between Heaven and Charing Cross. Born and bred in the Southern English countryside, Jules now lives in Rusthall and has set his books in Langton Green. Having walked out of school when younger and traded conventional life to pursue physical studies, the novel focuses on the danger of science’s assumption that the physical world is our sole reality. The two part chronicle was planned to highlight the problem in this through both tragedy and humour. Readers can discern how to ensure their own safe passing as well as enrich their personal horizon. They may even come to feel part of the plan laid by souls in 1933 for a unique society based upon what is revealed within.

Available on Amazon.co.uk

VIDEOS LAUNCHED TO SHOW OFF JOURNEY OF LOCAL BUSINESS, CORKER Outdoor living and landscape suppliers, Corker, have launched two new videos to showcase their recent site transformation and journey. 2017 has been a busy year for this family business, which is situated on the A228 near Paddock Wood. Previously known as Small Loads, the re-brand and unveiling of their new name took place in early spring.

Along with the re-brand came the transformation of their 3-acre site with the introduction of 10 inspiring show gardens. One of the videos which is in a time-lapse style shows the creation of these show gardens, allowing viewers to see just how far the site has come. The second video focuses on the longer journey that the business has been on since it was first set up in 2001.

Oliver Corkery, Creative Director at Corker says “Whilst the videos only offer a small snapshot of the journey that our family has been on and how we’ve got to where we are today hopefully it will inspire people to pay us a visit!”

Corker worked closely with their appointed marketing agency, Cheeky Communications, who are based in Tunbridge Wells, to bring the videos to life.

You can view the videos by searching YouTube channel ‘corkeruk’

www.corker.co.uk

By transforming these commercial properties and industrial sites into residential spaces, the population in the area will grow. This will lead to more business for companies in the area, especially those who have acquired loyal customers.

Are you the owner of a commercial property or industrial site in a town or village centre? If you are, then it may be time for you to find out what potential opportunities await you and your business.

At SJD Projects, we advise property owners like yourself on the potential of your site and introduce you to property developers looking to add to their portfolio.

Contact Stephen Donnelly at steve@sjd-projects.com today to find our more information. Our advice is free of charge and, in most cases, the developer will cover all the relevant fees.

Puzzles

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU 5

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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.

U S B A S E D

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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T H I E F

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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 next week’s paper

L T R A J U U C E A R OQ U E I U R U N N I E A R D I E T E R S V O R O D D E N K E W D I OM A V N U R I G U R E D

Jigsaw Sudoku:

Sudoku:

1 6 9 7 4 8 3 2 5

3 2 8 6 5 9 4 1 7

5 4 7 3 2 1 9 8 6

N I P E R E L E X R A Y S U C E S I E S T B NOO Z E E X E A T U P D A A I G NON N G S G R O V E

2 7 4 5 8 6 1 3 9

9 5 6 1 3 2 8 7 4

8 1 3 9 7 4 5 6 2

4 3 2 8 9 7 6 5 1

7 8 1 4 6 5 2 9 3

6 9 5 2 1 3 7 4 8

3 7 1 6 5 4 2 8 9

9 5 4 3 1 6 8 2 7

5 1 2 8 9 7 6 4 3

6 2 3 9 4 8 7 5 1

4 8 7 1 6 9 5 3 2

7 9 8 5 3 2 4 1 6

1 6 5 4 2 3 9 7 8

8 3 6 2 7 5 1 9 4

2 4 9 7 8 1 3 6 5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

2

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

1

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AUGUST 2 SOLUTIONS

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

FEATURES

Recruitment

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

NEWS

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

A passage from India…

Local journalist Sylvia Howe has just published her first novel, The Jacaranda Letters, and it’s proving a big hit on Amazon, gaining five-star reviews. Here, the Southborough-based writer tells Eileen Leahy why she wanted to finally tell the story of her family’s struggles, their life under the British Raj, and a mysterious rumour…

This is your first book. Can you tell us how you came to write it?

I am a journalist and have written all my life. I have contributed to a couple of non-fiction books, and magazines like Vogue and Country Homes & Interiors, but this is my first published novel.

The first one I ever wrote is now going to be published next year – once I’ve applied everything I have learnt after doing this one!

Is this something you’ve considered writing for some time? If so, what gave you the impetus to do it now?

It comes from my family, so it has been in my head and I have been writing it on and off for five years – the core is true, but I have fictionalised a great deal.

Six months ago, a friend was very encouraging after he read it. My younger

son then said rather firmly: “Get over yourself, Mum, and finish your book.” So I did.

How did you find your inspiration to get down to writing it?

Well it’s based on a story that is whispered in my family but which was never really made clear, so that gave me a perfect start and allowed me to make up whatever I wanted.

I was born in India, and lived there till I was eight, so those memories helped. They are still very vivid.

Can you give us a brief idea of the plot?

Well, I don’t want to give everything away, so I can tell you that when Julia MacCleod finds a hidden cache of letters from her great-aunt Helen to her grandmother, Kate, she uncovers a tragic tale of duty and duplicity dating back to the days of the British Raj. Eighty years

VIVID MEMORIES Sylvia Howe

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

FEATURES

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How easy, or indeed difficult, was it to find a publisher for your book?

BRITISH RAJ GRANDEUR The Rashtrapati Bhavan, home of the Indian President, designed

by Lutyens

I published it myself in the end. I was politely refused about eight times and decided that I had either better write something about sex and shopping or do it myself, and not feel spurned so often! Now I have to spread the word, which is as hard as getting the book written.

What has the general reaction been to your novel so far, and have you had much international attention?

There are some excellent Amazon reviews, and my friends and family have been very complimentary. And yes, some people abroad have also read it.

You mentioned you are hoping to have a second book published next year. Can you tell us a little bit about that one?

I am working on the draft at the moment. It’s based on my years in Africa, and is called Feverfall.

‘My younger son then said rather firmly “Get over yourself, Mum, and finish your book.” So I did’ later, the passions and betrayals of her family’s colonial past, and the heart-stopping story of her great-aunt’s struggles against the scheming of her spoilt sister and domineering mother, provide Julia with a strength of purpose she never knew she possessed – as well as the means to deal with

her own troubled circumstances…

But the question is, can she learn from the lessons of that distant time?

What’s the significance of the book’s title?

That would be telling!

Letters are found and they lead on to what happens…

What is your current day job, if you’re not writing full-time now?

I teach English in prisons, and also on a oneto-one basis.

Other than that, I am trying to concentrate on just writing.

EVOCATIVE The jacaranda tree

What do you enjoy most about living in Southborough, close to Tunbridge Wells?

My friends, and the ease of

getting to London – and to the Continent.

I like Southborough Common, too, and it’s where I walk my dog each day.

The shops are useful, and there are often restaurants opening which are interesting. But I could do with a livelier arts scene and more people coming to Trinity Theatre and the Assembly Hall.

The other day, when I went to see the National Theatre’s live streaming of Angels in America [Tony Kushner’s anarchic look at New York’s gay community in 1985, starring Andrew Garfield and Russell Tovey], I had to laugh at the thud of seats as several people left in horror.

Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells!

The Jacaranda Letters is available to buy through Amazon and is priced from £3.50 for a Kindle edition. For more information and prices, see www.amazon.co.uk

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Local events

through the stunning Wealden countryside to Bodiam, where you can hop off and enjoy a trip around the castle. The promotion runs until September 3, and throughout the summer you can catch Punch & Judy and magic shows each Monday and Wednesday, as well as a face painter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult fares cost from £16.20. To book, visit www.kesr.org.uk PULLING POWER Biddenden’s weekend Tractorfest >> WEDNESDAY From 9.45 am until 1pm, Bore Place near Bough Beech will be hosting a Wildlife Explorer event.

Parents and children can enjoy a family walk to explore the house and its gardens and follow a special trail to look at all things wild that make the farm, meadows, glades and ponds their home.

They’ll also have the chance to learn about tracks, signs and scats left behind by some of Bore Place’s more secretive wild animals, and will be able to check the trail camera for evidence of nocturnal mammals. Plus play stalking games and make a walking staff to help along the way. Tickets cost £10 per child. See www.boreplace.org If you fancy venturing a little bit further this week, then why not consider a trip to Tenterden’s Kent & East Sussex Railway? All summer, children can travel free as long as they are accompanied by an adult who has purchased a regular travel card.

The ten-and-a-half mile journey takes place on a beautifully restored steam locomotive and travels

want to learn how the relaxing game is played, then this is the ideal opportunity to do so.

Running from 10.30am until 4pm, the event is free to participate in after paying the usual admission fee. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote Join Esther Leigh Hollands at the Tonbridge Old Fire Station this evening, where she will be hosting an auction, an ale and gin tasting and a delicious BBQ to raise funds for her trek in Oman for the Breast cancer charity Coppafeel. For more details see www.coppafeel.org/join-team-boobs-in-oman Jazz on The Pantiles continues every Thursday evening through the summer. To make it a really special event, why not try the exclusive menu offered by One Warwick Park Hotel before the music gets underway? Between 12noon and 7pm you can enjoy one course for £10, two courses for £15 and three courses for £20, including a large glass of house wine. Or you can sip your favourite wine or cocktail in the hotel’s lounge bar, which is offering 2 for 1 on all drinks every Thursday between 5pm and 7pm. See www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

>> THURSDAY Today there will be another chance for children to discover their wild side, courtesy of local nature expert Dr Ian Beavis. From 10.30am until 11.30am, there will be a Young Nature Hunters event on Tunbridge Wells Common open to all ages. This will be followed by a Mini Beast Safari – suitable for those aged six and upwards – from 2.30 until 4pm. The events are free but booking is essential. To secure your place, call 01892 554171 or email: museum@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk Join Borough Green Bowls Club as they play bowls on the SPELLBINDING! north lawn at Wizards, Magic beautiful Ightham & Monsters at Mote. If you enjoy a Groombridge round or two, or

>> FRIDAY More wildlife adventures can be found at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park today from 10am, courtesy of their Nest Building activity. Meet at the hub and one of the wardens

will help you look for birds nests, and tell you how you can encourage more of our feathered friends to build them in your own garden. It’s free to attend, but please reserve a place by emailing: steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Groombridge Place is still showcasing the summertime special Wizards, Magic & Monsters until Sunday [August 20]. Go along and meet the colourful characters of ‘olde Groombridge’, hear their tales and see some of their magic tricks. To book, go to www.littleboxoffice.com/groombridge Luc Besson’s latest celluloid offering, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, is being screened at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-in

PICK OF THE WEEK Dino Live Royal Victoria Place Running every day until August 28 This month, Royal Victoria Place is home to the Dino Live exhibition. Visitors can walk around this interactive show and experience incredible life-size replicas of the creatures that first walked the Earth up close and personal. For little ones, there will also be the chance to have their photo take with a baby T-Rex and join a weekend Dino Draw workshop.

What’s On

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

winning musicians are back with a brand new show for 2017, combining world-class live jazz and narration for a unique evening’s entertainment.

Tickets cost £29 for sheltered seating and £18 for grass seats. To book, see www.heverfestival.co.uk SCI-FRI Catch Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets at The Hop Farm drive-in cinema Cinema every evening from tonight until August 24 at 9pm. Based on the French sci-fi comic strip Valerian and Laureline, it stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Clive Owen, Rutger Hauer and Ethan Hawke. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. For more information, see www.moonlightcinema.com >> SATURDAY Biddenden’s Tractorfest is on all weekend. Taking place at Beech Lane Field, there will be tractors old and new as well as lots of horticultural machinery, classic cars, animals and craft and refreshment stalls. The event is fun for all the family. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4 for children. For more information, see www.tractorfest.co.uk The Artful Ladies Exhibition starts today and illustrates the work of two members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society. On daily from 10.30am until 4.30pm at 61 The Pantiles, the show, which includes encaustic wax art demos, is free to attend, and you can buy some of the work. >> SUNDAY For this weekend only, witness the Royals vs Rebels as The Knights of Royal England continue their annual jousting tournaments at Hever Castle.

Ticket prices start at £14.20 (adults) and a family ticket costs £38.90. Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk If you fancy making a day and night of it at Hever, then why not book tickets to see The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars concert this evening? Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, the award-

>> MONDAY Bewl Water’s popular children’s camps are on once again for the summer holidays. So if you find it a challenge to keep your little ones occupied, then this club really steps it up a gear courtesy of its exciting outdoor activities aimed to keep youngsters fit and entertained and help them make new friends. Running on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays until September 1, activities include bike riding, nature hunts, walks, Mini Rover safaris, and sports and games such as rounders, Frisbee and Laser Tag Challenge. Full day activities run from 8.30am until 5pm and cost from £37 per child. Half-day activities run from 8.30am until 1pm and cost £19.50 per child. For further information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk >> TUESDAY Hildenborough Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday from 9am until 11 am at St John’s Church Centre. As well as a great selection of fresh local produce stalls, during the holidays there’s also the chance to participate in some crafts, as well as a Cooking for Kids event, where young visitors can make something different each week. See page 12. For more information, call 01732 838903, or visit www.hildenboroughfarmersmarket.co.uk The Springlines exhibition continues at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery – a show inspired by the drought of 2012. Writer Clare Best and artist Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis went in search of bodies of water that are ‘concealed, forgotten or overlooked.’ They discovered all manner of dew ponds, chalk springs, ancient wells and old clay pits, not to mention lots of wildlife, mythology and the ‘variety and vitality’ water offers. For more details, see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

FEATURES

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A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music

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

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites: www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

SATURDAY New Old World, Sarah Tonin, We Are Bandicoot

WEDNESDAY Mike Wilton, Sean Manuel, Will Watson, The Frampton Sisters FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SATURDAY Hard Lines SUNDAY Emanuel Fanthome-Hodgson, Rachael Stalker, Midnight River Crew, Megan Jordan TUESDAY Imy Laurie, William Thomas, Duke Lloyd, Luke Jackson WEDNESDAY Faded Shades, Painting Box, Peter Mercer

TOAD ROCK RETREAT 1 Upper Street, Rusthall, open all day, free entry, music from 7pm till 9pm

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM For event information, and to book tickets, visit www.twforum.co.uk

TUESDAY Blues With Bottle Club: Debbie Bond, Radiator Rick THE KING WILLIAM IV Pembury, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

SATURDAY Duvet Dogs THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mt Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

SATURDAY Woodface

WEDNESDAY Word Up presents: Buddy Wakefield, David Smith and the Word Up! (poetry) Slam SATURDAY The Pillows, Run Leia Run, Raised By Raptors, Twin Kimble, Ryan Harborne DJ set SUNDAY Unfest Sunday Sessions: (1pm start) Tunbridge Wells Pride WEDNESDAY Wolf Alice

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Rd, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late. More information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk

THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm. Website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

SATURDAY Ryan Weeks THE SUSSEX ARMS Sussex Mews, music from 8pm till late visit www.twforum.co.uk for more information

FRIDAY Palmreader, Operation Kino, Human Error

SATURDAY Spoilage THE PANTILES BANDSTAND The Pantiles, donations welcome, jazz night from 7pm

THURSDAY Clave 32

MONDAY TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High Street, Tonbridge, 8-11pm Hat take (£7 recommended). www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Tonic

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

Elder steals in as Angels display early promise Tonbridge Angels 1 Hendon 0

By James Rowe FOOTBALL: FOR the fourth season in a row, Angels manager Steve McKimm maintained his run of opening day victories with a narrow win over visitors Hendon in the Bostik League Premier Division, formerly known as the Ryman Premier.

Over the 90 minutes the home side just about deserved the three points against a hard-working opposition, showing more potency up front.

The combined efforts of their two big strikers

Dan Thompson and Nathan Elder proved to be effective, while Hendon could not quite find the same rhythm.

The first half was a fairly even affair and although Hendon had perhaps the two clearest chances through Zak Joseph and Keagan Cole, Angels were more influential in the final third.

In particular the crossing of Luke Blewden and Tommy Whitnell proved a regular threat to the Greens’ defence.

It seemed that the deadlock would finally be ­broken in the 56th minute with the award of a ­penalty to the visitors following a foul by full-back Liam Smith.

But Hendon’s Joseph proceeded to smash the

spot-kick against the crossbar and it bounced away harmlessly for a goal-kick.

The only goal of the game arrived in the 77th minute when a great lay-off from Thompson to Jey Siva allowed the full-back to send in a cross.

‘I’m very pleased with the three points and the clean sheet against a good Hendon side’ Elder just managed to get in front of Arthur Lee and produced a touch that beat Greens’ goalkeeper Tom Lovelock.

There was evidence to suggest that Lee had ­ ctually made the final touch but Elder claimed a the strike.

Hendon tried their best to get on level terms but the Tonbridge defence, led by captain Sonny Miles, stood its ground.

Manager McKimm said: “I’m very pleased with the three points and the clean sheet against a good Hendon side.”

He added: “They caused a few problems in the first half with the pace of their wing play but we dealt with that.

“Apart from the Ebbsfleet friendly that was our most promising performance basically because players followed instructions.”

Rustics show they can hold their own with the two Dans ensuring debut win Sheppey United 1 Rusthall 2

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: AFTER the disappointment of their midweek defeat in the FA Cup replay Rusthall faced a daunting away game at one of the favourites for the Premier Division title, Sheppey United, in their opening league game in the top flight.

But after an early setback the visitors proved that they should be able to compete comfortably at this level and are capable of holding their own following promotion last season.

The Rustics were without several regulars including skipper John Sinclair and Joe Fuller, with defender Luke Wright making his Rusthall debut.

Not surprisingly the home side made a strong start in front of their 200-strong vocal support and took the lead on nine minutes, Dan Bradshaw finishing well.

Luke Stratford was forced off with a groin injury midway through the first half and was replaced by Calum Gallie.

Rusthall began to take hold of the midfield and on 38 minutes the home crowd were stunned when Rusthall grabbed an equaliser. Sheppey’s keeper Jordan Carey made a mistake and Dan Powell was on hand to make it 1-1.

The second half was just two minutes old when the Rustics went ahead through central defender Dan Mitchell, who was the scorer at Hounslow in midweek.

DANGER MAN Joe Nwoko prepares to unleash a shot

Young Bartlett unleashes screamer after ex-keeper keeps Wells at bay Tunbridge Wells 1 Lordswood 1

CLOSE CONTROL Dan Powell levelled the scores

This appeared to rock the home side, and Andy Constable had a great chance to increase the visitors’ lead soon after.

Sheppey worked hard to get back into the game but Rusthall showed great spirit and determination and restricted the

By Scott Bartlett

home side to long-range efforts which did not trouble the Rusthall’s Callum Christie.

Next up for the Rustics is another away game, at Croydon tonight (Wednesday).

There is no game at the weekend when the next round of the FA Cup is contested.

HOUNSLOW END CUP HOPES Rusthall’s debut season in the FA Cup ended when they were beaten 2-1 in the Extra Preliminary Round replay at CB Hounslow’s brand new Green Lane Ground.

On the night the home side were too good for the Rustics. They took the lead on 19

minutes when Gabriel Chedozie headed in from a corner on the left.

Rusthall somehow managed to equalise on 34 minutes, central defender Dan Mitchell rising superbly to head home a free-kick launched into the box.

Hounslow regained the lead on the hour when Kyell Henry curled a superb free-kick around the wall from outside the area.

Drew Crush came close to equalising with four minutes left with a shot from 25 yards that Terry Buss pushed over the crossbar.

FOOTBALL: A WONDER strike from one of their most talented youngsters, Rhys Bartlett, ensured a 1-1 draw for Tunbridge Wells in their opening league fixure against Lordswood.

Manager Jason Bourne made three changes from last weekend’s FA Cup winning side with Bartlett, Joe Nwoko and John Shea coming in.

Lordswood started the brighter, playing a very direct style and looking to get their pacey forward line in behind the Wells defence.

Wells gradually came into the game and began creating all the chances with Steven Ita and Bartlett ­delivering from the wings.

Nwoko should have given Wells the lead on 31 minutes but his shot inched past the post.

After being in control of the game Wells found themselves 1-0 down after 34 minutes when the referee

awarded a penalty to Lordswood.

Goalkeeper Chris Oladogba had come out to clear a hopeful long ball but was deemed to have made contact with the onrushing striker.

Jordan Wells stepped up to score.

After the break several more home opportunities were well saved by the former Wells keeper Ryan Chandler, who had an inspired performance.

But Wells found the equaliser that their performance had deserved in the 64th minute when 17-year-old Bartlett picked the ball up on the left before cutting in and unleashing a shot from 25 yards that flew into the top right-hand corner.

Shea was impressive alongside Brad Potter at the heart of the Wells defence, not letting Lordswood get a sight of goal.

Wells will now turn their attentions to Saturday’s FA Cup tie, a home fixture against CB Hounslow, who defeated neighbours Rusthall in a replay in midweek.

Sporting Times

Wednesday August 16 | 2017

EAGER IN RIGA (Back row, l-r) Charlie Bell, Will Crowder, Jared Lane, Josh Smith; (front) Justin Robinson, Andrew Sillitoe, Danny Martin and Mark Duffy

NEWS

63

Cruisers show quality on international stage INLINE HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Cruisers started their new season by overcoming high-class opposition to win the Jurmala Open in Latvia.

The competition included the Latvian champions, Riga, who consisted of mainly professional ice hockey players who play the roller blade version during the off-season.

The Cruisers, who celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, impressed the locals with their style of play.

They competed well in the early stages, winning two and losing two, finishing third in the group.

This meant the English representatives

faced a rematch against the tournament f­ avourites, Jelgava, in the last four.

The semi-final started with great intensity. Cruisers implemented different tactics which produced an early goal from veteran player Andrew Sillitoe, scoring between the legs of the net-minder.

The Cruisers, who also looked strong defensively, scored further goals through Charlie Bell, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Josh Martin, and new signing Justin Robinson.

The result was a comprehensive 4-0 victory and a shut-out for Mark Duffy, who was named as best goalkeeper in the tournament.

The final against hosts Riga was a closer affair but the Cruisers won 3-2 to record their first international victory at Elite Level since 1999 – when they beat Dusseldorf Rams in the European C ­ hampionships final.

“We have always competed to win, it’s in the DNA of the Cruisers,” says Sillitoe, who first played for the club as an Under-12 in 1987.

“On play-offs day we felt we could dig deep and get a victory, despite having lost to Jelgava 4-2 in the round robin.

“I am so pleased for the lads, especially the younger players who really stepped up and showed their talent.”

Wells run out of steam while rivals Vine edge past leaders

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: THE endangered Tunbridge Wells flagship XI played out a close, nerve-wracking game at Blackheath’s Rectory Field and fell short by a fine margin of seven runs, leaving their Premier Division status in a precarious position.

On a wicket which tends to favour bowlers, Wells were guilty of giving away 37 extras column, of which 25 were wides – meaning an extra four overs for the hosts.

Wells won the toss and inserted Blackheath, but conditions favoured the batsmen initially as the score moved steadily towards three figures following the loss of two early wickets.

Richard Fleming (20) assisted Tanweer Sikandar (31) during a third-wicket partnership worth 58, setting up what look to be a challenging score.

Already, three wide balls eluded the keeper and sped to the fence, yielding five runs apiece.

Then Chris Williams had Sikandar caught behind, and Nick Sale dismissed Fleming straight after, to change the complexion of the scoreboard.

There were contributions down the order but the

return of the opening bowlers kept the momentum with the visitors and wickets fell regularly.

Mehdi Abbas (19) and Jahid Ahmed (20) did their best to stretch the target, but Blackheath were all out for 173 in 48.1 overs with extras top-scoring.

Six wickets were shared by the openers Alex Williams (3 for 39) and Smith (3 for 26), which bore witness to a strong fightback from the visitors.

Nick Sale was also outstanding with 2 for 26 from his 10 overs, while Marcus O’Riordan’s off-spin was similarly parsimonious.

Initiative The reply was based around the fourth successive Kent League half-century from opener Chris Williams. His 53 came off 76 balls with seven fours.

A third wicket stand of 52 with his brother Alex, the captain, took the total up to a promising 102 for 2. But this solid building work was undone, as it had been for the hosts earlier.

The Blackheath bowlers seized back the initiative, led by Jahid Ahmed’s burst of 4 for 32, which broke the vital stand and ripped out the middle order in the space of 11 deliveries.

Addison spell makes sure Park remain clear of relegation zone CRICKET:

LINDEN PARK managed a narrow victory over high-flying hosts Bromley Common in Kent League Division One to keep themselves out of trouble near the bottom of the table.

After choosing to bat first they raised 252 for 6 thanks to contributions from Scott Newman, with 60 off just 64 balls, and an unbeaten 74 from wicketkeeper and captain Ben Leale-Green.

Despite Mark Solway’s 81 and all the top eight making a start, the reply faltered on 236, 16 runs adrift with seven balls left. Ryan Addison picked up 4 for 46 to ensure the victory.

In Division Four Tonbridge were edged out of a tight encounter with Minster from ­Sheppey and remain one place off the bottom. The hosts were restricted to 124 in 44.2 overs and the islanders responded with 127 for 8 from 48.2 overs.

Cowdrey achieved a narrow winning draw against Old Colfeians at Swanmead. Jack Southwart opened with 72 to help forge a total of 208 for 9.

OC had reached 206 for 8 when their 50 overs elapsed. Akbar Mohammad picked up 3 for 44, while Nicholas Farr (3 for 95) was expensive for his clutch of victims.

The youthful combination of Marcus O’Riordan (23) and Charlie Russell-Vick took back control to add a crucial 41 for the seventh wicket before the home attack made a decisive triple strike.

Wells were now nine down with 16 needed. ­Russell-Vick (22 not out) bravely steered the lastwicket stand ever nearer, but a run-out ended the visitors’ hopes at 166 all out off 44.5 overs.

There was more bad news when it was revealed that Sevenoaks Vine had pulled off a remarkable victory over Premier Division leaders Bexley, sneaking home by one wicket at Manor Way. In another low-scoring encounter Bexley were restricted to 155, Lorne Burns taking 4 for 29.

But the Vine overhauled their target on 160 for 9 off the last ball of the innings with Oliver Howick (44 not out) striking a six to win the match.

Wells remain in eighth place in the table, with a cushion of 12 points over their Sevenoaks rivals in the relegation zone.

It may well go down to the wire on September 2 before the side to be relegated alongside Holmesdale is known. First up is a crucial encounter with a strong Sandwich Town, who are in third place and have title-winning ambitions of their own.

Seconds maintain their title challenge CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Second XI kept their title hopes well and truly alive with a 55-run victory over Dartford at the Nevill.

The Seconds are currently sitting on top of their Premier Division, 11 points ahead of their most likely rivals Sandwich Town.

Sam Stickler hit 65 as the home side posted 224 for 7, then Jamie Baldwin stole in with 3 for 23, including the crucial wicket of Joel Constant (40).

Dartford were restricted to 169 for 9 in reply, but like their brethren in the First XI, Wells were guilty of leaking extras with abandon and conceded 34 including 28 wides.

IN THE FRAME (L-R) Natalie Adams, photo bomber Andrew Adams and Su Bonner

Adams’ consistency and strength prevail in Edenbridge Sprint TRIATHLON:

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Triathlon Club enjoyed podium success at the VO2 Edenbridge Sprint Triathlon.

Competitors faced a 400m pool swim, an ­undulating 20km bike course around the Kent-­ Surrey border and a fast two-lap run to finish.

Natalie Adams (F45) was first female in 1hr 30min with Su Bonner not far behind as first F50. Adams capitalised on a strong swim and consistent bike leg before extending her lead on the run.

Beula Clarkson (F30), Andrew Adams (M50) and Stephen Dunkerly (M50) were all well positioned within their Age Groups.

John Fuller (M40) ­completed the Iron-distance Aqua Bike at the Midnightman Triathlon in ­Dartford. Setting off at 6pm, competitors raced through the night to complete the epic endurance challenge under the cover of darkness.

Fuller completed the 3.8km swim in 1:37 before setting off on the 180km bike leg. The 20-lap course featured multiple ‘dead turns’, causing riders to lose momentum before an energy sapping acceleration to pull away again.

Fuller produced a strong ride to finish in 8:14, placing third overall in this discipline.