Times of Tonbridge 18th April 2018

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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INSIDE PURR-FECT TRIBUTE Plaque unveiled at station in memory of Sapphie Page 2

BANK HOLIDAY HELL English Civil War battle to be re-enacted in town Page 2

FLYING SQUAD: PC Melissa Day apprehends a swan who was holding up traffic in North Tonbridge and places him in custody in the back of the patrol car. See page 2

Labour Chairman stands down over row about anti-semitism in the party

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE chairman of the Tonbridge & Malling Constituency Labour Party [CLP] has stepped down from the post in protest at anti-semitism within the party.

Euan Philipps has become one of the leading figures in the fight against anti-Jewish racism on the left and has reported thousands of examples to Labour’s disciplinary panel.

He was appointed local party chairman last July and said he ‘felt very proud of the role’.

Four months earlier, in March 2017, he was instrumental in setting up the campaign group Labour Against Anti-semitism [LAAS].

Now he has written to party leader Jeremy Corbyn notifying him of his decision to step down because of a lack of action to stamp out the problem.

LAAS identifies perceived incidences of anti-semitism by Labour members and has passed on up to

12,000 instances involving 1,200 party members to the party’s Compliance Unit.

The 39-year-old communications manager, who lives near Larkfield, has described the situation on social media as a ‘cesspit’ and says he has a backlog of reports about more than 1,000 other members.

Mr Corbyn has come under increasing pressure to accept the existence of a widespread problem within

‘You allow the most pernicious and vile hatred to continue in your name. You do nothing’ the party and take decisive disciplinary action.

Earlier this month a borough council candidate in Tunbridge Wells, Roy Smart, was found to have posted antisemitic content on his Facebook page.

Mr Philipps wrote to Mr Corbyn saying that he had taken up the chairmanship because he ‘optimisti-

cally believed that further steps would be made by you and by the Labour Party to tackle and eradicate what was already a growing and concerning issue within some elements of our party: anti-semitism’.

He added: “Unfortunately, the last few weeks have shown that optimism to have been wildly misplaced.

“I do not believe that you are committed to tackling racial discrimination in our party and I cannot support you as the leader of our party.

“The time for words has long passed, yet words are all you continue to offer, while you allow the most pernicious and vile hatred to continue in your name.

You denounce, but in truth you do nothing.

“I now believe that not only are you and your leadership team guilty of failing to deal with this antisemitism crisis, but that there is an institutional racism embedded within our entire Labour movement.”

His successor at the CLP, Vice-Chair Mary Arigho,

Continued on page 2

DRAGON DEFEATED

Inclusive theatre group aims to reach everyone Page 53

BEST BY A DISTANCE Another national success for cross-country team Page 71

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Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Civil war breaks out in town again as battle of Hilden Bridge returns

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

PAWS FOR REFLECTION: The plaque on platform three outside the office where Sapphie used to nap

Plaque unveiled in memory of Sapphie the cat A PLAQUE has been installed at Tonbridge Station in memory of the much-loved station cat Sapphie, who passed away last month from cancer.

The tribute was erected by Southeastern staff on platform three, outside the station master’s office where the piebald liked to sleep.

Giving the 10-year-old her full name, the tribute reads ‘In Loving Memory of Sapphire, Tonbridge Station cat 2007-18’ and is signed ‘Love always, Tonbridge staff xx’.

It includes a poem by an anonymous writer: “If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, we’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.”

The memorial was paid for out of funds raised by a crowdfunding campaign to pay for her vets’ bills, which raised more than £500.

The remainder will be donated to charities that fight FAREWELL: Sapphie looks out of her favourite office window animal cruelty.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

THE Battle of Tonbridge, a furious skirmish during the English Civil War, will be re-enacted next month over the Bank Holiday weekend.

On May 5-6, the Tonbridge Town Team will join forces with the English Civil War Society, the Borough Council and sponsor Graham John to recreate the febrile events of July 1643.

The engagement actually began in Sevenoaks, where some 4,000 men branded ‘rebels’ were set to march on Tonbridge – many to settle old scores.

Thomas Weller, a Parliamentarian who lived on Bordyke – in what is now known as Priory House or The Red House – had been recruited to collect tax to support the Roundhead cause but he was taken captive in Sevenoaks after confronting ‘villains, more like madd dogs then men’.

Liberated However, the leader of the rebel uprising, known as Gransden, was seemingly consumed by a fit of remorse and released him.

Yet when Weller returned to Tonbridge he found his house was being raided; having persuaded the armed marauders to leave, they returned the next day and stormed his home once more.

He managed to hide ‘a great deal of the Parliament money’ by burying it in his garden. But the rebels returned yet again the following day and ransacked his possessions.

Eventually, 2,000 Parliamentary troops ‘liberated’ Tonbridge, led by Colonel Richard Browne.

POLICE were mobilised in the north of the town last week after a swan occupied the road and held up traffic in Three Elm Lane.

The arresting officer detailed the incident on Instagram and Kent Police reported the incident on its Facebook page: “Our patrols in Tonbridge were deployed to Three Elm Lane earlier today after receiving a report that a ‘suspect’ with a long slender neck was endangering road users.

“Police Constables Melissa Day and Hollie Sipple attended the scene and found a swan in the carriageway of Three Elm Lane.”

SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650

expressed her shock at his decision and the manner in which he announced it.

“It was a complete surprise as he did not inform the Executive Committee of his decision, as is the correct procedure,” she said. “Instead, he chose to email his resignation to members.”

Ms Arigho added: “The Labour Party does not condone anti-semitism and our new General Secretary [Jennie Formby, appointed on March 20] has pledged to eradicate it where it exists.

“However, we are also concerned that legitimate criticism of the current regime in Israel is not conflated with anti-semitism for political ends.”

Many members of the Labour movement have claimed that they are being accused of antisemitism when they are simply expressing criticism of Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.

Mr Philipps, who writes for the news website Huffington Post, has said of this difficult relationship: “Groups like Jewish Voice for Labour who promote the ‘Anti-Zionism is not anti-semitism’ lie (for what is denial of a

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

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Musketeers will open fire and Royalist pikemen will attack to rout Weller’s soldiers, though he will return with the London Trayned Bandes.

A Roundhead camp and village will be set up on Castle Lawn, and there will be displays by the Royalist cannon crew, pikemen and musketeers.

Rawdon’s Regiment will be using costumes, weapons, and equipment of museum-quality with a value of around £40,000.

There will be a lecture about the development of the British soldier from Elizabethan part-time militia to the Redcoats at the end of the 17th century.

There will also be a pike drill for children and quizzes each day, with prizes to be won.

The report added: “Not frightened of having their feathers ruffled, the two officers calmly escorted the confused bird into the back of their patrol car before safely reuniting it with its friends and family in a nearby field.”

In a scene reminiscent of the film Hot Fuzz, it is understood that the creature was seen ‘swanning around’ the vicinity, and was merely ‘taking a gander’ at the neighbourhood.

Officers decided against hauling the swan up in front of the ‘beak’ because there was no indication of fowl play, so he will have to do any ‘bird’.

PECKING ORDER PCs Melissa Day (left) and Hollie Sipple detain the errant swan in Three Elm Lane

‘It’s frightening. It really should concern everyone who believes in democracy and the future of our country’ Continued from page 1

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

The only significant opposition they met was at Hilden Bridge on the outskirts of the town.

A ‘very hot fight’ ensued, lasting three hours against some 500 or 600 rebels.

The castle itself, which was owned by Weller, was not attacked, though the Roundhead garrison wreaked havoc in the grounds.

Later Weller was ordered to put the castle beyond military use by dismantling its defences.

A timetable of events has been mapped out for both days of the re-enactment. The Royalists will muster outside Weller’s house on Bordyke before marching down the High Street, then up Castle Street to attack the gatehouse.

You’re necked: Why did the swan cross the road?

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PIKE DREAMS Modern day Royalists and Roundheads fight it out

people’s homeland, if not intrinsically hateful?) are courted and validated by senior party figures such as [union leader] Len McCluskey and Jeremy Corbyn himself.”

He adds that Jewish groups are struggling to

keep up with the scale of anti-Jewish sentiment on social media platforms ‘which is where Labour Against Anti-semitism does most of its work. In fact, it’s a cesspit’.

Mr Philipps told the Times: “We are absolutely horrified by the amount of racist content we were seeing online in Labour-orientated Facebook groups, and the growing prominence of people with extremely anti-semitic views within the party structure.

“It’s become institutional, by which I mean anti-semitism can be found embedded in every part of the Labour movement, and the processes for dealing with it have effectively failed so it is actually getting worse.

“What we’re witnessing is quite frightening really. It should concern everyone who believes in democracy and the future of our country.”

He believes a new level of oversight must be brought in to adjudicate on all the complaints.

“The whole process around resolving this issue is simply not fit for purpose,” he says.

“An independent body needs to be brought in to provide a robust, fair process that everyone can have confidence in.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Family businesses to be honoured at the awards

People who run family companies now have the chance to win a top honour at this year’s Times Business Awards… but they must move quickly.

The category of Family Business of the Year has been added to the list in response to reader requests. It is being sponsored by Childrensalon.

Editorial Director Richard Moore said : “Those who want to enter this category must show how the company is set up and which family members are involved. They must also demonstrate the financial success of the business.”

Full details of the June 13 gala night, where awards will be presented by TV personality Michael Portillo, can be found on pages 8 and 9.

Rail timetable changes MAJOR changes to Southeastern railway timetables will not largely impact on passengers in West Kent.

The eastern part of the county will bear the brunt of modifications which will begin on May 20, with a greater overall number of services into London.

Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge residents shall not see any services lost. But as a knock on effect, some train times are likely to be lost.

For more information and timetables see www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

New date for kart race hit by series of ‘unfortunate events’

By Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ORGANISERS of the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race in Dunorlan Park have been forced to set a new date after a number of ‘unfortunate events’.

The family day, that is expected to attract thousands of visitors, will now take place on Saturday, June 16 instead of May 5.

Organisers said the events were ‘totally beyond’ their control and included three bereavements within their team, which put the schedule under enormous pressure.

There were also adjustments that needed to be made to the racetrack, following the bad weather in March.

The council has now signed off the new date.

Call for quiet motorway TONBRIDGE MP Tom Tugendhat has joined Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in calling for a‘quiet road surface’ to be laid on the M20.

Highways England is resurfacing the motorway between junctions 3 and 5, near to West Malling, which has led to a number of trees being cut down.

The Tory MPs have called on the authority to complete the works using a surface that will not make such a noise when cars drive over it.

DRIVETIME The race will now be held in June

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Organiser Nicole Piesse-Turner said: “Sadly, we have had a number of bereavements in our event team which meant delays to our heavy schedule in the run up to the original May date.

“Two of these bereavements I experienced personally and my dealing with the Hospice in the Weald, one of our chosen charities, has become all the more real through both these experiences.

“The care they provide for end of life is truly invaluable.”

Garry Jefferey, founder and organiser, added: “We are looking forward to delivering a really exciting and exhilarating family day for Tunbridge Wells - this extra time will ensure it’s the perfect event it deserves to be.

“There were also other factors including re-structuring of the track following the bad weather in March which has benefited from the postponement.

“All of our racers are gearing up for the new June races and tickets are going on sale soon.

A big thank you to all our supporters!”

Cheers to one of the oldest pubs in town Equality party urges police to tackle their gender pay gap

Good companion search THE Good Companions Club will be entertained by the poet Martin Silvester at its next meeting on Monday, May 14 in the New Telegraph Club in Tonbridge.

The club, which offers monthly social events for elderly residents, is currently seeking to recruit new officers.

If you are interested contact Chairman, Jan Powis, on [01732] 355676 or email gcctonbridge@gmail.com

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MAKING A PINT Staff at The George with their CAMRA award

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk KEEPING prices low and offering good local beer has helped one of the oldest pubs in Tunbridge Wells to win a top award.

The George was last week named West Kent Pub of the Year by Campaign For Real Ale [CAMRA], just two years after being taken over and revamped.

Paul Fillis, Manager of the Mount Ephraim pub, said: “Winning is fantastic for us and we are so pleased to get this as we are just coming up to our second birthday.

“We deal with independent breweries as much as we can and customers like to know they are supporting local beer. They produce much nicer beers than the national companies.”

The George opened in 1739 and was taken over by Richard Simm and Jason Dormon in 2016. They also

own The Ragged Trousers and Sussex Arms, which are both on The Pantiles.

The pub has undergone several name changes and was last known as TN4 before being given back its old name.

Another feature of the pub is that they make some of the beer they sell.

Font Hill Brewing Company is directly beneath The George and their first brew, an American amber ale called Beta, has been on sale since Christmas.

Thriving Co-Owner Richard Simm said: “I have to say hats off to my staff, there are about ten working here.

“It is about keeping up with what is going on [in the wider scene] and keeping prices as low as possible.

“There is a saying that you never own a pub and that you just look after it. We are the latest in a long line.”

THE Leader of the national Women’s Equality Party has called on Kent Police to tackle their gender pay gap.

Sophie Walker visited Tunbridge Wells on Saturday to support colleague Liz Orr, who is standing for Culverden ward in May’s borough council elections.

Kent Police recorded a median pay gap between men and women of 27.5 per cent, which was the second highest of the 44 forces to release figures earlier this month.

Ms Walker told the Times this issue is proving one of the party’s biggest talking points on the doorstep.

“It is outrageous that in 2018 we have this, but it is not a surprise,” she said.

“How can you expect the police force to be treating the community fairly if it does not treat its own staff fairly?

“On the council we would look to pressure the police on this.”

Kent Police has previously defended their policies, saying that staff in each position are paid the same, regardless of gender.

But this has led to criticism that there are not enough women in top police roles.

The Women’s Equality Party, which founded in 2015, is standing 31 local election candidates across the UK in the polls on May 3.

Ms Orris is their only Tunbridge Wells Borough Council election candidate.

For a full list of election candidates visit www.theknow.guide and search the news tab.

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Parade marks centenary of the death of war hero

Mount Pleasant Road was closed off as scouts, guides and army groups marched alongside Town Hall for the address.

For his leadership and bravery, he won the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross Dignitaries, including Mayor Julia Soyke, David Wakefield, President of Royal British Legion for Tunbridge Wells and Major David Joyce, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, laid wreaths next to the paving stone.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military award and has been presented to 1,355 soldiers since being established in 1856.

HOW HE WON THE VICTORIA CROSS

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A COMMEMORATIVE paving stone has been laid at Tunbridge Wells War Memorial in memory of First World War hero Major Eric Dougall VC MC. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount Philip De L’Isle, led a ceremony on Saturday [April 14] to mark the 100th anniversary of his death.

Major Dougall was born and raised in Tun-

bridge Wells and attended Tonbridge School.

He served in the Royal Field Artillery in the First World War. For his leadership and bravery, he won the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross. He was killed in action in Belgium, on April 14, 1918, aged 32.

The stone was laid as part of the Government’s First World War Centenary Campaign which has seen the paving stones laid at the birth towns of Victoria Cross recipients.

ERIC DOUGALL was an Acting Captain in the Special Reserve attached to A Battery, 88th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery.

Born in Tunbridge Wells in 1886, he spent his childhood years in Upper Grosvenor Road and was a pupil at Tonbridge School.

As the British line was withdrawing at Messines (near Ypres), Belgium, on April 10, 1918, Captain Dougall ran his guns up to the top of the ridge in order to hold back the enemy.

He and his men managed to maintain the line throughout the day, thus delaying the German advance by more than 12 hours.

When his battery was finally ordered to withdraw, the guns were dragged by hand under machine-gun fire for more than half a mile of shell-cratered land.

Four days later, Captain Dougall was killed instantly while directing an assault on Mont Kemmel during the Battle of Bailleul.

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Community day inspired artist to adopt water and wind theme THREE boulder-like sculptures in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park have turned heads and raised debate since being unveiled last week.

Zephyr, works created by artist Richard Perry, cost £17,500 and were paid for in funds secured

by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as part of a Section 106 agreement whereby developers make a contribution to the community.

Since the Times published the exclusive on Wednesday [April 12], followers on social media have questioned the design of the work and the amount of money it cost.

Artworks Carolyn Gray, Committee Member of Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, played a role in choosing Zephyr. This week the Times gave her the opportunity to share her thoughts.

“I’m speaking personally as one member of Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, as I have been quite involved in the two community artworks along the cycle route that passes through the park. The metal trees at Dowding Way I have been less involved in.

“The aim of the commission of art along the cycle route was to add interest to the route, and each piece related to the history of the location, and included community art days, and a public voting process.

“The project was part of Section 106 money, and

ROCKING Two of the pieces of art the developer also gave money which assisted with the bid for Heritage Lottery funding to restore and improve the park. Section 106 money legally has to be used for capital projects.

“This final piece (Zephyr) was proposed to be by Goods Station Road. However, circumstances have meant the piece is in the midst of the park, and no longer inspired by Tunbridge ware, as when commissioned. A community art day in the park lead artist Richard Perry to adopt a water

AND ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW… READERS have been quick to react to the unveiling of the art work. Penelope Lawson-Graves was among those who wrote to the Times: “After 35 years of walking dogs in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, I thought I had seen it all. After the very expensive “Artwork” on top of the hub, which if people do notice it is taken to be an air vent, the walkway over the wetlands where we lucky folk can gaze at opaque orange water filled with litter, and the cycle track around the Wetlands which designates that speeding bikes pass on the same side as unwary souls sit, along comes The Rock.

“Clearly, we happy band of philistines, who were told that there was no available cash fora couple of extra bins for dog waste and litter, are somewhat put out. In the last few days, I have seen a lot of dogs lifting their legs up against the “Artwork” – well, everyone’s a critic.” and wind theme.

“Now the sculpture is in place it’s been amazing how many people were unaware of the whole cycle route art project, despite it having been shared across media over the past six years.”

To read fuller comments from Carolyn Gray visit www.theknow.guide and look under the ‘news’ tab.

Big name set to be latest in exodus from shopping centre BABY goods retailer Mothercare looks set to be the latest big name brand to leave Royal Victoria Place.

A sign reading ‘store closure sale, everything must go,’ can be seen outside the unit, which is near to the centre’s Sports Direct store.

Mothercare has not announced when the

closure will be or how many jobs could be affected.

The retailer has recently reported a 2.8 per cent fall in like-for-like sales over the past 12 weeks, as their online sales rose 2.1 per cent.

Royal Victoria Place has seen an exodus of

leading firms, including H&M, who closed their kids-wear store in January.

The BHS shop also remains empty, with the company having gone bust in 2016.

The Times contacted Mothercare’s head office but no response has been received.

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Semi-pedestrianised zone wins support from council’s Cabinet THE idea to create another semi-pedestrianised section in Tunbridge Wells town centre has received a further vote of support.

As part of a proposed £1.3million scheme, traffic could be restricted from driving between Monson Road [just after Blacks’ shop] to the traffic lights at Cote Brasserie on Mount Pleasant.

The borough council’s Cabinet last week passed the draft motion included in their Public Realm Phase 2 plan.

Gary Stevenson, Head of the council’s Street Scene said the aim is to make the section ‘more pedestrian friendly’.

Between 9am and 6pm, only buses, taxis, cyclists and cars requiring access would be allowed to pass along the section.

Connectivity It could follow the road along Fiveways, past Royal Victoria Place, in being semipedestrianised.

Public Realm Phase 2 also proposes a narrowing of Mount Pleasant and creating a paved square area in front of the War Memorial, with steps installed.

A council report states: “The potential of this space to act as a functioning public space is currently constrained in a number of respects.

“Its heavy use as the town’s principal bus interchange clutters the space and restricts pedestrian movement.”

The council will work with County Hall to ‘develop a timetable to move through the detailed design process’. This is likely to involve a consultation and take several months.

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The doyen of Fleet Street who crossed swords with Maxwell

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Majority ‘now behind’ proposed action on professional begging applying a fine to someone who is homeless.

The council has clarified its stance and said only those begging who are judged to have refused all available help will be threatened with an order.

A related document states: “All persons are prohibited from approaching another person in order to beg and from sitting or loitering with any receptacle used to contain monies for the purpose of begging.

Fines PERCEPTIVE Ernie Burrington with his wife Nancy A MEMORIAL service will be held tomorrow [April 19] for the renowned newspaper editor Ernie Burrington, who lived in Tonbridge and has died at the age of 91 after a stroke.

It will take place at 11.30am at St Bartholomew The Great, West Smithfields in London.

Mr Burrington lived in Dene Court on Shipbourne Road in North Tonbridge with his wife Nancy and was a regular on the golf course at nearby Poult Wood.

His grandson, Thomas Burrington, said: “He loved the English countryside and the views from the window in Dene Park, where he owned an apartment.”

Mr Burrington held a number of posts within the Mirror Group and was eventually appointed Chairman. He often crossed swords with maverick media baron Robert Maxwell, who owned the group.

“My grandfather had been a close aide to Robert Maxwell and would often tell stories of the erratic behaviours of the newspaper tycoon,” said Mr Burrington.

‘On numerous occasions he was sacked by his boss’ “On numerous occasions he was sacked by his boss, only to get a call a day or so later asking: ‘Where the hell have you been?’ When he would explain he’d been fired, he’d get a response along the lines of, ‘What are you talking about?

Get back to the office right now’.”

He added: “When Maxwell died and his ransacking of Mirror pension funds was discovered, my grandfather was criticised as ‘carrying a limited measure of responsibility’.

“There was never a belief or indication he had played any part in the theft of funds, and it was later found that Maxwell had bugged his office to ensure he had no knowledge of the criminality which had been taking place.

“My grandfather informed the police as soon as he suspected the bugging and the devices were removed. He was cleared of any wrongdoing and proved essential to the investigations.”

Author and journalist Liz Hodgkinson recalled: “I first met Ernie when I was a young journalist on the Sunday People. From the start, Ernie encouraged my work and was receptive to my ideas.

“He was a highly talented, witty, entertaining, imaginative and perceptive journalist and editor and, by sheer brilliance, got to the top.

“Ernie was never a showy or egotistical editor but quietly got the best out of his staff.”

Mr Burrington and his son Peter were sports fanatics, but Peter wouldn’t let his father watch him play when he was a boy, so he would hide in woods and behind trees to see his son compete.

Mr Burrington’s later years involved going to watch Manchester United, a team followed by three generations of Burringtons, and playing golf at Poult Wood. His son Peter died in 2008.

He’s survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Jill, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

DISCRETION There will be a focus on helping those in need

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to crack down on professional begging now have the support of most residents, according to Tumbridge Wells Borough Council.

The authority’s Cabinet passed proposals to introduce Public Space Protection Orders in a meeting on Thursday [April 12].

If final approval is given, both council and police officers will be able to implement orders to address antisocial behaviour related to: Begging and rough sleeping, dog fouling, dog control, new psychoactive substances and playing of amplified music.

This could see a fixed penalty notice, to a maximum value of £100, given to those failing to comply with an order.

The Cabinet’s decision followed months of discussion, with some people raising objections about beggars being fined.

Plans for the orders were put to the public in a consultation. Council documents show 64 per cent of respondents were in favour of a need to ‘address antisocial behaviour associated with rough sleepers’, while 66 per cent were ‘in favour

of plans to address antisocial behaviour related to begging’.

Council Leader David Jukes said: “We have had overwhelming support. There has been a lot of consultation and it has been supportive of what we are doing.”

Previously, opposition councillor Peter Lidstone said he would ‘question the logic’ behind

“All persons are prohibited from sleeping rough in Tunbridge Wells town centre where there is associated antisocial behaviour.

“Discretion will apply where there is no associated antisocial behaviour or where the person is engaging with services.”

Terry Hughes, the council’s Community Safety Manager, has previously said the move was focused on helping those in need.

He explained that the emphasis is on stopping ‘professional begging’, and that fines would only be used as a ‘last resort’.

Cllr Jane March added: “I am glad that we made it clear about the discretion with rough sleeping, as that is something brought up in the Cabinet Advisory Board.”

Plans will go before next week’s Full Council meeting on April 25.

CLAMPDOWN Antisocial behaviour will also be targeted

The historic reason why new Bishop of Tonbridge serves Tunbridge Wells HE WILL be known as the Bishop of Tonbridge, but Simon Burton-Jones is just as passionate about serving Tunbridge Wells, the Church of England has said.

This is because the title is a historic one and his role, in practice, will see him as the number two to the Bishop of Rochester.

Married father-of-two Rev Burton-Jones, 55, told the Times last week that he is looking to help young people connect with the church ‘in a difficult and complicated age’.

He will be officially made bishop in a ceremony in July, but until then will continue his role as Archdeacon of Rochester.

Readers welcomed the appointment of FAN OF THE SIMPSONS the first Bishop of Rev Burton-Jones Tonbridge since

2015, but his title caused some to ask why Tonbridge has a bishop and Tunbridge Wells does not.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Rochester said: “The title Bishop of Tonbridge is a historic Church of England title given to the Suffragan (or assistant) Bishop within the Diocese of Rochester.

“While you can get Area and Suffragan Bishops in some dioceses who are attached to a specific area, in our context, this is not the case.

“Rather, the Bishop of Tonbridge will offer a supportive role to the Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff, across the entire geographical area of the diocese.”

The Diocese of Rochester covers the majority of West

Kent and extends towards Dartford and Bromley with Maidstone as the effective dividing line. East Kent is covered by the Diocese of Canterbury.

The spokesman continued: “Instead of working on a specific patch, he has been given oversight for certain areas of work.

“These are: Evangelism and growth, education, youth and children, and community engagement work of churches.

Candidate “He will also will chair the Diocesan Board of Education, supporting the work of the 89 Church of England schools within the Diocese.”

The Diocese was unable to say why Bishop of Tonbridge is the historic title, rather than any other town, but the tradition dates back decades.

Archdeacon Simon, a big fan of The Simpsons, has previously served in other roles across Kent.

He will take over from The Rt Rev Brian Castle, who retired in November 2015.

It is not uncommon for a diocese to take a longer period to find the most appropriate candidate for such a position.

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An award would show just how far our businesses have come People have just a few weeks left to enter for the Times Business Awards 2018, one of this year’s top social and networking events. Documentary presenter and former minister Michael Portillo will host the ceremony at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells on June 13. This week William Mata spoke to two firms hoping to win Associate Partner Ben Carey, told the Times they are committed to maintaining their office in Tunbridge Wells High Street, which has been the firm’s home since it launched in 1995.

“Tunbridge Wells is a good hub for small and medium businesses as we have got everything we need locally,” continued Mr Whitlock, who said the firm takes on a whole range of projects in locations across the south east.

“We are near to London, which is key for us, as we are involved in anything south of Watford.

London and Tunbridge Wells are our main areas.

“In the South East they value a local firm and it is work that will always need to be done. We have got a good relationship with networking groups.”

KNOW HOW John Whitlock [left] with Ben Carey and Michael O’Rourke

Projects

Refreshed firm builds success COMPANY: DMP-LLP CATEGORIES: Business Person of the Year [for Managing Partner John Whitlock] and Best Business for 1-25 Employees TAKING over the running of an established firm can be a daunting prospect, but for John Whitlock it was an opportunity to extend the appeal and the reach of DMP-LLP. In taking over from the founders Andy Cackett and John Moat to become Managing Partner in 2013, Mr Whitlock took the opportunity to rebrand and launch a new website.

But despite their growth, the personal touch and customer focus is ‘at the centre’ of all things the chartered building surveyors and project consultancy firm do.

Mr Whitlock described the firm as a ‘one stop shop’, which provides architectural services,

building surveying, project management, cost management, contract administration and planning and development services.

He said: “Customer satisfaction is what we work towards, we love handing the keys over.

“One of our values is offering excellence in everything we do. It does not make too much difference to us what the project is, it is important to give everything the same level of attention.

“We always look to go the extra mile, like engaging with customers out of hours and on bank holidays.”

Since the rebrand, which saw the firm change name from Douglas Moat Partners to the snappier DMP, the firm has seen a growing client list and with the number of projects increasing by 15 per cent in the past two years.

Mr Whitlock, Partner Michael O’Rourke and

DMP currently has around 200 live projects and their work can range from anything between overseeing a small extension to delivering a £3million sports hall.

They are working towards the ISO 9001 Certification and adhere to the standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Mr O’Rourke added: “The website has opened us up to a new market as it can show customers more about what we can offer.”

Mr Carey said that the company has enjoyed an increasing amount of work in the years after the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

“After this the work dropped massively but it has come back now as people are happy to spend money on construction again.

“People watch all of the shows like Grand Designs and they are increasingly looking to have work done to their property.”

DMP is now focusing on the Times Business Awards with the company entered for Best Business for 1-25 Employees and Mr Whitlock entered for Business Person of the Year.

Mr O’Rourke said: “I saw the awards last year, but it was too late to enter. I was keen to enter for this edition, and hopefully we are going to win this!

“We have everything crossed, but even if we do not win, it will be a good opportunity to network.”

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

THE AWARD CATEGORIES Start-Up Business Award (sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore) – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of May 9 2018, that have translated an idea into a successful business venture. They must be able to detail growth so far and show plans for the continued development and success of the venture.

Creative Business of the Year (sponsored

by John Bullock Design) - Is your business success based on innovation and creative thinking in your strategy and every day operation? This category is for any company over two years old in any sector, that can demonstrate creativity as well as adding value to the success of their business.

Employee of the Year – This is the chance for businesses to recognise exceptional individuals within their company. They can be any age but must stand out from their peers when it comes to ‘professional’ and personal development both within the business and the wider community.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – This award is open to dynamic individuals aged 30 or under by the closing date on May 9 2018 who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate significant success and drive in growing their company.

Service Excellence Award – The winner of this category will be giving outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use their business or organisation’s products or services. They will be able to provide customer testimonials to support their entry.

Business Person of the Year (sponsored by Loch Associates Group) – Entrants for this award will need to show they have a clear vision / strategy for their business and are committed to growing it. Areas such as increasing headcount, developing and inspiring staff, and involvement in the local business community are all good examples of this.

Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Childrensalon) – The business must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months before the closing date on 9th May 2018. It must show how the company is set up, which family members are involved (past and present), and identify the financial success of the business in relation to the growth in turnover and profit and loss.

Best Business for 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers and small businesses employing up to 25 people, that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance. They must understand customer expectations, have an engaged workforce and be continually innovating to support future growth.

Best Business 25+ employees (sponsored

by Handelsbanken) – This category recognises larger businesses employing more than 25 people and again looks for consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan supporting innovation and future growth.

Outstanding Business of the Year (sponsored by Stiddard Wealth) – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices. The winner must also be able to demonstrate they have a clear strategy to invest in the skills and development of their staff. They will be expected to prove sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business.

Business Awards

Mr Dolwin launched Airport Car Services in 2005 and is the primary driver, but has around 12 drivers on his books who can step in for a shift.

He said journeys to Gatwick and Heathrow airports are his most common, and can make up to five trips a day.

His customers live in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Crowborough as well as surrounding villages.

The company’s service can also extend to Luton, Stansted and London City airports.

“It started from listening to customers who were complaining about the service they were receiving,” said Mr Dolwin, whose car of choice is a Mercedes E or S class.

“They were not getting the service they deserved. The cars would be smelling and they said the driver was not very well-kept.

“My service is built on functionality, punctuality and the quality of car. We try to keep the costs down and we do affordable outings.

“People do not want to pay astronomical prices, like London prices.”

Contrast THE LONG ROAD Ian Dolwin takes the Merc

Taxi driver puts customers first COMPANY: Airport Car Services CATEGORY: Service Excellence Award HE studied fine art at university, but Ian Dolwin has found success in a very different career path as a taxi driver.

The proprietor of Tunbridge Wells-based Airport Car Services is celebrating 14 years at the helm of the company he started when he saw a gap in the market.

The 49 year old has ambitions to win the Service Excellence Award at next month’s Times

Business Awards, but is taking his job one journey at a time.

“I started the business myself 13 years ago,” said Mr Dolwin, who lives in Frant Road in Tunbridge Wells.

“I saw an opportunity for a better service for people of Tunbridge Wells to the airport than was being offered by the larger companies.

“There were two other firms, Delta Cars and Langton Taxis, whose owners retired and I bought their customer base. From there it achieved the growth.”

Airport Car Services also provides an option for long haul journeys and can be hired for weddings.

Keeping customers happy is very much the focus and the firm can go the extra mile by providing bottled water or newspapers to guests.

Mr Dolwin admits his current job is a contrast to his art study, but thrives from the interaction with customers.

He continued: “I enjoy the work itself and the business side of it. It is about seeing satisfied customers, we offer a personal service.

“Some of the customers travel every week and we build a friendship.”

Mr Dolwin’s enjoyment for driving led him to start work with a local company, before he set-up his own firm, and is now excited for the awards.

“It would be great if we get shortlisted,” he said, “I am looking forward to it.”

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

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Times

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

2018

BUSINESS

9

business awards

The timeframe…

The closing date for entries to the Times Business Awards 2018 is 6pm on Wednesday May 9, 2018. Each category will be shortlisted to three entries. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Wednesday May 16, 2018.

Winners will be announced at the gala dinner.

Tickets are available priced at £95 per person or £850 for a table of ten. Numbers are limited, and in the previous two years the award ceremonies were a sellout. To book, please call Lara Milan on 01892 739764.

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Community News

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Paddock Wood pub receives CAMRA award after Alison’s ‘total change’ THE ELM TREE pub in Paddock Wood has received a Most Highly Commended citation in the Campaign for Real Ale [CAMRA] seasonal awards.

Alison Sollis, landlady of the family-run free house on Mile Oak Road, was delighted with the recognition of her hard work, and described it as ‘the icing on the cake’.

Dave Moore, of West Kent CAMRA, said: “Alison took over the pub in 2015 and completely refurbished it, turning it into a cosy, welcoming and friendly local with good quality home-cooked food and fine local ales.

“It is a total change after years as a run-down and struggling drinkers’ pub before she came.”

He added: “The pub has a modern, stylish interior and a large beer garden with views of the Kent countryside, but it’s tucked away on the outskirts of Paddock Wood so it can get missed.

“But under Alison’s and her family’s ownership it has been gaining a reputation as one of the best pubs for miles around.”

CLIMBING THE TREE Alison Sollis receives the CAMRA Seasonal Award from Craig Beeson, Chairman of West Kent CAMRA

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Child refugee Arben is busy building his future

By Andy Tong ARBEN NDRECA of Tunbridge Wells has been named Youthbuild UK Young Builder of the Year.

The 22 year old was taken in by the charity Barnardo’s as an unaccompanied asylum-­ seeking child refugee when he came to Britain at the age of 16.

He was presented with his award by Baroness Smith of Basildon and Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, MP, at the House of Commons.

He was also invited to address the Youthbuild UK [YBUK] sponsors at the House of Lords on March 14, motivating young people to work hard and never give up on their goals and dreams.

YBUK works with a variety of organisations from the public, private and third sectors to provide training, qualifications and ultimately employment to disadvantaged young people in the construction industry.

It works closely with the Construction Industry Training Board, National House-Building Council, National Housing Federation and the Apprenticeship Agency in promoting Youthbuild projects.

Arben attended St Gregory’s Catholic School and gained a place at West Kent College in Tonbridge, where he studied electrical installation.

He was then offered an apprenticeship with The Electrical Company, a local electrical installation business based in Westerham, and successfully passed his exams.

Arben said: “I am so grateful to Sam Wood, owner of The Electrical Company, who took a chance with me and really taught me how to work professionally and to always put the customer first. I will forever be in his debt.

“This YBUK award means so much to me,” he added. “I hope it inspires other young people to work hard and follow their dream.”

INSPIRATIONAL SPARK Arben Ndreca with his award on the veranda of the House of Commons Arben works full time for The Electrical Company and is helping the firm to expand its business in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas.

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity.

Its services help children in poverty, support young carers and help families looking to foster or adopt a child. For more information, visit www.barnardos.org.uk

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Community News

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Belinda the badger returns to the wild thanks to the help of passing motorist

SING WHEN YOU’RE WINNING: Stagecoach Tunbridge Wells perform at the London Stadium

Stagecoach take the limelight at rugby contest in front of 57,000 STUDENTS from Stagecoach Performing Arts in Tunbridge Wells took to the stage in front of a crowd of 57,000 at the London Stadium.

They took part in the pre-match and half-time entertainment at the Aviva Premiership rugby union encounter between Saracens and Harlequins on March 24, alongside Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers and performers from around the country The spectacle marked Stagecoach’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The crowd at the former London 2012 Olympic Stadium in Stratford was the students’ largest live audience.

When Stagecoach take part in Dance the Dream during the parades at Disneyland Paris, they typically expect an audience of around 26,000.

Carrie Harrison-Iddon, Principal of Stagecoach in Tunbridge Wells, said: “Performing in front of

such a large crowd was an incredible experience for the students, and it is exciting to be part of the 30th anniversary celebrations.

“This was an amazing opportunity for the students in their formative years.

“It will teach them how to work with others and will help them build their confidence and performing abilities. I’m sure it will create some wonderful memories, too.”

Stagecoach will perform its summer showcase Once Upon A Time at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Saturday June 16.

Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six, and Main Stages for six to 18 year olds are held every weekend.

For more information, call 01273 835199, or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/tunbridgewells

A WILDLIFE rescue centre in Tunbridge Wells has released a badger back into the open after she was hit by a car and brought in by a passing motorist.

Julie Ann Smith came across the stricken animal while driving through Holtye in East Sussex. She bundled it up in her coat – a brave action since badgers can give a dangerous bite.

Belinda, as Ms Smith named her, seemed to be suffering from a broken jaw, and staff at the centre administered pain relief, but they knew how resilient badgers are.

After examining her in greater detail, they found that her injuries were a badly split tongue, a cut on her chin and extensive bruising. But an X-ray revealed nothing was broken.

Within two weeks, Belinda was ready to be moved to an outside enclosure in order to check her mobility, and when her tongue had healed she was returned to her own territory and family group – with Ms Smith invited along to see the release.

Folly Wildlife Rescue’s Valerie Russell said: “Picking up an injured wild animal like a badger, deer or fox can be hazardous, because as well as being frightened and in pain they don’t understand you’re trying to help them, and you could suffer serious injuries.”

She advised: “If you do come across a casualty, covering the animal with a blanket or coat – but BACK ON TRACK Belinda is ready for release

without putting yourself at risk – can help to calm it. Put your hazard lights on and, if at all possible, position your car between the animal and any oncoming traffic so that it isn’t hit again.

“Then phone your nearest wildlife rescue centre for assistance.”

The charity, based in Broadwater Forest, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and distressed wild animals and birds.

Last year it admitted more than 3,700 casualties.

To contact the centre about an animal, call 01892 543213. To make a donation, or volunteer to help, visit www.follywildliferescue.org.uk

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Lifestyle

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IN THE KNOW: How clever apps are changing the insurance market Groundbreaking new ways to buy cover EYE-CATCHING MARKETING A shot from a TRiCE advertisement

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Eight ways to make your commute more productive 1. Sketch or colour in We’ve all seen adult colouring books grow in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Adult colouring books can help with a number of emotional and mental health issues. The process of making and creating artwork can be used to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster selfawareness, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.

2. Appreciate your surroundings It’s often easy to forget to look up and appreciate your surroundings. But relaxing and seeing the beauty of your environment is an important factor in achieving mindfulness and reducing anxiety. If you’re sitting on a train or bus, take the time to look at your view and appreciate the little things, from the birds in the trees to the colour of the sky, as research shows that developing gratitude is good for overall wellbeing.

3. Listen to audiobooks or podcasts No matter what your interests are, if you want to stay up to date with news, tech, business and beyond, there is a podcast for every niche. If your brain is feeling frazzled, comedy, arts and audiobooks can lighten your mood, helping you to unwind and switch off.

I

NSURANCE and tech-savvy are two words seldom used in the same sentence, but it seems that a swift shift has taken place in the market.

In the space of a month, two major insurers are hoping to make buying insurance a lot faster and fuss-free for customers as they venture into the world of insurtech and apps.

One such phone app that promises to be the quickest and easiest way there has ever been to buy insurance, TRiCE, was launched on national TV last month.

TRiCE can be used to purchase car, gadget and pet cover, and claims to take less than a minute to download and sign up for, asking consumers between four and six questions before returning a quote.

It also allows consumers to keep track of all their insurance policies as it provides a single location where they can be stored and managed.

The move from websites to apps may sound like a natural progression to the average customer, but it is a complex thing to get right due to the complexity of generating accurate pricing and fraud detection.

The TRiCE app uses state-of-the-art pricing software to gather all the information required to return a quote, which is what makes it so fast to use. All that is needed to sign up for its services is a name, address and date of birth.

So will insurance apps have what it takes to be a success?

Lizzie Smith-Foreman, Director of Marketing and Communications at Markerstudy, comments: “Apps are the lifeblood of any handheld device.

You can buy a car using your phone – and now you can use your phone to buy insurance for that car.

It’s vital for businesses to embrace new technology as it’s simply how people shop nowadays.

“It’s a fascinating proposition for customers and insurers, and what sets it apart is that it uses the most advanced rating technology there is.”

Another start-up launching into the app market is Brolly, which is hoping to be the first insurance aggregator available for car, gadget and travel.

Having launched on April 10, the app shows promise – with the likes of Zenith Insurance, AXA, LV and Ageas on the motor panel – and is said to be powered by artificial intelligence.

To read more articles like this, visit www.theknow.guide Both articles first appeared in the Times’ new digital platform theknow.guide

4. Reconnect with family and friends Whether you’re driving (using hands-free, of course) or catching the train, use this time to connect with friends and family. Our loved ones play an important role in supporting our mental health. Studies have even found that hearing your mother’s voice can quickly calm frayed nerves, and a telephone call can have the same effect as a hug.

5. Disconnect Researchers have discovered that one in three people felt worse and more dissatisfied with their lives after visiting Facebook. Try switching off completely, disconnecting from the stresses of daily life. Turn off your phone and take the time to think and reflect.

6. Learn a language There are a whole host of benefits to learning a new language, from feeling accomplished to improving cognitive abilities. It has even been found that multitasking comes more naturally and attention improves for those who learn to speak a second language.

7. Play games and sharpen your mind It’s been reported that the presence and overuse of our phones has a ‘brain drain’ effect and is reducing our intelligence and attention span. Ironically, our phones can help with this. Using brain-training apps first thing in the morning will help wake you up, feeling ready to hit the ground running as soon as you step into the office.

8. Write a to-do list On your way to work, take the time to write a to-do list. This could involve both work and life admin. On the way home, reflect on what you’ve achieved. Writing a to-do list helps you to feel more productive, creates order and ticking off those tasks can be very therapeutic!

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Lifestyle

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How to write for wellbeing Author Sarah Salway is an award-winning short story writer, novelist and poet. Her writing has been widely published, commissioned by BBC Radio 4, and made into short films.

Sarah is trained and experienced in working with many different groups, businesses and individuals to use journal writing for personal development, and is a qualified coach. April is Stress Awareness Month, so we asked Sarah for her tips on writing for wellbeing

G

O into any bookshop or stationery shop these days and you can buy a journal for just about everything – gratitude, travel, friendships… Or maybe if something significant has happened to you, good or bad, you have been told ‘keep a journal’.

But while I have seen first-hand the benefits of journal writing, I’m aware it’s not as easy as it can seem. I often work with people who aren’t sure how to start writing in the first place, or get stuck in writing about the same thing again and again.

So here are three ways to get you into a healthy journal writing habit.

For all these, I suggest setting yourself a time limit – you will be amazed at what you can get down in just five to ten minutes – and make sure you date each entry. It’s useful to read back and see how much has changed, or to find patterns.

1. Start with a prompt. These can be straightforward questions or sentence stems, either general or focused around something you have on your mind. I keep a list in my journal for when I have a spare five minutes.

Suggestions include: • In five years time, I… • What’s the most important thing for me to do right now?

• The thing that would make me feel better is…

• What am I most excited about right now?

• My ideal day would include…

2. The clue as to why an unsent letter is so valuable to write is in the name! Because you are not going to send it, you can write a letter to anything and for any occasion. Write a letter of appreciation or of anger. As well as the obvious, some people/things to write to include: A favourite teacher, a place from childhood, someone you haven’t met yet but would like to, a piece of furniture in your house, a future love, someone you see every day but don’t speak to, even a body part you take for granted. This is your journal so surprise yourself and have fun.

You can even write a letter back. Be creative – what would your feet like to say to you…?

‘You will be amazed at what you can get down in just five to ten minutes’ 3. A captured moment is an attempt to catch something that you might otherwise forget.

Before you start writing, shut your eyes and imagine you are watching a film of your life.

What are special moments you’d like to keep?

You don’t need the whole before or after, just write as if you were right there in the moment, and work through the senses – what can you hear, smell, taste, touch, see? Include as many details as possible.

‘Be interested in what you write and don’t be afraid to try some new things’ Now, one of the key steps in writing for wellbeing is to always give yourself a few lines of reflection afterwards, such as ‘when I read this, I notice…’, ‘when I read this, I’m surprised by…’

There may also be some action points you can pull out and list.

But mostly forget the grammar police, whether you can spell or have nice handwriting. Instead, be interested in what you write and don’t be afraid to try some new things. Your journal is your new best friend, waiting for you whenever you need it, so good writing!

For details of workshops and courses, as well as more prompts and exercises, visit Sarah’s website www.sarahsalway.co.uk This article first appeared on the Times’ new digital platform theknow.guide

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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IN THE KNOW: Mum’s the Word Ahead of the duo hosting another Fashion Re:boot pop-up sale this Friday, April 20, Laura and Natalie from events company Mum’s the Word explain why being a mum doesn’t have to mean you lose your fashion mojo And if a lack of budget is holding you back (this can be a major issue when you’re on maternity leave), then don’t forget the wonder that is eBay, facebay, clothes swaps, and pre-loved sales like Fashion Re:Boot curated by mums and magazine and fashion editors Ciara Elliot and Erica Davies.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get shopping, mamas!

MOTHER LOVE Laura Swann and Natalie Mcilveen

To read more articles like this visit theknow.guide

W

E all know that becoming a mum changes your life forever… there’s no getting away from the fact that sleep will become a distant memory and you will be more familiar with the repertoire of Mr Tumble than MistaJam. But when new mums are described as ‘mumsy’ as if that is a bad thing, we have to take a stand!

Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not claiming to be fashionistas in any wa, but we’ve always loved clothes (as sisters we’ve shared/borrowed/ stolen from each other’s wardrobes since we were kids), so why should your love of fashion change when you become a mum?

To be honest, it didn’t change too dramatically

‘The majority of breastfeeding tops available were seriously ugly and frumpy (you couldn’t have paid us to wear them)’ during pregnancy, thanks to the brilliant range of maternity wear that you can find on the high street (ASOS & Topshop were our favourites).

Plus there are some amazing online independents, such as Clary & Peg, who make beautiful maternity dungarees and dresses that will make you look and feel like YOU (just with a growing bump).

But sadly, once we had pushed those little ones out, it was as if the clothing retailers thought we had also pushed out any style we’d once had, too.

The majority of ‘breastfeeding tops’ available were seriously ugly and frumpy (you couldn’t have paid us to wear them), but due to a lack of alternatives we didn’t have much choice!

And to be completely honest, at a time when you’re feeling quite vulnerable as a new mum, you can feel even worse when you look in the mirror and don’t recognise the person staring back at you.

You sometimes feel like you lose your sense of identity amongst the daily pressures of raising a child (tiredness, feeding schedules, piles of laundry, doctor’s appointments, etc, etc), and the fact that we couldn’t find a decent nursing bra, or dress that we could feed in and feel good in, made us feel even more detached from our pre-baby selves.

This was nearly seven years ago, and we know that things are definitely changing for the better.

There are now lots of independents that have

curated nursing tops and bras that look like the types of clothes/underwear that you wore BB (Before Baby).

Instagram has also helped massively – there are some fantastic mum fashion bloggers out there giving brilliant advice about buying regular clothes and making them work for breastfeeding, bumps and beyond.

One of our favourites is Zoe de Pass, AKA Dress Like a Mum. Zoe set up DLAM three years ago because she wanted to change the bad rep and perception that mums can’t dress; that we automatically lose our sense of style and our passion for fashion just because we have a kid or two, because we don’t.

Zoe’s mission is to make the high street a better place for mums and mums-to-be to shop – she feels like mums are an ignored demographic and one that massive assumptions are being made about (e.g. we do not want to be fashionable while pregnant/nursing).

Being ‘mumsy’ can be such a derogative word, so we think it’s time to reclaim it. Mum style is whatever you want it to be – there are no rules, you can still shop in all the shops you did before (thank goodness for online shopping), you can still wear bikinis, leopard print, trainers and skinny jeans – whatever floats your boat – mum style is your style.

TIME TO GO SHOPPING! Find gems galore

The Fashion Re:Boot pre-loved clothing sale takes place on Friday April 20 from 7.30pm10.30pm at The Secret Manor (Mabledon) in Southborough, between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. Tickets are just £5, and the first 100 people through the door will receive a free Fashion Re:Boot tote bag and Adnams Gin and Tonic. For more details, see www. mumstheword.online

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National News

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

PM apologises for threat to deport ‘Windrush’ children

in the Home Office makes me ashamed of our great country,” Mr Lammy said.

“Heads must roll over this and the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister must consider their positions.”

The row threatened to undermine Mrs May’s efforts to draw a line under the issue following Home Secretary Amber Rudd’s apology in the Commons of Monday for the ‘appalling’ way some people had been treated.

Mr Lammy said that Ms Williams had told him her son’s treatment made her feel ‘betrayed and a second-class citizen in my own country’ She had confided to him: “I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I can’t face being alone.”

‘Heads must roll over this and the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister must consider their positions’

COMMON SENSE The Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness outside Downing Street

THERESA MAY has apologised to Caribbean leaders over the treatment of members of the so-called ‘Windrush generation’ who have been threatened with deportation after decades living in the UK. At talks in No 10, the Prime Minister said she was ‘genuinely sorry’ for the anxiety that had

been caused and added she wanted to dispel the idea that the Government was seeking to clamp down on citizens from the region.

But even as the meeting was taking place, Labour MP David Lammy disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman who came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation

who said her son was facing deportation on Wednesday.

Mr Lammy said Ruth Williams, who is in her 70s, had told him that her son Mozi Haynes, 35, was due to be removed from the country after two failed applications to remain.

“This is a national disgrace. What is going on

Lloyds Bank to close 49 branches putting over thousand jobs at risk MORE than 1,200 jobs are being axed at Lloyds Banking Group under plans to shut another 49 branches.

In a further blow to Britain’s high streets the banking giant said 1,230 jobs will be cut across its branch network and some central functions.

It hopes to redeploy affected staff where possible, with compulsory redundancies a ‘last resort’.

The group is also creating 925 roles elsewhere in the business and insisted the overall job losses would be 305.

Lloyds pledged to expand its mobile branch network by another seven to 36 to help offset the branch closures.

Compulsory The branches will close across its Lloyds and Halifax banking brands between July and October this year.

A spokesman for Lloyds said: “These branch closures are in response to changing behaviour and the reduced number of transactions being made in branches.”

On the subject of job cuts, the spokesman said: “The group’s policy is always to use natural turnover and to redeploy people wherever possible to retain their expertise and knowledge within the group.

“Since 2011, over 90 per cent of role reductions have been achieved through a combination of natural attrition, redeployment and voluntary redundancy.

“Where it is necessary for employees to leave the company, we will look to achieve this by

It hopes to redeploy affected staff where possible, with compulsory redundancies a ‘last resort’ offering voluntary redundancy. Compulsory redundancies will always be a last resort.”

The group said the new roles being created comes as part of its pledge to invest £3billion on technology and training staff under a new three-year strategy.

Lloyds last year said it would shut 100 branches with hundreds of jobs being impacted, while in February, it announced another 465 roles were being cut.

The group recently unveiled a 24 per cent surge in bottom line profits, reaching £5.3billion for 2017.

It also revealed that it handed Chief Executive Antonio Horta-Osorio a £6.4million pay package, an increase of 11 per cent on 2016.

Amid rising anger, Mrs May met leaders of 12 Caribbean countries who were attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London for talks in No 10 on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said the Government accepted those who arrived from the Caribbean before 1973 - when new rules came in and who had been living in the UK without significant time away were entitled to remain, as were the ‘vast majority’ who arrived subsequently.

“I want to dispel any impression that my Government is in some sense clamping down on Commonwealth citizens, particularly those from the Caribbean,” she said.

“I take this issue very seriously. The Home Secretary apologised in the House of Commons yesterday for any anxiety caused.

“And I want to apologise to you today.

Because we are genuinely sorry for any anxiety that has been caused.

“I don’t want anybody to be in any doubt about their right to remain here in the United Kingdom.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Harry and Meghan attend Stephen Lawrence service PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle will attend a memorial service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence and to celebrate his life and legacy, Kensington Palace has said.

The couple will meet Baroness Lawrence, Stephen’s mother, and her son Stuart at the entrance of the London church before taking their seats.

During the service, Harry will read a message of support on behalf of the Prince of Wales.

DLR strike hits Marathon A STRIKE planed this weekend by Dockland Light Railway means the line will only run a limited service for the London Marathon.

The industrial action has been caused by a dispute over outsourcing. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union employed by DLR operator KeolisAmey are set to walk out for four days from 4am on Friday.

Tate’s discount for youth TRANSACTION Lloyds hopes to ‘redeploy’ staff

TATE galleries are to offer £5 exhibition tickets for 16 to 25 year olds to encourage more young people to visit.

The heavily discounted admission will be available as part of a free membership scheme called Tate Collective.

Tickets to paid-for exhibitions at the four galleries around the UK cost up to £22 for the general public.

National News

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Salisbury nerve agent was administered in liquid form THE nerve agent used to attack former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter was delivered in a ‘liquid form’, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.

Only a ‘very small amount’ of the Novichok substance was used against Mr Skripal, 66, and 33-year-old Yulia, it is understood.

The highest concentration was found at Mr Skripal’s home on the outskirts of Salisbury, with eight other areas across the city potentially contaminated.

Direct contact A Defra spokesman said: “In this instance direct contact is required for a person to poisoned.

“Only a small proportion of the material is transferred in each contact and the substance is diluted in each secondary or tertiary contact.

The information comes as the first of 10 sites cordoned off across the city was reopened to the public yesterday [April 17].

Tests confirmed the area of London Road cemetery, which contains the remains of Mr Skripal’s wife and son, was not contaminated.

Work is set to begin to decontaminate the nine other locations experts either know or believe are contaminated. A multimillion-pound operation, involving 190 specialist military personnel, is expected to last several months.

It will first focus on two areas near Bourne Hill police station and two ambulance stations, before work starts on The Maltings – where the Skripals were found – Zizzi restaurant, a car compound and the home of poisoned police officer Nick Bailey.

The Mill pub and Mr Skripal’s home, which are still part of the police investigation, will be the last to be cleaned.

BBC reporter had ‘bonkers but brilliant day’ at Sir Cliff’s home A BBC reporter who covered a South Yorkshire Police search of Sir Cliff Richard’s home texted the force’s press officer about a ‘bonkers but brilliant’ day, a High Court judge has been told.

The BBC broadcast footage of the police searching his apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, nearly four years ago.

The press officer replied saying she was getting ‘lots of grief from the media’ because ‘everyone thinks we tipped you off’.

Detail of the text conversation between journalist Dan Johnson and Carrie Goodwin, head of corporate communications at South Yorkshire Police, emerged as Mr Justice Mann

analysed evidence during the latest stage of a High Court trial in London.

Gloria Hunniford also told Mr Justice Mann how Sir Cliff seemed ‘broken’ following the BBC’s coverage of a police raid on his home.

The TV and radio presenter said she ‘encountered…real emotional and mental change’ in the singer following the broadcast.

She added that the singer felt ‘violated and betrayed’, adding: “He seemed utterly distraught that the search and allegations against him had been broadcast so widely around the world, and about what everyone must be thinking about him.”

Wolves fan recreates glory days of Molineux as club is promoted

BETWEEN THE STICKS Chris Jepson’s recreated stadium

A RETIRED accountant has spent more than 500 hours making a scale model of a football stadium from materials such as matchsticks.

Chris Jepson, a life-long Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, began creating the model of the old Molineux ground in October 2016 and managed to finish it in time for their promotion to the Premier League.

The 71-year-old hopes to display the model at the club’s official museum before auctioning it off for a prostate cancer charity.

Mr Jepson said it had always been on his bucket list to once again build the old stadium – which he finally completed using matchsticks, coffee stirrers, rabbit hutch wire

and other everyday items.

Mr Jepson said: “I always loved the old stadium, there was something about it which was magic to me.

“Being a long-suffering Wolves fan, it’s always been something I’ve had on my bucket list to do – to build a stadium that looked like it did in the old days.

Speaking of his motivation for building the model, Mr Jepson added: “I’ve been a longsuffering prostate cancer patient, been through lots of procedures and operations over the years, and it would be a little bit of a way of giving something back to either the National Health or to prostate cancer research.”

SPRING CLEAN Sergei Skripal’s home was contaminated

NEWS

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Canadian company steps in to help save struggling engineers AN ENGINEERING firm threatened with closure has been taken over by a Canadian company in a move which is hoped will save hundreds of jobs.

Workers at BiFab marine engineering yards in Fife and Lewis had been facing redundancy after the company ran into financial difficulties.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday [April 17] that Canadian company JV Driver, through its subsidiary DF Barnes, had acquired BiFab. Ms Sturgeon said: “We are delivering on the commitment I made last year that we would stand

by BiFab and work to secure a long-term future for the company.”

She added: “We have been in negotiations with DF Barnes for a number of months and today is a significant step forward in our efforts to restore BiFab to its place at the centre of Scotland’s marine energy industry.”

More M&S job losses as warehouse shuts MARKS & SPENCER is to close its distribution centre near Warrington, putting 450 jobs at risk.

The decision brings the total job losses at M&S this year to more than 1,300.

The company announced that it will close its Hardwick distribution centre, which is operated

by XPO Logistics and DHL, in September.

The Hardwick site has become surplus to requirements in part due to M&S’s decision to automate operations at its factory in Bradford, which can handle more capacity.

Gordon Mowat, Head of Logistics, said: “Closing Hardwick will help to remove some complexity from our network and speed up our supply chain.”

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

MEN ONLY Sports Direct has no women in its boardroom

Good news for earnings and employment figures THE number of people in work has reached a record high, while earnings have grown slightly above inflation for the first time in almost a year.

Employment increased by 55,000 in the quarter to February to 32.2million, the highest figure since records began in 1971, giving a record rate of 75.4 per cent.

Average earnings increased by 2.8 per cent in the year to February, the highest since September 2015.

BP and Sports Direct under fire for lack of female executives OIL giant BP and retailer Sports Direct are among 35 of the UK’s biggest companies being targeted for failing to meet targets to increase the number of women in the board room.

The Investment Association [IA] and the Hampton-Alexander Review have written to 35 firms in the FTSE 350 who have no or low female board representation calling for urgent action.

The IA has singled out 14 companies in the FTSE 100, with BP and mining firm Fresnillo among those criticised for still having an all-male board as of last June.

Housebuilder Persimmon and travel group TUI have poor numbers of women on their combined executive committees and direct reports.

Another 11 firms in the FTSE 250 were found to have all-male boards, such as Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct and Stobart Group.

Ten firms chose not to report their gender diversity data to the Hampton-Alexander Review last year – including breakdown firm the AA and pub group JD Wetherspoon.

It comes as Legal & General Investment Management, which manages nearly £1trillion worth of assets, has warned it will vote against the reappointment of chairs of the UK’s 350 biggest public companies if women do not make up at least 25 per cent of the board.

Pressure The moves ramp up the pressure on firms ahead of the upcoming annual general meeting season, with pay, diversity and corporate governance in sharp focus as investors prepare to have their say on the way firms are run.

The IA is asking the 35 firms to explain their poor gender balance and what steps they are taking to move towards the targets, as set out in the Hampton-Alexander Review in 2016.

The government-commissioned independent review recommended that all FTSE 350 firms should have at least a third of their executive positions held by women by 2020.

AA case to cost £1million The AA has said it is fighting a £225million claim from its former chief Bob Mackenzie, who was sacked last year for gross misconduct.

Mr Mackenzie, former Executive Chairman of the AA, had filed a claim against the company and a number of its directors last month.

The AA says it will incur costs of £1million over the next two financial years as it fights the claim, but adds that it hopes to recoup the costs from Mr Mackenzie when the case closes.

China relaxes car rules CHINA will allow full foreign ownership of carmakers in five years, ending restrictions that helped to fuel its trade dispute with US President Donald Trump as it promotes electric car development.

The change would scrap rules that require global carmakers to work through stateowned partners, an arrangement that forces them to share technology with potential competitors.

World News

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

Anti-doping body to carry out more tests

FOUR men have been summonsed to appear in court after England’s rugby union head coach Eddie Jones was subject to a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse.

The Australian was travelling from Manchester Oxford Road station on February 25 when a group of men asked to have a photograph taken with him.

But the passengers then started taunting Jones about Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win over England in the Six Nations Championship at Murrayfield the previous day.

Rangers ban top players RANGERS have suspended captain Lee Wallace and experienced striker Kenny Miller following their thrashing by Celtic at Hampden Park.

It is claimed that they undermined manager Graeme Murty during a heated post-match analysis of Sunday’s 4-0 derby defeat in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final.

QE2 will finally become hotel as fears over its future recede THE Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship will open as a floating luxury hotel moored off Dubai, nearly a decade after completing its last ocean voyage.

It has been another long trip for the ship known as the QE2 to even open to the public, as Dubai’s financial meltdown and years of slow growth nearly sank the project and left the ship languishing at port.

Time capsule After initially planning to gut the vessel, Dubai’s government decided to restore the ship at a cost of over $100million, even down to replicating its 1960s carpeting.

“It’s like walking into a time capsule, this is the ship in 1969. It’s a hotel and a museum,” said Hamza Mustafa, Chief Executive of Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corp’s investment arm.

“We’ve put in 2.7million man hours working on her ... making sure that she can really shine.”

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Inspectors enter gas attack town

LINER YOUR POCKETS Rooms will cost from £105 a night

UK ANTI-DOPING [UKAD] will increase publicly funded drug testing by 50 per cent by 2022 under a new strategic plan.

The agency is responsible for ensuring clean sport in the UK and will also increase the number of investigations into people who work with athletes.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch announced a review last year, saying UKAD needed to become ‘fit for purpose’.

In January, the agency was awarded an extra £6million in funding over two years.

Court case for Jones rant

NEWS

The QE2 was built by Cunard and put to sea in 1969, travelling around six million miles and carrying 2.5million passengers.

In 2007 Cunard sold the QE2 to an arm of the state-run conglomerate Dubai World for £ ­ 50million.

But an economic crash left the QE2’s owners in debt for billions of dollars and she sat mothballed at Port Rashid.

The government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation took over the project in 2015.

Seven of the QE2’s 13 decks are under operation, with 224 cabins available.

Prices will range from $150 [£105] a night in the simplest berthing to $15,000 a night for the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary suites.

A green-hued British pub and other restaurants will serve alcohol, a common practice across Dubai’s hotels.

But its nickel, quarter and dollar slot machines will remain turned off as gambling is illegal.

INTERNATIONAL inspectors have entered the Syrian town of Douma, where an alleged chemical attack was carried out earlier this month, following delays caused by the Syrian and Russian authorities.

The fact-finding mission being carried out by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is investigating reports that government forces launched the offensive on April 7 in the final stages of their campaign to retake the town from rebels.

The alleged gas attack, which Syrian activists say killed more than 40 people, prompted punitive US, British and French airstrikes.

Syria and its ally Russia deny that any chemical assault took place with the latter accusing Britain of staging a ‘fake’ attack.

Warning of wildfire across five US states FORECASTERS in the US have warned of dangerous, life-threatening wildfire conditions as firefighters in rural Oklahoma battled blazes that have killed at least two people.

Gusty winds and low humidity in droughtstricken areas will create dangerous fire conditions in parts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the Storm Prediction Centre in Norman, Oklahoma.

National Weather Service meteorologist Doug Speheger said such conditions in the Southwest and Southern Plains have not been seen in at least a decade.

Temperatures are projected to reach the mid 30s Celsius) with humidity below 10 per cent and winds gusting to 40mph.

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NEWS

Local News

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Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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 their vanity project unabashed.

Perhaps this matter will be given full consideration at the upcoming May local elections, when voters can make their feelings known.

Martin Dawes Via email

The ‘king’ of Royal Tunbridge Wells How refreshing it was on Saturday March 31 to see the Tunbridge Wells Alliance members campaigning in the centre of the town in their effort to stop [Council Leader] David Jukes, the King of Tunbridge Wells, robbing the local taxpayers of their money in support of his crazy and somewhat hare-brained ideas.

Philip Heyes Tunbridge Wells

SALE OR RETURN? 3,000 people want to keep River Lawn

Let the people have their say I am disgusted by the decision of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to dispose of the land at River Lawn, and I welcome your clear summary of the issue [April 4].

However, what your article fails to address is the lack of consultation.

The council announced the consultation in a newspaper with hardly any circulation in Tonbridge, which certainly is against the spirit – if not the letter – of the law concerning their obligations.

An independent survey was undertaken by locals showing an overwhelming desire to keep it in public hands.

This was followed by a march down Tonbridge High Street which attracted around 450 people, and there were also 3,000

This consultation was off-message The report by Kent County Council [KCC] on transport issues surrounding the fantasy development of new offices and a theatre in the lower town area of Tunbridge Wells not surprisingly raises more issues than it can provide answers to.

Effectively, it puts on hold the proposals until the council [Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, aka TWBC] provides additional information on the questions raised.

Once again it raises questions for the council [TWBC] as to why the project has progressed so far and so much money has been spent without consulting KCC earlier on their proposals.

Over a year ago the council [TWBC] was saying it was in discussions with adjacent landowners over the rights of way it needed for the proposal to progress.

It was only when the planning application was submitted, and those landowners responded, that we found out that no such discussions had been held.

We also found out that Hoopers, aware of the proposal that their car park was going to be subject to a compulsory purchase order, had made alternative proposals to the council [TWBC] for ingress and egress, which it had

Labour needs to take action faster signatures on a petition to stop the sale.

Steve Jackson Via email

Council dismissive and scathing I have been following the River Lawn situation for some time, and the majority of the council have been totally committed to the sell-off.

When I attended a council meeting, I witnessed two councillors being totally dismissive and scathing of the views being voiced by the protesters.

The atmosphere was one of going though the motions with no intention of doing anything but sell off River Lawn, not lease it or even make the most money they could, just sell it.

Alan Scott Via email ignored. So much for the council’s brand of consultation.

As we approach the May election, the facts have not changed, the project is not viable, and it cripples the council’s ability to provide even the most basic of services for its residents over the next 20 years.

Year on year, we will see maximum hikes in council tax, fees and charges as they try to produce a balanced budget without eating into the general fund and reserves.

Roy Bullock Lamberhurst

What happens if bubble bursts?

A recent publication of the Times national newspaper ran an article suggesting that councils will be banned from borrowing to invest in commercial properties, amid concern that they are putting taxpayers’ money and local services at risk. Does this ring a bell?

Experts warned that some councils’ behaviour raised concerns that services would have to be cut or taxes increased if the property bubble bursts.

Yet, despite such warnings and the lack of mandate from the taxpayers and voters of this town, those who are supposed to serve us continue, with due arrogance, to proceed with

Justice delayed is justice denied. Labour should speed up its processes. For instance, Ken Livingstone was expelled [by auto-exclusion] from the Labour Party for standing against an official Labour candidate, Frank Dobson, MP [in the London Mayoral election of 2000].

What he said on BBC2’s Daily Politics two years ago was historically inaccurate, although clearly deliberate, and should have brought him before a Labour party panel long ago.

If the UK leaves the EU it may need fresh legislation on immigration. Going back as far as the Aliens Act 1905, the Aliens Restriction Amendment 1919, etc, are simply not fit for purpose now.

Richard Underhill Matfield

Gatwick link just a train of thought I read with interest your front page story [Times of Tonbridge March 14] about the proposal to build a high-speed railway line between Ashford and Denham, via Tonbridge and Edenbridge, which goes to Gatwick and Heathrow.

There have been a number of proposals over the years to join the two airports together and this is by far the most ambitious. However, none of them has come to anything.

Until we see costed plans, a programme of works, a timetable for introducing and passing the necessary legislation, a timetable for construction, an environmental statement and a comprehensive business plan, the latest proposal remains no more than interesting.

John Brandon Tonbridge

Donations keep the lifeboats afloat A street collection took place in Tonbridge on behalf of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution [RNLI] on Saturday March 24 and raised the magnificent sum of £1,482.13.

Volunteers gave their time most generously, and the amount will go towards the training of crews and equipment.

Thanks to all who took part.

Yvonne Horswill, Tonbridge, Pembury & Paddock Wood Branch, RNLI

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

JEREMY CORBYN has been accused of raising ‘a gigantic middle finger to all that Tunbridge Wells holds dear’. The charge comes from another newspaper columnist (yes there is more than one} writing in the Sunday Jeremy Times. No less a (Clarkson) person than that colourful character Jeremy Clarkson, chatting about the Labour Leader attending a ‘party held by a group of Jewish radicals’; this while the anti-Semitic storm was raging around him. Master Clarkson was obviously trying to evoke an image of Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells. But do get your facts right Mr Clarkson.

It’s Royal Tunbridge Wells, dear boy… Royal.

BEING in the doghouse has taken on a new meaning for this particular chap. His Saint Bernard, more the size of a Shetland pony, required a new kennel. The chap decided he would build one himself and bought all the material. On the day it was raining, so he thought it better to put it all together in the garden shed. Several hours later, it was all finished and he stood back in admiration.

Sadly there was a problem. When he came to carry it outside, it was too big to go through the door of the shed. Now the dog lives in a kennel inside the shed. And hates it.

BEWARE of phone calls to your local pub.

Apologies, but Calverley (some think he should be attending AA) was on another bar stool when the mobile of the chap sitting alongside rang. The conversation went thus: “Hello darling, how are you?” Pause: “Yes, I’m missing you, too.” Turns to people in bar and says: “It’s the wife.” He walks outside talking on the mobile. A minute later, as the whole bar can hear him spraying sweet words while standing outside, the pub’s landline rings and the barman says: “It’s his wife, what should I tell her?” Much merriment.

WHEN is a pilchard not a pilchard? When it’s a sardine, apparently. Pilchard sales over the years have plunged as salmon and tuna imports have soared. Those canny West Country fishermen, though, have now rebranded the fish a Cornish sardine (the slippery things are pretty much alike) and sales have taken off. Waitrose, which has stores in Tonbridge, Paddock Wood and Crowborough, is said to be among the supermarkets today selling record amounts of pilchards, sorry sardines. Nice bit of marketing, guys.

Chin Chin, readers

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Taking a personal leaf out of the good books by inspiring authors Kent College recently hosted the 12th year of the South East Schools Themed Book Award, a literary event which aims to encourage more secondary pupils to put down their phones and develop a stronger love of reading by engaging with writers. The Times finds out more…

SENIOR school students from 16 educational establishments around the area, including Beechwood Sacred Heart, Weald of Kent Grammar, Walthamstow Hall and St Gregory’s Catholic School, were invited along to the 12th South East Schools Themed Book Award ceremony at Kent College in Pembury at the end of last term.

The event, which was established in 2006 to encourage and promote more reading amongst young people, has a different theme each year in order to introduce different types of literary genres to students.

AUTHOR! AUTHOR! Patrice Lawrence and Juno Dawson

Entertainment This year’s was entitled ‘Secrets and Lies’ and saw Juno Dawson (Margot & Me) and Patrice Lawrence (Orangeboy) invited along as guest authors to speak about their love of writing and what inspires them.

Both were shortlisted in the teen category, which also included Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle. The overall winner, announced on the night, was Katherine Rundell, who penned The Wolf Wilder.

Both invited authors spoke about their shortlisted books and held a joint Q&A where keen readers could ask them about their works.

Patrice’s debut Young Adult novel, Orangeboy, was the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2017, while Juno has won numerous accolades for her six novels, which include Spot The Difference and Mind Your Head.

The evening’s entertainment, where pupils from Maidstone, Cranbrook and Sevenoaks were also in attendance, included the screening of book trailers. Plus there was a competition for the best

pupil in fancy dress inspired by a certain book, as well as a contest for creating the best alternative book covers and blurbs, which was judged by AXA PPP Healthcare – the event’s major sponsor.

AXA’s Education Manager, Catherine Bunger, told the Times: “We are proud to support this wonderful event as it’s an opportunity to encourage and inspire young people in our community and to

celebrate the joy of reading a good book or two! It is also brilliant to see how the event has grown over the years, with more and more schools getting involved.”

The evening also included a subsidised bookshop run by Creative Active Reading, where avid bookworms were able to chat to the authors as they signed their books.

THIS YEAR’S SHORTLISTED BOOKS TEEN

YOUNG ADULT

Orangeboy – Patrice Lawrence Margot & Me – Juno Dawson See How They Lie – Sue Wallman The Bubble Wrap Boy – Phil Earle The Wolf Wilder – Katherine Rundell (winner)

Exposure – Helen Dunmore A Beautiful Lie – Irfan Master

By Any Other Name – Laura Jarratt The Art of Being Normal – Lisa Williamson (winner) Billy Liar – Keith Waterhouse

IN CHARACTER: Pupils enjoy the literary evening

Practising the art of life-changing mindfulness – for schoolchildren ONE of the only schools locally who are promoting the practice of mindfulness is Hilden Oaks School & Nursery in Tonbridge.

Mindfulness is a gentle form of meditation which enables you to focus on the present, be aware of your thoughts as they enter into your mind, and accept them.

A school spokesperson explained to the Times why they believe in the merits of mindfulness.

“We believe that children’s wellbeing is paramount to their successful education, and so for the past few years we have been offering an

after-school Mindfulness Club.”

They went on to say that it helps pupils ‘improve focus, become more resilient in their day-to-day lives, gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and achieve a healthier mental wellbeing’.

As of the new academic year in September, Hilden Oaks will be introducing mindfulness as part of the curriculum for the whole school.

Pupils will complete a six-week mindfulness course during the academic year, and the course is based on recommendations from the Mindfulness in Schools Project [MiSP], run by a trained mindfulness teacher.

“Mindfulness changes lives. It sustains the children’s natural curiosity and helps them engage more deeply with others,” comments leading mindfulness expert Michael Chaskalson.

Education News

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Martin Betts Labour Party local campaign co-ordinator

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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

Our votes are hard fought for, we should use them IN A fortnight, most of us living in Tunbridge Wells will have the opportunity to vote for a borough councillor. Some will have the chance to do it sooner because postal votes are sent out from today [Wednesday].

Voting is a right and a privilege. One hundred years ago this year some women first got the right to vote, as did more men who were coming back from the First World War. Our votes were hard fought for and we should use them.

Tunbridge Wells Labour has candidates in all 16 wards where there are elections. Eight of our candidates are women. All are united in their opposition to this Conservative council’s proposals for a new Civic Complex.

Spending over £90million on new council offices, an underground car park and theatre in the centre of Tunbridge Wells is an expensive extravagance. The 50-year ‘mortgage’ debt and interest repayments will be around £2.8million per year.

Despite what Conservative councillors say, this will inevitably be paid for by more cuts to services, extra charges, and increased council tax. There will be little money left to tackle the real priorities that most people think will make their own and their families’ lives better.

On the doorstep, people are telling us that Conservative councillors are out of touch and do

not listen to their concerns. Many people haven’t heard of the new Civic Complex. Of those who have, most oppose it. Yet we are told it has popular support. It hasn’t.

We have all been hit by cuts in public services.

There aren’t enough houses to live in, roads are in a dangerous condition, pollution and congestion have increased, public transport is poor, businesses are leaving the borough and many people experience real poverty.

Priority We need change. Too many Conservative councillors are complacent and are elected without any effort. We ask people to vote for Labour councillors who work hard for their votes and put their communities first.

The Town Hall and the Assembly Hall might not be up to scratch, but we are asking for a more modest modernisation of the existing buildings. It happens in other council areas.

With determination it can happen here.

We want housing to be the top priority of the council. Rents are expensive and continuing to rise, high house prices mean many cannot afford to buy, and homelessness continues to increase.

We need more genuinely affordable housing, including social housing for the least well off.

‘On the doorstep, many people haven’t heard of the new Civic Complex’ We want a borough-wide investment plan to encourage businesses back to our towns and villages. We need action on roads, public transport and parking.

We oppose development on parks, playing fields and green spaces. We want grants to charities and community services to be restored.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL Labour supporters in Sherwood Plans to fine homeless people and beggars say a lot about the priorities of Tory councillors in Tunbridge Wells. We need to send them a strong message. We need a council that is in touch and focused on what residents care about.

That’s why we are asking you to vote Labour on Thursday, May 3.

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

Waterside living

AND IMPROVING

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

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in Ronnie’s Wharf Page 24

Square deal in central Tunbridge Wells Page 25

SIX-BEDROOM VILLAGE HOME

38

BEAUTIFUL BARN IS SO APPETISING

48

ANNUAL TULIPMANIA TAKES OFF…

Window on… a workable home office Page 46

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

ORCHARD RISE GROOMBRIDGE OIEO

£850,000

UNDER £300,000

n Residents’ parking

UNDER £450,000

BOYNE PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Chain free

RONNIES WHARF, TONBRIDGE

£290,000

n Central location

£400,000-£425,000

n Ground floor apartment n Private entrance n High ceilings n Open plan living room/kitchen n 2 bedrooms n Newly fitted bathroom

n Close to mainline station n Share of freehold CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

n Luxury first floor apartment n Central location n River views n Private entrance n Juliet balcony n Entrance hall

n Open plan kitchen/dining/living area n 2 double bedrooms (one with en suite) n Family bathroom n Under croft parking n Rear garden and bike store CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

thekn w

25

great properties by price range…

UNDER £500,000 CRYALS COURT, MATFIELD

GUIDE PRICE

£475,000 n Private front porch n Split-level entrance hall n Cloakroom n Garden room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Master bedroom suite n Second bedroom n Shared double garage n Communal grounds with allotments CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 LANSDOWNE SQUARE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£575,000 n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Living room n Dining room n Kitchen n 2 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes n Bathroom n Garage and driveway parking n Large front garden n Rear garden with two patio areas CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION UNDER £850,000

ORCHARD RISE, GROOMBRIDGE

OAKFIELD COURT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

OIEO £850,000 n Family bathroom n Entrance porch n Entrance hallway n Reception room/study n Separate WC

n Family bath/shower room n Private double garage

n Low maintenance fenced rear garden

n Utility room n Lounge/dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n 6 bedrooms

£795,000-£825,000 n Entrance hall n Reception room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Sun room/conservatory n Master bedroom with dressing room

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

n Bathroom

n 2 further bedrooms (one with en suite) n Parking for 3 cars CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

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Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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Little Omenden Barn

thekn w.guide

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Perfect social setting in superb and stylish barn conversion

AT A GLANCE

LITTLE OMENDEN BARN POOK LANE, SMARDEN n Converted barn n Exposed beams n Reception hall n Open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen n Study n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing area n 4 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n En suite shower room n Lawned garden n Indian sandstone terrace n Off-road parking

GUIDE PRICE £795,000 Available for sale through Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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yourh me

Interiors

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

‘John Lewis’s new String range has a really strong design element’

Do your

homework If you’re lucky enough to be able to work from home on a part or full-time basis, then ensure you have a dedicated office space if you want to produce great results, says Eileen Leahy

W

HETHER you’re lucky enough to lead a laptop lifestyle when it comes to doing your job, or you simply need an area where you can sort out your life admin in peace, then you’ll require a well-organised and inspirational space to do it from.

If you have a spare room to transform into an office then you’ll have no problem creating an area that will help you get your job done.

But for most this isn’t an option.

So instead think about how certain spaces in your home can multitask.

You can easily set up a study in a dining room, or even kitchen, thanks to the huge array of flexible multitasking furniture now available, such as a foldaway bureau, clever shelving and storage.

Affordable But before you start choosing items, you need to think about where you’re going to position your home office.

A quiet corner is an obvious choice, as is somewhere that boasts good, natural daylight, so putting a desk or shelving by a window is preferable.

If you’re working late at night, then a decent desk lamp is an essential purchase. The classic Anglepoise is perfect as you can position it to suit your needs, and we just love the limited edition one by Paul Smith from Amara pictured below.

But if you baulk at the price tag don’t worry, there are lots of other options out there that are more affordable. Try Ikea, B&Q and Marks & Spencer for starters, and if you don’t want to spend much money on this project in general, then scour

Style barometer

Shelf life Storage Shelf, £8, Sainsbury’s Home, www.sainsburyshome. co.uk

You’ve read how you can create a home office by choosing some multitasking pieces and clever decorating tricks, now here’s how to…

Get the look

Shine a light Anglepoise: Paul Smith Type 75 Mini Desk Lamp – Edition 1, £145, Amara, www.amara.com

Noteworthy Kraft A6 Gold Geo Notebook, £5, Paperchase, www.paperchase.co.uk

Wood works Form Wooden Dining Chair in Natural, £164, Cuckooland, www.cuckooland.com

Plant an idea Set of 3 Marble Succulents, £18, Next, www.next.co.uk

your local charity, reclamation yard and house clearance shops and see what you can lay your hands on.

Remember that a simple sanding and lick of paint on a table or set of shelves will help you create a look that’s smart and unique for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

But, of course, there’s lots of inspiration out there if you’re in the market for investing in some brand new items in order to create the office of your dreams.

Firstly, head to John Lewis, where you’ll find a really comprehensive selection with price tags to suit most budgets. Pictured left is its new String range, which has a really strong design element, but the store also has some more affordable pieces in its House collection.

Other retailers you could try are Made, Houseology, Neptune and Cox & Cox. Ikea also has plenty to offer, including ergonomic desks, concealed shelving and storage solutions. Its handy Micke (£90) is a great space saver and will meet all your basic needs.

Dwell (www.dwell.co.uk) is another haven of inspiring yet functional finds for your study. From statement shelving to cabinets on castors and swivel chairs, you’ll find everything you need here.

Once you’ve sourced the basics for your office it’s time to make the space as creative as possible. Put together a mood board where you can place imagery or information on projects.

For stylish stationery and storage head to Muji and Paperchase.

It’s all about creating a space that will not only be practical but inspiring for you, too.

Storage solution Oro Cabinet £525 Oliver Bonas, www.oliverbonas.com

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Gardening

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

All things bright and beautiful It’s tulip time, and luckily for us there are plenty of places to visit locally putting on magnificent displays of this vibrant and cheery springtime bloom. Here, Jon Bond picks the best of the bunch…

T

HE bright and beautiful tulip is a stalwart of spring, returning year on year to herald in the warmer weather.

The species’ simple yet vivid beauty and widespread varieties have made it a common feature of gardens, and each year there are many festivals held to celebrate the tulip where planting is often on a huge scale, sometimes in the tens of thousands.

The South East plays host to many of these, with flowers of all colours on display over just a few fleeting weeks of splendour.

As breeding and development programmes have improved, so has the extravagance of these events.

Here’s our pick of the best to see in the local area:

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS… (and bluebells) at Hever’s second celebration

WHAT IS ‘TULIPMANIA’?

Tulips, which are native to mountainous regions of the Middle East, first began to be traded in Europe in the middle of the 16th century. The plant was a hit, and by the 17th century had become so popular in The Netherlands that tulips became one of that country’s most valuable commodities.

‘Broken’ tulips, which are flowers affected by a virus and develop a

flame-like pattern on the petals, became so sought after that legend has it people traded entire estates on the basis of a single bulb.

In the winter of 1636-1637, the world experienced its first recorded ‘speculative bubble’, as tulip sales reached such a fever pitch that huge fortunes were changing hands in an instant.

Tulipmania lasted just a few months, as the value plummeted to reality, destroying huge fortunes within hours.

While the flower may have wrought havoc on the Dutch, it has managed to hold on to popularity regardless, with the Netherlands exporting more than two billion bulbs each year – more than anywhere else in the world.

Your fortunes may not be made and lost on the basis of a bulb today, but Tulipmania prevails here in the South East, with gardens across Kent and Sussex celebrating with festivals of their own…

IN-COMP-ARABLE: Seven acres of beautiful and rare plants to explore at Great Comp

Gardening

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

20,000 of the bulbs in all their myriad colours. www.hevercastle.co.uk Great Comp Garden, Platt, visit throughout April Great Comp, near Sevenoaks, Kent, has a reputation for being one of the UK’s finest spring gardens, with spectacular displays of a huge variety of plants, not just tulips. Among Great Comp’s most famous sights are the 52 species of magnolia, which bloom alongside the tulips for just a few short weeks during the season.

ALL MANNER OF BULBS: At Pashley Manor Gardens

A HEAD FOR IT: Hever’s Head Gardener, Neil Miller, in the tulips by the Italian Garden’s Pompeian Wall

Where to experience Tulipmania in Kent and Sussex Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst April 24-May 8 On the border of Kent and East Sussex, Pashley Manor has the most famous tulip festival of them all, and this year boasts 40,420 new top grade bulbs in 112 varieties, making 2018 their biggest event yet.

Visitors can wander from elegant displays of white lily flowered and palest cream classic tulips to the open space of sweeping herbaceous borders covered in a riot of reds and oranges.

This festival is a feast for the senses, and an annual fixture not to be missed. www.pashleymanorgardens.com

Hever Castle, Hever, April 18-27 Our quick summary of tulipmania is just a drop in the ocean compared to the deep historical story of the tulip.

This spring, Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, Kent, is hosting its second tulip festival. Visitors can learn the more about its story with displays and information within the historic property about the Elizabethan horticultural boom.

Visitors can also discover artefacts and paintings in the castle relating to the gardening craze, then bring it all to life with tours of the garden – either self-guided or with Hever’s Head Gardener, Neil Miller – and see more than

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The garden is open daily throughout spring and summer, and right now you can see the garden’s beautiful tulips, in full bloom.

This is one of the area’s finest independent nurseries, so if you haven’t paid it a visit yet then make sure you do as you won’t be disappointed. www.greatcompgarden.co.uk For more articles like this, visit www.theknow.guide

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Bringing the influential women

of Tunbridge Wells to book Local historian Anne Carwardine discusses why she decided to pen her book Disgusted Ladies (of Tunbridge Wells)

F

ROM Matilda Biggs, who signed the first national petition in 1866, to Olive Walton, who went on hunger strike and was force fed in 1912, Tunbridge Wells has been home to a series of ordinary yet extraordinary Votes for Women campaigners.

Anne Carwardine, the local historian behind the blog Tunbridge Tales, has written a history of these inspiring Tunbridge Wells women, in her book, Disgusted Ladies, which has just been published.

Their activities included collecting petition signatures, marching, selling suffrage newspapers, fundraising, running shops, evading the census and withholding taxes. And, with London only a short journey away, they were present at many of the major protests and processions which took place there.

We caught up with Anne to talk about her love of Tunbridge Wells’ history, and how her research, drawing on a wide range of sources including diaries, personal papers and contemporary newspapers, brings the stories of these amazing women to life.

While exploring this history, have you stumbled across any unforgettable or obscure stories?

While not the oldest town in Kent, Tunbridge Wells has a lot of history to celebrate. What’s your favourite chapter in its tale?

It wasn’t just the Suffragette movement – there were also the Suffragists (who campaigned by peaceful means) and the anti-Suffragists (who campaigned against women having the vote).

After all the research I’ve done, I’m still not clear why this strong connection existed. It was probably a combination of reasons. There were some very committed and influential individual women in the town. London was a fairly short train ride away, which meant that women from Tunbridge Wells could take part in events there

It’s impossible to choose just one. There are obviously plenty of colourful stories from the days of Beau Nash (in the 18th century), when Tunbridge Wells was a thriving spa town. But recently I’ve been very preoccupied with the early 20th century, when there were a surprising number of active local political campaigns, including local women’s campaigns for the vote.

Lots. Stories I’ve told on my blog so far have included (for example) James Baigent, the well-read railway ticket inspector who enjoyed talking to customers, and Richard Latter, who grew a 16ft beard, which he showed off on the Common. Future subjects include a palmist, an umbrella manufacturer and a habitual drunk, who appeared before the local magistrates over 60 times. I find these ‘ordinary’ people’s stories especially interesting.

What inspired you to write Disgusted Ladies?

Back in 2013, Tunbridge Wells Museum and Kent University put on a joint exhibition titled Inspiring Women about some of the campaigners.

This sparked my interest, I began looking into their stories, which I found both interesting and inspiring, and that evolved into a book.

As illustrated by your book, Tunbridge Wells has a strong connection to the Suffragette movement. Why do you think this was?

Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

and invite well-known speakers to come here.

And in the early 20th century, there were a large number of middle-class women in the town with financial resources that allowed them to devote a great deal of time to the campaign.

So it is interesting that there are still active women’s political campaigns in Tunbridge Wells today.

Your book is well timed, with 2018 labelled the Year of Woman. How has researching this book, focusing on events over 100 years ago, affected your own view on women’s rights today?

Researching and writing the book has made me think more about women’s rights than I have in the past, and more aware of the inequalities that still exist. However, in addition to that, many of the women who campaigned for the vote did so because they wanted to improve peoples’ lives generally (not just women’s), and there’s a challenge for me in that, too.

Anne Carwardine’s book is available online from publisher Troubador www.troubador.co.uk and Hall’s Bookshop in Tunbridge Wells. She will also be signing copies at The Forum’s theatrical event, Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle, tonight [Wednesday], and hosting a talk at Waterstones bookshop, Calverley Road, on May 16 at 6.30pm. To book, go to www.twforum.co.uk & www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Defeating the dragons on stage and in real life The Taking Flight theatre company are staging You’ve Got Dragons in Tonbridge on Sunday. The production will be signed for the hearing impaired and include audio description. There will also be a collaborative workshop for the audience to join in. Here, creative producer Beth House explains to Eileen Leahy why there is a need for more inclusivity in the theatre I SET up our theatre company, Taking Flight, in 2008. We decided to do so after being involved in a workshop with some spinallyinjured participants from the BackUp Trust.

We wanted to bring together our passions for working with underrepresented groups of people and making quality performance work.

The aim of the company has always been to attempt to redress the imbalance of who gets to make

theatre, as well as who can access performance. I think that’s what was unusual about us at that time.

Lots of companies were certainly starting to consider audience access, but not necessarily thinking about making the professional environment accessible to disabled and deaf performers.

Having said that, we don’t make shows for deaf or hard of hearing people. We make shows for everyone – our work aims to make

theatre as accessible as possible to as wide an audience as possible.

We don’t want to make theatre that further marginalises people by saying ‘this is for you and this isn’t’.

Theatre and the arts need to keep working to be more accessible to wider audiences in so many ways.

You’ve Got Dragons is our latest production, and we will be performing it on Sunday at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge.

‘We are hopefully providing support for families grappling with their own dragons’ It’s based on the children’s picture book by Kathryn Cave and follows the journey of a young girl, Benjaminah, whose life is being disrupted by her dragons.

They follow her to school, distract her when she’s trying to do her work and get in the way of her friendships.

The story shows how she learns to come to terms with the dragons – even befriending them in the end.

We aim to start conversations in families with young children about anxiety and mental health.

The production also has integrated British Sign Language, captions and age-appropriate audio description.

There are loads of tactile and audio foyer activities, and anyone can ask for an acclimatisation tour to familiarise them before they experience the show.

We consider access at the starting

point of the creative process. It’s part of the artistic product; it’s not added on afterwards.

We’re currently on tour with You’ve Got Dragons all over the country, performing in places such as Harrogate, Wiltshire, Newport and Barking, and no matter where we go we always look forward to meeting new audiences of all ages.

And, through our shows and the workshops we put on, we are hopefully providing some sort of support for families who may be grappling with their own dragons.

We find that this inclusive approach allows more people to join the conversation.

We aim not to exclude anyone from the process of exploration merely because they haven’t been able to access the show.

A larger percentage of deaf and disabled children experience mental ill health than children without additional requirements.

It’s so important to ensure this work is open to as many young people as possible.

There will be two performances of You’ve Got Dragons on Sunday April 22 at 2pm and 4pm, with a free workshop taking place at 3pm where all are welcome to go along and discuss the play and any issues they may have relating to mental health.

Tickets cost £9 per person, and can be booked at www.emftheatre.ticketsolve.com

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Going Out

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy

The Assembly Hall will be putting on Time to Dance, a great local event which showcases our talented primary school movers and groovers.

Schools from all over West Kent have been invited to participate, and audiences can enjoy a wide range of dance styles. Tickets cost £7.50 from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Fashion Re:Boot rolls into town once again tonight, and this time around the fashion pop-up event is being hosted at The Secret Manor at Mabledon. The brainchild of Instagrammer fashion editor Erica Davies and magazine editor Ciara Elliott, this is the third time it’s come to Tunbridge Wells, and the evening will boast more than 30 stalls with handpicked vintage goodies, beauty treats and unique home accessories.

Refreshments will also be on offer. The first 100 people get a Fashion Re:Boot tote bag with a free Adnams Gin & Tonic. See also page 15. Tickets cost £5 from www.mumsthewordonline

SATURDAY

BY GEORGE! England’s patron saint swings his sword at Hever Castle ahead of his special day

WEDNESDAY

BoostFit classes are now being held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at St Gregory’s Catholic School. Classes cost £5 for a one hour session. For more details, see www.boostfit.com The Tunbridge Wells Tuneless Choir has moved to its new home of St Peter’s Church, Bayhall Road, from today and will meet once a fortnight on Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm. For details, email: tunbridgewells@tunelesschoir.com Over at the Assembly Hall, comedian Jason Manford brings his new one-man show Muddle Class to the theatre. Expect plenty of wry, witty observational comedy. Tickets cost £27.50 per person. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk And The Forum is staging a rare theatrical event tonight at 7pm – Ethel Smyth: Grasp The Nettle, The story of the composer, writer and Suffragette.

For details and to book, see www.twforum.co.uk

THURSDAY Hever Castle & Gardens is hosting its second Tulip Celebration. Running until April 27, it’s even bigger than before, with over 20,000 tulips in bloom around the stunning grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. You can enjoy the organised tulip trail with Head Gardener Neil Miller, which will take in the Tudor and Italian

gardens, or simply wander around and discover these magnificent spring blooms yourself. Normal admission, see page 48 and www.hevercastle.co.uk Bewl Water is just perfect for a leisurely walk, but make sure you have a camera on you if you pay it a visit as the reservoir is currently running its Best of Bewl nature photography competition.

To take part all you have to do is capture a picture-perfect moment while you’re in the country park and post it on social media with the hashtag #bestofbewlwater by May 1. You can enter the contest multiple times. For further information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk Trinity Gallery’s latest exhibition is entitled View From My Garden and features the work of Elizabeth Hunt and David Pitcher. Fifty per cent of all sales of David’s art will go to Hospice in the Weald. The gallery is open 10am-10pm daily.

FRIDAY

The second Women Work event takes place today at Salomons Estate. Throughout the day there will be a plethora of specialist speakers and workshops taking place focusing on a variety of subjects, including mental health, eating disorders and gaining the confidence to start running your own business. For tickets and details of speakers, visit www.womenworkevents.com

Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery will host another of their monthly crafting sessions today.

This one is entitled Who Are You? It’s ideal for pre-schoolers and reception-aged children, so go along and join in the fun. The free sessions are on from 10am until midday and 2pm until 4pm.

Join the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park for a Bumblebee Identification for Beginners Day. The course will be run by Dr Nikki Gammans from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and visitors will learn how to identify the big eight British bumblebee species. The course will include identification in the field and tickets cost £5 per person. Booking essential, so please email: steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends should visit Tunbridge Wells West Station today and tomorrow, where there can enjoy A Day Out With Thomas. As well as meeting characters from the TV show, including Thomas and the Fat CHARLIE’S ANGEL See the story of Charles II’s mistress, Nell Gwynn, at The Oast Theatre

BUZZ OFF to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park to find out how to tell one bee from another

Controller, visitors can enjoy a ride on a real steam train. There will also be face painting and vintage Thomas films to entertain little ones.

Tickets cost £16 per adult and £10 per child. For further details, see www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge starts its run of Nell Gwynn this evening. On until April 28, the play charts the rise of this unlikely 17th-century heroine, who started off selling oranges in a London market place and went on to become Britain’s most celebrated actress – and also King Charles II’s mistress. Tickets cost £10 and £7.50 for members. Visit www.oasttheatre.com

SUNDAY Having been postponed in March due to the snow, The Penshurst Brocante finally happens today from 10am until 4pm at Penshurst Village Hall. Visitors will see a variety of stalls selling both vintage and artisan items with a French brocante flavour. Refreshments available from Dolly’s Diner throughout the day. Tickets cost £2.

For details, visit www.cherishthevintage.co.uk Hever Castle invites you to celebrate St George’s Day [which is tomorrow] courtesy of a series of special events to mark the patron saint of England.

As well as hearing tales about his adventures, children will have the opportunity to hunt down the egg of George’s dragon ‘Flame’ around the grounds and castle. Usual admission fees apply.

Bewl Water hosts Have a go at Bewl today. All money raised from this family entertainment event will go to Crazy Jeans in support of the Hospice in the Weald and ellenor charities.

Activities include a soapbox kart race, bouncy castle, mini golf and mini ranger car experience.

There will also be a pop-up bar and hot food to enjoy. Entrance costs £2 per car with each activity priced £2 per person. www.bewlwater.co.uk At 2.30pm, Trinity Theatre hosts Theatrorotto, who are putting on The Walrus and The Carpenter, a humorous tale of a search for the perfect gastro picnic spot. Loosely based on Alice in Wonderland, the tale will be accompanied by music and songs, plus a cameo from Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

Tickets cost £8. Book at www.trinitytheatre.net

MONDAY The G&C gallery on Camden Road is currently showcasing the work of the late Italian artist

Going Out

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

FILM FUN Findng Your Feet at Trinity Theatre Francesco Caccamo for the next couple of months. For further details, visit www.gcgallery.co.uk Visual Arts students from Tonbridge Grammar School’s sixth form are currently exhibiting their work at Royal Victoria Place in the old O2 store premises. Do go along and see the talented creations on display until the end of the month.

The work includes paintings, sculpture and ceramic pieces.

Another free-to-attend exhibition worth seeing is the Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells, which is on at Woods on The

Pantiles until September. It is the brainchild of photographer Mark Wilkinson and writer Anne Wagstaff, who have a ‘curiosity about people and what makes them tick.’ Woods restaurant is open from 10am daily.

There is also a book to accompany this photographic exhibition, which costs £18 and is available from www.remarkablecharacterstw.com

TUESDAY This morning at 11am (and later at 2pm and 8pm), you can catch a screening of the comedy film Finding Your Feet at Trinity Theatre.

TUCK INTO A THEATRICAL FEAST with The Walrus and The Carpenter at Trinity

The heartwarming tale about starting over again and finding new love interests has a great cast, led by Joanna Lumley, Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie. To book, visit www.trinitytheatre.net If you want a taste of history, then make sure you visit the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery where Seasons of Change: The Fegans’ Story is currently on. Running until June 9, it focuses on the work of Fegans – a local charity that has been championing childhood and transforming mental health since 1870.

Admission is free and the show is on from Tuesday to Sunday. For more details, see www.fegans.org.uk There will be a Bat Walk on at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park this evening from 7.30pm. This free event is suitable for children aged six years plus, who must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. To reserve your place, email: steff. dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk A WHOLE NEW FORUM For the tale of Suffragette Ethel Smyth at… The Forum

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PICK OF THE WEEK: A Baroque Springtime Penshurst Church, Saturday April 21, 7.30pm

Penshurst Church welcomes violinist Davina Clarke and her contemporaries for a special evening of Baroque springtime music. Davina, who will be accompanied by mezzo-soprano Eleanor Minney, cellist Alexander Rolton and harpsichordist, Oliver-John Ruthven, will perform a number of classic 17th-century pieces by JS Bach and Handel.

And although these two famous composers were very different to one another, both were able to ‘juxtapose extreme drama and delicate subtleties in music’, according to the concert’s organisers, and this will be highlighted in the evening’s varied programme.

The recital will focus on Easter, springtime, nature and rebirth.

This special group of musicians play regularly together, both on

the professional scene with ensembles such as the English Baroque Soloists, Academy of Ancient Music, The English Concert and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and also through chamber recitals around the UK in smaller, more intimate settings, such as Penshurst Church.

Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £5 for children. To book in advance, visit www.ticketsource. co.uk/penshurst-church or, space permitting, they will be available on the door.

The Leicester Arms is offering a two-course dinner from 6pm onwards, served especially quickly for those going to the concert. Please reserve your table by phoning 01892 871617 or emailing: reservations@ theleicesterarmshotel.com

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Going Out

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Caleb Howard Almond, Ant & Fie, Jack Mackey Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Over The Edge Sunday Dave ‘Shep’ Shepherd, Duke Lloyd, The Frampton Sisters Tuesday Gronk, Alex Van, Isabella Coulstock, Orfila

Will Whisson

live music With Paul Dunton

W

E’RE lucky enough to have a buoyant music scene in our area and it’s important to get out there and support it to keep it that way…

Tonight [Wednesday], I recommend local acts Caleb Howard Almond, Ant & Fie and Jack Mackey, who are all playing acoustic sets at The Grey Lady.

Superb live music events on Friday include the brilliant Dreadzone at The Forum, and for fans of heavy rock and alternative, popular local bands All the Above, Word of Nod and Atlas are The Sussex Arms. For jazz lovers, the internationally renowned Stacey Kent is at Trinity Theatre.

Saturday sees tons of fantastic acts in action, including The Drifters at

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

the Assembly Hall, Will Whisson at The Royal Oak, Red Rooster at The Beau Nash, The Danny Lee Band at The Bedford, Over The Edge at The Grey Lady and Shame headlining at The Forum with support from Gurr.

Close out the weekend in style on Sunday with Dave ‘Shep’ Shepherd, Duke Lloyd and The Frampton Sisters at The Grey Lady, and world-class saxophonist YolanDa Brown at the Assembly Hall.

On Monday, it’s Open Mic night at the Duke of York, and on Tuesday the excellent Blackadder will be at the Punch & Judy in Tonbridge. For Blues fans, the talented Dave Ferra and his Allstars will be at the Toad Rock Retreat. So what are you waiting for?

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews. Open all day, music from 8.30pm, entry charge may apply. More information at www.twforum.co.uk Friday All the Above, Word of Nod, ATLAS

TRINITY THEATRE Church Road. See all concert details at www.trinitytheatre.net Friday Stacey Kent

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road. See all concert details at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Saturday The Drifters Sunday YolanDa Brown: Love Politics War

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Red Rooster

Upper Street, near Rusthall.

Free entry music from 7pm Tuesday Dave Ferra & His Blues Allstars

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday The Fabulous Will Whisson

THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm Monday Open Mic Night

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday Theatre: Ethel Smyth – Grasp The Nettle. The story of the composer, writer and Suffragette, told in her own words and compositions Friday Dreadzone, DJ Matty Dread Saturday Shame, Gurr Tuesday Kele Okereke, Cameron AG, Oscar Roche

THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm Tuesday Blackadder

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Danny Lee Band YolanDa Brown

CHAPEL OF ST AUGUSTINE, TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Tonbridge. All performance details at www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Friday An Evening with Coll Reg: Byrd to the Backstreet Boys

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food

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Food & Drink

Spilling the beans on our local coffee scene To celebrate National Coffee Week, which is on all this week, we pick our favourite hotspots to indulge in a cup of caffeine JAVABEAN CAFÉ, THE HIGH STREET

STAY CONNECTED 7 DAYS A WEEK… THE BLACK DOG, CAMDEN ROAD

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Wednesday April 18 | 2018

The café has an all-day food menu and has been serving its Monmouth espresso blend since 2010.

As spring is here, we opted to taste one of their iced coffees. As it arrived, the frosted ice cubes and swirling cream instantly brought summer vibes to the table. I even heard an ‘Oh, that looks good!’ from another customer.

It’s hard to go wrong with Monmouth coffee, and truth be told, it’s one of the reasons we sought out The Black Dog. There’s not a hint of bitterness in the smooth blend, but when you take into account that the glass is mostly filled with ice, you’re looking at a small coffee for £2.40. The thing that matters, though, is that the double shot of espresso remains the same – you’re still getting the same amount of caffeine, but in a smooth, chilled form. Perfect!

The café has been around for more than five years, and if you can’t get away from the office, they do delivery. We tried an Americano with cold milk. A simple classic that’s surprisingly different from place to place. Without the froth, there really isn’t much to make it look amazing, but the café itself is charming, with lots of colour and character.

Javabean use their own blend of coffee, and this definitely pays off. The taste was smooth and mild with no sense of bitterness.

The regular price is £2.20, which is certainly not bad for the quality of coffee, especially in Tunbridge Wells.

Java Bean’s menu is also pretty irresistible, so perhaps factor that in the cost! I only popped in for a coffee and left with a chicken schnitzel sandwich, too, which was quite possibly one the best things I have ever eaten. Money well spent…

BASIL WHOLEFOODS, TONBRIDGE HIGH STREET Launched in April 2008, Basil café now have four sites – two in Tunbridge Wells, (St John’s Road and Lime Hill Road), one in Penshurst and one in Tonbridge High Street. Their simple philosophy is to create ‘deliciously wholesome food, indulgent cakes and really great coffee’.

In the mood for something a little sweeter as a lunchtime pick-me-up, I opted for Basil’s mocha, which was just what the doctor ordered. It was smooth, rich and indulgent, without being too chocolatey. At £2.85 for a large or £2.45 for a

regular, this is slightly more expensive than your average chain, but the proof is in the pudding, as is the generous size, professional presentation and delicious flavour– all served with a smile.

GRUB & LIQUOR, NEVILL STREET Although they do sell (very nice) coffee, we decided to think outside

the box for this drink, so we had an espresso martini, which is a fancier way of getting your caffeine fix for sure! Served in a martini glass with a creamy top and scattered with coffee beans, this sure beats any standard black coffee. It’s probably not as acceptable to drink at your desk in a mug, though. And as for the taste? Well, it’s just so good. The Kahlúa gives the cocktail a creamy taste, and teamed with the freshly prepared coffee it’s delicious. The regular price is £7.45, which is pretty good, but during happy hour this glass of deliciousness will only set you back £5 – so it’s definitely reasonable to have more than one…

For more articles like this, visit www.theknow.guide

Bean counter n Coffee is actually a fruit. Coffee beans as we know them are the seeds of a cherry-like berry grown on bushes n There are two main commercial types of coffee bean – Robusta and Arabica. Robusta is associated with a more bitter taste, a higher caffeine content, and grows at lower altitudes than Arabica n It takes 42 coffee beans to make an espresso n Ground coffee and single-serve coffee pods are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among millennials (aged 16-34), who account for 16% of all buyers n On the high street, café culture has also continued to boom, 80% of people who visit coffee shops do so at least once a week, while 16% of us visit on a daily basis n 80% of UK households buy instant coffee to drink at home, particularly those aged 65 and older

Food & Drink

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Slake your thirst this

St George’s Day This week, Times drinks editor James Viner picks three native tipples to toast St George’s Day on April 23 – and also The Queen’s 91st birthday on Saturday April 21 RACY AND FRAGRANT HIGH-STREET CHOICE

1: 2016 Co-op Irresistible Limestone Rise, Denbies, Surrey (£8.99, Co-op) English winemaking has developed at an unremitting pace recently, and this tasty commercial example reflects the remarkable quality coming out of vineyards in southern England. A majestic blend of a majority (early ripening) bacchus and reichensteiner, with all the crisp lime peel, elderflower and grapefruit pizzazz you’d expect. The juicy lilt of bright acidity helps make this light-bodied Surrey white so enjoyable, particularly at the giveaway price. A perfect match with spicy Asian cuisine. Alc 11 %

FOR DEVOTEES OF SAUVIGNON BLANC & ASPARAGUS

2: 2016 Camel Valley Bacchus, Cornwall (£13.50, The Wine Society) This light and pungent Sauvignon Blanc-like dry white has notes of elderflower, nettles, grapefruit and

hedgerow. Cool, citrusy Cornish acidity gives persistence, ensuring the finish is as fresh as a spring day. It all adds up to a dandy wine that’s ideal to chill down and enjoy as a perky aperitif. Also pour it for oysters, trout and chlorophyll-rich green asparagus spears (remember St George’s Day traditionally marks the start of the short British asparagus season).

Great stuff. Alc 12.5%

CELEBRATE ST GEORGE’S DAY WITH A GLASS OF ELITE ENGLISH FIZZ 3: 2010 Furleigh Estate Sparkling Rosé, Dorset (£27-£29, Corksout/Hedley Wright/Shaftesbury Wines) Everyone who tastes this polished chardonnay-forward Dorset wine will be impressed as there’s a real drive and energy to it. It’s enthralling as it’s just so well-crafted, and has the sparkling pink X-factor writ large. I love the wild

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strawberry, redcurrant and subtle autolytic (brioche) notes, plus the marvellous, long, savoury finish.

Altogether a dry, delicious and delightful vintage rosé which could take on any domestic rival with the utmost confidence – and ideal with a ‘sparkling’ afternoon English tea. Alc 12%

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BOTANICAL SOMERSET BELLE OF THE BALL

4: Newton House London Dry Gin, Newton Surmaville, Somerset (£35-£36, Master of Malt/Whisky Exchange) Despite only distilling in tiny quantities since March 2017, this outstanding artisanal small-batch gin scooped a deserved Gold medal at the World Gin Awards in January. The 12 botanicals jump out on the palate with citrus, blueberry, peach, liquorice and almond notes all working well to complement a bold, dry, piney juniper and black

pepper spice hit that leaves you with a crisp, clean finish. Vivid and remarkable stuff. A must-try for any gin fan (and also a marvellous Negroni and Martini bedfellow).

Rule Britannia! Alc 43.2%

James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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Advertorial

Tricks of the trade A year since their re-opening, we caught up with The Trading Post’s general manager Mark Churchward, to learn more about the pub since the renovation, as well as their latest food and drink offerings. With a brand new floor for private functions, he tells us how they’ve managed to boost business, while retaining their charm as a local hidden gem in the heart of St John’s…

So, Mark, tell us a little about your role here…

I’m general manager, but, as a chef by trade, I’m also heavily involved in the kitchen. I work closely with our chefs to design menus and wine lists. After leaving school at 16, I trained to be a chef at The Ivy, before getting offered a job at Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road restaurant. Following that, I worked at a few restaurants in Cheltenham, then came to Tunbridge Wells to work with my dad, who’d previously owned The George & Dragon, Speldhurst and Thorins. I was teaching some cookery classes when a friend of mine told me that he was working at The Trading Post – that was seven years ago, and I’ve been here ever since!

How has business changed since the renovation last year?

The downstairs now has both a bar and a seated restaurant to match our new menus and wine list. We can seat about 42 people on the ground floor, as we’ve moved the kitchen upstairs to free up the space. Upstairs is now open for

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

KEEPING IT FRESH General manager Mark Churchward

business – we have a large function area, complete with its own bar.

What can you offer with the function room?

We can do birthdays, anniversaries, sit-down meals or big parties. It’s very much a multi-use area, and completely free of charge to hire. As I mentioned, there’s a private bar up there as well, which means it’s very much self-contained. It’s

Advertorial

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

certainly another string to our bow, and we’re happy to discuss food arrangements and venue hire for any occasion.

How has your food and drink menu changed?

We’ve stepped things up a bit, while still keeping some of the favourites from our previous menu. The chicken satay skewers, as well as the salt and pepper squid, are still on there, but we’ve also got a range of more wholesome meals as well.

The wine list has undergone a massive makeover, as we now stock around 48 wines – everything from organic and vegan wines, to your New World wines, vintage wines, and even some that are exclusive to us. We spent a long time handpicking them, and they’re all available for delivery as well, which is great, as you won’t be able to find them in the supermarkets. We do, of course, have all of the classic lagers, Curious Brews and gins as well, though.

What would you order yourself as a customer here?

The drink choice would be simple – the New Zealand Pinot Noir goes with anything; it’s so light and crisp for a red. For food, I’d go for the spiced crab linguine, as it’s the perfect summer dish. The chicken satay is a favourite as well – it’s always been our number-one seller! We had a table of men come in last week for drinks after work, and they ordered ten portions of chicken satays with their drinks.

Are you aiming for a more formal restaurant atmosphere with the larger menu?

We’re still working with our bar snacks, as well as our light bites and lunch menus, but we’re keen to establish a balance between being a bar and a restaurant. We’re a hybrid of both, and we steer clear from being overly formal or pretentious.

Food-wise, we offer the best of what’s around the world, and don’t limit ourselves to any particular cuisine – that’s part of our charm, and makes us a great venue for larger groups with varying tastes. We’re the ideal place to come for anyone who wants to go out for an informal drink, but doesn’t want to be limited to just your standard pub grub alongside it.

And do you use any local suppliers for your food?

Our food may be world food, but it’s all locally-sourced. Fullers butchers supply all of our meat, Oliver Greens in Rusthall provide our vegetables, and then Chapmans of Sevenoaks are our fish supplier. We also use a local bakery in Soutborough.

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nowadays to have younger crowds that are looking for quality drinks and food, rather than just wanting to binge drink. We make an effort to keep up to date with the drinks that are in fashion – we have a range of gins at the moment, which are really popular in their big, round glasses with fresh fruit.

Do you find that your weeknights are the busiest time of the week with afterwork drinks?

Although we’re a little hidden away here, we do have a large amount of young professionals, who seem to travel to us for after-work food and drink. Friday nights are our busiest and Thursdays also seem to be popular! It’s nice

Finally, what does the future hold for The Trading Post?

Lots of summer events and making the most of the warmer weather. We’ll be having a Caribbean barbecue event with some special chefs from London, as well as a few society days, and making the most of our new function space. The aim really is to carry on with the way things are, but in sunnier weather!

The Trading Post 5 Culverden Down Tunbridge Wells TN4 9SA 01892 459867 www.thetradingpostbar.co.uk

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Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

RED AND WHITE AND COOL ALL OVER

Lady in red It’s time to update your wardrobe with some splashes of red – the hottest hue for spring summer says Eileen Leahy

Striped shirt, £12, Matalan, www.matalan.com

A POP OF POMP POM HANGING AROUND Red tassel statement earrings, £12, Accessorize, www.accessorize.com

Red Clutch Bag £19.99, New Look, www.newlook.com

SEE THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

PHOTO: courtesy of Matalan

OUR MONEY’S ON THIS CHIC PURSE Richmond Leather Travel Wallet Red, £220, David Hampton www.davidhampton.com BE ON RED ALERT FOR THESE FANCY PANTS Valentines red trousers, £20, Dorothy Perkins, www.dorothyperkins.com

Tortoise Shell Cateye Sunglasses, £20, Lipsy, available from various stockists including Next and ASOS

FLAT LINERS White high vamp sling back, £6, Primark, www.primark.com

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

5 buzz-worthy ingredients you need to add to your spring beauty routine 1

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1Black pearl

What does it do? Black pearls, which can only be found in the lagoons of French Polynesia, are known for their skin-brightening and firming properties, making them an excellent addition to your anti-ageing arsenal.

Where can you find it? Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Black Pearl, £9.49 (was £18.99), Holland and Barrett

Katie Wright runs down the year’s biggest ingredient trends and how they can help you With thousands of innovations happening in beauty labs each year, it can be hard to know which products are worthy of your time and money.

But you’ve got to give new launches a go to find out whether they truly live up to their claims – so

to help sort the bad from the good, we’ve rounded up the ingredients generating the most buzz in the beauty world and where you can find them.

From natural to high tech and luxury to bargain, these are the hardworking products that deserve a place in your skincare routine…

2Moringa

What does it do? Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, a product of the moringa tree, is an incredibly nourishing oil that’s packed with antioxidants, helping to promote radiant, hydrated skin.

Where can you find it? Nivea Shower Mousse Lemon Meringue, £2.99, Superdrug

3Kombucha

What does it do? Not just a trendy drink,

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fermented sweet black tea can work wonders when applied topically. It has been proven to improve skin tone and elasticity.

Where can you find it? Add a daily shot of kombucha to your skincare routine by applying Fresh’s liquid essence after cleansing. Use your fingertips to tap it on rather than cotton wool, to ensure none of the product is wasted.

Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, £59

4Drone Peptides

What does it do? Every beauty buff knows that peptides are essential for stimulating collagen production, but new Drone Peptide Technology helps target areas of the face where signs of stress are most visible.

Where can you find it? This clever peptide delivery system can only be found in Elemis’ new night cream. Impressive user trials showed the appearance of wrinkles dramatically improved and skin looked more youthful.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix, £145

5Taurine

What does it do? You’ll probably recognise taurine as the active ingredient of energy drinks (its name comes from the Latin word for ‘bull’) but did you know this amino acid can also give your skin ‘wings’ by stimulating the synthesis of ATP, the energy storage molecule of cells?

Where can you find it?

Using taurine derived from seaweed, the new PhytoEnergise range from Optimum has been proven to improve skin tone and luminosity. Try the Glycolic Cleansing pads to simultaneously exfoliate and energise your skin.

Optimum PhytoEnergise Glycolic Cleansing Pads, £4.95 (was £9.99), Superdrug

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Travel

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

‘You can’t cross the sea merely by

standing and staring at the water…’

THE RIVER MILD ‘Amacello’ cruises through Lyon

O

R CAN you? The current world of cruising was still possibly inconceivable to Bengali polymath Rabindranath Tagore back in the late 19th century, but today you can cross virtually every sea, lake or ocean whilst doing nothing more strenuous than staring out at the water.

It is expected that 27.2 million people globally will cruise this year, which is the equivalent of one person from every household in the UK taking their holiday on water – wouldn’t that be great for the tourist business if they all came home and decided to take the rest of the family with them next year?

There are 25 new river and ocean cruise vessels on order to add to the immense portfolio already afloat, and there really is something for everyone. From floating resorts catering for 7,000+ passengers to private river boats offering impeccable personal service, there is infinite variety in between.

Baldwins Travel Group have always sold holidays that are best suited to a client’s needs and a cruise is no different. All their branches have cruise champions to help you navigate the options – are you looking for rest and relaxation and the best spas at sea? Or are you adventure or culture hungry and want to make the most of every port of call? Dates, times, budgets,

‘What better way to start a holiday than from the shores of the UK itself?

No airports or luggage allowances to wear you out, just drive up, park and leave your worries on the quayside’ dreams – they can factor them all in.

To help you even further, they are gathering together as many of their esteemed tour operators and cruise suppliers as they can into one place for their #CruiseInspirations Show so you can collect even more in-depth knowledge about the different styles of cruising available and the extended options you can combine them with.

Where better to do this than Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst in Kent? Go along on Sunday 29 April between 10am and 3pm and speak to them – there’ll be plenty of time to stare out at the water afterwards.

If you cannot make the show, here is further inspiration from some of their exhibitors…

Life is hectic and our holidays – whether they are a long weekend or a two-week escape – are

immensely important to us, so it stands to reason that we want to put as little effort into enjoying ourselves as possible.

There are many cruise lines who offer unrivalled luxury and exclusivity, but many simply put the emphasis on excellent customer service, so it is not just the rich and famous who can return relaxed and refreshed.

What better way to start a holiday than from the shores of the UK itself? No airports or luggage allowances to wear you out, just drive up, park and leave your worries on the quayside.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines depart from Southampton and Dover on the south coast, and their efficient embarkation and departure process will have you exploring on board in no time at all. By the time you have sailed up the Channel, the barman will know your name and your favourite drink – and what’s more, he’ll remember you next time you cruise, too.

Cruise & Maritime, P&O Cruises, Cunard and Saga Cruises all offer UK departures, and each have their own style and appeal.

Cruise & Maritime have a traditional feel and depart from a massive 14 ports around the British Isles, whereas P&O Cruises have seven ships – two of which are adult only – and they could take you right round the world (in 99 nights!) Cunard offer a touch of elegance and a regal air with three ‘Queens’ at sea.

It may be bucket list stuff to glide past the Empire state building on a transatlantic crossing but you only live once, right?

Saga Cruises offer the best of both worlds with their Ocean faring and River products. Next year also sees the arrival of Spirit of Discovery – a more boutique style detail but the same inclusive value.

River cruising has an immensely leisurely feel about it, and it is no wonder that more than a third of #CruiseInspirations’ exhibitors offer holidays like this. They may all operate from a

similar template – the vessel cannot be bigger than the locks they sail through – but they all make their lasting impressions.

You may well have heard of Viking Cruises, Titan and Riviera, who regularly advertise on TV, but there are plenty more besides and it is Baldwins’ job to find the River cruise to suit you.

Beds are certainly more limited than their oceanic counterparts, so it is best to think ahead to get the best cabin location.

Viking Cruises put emphasis on learning more about the destinations, Titan will offer you a VIP door-to-door service and Riviera – well, they have been nominated Which? magazine’s highest-ranked river cruise operator for five consecutive years, with a rating of five stars for their customer service. So, as you can see, they

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Wednesday April 18 | 2018

all have something special to offer.

Scenic are a 5* all-inclusive river product offering an enriching and diverse shore excursion programme. AMA Waterways have introduced a wellness programme for 2018 and Fred.\ River Cruises – which is the market name for Amadeus River Cruises – are the only river cruise operator in Europe to be awarded the Green Certification seal of approval by Green Globe for sustainable tourism. Could their appeal be any more diverse?

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, there are a host of cruise lines who offer sublime luxury.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer all-suite, all-balcony accommodation across their fleet, and an all-inclusive package beyond compare.

Silversea is another all-inclusive superstar who also offer a range of expedition cruises on the newly refurbished Silver Cloud, which has the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Antarctica!

Azamara Club Cruises have a Focus on Destination Immersion® and have tailored their itineraries to allow you to spend more time in port day and night to soak up the atmosphere and get a real feel of the culture. Their ships catering for around 700 guests mean you can never feel lost.

In contrast, Seadream I and II have just 56 staterooms and an impressive staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1. Their ‘mega-yachts’ offer a more casual and personalised experience. Attentive service and sumptuous cuisine abounds as you sail off into the sunset.

Even if you have never considered a cruise DREAM DESTINATION The Caribbean

THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY The Grand Lobby on Cunard’s ‘Queen Victoria’

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MAIDEN VOYAGE ‘Queen Victoria’ became the largest passenger ship to sail the Amazon

before, go along to the #CruiseInspirations Show, or to one of Baldwins’ branches, and speak to their Cruise Champions. They can help bust all the myths and allay any fears before you embark on your next adventure…

In next week’s Times, look out for even more #CruiseInspiration when we talk about the more adventurous and active side of cruising

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Motoring

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE:

The

Ford has given its iconic muscle car a facelift for 2018. Ryan Hirons heads to the south of France to try it out

Ford Mustang WHAT IS IT?

It wasn’t too long ago that the Ford Mustang was first introduced to the UK, going on sale officially here in 2016 for the first time in the model’s 44-year history – and barely two years on we have a facelifted car.

The iconic V8 has been quite a success since arriving in Europe – having sold more than 33,000 units – and the American firm is hoping more technology can continue its initial success.

WHAT’S NEW?

The big focus has been improving the Mustang’s previous Euro NCAP safety rating from two stars to a targeted three. As a result, it now features pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection technology along with lane-keep assistance.

That’s not the only new thing, though.

Providing fresh vocal chords to the eightcylinder brute is an active exhaust system that features ‘Good Neighbour Mode’, which can be set to reduce exhaust noise between certain hours of the day to avoid disturbing the peace.

There’s also the addition of optional ‘MagneRide’ adjustable suspension, which adjusts depending on the driving mode.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

There’s no real change in the choice of engines, with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit starting the range, while the iconic 5-litre V8 remains, too.

We drove the V8, which has received some minor fettling. Power is up to 444bhp from 410 on the original car, although torque remains unchanged at 529Nm. Paired to a six-speed manual gearbox (a ten-speed auto is also available), the 0-60mph sprint is done in 4.6 seconds, with a 155mph top speed possible.

It’s not exactly the last word in efficiency, with a claimed 22mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 277g/km.

And it’s an archaic feeling thing, with torque lazily coming in at around 4,000rpm before power really begins to build, which would be a disappointment in any other car – but it’s a Mustang, and it aids that old-school muscle-feel that buyers will want.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

On paper, a Mustang might sound like an overdose of understeer with large dimensions (4.8m long and 2.1m wide) and a 1,743kg weight – but that’s not the case.

It’s no hot hatch through the corners, but it feels pretty composed and manageable on the road, no doubt thanks to the ‘MagneRide’ adaptive suspension. Steering also weighs up nicely in Sport+ mode, although more feel through the wheel wouldn’t go amiss.

Take the ’Stang out on the motorway and you’ll have a very relaxed journey – if maybe one with a fair few fuel stops as a result of that poor economy. It feels truly at home on big, open roads, with the suspension providing a comfortable ride and the engine settling down to a quiet grumble at cruising speeds.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The Ford Mustang has never been discreet, but a few visual tweaks have certainly given it even more presence on the road. New air vents have been added to the bonnet, while a revised lower grille adds to the air of menace.

It’s not all show, though. The new front splitter increases downforce, while the addition of ‘rocker shields’ to the wheel arches aid air flow under the car to reduce drag.

It’s not a classically beautiful design, but the aggressive, bold look continues to fit the mission statement of the Mustang perfectly. It’s one of the most brutal looking machines on the road

and is sure to turn heads – especially so in the ‘Orange Fury’ paint finish on our car.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

To hit a £41k price point with the performance on offer, it’s clear to see Ford have cut corners inside the car. It’s definitely not a bad place to be – most things feel well built and there are few hard plastics to be found – but rivals offer more.

Controls and switches in the centre console look and feel a tad outdated, while the faux leather upholstery is a bit hard to the touch.

Our test car was also fitted with optional Recaro leather seats. They’re fine to sit in, offering great support and comfort, but do result in a cramped driving position that is a struggle to adapt to.

Fitting these also removes the option of heated and ventilated seating.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Mustang is pretty well equipped out of the box. For no extra cost there’s the new lane keep and pre-collision technology, while adaptive cruise control, a 12-inch LCD instrument cluster, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system on an eight-inch screen, automatic LED headlights and a heated steering wheel are present.

Mechanical features such as a limited-slip differential and the active exhaust system are also included. It’s a generous package, making this not just great for pound-per-performance, but for tech, too.

There are a healthy amount of options to pick.

Recaro seats will set you back an extra £1,700, and for the trick ‘MagneRide’ suspension, you’ll be paying £1,600.

VERDICT:

Motoring News

Changes have not revolutionised the brute, but that wasn’t needed. It remains in its own league, offering an old-school, all-American beefed-up car experience. And though the interior may not be up to scratch with rivals at its price point, they simply don’t offer the theatre and raw fun the Mustang brings to the table.

In a world driven by electrification and autonomy, it’s a relief that a naturally aspirated, V8 monster with a manual gearbox still remains on sale.

Police using the wrong fuel leads to a fair cop POLICE officers filled patrol cars with the wrong type of fuel nearly 300 times in 2017 – costing the taxpayer more than £50,000.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance said the figures, released after a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association, were ‘staggering’.

Of the UK’s 45 police forces, 40 responded and 33 admitted to paying out for repairs to a police vehicle after a misfuelling incident in 2017 – at an average cost of £178 a time.

Some 299 incidents were recorded, costing a total £53,337 in repairs.

John O’Connell, Chief Executive of The TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s staggering that such a simple mistake is being made almost daily. Millions of people manage this task with their own cars by taking a modicum of care – police officers should extend the same courtesy to their vehicles.”

One fleet manager said mistakes increased when the force moved away from internal fuel sites to external fuel stations in a cost-cutting exercise. He said that among measures to address this they have now ‘labelled all vehicles with the fuel type’.

Game, set and hatch…

AUDI has revealed the e-tron Vision Gran Turismo – an all-electric race car concept designed for virtual competition on the PlayStation 4.

The racer was originally conceived to be included in the Gran Turismo video game to celebrate its 15th anniversary. However, the German firm has built a one-off, fully functional version to support its team in the all-electric, single-seater Formula E Championship.

It is being used as a ‘race taxi’, giving Audi guests hot laps on the series’ street circuits.

The taxi’s face is an evolution of the R8 supercar’s design and could signal a first look at the next-generation model’s appearance, perhaps even hinting that Audi is going to have another go at an EV R8.

THE KNOWLEDGE MODEL AS TESTED:

0-60MPH:

Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT

4.6 seconds

ENGINE: 5-litre V8

MPG: 22 (combined)

POWER: 444bhp

EMISSIONS:

TORQUE: 529Nm MAX SPEED: 155mph

277g/km PRICE: £41,095

Grabbing a new Focus FORD has pulled the covers off the new fourth generation Focus, offering a more spacious cabin with better materials and build quality.

The new car gets a wider range of driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control that can adjust the car’s speed to the posted limit by reading signs, fully automated parking and an evasive steering assistant that helps drivers avoid potential collisions.

Design changes include a front end with a longer bonnet. It’s built on Ford’s new C2 vehicle platform, which they say also improves exterior aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Ford’s Vice-President of European Product Development, Joe Bakaj, said: “The chance to build a completely new car from a fresh piece of paper does not come around often. We grabbed it with both hands.”

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Motoring

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Recruitment

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

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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9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

K H

26 15

10 5

8 1

25

5

22 26

5 14

8

9

8

14

25

20

H

6

15

15

23

10

14

17

K

10

9 25

20

H

19

25

19

23

K

25

26

9

26

25

22

10

25

8

5

5

6

25

15

6

25

15 24

9

15

12

2

4

25

26

26

8

9 7

8 3

7

2

6 1

8

4 5

10

14 10

22

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.

5

6

24

1

3

4 5

7

8

5 4

14

15 13

1

3

9 22

7 9

7 2

1 4

8 3 6

3 7 9 3 2 3

CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

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

15

8 6

7

7

5

8 9

5

11

9

25

15

11

8

15

6

6

25

8

K

15

15

25

24

19

2 25

16

25

21

8

22

6

15

15 18

23

14 8

22

25

15

21

14 24

1

2 4

5

A B C D E F G H I J K L MNO P Q R S T U VWX Y Z 17

3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

4

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★II

3

2 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

2

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

1

9

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

A C Z A E L L S L T U B O M A X U S O L T A A P P N S G E E

C E N T A C P W F I S E S T O T L E N V E L O E I I N E A D J S R I L OQ U Y U N R O V E E P L A S S E K O S H

R E S U T N I A U N P E D I U S T K R OC A O I C S N H E R

Sudoku:

4 1 8 2 9 6 3 5 7

3 7 9 4 8 5 2 6 1

6 2 5 1 7 3 8 9 4

2 9 1 8 5 4 6 7 3

5 3 7 9 6 1 4 2 8

8 4 6 7 3 2 9 1 5

7 5 2 3 4 9 1 8 6

5 8 4 3 1 7 2 6 9

6 2 5 7 9 4 8 3 1

1 9 8 4 7 6 5 2 3

9 6 4 5 1 8 7 3 2

1 8 3 6 2 7 5 4 9

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 6 1 5 3 2 7 8 4

8 7 3 2 4 5 1 9 6

2 4 7 6 8 9 3 1 5

3 1 6 9 2 8 4 5 7

4 5 2 1 6 3 9 7 8

7 3 9 8 5 1 6 4 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

17

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Puzzles

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

69

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Sports

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

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Tonbridge add road crown to bursting trophy cabinet

By Mark Hookway ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE Athletic Club’s men added to their reputation as the best distance-running squad in the UK when they claimed the National 12 Stage Road Relay Championship for the first time.

They have already won the National Cross Country Relays and the National Cross Country Championships, and represented Great Britain at the European Club Championships.

The race at Sutton Coldfield is the sternest test of a team’s depth and is regarded as perhaps the most prestigious of all club events.

In total, 69 teams of 12 alternated long stages of 5.38 miles and short laps of 3.17 miles, totalling more than 50 miles.

Ben Cole led the team off on the competitive opening leg and came sixth in 26min 29sec.

Dom Brown took over and moved Tonbridge up

IN PURSUIT OF GLORY: Tonbridge Athletic Club’s men’s cross-country team (back row, l-r) Kieran Reilly, Jamie Bryant, Sean Molloy, Dom Brown, Ryan Driscoll, George Duggan, Chris Olley; (front) Max Nicholls, Jamie Goodge, Ally Kinloch, Ben Cole, Charlie Joslin-Allen

into second place with a time of 15.34 over the shorter distance. Charlie Joslin-Allen (27.09) and Jamie Goodge (16.12) continued the progress as Tonbridge took the lead after four stages.

The race developed into a battle with former winners Highgate Harriers, who went into the lead on stage five, George Duggan clocking 27.10.

Ally Kinloch (15.48) closed Highgate’s lead to just a few seconds at the halfway stage, before Max Nicholls produced a storming 26.45 stint to put Tonbridge ahead again.

Jamie Bryant consolidated the lead with a 16.10 lap, before Chris Olley moved Tonbridge almost two minutes clear with 26.29 on stage nine.

Kieran Reilly (15.44) and Ryan Driscoll (27.17) increased the lead still further, allowing Sean Molloy (16.37) to cruise to victory in the anchor leg.

The women’s team was weakened by absences, but finished a creditable 22nd out of 54 teams.

Tunbridge Wells 24 Guildford 21

By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS recovered from a poor first half and 18-point deficit to shut out Guildford and record their fifth victory in a row.

The win ensured they secured an impressive fifth place in their first season in the London & South-East Premier Division irrespective of next week’s final game as Westcliff lost to Hertford.

The visitors needed a win to bolster their chances of surviving at this level and they began with greater intensity than the hosts.

Frank Reynolds slotted a penalty on 17 minutes but Guildford responded two minutes later with scrum-half Bradley Smith cutting inside to score close to the posts, Ali Chisholm adding the extras.

A succession of penalties moved Guildford to within range again and a rolling maul from a lineout on the left collapsed.

Wells were deemed to be the offenders as the referee awarded a penalty try on 35 minutes and Nick Doherty was given a yellow card.

Wells were put under even more pressure as

Ben Williams joined Doherty in the sin-bin, adjudged to have adopted an illegal position as the opposing prop went to the floor.

With Wells down to 13, Guildford rolled again and Ollie Millward claimed a third, converted try.

The home side managed to hold the opposition at bay for the first few minutes of the second half until they were restored to 15 men.

Then they proceeded to reel in the score. On 46 minutes Nick Doherty finished off a patient pickand-drive sequence halfway out with Frank Reynolds kicking the conversion.

Man of the Match Dave Allen was using all his experience and skill to suck Guildford in and create space before releasing the ball to the backs.

He popped the ball to Mike Doherty on the straight burst for him to score and Reynolds again added the extras to take the score to 17-21.

Wells were in a purple patch and scored again on 64 minutes as a midfield switch by Shadyn Osgood saw skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy run in from 30 metres, beating the defence for pace.

Reynolds converted to give Wells the lead at last.

Wells now travel to Shelford near Cambridge on Saturday (April 21, kick-off 3pm).

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Allen leads fightback after Guildford give Wells a scare

INFLUENTIAL Hugo Watson breaks through to score

Watson runs the show in thrilling open encounter Tonbridge Juddians 34 Redruth 26

HOLD YOUR HORSES Shadyn Osgood puts in a timely tackle

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS scored six tries in an open, exciting contest to move up to sixth place in their debut season in National Two South with two games to play.

Redruth opened the scoring with a well-worked try but TJs had started brightly.

They manufactured space on the left for a three-on-two down the short side and Hugo Watson put Tom Nicoll over in the corner.

The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides managing to turn over their opponents’ ball and stifle any phase play.

From one Redruth attack George Lawson spotted a chance to intercept and then fed Will Colderick, who managed to run in a try from the halfway line.

Nathan Holmes converted and added a penalty to give the home side a 15-7 lead at the interval.

They stretched that lead early in the second half as the game began to break up.

A poor clearance was fielded by Charlie

Edwards just inside the Redruth half. Lawson ran a great line to receive an excellent pass and he went over under the sticks. With the extras added, TJs seemed to be pulling away at 22-7.

Redruth, though, had other ideas and although a broken-field game might not have suited their forwards, the backs seemed to enjoy it and hit back again to close to 22-14.

But TJs had more to give and the dancing feet of full-back Sami Atiola saw him capitalise on a stretched Redruth defence on the right as he dived over to secure the bonus point.

The visitors hit back and TJs kept them out with some heroic defending until Ben Ashmore was yellow-carded and Redruth took advantage with another converted try.

However, Watson, who impressed throughout in various positions, stormed through to score and restore a winning margin for the hosts.

It was Redruth who posted the last score as another broken-field chance was taken for their own try bonus and a losing point too.

TJs now face a tough away tie at Taunton Titans on Saturday (April 21, kick-off 3pm) before their final game at home to Bury St Edmunds.

Sports

Wednesday April 18 | 2018

Rusthall slip into relegation zone Rusthall 0 Whitstable Town 3

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL dropped into the bottom two in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division and are staring relegation in the face after one season at this level, the highest in the club’s history.

Second-placed Whitstable were playing their fourth game in seven days but they showed no sign of tired legs as they pursued their own promotion ambitions.

The impressive Steph Harper had the best chances for the Rustics in the first half. On 11 minutes he created space on the edge of the area before unleashing a vicious strike that went narrowly wide. A similar effort on 29 minutes flew just over the bar.

But on 36 minutes Whitstable took the lead using their customary direct tactics. A long ball was flicked on by Danny Williams and the free-scoring Ricky Freeman finished neatly.

On the stroke of half-time Rusthall almost equalised twice. First another Harper effort looked to be heading in before Dan Eason produced a fine diving save. From the resulting

corner Dan Mitchell’s fine header went narrowly wide of the far post.

Substitute Dan Kommu helped create Rusthall’s best chance on 59 minutes.

Following a good build-up down the left he fed striker Dan Hanshaw, whose excellent pass set Harper free inside the box but the experienced striker dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Whitstable made the game safe on 67 minutes when they caught the home side on the break.

Danny Williams raced into the area and was fouled by Kommu.

He took the resulting spot-kick himself, which keeper Callum Christie saved well with his feet, but Williams was quickest to follow up and drove the ball home.

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Parkinson returns but Angels still lack consistency Tonbridge Angels 1 Enfield Town 4

SAVING GRACE Callum Christie keeps out a shot Four minutes later the visitors scored again utilising their route one style, Chris Saunders finishing well from just inside the area.

Rochester United are already doomed to relegation but Rusthall now have five games to gather enough points to avoid the drop.

They face a crucial away game at relegation rivals Hollands & Blair, who are one point above them having played two more games, on Saturday (April 21, kick-off 3pm).

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK One of Rusthall’s three under-18 sides, Newtown, beat Tonbridge Juniors 4-1 to win the Crowborough & District Junior League Challenge Cup Final at Hailsham Town. Newtown are managed by former first-team player Robbie Forbes and most of the side have been together since they were playing for the club’s under-6s. (Back row, l-r) Rob Forbes, Archie Elliott, Jack Savage, Tom Williams, Finley Crowhurst, Rowan Thompson (captain), Robert Skilton, Ben Gibb, Dominic Lambert, Adam Plunkett; (front) Freddie White, Eliot Goodyer, Lukas Owen, Max Forbes, James Corner, Callum Strachan.

PHOTO: Dean Jacquin

FOOTBALL: AFTER the heroics of their 2-1 victory at high-flying Dulwich Hamlet in midweek, Tonbridge Angels slipped heavy home defeat.

In the last three weeks the Angels have proved meddlesome in the race for the Bostik Premier League title, beating both the top two sides.

But their own form remains inconsistent, which is proving emblematic of their season.

Enfield went ahead on six minutes when poor marking from a corner allowed Dernell Wynter a header. It was parried by keeper Jonny Henly but Brad Wadkins stabbed in the rebound.

Alex Akrofi equalised in similar fashion after 15 minutes. He headed Joe Turner’s corner towards goal and his effort was saved by Joe Wright but Akrofi curled the rebound past the keeper.

Cheer In the second half the match was dominated by the visitors. Aaron Greene restored Enfield’s lead after 54 minutes when he latched on to a flick-on from Wadkins to shoot into the bottom corner.

Four minutes later, a superb curling shot into the top corner from 30 yards by substitute Sam Youngs made it 3-1.

The biggest cheer by the home fans was reserved for the introduction of club captain Tommy Parkinson, who has recovered from an injury which has ruled him out all season.

But on 80 minutes Wadkins fired into the bottom corner to complete a bad day for the Angels.

On Tuesday night at Dulwich’s temporary home, Imperial Fields in Mitcham, Akrofi scored five minutes before the interval, embarking upon a mazy run and unleashing a fine shot that seemed to bemuse keeper Amadou Tangara.

On the stroke of half-time Turner saw his header hit the post but Sam Bantick was quickest to react, knocking the rebound just over the line.

Angels, who are in 10th place in the table, now travel to Lowestoft Town for the penultimate game of the season on Saturday (April 21, kick-off 3pm).