Times of Tonbridge 19th July 2017

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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MP takes a step up in the world TOM TUGENDHAT has been elected chair of the influential House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

The Tonbridge MP’s role will be to scrutinise the work of Government and ensure that the views of MPs are reflected in Government policy.

In a vote of MPs from all parties, the former army officer came out top, and became the first MP from the 2015 or 2017 intake to be elected chair of a committee.

He follows Crispin Blunt, whose leadership continually challenged David Cameron’s administration. His cautioning against military intervention in Syria was the first Parliamentary Select Committee report to elicit a response from any prime minister.

Consumed Mr Tugendhat said he was ‘honoured’ to have been elected to the post. Writing in the Financial Times, he set out his vision for Britain’s role in the world.

“With eight major pieces of legislation required to deliver Brexit, it will be easy for Parliament to become consumed with leaving the EU. That would be fatal. If we step out of the international conversation, it will be hard to rejoin at a later date.

“Our allies and enemies are watching carefully to see what we do next on issues from Crimea to Syria, North Korea to the South China Sea. We must decide what role the UK is willing to play in the questions that will define the 21st century.”

Kent has highest paid councillors in England

INSIDE LESSON LEARNT?

Schools comment on latest U-turn for funding Page 3

Pay rise condemned as an ‘insult’ to taxpayers

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk COUNTY councillors have voted themselves a 15 per cent pay rise against the advice of an independent remuneration panel. It makes them the highest-paid councillors in the country.

The increase is worth an extra £1,920 each a year for the 81 members, who have had their basic allowance frozen since 2008, when they received £12,800. They will now receive £14,720 a year for what is considered to be a part-time job.

The 15 per cent jump will cost taxpayers £244,700 per year.

‘Why should we have to tolerate a [pay] freeze?’

months of coming into office.”

However, Council Leader Paul Carter, who pushed through the new deal, said: “I do not think the increase is in any way unreasonable. Why should we have to tolerate a [pay] freeze?”

Speaking to a divided Council Chamber at County Hall before the vote on Thursday [July 13], Cllr Carter argued that members had been ‘extremely restrained’ in tolerating a freeze since 2008, and had saved the authority £1.5million over the past eight years.

In addition to the pay rise, members with additional responsibilities will receive extra payments.

For example, Cllr Carter received £38,600 on top of his basic allowance for the period April 2016 to February this year. He also claimed £2,100 in expenses, meaning he took £52,400 in total.

After these changes, he will receive £57,000 plus expenses.

On hearing of the pay rise, Tonbridge & Malling Conservative borough councillor Ben Walker tweeted: “An insult to Kent Taxpayers. The sooner we abolish idle Kent County Council & establish Unitary Authorities the better. Appalling.

“This could have been used to develop our local highways which exceed their capacity & blight the lives of residents.”

James Price, of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers have every right to be angry at this huge above-inflation rise.

“Despite Kent County Council pleading poverty and raising council tax this year, someone found this extra money down the back of the sofa – against independent advice – to line their own pockets.”

THE WATERFRONT

Latest developments in the River Lawn campaign Page 2

GREEN PARTY

Haysden Park again wins top environmental award Page 4

Continued on page 2

Council Leader Paul Carter (below)

The independent panel recommended a modest 1.5 per cent increase that would have pushed the basic allowance up to £13,000. The council doesn’t have to accept the recommendation and in the meeting they chose not to.

Cllr Rob Bird, Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, said: “Councillors put themselves forward for election in May knowing the level of allowances they could expect.

“It is not acceptable for councillors to vote through a substantial increase in their allowances within a couple of

SEAT OF POWER County Hall Maidstone

CHERRY PICKED

Make the most of this fruit’s short but sweet season Page 52

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Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Battle lines are drawn over River Lawn sale

PROTEST Around 50 campaigners went to the meeting

Rebels ramp up the pressure after debate

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A BOROUGH councillor has said he anticipates ‘blood on the table’ as disagreements over the selling of River Lawn become increasingly bitter.

Tempers were frayed during a full Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council meeting last Tuesday [July 11] that saw 50 protestors present their 1,600 signature petition opposing the sale of the town centre green space.

The council voted for the petition to be considered by the Cabinet of six councillors in October.

Members rejected a motion to extend the discussion, which was put forward by two Judd ward councillors, Peter Bolt and David Cure.

“I find it irritating that councillors didn’t think it was important enough to debate. Frankly it makes me laugh, if this was happening in any of the areas they represent they would be up in arms,” said Cllr Cure.

“I’m feeling very bullish. We’re not going to let this go. There will be blood on the table. We might lose but we will go down fighting,” he pledged.

Campaigner Lucy Athey, who presented the arguments against the sale said: “We had hoped that a fuller debate could lead to the councillors giving a recommendation to the Cabinet but now the future

‘I’m feeling very bullish. We’re not going to let this go. There will be blood on the table. We might lose but we will go down fighting’ of River Lawn lies in the hands of just six members.

“We were praised by the councillors for showing that democracy is alive and well in Tonbridge, but we don’t feel it is democratic that just six councillors can propose a sale of the land, and the same six get to decide the final outcome.”

River Lawn

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 CHIEF REPORTER ADAM HIGNETT adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576051 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews IF YOU HAVE A STORY WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Contact details above

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CINEMA SITE CORRECTION OUR story last week on the cinema site in Tunbridge Wells stated that a planning application in 2001 submitted by GLN (Copenhagen) Southern Ltd was turned down and that it resulted in an unsuccessful appeal. The appeal was, in fact, successful with the Inspector finding in favour of GLN (against the council) and granting planning consent for a scheme that included leisure, restaurants, retail and apartments.

An application for costs was unsuccessful. The site was sold to Rydell Properties with the benefit of this detailed planning consent in July 2005. We apologise for the error.

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells 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@timesoftunbridgewells.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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Council Leader Nicolas Heslop pointed out that since the introduction of the Local Government Act 2000, the Borough Council have had an executive system and that, even if he wanted to extend the vote to the full council, he is constitutionally constrained from doing so.

“I have asked the Council’s monitoring officer – the most senior legal adviser – whether there is provision within the constitution for Cabinet to refer its decision on the disposal of River Lawn to all members. There is no such provision, so to make a referral would be unlawful.

“In that context, as with all Cabinet meetings, I take a very open approach to discussion, so that all members can speak – and while non-Cabinet mem-

‘We are not paid a lot for the hours’ Continued from page 1 Tonbridge County Councillor Richard Long, who voted for the increase, said he regretted the timing of the vote as it came just after a recent election, but said he hoped public perceptions would not be changed.

“Whether or not there is a backlash depends on whether people believe councillors deserve to be paid reasonably for the work we do. I think we do.

“I have now given up most of my work outside the council, as a solicitor, and I will receive much less this year than I did last year.

Councillors are not paid a lot for the hours most of us put in and this increase comes after a voluntary freeze on our pay for eight years.”

The County Council Labour group Leader, Cllr Dara Farrell, said: “I simply couldn’t look my neighbours and the residents I represent in the eye if I’d voted for a pay rise just three months after being elected. I’m astonished that members of the County Council vote on their own pay. It doesn’t happen in any other sector of society.”

bers do not have a vote, their views are heard and considered.”

Defending his vote to keep the discussion to 15 minutes, he highlighted a previous petition on car parking charges in West Malling that attracted more signatories than River Lawn’s.

“I don’t recall any members, including Peter Bolt and David Cure, arguing that the 15 minute rule should be suspended.

“That petition was referred to Cabinet and it was the Cabinet who made the final decision. If a larger petition wasn’t considered worthy of an alternative decision making process, then there are no grounds to do as suggested for the River Lawn petition.”

But the authority pointed out that in addition to the freeze, councillors voluntarily took a cut of 1.5 per cent in their basic remuneration and a 5.4 per cent cut for those with special responsibilities in 2009, which remained in place until they were abolished last week.

Tonbridge’s other councillor, Michael

Payne, said he was at a meeting of Gatwick Airport’s Consultative Committee and therefore was not present for the meeting.

The Times contacted the five county councillors who represent Tunbridge Wells divisions for comment. At the time of going to press, none of them had responded.

COUNTY PAY AWARD BACKGROUND NUMBERS INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL Allowances are set by the Member Remuneration Panel, made up of three people independent of the council.

They recommended a modest 1.5 per cent increase that would have pushed the basic allowance up to £13,000. The council doesn’t have to accept the recommendation and in the meeting they chose not to. According to Cllr Long they were ‘not convinced’ by the panel’s thoroughness and their review ‘clearly had out of date information’.

COUNCILLORS’ ALLOWANCES KCC spent £1.7million last year on councillors’ allowances and expenses but with last week’s vote it will rise to at least £2milli0n.

Kent members are the best paid at £14,700.

Second is County Durham at £13,300 with Nottinghamshire third at £13,200. East Sussex is seventh, with their councillors receiving £11,200.

THE KCC BUDGET In total, KCC have budgeted a gross expenditure of £2.15billion this financial year. Most of this income is derived from charges and specific Government grants.

However, £887.9million is net expenditure and has to be raised through council tax, local retention of business rates and un-ring-fenced government grants. This year’s budget saw a £23million cut to services as the authority suffers from the squeeze on public spending from central government.

COUNTY HALL PAY RISE RAISES MORE THAN A FEW EYEBROWS THEY say that in politics it’s all about timing.

The same is true of comedy; some would argue the two are one and the same. And it is timing, more than anything else, that has left the Leader of Kent County Council, Paul Carter, exposed to criticism.

He’s the high profile Conservative who has gone against the diktats from party HQ about the need to cap pay rises for the workers in the public sector and press on with austerity.

Last week he pushed through a pay increase of 15 per cent for himself and the other 80 county councillors. Those councillors are, of course, ‘working’ in the public sector.

Cllr Carter’s argument is that they have not had a pay rise since 2008 while other County Hall staff have had regular pay increases.

Apparently it’s now their turn.

The rise of nearly £2,000 a year makes our councillors the highest paid in the country and puts them on an average of £14,700 for what is essentially a part-time job. They have always been near the top of the pay table so it’s not as if they have lagged behind every other authority since 2008 and need to make up lost ground.

Had we been emerging from ‘austerity’, had other public sector workers not been told they will have to grin and bear it, people might have been more accepting of the need for Kent councillors to, in their view, ‘catch up’. But that is not the case.

As it is, the surprise announcement, which flies in the face of a recommendation by an independent pay review panel hired by County

Hall, comes several weeks after the county council elections. Was there any mention of a 15 per cent pay rise in the election leaflets? We believe not. So, again timing makes it look bad.

Reasoning people accept that the Tory party is in crisis. Their Parliamentary majority was savagely reduced because their election campaign, so many believe, showed just how out of touch those at the top are, as well as those who advise them.

The decision by Paul Carter and his fellow Conservatives, to award themselves the pay increases at this time will surely not ease those concerns.

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

Local News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rink taken off thin ice for two years AFTER months of uncertainty surrounding the return of the Calverley Ground’s Christmas ice rink, organisers have confirmed that they have received planning permission for the next two years.

Now in its seventh year, the popular attraction has previously drawn in 39,000 skaters over the six weeks it’s open.

Councillor Jane March, Cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development said: “I am delighted to say that the planning application for the ice rink was approved by the planning committee for a further two years. It’s far too early for most of us to be thinking about winter but this means the ice rink team can begin their preparations.”

Surprise Slaves gig Tunbridge Wells band Slaves have announced a special homecoming show at the Forum tomorrow [July 20] to celebrate five years since their first record release.

Their Sugar Coated Bitter Truth album was recorded in the venue back in 2012.

Guitarist Laurie Vincent said: “It kicked off our career and started us getting played on the radio. To celebrate we return to the scene of the crime for a one off gig.”

The duo consist of former Hugh Christie pupil Isaac Holman from Southborough and former Oakwood Park pupil Laurie Vincent, from Maidstone.

LGBTQ exhibition To honour the landmark 50th anniversary in LGBTQ rights Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery are hosting a stall at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

They will be showcasing artefacts such as the script to a 1703 play set in Tunbridge Wells entitled Tunbridge Walks: or, The Yeoman of Kent.

It featured a queer character called Mr Maiden who is cast as a ‘molly’ – an 18th Century term for an effeminate homosexual.

The stall marks half a century since the Sexual Offences Act 1967 which decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men, both of whom had to have attained the age of 21.

Soul Train is back on track with all that jazz

By Andrew Tong TWO important events in the Tunbridge Wells cultural calendar have been saved after an agreement was forged between disgruntled residents and a local promoter.

The Pantiles will now be allowed to stage one musical event per week, with an extra gig permitted during summer bank holidays.

‘We came to a really excellent mutual compromise’ Jazz on The Pantiles, a weekly concert on Thursday nights in the summer, is celebrating its 10th year and attracts thousands of people.

Soul Train parties on Saturday nights started three years ago and have provided a more raucous alternative seven times a year.

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PARTY ON THE PANTILES Popular music events will continue

Both were under threat after the Residents Association asked the borough council for a full review of the licensing agreement because of late night noise and drunkenness.

Under the new arrangement The Pantiles Bandstand Event Company, which promotes the programmes, can choose which event to stage.

It means jazz has been saved, with Soul Train being staged on two bank holiday weekends – though there is provision to hold the latter instead of the jazz.

Speaking for residents Ralph Lloyd-Roberts said: “We are happy that this 11th hour agreement has been reached.

“We are also grateful that in the meantime the organisers have clearly made efforts to try to minimise the disruption to residents.”

Julian Leith-Griffiths, who manages the Event Company, said: “We came to a really excellent mutual compromise. I understand the concerns of residents and we had to do what was fair for them.

They were helpful, and pretty much in favour of the jazz. Peace breaks out.”

Mixed reaction from Heads on the new pupil funding in Kent, The Judd School should benefit from the new safety net of a minimum of £4,800 per pupil per year, not including the sixth form, and we should see an increase of around two per cent in our annual budget.

By Murray Jones The Government announcement [Monday] of an additional £1.3billion for schools has been welcomed as ‘the first piece of good news on funding in seven years’.

The plans include a new minimum per pupil funding limit at £4,800, with Education Secretary Justine Greening calling it a ‘significant investment’. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said it represents a real-terms freeze on school budgets for the next two years.

Headmaster of The Judd School, Robert Masters, told the Times: “This is the first piece of good news on funding in seven years, during which government funding has been flat, with no increases to match inflation

Increase

Simon Marsh or salary increases.

“To manage this situation at Judd, we have increased our student numbers by nearly 20 per cent, whilst staffing has barely changed.

“As one of the lowest funded schools

“This is enough to stabilise the situation in regard to inflation, so it is a welcome first step, but the momentum needs to be maintained.

In order to see this rise at school level it will require the local authority (KCC) to adapt its funding formula to ensure the additional money reaches the schools for whom it is intended.”

The money is coming from savings made elsewhere in the education budget, with £280million cut from the free schools budget.

The Head of Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, Edward Wesson, was more sceptical in his analysis.

“It is good to see the Government recognise that there is a need for some reverse to years of cuts in schools’ budgets. However, rather like the pre-election National Funding Formula, I will wait to see what it actually means for my school before getting my hopes up too much.”

Acting Headteacher of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Simon Marsh was equally cautious.

“Although I welcome any move towards ensuring that per pupil funding is properly protected in real terms, the devil will be in the detail – not least as it is clear that no additional funding is being provided for education but rather reallocated from the current education budget,” he said.

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Local News NEWS IN BRIEF

Stolen postal van in a helicopter chase TWO men were chased for more than 30 miles in a Royal Mail van that they had stolen.

Police attended a report of a burglary on July 15 at 3.56pm in Sovereign Way, Tonbridge.

The stolen van was seen on the A21, but failed to stop when told to by officers. It was then pursued to London’s Wharf Street, with help from the Metropolitan Police and a helicopter, where it was stopped.

David Stone, 50 and Lee Brown, 49, both of Canning Town, London, have now been charged with burglary and aggravated vehicle taking. Mr Brown received an extra charge of driving whilst disqualified.

The van was stolen from London three weeks prior to the 30 mile chase.

Open all hours bar?

A TOWN centre nightclub has applied for longer opening hours.

Zee Bar, in Tubridge Wells High Street, has applied to the Borough Council to be able to serve alcohol between 9pm to 3am on a Thursday. They are currently only licensed until 1am prior to the weekend.

It’s great outdoors TONBRIDGE Castle hosted an open air cinema over the weekend. Oscar-nominee La La Land kicked off proceedings on the Friday [July 14] and fans could keep on singing as another musical, Mamma Mia, was shown on Saturday before family favourite Ghostbusters rounded off the weekend.

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Staff and volunteers make our parks among the best in the world PARKS and open spaces in Tunbridge Wells have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as being among the best in the world.

Five open spaces, it was announced yesterday [Tuesday], have retained their prestigious Green Flag Awards for another year.

They are Woodbury Park Cemetery, The Grove, Grosvenor and Hilbert Recreation Ground, Calverley Grounds and Dunorlan Park – which also has a Green Heritage Site Accreditation.

All met the objective of the scheme putting them among the record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and spaces receiving a Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy.

The Green Flag initiative means

GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND Grosvenor and Hilbert park’s new pond

Tonbridge flies the green flag HAYSDEN COUNTRY PARK has been given a Green Flag Award for the twelfth year in a row.

Set in an area of countryside covering about 165 acres in the Medway Valley to the west of Tonbridge, the park includes a new play area, and jetty at Barden Lake.

There are also picnic tables overlooking it, and a range of habitats such as grassland, freshwater lakes, marshland and woodland, which are home to a wealth of insects, birds and animals.

The park is managed and main-

tained by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council with the help of local volunteers who meet regularly to carry out organised tasks like litter picking, coppicing and tree planting.

Cabinet member Cllr Maria Heslop said: “We continue to develop the park thanks to the help of our volunteer groups and rangers and this year visitors can enjoy lots of new wildflowers and plants at Barden Lake as well as the jetty, picnic area and play areas for children of all ages.”

they are good quality parks and green spaces that are managed in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way. They are welcoming places that are healthy, safe and secure for all members of the community to use.

Cabinet member Cllr Jane March said: “We value our parks and are very proud of them. We have become rather accustomed to retaining the Green Flag Awards but these Awards are only possible with the support of the respective Friends groups and the hard work of the parks team and our contractor Sodexo.

The Flags are well deserved and I hope this will encourage more people to visit and enjoy their parks.’

ON A WAVE Staff and volunteers at Haysden Country Park celebrate this year’s Green Flag Award

Local Business News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

St John’s design milks links with local history The business was part of his mission to fulfil his promise to the surrounding community that no matter where they lived in the town, milk could be delivered to them within ten minutes.

Developers McCarthy & Stone have decided to name the new estate The Dairy in honour of the site’s history.

Their Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Julie Ward, commented: “We are delighted to announce the official name of our new Royal Tunbridge Wells development, The Dairy, which celebrates the site’s history as a vital depot for the delivery of milk to the area for many years.

“At McCarthy & Stone, we truly value the communities in which we build, and it was important for us to select a name that will connect with both Royal Tunbridge Wells residents and future homeowners.”

THE VISION A drawing showing how The Dairy will look

THE latest images of the development that will fill an empty construction site in St John’s Road were released last week.

Soon to become a retirement home, the location was formerly a milk depot, originally opened 150 years ago by dairyman John Brown.

Travel company takes top award BALDWINS TRAVEL GROUP has been named Travel Agent of the Year for London and the South East at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards.

It’s the tenth year in a row that the company has won the prestigious title and is ‘testament to the hard work and dedication of the growing team across Kent and Sussex’.

Accolade This year’s London ceremony was attended by more than 900 trade members, and the awards are recognised as the industry’s top accolade for excellence and achievement.

Joint Managing Directors Nick and Chris Marks let their father, Ron Marks, take to the stage first to receive the award from ITV presenter Stephen Mulhern, in recognition of his work leading the company for the past 25 years.

His wife Sally, who is also a Director, and 12 other members of Baldwins led the applause.

Nick Marks said: “I am so pleased for all the team. Without their dedication and knowledge we wouldn’t have been able to win this coveted award for the last ten years. This award is wholly theirs.”

The company was also shortlisted in the Marketing Promotion of the Year category, while Tonbridge Branch Manager Trevor Ridler was shortlisted for Aspire Agent of the Year.

Baldwins is part of the consortium Advantage Travel Partnership, which supports the agency in a number of ways and allows independent businesses to thrive alongside multiple brands.

The family-owned and run business has an annual turnover of £30million, and its branches include both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

TIME TRAVELLERS: (L-R) TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, Baldwins’ Nick Marks, Travelopia MD Mathew Prior, Baldwins’ Ron Marks and Chris Marks, and Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Lucy Huxley

Bidborough pub among the best A VILLAGE pub has won a place in the finals of the Great British Pub Awards.

The Kentish Hare at Bidborough is just one of six hostelries on the shortlist of the Best Food Pub category.

Celebrity chefs and brothers Chris and James Tanner head up The Kentish Hare’s kitchen, with the venue also securing two AA rosettes and a coveted Michelin listing.

General Manager Paul Barber said: “It is fantastic

to be recognised as one of the best food pubs in the country.”

Chef James Tanner added: “Our menu focuses on using the best in local ingredients from local suppliers. The Kentish Hare has only been open for three years, and in that time it has already earned national recognition as being one of the best gastro pubs in the country.”

The winner will be announced at the London Hilton on September 7.

BUSINESS

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Local News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Council rejects referendum idea as it presses ahead with £72million spend Next Wednesday [July 26] the borough council debates a 1,800-signature petition calling for a rethink on plans to spend £72million on a new Civic Complex and theatre adjoining Calverley Grounds.

Last week we published arguments from those opposing a project that is one of the biggest and most controversial put forward by the council in decades. Campaigners believe it is ‘inappropriate for a public park in the centre of town’.

The Times: Why can’t we just leave things as they are?

Why then would anyone else want to use it or buy it?

TRACY MOORE [TM] The ‘do nothing’ option is not cost-free, and it isn’t risk-free. Borrowing at historically low, long-term interest rates is the appropriate borrowing for long-term investments – so it’s long-term debt for long-term investments in the urban infrastructure to benefit residents, businesses, visitors and also the wider borough.

DAVID JUKES [DJ]: They could take it over for alternative use. There are other institutions which would favour a building like this – scientific, educational.

It could even be converted into housing, by keeping those parts which are still listed.

The whole building, although in 1936 was state-of-the-art design, is no longer feasible for the sort of organisations that we have in this century. The architect who put it together did quite a nice job, but we’ve got one boiler house, for example, which looks after the Town Hall, the Assembly Hall, the Library and the Police Station.

From an engineering point of view, it doesn’t work. We have a single pipe heating system.

When you switch it on in October, it warms up by the end of December. When we switch it off in May, it’s still hot in July.

But how will it benefit us financially?

TM: At the moment, we are in the Town Hall, which is over 40,000 sq ft, and our needs are 12,000 sq ft. So we are looking to take 12,000 in the new Civic Centre and let 21,000 to a local employer.

The cost of refurbishing the Town Hall is estimated to be about £12million, and the existing use asset value on the balance sheet would be only about £4.5million. And that would still leave us with a building that is far too big, and the wrong configuration for teamwork and cross-department working.

It has long, narrow corridors with tiny offices off the sides. We have removed walls where we can, but the building is just not fit for modern working practices.

YOU ARE BASICALLY SAYING THE TOWN HALL IS UNFIT FOR PURPOSE? TM: It is unfit for purpose, and if a private developer comes in and wants to repurpose this building for a different use, with deep private sector pockets, then they would be better able to deliver than if we were to spend the money and

This week Editorial Director Richard Moore and Chief Reporter Adam Hignett put the questions to Council Leader David Jukes and Cllr Tracy Moore, who represent the ward covering Calverley Grounds

THE IMAGE An idea of how it could all turn out

Local News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

stay in a building that isn’t suitable for us.

The efficiency and the running costs of the building are very, very high – I can’t justify that to the taxpayer. A new, modern office for us would be much cheaper to run and more energy efficient.

So you’re going to spend £72,000,000, borrowed at 3%…

TM: Probably less than 3% – from the Public

Works Loan Board. Fixed for 50 years, it’s an annuity, so the principle and interests are paid back over the 50 years. And the payback for the office is 25 years, for the car parking it is under 50 years, and I think that it is justifiable borrowing for long-term investment in an urban infrastructure.

And remember – the cost of doing nothing is not free. The cost of staying in this building is, at least, £12million to refurbish the Town Hall. It is north of £30million to refurbish the Assembly Hall Theatre, to get an audience capacity of 1,200.

But you still have the constraints of the wings, the stage, and the fly tower being too low.

The foyer space and bar are also too small for the circulation of an audience of 1,200. So we’re unable to increase the size of that theatre, or to put our 1,200-seat theatre on that footprint. It does not fit, and it is a myth that is being proposed to the public by others.

You’re never going to make money running a theatre TM: Well, exactly. But it is estimated that there is at

least a £14million per annum economic benefit to our local economy [by having a new theatre].

How is that calculated?

TM: This is based on the Shellard Formula, which is nationally recognised as the way of calculating the economic benefit of culture.

It’s what was used to estimate the benefit to Canterbury when the Marlowe Theatre was built, and actually, the economic benefit has

exceeded the Shellard Formula in Canterbury.

In its current state, our Assembly Hall Theatre is estimated to give just under £4million per annum economic benefit to the town.

So those who say we should close the theatre [and build a new one on the site] are wrong. It would be closed for at least three years.

Which would mean losing, over three years, £12million?

TM: Exactly. Losing just under £4million per annum economic benefit to the town while the Assembly Hall Theatre is closed. You also lose your audience because they are going to go elsewhere to get their culture. So then, when your refurbished theatre reopens, you have to rebuild your audience from zero, rather than trying to achieve audience regrowth. And you also risk losing staff and expertise.

Have you got a potential corporate client lined up for the Civic Complex?

DJ: Do we have any tenants? Yes, we do, but I’m not telling you who it is because we have five years before it is actually going to be open and we have got two parties seriously interested.

TM: It’s very difficult to sign up tenants to a building where you don’t have full council consent to even apply for planning permission.

The point I want to make is that borrowing £72million makes some people a bit nervous.

But I compare it to the same way I borrowed for my university education – it was investing in my future. People borrow to buy a property and their mortgage is then what they pay back for that asset.

Other local authorities in Kent have borrowed to invest in their local areas. We have less than £7million in debt and over £100million in assets.

This is a very, very well run organisation. Look at other authorities that have borrowed – Ashford recently borrowed £75million to invest in a hotel, cinema and leisure complex. Canterbury has £180million of debt, Dartford £64million and Dover £84million. But Canterbury borrowed recently £74million specifically to buy half a shopping centre. Other areas are investing in their future and I think that it is appropriate and responsible for us to do the same.

ARE YOU SAYING THAT FINANCIALLY IT’S A NO-BRAINER? TM: When I talk to my peers –

middle-aged people with school-aged children – I hear ‘no-brainer’ all the time. They think it is a really sensible thing for us to do and to get on with it.

Why then is there a public backlash?

Why are you sitting here having to defend it?

NEW FACE Tracy Moore is passionate about the project

DJ: Because a handful

of people that it might impact upon have set up a petition when they should really have declared an

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interest. People around this part of the world would sign anything. They put it online and anybody can sign it; they don’t have to put their name and address on it.

Do you think you have been good enough in packaging and selling the development?

DJ: I’m not a project developer, I’m not a venture capitalist, as you report occasionally. I’m an electrical engineer, but I’m also a project manager, and I build things. So I’m pretty good at building them, but I’m not necessarily good at selling them. Hence, Councillor Tracy Moore has come in now to help us out with that.

TM: There are two things about the petition. One, that the people who started the petition do live adjacent to the potential development site, or the park of Calverley Grounds. So there is probably a vested interest or, dare I even say it, possibly a motive to that.

And secondly, I would also say that some of the assertions made in that petition are frightening. I can understand people signing a petition with those claims. But much of it is misinformation and inaccurate.

We are looking to build on less than 2 per cent of Calverley Grounds. It is not encroachment of the park. It is not concreting over the park. It is building on two car parks that currently exist, and actually, Historic England thinks we would be improving and healing the edge of Calverley Grounds with these two new buildings.

We are looking to put a publicly accessible roof garden on the council chamber element of the building, with a new pathway to lead the public to that garden plus a wider, more welcoming entrance to the grounds. So instead of encroachments, it is actually enhancing and protecting our asset. Which is what we’ve done with all of our other parks.

Continued on page 8

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Local News

WHY IS MOST OF THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION FROM PEOPLE WITHIN YOUR CONSERVATIVE GROUP? DJ: Well, oddly enough, I’m getting a lot of support from the political opposition.

But there seems to be quite a hardcore resistance in your own party…

DJ: Well, a lot of it comes from outside Tunbridge Wells with people from places such as Sissinghurst, Cranbrook, etc, asking: ‘What’s in it for us?’ I can understand that, up to a point. They’re 20-odd miles away, but the theatre is still there for them to attend. It’s like the people from Crowborough and Heathfield – they come quite a lot.

What about calls for a wider referendum?

DJ: Why should we have a referendum? We’re elected to make decisions on behalf of the public. Why should we put it back to them to make decisions?

TM: One of the members that has asked for a referendum has been a councillor for over 18 years. This is the first time he has been asked to make a really difficult decision, and to show civic leadership. And I think some people are daunted by the challenge.

What they want to do is absolve themselves of responsibility by appearing democratic and kick it out to the people to referendum.

We’ve been elected to lead and represent.

…and to inform?

TM: And to

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

inform. And I have said for a while I think we can improve communicating the message, because I think this is a fantastic project and I think people need to be informed so that they can show their support.

Are rows like this going to put people off taking an interest in local politics? Are the rows going to make councillors gun shy?

DJ: We are going to end up with a situation if we keep on getting this flack – all right, I’m a tough old bird and I’ve been around the world and I’ve been insulted by experts – but if it continues along these lines politically, and not just in Tunbridge Wells but nationally, people aren’t going to stand for public office at all.

TM: I don’t know if there’ll be another opportunity to take on a project like this again. Rather than people being too ‘gun shy’ to show this kind of leadership again, I think the question is ‘Will people want to stand for public office?’

The level of personal, and quite vicious, attacks that David [Jukes] has had to endure is really inappropriate.

I, myself, stood for election because, instead of just complaining about things, I wanted to try and make a difference and get involved.

But it’s very difficult seeing personal attacks in the papers or in emails. When I look around

‘I have built bigger vanity projects around the world. This one I’ll add to my small works department’ David Jukes (left)

MAKING AN ENTRANCE… to the park, to include a theatre bar and space for congregation and celebration the Council Chamber, the vast majority, if not all, are there because we live or work in the borough and want to make this a better place.

There might be a lack of consensus on how to do that, but I think people are in it for the right reasons. I think that the vocal opposition, which I believe to be a minority, could possibly put people off from wanting to stand for election again. Or even standing in the first place.

Are you surprised by the reaction?

TM: I don’t think that the vast majority of people are actually against the plan. I think those that are, are organised and they are very vocal. I have been into three secondary schools in the last ten days, and these teenagers, lower sixth, were broadly enthusiastic about the project – about making sure Tunbridge Wells continues to thrive.

What happens on July 26?

DJ: We’ll put up a motion which will, more or less, say that we take note of the petition and we will try and accommodate the relevant points which will come up from that petition. Because, as you know, most of the facts that were put into the petition are wrong anyway: ‘20% of Calverley Grounds to be covered by concrete’ – hang on.

What would you say to the suggestion that this is a David Jukes vanity project?

DJ: I have built bigger vanity projects around the world. This one I’ll add to my small works department.

I just hope that my grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will enjoy this facility, rather than go to London on whatever transport links there are in those days.

TM: I think we have a duty and responsibility to invest in the future prosperity of Tunbridge Wells.

Rather than being a vanity project, it’s about trying to invest to ensure the town continues to thrive.

THE FINAL QUESTION THEN – IS IT ALL GOING TO BE BUILT? TM: Well Full Council have to agree that. There is no certainty that after we receive the stage three report [on the project] that we will have enough votes to get it through. But it would be a lost opportunity for future generations if councillors don’t show the initiative.

DJ: It will be applauded once it is built. Believe me…

For the views of those opposing the development see the Times Wednesday, July 12 [pages 4-6] online at www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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County News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Kent patients shun fast-track surgery at French hospital A deal struck between the NHS and a French hospital that has no waiting lists has so far borne little fruit, as only two patients have taken up the chance to be fast-tracked for surgery in the past 18 months.

Centre Hospitalier de Calais has been ready for hundreds of NHS patients from Deal, Dover and Folkestone since January last year.

The NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group made the agreement with the hospital, giving NHS patients needing routine surgery the choice to be seen in France in order to help slash waiting times in that area of the county.

In the French town’s facility there are no waiting lists and patients can receive treatment within weeks. But according to French health officials, the few referrals they have received have ended up at over-stretched Kent hospitals instead.

Now the frustrated French hospital bosses say it has been a waste of time and energy after installing English signage, redesigning their website and training staff in English medical terminology.

Prospective patients may be put off as they have to arrange and pay for their own travel.

CHOICE Patients appear unwilling to make the trip to France

Policeman in line for award after showing ‘remarkable’ bravery

SCORE DRAW Lewes FC believes female parity equals prosperity

Football club hopes to spark pay revolution A FOOTBALL club in East Sussex has become the sport’s first professional or semi-professional UK club to pay its women’s team the same as the men’s team.

The news was announced by Lewes FC last week as part of its Equality FC campaign. Director Jacquie Agnew said: “We believe there should be a level playing field for women in football.

“By committing to paying our women’s and men’s teams equally, and providing equal resource for coaching, training and facilities, we hope to spark a change across the UK that will help put an end to the excuses for why such a deep pay disparity has persisted in our sport.

“Together with our owners, donors and sponsors, Lewes FC can show that equal pay can be

implemented to the benefit of both women and men in sport and beyond.”

As well as upgrading its facilities, the club has also pledged to invest in local grassroots programmes to drive equal participation in football.

John Donoghue, Manager of the women’s first team, said: “Every day I see the passion and commitment our players have for the game, and I am sure this is mirrored across the country in women’s football.

“For female players to have the same rewards as their male counterparts for doing the same job is a fantastic leap forward for women’s football.”

He added that this sends a powerful signal ‘to the whole UK football community that women’s football deserves an equal voice and support to men’s’.

PHOTO: Lewes FC

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A POLICEMAN who risked his life to stop a suspicious vehicle has been nominated for a national award.

PC John Fordham was on plain clothes duty when he saw a car acting suspiciously and followed it to the Wealden Hall pub car park in Larkfield.

After he leaned through the driver’s window to remove the keys, the car shot off and he was dragged along at speed on to the main road.

Injuries The driver, father of three Lewis Goldswain, 28, made no attempt to stop. Instead, he drove into railings and then reversed back into a traffic pole, crushing the police officer.

PC Fordham, who has served with Kent Police for eight years, was left with serious injuries and was unable to return to duty for another six months. He still receives regular medical treatment.

Goldswain, who is from Halling, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was jailed for three years and three months and disqualified from driving for three years.

Judge Jeremy Carey said of PC Fordham: “He, in my judgment, represents all that is good and worthwhile of those who serve as police officers in the course of duty.”

Chris Carter, Chairman of the Kent Police Federation, said: “What PC Fordham did was nothing short of remarkable.

“He literally risked his life to stop this offender and sadly still lives with the repercussions of that to this day.

“This dedication to duty is well deserving of a Police Bravery Award.”

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Community News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Town enjoys another New milestone for delayed multicultural Mela Tonbridge to Pembury road

By Murray Jones

HUNDREDS of people turned out to Calverley Grounds to witness extravagant performers from all around the world at this year’s Mela Festival.

Entertaining the town for the past 12 years, and organised by Cohesion Plus, the annual free event is a culturally diverse community celebration of music, food and dance from around the globe.

This year, audiences were treated to shows from the likes of the UK-based Bollywood Brass Band, the refugee-centred Syrian All Stars, Kent-based Irish dance troupe Reel Eire and North Kent’s Four

by Four Bhangra Dancers, performing folk routines from the Punjab.

Tunbridge Wells’ own Ukelear Fallout opened the event on July 9, and leading Bob Marley tribute

TOWERING PERFORMANCE The Four by Four Bhangra Dancers

PHOTO: Sarah Knight

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

act Tanni-I Browne finished the day’s programme.

With great assistance from the audience, he sang hits from the superstar’s extensive back catalogue.

And as always with the Mela, there were also delicacies from all manner of cuisines on offer.

PROGRESS on the much-delayed dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury became more visible this month as traffic was allowed to flow across the new flyover.

The bridge can now be used instead of the old Longfield roundabout, with one lane open in each direction, which should help ease the perenniallypacked road.

MP Greg Clark said: “For months we’ve sat in queues watching the bridge being built, so it’s a relief that it’s finally open.

Charity puts best swing forward A GOLF day set up by a local children’s charity has raised £2,500 for their cause.

Tree of Hope, which supports families with disabled or ill children to raise the funds they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available through the NHS, held the event at Nizels Golf & Country Club in Hildenborough.

PHOTO: Lee Smith

Prizes

PARTY IN THE PARK People of all ages lapped up the show

“This is a significant step, bringing to an end the need for travellers on the A21 to get snarled up in the Industrial Estate traffic – delaying both.

“And it also marks the start of the final few months of works, after which we will see the full benefits of the project. The delays have been frustrating, but given how long and hard we campaigned for the dualling we have been patient knowing that at last the dualling is taking place.”

The works are expected to be finished by the end of September.

With the scorching heat reaching 30 degrees centigrade on the day, six teams of golfers from local companies who support the charity toured the course, which was recently host to the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters Tournament.

The overall winner was the team Hit ’N’ Hope, which was led by Tree of Hope’s Finance Manager, David Grist.

VICTORIOUS Winning team Hit ’N’ Hope (l-r): Alex Pollard, David Grist, Martin Brown and Darren Hill Gill Gibb, CEO at Tree of Hope, said: “There was some great golf played during the day and some fabulous prizes which raised £2,500.

“This money will be put to extremely good use helping our many families.”

Community News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

PHOTO: LHW Partnership

DON’T be afraid, but life-size animatronic dinosaurs are coming to Tunbridge Wells this summer.

The four-week free event Dino Live consists of a series of scenes located throughout Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, where the creatures will be displayed in environments replicating their natural habitats.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex, Ceratosau-

NIFTY navigators took to Penshurst Place at the weekend as they launched a new design for the stately home’s Maize Maze.

The reimagined leafy labyrinth has been cut in the shape of the ancient Sidney Oak tree that has been standing on the estate for around 1,000 years.

Despite its millennia of existence, the oak has recently self-seeded a new sapling to take over its watch of the house.

The maze features two routes to unravel, a short ten-minute one for younger visitors and a more challenging option for intrepid explorers.

To put parents’ minds at ease, flags are available in case a rescue is needed.

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Retailers hoping to attract roaring trade

LOSE YOURSELF New maze design

You’ll be amazed by this new plant puzzle

NEWS

rus, Iguanodon and the aptly-named Kentrosaurus will all feature.

Visitors will be able to experience a spectacular journey which spans 250 million years.

A spokesperson for Royal Victoria Place said: “It’s as close as anyone will get to experiencing these prehistoric creatures without having to join Doctor Who on one of his time travels.”

ECONOMIES OF SCALE The Ceratosaurus GRATEFUL: (l-r) Trinity Theatre Club’s Treasurer Chris Moreton and Marketing Manager Kris Robertson with Claudia Jenkins from Hospice in the Weald

Thanking hospice for Caroline’s care MEMBERS of Trinity Theatre Club have visited Hospice in the Weald to present a cheque for £500.

The donation was raised at a raffle the amateur dramatic society held at their 70th anniversary dinner last October to thank the hospice for the care they gave their late President, Caroline Elliott.

Mrs Elliott, who was one of the founders of Trinity Theatre, and who died at the age of 84 on May 28 last

year, was one of the leading lights of the town’s amateur dramatics – both as actor and director.

She and her husband, actor Michael Elliott, were described as the ‘backbone’ of the theatre.

She was also Box Office Manager for more than three decades, from the arts centre’s opening night on.

In 2011, Mrs Elliott was awarded the MBE for her services to theatre in the town.

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Local News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Families revisit refugee roots in Tunbridge Wells CELEBRATED: People lined the streets for the funeral of Hippolyte Meeus (left)

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A WEEK-LONG celebration of the hundreds of Belgian refugees welcomed into the town during the First World War got off to a musical start at the weekend.

Those who made the journey to St Paul’s Church, Rusthall, on Saturday evening [July 15] were treated to a performance of a 1916 composition written by Belgian Frederic Bonzon, who was in Tunbridge Wells at the time of the work’s conception.

The piece was specially republished for the concert by the Study Centre for Flemish Music, and was performed by 15-yearold oboist Balder Dendievel – a student from the Antwerp Music Conservatorium, where Bonzon was a Professor of Oboe.

It kicked off a week of events, which run until Sunday, celebrating the town’s Belgian connection, including a cricket match against the Royal Brussels Cricket Club, the screening of a documentary and live music at The Forum.

Two inquisitive families whose grandparents sought safety from the war in the town are taking part in the festivities.

One of these are descendants of Hippolyte Meeus, who was the owner of a gin distillery as well as a popular and long-standing Mayor of the small town

Wynegem, near Antwerp, before he and his wife Isabelle fled the war in 1914.

They lived at 4 Nevill Park and took an active part in ministering to the comforts of the other refugees.

Monsieur Meeus also became Honorary President of the Club Albert, a group of Belgians who met socially at the Constitutional Club in Calverley Road.

The pair must have made quite an impression because, after they both died in Tunbridge Wells in 1915, local newspaper reports described the streets as being ‘lined with onlookers as a stream of carriages made the journey from St Augus-

tine’s Church’ for their funeral. Six children of their youngest grandchild, Helene, are visiting during the week.

Details of these connections, and many more, have been found via a project called Discovering the Belgian Community in Tunbridge Wells 1914-1918.

Alison MacKenzie, who headed the project, said: “All in all, this concert was a glorious opening for our Belgian week of events – improv, cricket, Belgian electronic music, Belgian beer, Belgian food.

“Balder is a truly gifted young man, and we very much hope that he will perform again in Tunbridge Wells in the future.

“He said that St Paul’s was a wonderful building to play in, and that he would love to come back and play there again.

“I am astounded, excited, humbled that a vague idea I had about a year ago has been taken up by so many around the town. The Belgian flag will even be flown over the Town Hall on Friday [July 21] – Belgian National Day.” n For a full list of events, visit the

information point in Royal Victoria Place, call 07754306763 or visit www.twbelgianweek2017.org.uk

GIFTED Young oboist Balder Dendievel

National News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rescue operation as church collapses…

A SEARCH was underway last night [Tuesday] for a missing construction worker after an old church collapsed next to a railway line in Cardiff.

Two people escaped the incident with minor injuries but a third was suspected to still be in the rubble. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they would be using their rescue dogs as well as drones to assist in the search. The building – known as the Citadel, on the corner of Splott Road and Pearl Street - was due to be demolished.

Walliams hits a century DAVID WALLIAMS has become the first author to spend 100 weeks at the top of the Children’s Book Chart.

The comedian’s record is for 100 nonconsecutive weeks, but is a milestone that even children’s literature heavyweights such as JK Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson have not achieved.

His first book, the award-winning The Boy In The Dress, was released in 2008.

Walliams said: “It is incredible news but all that really matters is that children are reading and enjoying my books.”

More commuter agony GUARDS on Southern Railway are to hold a fresh strike in the long-running dispute over staffing and driver-only trains.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out for 24 hours on August 1, coinciding with the first of three strikes by drivers.

The RMT called the strike because of the ‘total failure’ of the Government and Southern owners Govia Thameslink Railway to try to resolve the year-long dispute.

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PM issues rallying cry to stop infighting among ministers THERESA MAY urged senior ministers to show ‘unity’ around the Cabinet table as she told them to keep details of their discussions private.

Following a weekend of vicious briefings against Chancellor Philip Hammond, the Prime Minister told Cabinet that some members of the Government had failed to take their r­ esponsibilities seriously.

She told the weekly meeting at 10 Downing Street that she had tried to encourage open discussion of policy within Cabinet, but it was vital for the Government that this remained private, her official spokesman said.

The Prime Minister said: “There is a need to show strength and unity as a country and that starts around the Cabinet table.”

Mrs May told Cabinet that the briefings and counter-briefings seen over the weekend were ‘a case of colleagues not taking their responsibilities seriously’, said the PM’s spokesman.

She told the meeting that as Prime Minister she had introduced a more genuine and collective process of discussion in the development of policy in the belief that this would result in better decision-making, but that privacy was essential for this to work.

The spokesman told reporters that ministers

KICK AND SCREEN Philip Hammond has come under attack

that public sector workers were overpaid compared with those in the private sector.

The Chancellor used a TV appearance on Sunday to accuse his Cabinet rivals of trying to undermine his agenda for a ‘softer’, ­more business-friendly Brexit which prioritises jobs and the economy.

‘There is a need to show strength and unity as a country and that starts around the Cabinet table’

had shown ‘widespread agreement’ with Mrs May’s message.

The attempt to instil Cabinet discipline comes after a series of newspaper headlines about Mr Hammond’s comments at last week’s meeting.

According to newspaper reports, Mr Hammond was slapped down by the Prime Minister for saying that women could ‘even’ become train drivers – a claim he denied.

A separate report said that he told colleagues

As Brexit negotiations continued in Brussels, Mrs May used a speech at a Tory drinks party on the House of Commons’ terrace on Monday evening to warn against ‘backbiting and carping’ and tell MPs to prepare for ‘serious business’ after Parliament’s summer recess.

She warned that infighting could result in Labour and Jeremy Corbyn winning power.

Without a Commons majority, Mrs May will be forced to rely on DUP votes to get Brexit ­legislation through the Commons and she will require iron discipline from her own party to secure its progress.

Childcare application is ‘riddled with holes’ PARENTS could miss out on the Government’s flagship free childcare policy as plans are ‘riddled with holes’, Labour has said.

Shadow Education Minister Tracy Brabin pressed the Government on how many people had suffered technical issues with the online application system for free childcare hours just two months before the policy was due to begin.

Extending free childcare provision was a key part of the Tory election manifesto, offering all parents 30 hours a week of free childcare for three and four-year-olds from September.

Her comments came during an urgent question tabled by the Liberal Democrat education ­spokeswoman Layla Moran, after problems emerged with the online registration system.

Ms Brabin said: “What a shame it is that, when we could be weeks away from a great

­ reakthrough for p b ­ roviders, parents, and most importantly children, we are instead discussing a policy that is riddled with holes – and, my word, are there questions to answer.”

She urged ministers to guarantee that parents

‘I would imagine that many parents would just give up’ would not miss out on the August deadline for applications and to ensure that the 30,000 people who have been rejected were assessed correctly.

Education Minister Robert Goodwill said: “We’ve ironed out the glitches in the software. People are registering, as I say, we are on track for 200,000.”

Ms Moran, a former teacher, criticised the ‘confusing’ application process.

CODE BREAKERS Parents are struggling with the online registration She told MPs: “As one parent said to me, ‘Getting the code was the most complicated process I have ever endured. I would imagine that many parents would just give up’.”

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National News

VICTIM Lynette White

Biggest ever police corruption trial failed due to ‘human error’ A REVIEW into the collapse of the UK’s biggest police corruption trial has found that it failed ‘because of human errors by the police and Crown Prosecution Service rather than a deliberate attempt to cover up any crime’.

The investigation looked into whether eight former South Wales Police officers perverted the course of justice over the 1988 murder of Cardiff prostitute Lynette White.

More than £30million of taxpayers’ money was spent on the trial before it was aborted in 2011.

The murder inquiry resulted in three innocent men being jailed before their convictions were quashed. The real killer was caught more than a decade later.

The trial of the former police officers was halted over fears that documents had been lost.

They were eventually found in a storage unit, but by that time legal proceedings had been halted.

A major review into the collapse of the trial was announced more than two years ago by thenhome secretary Theresa May, and carried out by Richard Horwell QC. His report concluded: “On the evidence it is clear that very few emerge with credit: Too many aspects of the investigation and prosecution were poorly managed.

“But my principal finding, from which much flows, is that bad faith played no part in the errors of either the police officers or the prosecution lawyers.

“It is human failings that brought about the collapse of the trial, not wickedness.”

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Every building over 18 metres high fails Grenfell fire risk test ALL buildings over 18 metres which submitted cladding samples failed the combustibility tests that were rolled out after the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said 243 buildings in 57 local authorities had failed combustibility tests.

They are 235 high-rise residential buildings, one combined school and residence, another school and six buildings at five NHS trusts.

Meanwhile less than a fifth of accommodation offers made to survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have been accepted so far, latest figures show.

GENEROSITY Donations have reached 174 tonnes

Cover They revealed that out of 169 offers that had been made, 32 offers were accepted, while 11 households had been rehoused.

And while the majority of displaced households remain in emergency accommodation, the Red Cross revealed less than 6 per cent of donations have been made available to Grenfell survivors.

This comes as plans to erect a cover over the charred structure by November were laid out by the Grenfell Response Team (GRT).

The structure of the tower will be shored up with steel supports, while scaffolding will allow debris and possessions to be removed.

A cover is to be erected in stages as successive floors are cleared, the GRT said.

It added that no long-term decision on the

building would be taken until survivors, relatives and the local community were consulted, promising to place residents’ concerns ‘at the centre of our considerations’.

It comes as the Red Cross revealed that half of physical donations made in the wake of the

Grenfell Tower disaster were yet to be sorted.

Of the 174 tonnes of items donated to help survivors, 87 were still to be sifted through, it said. Some 137 tonnes were held in a warehouse in Cheshire, while 27 tonnes were either in shops or on their way.

Mother keeps fighting to secure treatment for Charlie

THERAPY TRIAL Eleven-monthold Charlie

THE mother of terminally ill Charlie Gard has met two international experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital to discuss the 11-month-old’s condition.

The meeting, which lasted more than five hours, was attended by doctors at the London hospital.

It came a day after Charlie was examined by Michio Hirano, a Professor of Neurology at Columbia University in New York.

The little boy’s parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, want a judge to rule that their son, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, should be allowed to undergo a therapy trial overseen by Dr Hirano in the US. Dr Hirano, who has claimed an experimental drug could potentially save Charlie, attended the

meeting with a second international expert who is subject to media reporting restrictions.

They were joined by the team currently caring for Charlie, his mother and an independent chairman.

Specialists at the hospital say the treatment will not work, and the little boy’s life support should be turned off.

His parents, from Bedfont, west London, have already lost battles in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

They also failed to persuade European Court of Human Rights’ judges to intervene.

Mr Justice Francis has considered the couple’s latest claims at preliminary hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

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BUSINESS

National Business News

NEWS IN BRIEF

No appetite for healthy eating survey reveals Healthy eating could drop as food prices rise, with the number of consumers planning to eat more fruit and vegetables falling on previous years, a survey has found.

Some 28% of consumers plan to eat more fruit and vegetables this year, down from 38% in 2015 and 34% last year, the poll of 2,000 shoppers for Future Thinking’s annual Grocery Eye 2017 study found.

More than half of consumers (54%) said that making healthy food cheaper would be necessary to encourage them to eat it.

Public perception that healthy food is more expensive than unhealthy food has increased, reaching 69% compared with 65% in 2015.

Bank lines up Brexit exit Citigroup will be the latest bank to commit to opening an EU hub in Frankfurt when it formally unveils plans that would see up to 200 jobs leave the UK due to Brexit.

Between 150 and 200 client-facing roles in sales and trading could be relocated from the UK to its Frankfurt office - which currently houses around 350 staff - as a result.

The bulked up Frankfurt office will become a broker-dealer entity, allowing the US bank to continue serving EU clients after Britain leaves the bloc.

However, the move will not impact the location of its European headquarters, which will remain in London.

Citi currently employs around 9,000 staff in the UK, 6,000 of which are based in the City.

Citi declined to comment.

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Sky is confident watchdog ruling will come in days RUPERT MURDOCH’S 21st Century Fox has said it is confident the Culture Secretary will make her decision on whether to refer its bid for Sky to the competition watchdog in the ‘coming days’.

Fox said Karen Bradley should dismiss ‘flagrant political attempts to interfere’ after a Government spokesman last week reportedly said she would not make a decision until after the parliamentary summer recess.

This would mean Fox would have to wait until at least next March to find out if its £11.7 billion swoop for Sky can go through, if Ms Bradley chooses to refer the deal to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

But in a letter from its lawyers Fox hit out at ‘political pressure’ and took a swipe at former Labour leader Ed Miliband after he recently urged Ms Bradley ‘not to do a grubby deal with the MurRupert Murdoch dochs’.

Ms Bradley said at the end of June she was ‘minded’ to refer the deal to the CMA over concerns about diversity in the UK’s media sector.

Mr Miliband has since joined forces with other higher profile senior MPs including Sir Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leadership candidate, claiming Ofcom made ‘fundamental failures’ in its investigation and calling for a full CMA inquiry into the deal.

But Fox said: “Bowing to the political pressure of the Miliband Letter would constitute the most blatant form of political interference, and would critically undermine the integrity of the quasi-judicial nature of the Secretary of State’s role in this process.

21st Century Fox trusts that the Secretary of State will dismiss these flagrant attempts to interfere.”

MINTED The £10 note

Jane Austen’s life is noted A NEW £10 note celebrating Jane Austen has been unveiled by the Bank of England on the 200th anniversary of the author’s death.

The new note, which will be issued on September 14, is the first Bank of England banknote with a tactile feature to help blind and partially-sighted users.

The new tactile feature is a series of raised dots in the top left-hand corner of the banknote, developed with the help of the RNIB. Features already incorporated into banknotes to help vision-impaired people include different sizing, bold numerals, raised print and differing colour palettes.

Costa customer not allowed to buy food for homeless man A COSTA COFFEE customer who was not allowed to buy food for a homeless man has branded the incident a ‘disgrace’.

Adrian Pinsent tried to buy a sandwich and a soft drink in London’s Waterloo station but was refused by a member of staff.

The barista said Costa could be prosecuted by station security and the police if it sold food for a home-

less person. But it has since emerged that neither Network Rail or British Transport Police have such a policy.

Mr Pinsent said: “It was an utter disgrace. I asked (the man) to pick what he wanted, a sarnie and a Pepsi, and when I tried to pay for it, they refused.”

Costa said: “We do not have a policy that restricts customers purchasing food for anyone who is homeless.”

World News

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

SPORT IN BRIEF

England edge their way into World Cup final ENGLAND reached the Women’s World Cup final after winning a nerve-shredding contest against South Africa in Bristol.

Anya Shrubsole hit a boundary to seal a two-wicket win with two balls to spare.

Underdogs South Africa set England a target of 219 thanks to Laura Wolvaardt (66) and Mignon du Preez (76 not out).

But Sarah Taylor set England on their way with 54 and Jenny Gunn (27 not out) helped to drag them over the line.

England face either Australia or India in the final at Lord’s on Sunday.

Froome stays in lead CHRIS FROOME fought off fierce crosswinds to protect the yellow jersey as Michael Matthews won the 165km stage 16 of the Tour de France from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isere.

Froome now leads the Tour, the closest in history at this stage in the race, by 18 seconds from Fabio Aru, with Romain Bardet a further five seconds back.

Hart is Hammers’ No 1 WEST HAM have signed the England goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old’s arrival also represents his return to English football after he spent the past season with Torino in Serie A. Hart was dropped by City after Pep Guardiola’s appointment as manager and is seeking regular first-team football.

NEWS

19

Trump in Senate healthcare failure DEFEATED Donald Trump

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has condemned Democrats and ‘a few Republicans’ over the failure of his effort to deliver a new health care law, and insisted: “We will return.”

An early morning tweet from the president said: “Most Republicans were loyal, terrific & worked really hard. We were let down by all of the Democrats and a few Republicans.”

He added: “As I have always said, let ObamaCare fail and

then come together and do a great healthcare plan. Stay tuned!”

The bill would have left 22 million uninsured by 2026, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, a number that many Republicans found unpalatable.

Two Republican senators Utah’s Mike Lee and Jerry Moran of Kansas - sealed the bill’s doom late on Monday when they announced they would

vote ‘no’.

At least four of the 52 Republican senators were ready to block the measure - two more than majority leader Mitch McConnell had to spare.

“Regretfully, it is now apparent that the effort to repeal and immediately replace the failure of Obamacare will not be successful,” Mr McConnell said in a late evening statement that essentially waved a white flag, on the controversial plans.

Saudi judiciary faces UK Russians pay Dutch for parliamentary scrutiny imprisoning protesters MPS HAVE asked the UK government to use its influence with Saudi Arabia’s rulers to prevent the execution of 14 pro-democracy protesters.

Questions The group of men face the death penalty after attending demonstrations in the eastern province of the country in 2012.

Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Alistair Burt responded to an emergency question tabled on Tuesday by stating that: “We regularly make this Government’s opposition to the

death penalty clear—we are firmly opposed to it—and we raise such concerns at all levels and at all appropriate opportunities.

Tonbridge MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat questioned the response.

“We have heard Her Majesty’s Government talk about the influence they have had over the actions of the Saudi Government in terms of capital offences. I would be very grateful if the Minister could from his place today give some examples of how that has paid off, because, on days like this, it does leave some questions to be answered.”

AN INTERNATIONAL tribunal has ordered Russia to pay damages and costs of nearly £4.8 million to the Netherlands for unlawfully seizing a Greenpeace ship protesting at an oil platform in Arctic waters.

The Arctic Sunrise, sailing under a Dutch flag, was seized by Russian authorities in September 2013 during a protest against an offshore oil platform.

The 30 people on board were arrested and detained for months before being released shortly before the Sochi Olympics.

The tribunal, which ruled two years ago that the seizure breached an

NOT PLAIN SAILING Russian authorities seized the boat

international treaty regulating the laws of the sea, announced the damages on Tuesday.

Six Britons were among a group of 28 activists and two freelance journalists detained on the vessel.

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CINEMA SITE An Impression of how it may look

I hope developers will follow through I must admit, I had a palpable sense of déjà vu when I picked up your paper this morning [July 12] and saw your front page depicting the ‘Belvedere’ development that could finally be built on the old cinema site.

This ‘grot spot’, as it’s been rightly named, has had so many false starts over the past 17 years that, to be honest, I, like many others in this town, had given up on anything ever happening to it. But your report on Altitidue UK’s plans seem to give just a little glimmer of hope that, yes, despite nearly two decades of various contractors being awarded then reneging on their plans, there finally might be a decent development built on the old ABC cinema site.

Tunbridge Wells has long prided itself on its aesthetic appeal, so it has never ceased to amaze me that right slap bang in the middle of our town there has been this white elephant of an eyesore for so long!

Let’s hope that Altitude UK keep to their word and plough ahead with their vision of creating an impressive building that houses homes, aspirational retail units, a relaxing green space and – joy of joys – a central cinema once again!

Fingers crossed.

Angela Beauchamp Via email

Bring on the diggers at the cinema site Your front page picture [July 12] of the proposed new building to be erected on the site of the old cinema in Tunbridge Wells quite made my day.

For the last 17 years I have passed the eyesore,

Council should not be speculating Councillor Tracy Moore is the lead advocate [July 12] to win the hearts and minds of the town’s residents on the matter of the proposed Civic Centre, and her academic credentials meant to lend credibility to the argument.

They don’t and, in contrast, I would refer her and Cllr Jukes to the recent report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [RICS] on the matter of councils speculating in property, and the sobering words of Lord Oakeshott, who

or grot spot, on my way to work every day, and each year that has passed has made the journey more depressing.

We have seen so many false dawns when it comes to this site that one is reluctant to get one’s hopes raised, although this time round the company involved, Altitude, does seem more committed than previous owners of the land.

As the Council Leader David Jukes said in your paper, he would believe it was finally happening when he sees them start digging.

Hopefully his wishes will soon be fulfilled.

David Howarth Via email

What happened to the rail tunnel?

If, because of the rail tunnel, tall buildings cannot be placed upon the cinema site, the old cinema being a weight-restricted box, how is it that we now have this present plan which shows a very heavy building?

This raises a valid question as to why the council did not purchase the cinema site for its own civic building complex and have saved the town a 17-year eyesore?

After all, £72million could have well covered that project with changeover.

I always thought a legacy was a gift of money, not a bill.

Peter Vincent Via email

Let’s put some colour into Belvedere I note from my Oxford Dictionary that a ‘belvedere’ [the proposed new name for the cinema site] is a summerhouse or open-sided gallery positioned to command a fine view, and that might be appropriate if the top floor is to be a restaurant.

However, the pedestrian’s view of the development itself, though impressive, is very stark and rather barracks-like. Perhaps, on completion, the building may have some colour (the grills at each window could be gaily painted) or some embellishments to break up the severity of its lines.

Maxwell Macfarlane Southborough opines that ‘councils might as well be buying shares with public money or betting on the 2.30 at Ascot’. The Times’ leader’s headline of the same day [July 11] was ‘Council Roulette’.

They both argue that property prices can collapse, leaving taxpayers exposed to demands for more money whilst services are cut further.

Borrowing cheap money to increase a property portfolio that exceeds £100m inflates an already overheated property market. The last accounts show this investment yielded less than 0.5%.

So, it’s not about ‘hearts and minds’, it’s about fiscal prudence; living within your means; providing services with taxpayers’ money and not speculating with it in a notoriously unstable market; and, finally, no debt.

It does not please me to know that £100m of taxpayers’ money has not been spent where it should; it does not please me that this council is about to take on a £72m debt for which I am responsible.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

How Jeremy Corbyn ‘misled’ students Olivia Coombes [July 12] made much of the fact that Jeremy Corbyn had been attacked in some quarters for daring to address the Glastonbury Festival crowd.

She suggested that if you believe in something you should have the confidence to say it in front ‘150,000 tipsy people’. A valid point.

But I wonder what she now thinks of Mr Corbyn, who, in the run-up to the election, wooed students when he stood up and pledged to wipe out their debts and abolish university fees. Many took him at his word and voted Labour.

How must they also feel now that Mr Corbyn has made it clear he didn’t exactly mean what he said? It was, we have been told, more an ‘ambition’ than a commitment, and would only happen if a Labour Government could fund the extra £100billion to meet the cost.

No wonder young people are disillusioned with politicians and their doublespeak.

Martin Wellbeck Via email

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

DON’T you just love the class and style of people who live in Tunbridge Wells? Even those who slip into Calverley Grounds for a bit of a lie down and drink demonstrate good taste, as evidenced by our picture showing a bottle of the finest bubbly, carefully put back in its box and deposited in a bin. No empty beer cans and bottles of cider for our lot. We’re more Champagne Charlies. Our thanks to the Friends of Calverley (this column not the park) who took the snap. Cheers.

TALKING of alcohol, which often happens here, Calverley took off to Wimbledon last week, more for cream and strawberries than the tennis.

Naturally, Himself had to sample that delightful afternoon tipple – a glass of Pimm’s. It’s something of a tradition. Bit of a shock, though, when the credit card had to come out to pay £34 for four glasses of the stuff. (For those without a calculator, that’s £8.50 each.) And it was awash with ice. Next year it’ll be Wimbledon in front of the telly with a cup of tea.

Don’t begrudge the Tory-DUP deal I was thoroughly entertained by the rambunctiously straight-talking Labour MP Mr Pound that you featured in your July 12 edition.

He made a particularly strong point concerning the Tory-DUP deal that I have also been making to my lefty chums down the pub – to, shall we say, mixed responses.

While, of course, the Tory motivation for the deal was entirely cynical and self-serving, the result of it will be undeniably positive.

The £1billion deal is, according to Mr Pound, ‘about bread and butter issues, such as money for investment in infrastructure and the NHS… There will be more roads, schools, hospitals, you name it’.

By what standard do you begrudge this deal?

Surely the motivation is less important than ensuring an area receives the funding it desperately needs?

If you’re a Labour supporter, you’ve just secured the end of austerity for a whole country.

Just three more countries to go, I suppose…

Jack Short Via email

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

MORTIFIED That’s how Himself felt on reading in this very newspaper that, according to the British Horseracing Authority, the reason jockeys whip a horse is ‘not to cause pain, but instead as an aid to concentration’. Well, that’s okay then. Friends who are teachers say they would love to be allowed to transfer that thinking to classrooms. Imagine the exam results…

ONE of Calverley’s colleagues was at Bennett Memorial the other day (no evidence of whips) to talk to Year 12 about journalism. He asked the 16-17 year olds how many of them regularly read a paper? Among the 40, not one hand shot up. Some did, though, admit keeping up to date with the news online by reading – The Guardian. The world as we know it has ended.

Chin, chin readers

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

21

WITH THE

Cranbrook School opens its doors to Year 7s for the first time in 50 years CLASS OF 2017 Cranbrook School’s first wave of Year 7 pupils

LAST week, Cranbrook School welcomed its first intake of 11 year olds for nearly 50 years for an historic and fun induction day.

The Ofsted Outstanding mixed grammar will have 30 Year 7 pupils joining in September following

recent approval by the government for it to expand. The school, which up until now had a 13-plus entry level, has also announced that it will create two forms of entry from September 2018.

Chair of Governors, James Peace,

said: “With Cranbrook celebrating 500 years of schooling in 2018, this is an excellent way to show that we are still moving with the times.

“All schools are looking to change to deal with financial challenges. In our case, we have also improved choice for parents by taking in Year 7s.

“Seeing Cranbrook reaching out to a wider range of schools in this way is very welcome.”

To mark the occasion, the school invited Conservative MP Helen Grant along for the day.

Like the new students, she was given a comprehensive tour of the facilities, and was also encouraged to join in on various lessons, including biology.

Following her visit, the MP for Maidstone & The Weald posted on her Twitter account: “Great

to be at Cranbrook for their first Yr7 Induction Day! A historic moment, marking the start of their fifth centenary celebrations.”

Cranbrook’s catchment area contains 12 major feed primaries and three preparatory schools.

A spokesperson for the school said that all were ‘well represented’ in the new intake.

LESSONS LEARNT MP Helen Watson

NEWS IN EDUCATION

Hillview’s got talent HILLFEST is being staged by Hillview School for Girls this Friday [July 21] to celebrate another successful year for its arts students.

The event will showcase talents past and present from performing and visual arts to creative writing, poetry and media, and will bring the extended Tonbridge community together, as well as the families of current and prospective Hillview students.

Running from 4pm to 10pm in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle, it is open to everyone.

Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased via www.hillview.kent.sch.uk/hillfest

Drop in holiday fines THE number of fines issued to parents for taking their children out of Kent schools during term time has reduced again this year, Kent County Council has announced.

From September 2016 to July 2017, 1,221 parents were fined for unauthorised absences, compared to 3,504 in 2015/16 and 4,726 in 2014/15. The drop follows a change in policy to fine only parents whose child’s attendance at school falls to 90 per cent or below.

This follows a court case in which a parent was excused a fine for taking his daughter on holiday in term time because the child’s attendance was better than 90 per cent.

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Tom Tugendhat

MP for Tonbridge & Malling

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

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

We need to reshape our national strategy toward the rest of the world WHEN we vote we have always been doing two things – first choosing someone to champion our community. Either the street we live on, the part of town we call home, or the village we come from.

That’s why we vote for named councillors and MPs. But we’re also doing something more – we’re choosing someone to look at the bigger picture, the whole parish, borough, county or country.

We don’t need to think about it because we know what we’re doing. We select local champions like Vivian Branson whose work in the Castle ward of Tonbridge is an example to local representatives everywhere for her activity and hard work, and we pick county representatives like Richard Long whose efforts over the years have seen our high street get investment and who ensure we see our town improving by the day.

But we’re doing more than that. Both Vivian and Richard have the chance to speak out on matters that affect our whole borough and county. That’s why we value them.

In Parliament, it is similar. Over the past two years I have devoted as much energy as possible to ensuring our town gets the representation it needs. I’ve fought for flood defences, schools, cottage hospitals and medical services and improved trains. I will continue to fight for them. But we know that we’re not an island.

Our political life is connected to the rest of the UK and to the world. That’s why I’m pleased to be elected to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons. After a vote of all the MPs, it will now be my job to help shape the way our representatives question the government’s plans for our country.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE The UK needs to find its place in the world

‘Our national life depends on more than just Europe’ This has never been more important. With Brexit underway and the revolution of thinking that demands, it is understandable that many are focussed on our European partners and getting the best deal. I’m glad they are. But our national life depends on more than just Europe. We have ties of history, family and trade to the whole world and we need to reshape our national strategy to get the best out of that.

That will take a lot of hard work and patience to ensure we get the right outcome for our country.

But it will also mean listening carefully to people here, in Tonbridge. Because what happens in our town matters to the country and only by listening to people and businesses like those in our community are we going to get a foreign policy that works

for our whole nation.

That’s why, although my new job will require me to spend more time in London, and some time travelling, my focus will remain in our community in West Kent. With our connections to both the

City and the continent, our links to farming and tech innovation, this town and these villages are at the heart of our national life. I will be thinking: is this in the best interest of Britain and the part of our country I love best?

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

The Times is proud to work with:

WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

bracketts

est. 1828

Full of Edwardian elegance

Outstanding house to let, gardener included

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PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to

CAMBRIDGE STREET TUNBRIDGE WELLS £799,000

UNDER £250,000 PIAZZA HOUSE CANNONS WHARF, TONBRIDGE LEASEHOLD

£218,500 A contemporary-style, garden level apartment close to heart of the town, near the river. There is a spacious open-plan living/dining room with double doors leading to a large

decked terrace overlooking a communal landscaped garden. The kitchen is fully fitted with appliances, and the airy double bedroom has fitted wardrobes and a bathroom with shower over the bath. There is also an allocated parking space. The property is offered with no chain.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £350,000 ALDER CLOSE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£285,000

A well-presented house half a mile from High Brooms Station. The property has been improved by the current owners so that it now offers a sitting room with engineered wood floor and an open-plan kitchen/diner with a door the the rear and views over the garden. The first floor has

two double bedrooms, one of which has a loft hatch, and a modern bathroom. The property has gas central heating and double glazing throughout, as well as having a superb rear garden with pation which is ideal for entertaining. There is also a shed and a garage en-bloc.

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

PROPERTY

25

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 HIGHFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£395,000-£410,000

A 1930s semi-detached home with off-road parking very close to High Brooms Station. The property has undergone extensive modernisation to include a new kitchen with appliances and French doors to the garden, a bathroom with white suite, new carpets and floor coverings throughout and a new gas central heating system.

The living room has a bay window, chimney breast and slate hearth.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and the new bathroom. The landscaped garden has a decked seating area.

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 CRANFORD ROAD, TONBRIDGE GUIDE PRICE

£500,000-£550,000 A detached, chalet-style home with stunning views over farmland and scope to extend, subject to planning permission. The property currently comprises an entrance hall, living room with patio doors, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, cloakroom, three double bedrooms and a bathroom.

Outside, there are well-maintained gardens to both front and rear, with a brick-built BBQ and patio, as well as a garage that connects to the hallway.

CONTACT Bracketts 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 CAMBRIDGE STREET TUNBRIDGE WELLS

UNDER £1million

£799,000 This Victorian semi-detached house has been extensively renovated to create a lovely family home. The well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room has a partly-glazed vaulted ceiling and bifold doors to the garden. There are long granite work surfaces with a matching island unit and breakfast bar. The sitting and dining room both have wood flooring with a dividing archway between them. The sitting room has an open fireplace and bay window with fitted plantation shutters. The shower room is fitted with

underfloor heating and a large walk-in shower cubicle. Adjacent is a door to the cellar. On the first floor, the principal bedroom is to the front, and there are two further bedrooms. The family bathroom has an oval bath and dual wash hand basins. Paddle stairs ascend to the top floor bedroom, which is currently in use as a study. The garden includes a paved terrace.

CONTACT Hamptons International 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

MEADOW VIEW, ARGYLE ROAD SOUTHBOROUGH GUIDE PRICE

£975,000 This stylish contemporary home has four double bedrooms (two en suite) and modern décor and fittings throughout. The large reception room has views over woodland and there is a bespoke Simon Bray kitchen with separate utility room. The master suite also includes a dressing room. Outside is a garage with off-road parking and a garden with upper and lower decking.

CONTACT Flying Fish Properties 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Advertising

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Harmans Orchard Cottage

PROPERTY

39

AT A GLANCE

HARMANS ORCHARD COTTAGE FROGHOLE LANE, CROCKHAM HILL n Porch n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms n Bathroom n Landscaped gardens n Summerhouse/studio/home office

GUIDE PRICE

£1,275,000

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789 700 www.savills.co.uk

A home with fabulous views over the Weald just half a mile from Churchill’s Chartwell

42

PROPERTY

Upper Grosvenor Road

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Laundry room and pantry n WC n Family room n Master bedroom n 1st floor bathroom n Three further double bedrooms n 2nd floor bathroom n Terrace

Handsome Victorian villa also has own parking in the centre of town

n Walled rear garden n Off-street parking

GUIDE PRICE

£970,000

Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Advertising

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Back Lane

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

PROPERTY

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AT A GLANCE

BACK LANE CROSS IN HAND n Oak-panelled entrance lobby n Drawing room with wood flooring, ceiling fans and door to garden n Dining room with door to rear terrace n Morning room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Games room with door to terrace n Principal bedroom with sitting area, dressing room and two bathrooms n 4 further bedrooms (2 en suite) n 2 further shower rooms n Grounds of about 2.65 acres (gardener included in rent) n Triple-bay garage block & workshop

TO LET

ÂŁ5,750 PER MONTH

Available now through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 313000 www.hamptons.co.uk

Spacious Edwardian country house to let in East Sussex enjoying lush green outlooks

An imposing and exceptionally well presented house in ample grounds, with a drawing room that overlooks the croquet lawn

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Time to cherry-pick a favourite summer fruit

Markets, farm shops and roadside stalls are currently piled high with punnets overflowing with vivid scarlet and deep red cherries. Available over a short six-week season, these delicious soft fruits are great for snacking and cooking with, writes Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market Manager Bruce McMichael THE owner of the Groombridge Farm Shop near Tunbridge Wells demonstrates how popular cherries can be: “It takes three kilograms to make one litre of Dallaways Cherry Juice, with no added water or sugar, and costs nearly £7 a bottle, but still customers come in and order cases,” says Michael Bourne.

The farmer and producer grows cherries in Sandhurst and runs the popular Rent A Cherry Tree scheme, where you can rent a tree for a year and experience it growing and flowering before picking the berries.

Dallaways’ cherries are sold in various farmers’ markets, including Tunbridge Wells and Penshurst and at the Groombridge Farm Shop.

It’s from the latter that Mr Bourne, of New Park Farm, also sells other seasonal soft fruits, including gooseberries and raspberries grown on the farm’s 12 hectares near Groombridge village. Cherry orchards support other plants and animals. The trees also host mistletoe, and the blossom and fruit provide nourishment for many birds, bees and other insects.

“Cherries are notoriously hard to grow,” says Mr Bourne. “You’ll have one average year, one good year and one bad year of harvest. If the weather is too wet, or there isn’t enough sun, then the harvest will be poor.

“Luckily, this year we have had a good harvest

and the fruit is plump and tasty.”

The Kentish cherry season is just six weeks long, starting in mid-June, and easily spotted by pop-up roadside stalls decorated with bright red parasols shading stacks of punnets overflowing with freshly picked local fruit.

Cherries are often eaten as a super-fruit, promoted for their perceived effect against strokes, heart attacks and arthritis. But for most of us, it’s the sweet taste and juicy flesh that finds us drawn to the punnets packed with popular types such as Regina and Sweetheart (grown by Dallaways and New Park

Farm), and Kordia, Colney and Penny (also available from Dallaways). Other varieties include popular dessert variety Stella, Sunburst for snacking, and the cooking and baking-friendly Morello.

Cherries are best eaten fresh during their summer season and are popular in lunchboxes, picnics and added to fruit salads. They can be poached and used in tarts or pies, and are the essential ingredient in Black Forest gateau, and perfect for the French pudding clafoutis. And for centuries, many of us have predicted who we’ll marry using the cherry stone folklore counting rhyme ‘Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man…’

The UK’s National Fruit Collection is held at Brogdale Farm in Kent, and is home to more than 300 varieties of cherry ranging in colour from bright scarlet to nearly black.

However, during the 20th century Britain lost 90 per cent of its cherry orchards, and while more are being replanted, the UK still imports around 95 per cent of its cherries. For example, the Picota cherries from the southern Spain province of Extremadura.

At this time of year, cherries are available in all local farmers’ markets – but get them while you can as the season is all too short and sweet…

LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS Find details of your nearest farmers’ market below: Tunbridge Wells (Town Hall), 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm Tunbridge Wells (The Pantiles) 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm Tonbridge (Sovereign Way) 2nd Sunday of the month, 9.30am-1.30pm Cranbrook (Vestry Hall) 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am-1pm Hildenborough (St John’s Church Centre) Every Thursday, 9am-11am Lamberhurst (Memorial Hall) 1st Wednesday of the month, 9am-12noon Penshurst (Penshurst Place car park) 1st Saturday of the month, 9.30am-12noon Shipbourne (St Giles’ Church) Every Thursday, 9am-11am West Malling (High Street) 4th Sunday of the month, 9.30am-1.30pm For a full list of Kent farmers’ markets, go to www.kfma.org.uk and for Sussex go to www.placestovisitsussex.co.uk/ places/farmers-markets

Food & Drink

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

On The Menu…

The Hideout • 26 London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1DA Tel: 01892 315297 • Web: www.thehideout.kitchen

Nasi Goreng – indonesian fried rice with chicken

28-day matured sirloin steak

Severn & Wye smoked salmon

Teriyaki beef noodles with pickled cucumber and black sesame

Moules à la crème

FEATURES

Smashed avocado and egg on toast

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FEATURES

Food & Drink Advertorial

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

The restoration of a traditional pub What makes a pub traditional? Some would say the décor, others would say the menu, then there are those who just want to sit back with a decent pint. As the new owner of The George & Dragon in Speldhurst, Chris Cozens is planning to tick all the boxes – and he’s hoping costomers both near and far will like it. Hannah Patterson sits at table with Chris and new Executive Chef Mark Raffan to find out exactly what they have in store for the historic hostelry…

It seems to be all hands on deck here. How did you both end up at The George & Dragon?

CHRIS: Funnily enough, I grew up in Speldhurst and this was my village pub.

I have vivid memories of coming here with my parents for a Speldhurst Sausage sandwich. My parents then moved to Tunbridge Wells when I was 18 and, after a few years with them, I spent ten years in London.

I was running my own pub in Cambridgeshire, and it was only when I came back to visit my parents one time that they showed me, in the Times of Tunbridge Wells, that this pub was for sale!

It all went from there, and I set out on a mission to bring the pub back to the homely village establishment I remembered. I can confirm Speldhurst Sausage sandwiches are now back on the menu!

MARK: For me, my journey began as a young chef at The Gravetye Manor where I spent over twenty years which culminated in winning a Michelin Star and holding it for over a decade. I spent four years as Executive Chef to His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan, I was at The Gavrosh at The Waterside and my latest venture was Owner/ Chef at The Crown Inn in Horsted Keynes, West Sussex. I’ve been in the industry for 40 years now and loved it all. From owning The Red Lion

‘I grew up in Speldhurst and this was my village pub’

IN WITH THE NEW Chris Cozens, new owner of The George & Dragon at Speldhurst

Food & Drink Advertorial

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

in Chelwood Gate to taking over The Crown in Horsted Keynes with my wife, it’s been such an adventure and it felt now was the time for me to focus on being a Chef as oppose to manically managing it all. I met Chris here and I’m now the Executive Chef.

It’s been such an adventure, but it felt now was the time for me to focus on being a chef as opposed to manically managing it all. I met Chris here and I’m now the Executive Chef.

What are your plans as Executive Chef?

MARK: A lot of it will be restoring the original values of a traditional pub. I have also hand picked the sous chef.

What is a ‘traditional pub’ to you with regard to the menu?

MARK: The quality of the food will be as good as fine dining, but we are a family pub which welcomes everyone for whatever kind of meal they might like.

Everything we prepare will be fresh, which is really important to us. Good quality food with

our own twist. No massproduced dishes and a menu that reflects what people want – dressed crab and nice Sourdough baguettes (sourced from Sussex Kitchen) during the summer, for example.

CHRIS: We intend on offering a wide range of options. Private functions, weddings and hen parties can hire our upstairs area. There will be something that appeals to all tastes. But also it’s important to us that people are able to just come here for a drink. We’ve brought Larkins back on tap at the request of the locals. And it’s worth noting that our ingredients will be locally sourced and of the highest quality.

Who are your suppliers?

MARK: We use Fuller’s for all our meat as the quality is exceptional. We use Sankey’s for all the fish and Harrisons in London. We buy our core Vegetables from IA Harris of new covent Garden but we source many local vegetables including Groombridge Asparagus and Kentish Soft Fruits when in season.

CHRIS: We don’t want to just be producing the same quality as every other pub around, we want to exceed expectations. We’ve got a team here with too much experience behind them to be just offering a standard menu. It’s got to be all freshly made and cooked to perfection. We’re very proud to have Mark on board here, and we also have a new sous chef starting soon.

What would be your dish of choice?

CHRIS: Definitely the moules! They come with French fries and mayonnaise, and at only £12 it’s the perfect dish this time of the year. I’d start with a pint of prawns as well. That order is a lot of fish, but it’s delicious!

What can we expect from the bar now? Have you made any changes?

CHRIS: Getting Larkins back was crucial for us as we knew it was what the locals wanted, so we were glad to do that. Overall, we are upping the game across the board. For example, there used to be a choice of just two gins here and now we’ve got a large selection of around 12 gins, a range of different glasses, six types of tonic, and fresh fruits such as pomegranate and lime for our gin drinkers.

Our wine list will also be expanding. We’d hate to have anyone feel as if they aren’t welcome to join us just for a drink.

This pub is 800 years old, so we wouldn’t ever want to lose the traditional pub feel.

Are you doing any major work to the interior?

CHRIS: Next week we are redecorating the side bar to make a cosy sofa area for those who want to have a drink by the fire.

We want it to be a little more neutral and welcoming, as well as ensuring not all our seating is at tables and too much like a restaurant. There’s no pressure for customers to eat if all

FEATURES

55

they fancy is a drink. I think eventually the dining area will be upstairs and the pub downstairs.

We’ve also just smartened up the front garden with new tables and parasols for the summer and a new pub sign that is more traditional and back to our roots.

What’s next on the agenda?

CHRIS: The back garden. It’s looking a little sorry for itself, so that’ll be the next project. We will rip it all out at the end of this summer ready to create a nice outside bar and a BBQ with decking and heating.

And finally, what would you say defines a great pub?

CHRIS: The perfect pub would need great Kentish beer, a good selection of wines and spirits, a warm welcome, great food and real value for money.

The George and Dragon Speldhurst Hill, Speldhurst Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NN 01892 863125 www.speldhurst.com

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FEATURES

Travel Advertorial

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Last of the summer Rhine

You’ve travelled by sea, you’ve travelled by air, now try travelling by river.

Baldwins Travel Group and AmaWaterways take us on a journey through some of the most scenic locations in Europe in style…

C

ONTOURED by vineyardclad hills and castles from yesteryear, the enchanting Rhine River can’t fail to captivate those who journey along it.

Experience the allure of France’s Alsace region and take in fabled towns lost in time while sampling renowned local flavours while enjoying luxurious river cruise on board the 156-guest ship AmaKristina, the latest addition to AmaWaterways’ fleet of luxury river ships.

Embarking in Basle, Switzerland, get to know the surroundings of your luxury home for the next seven days as you sail upstream towards Amsterdam.

AmaKristina invites you to enjoy sumptuous lounges and the spacious sundeck with swimming pool featuring a swim-up bar.

Relax in the library or pamper yourself with a massage before a workout in the fitness room before dinner.

Dining on AmaKristina is in one of two restaurants. There’s a delightful menu in the main restaurant, or make a reservation to dine at The Chef’s Table and enjoy an intimate and sublime dining experience offering a tasting menu prepared right before your eyes.

After your evening entertainment

in the lounge, relax in your stateroom – the majority of which offer a unique twin balcony design.

The next morning you will arrive in Breisach, from where you will have the opportunity to visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr to marvel at the historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate.

‘La Petite France appears to have been lifted straight out of the pages of a fairy tale ’ Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to Freiburg Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have the most beautiful spire on earth.

Next stop is Strasbourg, one of the most enchanting cities in Europe and home to UNESCO World Heritage Site The Grand Ile. Strasbourg is awash with treasures, which you will discover on a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie and the Place de la Republique.

You will then walk through the iconic ‘La Petite France’ district, which appears to have been lifted

HEIDELBERG The Old Bridge and castle

Travel Advertorial

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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LA PETITE FRANCE A magical area of Strasbourg

straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. The more active can choose to tour the City on a guided bike tour.

The next morning brings you to Mannheim and a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Nectar River Valley along Germany’s castle road.

For a more energetic adventure, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Walk and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Or visit Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe.

On returning to the AmaKristina, you set sail to Rudesheim and enjoy a tasting of Rudesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

AmaKristina remains in Rudesheim overnight and you can spend the next morning at leisure or enjoy a lovely gondala ride soaring high above the vineyards en-route to

the Niederwalddenkmal Statue.

Or you can opt for a hike that takes you through the vineyards to Ehrenfels Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine.

Later in the day, AmaKristina sails through the enchanting Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the town of Koblenz, where you will enjoy a guided walk through the lovely Old Town.

The following day takes you to the City of Cologne and a tour of one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces – Cologne Cathedral.

Today, this 2,000-year-old city is a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot boasting a wonderful old town for you to explore.

A guided bike tour is also available along the Rhine, taking you through the historic Stadtgarten.

Or if you prefer, visit a local tavern to taste Kolsch beer washed down

AMSTERDAM A trip on the canal is a must

‘In Amsterdam, take a scenic canal cruise and a walking tour to see the wonderful mix of art, history, architecture and museums’

with Reibekuchen – potato pancakes served with apple sauce.

Eclectic Amsterdam awaits you for your final stop – take in a scenic canal cruise, a walking tour of the city to see the wonderful mix of art, history, architecture and museums on offer, as well as a walk to Begjinhof, famous for its beautiful middle-age buildings.

Alternatively, take in the Jewish Heritage Tour, beginning with a visit

to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum, which chronicles the history of Jewish life in Amsterdam.

Enjoy your last night on board AmaKristina before one last day in Amsterdam before you return home.

To discover more about river cruising with AmaWaterways, call into your local Baldwins Travel branch for details and for your free brochure

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

FIRST DRIVE:

The new Ford Fiesta WHAT’S NEW?

Is this the most important new car of 2017? Well, if you’ve been paying attention to just how many Fiestas that Ford manages to shift per year, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

The Blue Oval’s second-smallest model has been the best-selling car in Britain since 2009, and has consistently appeared in the top ten since it was launched in 1976.

The Fiesta’s position is under threat, though, with the market for more premium-badged competitors such as the Audi A1 and DS 3 growing ever stronger.

Ford’s answer is to fight back with arguably the plushest Fiesta yet, complete with oodles of new technology and a top-spec Vignale model that tips the scales at an eye-watering £19,345 in its cheapest guise.

LOOKS AND IMAGE

The Fiesta’s party piece has traditionally been the way it handles – with a playful character and the kind of poise and precision you wouldn’t expect in a supermini.

Go for the ST-Line trim – with its lowered suspension and specially tuned power steering – and you’ll find the car’s character remains very much intact, with a set-up that generally favours fun over outright comfort.

Other trims – from Style to Vignale – get considerably softer settings, gliding over potholes and imperfections without fuss – for which the majority of buyers will no doubt be thankful.

Interior quality, too, has taken a drastic step up. There are soft-touch plastics aplenty, and switches have a reassuring feel to them, while Vignale-spec cars get plusher seats and a leather-trimmed dashboard.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

The Fiesta’s dimensions have grown ever so slightly over the old model, but you’d be hard-pushed to spot the differences.

Ford says rear passengers have gained 16mm of knee room, while there’s a 20 per cent larger glovebox – hardly a big step up in practicality.

Boot space, meanwhile, is now a respectable 303 litres against the old car’s 290 – beating that of the Nissan Micra and Renault Clio, but still short of the Honda Jazz’s 399-litre capacity.

Euro NCAP is yet to test the new model, but thanks to buckets of new safety technology, the Fiesta is expected to achieve a five-star rating.

Blind-spot detection, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and distance alert are all now available, while the body contains more high-strength steel for diverting impact energy away from the occupants.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

The ST-Line trim in 1.0-litre 138bhp guise is the sportiest Fiesta available until the full-fat ST appears next year, and makes for a pretty decent ‘warm’ hatch.

As ever, the characterful 1.0-litre EcoBoost is a joy to rev all the way to the limiter, but with 180Nm of torque delivered at as low as 1,500rpm, it feels just as flexible at less frantic engine speeds, too.

With the ST-Line, ride and handling are exactly what you’d expect for a trim level sat between the standard car and the ST hot hatch: Fun and inherently sporty without feeling compromised for everyday driving. There’s less isolation from bumps and potholes than in other trim levels, but

‘This is arguably the plushest Fiesta yet, complete with oodles of new technology’

reduced body roll is worth the trade-off, while the tweaked power steering gives you more confidence to throw it into corners in the first place.

Unsurprisingly for a Ford, the driving position is pretty much spot on and – in most trims at least – there’s plenty of seat adjustability to help you get comfortable.

Parking is now even easier thanks to an optional park assist system, which can handle negotiating the car in and out of both parallel spaces and typical supermarket perpendicular bays.

The driver is still required to work the gearbox, accelerator and brake, but the new system does at least emergencybrake if it senses a potential impact.

VALUE FOR MONEY

There’s no hiding that Ford is pushing the Fiesta into more premium realms – particularly in the top-of-the-range Vignale spec. But, thankfully, most trim levels don’t see much of a price jump over the previous model.

A three-door Zetec with the 98bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost, for example, costs £120 less than the equivalent old Fiesta, despite a few bits of extra kit.

Ford has added more tempting options

Has the latest incarnation of Ford’s hugely successful Fiesta managed to eclipse the previous car? Jon Reay takes it for a spin to find out

MAX SPEED: 125mph

than ever before, and many are limited to higher trim levels than you might like.

Keyless entry, for example, is only available on Titanium trim or above, and standard only on Titanium X and Vignale.

Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system is standard on all but the entry-level Style trim, but you’ll need to pay extra for the larger eight-inch touchscreen rather than the standard 6.5-inch set-up. DAB is standard on all but the Style model, too, while navigation is standard on Titanium trim and above, or a £300 option on Zetec and ST-Line.

Going even further with the premium add-ons, Ford has swapped the Sony-branded audio system of the old car for one designed in collaboration with B&O Play – an offshoot of Bang & Olufsen. Opt for this and you’ll get ten speakers rather than six – including a subwoofer hidden in the boot – said to have been extensively tuned for the Fiesta.

It won’t be rivalling the 23-speaker, 1,900watt Bang & Olufsen system you’d find in an Audi Q7 anytime soon, but it’s probably the best-sounding audio set-up in this segment – and well worth the £300 upgrade.

0-60MPH: 9.0seconds

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Ford Fiesta PRICE AS TESTED: £18,945 ENGINE TESTED: 1.0 EcoBoost 140 POWER: 138bhp TORQUE: 180Nm

MPG: 62.8 (combined) EMISSIONS: 102g/km BASE PRICE: £12,715

The Fiesta is probably one of the broadestappealing cars on sale at the moment.

Anyone from new drivers to grandmothers are likely to be interested in the diddy Ford, while ever-increasing interior space has meant that even young families could be considered as Fiesta customers. To an extent, the Fiesta’s customer base is pretty well defined as it stands today.

Ford is hoping that the extra premium touches of the new car will steal some buyers back from the likes of the Audi A1, DS 3 and Mini, and though it’s lacking a premium badge, the Fiesta can certainly give them a run for their money in terms of refinement, handling and technology.

Beauty

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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61

Warm up your summer make-up WITH THESE GORGEOUS CATWALK-INSPIRED LOOKS Take your cue from the SS17 catwalks with soft, earthy shades on eyes, lips and cheeks, says Katie Wright.

The international fashion weeks give us their fair share of out-there beauty looks. Ready to heighten your look? Here are a few ways to wear the sun-kissed make-up trend...

PEACHY SKIN Give your bronzer a break and embrace the peachy, youthful glow of the girls at Missoni and Blumarine, where Petros Petrohilos’ brief was: ‘Rosy cheeks, a sun-kissed girl.... like she is living on the

beach.’

That means opting for liquid blushers and shimmery powders and applying liberally - matte is not an option.

HOURGLASS ILLUME SHEER TRIO

GOLDEN EYES “Fresh but sophisticated, with a little touch of gold on the lip and the eye,” is how Lloyd Simmons described the look he created at Alexis Mabille, where MAC Powersurge soft gold eyeliner was applied beneath the lower lashline, creating a subtle, brightening effect. A very light coat of brown mascara was used, while at Shrimps, the lashes were left bare and a wash of metallic cream and powder shadows was buffed all the way up to the brows, to create an ‘other-wordly’ glow.

MAC EYE KOHL Powersurge,£14.50 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

£54, Space NK (www.spacenk.com)

TAN LIPS The Nineties brown lip isn’t going anywhere this season. In fact, at the SS17 shows, we got three new takes on the trend. The most literal homagecame at Moschino, where precisely-lined lips were filled in with matte pale tan. At Blumarine, creamy mahogany complemented the peachy eyes, while at Roksanda, a russet lipstick was blurred at the edges.

HOURGLASS CONFESSION ULTRA Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick £28, Space NK (www.spacenk.com)

AXIOLOGY LIP CRAYON in Serene, £22 (www.Alyaka.com)

NARS LIQUID BLUSH IN TORRID £23 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

GOSH TO PARTY London Eyeshadow Palette, £11.99, (www.superdrug.com)

Puzzles

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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B E R E F T R A R U N T R U E G H I E J E C T S S R S Q U U S M D A Y C R A V A T R T R E U R E K A A I E M A X I N E

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

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Codeword:

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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

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1 9 7

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★III

CODEWORD

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in next week’s paper

2 1 6 7 4 5 3 9 8

4 3 5 2 8 9 7 1 6

S U E R N E OW E L E A R L E Y L S W P I N Z L AW R E D L

I G N I T E

Jigsaw Sudoku:

Sudoku:

7 9 8 6 3 1 2 5 4

I S T T R O P U A D R T O E P I M A T N E

1 5 2 8 9 7 6 4 3

9 7 3 4 6 2 5 8 1

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1 6 9 5 8 3 7 2 4

2 9 8 1 4 6 5 3 7

7 3 5 4 9 2 6 8 1

8 7 2 9 1 5 4 6 3

5 1 4 6 3 7 2 9 8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FEATURES

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★I

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Advertorial

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

FEATURES

Another Great Turnout for Eridge Horse Trials and Country Market This year’s Eridge Horse Trials and Country Market kicked off in style with the new addition of ‘Cars in the Park’. A fleet of vintage models, from a stunning 80 year old Lagonda Rosier to E-type Jaguars, Aston Martins and the odd Austin Healey graced the beautiful grounds of Eridge Park, near Tunbridge Wells.

This stylish theme was continued with some fine equestrian competition in the Horse Trials, which has SsangYong Motor UK as title sponsor, as Olympic, International and local riders competed in the three disciplines of dressage, crosscountry and show jumping.

The mother and son organisers, Jenny and Tim Nolan, were concerned that this year’s event could not compare to last year’s record breaker but despite the briefly damp Saturday afternoon attendance over the weekend was as high as last year with thousands making their way through the gates once again. Jenny commented, “We are so pleased with how

the event is growing but we owe so much to the sponsors and the incredible army of over 100 volunteers without whom it would simply be impossible to run. We so hope that the horsey and non-horsey crowds alike enjoy the event as much as we enjoy organising it”.

The Country Market, now in its fifth year running alongside the horse trials, continued to cater not just for the equestrian set but for those with more varied interests; delicious and plentiful artisanal foods, crafts, jewellery, clothes and gifts were in abundance. There was much to keep the kids entertained too with the tractor rides to and from the cross-country start in aid of ‘Riding for the Disabled’ proving very popular indeed.

With 460 competitors taking part at various levels, local riders were again out in force; Georgie Strang from Mayfield and Francis Whittington who hails from Rotherfield competed against Wadhurst born triple Olympic medallist Pippa Funnell

MBE and other international riders.

Sarah Pickard riding Polo Striker, won the SsangYong Motors Open Intermediate section, followed by Australian Christopher Burton on Quality Purdey. The London Capital & Finance Intermediate section was won by Melissa Joannides on Skip to the Beat.

Sunday proved to be a great success,

with the ever-adored ‘Dogs in the Park’ run by the Colliewobbles Fun Dog Club.

Classes included favourites ‘Owner that looks most like their Dog’, ‘Waggiest Tail’ and ‘Best Biscuit Catcher’, with all proceeds going to charity. Forest Row Young Farmers organised the terrier racing including the ‘Southern Golden Bone Championship’. ‘The Hawking Centre’ put on two flying displays to entertain the crowds, showing the amazing feats of their majestic birds of prey and a less majestic but very endearing vulture.

For more information, please visit www.eridge-horsetrials.co.uk

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FEATURES

Life & Style

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

VETERINARY TRAINING

SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL The picturesque village of Bells Yew Green, just south of Tunbridge Wells, is the location for one of the most popular Beer Festivals of the season, being held at The Brecknock Arms, the Harvey’s Brewery, 2016 Pub of the Year.

Veterinary nurse training with the Central College of Animal Studies, East Malling, Kent

The 4th annual festival, under the tenancy of Sally and David Fawcett, runs from midday Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July and goes from strength to strength each year offering a selection of great beers including a number of prizewinning ales and ciders from all over the UK.

We specialise in training programmes for the veterinary profession.

With close links to practices, we provide full and part-time veterinary nursing programmes and apprenticeships.

Just five minutes on the train from Tunbridge Wells, alight at Frant Station for a two minute walk to the beer festival, which has live music from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon featuring the bands, Eclipse, Take 3, Nigel Bagge Band and Bells Yew Green’s very own big-band, The Fireflies!

Our veterinary nursing courses combine learning with practicebased training. For all of our courses, clinical placements help ensure that graduates are confident and competent working in a veterinary environment.

There will be a selection of food available over the weekend, with a Hog Roast on Saturday. Some of the beers available boast some great names, such as ‘York Guzzler’, ‘Fyne Ales Yarl’, ‘Long Man Long Blonde’ and ‘Salopian Darwins Origin’!

Our aim is to teach our students essential life skills that can be used for both personal and professional development, focusing on each individual and their abilities.

The Brecknock Arms won the prestigious Pub of The Year accolade following a secret customer survey programme instigated by Harveys’s which highlighted how the pub had been transformed over the past three years by the new tenants, Sally and David, and is now a popular country pub for both locals, visitors and their families, with food served Wednesday to Sunday.

All of our programmes use a variety of teaching strategies, to ensure students can undertake clinical tasks in a skilled and professional manner. Learning comprises a range of subjects, from general and surgical nursing, anaesthetic techniques, radiography, and functional anatomy to professional relationships, communication, and ethics.

www.thebrecknockarms.com Tel: 01892 750237

As well as ensuring students gain the necessary knowledge to practice veterinary nursing safely and proficiently, our courses also allow students to develop as individuals and take charge of their own professional development.

To find out more about our courses, please contact enquiries@ccoas.org.uk or visit our website www.ccoas.org.uk

KITCHEN GARDEN Following the success of last year’s collaboration with the RHS and the BBC, Sandstone Design were back building at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2017.

This time, the Tunbridge Wells-based, multi award-winning garden design and landscaping company, owned by Ali Dempster, built the ‘delightful and delicious’ RHS Kitchen Garden, designed by Juliet Sargeant.

TACKLING HEART DISEASE IN TANDEM On the 18th June, David & Suzanne Johnson of KMJ Property, took to their tandem to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, by riding 54 miles from London to Brighton. KMJ Property entered the ride as a team with their son Marc (16) riding another tandem with his friend Cameron (17) and their youngest son Jack (14) riding solo. Their daughter Katrina (19) and David’s brother and his wife (Martin & Michelle) made up the transport team.

Becoming the hottest London to Brighton on record the weather was scorching and the people standing at the side of the road with hosepipes were very welcome! Leaving London at 7.30am with colds and not much training under their belt, David & Suzanne had resigned themselves to walking the hills but determination got the better of them and they managed to ride the whole 54 miles without walking and along with their team members they managed to Beat the Beacon!

If you would like to help support The British Heart Foundation by making a donation please visit our Just Giving Page www. justgiving.com/fundraising/kmjproperty or drop a donation into our office in Rusthall High Street. www.kmjproperty.co.uk

If the fabulous foodie garden itself wasn’t inspiration enough to grow and eat your own produce, The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers, were broadcasting their new series Kitchen Garden Live throughout the week and in front of a celebrity audience. You can watch all the episodes on BBC iPlayer. In episode 1, you can see Ali sitting next to Hollywood megastar, Stanley Tucci!

Ali also rubbed shoulders with TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins and Strictly judge Len Goodman. Other celebrities spotted included Bill Bailey and Mary Berry.

The garden, which took 19 twelve-hour days for 5 people to build and just 3 days to dismantle, was made up of mainly edible plants, an aquaponics glass house, which uses a sustainable and ecofriendly method of growing, and even a Pimms planter!

Sandstone Design have been designing and building gardens for 20 years and have worked with the RHS for the last 3 years.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is the world’s largest annual flower show, attracting an average of 130,000 visitors every year.

Sandstone Design www.sandstonedesign.co.uk 01892 668404

TUNBRIDGE WELLS OLDER PERSON’S CHARITY CELEBRATES ITS BIRTHDAY WITH GARDEN PARTY On Saturday July 15, residents, staff and volunteers at Abbeyfield’s Hale Court in Tunbridge Wells got together for a wonderful garden party with tea, cakes and plenty of activities.

Visitors were treated to some wonderful homemade treats and the scones went down a storm during just one of many events in a busy social calendar at the house in Culverden Park Road.

These particular merriments were organised to mark Abbeyfield Week, the charity’s annual birthday celebrations, and two residents’ 50th anniversary. Abbeyfield has now been providing housing and care for the UK’s older people for 61 years.

Abbeyfield Week events are open to the local community and serve as a fantastic way for those who may be looking at moving into older person’s accommodation to get a feel for the homely and inviting places they can be.

House Manager at Hale Court, and event organiser extraordinaire, Nicole Shilling said: “We all had a truly wonderful afternoon and we saw some fantastic community support for our Abbeyfield House. We’re quite new to the area so it’s very important for us to build some bonds with some Tunbridge locals!”

“We hold a lot of events here at Hale Court and we’re always looking to make new friends. Please don’t be shy if you fancy joining us for one of these, or even just a cuppa and a chat.”

Culverden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9QX 01892 324061

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Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Harry’s game Horsmonden’s Richard Barker has just had his first novel published.

Entitled Harry’s Boys, it’s the true tale of what happened to his father, uncle and grandfather during World War II. Here, Richard reveals to Eileen Leahy why he decided to share their extraordinary story of trying to escape war-torn Europe for a life in England – at any cost…

HISTORY BOY Richard with some of his extensive research

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

It was only after my first child was born in 1987 that I became interested in my father Paul’s childhood. Up until then I knew nothing of where he was born, who his parents were, or what kind of childhood he’d had.

I asked him if he would write something down for me and he said he’d try, but nothing more was said.

After he passed away in 1992, aged 63, my mother handed me some notes he had written before he died. They were about his family, his childhood and what happened to him and his brother Stephen during the war.

When I read the 28 pages of handwritten notes I could not believe it. I was in tears as all sorts of things had happened to him, but he had said nothing. I decided then that, as soon as I had some time, I would

find out more and write it down for my children, as they needed to know their grandfather’s story.

Can you give us a brief synopsis?

It revolves around Englishman Harry and his two young Belgianborn sons, Paul and Stephen, who are in Brussels when Hitler invades.

They must find a way to escape and head for the Channel. Unable to cross, they end up in a small fishing village in southern Brittany. The family are separated and Harry can do nothing to retrieve his sons.

He becomes an Air Raid Precaution [ARP] Warden in London whilst the boys suffer shortages of food and witness the persecution of the Jews and the viciousness of the occupying Germans. And the threat of recruitment into Hitler Youth sees the boys taken into hiding…

Arts & Culture

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

Did you find it easy to put pen to paper?

After I had read my father’s notes, I was very motivated to research and write the story in detail, but as he only talked very briefly about his experiences there was a lot to do!

I had absolutely no knowledge of his childhood, and did not know about my Belgian connection. I was born in Northern Rhodesia, now known as Zambia, and had only met my grandfather once when I was very young. When my family travelled by ship from Cape Town to England in 1972, both my father’s parents had passed away, so I never knew them or anything about them. Initial research led me to discover that my grandfather Harry was in fact one of ten brothers and sisters who were all born in Barnes, West London.

It was amazing to discover I had such a large family!

How long did it take to write Harry’s Boys, and how did you find your inspiration to do so?

About eight years ago I had a little more time to spare, so my wife and I travelled around Europe to research my father’s story by visiting the places he’d written about. I knew he was English and could speak fluent French, but I had no idea why.

It was only after I read his notes that I found out my father was actually born in Brussels to a Belgian mother.

When I read how he happened to be in Brussels at the outbreak of World War II, and of his father’s efforts to try and escape the advancing German invasion, I just had to find out more.

How easy was it to piece the puzzles of the literary jigsaw together?

There were some things that were difficult to fathom. In his notes, for example, my father talked about his mother and father moving to a town in Belgium call ‘Sfra’. I searched high and low but could not find it, so I put out a message on the Find Family in Belgium blog saying I was looking for my grandmother, Albertine Barker (née Pollyn). Amazingly, some months later, I received a copy of her death certificate, and a picture of the house where my grandparents had lived in 1934, from a family history enthusiast.

It turns out they had moved to ‘Spa’ not ‘Sfra’. We had misread Dad’s handwriting!

Can you tell us what else you discovered for your story?

My father’s younger brother, Stephen, was also born in Brussels and later moved to Australia. It was an eerie feeling to tread in the footsteps of my father and grandfather when we visited the places Dad wrote about. If you watch Who Do You Think You Are? on television you see people reacting in a strange, emotional way when they find out something about their family. I really experienced this through doing my own research.

It must have helped to have tracked down your father’s brother?

Stephen was my only source of information to help fill in the gaps. Dad had been brief in his notes, saying things like: ‘I remember the death of my mother but don’t recall her funeral. Dad must have kept us away’. So I needed to research these events, but although there were some my

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‘They must find a way to escape and head for the Channel.

Unable to cross, they end up in a small fishing village in southern Brittany and the family are separated’ uncle could help with, there were many he could not. He was only a young child in the early 1930s and could not recall much.

But it was amazing to fly out to Perth and spend time talking with him. We became good friends.

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

It is nigh on impossible to find a publisher who will invest in an unknown author like myself.

I wrote to many, but had either no response or simply a refusal letter wishing me ‘good luck’ with my book.

It is a very competitive market, and even once you have found a publisher, getting into the bookshops is tough. My experience so far has been: ‘We do not stock any books that are not written by famous writers’.

It is disappointing but, like many things in life, you have to work at it. If you truly believe that

your book is a good story and an interesting read, then my advice is to keep pushing!

Do you have a second book in you? If so, any ideas as to what you will write about next?

It is something I have been thinking about, but writing a book is a huge commitment. Working on this one has been an amazing journey; finding out about my family and reliving the experiences of my father. The research was fascinating and I enjoyed every moment, and in terms of writing another, well why not?

I have had some ideas, but let’s see how this one works out: Never say never is what I say.

Richard Barker will be undertaking number of signings over the next few weeks. To find out more, visit www.harrysboys.co.uk Harry’s Boys is published by Pegasus, priced £9.99, and available from bookstores and Amazon

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What’s On

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE Relive the magic of The Carpenters at Hever

>> WEDNESDAY Rhythm of the Dance is on at the Assembly Hall tonight from 7.30pm. This incredible live show features world champion dancers showcasing the ancient SeanNos Gaelic dance style, a traditional Irish band, and the Young Irish Tenors. Having toured all over the world, this show is rated as one of the most popular of its kind, so the fact it’s coming to Tunbridge Wells is a big bonus! Be sure to go along and enjoy this breathtaking performance.

Tickets cost £24 or £22 for Go Card Holders. To find out more, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The latest exhibition at Trinity Theatre is entitled A Brief Encounter and features the work of six different artists whose work ranges from abstract oil paintings to delicate plaster works. The creative contributers are Jeremy Court, Andy Acason, Reem Acason, Nic Ramsden, Barbra Darlington and Jonny Marsh. Go along and see for yourself how beautifully diverse and inspiring their artistic oeuvres are. On daily from 10am until 10pm, the

show runs until Sunday and entrance is free. www.trinitytheatre.net >> THURSDAY At 7pm, Trinity Theatre, The Odeon and the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge will screen a live performance of the National Theatre’s Angels In America Part One: Millennium Approaches. This two-part award-winning play by Tony Kushner is set in the 1980s’ US in the middle of the AIDS crisis and Ronald Regan’s presidency. The action focuses around a group of New Yorkers trying to make sense of their lives and relationships in a society that is slowing being eroded. Starring Andrew Garfield, Denise Gough, Nathan Lane, James McArdle and Russell Tovey, part one is broadcast tonight with part two – Perestroika – screened next Thursday [July 27]. Tickets cost from £19 for adults. For more, see www.trinitytheatre.net or www.odeon.co.uk or www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk >> FRIDAY The Neilson Stand Up Paddling Armada Festival pitches up at Bewl Water this weekend. Now in its fourth year there, the event welcomes keen boarders and their friends and families to take to the water en masse to compete in races and then enjoy a range of activities and live music back on dry land. Starting today, the festival runs all weekend, and you can choose to ‘glamp’ on site or visit on a daily basis. For more information and various ticket prices, visit www.armadaevents.co.uk

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

A BRIEF ENCOUNTER See the latest art exhibition at Trinity

successful movie franchise sees Gru and his gang of Minions facing a number of tricky challenges as he comes face to face with his long-lost twin brother from Freedonia. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. More information at www.moonlightcinema.co.uk >> SATURDAY Trinity Theatre hosts another of its monthly Comedy Cafés this evening from 7.30pm.

Performing tonight are stand-ups Tom Allen, Suzi

PICK OF THE WEEK The Tiger Who Came to Tea Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23 The Assembly Hall Performance times vary

The Spa Hotel will be hosting a screening of that 90s’ classic feelgood film Four Weddings and a Funeral tonight at its open-air cinema. There will be a fully stocked bar and hot food available from 6.30pm, with the film shown at 8.30pm. Two ticket types are available: Standard ones are priced £15 for entrance only, or VIP ones for £22, which offer sofa seating, a glass of bubbly on arrival and waitress service. The event will go ahead whatever the weather, so dress appropriately!

Running all weekend at the Hop Farm’s drive-in cinema until July 27 is Despicable Me 3. The latest instalment in this hugely

Judith Kerr’s timeless children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea comes to the Assembly Hall on Friday and runs all weekend.

Adapted for the stage by David Wood, it’s a delightful interpretation of the story, which sees little Sophie’s encounter with a ‘real’ tiger when he decides to pay her a visit and eat her out of house and home. Expect lots of singalongs, magic spells and fun adventures! Performances are today at 4.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £12.50 and can be booked via the The Gateway in town or the Assembly Hall’s website www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

What’s On

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

STRANGER DANGER See the film Berlin Syndrome at Trinity Ruffell and Jack Campbell. These popular events see a variety of both established and emerging acts take to the stage. You can buy a regular ticket for £12 or upgrade by £3 to enjoy a bite on the side, such as a burger or bowl of chilli. For more details, see www.trinitytheatre.net St Barnabas Church in Quarry Road, Tunbridge Wells will host a screening of Oliver! this evening from 6.15pm. Tickets cost £5, with proceeds going to ellenor, and are available from the charity’s shop on Camden Road. Under-10s go free.

“A very accurate and faithful portrayal, I’m flattered!” declared legendary singer-songwriter Richard Carpenter after seeing the award-winning The Carpenters Story, which celebrates the timeless music of Richard and his late sister Karen.

If you’re a fan of this world famous musical duo, then you can hear all their classic tunes, including Close To You and We’ve Only Just Begun, brought to life tonight in the glorious grounds of Hever Castle’s open-air theatre from 8pm. Covered seating tickets cost £27 and the grass area ones are priced at £17. For more information, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk >> SUNDAY If you’re a fan of arthouse cinema, then don’t miss this evening’s screening of Berlin Syndrome at Trinity from 5pm. While holidaying in Berlin,

Australian photojournalist Clare meets Andi, a charismatic local man, and there is an instant attraction between them. After an illicit encounter, their romance suddenly takes a dark turn when Clare awakes the next morning and finds that Andi has locked her in his apartment and has no intention of letting her escape… Tickets are priced £9 per person.

This evening, young local singer and performer Oliver Tourle will be launching his debut EP at Salomons’ Victorian Science Theatre. It starts at 6pm, and guests will be offered a complimentary drink on arrival and then Oliver will take to the stage and showcase his new music material from 7pm. One Man Plan, Betsy-Lee Miller and Brooke Wells will also perform at the event until 9.30pm. >> MONDAY All this week the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge will be performing Three Men In A Boat. See this classic 19th-century novel by Jerome K Jerome come to life courtesy of a trio of talented performers who will play the key characters, Jerome, Harris and George, and plenty of others, including a terrier named Montmorency. Tickets cost £10 or £7.50 for members. Call 01732 368349 or book at: www. oastheatre.com >> TUESDAY Quantum Theatre are putting on a free-to-attend performance of Alice Through the Looking Glass at Grosvenor and Hilbert park this morning at 10.30am. The story of Lewis Carroll’s most famous character, Alice, and her magical adventures in a land of strange characters will take place on the park’s lower football pitch.

Please bring a cushion along to sit on and dress appropriately for the weather.

Over in Tonbridge, the Illyria theatre troupe are putting on The Mikado in the grounds of the town’s historic castle. Gates open at 6.30pm and the performance begins at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 Adults, £10 Children. For further details, see www.illyria.uk.com

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A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music

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

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

RUSTHALL CLUB 5 St Paul’s Street, Rusthall, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards

WEDNESDAY Roberto Picazo, Simon Pegg, Hamish Donald and Teddy Trenowden FRIDAY Private Party SATURDAY Private Party SUNDAY Dull Knife, Higgs & The Bosons, Peter Taylor and Alex Van TUESDAY Sorrel Nation, Niamh McSmith, Issey and Fate The Juggler WEDNESDAY Holly Stanford Band, The Tringham Sisters, Funmilayo and Jack Leon Mackey

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

MONDAY TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles, open all day, free entryMusic from 8pm onwards

THURSDAY Sophie Mullen THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at www.twforum.co.uk

FRIDAY Lucky Dip SATURDAY Crystalate and DJ Sulphur (at The Sussex Arms Basement) SUNDAY Unfest Sessions (1pm start) THE BEDFORD 2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late. More information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk

SATURDAY Between Giants THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY J.E.M. SUNDAY Open Mic Night

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road, open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Wasted MONDAY Open Mic Night THE PANTILES BANDSTAND The Pantiles, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

THURSDAY Jazz On The Pantiles with Derek Nash & Protect the Beat SATURDAY Soultrain THE KING WILLIAM IV Pembury, open all day, free entry Music from 7.30pm onwards

THURSDAY Open Mic Night SATURDAY Lone Ed

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Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Dunkerley goes back to his roots for Ironman UK

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

Angels Ladies denied in final again as sound defence brings shoot-outs

By James Rowe

HOME IN TIME Steve Dunkerley took part in Ironman UK in Bolton TRIATHLON: TUNBRIDGE WELLS triathlete Steve Dunkerley returned to his home town of Bolton to race in the Ironman UK event.

Almost 1,900 competitors lined up on the banks of Pennington Flash to take on this iconic endurance challenge.

Dunkerley (pictured below) impressed in the swim, completing the 2.4 miles in 1hr 18min. He tackled the infamous Sheep House Lane twice as part of a hilly 112-mile bike course, finishing the second discipline in 7:12.

He completed the marathon within his target parameters to cross the finish line in a combined time of 14:51.

David Bagge claimed second place overall in the Ashdown Forest sprint triathlon. He completed the 400m swim in 8min 49sec, which he acknowledges is his least favoured discipline.

His strength on the 20km bike and 5km run shone through as he finished the race in 1hr 05min, just two seconds off first place. Alan Jones also recorded a respectable 1:27.

The event, organised

by Hedgehogtri, involves three different distances The Ashdown (standard), The Cumnor House (sprint) or The Danehill (supersprint) based in the forest at the Cumnor House School in Dane Hill.

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies reached their second successive tournament final – but were once again cruelly denied the title by the vagaries of a penalty shoot-out.

A fortnight earlier, Angels were beaten finalists against Burgess Hill Town in the six-a-side tournament at Tunbridge Wells, losing the shoot-out 2-1.

This time, at Vinters Park in Maidstone, an entirely different squad of eight players matched that achievement, demonstrating the range of talent that the club can now boast.

The six-a-side games lasted 10 minutes each and goals proved to be at a premium during the group stages.

No side in Group A conceded more than a single goal over the four games.

But the Angels looked confident throughout

with two wins and a draw confirming they would top the group with a game to spare.

Only a literal slip-up saw the defence breached in the final group game but this was academic as the team already knew they would be facing Kent Football Utd Yellow in the quarter-finals.

With a lengthy delay before the knockout stage the team practiced penalties – which would prove to be a key tactic.

Screamer After a goalless match against Yellow, Ellie Brett, skipper Kelly Moran and Becky Janes scored all their kicks and goalkeeper Tracy Edwards stopped one to her right to set up a semi-final with Swale.

This was a much tougher experience but the Angels’ defence remained secure and another goalless draw meant more spot-kicks. Swale saw two of their three kicks saved by Edwards, with

Janes again scoring the crucial penalty.

The impressive Kent Football Utd Blue awaited in the Final and controlled the match with their typically strong passing game.

But again Tonbridge defended superbly while looking threatening on the counter-attack.

In extra time Janes unleashed a screamer of a shot from distance to give the Angels the lead with just over a minute remaining.

But there was still time for an equaliser and it came in heartbreaking fashion with a speculative shot taking a wicked deflection into the net.

Both sides scored two kicks to take the shootout into sudden death. Kent Football scored their fourth penalty but Maisie Gibb saw her kick diverted on to the post.

Nevertheless it was an impressive day’s work for the Ladies, who now return to pre-season training for a fortnight before their opening friendly, at Burgess Hill Town’s Leylands Park stadium on Thursday July 27.

McKimm’s men show promise in triumph over Fleet

By James Rowe FOOTBALL: A SOUND defensive performance earned the Angels an unlikely 3-2 win against Ebbsfleet United of Vanarama National in their opening pre-season friendly.

The Tonbridge team will be looking for improvement in the new campaign after narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs to gain promotion from the Ryman Premier last season.

The match was played in pouring rain and provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd of 355 who were sheltering in the stands.

As expected Ebbsfleet had more possession but were unable to make it count.

The Angels defence were superbly marshalled by the captain George Beavan and refused to panic under pressure.

Whilst the back line may have been the foundation for the win, midfield and attack also played vital roles in constantly snapping at the heels of

the opposition and also creating some decent passages of play to test out the Fleet defence.

Andre McColin opened the scoring in the 29th minute, one of the Angels triallists increased the lead before the hour-mark.

But Fleet’s Darren McQueen pulled one back three minutes later and Danny Kedwell equalisted after 75 minutes.

Dan Thompson completed the victory with five minutes remaining in what proved to be an impressive early showing by Steve McKimm’s side.

RUSTHALL Football Club’s pitch and stadium renovations are now into the final stages of completion as the club waits to make its debut in the Premier League of the Southern Counties East Footall League.

The sloping pitch has been levelled and new

Rusthall prepare to break new ground

drainage installed in order to meet ground grading requirements ready for the top flight.

The first team have resumed pre-season training in eager anticipation.

The Rustics are also awaiting delivery of a brand new stand for Jockey Stadium.

Sporting Times

Wednesday July 19 | 2017

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Waller’s heroics carry Wells to crucial victory over Vine

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS produced a stunning performance against local rivals and fellow relegation candidates Sevenoaks Vine to give themselves a chance of avoiding dropping out of the Kent Cricket League Premier Division.

Wells made the short journey over to the Vine on a damp, grey afternoon but there were no interruptions in what proved to be an absorbing contest

which showed the best of both sides.

The hosts chose to bat first, and Zak Crawley and Karl Pearson made a steady start, raising 50 from 13 overs in a steady start.

But then Crawley was smartly stumped by Theo Burley from the spin of fellow former Tonbridge schoolboy Marcus O’Riordan.

Chris Williams removed two key top order batsmen to leave the Vine on 92 for 3, but that set the stage for a stand of 144 between Pearson and Max Aitken from 151 deliveries.

Pearson carried on serenely while Aitken posted his maiden Premier Division half-century off 70 balls. It was O’Riordan (2 for 41) who finally made the breakthrough but by the home side had progressed to 236 for 4.

Williams grabbed a couple more wickets in a hectic finale, giving him figures of 4 for 54, and the innings closed at 257 for 6.

Pearson held the innings together with a battling 126 including 10 fours and two sixes off 154 balls, finally perishing in the closing overs.

Legend puts young players in the right frame of mind because I had achieved everything I wanted to.”

“But after I won the title, I had a waistcoat specially made just like Steve’s.

“It was made by a Mr Robertson, a Savile Row tailor who lived in Cranbrook, and it cost me £45, which was a lot of money at the time.”

Eric played his first game in a hall above Burton’s clothing store in Maidstone in 1952.

He was then posted to Egypt during the Suez Crisis, and returned to Britain three years later.

He carried on playing at RAF Wendover in Buckinghamshire, as a non-commissioned officer, and took over the care of the table after the curator was demobbed.

Eric has made 17 century breaks down the years, with his best being 137 at Meopham in the Whitbread Cup. So what advice does he give young players?

“The most important thing is that you have the correct stance and bridge. You’ve got to have balance, and get right down behind the shot.

“Then you need the correct alignment for the cue action, coming straight through from the shoulder to the hand. After that, everything falls into place.”

Contact match secretary Steve Smith on email: steve.mountfieldclub@gmail.com mob: 07720 298971

TOP TABLE (L toR): Steve Davis, Eric Sharman and Ronnie Row

By Andy Tong SNOOKER: THE Hurst Green District Snooker & Billiards League is to launch a Youth Cup named after local legend Eric Sharman.

The competition, which begins in September, is open to any player based with or linked to one of the HGSL clubs aged between 16 and 21.

It is aimed at introducing new players to the sport, and will be sponsored by Times Local News, with the winner taking away £150 and the runner-up £75 plus trophies.

Eric is keen to spread the word about snooker and encourage young players. Since his return to the sport four years ago, he has been providing tuition at the Cramp Club in Cranbrook.

“I like to play the younger players and give them

a bit of coaching at the same time,” says Eric.

“I point them in the right direction.”

He certainly has a history of bringing on the youngsters – his most notable opponent was a certain teenager named Steve Davis.

He recalls: “I beat Steve Davis’s dad in the Kent Knockout Championship, three games at home and three away.

“Up in Plumstead I met Steve, he was 12 years old, and we agreed to play at a later date. It was honours shared, I remember.

“The Plumstead club didn’t normally allow anyone under the age of 18 to play but they let him because he was so good.”

Eric won the Kent Messenger Championship in 1981 at the age of 46. “That was the biggest win of my career,” he says.

“After that I stopped playing for 30 years

THE REST IS HISTORY Eric Sharman (left) with HGSL’s chairman Lee Smith

The reply commenced carefully as Chris Williams (32) and Michael Waller raised an opening partnership of 75.

The Vine then took three wickets in short order, the captain Alex Williams (30) falling exactly halfway to the target after 31 overs.

Waller was now joined by Christian Davis (35) in a crucial fourth-wicket stand worth 68 that saw the former move to his fourth fifty of the campaign.

He continued to accumulate, and the target looked attainable as the visitors kept wickets in hand. However, a sudden double strike reduced Wells to 223 for 6.

Just 27 balls remained with 35 still required.

Charlie Russell-Vick struck an innovative 20, and Waller went to a splendidly-fashioned hundred.

The last over arrived with nine runs needed, and Russell-Vick reverse-ramped the first delivery for four before being dismissed next ball.

Burley came in and ran a single, leaving Waller to strike the winning boundary from the penultimate ball to reach 258 for 7 and secure a thrilling and excellent victory.

Waller carried his bat for a heroic, unbeaten 106 from 128 balls with a six and ten fours – none more crucial than that boundary off the second-tolast delivery.

So Wells achieved the double over their neighbours for the first time since 2009, and thereby maintained their spot one place ahead of their rivals in the relegation zone.

Baldwin keeps Seconds on top CRICKET:

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Second XI remained on top of the Kent Cricket League Premier Second Division as they beat Sevenoaks Vine at the Nevill.

Jamie Baldwin scored 121 in a total of 232 for 5.

Nigel Keess snapped up 4 for 14 from his full 10 overs and Sam Huggett took 3 for 61 as the Vine fell 83 runs short on 149.

In Division One, Linden Park lost at home to top-of-the-table Bickley Park by 39 runs but put up a valiant display.

They restricted the leaders to 214 all out with Freddie Hulbert taking 3 for 26 and James Thomas 3 for 21 from as many balls.

Driaan Brewer led the reply with 79 including ten fours and two sixes but he received little support until Hulbert (27) helped him put on 66 for the sixth wicket.

Daniel Maggin had done the damage as he dismantled the top five batsmen to return figures of 5 for 40, while Michael Ridley (3 for 22) saw off the threat at the end.

Cowdrey secured a winning draw in Division Four. They made 210 against Rainham, with Dario Boyce scoring 73 and keeper Barney Scott 53.

Rainham then crawled to 108 for 7 in 52 attritional overs with Ralph Yeats-Brown picking up 3 for 33.

Tonbridge fell 32 runs short of their target against Addington. The latter were bowled out for 157 with Martin Batley returning 4 for 40 and Matthew Smiles 3 for 28.

But Tonbridge could only muster 125 in reply as Andrew Mortimer sliced through them to grab a haul of 6 for 42.