Times of Tonbridge 23rd October 2019

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ALL TOGETHER NOW: Gerald Loveday enjoys his 100th birthday with family and friends at Tonbridge Castle after walking up the High Street en masse. See page 2

Fears over safety as council plans to turn all CCTV cameras ‘passive’

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE future use of CCTV footage to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is in doubt as Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council contemplates moving to an entirely ‘passive’ system.

Under that model, cameras still are recording but there is no one actively monitoring them – so there are no staffing costs.

The proposal was rejected by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee amid warnings from the police.

When the issue was discussed by Cabinet last week, it decided to ask the Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] for more money to run it before making a final decision.

But Kent’s PCC Matthew Scott told the Times that the funding for crimefighting has already been allocated.

The savings made by such a move would be diverted to the Community Safety Unit, a multi-agency body which is run by the Community Safety Partnership [CSP].

CCTV cameras can help decide if emergency services are needed Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis

Mr Scott said: “I have already provided more than £550,000 to Kent’s 14 CSPs to support projects which cut crime and anti-social behaviour this year.

“Exactly how each council uses their share of this money is up to them. It can

be used to support CCTV networks if they wish.”

He said additional money might be available through a new central scheme, the Safer Streets Fund.

But he pointed out that this would be awarded to ‘areas disproportionately affected by crime’.

The motion to end monitored CCTV was put forward by Cllr Michael Base, the representative for Aylesford North.

It was supported by two Tonbridge councillors, Frixos Tombolis in Higham, and Georgina Thomas of Trench ward.

Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis, District Commander for Tonbridge & Malling.

CI Steenhuis said the West Kent Division had the highest charge rate in Kent and that reducing the CCTV provision could mean the borough fell behind neighbouring districts.

Helping children top priority in county hall £1.5billion budget

By Richard Williams Householders will pay an extra £50 next year in tax levied by Kent County Council under a new annual budget unveiled in the same week its new Leader takes the reins.

Cllr Roger Gough was last Thursday voted Leader of the Council, following his election to Leader of the controlling Conservative Group earlier in the month.

Cllr Gough, who has served on the authority since 2005 representing Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley, has taken over the role from Cllr Paul Carter, just as KCC has announced its annual budget.

The authority has around £1.5billion a year to spend on services for the people of Kent,

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CCTV camera fears:

Continued from page 1 And he told the Times that it wasn’t simply a matter of tackling crime, saying: “Kent Police acknowledges the role of CCTV in helping to keep residents and visitors safe, and also the assistance it can offer to criminal investigations and the work of the town centre Business Crime Reduction Partnerships.

“However, in addition to crime and disorder, it should be noted that CCTV can be of use for partners in a number of different areas.

“This can include assessing whether an incident requires emergency service attendance, locating missing people, targeting fly-tippers and other antisocial behaviour, and co-ordinating the multi-agency response to civil emergencies such as the risk of flooding.”

Difficult A change to a full passive system would save around £100,000 a year, while to stop all CCTV operations would save £215,000 per annum.

There are 157 cameras across the borough, 67 of which are monitored live with 90 in passive mode; there are 18 active ones in the town centre.

Cllr Thomas explained that she backed the passive proposal as an attempt to find alternative sources of funding.

She said. “It’s a difficult decision to make and none of us want to see the move from live to passive. If you look at other councils, their CCTV is funded by the police – ours is not.

“In a bid to try and get this service funded by the police, I voted to this motion knowing there is a two-year notice period, allowing enough time to appeal to the Police Commissioner to find the funding.

“I do not want to see CCTV moved to passive.

With council funding decreasing year on year I just want to find ways of helping make savings whilst retaining the council’s excellent level of mandatory services.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s committee unanimously turned down a similar proposal to move to passive CCTV in 2017.

CCTV was first introduced to Tonbridge in 1995, and three years later it was agreed the town would share a control room in Tunbridge Wells.

The cameras are monitored by staff inside Tunbridge Wells Town Hall – it is understood that they are actively watched 77 per cent of the time.

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High Street is a highlight for sporting soldier’s centenary

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A 100-YEAR-OLD former soldier celebrated his birthday this month by parading up the High Street accompanied by more than 60 family and friends.

Gerald Loveday had insisted on the ambition to mark the milestone. The hearty ex-physical training instructor, who served in Germany and Northern Ireland, carried on the festivities with back-to-back parties over the weekend.

Forty-three family members representing all five generations assembled to celebrate at Poult Wood Golf Club after their walk through the town centre.

The next day saw 72 people gather at Tonbridge Bowling Club for afternoon tea.

He was presented with his centenary card from the Queen by his great nephew Jonathan Loveland, who works as a postman in Tonbridge.

He wanted to walk up the High Street on his 100th birthday His daughter Glynnis told the Times: “Jonathan asked his boss if he could deliver it because it was such an honour.

My father was very pleased, because family means a lot to him.”

She added: “He’s always said he wanted to walk up the High Street on his 100th birthday.

“Everybody knows him - he used to push my mother to Tunbridge Wells in her wheelchair. He was always very fit as a PT instructor.”

Among the group was Sadie Williams, a former teacher at Hugh Christie whose two sons had been taught by Mr Loveday.

He was a PE teacher for many years at St George’s, a private school on Pembury Road in

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SPECIAL DELIVERY: Gerald receives his card from the Queen courtesy of his great nephew Jonathan Tunbridge Wells which no longer exists.

Mrs Fowler added: “I heard one man say he had read about the 100-year-old man on Facebook, and another came down specially to shake his hand, which was lovely.”

Born in Gillingham, he grew up in Barden Road and came back to the town after he left the Army, and again 1981 after a spell in the United States.

He had four children with his wife Marie, whom he married in Tonbridge Parish Church on Christmas Day during World War Two. They had four children, and now he also has 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Fowler described him as a ‘boy soldier’ because he had joined up in 1933 at the age of 14 - and he was only four feet eight and a half

Poppy Appeal begins after record £50k year

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

TIME TO REMEMBER: Carl Lewis with his wife Jenny, who runs the Southborough Poppy Appeal

County council budget: Continued from page 1 which is equal to about £1,000 for each of the 1.5million people in the county.

KCC has outlined what it sees as its priorities for the next financial year and has also declared that it wants to increase Council tax from April 2020.

The county council says its key priorities are: Helping children and young people get the best start in life Helping communities benefit from economic

THE Tonbridge Poppy Appeal is officially launched at the Big Bridge on Saturday [October 26) at 10am, and the organiser Carl Lewis is inviting veterans to come along.

Last year the charity, which raises money for Armed Forces personnel and their families, topped £50,000 in the town for the first time.

This was largely due to a major boost from a programme of events to mark the centenary of the Armistice and the end of World War One. These included Tonbridge 100, a weekend of historical re-enactments organised with Pam Mills, who has stood down after seven years working for the Poppy Appeal.

Last year her activities alone brought in more than £7,000.

Carl Lewis, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal organiser, said: “We raised a massive amount last year, I wasn’t expecting anything like that. “We put on a lot more because of Tonbridge 100 and other events. People came to the living history weekend from far and wide - and many growth by being in-work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life And helping keep older and vulnerable residents safe and supported with choices to live independently.

While the Council has been given extra money from the Government, KCC says it is ‘unlikely not to keep pace with the additional costs and demand for our services’ and it estimates a budget gap in 2020-21 of between £18 million and £22m.

As a consequence, they say want to put up Council Tax by 2 per cent – the maximum limit for increases allowed without holding a referendum.

inches tall.

He was unable to follow his brothers in attending the Duke of York Royal Military School in Dover because he contracted rheumatic fever, which forced him to spend a long time in hospital.

Instead he joined the Army, where he was a drummer with the Northamptonshire regiment for eight years before joining the Physical Training Corps.

Sergeant Loveday went on to become an Army champion at boxing and cross country before he was discharged in 1959.

He remains very fit and independent. Mrs Fowler said ‘he lives on his own and looks after himself - and he is often to be found on the bus to Brighton, Bromley Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells’. came to both days of it.

“It just shows the commitment to the Armed Forces veterans and their families.

“We’re not expecting anything like that total this year, but whatever people give, it makes a difference.”

Mentioned This year the Poppy Appeal has stressed that remembrance includes those who died as civilians during wartime and the victims of terrorist attacks. They have always been included but for the first time the Legion has explicitly mentioned them.

Ahead of the Remembrance Sunday service which takes place at the Memorial Garden on November 10, Mr Lewis added: “Anyone who wants to remember, together with those who served and those that cherish the memories of loved ones lost during wartime, is more than welcome.”

Next year will be the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two, and events are planned to mark the occasion.

This would add an extra £23.04 per year for a typical band C property.

In addition, the Government now allows Councils to add a further 2 per cent on Council Tax bills to pay for social care.

Last year KCC spent a third of its budget – more than £500million – on care for adults and older people, and a further £187million on children’s social care.

The ‘Social Care Levy’ would add a further £23.04 to Council Tax bills, meaning the average band C Council Tax payer would see their bills rise by £46.08 to £1,178 from next April.

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Queen of crime dramas’ comes to Angel Centre

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Street market eateries will open soon

Quarry Hill road to shut

Paramedics praise doctor A PASSING doctor who resuscitated a person found collapsed in the street last week, has been thanked by ambulance staff who attended the scene.

The unnamed GP happened to be passing the scene in Frant Road, near to Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club.

The doctor managed to resuscitate the person before the Air Ambulance and paramedic crews arrived and transported the individual to Ashford hospital.

Local plan extended THE Public Consultation period for Tunbridge Wells Borough council’s draft Local Plan has been extended by two weeks.

The plan includes the building of more than 2,500 homes in the village of Tudeley.

People now have until November 15 to comment on the plans.

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Great news for foodies as street market opens

BESTSELLING author Martina Cole will be visiting the Angel Centre on Tuesday [October 29] to reveal the secrets of her success. The event is being organised by Tonbridge Library, which describes her as ‘the acknowledged queen of crime drama’.

The 60-year-old, who lives in Ightham, will be presenting her latest novel No Mercy, and there will also be a book sale and signing session.

The event starts at 7pm; tickets cost £6 are available at the Library on Avebury Avenue – booking is essential.

FROM Monday [October 28] Quarry Hill Road in Tonbridge will be closed at night for 10 days to allow resurfacing works to be carried out. The road will be shut from 9pm to 6am until November 7, with major diversions meaning that motorists may have to go back to Morley’s roundabout on the A21 at Hildenborough.

The A26 will be closed between the junctions with Woodside Road and Pembury Road [A2014] to the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

For access to Brook Street it is suggested that motorists go along Bidborough Ridge on the B2176 Penshurst Road, then turn right in the village and go down Haysden Lane.

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THE empty Ely Court area of Tunbridge Wells is to be brought back to life with a new food market featuring an exotic mix of home grown and international cuisine.

Cheese and wine, ice cream and vegan ice cream, chocolate, sushi, bagels and Argentinian and Indian food will be some of the treats on offer at the new street food style market which is set to open next week.

All food is aimed at being priced between £8 and £10. And all produce is sourced from within Kent.

Local produce The market should provide between 300 and 400 jobs, said the company behind the venture, The Initiative, which as well as chefs, servers and food and drink preparation also takes into account the supply of food and drink to the units.

The Initiative already has food and drink markets in other parts of the UK with a

philosophy of opening early, closing late and serving great food and drink.

The line up of 13 traders includes pizzeria Sliced, Verve Kitchen, Frankie and Fries, Marlowes mini burgers, Rolling on Ice, Goupie for chocolate and coffee, The Desert Island offering waffles and pancakes, the Argentinian Grill and the Dog House serving hot dogs.

Partner and founder of The Initiative Youri Michel said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Central Market in Tunbridge Wells, just one of the many venues we have scheduled to open across the UK. The quality and diversity of food, the open access policy to a wide range of people and the inherently social nature of the space will make a significant contribution to the culture of Tunbridge Wells.”

The company said it wants Central Market to be the destination for dining, socialising and entertainment in Tunbridge Wells.

As well as a hub for foodies there are also

Business group says theatre is ‘viable’ as private initiative AN INDEPENDENT business consortium, made up of local and national companies, is investigating the viability of the private sector taking over the town’s theatre project.

The group is said to be considering the existing proposal in its current format along with any revised proposals that took into consideration recent objections and feedback to the ‘failed’ Civic Centre proposal.

Borough councillors earlier this month voted to abandon the £108million Calverley Square

project. Around £11million of tax payers’ money has already been spent on the proposed development at the edge of Calverley Grounds.

The business group has had economic consultants review the financials around the project and are now looking at progressing to the next stage.

A spokesperson for the group said: “While the original Civic Centre proposal submitted by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] may have had its faults and objectors, the idea from a

plans for entertainment including comedians, wine tasting, bands and DJs. The company has even decided to install an open kitchen in the market where people will be able to come and learn about cooking.

Project Manager, Hannah Williams, said: “Our founders have taken everything we’ve learnt from our previous experiences to make Royal Victoria Place something really special.

“We have planned activities and want the Tunbridge Wells community to gather and discover the newest food and drink trends while listening to bespoke playlists or live acts.”

Central Market will be open Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm and Sunday from 10.30am to 6.30pm.

TASTY TREATS Food for all all tastes

SOCIAL EVENTS Meet and eat

purely business perspective makes commercial sense.

“Taking into account the revenue that would be generated from the various income streams, operating costs, ultimate asset value and long term economic benefits, the numbers do stack up. We can appreciate the concerns raised by some members of the community regarding TWBC spending in excess of £100m of tax payers money on a new multi-purpose development, but with 100% of the funding coming from the private sector, obviously this would present a different scenario. It could be a win-win as far as we can see.”

The Times understands that a meeting with representatives from the consortium and TWBC is likely to take place at the end of the month.

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Praise for ‘so many projects’ that are enhancing visual appeal of the town

By Richard Williams THE town’s most architecturally pleasing new buildings, refurbishments and restorations have been recognised by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society at their annual awards evening.

The 41st Civic Society awards saw both modest projects and major developments celebrated for the visual impact they have on the town.

David Wright, Chairman of the Civic Society’s awards panel, told the Times that this year’s awards was one of the best in quite some time.

“This year was a very good year in terms of both the quality of projects and the quantity,” he said, adding that the six judges, consisting of two architects, two planners and two lay people, had difficulty whittling down the 35 entries to just ten.

“There was a breadth of projects but what mattered most is the visual appeal rather than how much money had been spent on each entry,” he said.

Among the developments that entered awards, Mr Wright said he was personally impressed by the work being done in the restoration of the exterior of Vale Royal Methodist Church (pictured above).

“That building was meant to be demolished but in fact Jengiz Ali [architect] has done a superb job.”

He also said the new housing development at Knights Wood had impressed the judges.

“The Civic Society is certainly not against anything that is ultra-modern in the right context, and at Knights Wood, Dandara is doing a cracking job,” he said.

He also commended the West Kent

420 - 422 Vale Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 1SW 01732 363583

Sandstone Quarry

Quakers conversion of the Friends Meeting House in Grosvenor Road that provides affordable accommodation for young people.

“There has been too much of doing the town down at the moment,” he said. “So it was good to see so many projects that are enhancing the visual appeal of the town.”

Mr Wright added that the Civic

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Society lamented the fact that £10million had been spent on the now scrapped Calverley Square development, but said the Society wants to help the cross-party group at the Council find alternative solutions.

He continued: “For me I like the art deco town hall and civic complex. I know it is perhaps a bit Brutalist for everybody’s tastes but when you go inside and see the standard it was done to at the time, it is quite extraordinary.

“It looks like a town hall and feels like a town hall so I think it should remain the town hall.”

Of the other major developments going on in the town, he says the Civic Society only has one major criticism.

“They are a bit too big,” Mr Wright said. “The development on the old cinema site is perhaps one storey too high, and Dandara’s development

near The Pantiles is very big – I’m not sure people realise just how tall this will be – it’ll be nine or ten storeys high when it’s finished.”

However, he believed Tunbridge Wells has plenty of scope for developers in the future to bring attractive properties to the town.

“Unlike Bath, where it is Georgian or nothing, Tunbridge Wells has a great mix and can accommodate all styles.”

Vale Royal Methodist Church

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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Civic Society 2019 Awards

West Kent Quakers, Meeting House in Grosvenor Road

Knights Wood

Lansdowne Villa, Lansdowne Park

Lansdowne Villa, Lansdowne Park

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD: West Kent Quakers, conversion of part of Friends Meeting House in Grosvenor Road to affordable accommodation for young people, nine flats leased to West Kent YMCA. The flats are let at affordable rents for up to two years for young people moving on from YMCA accommodation. A ‘Stepping Stones’ partnership was formed between the Quakers, West Kent YMCA and Habitat for Humanity, who managed the project. TWBC provided a section 106 grant of £250,000, and the total project cost was £750,000.

Claremont Lodge

The Childrensalon, High Street, Tunbridge Wells

SHOP FRONT AWARD: The Childrensalon, High Street, Tunbridge Wells. International business with 430 staff mainly based at headquarters in Kingstanding Way. Felt to be one of the most attractive shop fronts on the shortlist, Childrensalon is an awardwinning family-run company whose shop is located on the high street.

New house at 12 Benhall Mill Road

Sandstone Quarry

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Knights Wood

Miles Garage

AWARDS FOR PROPERTIES: New house at 12 Benhall Mill Road.

Owners: Barnaby and Fiona Robson. Architects: Russel and May. Refurbished house at 15 Warwick Park.

Owners: Toby and Anna Brandon. Architects: Material.

Conversion of Victorian villa back to residential use at 23 Lansdowne Road.

Owners: Stonehouse Regeneration. Architects: Stephen Langer.

Nevill Cottage

New extension at Claremont Lodge, Claremont Road.

Owners: Catriona and Peter Lewis. Architects: Peter Lewis.

New housing development at Knights Wood.

Owners: Knights Developments. Architects: Dandara and JTP. Restored 19th century railings at Miles Garage.

Owner: Clare Miles. Organiser: Robert Miles.

Restored exterior and crest at Nevill Cottage, Nevill Gate.

Owners: Bethan and Stephen McCreath.

Decoraton: Stephen McCreath, SC Decorating, Slawomir Cybula.

15 Warwick Park

Conversion of former hospital to residential use at Royal Wells Court.

Owner: Bostall Developments. Architect: Clague.

Extension and refurbishment of Victorian villa at Sandstone Quarry, 3 Carlton Road.

Owner: Edward Bowen. Architects: Sabrina Amade.

Restoration of the exterior of Vale Royal Methodist Church.

Owner: Jengiz Ali. Architect: Jengiz Ali.

Royal Wells Court

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Man jailed for trying to kill wife after asking her to close her eyes A TUNBRIDGE WELLS man who asked his wife to close her eyes as she lay in bed before stabbing her in the neck, has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Shaun May was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court last week after a jury convicted the 34-yearold last month of the attempted murder of his wife.

As reported in the Times in September, the court had heard that days before the attack at their Southborough home in October last year, May had been sacked from his work for ‘financial irregularities’.

Callous Jurors were told that instead of confessing to his wife, Laura, that he had lost his job, May instead told her to close her eyes and count backward from ten as she lay in bed. He then plunged a knife into her neck.

Sentencing had been adjourned for psychiatric reports, but following examinations, three psychiatrists couldn’t find a motive for the attack.

The court had heard the May’s had a ‘good relationship’ and that Laura May had said she could not recall the pair ‘ever having an argument before’.

Mrs May, who needed nine stitches, has now started divorce proceedings.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said: “There was no abuse in this relationship, no violence, no raised words… which makes what happened all the more shocking.”

He sentenced May to 13 years and six months.

After the hearing, investigating officer, Police Constable Mark Beeching said: “May acted in a cold, callous and violent manner on that morning.

“The assault with a knife could have easily had fatal consequences and will no doubt have a long-lasting and profound effect on the victim.”

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Council apologises after remains lie in wrong grave for six years

By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has apologised after a Grandfather’s remains were buried in the wrong grave – for six years.

The error was only discovered when the family of Eileen Burgess tried to bury her with her husband, James, at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery [pictured] in March.

However, the coffin of Frederick Towner, who died in 2013, was discovered next to Mr Burgess’s remains.

In order for the family to continue with Mrs Burgess’s burial, a third grave had to be dug until the mix up at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery could be sorted out.

Exhumation To switch the remains to their rightful resting places, the Church of England’s Consistory Court had to approve the exhumation of both bodies.

John Gallagher, Chancellor of the Diocese of Rochester who also acts as judge of the Consistory Court, said in a report that both plots were ‘very close together’ and the mistake was ‘an innocent one’.

He said: “I have seen a plan of the relevant part of the cemetery, and it is clear that the two plots are very close to each other.

“Enquiries have been made by the cemetery authorities, but to no avail, in that the staff responsible for the cemetery at that time have left their employment, and not surprisingly, there are no records which might show how, or why, the mistake occurred.”

He continued: “In my judgment, a mistake has occurred here. As I have indicated, the precise

circumstances of the original mistake may never be known, but I am wholly satisfied that it was an innocent one.

“In these very particular and unusual, not to say distressing, circumstances, I am wholly satisfied that this is a case where I can and should take an exceptional course.”

He ordered the exhumation of Mr Towner and Mrs Burgess, who were both reinterred into their rightful graves as families of both of the deceased

gathered at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery earlier this month. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has since apologised to the families concerned.

A spokeswoman said: “We apologised to the families for this very distressing situation and we remain very sorry for what had occurred.

“We have carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances and have reviewed our processes to prevent this mistake occurring again in the future.”

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Social media start-up scoops digital award

Research finds county is in need of more hotels to satisfy visitor growth

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS-based start-up has been named Digital Business of the Year at an awards event held earlier this month.

Social Fireworks, a social media and marketing agency set up by Kizzie Nicholson in 2017, won the award at this year’s Independent Business Awards Kent, held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne on October 10.

KENT does not have any five-star rated hotels and there are not enough overnight beds to satisfy the county’s burgeoning tourist and visitor industry, research has shown.

The findings come from a comprehensive study exploring the supply and demand for new hotel accommodation across the county. It was commissioned by tourist organisation Visit Kent and the Destination Management Organisation Locate in Kent.

Carried out by Canterbury Christ Church University over the summer, the full findings will be released later this year, but an interim report has uncovered county-wide gaps in hotel provision.

Not only did researchers find that Kent has ‘zero availability’ of five-star rated hotels, but the county is 77 per cent rural and only 14 per cent of serviced beds are located in rural areas.

Kent also lacks large hotels, with only 30 establishments having more than 100 bedrooms.

The report found that services such as Airbnb are filling the gaps left by inadequate hotel provision, with the online platform seeing demand rocket by 450 per cent in peak season.

Earlier this year, Visit Kent released figures showing the county was the third most visited destination outside of London for foreign visitors, with the tourism industry worth £3.8billion a year.

For Tunbridge Wells, tourism generates £278million a year.

“We recognise the need to provide quality accommodation at all levels, and so we commissioned new research to assess the current and future supply and demand across Kent,” said David Curtis-Brignell, Deputy Chief Executive of Visit Kent.

Daunting The awards highlight the achievements made by independent businesses from across Kent, in a range of sectors.

Judges at the event said they awarded Social Fireworks the award because of their ‘drive and dedication to their clients’ success’.

Kizzie Nicholson said: “For businesses, it can be exciting getting their business online. But this can quickly become daunting with the amount of time, effort and input it takes to market the business correctly.

“I’m delighted that the businesses we’ve worked with have seen positive results online through their website, social media and email marketing.”

ON FIRE Kizzie Nicholson

By Richard Williams

MAKING BEDS: A new Premier Inn being built in Tunbridge Wells He continued: “Kent has a strong visitor offer – 350 miles of coastline, countless world-famous heritage sites and events, and new high-end products such as the Wine Garden of England partnership.

Hotspots “Our visitor economy has grown by over £1billion in the past decade. Our forward strategy centres on growing the quality and range of experiences to encourage visitors to spend more with local businesses and increase the number of overnight stays.”

He added that Visit Kent identified business travel, meetings and conferences as a sector that will deliver strong year-round occupancy.

“The results show that there are clear growth hotspots across the county which present an opportunity to address the lack of quality serviced accommodation and higher capacity prop-

erties to provision in rural locations. This represents a clear opportunity for developers to look at Kent as a priority investment location,” he said.

Gavin Cleary, CEO for Locate in Kent, added: “Kent is amongst the best-connected places in the UK, in close proximity to London and Europe and with an exciting offer for leisure and business visitors alike.

“Having quality hotel accommodation near to some of the strategic sites we’ve identified at Locate in Kent is a win-win, for both business growth and hotel sector growth.

“What has emerged from the review carried out by Locate in Kent in close conjunction with local authorities across Kent is a range of different potential investment sites across a number of categories – from seafront properties in Margate and heritage sites in Canterbury to existing and new golf course sites.

“There’s now a real opportunity for investors to meet demand.”

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Local News

BUSINESS

Ask the Lawyer Stephen Wilmot

Expanding clothing chain pulls out of Tunbridge Wells A PREMIUM clothing brand has pulled out of Tunbridge Wells High Street despite expanding its portfolio across the UK. Joules, which specialises in country-inspired clothing, footwear and accessories and has growing homeware, eyewear and other licensed product collections, shut its doors earlier this month, with the company confirming the store ‘has now permanently closed’.

While the retailer would not say why they shut the town store, the company does have a number of concessions in the area, including one in

department store Fenwick in the shopping centre.

Elsewhere in Britain, the premium brand, which was founded by Tom Joule in 1989, has its eyes on expansion.

New The company has just announced a new store in Glasgow’s intu Braehead shopping centre, which will add to the retailer’s 125 other locations, their e-commerce site and well-established wholesale business.

Childrensalon pop-up to offer 90 per cent off designer brands CHILDREN’S clothing specialist Childrensalon is opening a pop-up shop to raise money for a local charity – where some of its designer wear will be on sale at just ten percent of the usual ticket price.

The pop-up will take place on Saturday November 2, between 12noon and 4pm at the Nevill Crest & Gun pub in Eridge, and will raise funds for Crowborough-based charity Taylor Made Dreams.

Worthwhile Grace Browning, Head of Customer Service for Childrensalon, said: “This is a one-off opportunity for parents to purchase genuine top quality designer clothing and accessories from the likes of D&G, Diesel, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, UGG and Petit Bateau, paying as little as ten per cent of their ticket price and supporting a fantastic local charity at the same time.”

She continued: “We have face painting, a children’s entertainer and mocktails for the kids, mocktails and

cocktails for the adults and the Nevill Crest & Gun’s sumptuous food menu is also available.

“It promises to be a fun afternoon for everyone, all in the name of a very worthwhile local cause.”

Suzi Mitchell, CEO of Taylor Made Dreams, added: “We are really excited about this event.

Not only does it allow parents the chance to purchase some beautiful clothing at a massive discount, but the funds raised will go towards providing experiences for local children who have life-limiting illnesses and support for their families.

“We are very grateful to Childrensalon and The Nevill Crest & Gun for partnering with us to put on this event and for the amazing prizes donated for the raffle, which include a huge HD TV from Childrensalon, and a family portrait session worth £750

by Paul Johnson Fine Art Portrait Design, amongst other things people can get their hands on.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Solicitors’ quiz night

Brexit-ready workshops

LAWYERS from a Tunbridge Wells firm are holding a charity quiz night to raise money for one of the country’s most renowned burns hospitals.

Buss Murton Law, based in Church Road, want to raise money for the QVH Charity, which supports the life-changing work carried out by the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

The quiz night will be held at the Ashdown Park Hotel on Friday November 22 from 6pm to 10pm.

Tickets cost £50 and can be booked by emailing: kunderwood@bussmurton.co.uk

THE Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is putting in free industry-specific workshops to make sure businesses are Brexit Ready in case the UK crashes out of the EU. These include – Digital Sector: Friday October 25, 8.30am-12noon, at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Pembury; Construction Sector: Friday October 25, 12.30pm-4pm, also at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Pembury; Professional Sector: Tuesday October 29, 8.30am-12noon, at Brachers LLP, Maidstone; Tourism And Hospitality Sector: Tuesday October 29, 12.30pm-4pm, also at Brachers LLP, Maidstone.

Stephen is a Matrimonial Solicitor with over 35 years of experience in his field. He deals with Divorce, Judicial Separation, Child Arrangements, Financial Provision and Domestic Violence aspects of marriage breakdown but also deals with unmarried couples in terms of property ownership disputes. Stephen is able to prepare Pre -Nuptial and Post -Nuptial Agreements, Co-Habitation Agreements and Separation Agreements and handles Special Guardianship and Adoption cases.

SEPARATION VS DIVORCE? What is a separation? Is it simply living at different addresses? In fact, legally you can be considered to be living apart whilst under the same roof if you no longer live like a couple. Separate beds, separate bedrooms, lack of physical intimacy, lack of emotional intimacy, ceasing to socialise together, a decision to each deal with one’s own shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry would all be pointers towards a former couple living as separate households whilst still under the same roof.

Currently three of the five “facts” needed to establish irretrievable breakdown of marriage, which is the only ground for Divorce, relate to the amount of time that a former couple have been living separate and part.

Separation can be entirely informal if the married couple agree to separate or one simply leaves the other, and there is initially at least, no legal or other documentation evidencing any agreement or decision to separate.

Some couples delay Divorce or pursue an alternative type of legal proceedings such as Judicial Separation because they have a religious, philosophical or ethical objection to Divorce. They would doubtless still separate but would perhaps agree issues relating to Child Arrangements and Financial Provision informally or by way of a Separation Agreement which is a formal contract between the couple.

Nonetheless, if one has a Separation Agreement, it is always a very good idea to then follow that up with a Consent Order of the (Divorce) Court once a Divorce has started and has reached the stage of Decree Nisi. The reason for this is because in order to achieve the most full, final, binding and enforceable Financial Provision settlement, a Consent Order will usually be less open to a later, successful challenge than a Separation Agreement. Both documents require a number of legal formalities and pre-requisites to be in place in order for them to be as risk-free (in terms of being challenged later on) as possible.

It is not entirely unheard of for a married couple simply to separate long-term and decide not to Divorce. However, most people at some point seek the finality of Divorce.

If the parties remain married there could well be unwelcome and unintended consequences with financial implications years later when one of the couple dies, such as · the other might have survivor spousal entitlements under the deceased’s pension provisions · there would potentially be a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975 · there would be provision for the survivor under Intestacy Rules if no Will had been made by the deceased and there had simply been an informal separation Last but not least, many married people feel that once the marriage has broken down they really want a formal legal process to occur as soon as possible so that in their eyes and those of family and friends it would be crystal clear that there was no longer an emotional, legal and financial relationship and that their future lives would be entirely separate.

These are difficult subjects to handle alone. If you want further legal advice please contact me at Keene Marsland. I’m here to help.

Telephone: 01892 526442 | Email: enquiries@keenemarsland.co.uk www.keenemarsland.co.uk Address: Keene Marsland, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH Parfitt Cresswell SRA No. 71480 is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

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NEWS

Community News

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

staff make waves Hadlow petition to reduce School for charity by swimming three speed limits in area across Gibraltar Strait TWO members of staff at Tonbridge School have swum from Spain to Morocco across the Gibraltar Strait, raising more than £1,600 for Cancer Research UK. Ian Glover and Mat Parker completed the 15km crossing in three hours 40 minutes thanks to good weather conditions and a favourable current – the fifth fastest time any British swimmers have achieved the feat.

The Gibraltar Strait forms part of the Oceans 7 challenge, which involves swimming some of the toughest channel swims in the world, including the English Channel.

Building up to it involved three to four-hour swims at Leybourne Lakes and sea swims at Eastbourne and in Wales.

The final preparation was to swim from Portsmouth to Ryde on the Isle Of Wight and back.

By Andy Tong A SPEEDWATCH group in Hadlow is campaigning to have speed limits reduced in and around the village – and up to the outskirts of Tonbridge.

The 20’s Plenty for Hadlow group, led by parish councillor Mike Harvey, is looking to gain support for an online petition to make Kent County Council lower the limit in three locations.

Within the central conservation area they want it brought down from 30mph to 20mph; and for motorists entering and exiting the village, from 40mph to 30mph.

In the de-restricted zone from Ashes Lane by The Rose Revived pub to just beyond Cuckoo Lane they want to change it from 60mph to 40mph.

Fatalities Mr Harvey said: “Hadlow village is a hive of activity, and young and old deserve the right to a safer future. But it’s a major road with a lot of traffic, especially lorries, coming in from Maidstone.

“Our Speedwatch team regularly record up to 20 vehicles per hour travelling at up to 45mph in the 30mph zone of the A26 through Hadlow.”

The group is aiming for changes as far as Tonbridge itself, not just in the village, because Hadlow’s parish boundary is on the fringes of the town.

Mr Harvey said: “That’s where there have been some really serious accidents and fatalities in recent years.

“It just doesn’t make sense to have a 60mph limit for such a short distance.

“It’s like negotiating Brexit, you start with your wishlist and hope to get what you can. If it’s 60mph down to 50, then that’s something.”

The campaigners held an event in the village square on October 12 to explain the proposals, show what the Speedwatch group does, and to encourage more volunteers to join the team.

WATCH OUT: Mike Harvey (left) with the Speedwatch team (l-r) Alan Shortland, Cathy Webster, Steve Richardson and David de Winton The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Jill Anderson, came to support them, along with her fellow borough councillor for the ward of Hadlow and East Peckham, Janet Sergison.

The Mayor said: “I was delighted to be able to support the 20’s Plenty group and was impressed by the large number of people who agreed with the proposal.”

The campaign is also supported by the three schools in the village. The campaigners visited the primary school, where the children did a project on the subject and drew posters to illustrate it.

For more information, visit hadlow.20splentyforus.org.uk ADVERTORIAL

STRAIT HOME: Mat Parker (left) and Ian Glover after completing their feat

Taxi firm that sets out on a different route branches are doing well. I am now in my second year of business and we have many lovely loyal customers and some have even become friends.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? A21 Taxis owner Jane Smith

One of your USPs is the option of having a female driver. Why do you feel this is important?

We pick up anyone who would like a taxi, but we specialise in vulnerable people and offer a female driver on request if one is available. Women travelling alone have welcomed this service.

We don’t focus on any one particular group, but we d0 offer a ‘through the door’ policy so vulnerable people and female customers feel safer both during and at the end of their journey.

What makes your taxi firm different?

My business is different in that I feel I offer a

Hello Jane Smith. We are interested to hear about A21 taxis. Could you tell about your background?

I was born in a small village in Buckinghamshire, but my husband’s job took us to Kent for a better commute to London. We settled in Tonbridge 14 years ago, and now that our six children are all independent, I decided to set up my own taxi company and I started A21Taxis in February 2018.

Why did you choose to start a taxi company?

Having worked at three different taxi companies, I realised that if I took the best parts of all three I

Ian and Mat have previously swum Lake Windermere, raising almost £2,000 for Hospice In The Weald and also the length of the River Dart in Devon.

“The real memories were the fantastic team on the support boats who made sure there was plenty of carbohydrate drink every 45 minutes, but also the massive ships moving through the Gibraltar Strait,” said Ian. “Seeing huge cargo ships having to slow down made you realise how small you are in such a huge ocean.”

Swimmers who crossed the Strait the previous day said they had also spotted a pilot whale deep below them.

Ian added: “I would recommend open water swimming as a truly mesmerising experience. With the right safety set-up and training we would recommend it it to anyone.”

could come up with a better work model for myself and any employees.

How has your first year in business been? We expect you have learnt a lot?

The first year was hard as I spent a lot of money on advertising and marketing A21. This has paid off, I think, as people in the town are beginning to come to us knowing we offer a quality service.

I have branched out into Tunbridge Wells, too, and although there is always room for improvement I’m happy to say that both

fairer deal to my drivers. I was motivated to start up my own taxi company as I felt my business model was giving my drivers a better work/life balance. I allow my drivers to wait at home instead of car parks, etc, as long as they are on call when a job comes in.

In my experience, on a quiet day you can wait all hours then come home and deal with the household chores, but with me this isn’t the case.

Finally, what are your plans for the future of the business in the next two years?

My plan for the next two years is to grow the company with two more cars. We would love to receive new business, either local or long distance and of course airport trips.

We are always looking for drivers in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells – a car is waiting for them!

The numbers to pre-book A21 Taxis are 01732 432121 and 01892 642121.

For more information, visit a21taxis.com

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk CREATE A LEGACY Tonbridge Calling wants to remain free

Tonbridge Calling festival boost after achieving charitable status FREE festival Tonbridge Calling is celebrating after being accorded charity status, which will help to secure its future with new funding options.

The one-day festival of music and performing arts has been held on the town’s Racecourse Sportsground in the summer since 2016 – though this year’s event had to be cancelled due to high winds.

The recognition from the Charity Commission means that the festival, which was set up to bring the community together and encourage tolerance after the 2016 EU referendum vote, can remain free for visitors.

Cultural Treasurer Sophie Quinnell said: “The main effect of becoming a registered charity is that it opens up many more funding options.

“Securing funding during the year is a continuing problem for us and, as we want to keep Tonbridge Calling a free event, being registered puts us in a strong position when applying for grants and other funding streams.”

As well as live music acts, Tonbridge Calling includes belly dancers, circus skills, firefighters and poetry and spoken word performers, along with an array of local food and drink providers and activities for children.

Trustee Faydra Mitchell added: “As a charity Tonbridge Calling will continue to thrive and extend its positive effect through many outreach events in the wider Tonbridge area, to nurture and encourage local performers and expose them to new audiences that will create a legacy for the area for many years to come.”

Fellow organiser Fred Long said: “The new charity status should help us forge stronger and closer links with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and local businesses to make the festival, and associated events through the year, accessible to a much wider audience.

“One of the main design principles for Tonbridge Calling was to enhance the town’s cultural identity and, when backed by all sectors, increase the financial and educational wellbeing of the area.”

Glass-painting is a window of opportunity for over-55s A FREE glass-painting class for the over-55s was held in Tunbridge Wells as part of the First Time for Everything programme.

The scheme, run by the Royal Voluntary Service [RVS] and Prudential, is designed to give people an opportunity to try something new in their local community free of charge.

It is based on the principle that staying active and engaging in social activities have been proven to be important in keeping fit and well in older age.

Wonderful Local artist Sue Salter led the workshop at Ardenhurst sheltered housing in Culverden Park, with participants decorating drinking glasses and tea lights by hand with their own designs.

Research by RVS found that 65 per cent of people aged 60 and over wanted to try a new activity, but three in ten felt there were not enough local opportunities to do so.

Since the programme’s launch in 2017, around 450 First Time for Everything events have taken place across the UK – with the support of 980 volunteers.

More than 5,000 people have experienced a wide range of offerings, from yoga, paddle boarding and IT skills to British Sign Language, treetop trekking and pottery.

Rose Ellison, RVS activity co-ordinator for Kent, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people enjoying our First Time for Everything activities.

“Thanks to funding from Prudential, we have lots more exciting events coming up and hope that even more older people, their carers and families will come along. It’s never too late to try something for the first time.”

Sue Smith, who attended the workshop, said: “It was a lovely experience and inspired me to continue with glass painting.”

Cicilia Bannister said: “As a non-arty person, I was very worried, but found everyone helpful and it made a novice experience very enjoyable.”

RVS relies on support from local volunteers to help run First Time for Everything events and is looking for more volunteers to join its team.

Rose said: “For anyone with a few hours to spare, volunteering is a great way to get involved in the local community.

“Our volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people – many are aged 60 and over – and they really enjoy the buzz they get from helping others.”

For more information, call 07876 484004, email: rosemary.ellison@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

LOOKING CLASS: The workshop at Ardenhurst

Community News

NEWS

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C e l e b r at e C h r i st m a s d a y w it h

Adults £50 per head kids £30 P r o s e c c o o r s o f t d r i n k o n ar r iv a l , d i n n e r to b e s e r v e d at 1 p m STARTERS Cream of vegetable soup Or Prawn cocktail Or Feta cheese with walnut and pear salad (V/GF) **** MAIN COURSE BUFFET A selection of roasted meats – Sirloin of Beef Turkey Breast, Glazed Gammon & Pork (GF) Served with Roasted potatoes, parsnips & carrots, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, peas & sprouts Gluten free & vegetarian options available and must be ordered at the time of booking **** DESSERTS Traditional Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce or cream Or Double chocolate brownie, with honeycomb ice cream (GF) Or Fresh fruit salad, double cream (GF) Or Mixed berry Pavlova (GF) Followed by - English cheese & biscuit board, celery, grapes and chutney which includes a glass of port Tea, Coffee & Mince Pie

If you have any questions or would like to make a booking please speak to one of the John Anthony team who will be happy to help Terms: A £20 cash deposit will be required pp for booking and will be payable in full 14 days before. You will be contacted 7 days before so that you can provide us with your menu choices as your starters and desserts will need to be pre booked

Tel: 01892 512469 Mob: 07876 455 371 | info@johnanthonycatering.com Masonic Hall, St. Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9UY | FREE Parking Available www.johnanthonycatering.com

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Public inquiry into Manchester deaths A PUBLIC inquiry will be held into the deaths of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack, the Home Secretary has announced.

Last month Sir John Saunders, who had been appointed as Coroner for inquests into the deaths, wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel confirming he had decided a statutory public inquiry was necessary.

He made the decision after granting applications by the Home Office and police for public interest immunity [PII] on the grounds of protecting national security, and ruled that disclosing some evidence in public would ‘assist terrorists’ in carrying out similar atrocities.

Setting up a public inquiry would mean that such evidence could be heard in private session without the families of the victims and their lawyers being present.

Yesterday [Tuesday], the Home Secretary announced inquest proceedings should be adjourned and an inquiry established to ensure all relevant evidence could be heard.

BBC Radio 1 Controller Ben Copper resigns RADIO 1 boss Ben Cooper has announced he is leaving the BBC in the new year.

In an email sent to employees, he said it was time for ‘a new challenge’ after eight years as controller of three stations.

He added: “It was a childhood dream of mine to work at Radio 1 and I’m grateful to have done that, not only as a producer but then also as Controller.

“After eight years of ‘Listen, Watch, Share’, it’s time for a new challenge.”

National News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Johnson brothers go head to head on Commons ground

Boris Johnson

Joe Johnson

AS HE kicked off the Commons showdown in Parliament yesterday, Boris Johnson threatened to pull his Brexit deal and call for an early general election if MPs did not vote for his plans.

Two crucial votes were due to be held last night [Tuesday] to determine whether the Prime Minister would be able to live up to his ‘do or die’ commitment to take the UK out of the European Union by October 31.

MPs were expected to cast their initial vote on the PM’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill before being asked to back his accelerated timetable to hurry the legislation through Parliament.

Previously, many MPs had said three days was not enough time to scrutinise such an important document. But the PM told the Commons that he would ‘in no way allow months more of this’.

If Parliament did cause a delay, he added that ‘with great regret I must say that the Bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election’.

The threat was dismissed as ‘childish blackmail’ by LibDem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake, who said: “MPs shouldn’t be bullied into voting in favour of this ridiculously short timetable.”

And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged MPs to

vote against the Bill, calling it a ‘rotten deal’.

During the afternoon debate, the Prime Minister did enjoy at least one civilised exchange – with his brother Joe Johnson, the Tory MP for Orpington, who had previously added to the Prime Minister’s woes by dramatically quitting the Cabinet in September, saying he could no longer reconcile ‘family loyalty and national interest’.

Relationship The former minister asked his brother for assurances about science funding after Brexit. He said: “I congratulate the Prime Minister on securing a deal, I never doubted it for a minute.

“Can he reassure me that the moment this Bill receives Royal Assent, hopefully, sooner rather than later, he will work tirelessly along with the Secretary of State for BEIS to secure the closest possible relationship to European science and research funding programmes?”

The Prime Minister replied: “I thank my right honourable friend and brother very much for what he’s said. And he has worked tirelessly in that sphere himself. I know how much he values that co-operation.”

NEWS

Begum could be at ‘real risk of death’ THE decision to revoke the British citizenship of Shamima Begum – one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join so-called Islamic State – has exposed her to a ‘real risk’ of torture or death, a court has heard.

Ms Begum, now 20, left the UK in February 2015 and lived under IS rule for more than three years.

She was found in a Syrian refugee camp in February.

Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of her British citizenship, a decision her lawyers argue was unlawful as it rendered her stateless.

Ms Begum is bringing proceedings against the Home Office before the High Court and the Special Immigration Appeals Commission [SIAC], a specialist court which hears challenges to decisions to remove someone’s British citizenship on national security grounds.

At the start of a four-day preliminary hearing in London yersterday [Tuesday], Tom Hickman, QC, told Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing that the situation in the al-Roj camp in which Ms Begum is currently being held is ‘incredibly fragile and dangerous’.

In written submissions, he described conditions at the camp, where Ms Begum’s third child died in March, as ‘wretched and squalid’.

The court is being asked to determine ‘whether the deprivation decision rendered the applicant stateless’. The Home Office says the decision does not.

Mr Hickman said the court also had to decide ‘whether the deprivation decision gave rise to a real risk of death or degrading and inhuman treatment’.

Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing is expected to reserve Shamima Begum her judgment.

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BUSINESS

National News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Just Eat soars in value amid bidding war POPULAR meal delivery app company Just Eat is at the centre of a bidding war after investment firm Prosus announced a £4.9billion bid to buy the food delivery group, months after it agreed a merger with Dutch rival Takeaway.com.

Shares in Just Eat soared after the global tech investor announced the 710p-per-share offer for the UK-based firm.

But the Just Eat board rejected the hostile bid, saying it ‘significantly undervalues’ the business, and urged shareholders to do the same.

The food delivery company agreed a £9billion merger with Takeaway.com in July, however, Prosus said its offer provides a 20 per cent premium to the 594p-per-share offer from the Dutch firm.

Prosus said it had approached the directors at Just Eat with a number of proposals but failed to

secure an agreement, and it decided to make its bid public to give shareholders an opportunity to consider the offer.

Just Eat said it has corresponded fully with Prosus with the intention of allowing it to ‘put forward an attractive and compelling valuation’, but that its expectations have not yet been met.

The board said the proposed merger with Takeway.com will ‘provide it with first-mover advantage’ in a consolidating sector, as well as synergies from the deal.

Prosus already has a significant investment portfolio in the food delivery sector in several other countries round the world.

Group Chief Executive Bob van Dijk said: “We believe our global experience and resources can help Just Eat to achieve its significant potential.

“We believe that Just Eat’s customers and restaurant partners will ultimately benefit from more delivery options, greater restaurant choice, as well as improved service and delivery speeds driven by the combined group’s expertise in product and technology innovation, supported by increased capital investment in the business.

“We presented this idea to the board of Just Eat in good faith, but we have been unable to engage constructively in what we see as a compelling proposition for Just Eat shareholders.

“As an investor and operator with significant experience in this dynamic and competitive sector, both globally and on a local level, we believe we are best placed to support Just Eat through its next phase of essential investment.”

Just Eat said it expects shareholders to vote on the proposed merger with Takeaway.com at the start of December.

On Monday, Just Eat posted rapidly growing sales in the third quarter despite a backdrop of ‘softer consumer spending’.

Shares in the company jumped 24.1 per cent to 731.6p yesterday morning [Tuesday], above the offer price, suggesting that some investors feel a higher bid could still be tabled.

APPETISING PROSPECT Rivals battle it out to buy Just Eat

Thomas Cook paid auditors £21 million THOMAS COOK’S former auditor PwC was paid £21million between 2007 and 2016 for providing consultancy and non-audit work for the company, MPs have been told.

Hemione Hudson, Head of Audit at PwC, said the company also provided the collapsed company with advice on pay levels for executives at the same time as auditing the accounts between 2007 and 2012, earning £4million.

Rachel Reeves, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, has accused PwC of poor behaviour by offering auditing services and consultancy services at the same time for Thomas Cook. She said: “The behaviour of your firm and the other big audit firms only changes because the rules change.”

She added: “It is only public pressure and a change in the laws that get your companies to change… which is why it’s so imperative that the Government actually changes the law to stop companies like yours to stop doing work on the consultancy side and the audit side.”

Thomas Cook’s auditor at the time of its collapse, EY, has revealed to MPs it was paid £7.6million in audit fees and a further £2.4million for non-audit work in two and a half years working with the business. EY bosses also revealed they are owed £900,000 following the collapse of the business, and insisted they believed Thomas Cook remained financially viable when they signed off accounts.

During an evidence session of the company’s collapse, Rachel Reeves told the former auditors of Thomas Cook that they were ‘complicit’ in the company’s failures. She asked accounting giants EY and PwC: “How many more company failures, how many more egregious cases of accounting do we need? We’ve had BHS, Carillion and Patisserie Valerie and now we’ve had Thomas Cook.

“We need tougher regulation because your industry is not willing to make the changes needed… the evidence today makes it clear that that moment has got to come and got to come soon, otherwise we’ll have more business failures and you will be complicit in those.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Book an eye test at specsavers.co.uk Cannot be used with any other offers. Second pair from the same price range or below, and to the same prescription. Both pairs include standard 1.5 single-vision lenses (or 1.6 for £169 Rimless ranges). Varifocal/bifocal: pay for lenses in first pair only. Excludes SuperDrive, SuperDigital varifocals, and safety eyewear. Additional charge – Extra Options. SKU 30397873. ©2019 Specsavers.

Travis Perkins halts sale amid market uncertainty

Airbnb issues warning over UK tax probe

PLUMBING and heating giants Travis Perkins blamed ‘unprecedented’ uncertainty as it put the brakes on the sale of its business.

The builders’ merchant said it was pausing the disposal of the unit, which was put on the market last year, but would continue with plans to demerge DIY chain Wickes from the group.

“Given the current unprecedented level of uncertainty, we have decided to pause the sale process of the plumbing and heating business for the time being,” Travis Perkins said in a message to shareholders yesterday [Tuesday].

The company set out plans to divest the plumbing business in December last year as it tried to rein in costs.

Analysts at broking firm Peel Hunt called the decision to pause the sale ‘disappointing’.

It comes after less than three months in charge for new Chief Executive Nick Roberts, who took over earlier this year.

Mr Roberts said he has spent time visiting branches and it has convinced him that the company can win more market share.

“The plan to simplify the group’s portfolio of businesses remains the right one,” he said. However, he warned that Travis Perkins’ outlook for the near term remains ‘cautious’.

The news comes after profit warnings from rivals such as SIG and Grafton, said Priyal Woolf, an analyst at Jefferies.

SUCCESSFUL home rentals site Airbnb has warned that a tax inquiry by HM Revenue & Customs could lead to legal proceedings, according to a BBC report.

A note in newly filed accounts for Airbnb UK said it had been contacted by HMRC over ‘tax laws or regulations impacting the company’s business’. It went on to say: “The company is also subject to tax inquiries and proceedings concerning its operations and intra-company transactions. Some of these matters may result in litigation.”

The San Francisco-based company has two UK entities – Airbnb UK, which markets and supports the business, and Airbnb Payments UK, which processes payments between Airbnb hosts and guests outside the US, China and India.

Last year, Airbnb UK paid tax of £146,059 on profits of £455,076 and a £14.2million turnover. The payments arm had a turnover of $353.7m (£273.2million) but it only made a $1.5million profit and paid tax of $303,823.

In a statement, the company said: “We follow the rules and pay all the tax we owe in the places we do business.

“That is true as rules apply today and will remain true for whatever rules apply in future.

“As with many other companies, these are routine checks and we are working closely with HMRC.”

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Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

And another thing…

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

Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival pulls on the heart strings What a treat it was to have the Puppetry Festival in Tunbridge Wells. It was a pleasure to see the joy on the faces of children and families at the events.

Puppetry has evolved considerably, and it’s now much more than strings and glove puppets. We saw tiny puppets and giant puppets, puppets that could morph between people and objects, come alive as shadows, ride bicycles and perform on a trapeze.

It was amazing what could be done with two hands, a few pieces of cloth and music to create people and explore their emotions, taking dexterity to its limits.

At workshops, children created magpie puppets and dream-like sculptures of creatures. Later we saw the children’s expressions of delight as they wrote their wishes when meeting giant magpies strutting along The Pantiles.

The Festival, with a variety of themes, was enjoyed by people of all ages. In addition to UK-based companies, there was major participation from Italy and Spain.

Age UK in Tunbridge Wells with Smoking Apples Theatre Company showed their film of dementia sufferers making and using puppets, enhancing the mood of sufferers, bringing back memories and reviving skills such as music, design and dexterity.

Similar approaches have worked for autistic children, giving an outlet for their creativity.

Such initiatives demonstrate a link between the arts and health and wellbeing.

Finally, a big thank you to Linda Lewis and her team as well as her generous sponsors for bringing us this exciting festival, pushing the boundaries of puppetry.

Don Sloan Via email

Puppet show

Town hall defeat over modern complex is a missed opportunity It looks as though the golden opportunity to work with a sensible plan dealing with the town hall complex has been lost.

The council will be saddled with a potentially very costly problem that will become even more onerous as time passes. People have just dug their heels in and ducked the reality of the situation.

It is true that there is a downside, and there always is, but overwhelmingly this project ticks all the boxes.

It will be a great shame to lose a scheme offering custom-built modern facilities that would fulfil requirements.

Revamping the existing building is a compromise too far and costs are rising fast.

Richard Gray Tunbridge Wells

We need more green belt, not less The Tunbridge Wells Green Party urges the public to respond to the consultation on the

CAPEL CRUSADERS Residents campaign to protect their green belt

draft Local Plan and turn it into one that addresses the real housing needs of Tunbridge Wells and enriches the green belt.

The plan is making the mistakes of Calverley Square and the Hendy Motor Village – proposing building developments that will deliver profits for developers and landowners rather than answering the real needs of residents.

The Capel development is particularly inappropriate, forming the core of a Tunbridge Wells-Paddock Wood-Tonbridge conurbation at the expense of both green belt and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; we therefore support the Save Capel campaign.

The green belt can officially only be used for development in ‘exceptional circumstances’ – which these are not.

In the light of the climate emergency we should be enriching the green belt by planting new trees and extending natural habitats, not paving over it.

The plan proposes far more houses than are needed, even under the flawed ‘follow the government orders’ basis adopted; the 2014

calculation method used to calculate house numbers has been superseded by a 2016 version that would halve them.

A new figure of about 7,000 houses could be accommodated on brownfield sites in Tunbridge Wells and outside the green belt.

The climate emergency should drive us to make the best out of what we have – exploiting all available brownfield sites, making affordable incremental developments next to infrastructure, upgrading existing accommodation – and making the green belt greener.

John Hurst Tunbridge Wells Green Party

How your MPs voted on green issues Whilst some may not agree with the actions that Extinction Rebellion has been carrying out in London, and similar protests in many cities around the world, what is more difficult to disagree with is the growing evidence of the climate emergency that we are in the process of creating.

Against this background, there was a timely report in The Guardian newspaper showing the results of a study of MPs voting on this issue in Parliament.

The study looks at the voting records for 16 climate-related votes between October 2008 and July 2019.

Using a scoring system rising to 100 per cent if an MP supported action in all 16 votes, the average Conservative score was just 17 per cent.

The average for all non-Conservatives was 80 per cent – almost five times more.

And this at a time when the Committee on Climate Change is reporting increasing levels of shortfall in the government’s plans to achieve these targets.

Our local MPs scored as follows: • Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells): 29 per cent • Sir Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks): 21 per cent • Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge & Malling): 0 per cent That last one is not a misprint. Tom Tugendhat only found time to attend six of the votes but voted against in every case.

The government makes a great noise on how green it is by adopting a net zero carbon target for 2050, but on the all-important votes on taking action now they are not delivering.

Making promises 30 years away is the easy bit.

Ian Smith Sevenoaks

Delays to roadworks are no surprise Richard Bell should know that the roadworks at the War Memorial are the responsibility of Kent Highways, not Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [October 9].

That they have been extended by a month at virtually no notice twice, and therefore now risk running into Remembrance Sunday, is of no surprise to us here in Tonbridge.

We suffered a 100 per cent programme overrun to the bus stop works outside the railway station and Lidl last year. Time after time, so-called completed work was dug up and done again.

We had suffered exactly the same when the High Street was reworked, which has also been repaired and changed several times since.

Goodness knows what the effect was on the budget. No contractors’ signs were ever shown – would any want to be? – so I assume it was direct labour.

And, nearly a year later, the northbound bus stop still shows the wrong route information.

John Brandon Tonbridge

Thank you for being our little Italy Grazia and Buona Fortuna to our Library for hosting our ‘Circolo Italiano’ every Saturday morning for the last five years.

We look forward to returning to you first of all in your temporary accommodation and later as part of the Amelia Scott Learning Centre.

Ciao da noi tutti Fiona C Brown

Time and money could’ve been avoided I wish to refer to your October 16 edition and commend the article submitted by Councillor Pound: ‘Calverley Square has gone – let’s look forward’!

How right he is, but I would say that if the majority Tory Council had been more inclusive and responsible at the outset, time and money, unnecessarily squandered, could have been avoided.

Blaming Brexit is too convenient, and those proposing this flawed project should look to themselves for accountability.

It must be time now for what should have been the approach initially – to consult with local architects, businesses AND local taxpayers on a joined-up plan for this town.

This just might bring us to a bright future which meets the needs of the majority and not the privileged few.

Martin Dawes Via email

New project needed to revitalise town You quote the CEO of a local business that not to proceed with the theatre and civic offices scheme is a ‘real missed opportunity’ [October 16]. He is concerned at the effect on developers of councillors changing their minds at the last minute.

It was brave and realistic of a majority of councillors at a late stage to recognise the basic flaws in the Council’s scheme. The theatre was really only designed for one kind of touring show, and would do little to stimulate the arts locally. Instead of the promised civic centre there were council offices with no more benefit for the public than the present Town Hall. At enormous cost, the car park would have a disastrous effect on Calverley Grounds. To help offset the cost the listed Town Hall and Assembly Hall would be disposed of for best value.

The consultation process was inadequate and these flaws only became fully apparent as the scheme developed.

It became clear that the project involved paying an enormous price for something which would not deliver the benefits that the town needs.

Small wonder that people preferred to waste £10.5million than to waste £108million!

The Independent Panel which took evidence on the project found well-nigh universal support for major public investment in the town.

The Council has entrusted the first step forward to a cross-party group of councillors with powers to involve outside experts and residents. It is good news that the business community, too, is forming a group to look at the way forward. Other bodies, like the Town Forum, have a role to play.

It is essential that these come together to plan a process starting from making best use of existing assets. After a previous episode in 2012, the then Leader of the Council set up an advisory panel with wide membership which produced an excellent report. Something similar is needed now to realise the ambition of reviving Tunbridge Wells for business, culture and the environment with wide public support.

Alastair Tod Tunbridge Wells

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words | Calverley is away learning puppetry skills

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

EDUCATION

Times

Mead boasts first United Nations accredited climate change teachers in Tunbridge Wells TEACHERS at the independent Mead School in Tunbridge Wells have become the first in the town, and among some of the first in the entire country, to complete the eduCCate Global Climate Change Teacher Course accredited by the United Nations [UN].

Mrs Gemma Wilson and Mrs Caroline Wilson, who teach at the prep school for children aged 3-11 in Frant Road, will now be able to deliver up-to-date climate change lessons to Mead pupils.

Climate Change Accredited Teachers have access to resources and training through the United Nations Climate Change Learn Programme, which equips teachers with climate change and environmental knowledge to educate and empower our next generations.

Teachers are required to complete five modules that give them UN accreditation as a climate change teacher. The online course covers areas such as climate change science, adaptation planning, health, forests, climate change finance and international negotiations.

Gemma Wilson said: “It’s great that Caroline and I now have the UN accreditation so we know our pupils will be given accurate, relevant information on the causes and effects of global heating. It’s wonderful to share our knowledge on this hugely important subject with the children.”

Headmaster Mr Andrew Webster said: “The UN’s sustainable development goals are a central part of our curriculum at The Mead.

“Lessons on Global Studies, Geography, STEAM and Art are tailored to encompass issues such as world poverty, clean water, affordable energy and climate action. The UN accreditation further enhances our ability as a school to teach children effectively on these important issues

17

The innovative first phase of the programme was launched on April 22 and is fully funded for primary school teachers, secondary school teachers and further education college teachers worldwide. All they need to do to sign up for access to the free lessons and CPD is visit educcateglobal.org Once teachers have completed the five units of the Climate Change Teacher Course, they will be accredited by UN CC:Learn to deliver climate change facts and mitigation best practices.

The online training for teachers in primary and secondary schools has been designed to equip educators with the knowledge and confidence to deliver lessons on the topic of climate change to their class and across the school curriculum.

Sponsors

CHANGING UP Caroline Wilson and Gemma Wilson with their certificates and we are immensely proud of Gemma and Caroline for working hard to gain this status.”

Melanie Harwood, the founder of the new eduCCate Global initiative, added: “Our aim is to have an accredited climate change teacher in every school in the UK by Christmas this year.

“Not only will it transform the way we talk about the climate emergency in schools, but it will also show what we can achieve when schools, parents and children work together to tackle this global problem.”

Melanie Harwood and Denise Meissner, the education specialists who launched the project in partnership with UN CC:Learn, said: “We are delighted to share the success of The Mead

Youth theatre’s original Peter Pan tale will have you hooked ON THURSDAY and Friday of this week [October 24 and 25], Trinity Youth Theatre presents the original stage version of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan – which was a swashbuckling adventure before panto got its hook in.

The production follows on from a successful summer for Trinity Youth Theatre which saw the group staging an ambitious production of the school edition of Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical Sweeney Todd. Members also took two shows up to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Ben Hur, Patrick Barlow’s hilarious small scale send-up of the Biblical epic; and Pronoun, a teenage love story about transition, testosterone and James Dean. Pronoun was highlighted by the publication Fringe Review as one of the standout youth theatre shows of this year’s Fringe.

The same creative ambition drives its latest project, Peter Pan, with many elements of the production having been created from scratch by Director Samuel Marlow and the Trinity team.

“Peter is not portrayed sympathetically in this version,” explains Samuel. “He is a sinister, otherworldly character, who abducts the three Darling children to a strange dreamworld. It is clear that JM Barrie thought of Peter as the story’s villain and Wendy its hero.

“I was keen to reintroduce audiences to the original versions of these characters, before they became the famous figures they are today.”

The production is supported by Baldwins Travel and is the local company’s second collaboration with Trinity Youth Theatre.

Joint Managing Director Nick Marks said: “Baldwins Travel understands the importance

NEWS

of building and cherishing relationships. We are delighted to sponsor Trinity’s Youth Theatre and its wonderful production of Peter Pan. “The adventure of travel is at the heart of everything we do, and no one knows that more than the characters and actors in this play!”

Tickets for this high-flying on-stage adventure are available via the Box Office on 01892 678 678, or online at trinitytheatre.net DARK This version has Peter Pan as a villain as well as Captain Hook, and Wendy as the hero

School on the Interactive Map of eduCCate Global Climate Change Teachers Worldwide with our partners and supporters of the project.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support and interest in the eduCCate Global Climate Change Teacher Course. It has become a global movement in just six months.”

Thousands of teachers have already signed up for it so far, and there are teachers from more than 27 countries involved.

The eduCCate Global Climate Change Teachers are then invited to access the eduCCate Global social platform, which delivers hundreds of cross-curricular climate literacy lessons for all age groups. eduCCate Global, an innovative education platform that enables children and teachers to share what they have learnt with participating schools throughout the world, is the only site of its kind, with full UN backing and access to UN Content exclusively available to participating schools with an eduCCate Global Climate Change Teacher.

Angus Mackay, Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this important educational initiative in the United Kingdom.

“Anyone below the age of 20 is part of the ‘climate generation’ living all or most of their lives having to deal with climate change.

“The Climate Change Teacher Training Academy is an excellent idea because it will give children an intuitive understanding of the issues and it is solutions based.

“We are looking for sponsors so we can move on to Phase 2 of the project.”

18

NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Cllr David Scott

Conservative Cabinet Member Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

David Scott is a Conservative councillor for Culverden ward. He also sits on the Cabinet at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council where he is the portfolio holder for Property and Major Projects. Using his background in finance, analytics and risk management, Cllr Scott works to help rejuvenate the borough.

How do we rejuvenate Tunbridge Wells?

ENGAGING and rejuvenating Tunbridge Wells for future generations has always been my priority – a goal shared by many in Tunbridge Wells across all political parties. However, how to achieve this has divided opinion.

Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live. The question is how to keep it that way. Whatever we do, it must be timely, within our financial ability and supported by the population.

Almost universally accepted elements include: A good place to live: We need affordable housing for young families, leisure facilities, good educational opportunities, safety, shops, markets and a healthy environment. We must cater for those who retire here. These are all critical for our residents.

Growth and prospects: These are important to attract new enterprises, creative industries

CHANGE… is not always popular

and new developments. We need good offices, infrastructure and quality broadband to attract a vibrant community producing new ideas.

These are the lifeblood of entrepreneurs and professionals – for people who see Tunbridge Wells as a hub for the future.

The environment: We are all concerned with the future, particularly with the very real threat of climate change. We have a tremendous base, with the Common, the parks and the many tree-lined roads. We need to strengthen these, enhance our recycling and reduce our dependence on polluting vehicles. However, our roads are congested and were designed before modern traffic requirements.

Heritage: This is very important in our town.

We have beautiful parks; we have historic buildings; and we have great open green spaces

and great views. Our buildings – including civic buildings and our public areas – need to be respected, but often they need new uses. There is no point in preserving them in aspic and expecting them to survive.

Finally, Tunbridge Wells needs to be: A destination town and borough: Not just for our residents and for our commuters, but also for visitors – so people will come and use our facilities and will have access to culture and to various events; will be able to eat out; will have entertainment and will shop. This is not just to benefit directly from tourism or because we value visitors – but because without the visitors we cannot sustain all of these facilities for ourselves. It is people from outside coming here that will help us to ensure a broad range of facilities for residents.

As a Council, we have two roles: To invest and use our limited resources but, more importantly, to encourage others to invest in our town and bring their expertise. Investing now can encourage substantial growth.

Our problem is that all investment takes time.

It can bring about change, which is difficult for some, particularly for those directly impacted.

The vision of what is needed changes during the development time. No development is ever perfect in hindsight. Without progress we will stagnate and deteriorate.

I am convinced we need to radically change transportation – not using traditional methods but rethinking it and using new technology. We need to change the centre of our town to become activity-based, encouraging visitors to use our restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

We need to find ways of rejuvenating our town to encourage new businesses, start-ups and professionals to come and be part of a vibrant town and borough.

We cannot wait another ten years, during which time more shops, hotels and businesses will close or will be attracted to other towns more vibrant than ours. Each investment needs to be considered relative to the above – not in terms of perfection but in terms of being realistic and achievable.

We must recognise a common purpose and a common vision and move forward as a confident place to live.

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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Best property buys for...

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

The SWIMMING POOL...

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Castle Hill Stables

Pembury Road, Tonbridge GUIDE PRICE

£1,350,000£1,500,000 CONTACT • Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 701900 • fineandcountry.com A superb converted barn offering an abundance of character inside and out, including a charming rose garden arch.

Plus a cottage and outdoor heated pool.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST Barn

n Lounge with beams, inglenook-style fireplace and French doors to garden

n Spacious dining room with beams n Kitchen/breakfast room with exposed chimney breast, beams, built-in seating and split stable-style door to garden

n Office with two phone lines plus internet hubs n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room n 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom Cottage

n Lounge, open plan to kitchen n Bedroom and bathroom Outside

n Outbuildings, including storeroom currently fitted out as a gym

n Gated driveway with covered parking area n Garden with lawn and sun terraces n Outdoor heated pool with pool house

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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The PRICE…

The FAMILY ROOM…

Dunstan Road Tunbridge Wells PRICE RANGE

£200,000£210,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk An appealing one-bedroom ground floor purpose-built apartment.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Living/dining room, open plan to: n Kitchen with u-shaped work surfaces n Bedroom with sliding door wardrobe

Dovecote House

Crowbourne Farm Smiths Lane, Goudhurst

n Bathroom with inset ceiling spotlights n Allocated parking space for one car, visitor parking plus lockable bicycle store

GUIDE PRICE

£2,200,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills,co.uk A beautiful, well proportioned country house offering a wealth of oak joinery and arranged over three floors. It was completed to an excellent specification in 2013, and one of the best features is its superb, vaulted kitchen/dining/family room opening to a covered garden terrace.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Reception hall n Drawing room with bi-fold doors to terrace n Sitting room with bi-fold doors to terrace n Vaulted 41ft kitchen/dining/family room with electric-fired four-oven Aga and sliding doors to covered terrace

Shoreham Place

Shoreham, Nr Sevenoaks GUIDE PRICE

£895,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk An elegant, semi-detached Georgian-style house on the outskirts of the village.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Study

n Impressive entrance hall

n Reception room with door to courtyard

n Sitting room with French doors to balcony

n Cinema room

n Dining room with decorative alcoves

n Master bedroom with dressing room and

n Family room

luxurious en-suite bathroom

n 4 further bedrooms (one with mezzanine, one with en-suite dressing room and shower room)

n Family bathroom n Landscaped gardens with terrace, lower ground floor courtyard and workshop

n Gated driveway with turning circle and parking area

n Cranbrook school catchment area

n Fitted kitchen/breakfast room with access to terrace n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms n Private gardens with terrace and shed n Approximately seven acres of communal parkland flanked by the River Darenth n Driveway leading to double garage

Properties to call home

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

New Instruction Warren Road, Crowborough, TN6

Romford Road, Pembury, TN2

Immaculately presented family home in sought-after location, 6 beds, 3 receptions, garden, garage and driveway parking, 2,750 sq ft, EPC = D

Substantial 6 bed house with lovely outlook, near village, opportunity to improve STP, half acre plot, garages, parking, 1,870 sq ft, EPC = E

Guide £795,000 | Freehold

Guide £725,000 | Freehold

Open House Sat 2 November Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3

Between Bidborough & Southborough, TN4

4 beds, village centre nr primary school, ready for updating, convenient for Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, station and schools, 1,983 sq ft, EPC = E

NO CHAIN, attractive family house, potential to update/extend STP, popular residential road, 3 beds, garden, garage, 1,420 sq ft, EPC = D

Guide £725,000 | Freehold

Guide £725,000 | Freehold

Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com

Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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AT A GLANCE

HARDWICK HOUSE LONSDALE GARDENS TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Detached Edwardian property spread across three floors in a conservation area, with contemporary fittings and restored period features n Stunning entrance hall with original ornate tiled floor, leading to: n Drawing room featuring a bay window and original fireplace with remotecontrolled living flame-style gas fire n Family room with handmade fitted bookcases and French doors to garden n Dining room

Elegant, interior designed sixbed Edwardian home minutes from Tunbridge Wells Station

n Kitchen/breakfast room featuring hand-built deVol cabinets, Silestone counter tops, high quality appliances, a central island and French doors to garden n Ground floor WC n Large master bedroom with bay window, original period fireplace, dressing room and en-suite bathroom n 5 further generous bedrooms n Family bathroom n Family shower room n Laundry room n Garden with terrace, lawn and mature boundaries n Private no-through road leading to parking secured behind gates n External multi-zone CCTV system which can be viewed remotely

PRICE

£2,150,000 CONTACT • Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 701900 • fineandcountry.com

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Cranbrook TN17 An impressive Grade II* Listed family house offering fantastic accommodation arranged over three floors.

• • •

1

Beautiful gardens and grounds Detached double garage Cranbrook School Catchment Area

8

4

5

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £1,550,000 Freehold

Frant TN3 Three impressive newly built homes just a mile from Frant village, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• • • •

1

Fully fitted 'Kutchenhaus' kitchens Control4 audio system and gate entry Garages and private parking Further land available by separate negotiation

4-6

3-4

3-5

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,650,000

- £1,875,000 Freehold

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Grove Hill Road TN1 An elegant semi-detached Victorian house situated in the extremely desirable 'Village' area.

• • •

Arranged over four storeys 0.2 of a mile from the mainline station South-facing rear garden

1

5

2

4

Your local expert, Ross Davies, looks forward to helping you. ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £975,000 Freehold

Kings Avenue TN4

Molyneux Park Road TN4

1

1

A Regency style semi-detached house built by Berkeley Homes. EPC: B. • • •

Set within a prestigious gated development Landscaped garden and garage Mainline station approximately 0.6 mile

An attractive detached Edwardian house in a sought-after location within the town.

5

3

• • •

Off-road parking South-facing rear garden Access to private Molyneux Park Gardens

3

4

5

Guide price £1,195,000 Freehold ross.davies@knightfrank.com

7

Guide price £1,695,000 Freehold 01892 310997

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challenging pe rc e pt io n

3 Bedroom Barn Conversion, Postern Lane, Tonbridge

5 Bedroom End Terrace, Mill Court, Bidborough

4 Bedroom Detached, Hardinge Avenue, Southborough

OIEO £1,000,000 206m / 2,214ft

Guide Price £875,000 205m / 2,211ft

Guide Price £795,000 179m2/ 1,923ft2

Beautiful 3-bedroom barn conversion with detached studio annex in open countryside setting. This wonderful detached barn conversion is sat proudly within its landscaped gardens occupying an idyllic rural position surrounded by rolling Kent farmland and open countryside.

Substantial stylish 5-bedroom family home in private cul-desac. Set on a quiet private cul-de-sac, this home`s elegant, light filled interior delivers a family friendly contemporary style of living in an idyllic semi-rural setting.

Unique contemporary 4-bedroom family home. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac, with woodland as its backdrop, the smart appearance of this home as you approach is quite modest.

Once inside, however, its size and quality are immediately apparent, and its rear leafy views are fabulous.

4 Bedroom End Terrace, Wellington Gardens, Southborough

4 Bedroom Detached, London Road, Southborough

4 Bedroom Detached, London Road, Southborough

OIEO £750,000 155m / 1,668ft

OIEO £750,000 154m2/ 1,661ft2

Guide Price £785,000 194m / 2,089ft

Substantial stylish 4-bedroom family home. This stunning home delivers Victorian style in a modern contemporary manner.

Offers an incredible sense of light and space, which has been further complimented by the owner`s eye for detail.

Immaculate spacious 4-bedroom house with stunning countryside views. This immaculately presented 1930s bay fronted house has been extended and modernised by the current owners over the years to provide fantastic family accommodation with much character.

Immaculate spacious 4-bedroom house. This fantastic family home is ideally placed within walking distance of Southborough`s picturesque cricket green, woodland walks and local village shops.

2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, The High Street, Bidborough

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Woodland Way, Bidborough

OIEO £725,000 161m / 1,738ft

Guide Price £700,000 142m2/ 1,529ft2

5 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells

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Unique 2-bedroom converted coach house with spectacular views. Tucked away from the village`s attractive quiet high street is a unique detached home with stunning open countryside views.

Let’s be social: facebook.com/flyingfishproperties

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Spacious bright 4-bedroom family home. This fantastic family home is set back from its quiet street by a grass verge and a low brick wall that borders its pretty front garden.

FLYING FISH Tunbridge Wells twitter.com/flyingfishuk

Guide Price £700,000 158m2/ 1,697ft2 Stylish extended 5-bedroom family home. This substantial semidetached house is on a residential road hugely popular with families and professionals alike as it is in walking distance of excellent schools, local amenities and superb transport links.

Happiness is,

Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 | flyingfishproperties.co.uk 55 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PB

Selling or Letting, let us put a smile on your face

Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challe nging pe rc e pt io n

3 Bedroom Detached, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, London Road, Southborough

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Northfields, Speldhurst

Guide Price £660,000 130m / 1,404ft

Guide Price £620,000 139m / 1,498ft

Guide Price £435,000 95m2/ 1,021ft2

Stunning spacious 2/3-bedroom house in idyllic village setting.

With glorious panoramic views across the open countryside opposite, this handsome property stands proud in its soughtafter village setting.

Stylish contemporary 4-bedroom family home. Set in a popular village location with local shops, restaurants and pubs on your doorstep you also benefit from the tranquil village offerings of the cricket green, woodland walks and open countryside.

PLANNING APPROVED Bright 3-bedroom house with development opportunity. Screened from the road by mature hedging, an off-street driveway sits to the side of the house, in front of an integral garage.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Penshurst Road, Bidborough

2 Bedroom Apartment, London Road, Tunbridge Wells

3 Bedroom Terrace, Whitefield Road, Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £540,000 132m / 1,421ft

Guide Price £450,000 96m / 1,030ft

Guide Price £450,000 96m2/ 1,033ft2

Simply stunning period 2-bedroom apartment with spectacular views. This elegant two double bedroom luxury apartment forms part of a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian country home which dates back to the 1860s.

Stylish contemporary 2-bedroom apartment in historic building.

This elegant apartment, sits on the first floor of an impressive period conversion, which forms part of a Victorian property that dates back to the 1840s.

Perfectly positioned 3-bedroom Victorian home. This fantastic home is just a short walk from St John`s local shops, restaurants, sought after schools and excellent transport links.

2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Forge Road, Tunbridge Wells

3 Bedroom End Terrace, Pennington Road, Southborough

3 Bedroom Apartment, Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells

Guide Price £350,000 112m / 1,207ft

Perfectly located 3-bedroom split level period apartment. This stylish apartment is set in a handsome mid terraced Victorian conversion which is touchingly close to the town`s restaurants, shops and cafes and within a short walk of mainline stations.

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Guide Price £350,000 73m / 789ft 2

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Pretty period 2 double bedroom house. This beautifully refurbished home is a short walk from first class grammar schools, high street shops and the mainline station making it perfect for city commuters and families with professional needs.

Let’s be social: facebook.com/flyingfishproperties

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Pretty period 3-bedroom cottage. With open farmland and woodland walks on its doorstep this home`s location offers the best of both worlds. You can benefit from excellent schools and superb nearby transport links.

FLYING FISH Tunbridge Wells twitter.com/flyingfishuk

Guide Price £365,000 90m2/ 974ft2

Happiness is,

Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 | flyingfishproperties.co.uk 55 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PB

Selling or Letting, let us put a smile on your face

Unique Country Living

AVAILABLE SOON

A collection of exceptional 3, 4 and 5 bedroom luxury homes in the heart of Kent’s countryside.

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For more information of this stunning new development, please call 01227 490 279 or email radstonegate@pentlandhomes.co.uk

Mulberry Place consists of new 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes, in a stunning location just minutes away from the coast.

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01797 470 034 mulberryplace@pentlandhomes.co.uk

PENTLANDHOMES.CO.UK *Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image and photography depict Radstone Gate, Mulberry Place and Berberis Place and are indicative only.

Berberis Place is an attractive collection of homes located in the picturesque village of Shadoxhurst, just 11 minutes from Ashford International.

Prices from ÂŁ480,000* To find out more

01233 690063 berberisplace@pentlandhomes.co.uk

NORTH TONBRIDGE GUIDE PRICE: £425,000 PERFECTLY PLACED FOR BUSY FAMILY LIFE, this three bedroom semi-detached home has a lot to offer including potential to adapt/extend to your requirements. Spacious and versatile ground floor accommodation including sitting room, large kitchen/dining room and separate family room, along with bathroom and utility/shower room. Garage plus plenty of driveway parking and a generous rear garden too. NO CHAIN! EPC: D (Apply Tonbridge)

NORTH TONBRIDGE £545,000 TUCKED AWAY LOCATION WITH SUPER LARGE GARDENS offering something for everyone. Detached family home with two receptions, kitchen, conservatory/garden room, cloakroom, three bedrooms plus family bathroom and ample driveway parking plus garage /carport. This property has the benefit of including the summer house, garden shed, greenhouse and workshop! EPC: D (Apply Tonbridge)

PEMBURY £600,000 SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME This stunning detached property, situated close to the village primary school and woodland walks, has been extended and renovated to a high standard throughout. The accommodation is beautifully presented and comprises: large entrance hall, cloakroom W,C, spacious kitchen/dining/family room with doors to the garden, sitting room, utility room, 4 double bedrooms, one with en-suite and family bathroom. To the front is parking for several cars and to the rear is a great sized, level garden with decked patio and lawn.

EPC: D (Apply Pembury)

Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestateagents.com

bracketts est. 1828

When experience counts...

Tonbridge Asking Price: £550,000 Detached double fronted extended Bungalow in popular residential area, close to shops, bus services and about 1.75 miles from the High Street. 4 Bedrooms, 19ft lounge-diner, attached garage, parking, good size garden. NO FORWARD CHAIN. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £425,000 A purpose-built second floor apartment situated in a prestigious age exclusive complex for the over 55s located on the south side of town. Hall, living room, kitchen, dining/bed 3, 2 further beds, 2 bath/shower rooms. Communal gardens, allocated parking. EPC: D

Tonbridge Guide Price: £295,000 Modernised and well-presented Semi-Detached House, within walking distance of the High Street and Station. Tonbridge Sports ground is also nearby and offers pleasant walks. 2 Bedrooms, 1st floor bathroom, 2 reception room, enclosed Garden. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £200,000 - £210,00 Tonbridge £800,000 - £850,000 An appealing ground floor purpose-built apartment forming part of a small development Substantial Detached 5 bedroom family house, retaining the charm and features of an within approx.

0.53ofreception a mile from the town centre. Living/dining room,cloakroom, kitchen, bedroom, Edwardian home. rooms, kitchen-breakfast room, utility, store bathroom.

Allocated parking space, well maintained communal areas.

EPC: B rooms, garage, corner plot. EPC E

Tonbridge Price Guide: £795,000 - £850,000 Attached 3 Kiln Oast House, tucked way position. 4 Bedrooms (1 en-suite), living room, study/reception hall, cloakroom, 21ft kitchen-diner double garage, parking, super garden.

Accessed off private drive,Viewing Highly Recommended. EPC

Bidborough £2,400 pcm A spacious 5 bedroom detached family house with attractive rear garden, double garage and driveway in sought-after location in Bidborough within walking distance of the primary school and close to Tonbridge MLS. Available unfurnished. EPC: D

bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk

Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Proud Welshman celebrates 10 years in the fencing business We speak to Ian Richards about how he got started in the trade and about growing his Groombridge-based business over the last decade...

Ian has been fencing since 1999, when he set up with his cousin, and later his father, in central Wales. Eight years later an opportunity arose to livestock fence part of a 2000 acre estate in the South East. Ian explained “It was a job I couldn’t turn down. Six months turned into 18 months on the 2000 acre estate and, after that in early 2009, I decided to set up on my own on the border between Kent and East Sussex.

health and safety but initially she spent a lot of time on the tools out in the field so she understands the nature of the work we carry out. That is invaluable.” added Ian.

“I met my future wife Sophie in June 2008 and, since then, she has played a critical role in the success of the business.

Richards Fencing now employs six full-time staff with the addition of three subbies. It’s a real team effort with Ian now focusing on quoting for jobs. “We have a fantastic team here and cannot thank my employees enough for their contributions towards our success. Teamwork is everything in this and I’m immensely proud of their efforts.”

Sophie looks after all of the admin and paperwork and oversees our

I don’t mind not being on the tools anymore as I love meeting new

customers and pricing up their requirements. It’s a part of the job that’s very satisfying and we treat every single customer with the same importance, no matter what their size or the nature of the work.

Word of mouth is Ian’s most effective form of marketing although his impressive website, with a long list of testimonial quotes from happy customers, does a fine job of selling his story.

“I love what I do and working with a great team makes this job so much more enjoyable. The future is bright, especially if Wales win this year’s Rugby world cup!” concluded Ian.

Richards Fencing Ltd 2 Lions Villas, Station Road, Groombridge East Sussex, TN3 9Q2 Tel: 07811 956744/01892 770186 www.richards-fencing.co.uk

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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

Mews

Move

WITH THE

Times 33

AT A GLANCE

SANDRINGHAM MEWS TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Contemporary townhouse spread across three floors in gated development within the St John’s area, off Woodbury Park Road n Entrance hall n Reception room with large window n Kitchen/breakfast room with large window and door to courtyard garden n Downstairs cloakroom n Galleried landing

Newly decorated townhouse which boasts rooftop views from terrace

n Master bedroom with French doors to terrace with space for bistro table and chairs and wooded far-reaching views towards Tunbridge Wells. Door to dressing room with walk-in wardrobes and large en-suite shower room n 2 further bedrooms (one double, one single) n Family bathroom n Low-maintenance part-walled courtyard garden n Brick driveway offering parking for two cars

PRICE RANGE £550,000-£575,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

Do you need shade from the sun or shelter from the rain?

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Garage door and carport packages available.

SBI Ltd Established 1998 – Over 1000 satisfied customers – Members of the BBSA

CALL NOW 0800 0742721 www.sbiproductsltd.co.uk

ROTHERFIELD

EXCHANGE MEWS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

A deceptively spacious conversion of a former dairy providing adaptable accommodation set in a delightful gardens in tranquil rural position well away from main roads 4 Bedroom, 2 Reception Rooms, 3 Bathroom, Parking, Garage, Landscape Gardens, Substantial Outbuildings, EPC: D GUIDE PRICE £850,000

Spacious Regency style townhouse in this sought after residential area within walking distance of amenities Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 3 double Bedrooms, Bathroom, Garage & parking, Attractive Rear Garden EPC: C GUIDE PRICE £550,000 - £575,000

Further Properties Required

MATFIELD

EAST GRINSTEAD

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

A delightful and tranquil sylvan setting providing privacy and seclusion with planning permission to extend Hallway, Sitting/Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 3 Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Detached Studio, Garage, Mature trees and woodland walks, 1.4 acres, EPC: F GUIDE PRICE £875,000

A elegant and spacious 2 bedroom duplex apartment in this Jacobean Style country house Hall, Magnificent Sitting/Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Master Suite, 2 Bathrooms, Garage and Parking Space, Communal Grounds, EPC: E

An attractive second floor apartment in a secure gated development within easy reach of the town centre and mainline station 2 Bedrooms, Reception Room, 2 Bathrooms, Upper Floor with Lift, Resident Parking, ECP:C

GUIDE PRICE £545,000

GUIDE PRICE £340,000

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 521700

tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Local and national reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

N

75

W LD O SO %

HELP TO BUY EVENT SATURDAY 26 TH OCTOBER THREE BEDROOM HOMES READY TO MOVE INTO Join us between 10am and 6pm at our Help to Buy Event and be the first to view our newly dressed three bedroom home.

Don’t miss this opportunity to speak to our Sales Consultants about the exclusive furniture packages available* when you buy a home at Hollyfields.

To book an appointment at the event please call 01892 886321 or visit hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk

PRICES FROM £550,000 † ALSO AVAIL ABLE – FOUR AND FIVE BEDROOM HOMES FROM £745,000 † www.hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Photography of Hollyfields is indicative only. Help to Buy available on selected properties, subject to qualifying and terms and conditions *Available on selected properties only and subject to terms and conditions. Please ask our Sales Consultants for further details. †Prices correct at time of printing.

10713_036_Hollyfields_TimesTunbridgeWells_264x340mm_AW.indd 1

15/10/2019 11:57

Deposit match

Save a 5% deposit for your new home?

Reserve by 31st October and Bovis Homes will match it!

NORFOLK Costessey Wymondham

SUFFOLK Ipswich

Bishops Stortford ESSEX Chipping Ongar HERTS

Gravesend

Ifield WEST SUSSEX

Staplehurst

Hurstpierpoint Ringmer

If you have a 5% deposit, on selected plots* we could boost it by funding up to 5% of the sale price giving you a larger deposit. This means you need to borrow less from a lender and could even secure you a more competitive mortgage rate!

How does it work?

90%

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£315,000

5%

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Coming soon developments

Maidstone

Whether you are a first time buyer, have limited equity in your current home, or are having trouble getting a big enough deposit together, we would love to help!

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Example house value

£350,000

£17,500 £17,500

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Horam Bexhill Hailsham West Durrington

Incentive is only valid on homes marketed up to £600,000 and is available on selected plots only, subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, deal or incentive except Help to Buy. Purchaser(s) of the home must have a minimum of 5% of the purchase price required as a deposit. Deposit must be in the bank account of the purchaser before the reservation is taken and proof of deposit submitted to Bovis Homes. Bovis Homes will give a deposit contribution up to 5% deposit of the purchase price. The value of the Deposit Match payment will be deducted from the total sale price on legal completion. Reservation is subject to the usual £500 reservation fee. Incentive available on specific plots, please see development sales advisor for further details. Help to buy available on homes up to the value of £600,000. The Help to Buy Equity Scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as prescribed by Homes England. Its use is also subject to specific mortgage lender conditions and qualifications. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or purchase assistance scheme. Please ask our sales advisor for details. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. GDD52772

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Life&Times

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

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

Artist’s big impression

42

We meet successful painter Keith Siddle Page 40

GHOSTLY GOINGS ON

48

SERVING UP SOME TASTY TREATS

50

SPREAD YOUR TRAVEL WINGS

54

A STROKE OF GENUIS

Life&Times

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

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

arts

40

Ocean colour scene A successful artist from Langton Green is exhibiting at London’s Different Art Fair from tomorrow [Thursday]. Here, the man in the frame, Keith Siddle, tells Eileen Leahy how fish, marine life and a general love of the ocean have continually inspired his work

I

have been interested in art for as long as I can remember and have drawn and painted since childhood. I’m self-taught and have always been fascinated with colour and shapes in nature.

As a child I used to sketch things like feathers and leaves I found while out walking our dog, or I’d draw creatures I kept in vivariums, like stick insects and Luna Moon moths.

Art college was a path I thought I would naturally go down, so being rejected by five different ones when I was 19 years old was a hard knock to take! But it made me more determined to succeed.

Having painted and been fascinated by wildlife since childhood, I took the leap to become a professional artist and decided to study and build a reputation in one particular subject area, enabling me to experiment with art techniques and mediums until I found my style.

Initially, I chose the oriental and beautifully ornamental fish Nishikigoi (koi) – for their power, grace and colour variations.

I do a lot of commissioned-based work, and one client liked my paintings so much that he commissioned one and then invited me to visit Japan to meet the most renowned koi breeders.

The trip was inspirational, and I have embraced the same work ethos that the most eminent Japanese koi breeders use in nurturing their champion fish: Dedication, patience, detail, enthusiasm and passion.

Fortunately, I have had many commissions over the years, from large paintings of apples for an individual client to shoals of tropical marine fish for a hotel in California.

My last two commissioned paintings were both paintings of koi, the first a triptych – three panels each 20-in x 60-in, the second a 47-in x 47-in box canvas depicting koi circling.

A love of colour, imagination and drawing eventually led me to writing, illustrating and self-publishing my own range of children’s picture books, too. My stories are based on things I care about or have seen – from our old one-eyed (Pirate Jack) cat, who is sadly no longer with us, to the rubbish in our oceans.

My main influences for my work come from life experiences. As a child growing up in the 1970s I was fascinated by the TV programmes of Jacques Cousteau and Sir David Attenborough.

In fact, it was a dream come true when I received a handwritten thank you letter from Sir David Attenborough after I sent him a copy of ‘Little Angelica – To Save our Sea’.

In 1991 I qualified as a BSAC diver as part of the Tunbridge Wells scuba diving club, experiencing diving around the British coastline and in manmade sunken quarries created for scuba.

I have since qualified as both a Padi Advanced and SSI Sport Diver, leading to inspirational scuba dives in Egypt, Israel, Malta, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Wales and, most recently, Tenerife, and what I see underwater continues to inspire my work.

I aim to create interesting designs with

anatomically correct subject matter, creating a contemporary, dynamic and eye-catching look. Every painting is carefully researched and executed, often taking months to complete. In most of my fish paintings each scale is handdrawn or embossed, then painted approximately ten times to create a three-dimensional effect.

I’m also influenced by the amazing Japanese wood block artists Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kuniyoshi and other works, such as James Marsh’s illustrations, particularly his record cover designs for the fantastic 80s band Talk Talk.

For about ten years I have taken part in the brilliant South East Open Studios event, and I’m always amazed by the variety of artistic talent throughout the region and particularly around Tunbridge Wells. I think we are very lucky here with both the art and music scenes.

My latest work will be on display at the Different Art Fair in London, where I’m one of just 30 artists exhibiting, but if you can’t get along to that then you can catch me at a few of the local Christmas Fairs, including one at Holmewood House School, where I will show a small selection of my paintings, prints and will be signing copies of my books.

I will then be concentrating on building a new collection of paintings ready for exhibiting in 2020, including the South East Open Studios event. My studio is open by appointment throughout the year so if you want to see my work or discuss a commission, do get in touch.

Keith will be exhibiting at The Different Art Fair, 14 Percy Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1DR from October 24-29.

Entry is free and the gallery is open from 11am to 8pm (6pm on Wednesday).

Other local artists taking part include Neal Scrase, Guy Portelli and Shelley Rose.

BROUGHT TO BOOK – KEITH SIDDLE’S CHILDREN’S TITLES: Pirate Jack – The one-eyed cat: Jack lives in the house of his owner, Cornelius, who has a small antique shop. Unknown to Cornelius, Jack has a secret life – that of a pirate! With his band of cutthroat mice, water voles, and pigeons, he spends his time battling with Harpoon Harry, a one-legged albatross, and his gang of thieving seagulls as he tries to supply Cornelius’s shop with real pirate treasure.

Little Angelica – A little fish on her BIG adventure: Little Angelica is the smallest fish in her shoal. She wants to be more independent and explore, so she leaves the safety of her family shoal. Along her journey she meets and befriends other species, but what happens when they have to go back to their families and leave Little Angelica alone?

Little Angelica – To Save our Sea: Published at the end of last year. This is the sequel to Little Angelica – A little fish on her BIG adventure. When she goes to see her friends, Pablo the Picasso fish, Speedy Seahorse and Shelley Turtle, she discovers they are in trouble! How can she help them and what can they do about the plastic and rubbish in their home?

I’m proud to work with Surfers Against Sewerage, who work tirelessly to fight plastic pollution in our oceans, and who stock my books in their online shop.

CONTACT DETAILS keithsiddleart.com Email: info@keithsiddleart.com facebook.com/Keith-Siddle-Artist-Illustrator instagram.com/keith.siddle.artist

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Arts & Culture

Life&Times

41

‘This exhibition shows what’s happening to the environment in some of the most beautiful places’ The OBS Gallery at Tonbridge School is showing the Environmental Photographer of the Year exhibition until November 9. Curator Emily Glass tells the Times all about it – and the school’s accompanying tips on how we can all take part in sustainable living…

THIS year we are very lucky to be showcasing the shortlisted entries for the annual Environmental Photographer of the Year competition run by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management.

Over 10,000 photographers enter this prestigious contest from all over the world. We get the chance to see the real impact of what’s happening to the environment in some of the most beautiful places on earth, as well as how growing urbanisation affects all of our lives. The photographs are about serious problems, but use gorgeous colour and composition to entice us to look more closely at disturbing issues.

Struggle Looking at these photographs helps us to realise the connections between different environmental problems and how we as consumers play a part in so many of them. The photographs are shown in sections covering issues such as climate change, water management, micro plastics and waste management.

These can seem quite dull, but the clarity and brilliance of the images help us understand their importance.

For example, the importance of water for the economy and peoples’ livelihood is demonstrated by a fisherman with his catch of a huge swordfish in Ecuador, while nearby a photograph of brightly coloured houses submerged under floodwater in Mumbai, India, give us a sense of the struggle of people who are subject to flooding and intense weather events.

On the upper level of the gallery, we have included lots of information and suggestions about ‘What We Can All Do’ to live more sustainable lives. This shows interesting (even fun!) ways to

vary the choices we make when it comes to what we eat, buy and wear, as well as decisions about where our energy comes from or how we decide to travel.

Tonbridge School really wanted to reflect public and governmental concern with the issues of climate change and environmental damage.

The EM Forster Theatre planned a Festival of the Environment and we wanted to support their message, and give people visiting, as well as the boys, the opportunity to explore the issues in a visual way using striking images.

The school has been focusing on sustainability, and so the exhibition is a brilliant way to enable the Tonbridge School community to think more deeply about the choices we all make and how these affect others.

The photographs have been used as teaching resources, so students are encouraged to explore the themes and ideas from different angles. These issues relate to pretty much whatever subject area you are interested in – geography, creative writing, economics, politics, biology and art.

The wall panels that explore the different environmental themes were written by Tonbridge School Upper Sixth geography students, and the exhibition is visited by local schools and community groups.

It’s been a privilege to be able to show photographs of such outstanding quality. It’s a lot of fun (and hard work!) to organise, but great to be able to include pupils, staff and the wider community of Tonbridge in the exhibition, and see the responses to the images. It’s also great to think that this exhibition can support and underpin students’ work in this school and across the borough.

It’s a very diverse show, with some

High Tide Enters Home

Tuvalu Beneath the Rising Tide awe-inspiring images such as ‘Lungs of the Earth’ by Ian Wade, which captures a view looking up at the magnificent canopy of trees at night in Somerset.

Then there are some heart-wrenching ones like ‘Invisible’ by Valerie Leonard, which depicts a wastepicker rummaging in the Sisdol landfill in Nepal.

I’ve chosen images that most effectively use powerful colour and composition to draw our attention, with fascinating details to keep our interest as we scrutinise the photograph more carefully.

As the subject matter is sometimes pretty grim, we need a way to be able to digest this information, and these images manage to allow us to do this.

The students I have taken into the gallery have all chosen different photographs to explore more closely, as there is such a range to choose from. They have some knowledge about the problems that the photographs explore, but many have been surprised at the interconnectedness of the issues and themes.

They have also been able to make

links between how the photographers have used their skills to make the image more striking, either by heightening certain aspects with Photoshop or using particular settings on their cameras with their own experiences in art classes.

Discussing the work with the boys has been a really good way to bring home how each of us plays a part in the issues represented. For example, not all the boys were aware that much of the waste created by us in the UK is shipped abroad to be processed.

Being surrounded by such a stunning array of images really brings the issues home, and there’s no hiding the reality of what we are looking at. People have said that they are pleased that the exhibition includes ‘What we can all do’ as a way of counterbalancing what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge.

I am very lucky to curate the exhibitions in OBS Gallery and to work as an Art Teacher at the school – the two things are completely interconnected. I curate each exhibition with a specific audience in mind and I really enjoy bringing the students in to see the artwork and discuss it.

It’s exciting to have an initial idea for a show, to carry out the research for the exhibition, make studio visits to see artists’ work ‘in the flesh’ and think about how it will work in the gallery.

The Environmental Photographer of the Year exhibition is open to the general public every weekend from 12-4pm (apart from Saturday November 2 when it will open at 2pm) until November 9.

For further information visit oldbigschoolgallery.co.uk

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

ORANGE SQUASH Take the family to Pumpkin Moon

WEDNESDAY Get in the Halloween spirit with an Odeon screening of Kubrick’s horror masterpiece The Shining. This is a chance to relive the seminal film starring Jack Nicholson in the role of Jack Torrance, an aspiring novelist who agrees to look after a remote hotel over the winter with his wife and young son. He hopes this will give him the peace and quiet he needs to write, but it turns out you can have too much of a good thing. Whether you’ve seen it before or this is a first viewing, the

chance to see it on the big screen can’t be passed up. To book tickets, which cost £11.75 for adults or £10.75 for concessions, go online to odeon.co.uk Celebrate the release of A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon by joining the eponymous farm animal in Story Time with Shaun the Sheep at Royal Victoria Place. Shaun doesn’t follow the flock – he’s clever, adventurous and not the least bit sheepish. These interactive yarn-weaving sessions will take place at 11.30am, 12.30pm,

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Attendance is free.

For more information, visit royalvictoriaplace.com THURSDAY You can still see art exhibition Before Words at Trinity Theatre. It’s a collaborative effort from four artists: Helen Brooker, Jeanette Cook, Maggie Kelham and Catherine Robinson, using a variety of mediums, including etching, wood-cut, collagraph and fused glass. The artists tie the pieces together through themes of instinctive responses and expression before words. The gallery is free to enter and can be seen from 10am till the theatre closes most days. For more information, go to trinitytheatre.net Put your dancing shoes on for a Tea Dance at St Philip’s Church in Tonbridge today from 2pm till 4pm. All are welcome and there will be live music, dancing and, most importantly, the aforementioned tea and refreshments.

Attendance is free, but donations towards the church are appreciated. To find out more about St Philip’s Church, go to tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk FRIDAY Get your laughing gear around a Comedy Night at Pembury Village Hall tonight. With MC Adam Preston at the helm, the entertainment features three acts – the acerbic and dry Scott Capurro, ‘Silver tongued warrior’ David Whitney and supreme storyteller Paul Ricketts. The doors open at 7pm and there will be a cash bar serving drinks and snacks so you can grab yourself a bite and a tipple before the show.

Tickets cost £15 if you book in advance at villageidiotcomedy.com SATURDAY Double, double toil and trouble, Witches

ON THE LAMB See Shaun the Sheep at Royal Victoria Place and Wizards will descend on Penshurst Place this weekend. Little visitors will have plenty to do, including helping Willow the Witch find her magical objects; attending a School for Witches and Wizards (which we are sure has a wizard Ofsted rating); and the chance to make eldritch abominations in the craft barn.

Times and availability of the activities varies and some will require advanced booking. For more information as well as admission prices, go to penshurstplace.com Pop into Speldhurst Village Hall this morning between 10.30am and 12noon for an RNLI Coffee Morning.

Chat to members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells IS HE JOKING? branch See Scott Capuro at and Pembury Village Hall browse

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

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

dj & disco party every weekend in December

Book christmas dinner by the end of october

5TH - 24TH NOVEMBER 2019 THE VICTORIAN THEATRE SALOMONS ESTATE TUNBRIDGE WELLS

and receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco for every 6 guests

function room Available for large parties

new years Eve Cocktail party 31st december

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

Tickets: www.theshakespeareproject.co.uk @TheShakespeareprojectUK

@Theshakespeare8

@theshakespearepro

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk HOTEL HORROR Grimace at the big-screen effect of The Shining on Mr Torrance at the Odeon

Going Out

biscuits, and try to find all the bats in the castle.

There will also be gruesome Victorian tales for the adults which promise to fascinate and horrify.

Ticket prices vary, so for more information and to book, go to hevercastle.co.uk TUESDAY See the Russian State Ballet production of The Nutcracker tonight at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre. The timeless story of young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince battling against the Mouse King includes many wellknown pieces of music, including Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Expect princes, sweets and snow flurries. The production is backed by a live orchestra and directed by former Bolshoi Ballet soloist Konstantin Uralsky. Tickets cost £35.75 for adults and £24.75 for children. To book, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

the bric-a-brac stalls. Tea, coffee and cakes will also be served, and RNLI Christmas cards will be available. For more information on the event and the organisation, visit rnli.org

Life&Times

PICK OF THE WEEK: Kennedy Meets Gershwin Meets Bach The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Thursday October 24, 8pm Best-selling virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy will be jazzing things up a little, reinterpreting the work of George Gershwin and Bach. He will also be playing some of his own compositions. The musician is most famous for his contributions to classical music, but jazz has long been a part of his musical passion, and it’s Gershwin’s fusion of these two genres that has attracted him.

Tickets cost £52.75 or £27.75 for concessions. For more information and to book, call 01892 530613 or visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY Did you know that there are more than 80 different varieties of pumpkin, or that you can visit Pumpkin Moon in Sandling to pick them?

As it turns out, this makes for a great family day out, with a huge maize maze, face and pumpkin painting, and some delicious pumpkin treats cooked by Anna’s Family Kitchen. You can handpick everything from traditional orange varieties to the decorative Polar Bear Pumpkin, or the petite Munchkin Pumpkin. Entrance to the site is free with additional charges for face painting and pumpkin prices starting from £1. For more information, go to pumpkinmoon.uk

TOYS ARE US! Don’t miss The Nutcracker ballet at the Assembly Hall

Tapan Karmakar, Floating life on river under pollution, CIWEM Environmental Photograper of the Year 2018

MONDAY The Halloween Half-term Fun continues at Hever Castle, which means a whole unholy host of activities for the family to enjoy will be on until October 31. Listen to spooky stories, enter the fancy dress competition, decorate ghoulish

Environmental Photographer of the Year

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 28th September 3rd November 12-4pm ADMISSION FREE

Everything but a Partridge

in a Pear tree at

Penshurst Place!

1st November until Christmas eve.

Opening times vary per event.

Settle into the festive spirit this Christmas at Penshurst Place and Gardens, and enjoy the array of workshops and experiences on offer, including carvery lunches and door wreath and Christmas cracker workshops!

Our Gift Shop will be transformed into a Christmas shopping delight, stocking an

array of gifts, decorations, food and drink.

For those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the high street, why not shop with us on one of our Late Night Wednesdays between 13th November and 11th December where you can browse all our fabulous Christmas goodies until 7pm.

Tonbridge School TN9 1JP Tel: 01732 365555 www.oldbigschoolgallery.co.uk

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For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com or call 01892 870307

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Xavier Ralph, Jacob Norris, Matt Black Friday Latin Party, Salsa Bachata Saturday Funk N Stuff Sunday The Breretons, Elo Quitmann, Sissy Monday Singers Night Tuesday Nate Austin Residency

live music With Paul Dunton

F

or a cracking show tonight [Wednesday], The Forum are hosting Hayseed Dixie with support from Ray Waters, while Xavier Ralph, Jacob Norris and Matt Black will all be at The Grey Lady.

On Thursday night, Boo Hewerdine & Yvonne will be giving an intimate performance at The Stag Theatre bar in Sevenoaks. And my top pic is world-renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy at The Assembly Hall, who will perform an exhilarating repertoire comprised of Gershwin and Bach.

My big recommendation for Friday night is the Worry Dolls in their first headline show at The Forum, having performed across the globe to great acclaim from Nashville to The Black

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

Deer Festival. BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris recently said: “Worry Dolls combine a great sensibility of American Country music with their own English folk influences to create a warm and truly infectious sound.”

The excellent Opposite Origins are at The Bedford, and there’s a superb Adele tribute show at Imli restaurant.

Great gigs on Saturday night include The Acoustic Varlies at The Beau Nash, Juke Junkbox at The Royal Oak, Funk N Stuff at The Grey Lady, Ed Sax at The White Bear and The Local & Live Sessions at Trinity Theatre with Lt Leek and Freddy Green.

Close out the weekend in style on Sunday with The Breretons, Elo Quitmann and Sissy at The Grey Lady.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common All event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Hayseed Dixie, Ray Waters (from The Zipheads) Thursday FEET, Scowl, Pattern Friday Worry Dolls, Robbie Cavanagh, Ian Knapp Saturday The Smyths (tribute to The Smiths) Sunday Squid, Pozi MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry. More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Opposite Origins IMLI RESTAURANT Southborough Free entry, music from 7pm Friday Adele Tribute TRINITY THEATRE Church Road All event information and Lt Leek tickets available at trinitytheatre.net Saturday Local & Live Sessions: Lt Leek, Freddy Green THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry Music from 8.30pm Saturday Juke Junkbox

THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks Tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Thursday Boo Hewerdine & Yvonne Saturday Kentish Opera: Dido & Aeneas THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road More information and tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Thursday Nigel Kennedy live in concert Sunday Stagecoach Haywards Heath 10-year anniversary

The Breretons

THE WHITE BEAR PUB High Street Free entry, music from 8pm More information at the-white-bear.co.uk Saturday Live saxophone performance from Ed Sax THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday The Acoustic Varlies Sunday Beau Nash Jazz Jam VERDIGRIS High street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 6pm More details at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday David Shepherd THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Band X

Photos © TALI Photo & film

3RD NOVEMBER 10AM - 2PM FREE ENTRANCE

WEDDING OPEN DAY Meet our recommended suppliers, take a look around our stunning venue and sample our wedding breakfast menu.

01892 515152 | www.salomons-estate.com Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0TG

Register your attendance, to receive a complimentary goody bag, to leisuremarketing@markerstudy.com

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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Motoring News

Motors This week… n Costly supercars n A new Porsche n Iconic future van

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All-electric Morris J-Type van teased

Financing a supercar could cost more than a house…

FINANCING a Ferrari Enzo requires up-front payment of more than twice the cost of the average UK house, and monthly payments are equivalent to the deposit on a small flat.

That’s according to vehicle finance firm JBR Capital, which has revealed finance examples for two classic supercars based on real financing between 2016 and 2019.

The first is a Ferrari Enzo, built between 2002 and 2004, and considered to be one of the ultimate collector cars from the Italian performance car manufacturer. Featuring a 6.0-litre V12 producing 650bhp, it had a fearsome reputation.

Valued at about £2.1million today, JBR says that it would

cost £9,543 per month over 24 months, with a 28 per cent deposit of £586,426.

The final balloon payment would be £1.5million, with a representative APR of 7.9 per cent.

The total cost of the finance deal would be more than £2.3million.

JBR also shared a quote for a Maserati MC12, a supercar that was actually based on the same platform as the Enzo.

The representative finance deal for this vehicle is based on a value of nearly £1.8million.

It would require a deposit of £300,000 with 48 monthly payments of £18,300 and a final payment of £1million.

The total cost of the finance would be £2.2million with an APR of 7.9 per cent.

Entry-level 4S is added to the Porsche Taycan range PORSCHE has revealed a new entry-level 4S model in its all-electric Taycan range, offering less power – but for less money.

There are two battery sizes available – a 79.2kWh unit called Performance, and a 93.4kWh Performance Plus.

The former is offered with a power output of 523bhp, while the latter makes 563bhp.

Both have a top speed of 155mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds.

The Performance battery has a range of 253 miles and the Performance Plus battery can go for 288 miles on a single charge, giving it the longest range of any Taycan.

The electric saloon is also available in Turbo and Turbo S trims, offering 671bhp and up to 279 miles of range and 750bhp

and up to 256 miles of range respectively.

Porsche says the 4S’s electric motor on the rear axle is shorter than that fitted to the Turbo models but retains the all-wheeldrive system and two-speed transmission of the more expensive models.

To distinguish the 4S models from the externally, they get 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, and black-painted side sills and rear diffuser.

Inside, leather upholstery is standard, with the same screen-festooned dashboard as the Turbos.

The Porsche Taycan 4S is available to order now, with prices starting at £83,367.

The Turbo and Turbo S start at £115,858 and £138,826 respectively.

THE Morris Commercial name is set to be revived with an all-electric J-Typeinspired van called the JE. The automotive engineering start-up that bought the naming rights has released darkened images of its new light commercial vehicle. Morris says the new van has been given a modular design that will allow it to be adapted for different body styles in the future.

Although pricing and detailed specifications have not yet been announced, the JE is said to have a complete carbon-fibre body.

This lightweight material is typically very expensive to make and shape, meaning the van is likely to cost considerably more than a typical van on the market today.

The powertrain is typical for modern electric vehicles, utilising an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Dr Qu Li, the CEO and founder of Morris Commercial, said: “The working engineering prototype has undergone extensive road testing.

“We still have a little way to go to bring the project to full production, but we have the team and the product to make this an enormous success.”

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

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Get into the spirit of Cognac Times Drinks Editor James Viner raises a glass to two great bottles of Cognac, and suggests this is the perfect warming drink for colder nights

L

egally protected and regulated since 1936, Cognac is the famous brandy made in the Charente department north of Bordeaux. The permitted grape varieties include diseaseresistant/low in sugar/high acid Ugni Blanc (principally), Colombard and Folle Blanche.

According to the appellation regulations, it must be distilled twice in Charentais copper alembic pot stills before March 31 following the harvest, and aged at least two years in French oak casks before being blended by a maître de chai (cellar master), but a few producers also make single-vintage examples.

As the Cognacais will proudly tell you, all Cognac is brandy, but very little brandy is Cognac. Brandy, in fact, needn’t even be made from grapes, since the term refers to any distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice – for example, Hungarian apricot Pálinka.

The Dutch began the trade in the 17th century

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

after experimenting with different types of French wine as a distillate before determining the wines from the Cognac region worked best.

Production thrived until phylloxera, a grapevine pest, devastated the vineyards in the late 19th century. The vineyards did not recuperate until after World War II, but sales boomed thereafter.

For the fifth consecutive year, Cognac exports have grown, with around 211.1 million bottles shipped for 3.4billion euros between August 1 2018 and July 31 2019 – with 94 million alone going to cocktailloving market leader USA (the UK is fourth with around ten million bottles).

Finally, always serve in a small tulip-shaped glass – the definitive receptacle to release Cognac’s glorious glow. Cheers!

1) MIX IT UP FOR A DEFINITIVE SIDECAR, SAZERAC, FRENCH 75 OR CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL ABK6 VSOP Single Estate, Claix, Cognac (£39.99-£52.95, Ministry of Drinks/Master of Malt/Whisky Exchange, Alc 40%) French grape brandy was the innovative mixing spirit in the mid-19th century, and it remains an extremely nifty cocktail component. A decent VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years from any of the major Cognac houses will work very well, though if you want my recommendation, I’d suggest looking at Domaines Francis Abécassis, an award-winning producer ‘from the grape to the bottle’ that recently joined the illustrious 17-strong family wine club of Vignobles & Signatures.

This exceptional single-vineyard Cognac reverberates with candied fruit, brioche, almond, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa pleasures. It’s delightful on the rocks or with a little water – still or sparkling, the choice is yours, and perfect for a ‘French Manhattan’ cocktail (see below), dark chocolate or Mimolette. Bullseye.

FRENCH MANHATTAN COCKTAIL • 3cl ABK6 VSOP Cognac • 1 splash of triple sec liqueur • 1,5cl of dry Vermouth • Crushed ice Mix together in a shaker.

Serve with a cherry infused with this delectable signature brand

Food & Drink

Life&Times

2) MESMERISING & MELLOW DIGESTIF FOR THE CONNOISSEUR & CIGARS/CHOCOLATE DESSERTS= DELAMAIN PALE & DRY XO COGNAC, JARNAC (£89.99-£100, Virgin Wines/Waitrose Cellar/Berry Bros & Rudd, Alc 40%) The family-run house of Delamain is one of the oldest Cognac producers, founded in 1759, and is unusual in that it does not produce any VS or VSOP (made from the youngest eaux-de-vie) at all and prefers to reduce bottle strengths down to 40% abv with vieilles faibles (older, lower strength Cognacs) rather than with water. Aged in Limousin oak for 25 years, and first introduced almost a century ago, Pale & Dry X.O is composed exclusively of eaux-de-vie sourced from the coveted ‘Grande Champagne’ region. It’s ‘pale’ because no caramel is added for colouring and ‘dry’ because it has only its natural sweetness. Elegant, delicate and richly layered with attractive floral aromas and apricot, peach, walnut, spice, apple pie, liquorice citrus and vanilla flavours, this multi-faceted digestif will also pair nicely with chicken liver pâté, Roquefort, dark chocolate and wild mushroom risotto.

Haunting.

Tesco’s bargain VSOP Cognac (£22) mixes a great cocktail as it’s pretty decent and a very good price.

DID YOU KNOW? • Around 20 million bottles-worth of Cognac – called ‘the angel’s share’ (la part des anges) – evaporate yearly. And just 2% is drunk in France • You need to store Cognac bottles upright, not on their sides, as the high alcohol content in the spirits can rot the cork, producing unpleasant aromas

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

B A R . R E S TA U R A N T. R O O M S . C AV E . G A R D E N Book now for Christmas parties!

T: 01892 618854

Serving great food in a beautiful setting, we are the perfect place for your Christmas celebrations.

E: hello@themountedgcumbe.com W: www.themountedgcumbe.com The Common, Tunbridge Wells,

For more details please email, call or pop in and see us!

Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-11pm Thurs-Sat 11am-11.30pm Sunday 12-10.30pm

Kent, TN4 8BX

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Food Service Times: Mon-Thurs 12-3pm 6-9.30pm Fri-Sat 12-9.30pm (3-6pm Light Menu) Sunday 12-8pm (4-8pm Light Menu)

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Local restaurateurs show they are much more than just waffle

Jerome Bowman speaks to Ed and Rosie Delaney about their first year in business at Delaney’s Kitchen & Bar and broadening their horizons…

Are you excited to have been open for a year now?

Rosie: Yes, it’s super exciting for us to have been running our own restaurant since October 6 last year. I feel like we have learned so much and we’re looking forward to year two.

Why did you decided to open Delaney’s?

Ed: Well, I’ve been a chef for more than nine years now, and like all chefs I’ve always wanted to run my own place but had never really known where to start.

Rosie: We had always talked about it and a year ago it seemed like the right time.

Ed: I actually met Rosie when I was a chef for a pub in Sevenoaks and she was a waitress. It’s funny to think that without that Delaney’s might not be here! We talked a lot about what kind of place we wanted to run. I’ve always been a whisky fan, and for some time I wanted a specialist bar and lounge, but that wasn’t right for us in the end.

Rosie: To be honest, I hate whisky and know very little about it, so we decided it probably wasn’t a good idea!

Ed: It was my mum who suggested we do pancakes and waffles because no one else in Tunbridge Wells was really offering that kind of thing at the time, and the rest is history.

After choosing the food, how did you come up with the look?

Ed: We wanted to show we are different from your average restaurant. The interior is full of stuff Rosie and I liked and thought would look a bit funky and cool.

Rosie: The action figures are Ed’s – he’s not allowed them at home! We were really inspired

by American diners and nostalgic culture, and The Paint Mechanics did an amazing paint job which we hope to update to show all the new things on our menu soon.

O 6:0 PEN 0 - 9 FR :00 OM pm

Chai Pudding

I expect you’ve learnt a lot since then?

Rosie: So much. I was a business administrator before we opened, but there are so many things you don’t anticipate being issues. Staff management and finding the right team has

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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in London we always pick a great cocktail bar because we both love them. We want Delaney’s to be a place where you can enjoy an evening as well as eat in the day. We do all the classic cocktails and our own signature dessert cocktails, including Lemon Meringue and Apple Pie. Ed: It’s been great to see lots of different types of people and groups coming in, from families for birthday parties to people on a night out. We are hoping to get some beer pumps set up soon.

I’m a big fan of craft beer and it would be great to serve this on tap as well as from the bottle.

THE TEAM: Ready to serve a host of Delaney delights

Ed’s action figures

been a real challenge for us, but I’m pleased to say we have a really close-knit team now, we are like one big family and everyone looks forward to working at the weekend because we are all here.

Ed: Probably our biggest learning curve has been the menu and what we can offer to customers. What we’ve realised is that having a narrow range is bad in the long run, because makes it less likely that a customer will keep coming back after their first visit, and we want this to be more than just a novelty place to eat.

That’s why we’ve expanded what we offer and recently rebranded as Delaney’s Bar & Kitchen.

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How has your menu has changed since you began?

Rosie: We still offer loads of delicious desserts and our savoury pancakes and waffles, but we offer more breakfast items now, including our baked eggs with chilli and tomato sauce and a Chia pudding with fruit and granola.

Ed: We’re offering more healthy alternatives as well, people are more conscious of what they are eating and also the ethics behind that, so we now offer vegan and vegetarian options.

Rosie: But at the core we are doing what we do best, which is food that’s a bit messy, a bit dirty, but fun and tasty. We started doing dirty fries recently, which is a big plate of fries with cheese, cheese sauce, bacon bits and jalapenos.

Ed: Because we started up in autumn last year, we didn’t really have the time to put on a Christmas Menu, but this year I’m really pleased to say we are doing a Christmas menu with both traditional and more unique dishes.

Has your drinks menu expanded, too?

Rosie: Whenever we get the chance to go out

So what else might we expect to see from Delaney’s in the future?

Ed: Something that’s been really popular recently is our Unlimited Fridays, where you can come in and have unlimited Chicken Wings or Barbecue Ribs, and we’ll be doing Burger Sliders very soon! We are planning to have some live music nights here, too, so watch this space.

Rosie: We’ve been to a lot of events in the last year with our gazebo, including Crazy Jean’s Kart Race, Local & Live and the Harvest Festival.

We may even get a food truck so we can do more events, and we are always available if anyone wants to book us for weddings or other special occasions.

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49 Chocolate Mousse

Fully Loaded Lamb Wrap

Smoothie Bowl

HOSTS Rosie and Ed

Delaney’s Kitchen & Bar 12-14 Camden Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PT 01892 528626 delaneyskitchen.co.uk

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Travel

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

Raising a glass to the Czech Republic’s wine tourism…

There’s no need to say ‘we’re only here for the beer’ any more when visiting this eastern European country. Rachel Howard visits South Moravia region to sample its finest tipples

to the area’s wine industry with a guided tour around Brno’s many bars, and have my first chance to sample some authentic Moravian wine.

My guide, Martin Hoffman, explains that more than 95 per cent of all vineyards in the Czech Republic are to be found in South Moravia, making this the heart of the country’s winemaking industry.

The vast majority of wines from this area are white, due to the climate and landscape of the South Moravian vineyards – sunshine and proximity to river water provide the perfect conditions for white grapes to flourish.

‘His sparkling wine is made all the more tasty by the flamboyant manner in which he uncorks it – with a sword!’

A TASTE OF GRANDEUR Former monastery Louka Abbey is now a winery visitor centre

MIKULOV A beautiful and colourful town

W

hen it comes to alcohol, for years the Czech Republic has been famous for its beer –now the country has another tipple it is quite rightly proud of – wine.

To the Czech people, this isn’t breaking news; they have been growing grapes and producing wine in the Moravia region for hundreds of years, and viticulture is ingrained in their culture and lifestyle.

However, unlike France, Italy and California, wine tourism is a relatively recent development – so I’m hoping to wet my whistle and find out what all the fuss is about.

Brno, the Czech Republic’s second city (after the capital, Prague), is known as the gateway to the wine region of Moravia and is an excellent place to start when exploring the area and its many vineyards, cellars and wineries.

Brno is a beautiful, historic city that not only celebrates the region’s winemaking history, but is also worth a visit simply to marvel at the combination of functionalist, Baroque and Gothic architecture, and the many galleries, theatres and museums that showcase the city’s love of the arts.

Having checked into the Hotel International, I am given my introduction

Sipping my way around the city, I have to admit these fruity, fresh whites are a delight.

As the sun rises the next day, and with only a slightly sore head, I head off to the town of Znojmo. It is here that the tourism game has really picked up, with activities teaching visitors about the region’s winemaking history, along with visits to cellars and wineries.

One such activity is a guided cycle ride along Moravia’s many (mostly flat) cycle paths. These excursions are run by Cyklo Klub Znojmo and take in a number of ancient cellars – some of which have been modernised, and others that are still producing wine using traditional methods and equipment. Some even retain the mould-covered walls and damp, cold tunnels to prove it. Prices vary depending on the length of cycle ride, routes taken and wineries visited. (cykloklubznojmo.cz) One especially impressive example is Roman Polak’s winery, Romans 1667. Roman is a born showman, with a deeply instilled passion for the winemaking industry, making him the perfect person to bring to life South Moravia’s history.

His sparkling wine (sekt) is delicious, and made all the more tasty by the flamboyant manner in which he uncorks it – with a sword!

It’s as fine (if not better) than Prosecco, and even at 10am one glass just isn’t enough. Booking ahead is recommended if you require a table, but walk-ins are encouraged for a quick sample and look around. (romans1667.cz) If a cycle ride feels like too much effort, there’s always the option of taking the Vinobus, which transports visitors between the wineries allowing them to sample as much as they like.

It takes in up to 20 vineyards with seven tasting-stops, and passengers are accompanied by a guide who paints a picture of not only the history of the region’s winemaking,

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

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WINE-TASTING TOUR Rachel Howard ready to board the Vinobus

THROUGH A GLASS LIGHTLY The Sonberk vineyards

but also the current manufacturing processes, and a few knowledgeable insights into the wines themselves. Prices are from 150CZK/£5 per person. (vinobus.cz/en) There are many varieties of Czech white wine on offer.

Alongside international favourites Riesling and pinot gris, local grapes such as Palava are used by many wineries to create aromatic, golden-coloured wines with a gentle sweetness. Being a fan of dry white wines, I am pleasantly surprised by the Palava varieties I sample. In fact, they turn out to be my favourites.

A must-see stop on the Vinobus is Louka Abbey, a former monastery that now houses the visitor centre for one of the area’s biggest wineries, Znovin Znojmo, plus a labyrinth of cellars. It is here that I sample my favourite rosé wine of the trip. Made from pinot noir grapes, it’s dry, light, fruity – a joy to drink as the sun goes down. (znovin. cz; 90-minute tour with tasting 100CZK/£4) After a blissful night’s sleep at the stunningly located Hotel Katerina in Znojmo – think hilltop views, epic sunsets and huge rooms – I set off to beautiful Mikulov.

Located on the border with Austria, the town was founded at the beginning of the 12th century. Places of interest include Mikulov Castle, Holy Hill and the Jewish Quarter. Also being on the edge of the Palava mountains, it boasts a near-perfect climate for grape growing, and is surrounded by vineyards and wineries – one of the most impressive being Sonberk. This vineyard dates back to the 13th century, and even received royal approval when Louis II of Hungary requested wine from its vineyards be supplied to Prague Castle.

These days, Sonberk is a much more modern affair which wouldn’t look out of place in California’s Napa Valley. The main building was designed by Josef Pleskot and combines wood, glass and concrete to create a luxurious interior.

The vineyards produce 150,000 bottles of wine per year made from hand-picked grapes, with varieties including Riesling and Palava. Guests are encouraged to take a walk outside while sampling Sonberk’s wares, and I must admit there’s something quite magical about sipping a glass of wine while watching the sun shine down on the bountiful vines. Guided tours should be booked at least two days in advance – 454CZK/£15 per person; wine samples are extra. (sonberk.cz/en) My day draws to a close at Vinarsky Pension Andre, a hotel surrounded by 50 hectares of vineyards, producing

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19 grape varieties. The hotel is a modern, luxurious space, serving delicious local dishes to be enjoyed, of course, alongside a glass of wine.

If you want to up the ante, you can head out into the vineyards and take a climb up the timber viewing tower, for a wonderful view.

I predict big things for wine tourism in the Czech Republic, but with national consumption higher than production, their wines may still be a rarity in supermarkets anywhere else.

So what better excuse to make the trip to Moravia for a first-hand experience of not only the history behind the industry, but also a taste of the real thing?

Mikulov Castle HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP Ryanair flies to Brno from London from £30 return (ryanair.com). For more information on the destinations, visit czechtourism.com and south-Moravia.com. Rooms at Hotel International in Brno (hotelinternational.cz), Hotel Katerina in Znojmo (hotelkaterina.cz) and Penzion Andre in Velke Pavlovice (slechtitelka.cz) all start from £60-80 per night with breakfast.

Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England Regulations 2012 – Regulation 18 Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan: Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) NOTICE OF EXTENSION OF CONSULTATION PERIOD Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is currently preparing the following documents: • Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan – this sets out the Borough Council’s proposed strategy for the future development of the borough, the proposed site allocations that relate to this and the relevant policies against which future development proposals and planning applications will be judged.

• Sustainability Appraisal – to qualitatively assess the development proposals in the Local Plan against 19 sustainability objectives.

Public consultation began on Friday 20 September 2019. Following a number of requests, the Council has agreed to extend the end date of the consultation period from 1 November to 5.00pm on 15 November 2019.

While this extension of time will potentially impact on the overall timescale for the production of the Local Plan, as set out in the Local Development Scheme (see http://www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/residents/planning/planning-policy/local-development-scheme), it is to assist interested parties in contributing to the plan-making process at this key stage.

The consultation documents consist of the Draft Local Plan, draft Sustainability Appraisal and response forms, which can be viewed and downloaded, along with the supporting documentation, at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/localplan, or you can respond directly online at https://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk. The documents can also be viewed at the following locations: • Tunbridge Wells Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AB. The Gateway is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday • All libraries in Tunbridge Wells borough. Please check with the particular library for opening times. Please note: due to the temporary relocation of the main Tunbridge Wells library, some libraries have extended their opening hours. An extra set of documents will also be placed at the Gateway.

Representations can be returned as follows: 1) By using the online consultation portal at https://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk 2) By e-mail to localplan@tunbridgewells.gov.uk (using the editable response form) 3) By post to Local Plan, Planning Policy, Planning Services, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall, Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS (using a printed response form) Representations must be made in writing (including electronically) and be received no later than 5pm on Friday 15 November 2019 at the addresses specified in (1) to (3) above. All representations made in the above ways will be considered in the preparation of the final, pre-submission Draft Local Plan.

For more information, please view the Local Plan web pages at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/localplan.

Note: The boards displayed at recent exhibitions across the borough are available to view on the Draft Local Plan page of the above Local Plan website.

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Recruitment

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

WITH THE

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

Juniors Day Nursery are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and motivational Senior Nursery Practitioners. As an expanding childcare company, we have positions available in our established nursery’s in Cranbrook and Tonbridge and in our brand-new Nursery in Headcorn, which opened in January 2019.

As a Room Leader, you will be working with a dedicated team and will also have the responsibility of working closely with the management team.

Extensive knowledge of the EYFS is essential. Ideally candidates will hold Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Professional status and have two or more years of experience in a nursery or school setting.

The candidate must be confident working both unsupervised and alongside the management team. Experience of SEN would be an advantage. Our starting salaries are highly competitive and reflect experience and qualifications. We pride ourselves on our strong team approach to teaching and our ongoing commitment to professional development and staff support.

All applications are subject to satisfactory DBS and reference checks. Please email cranbrook@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk for job application and job descriptions, stating which Nursery you would be interested in.

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

TONBRIDGE PHYSICALLY DISABLED SOCIAL CLUB SUPPORTED

BY CHRISTIANS CARING The Baptist Church, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge TN10 3HZ Tuesdays & Thursdays 10.30am – 3.30pm The clubs provide an opportunity for Members to meet and socialise in warm, friendly surroundings and enjoy a range of shared activities which include indoor games (such as scrabble and boccia), interesting talks by visiting speakers, musical entertainment and the occasional outing to local places of interest and ten-pin bowling. The Tuesday group have the opportunity to attend the lunch club at the Church every Tuesday.

If you, or someone you know, is physically handicapped and would like more information please contact Malcolm Barth 01732 773018 for the Tuesday club or Jan Fairweather 07599 851852 for the Thursday club.

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, please contact either Malcolm or Jan.

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

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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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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

U S B A S E D T H I E F

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

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

Sudoku:

6 7 3 1 2 9 4 8 5

8 9 4 5 7 6 3 1 2

1 2 5 3 8 4 7 6 9

9 4 2 7 1 3 6 5 8

7 8 1 6 4 5 9 2 3

5 3 6 8 9 2 1 7 4

4 5 7 2 3 1 8 9 6

2 1 9 4 6 8 5 3 7

3 6 8 9 5 7 2 4 1

2 3 7 1 9 6 5 8 4

4 9 1 5 7 2 3 6 8

3 7 8 6 2 9 4 5 1

6 1 2 4 8 5 7 9 3

5 8 9 3 4 1 6 7 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 2 5 7 3 8 1 4 6

8 4 6 9 1 7 2 3 5

7 5 3 2 6 4 8 1 9

1 6 4 8 5 3 9 2 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday October 23 | 2019

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

54

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Sport

FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday October 23 | 2019

LEADING LIGHTS: Tunbridge Wells RFC hosted lunch for 20 past 1st XV captains on match day, including Colin Smart, a Skinners’ pupil who went on to captain Newport and gain 17 caps for England in the 1980s

Webster puts Wells back on track Tunbridge Wells 30 London Irish Wild Geese 17

By Roger Clarke

Tunbridge Wells Men 5 Winchester 3

Advantage Frank Reynolds put an inch perfect diagonal kick to the right which was caught at speed by wing Richard Webster, who scored the try which was well converted from wide by Reynolds.

That gave Wells a 10-6 advantage halfway through the first period, and Wells twice strayed offside twice to allow Poynter to kick Irish into a half-time lead of 12-10. After the break Wells proceeded to dominate possession with No 8 Nick Doherty putting in two surges which came close to tries.

Reynolds nudged the hosts ahead with a penalty on 50 minutes, and from the kick-off Wells’ scrum-half Eddie Croft kicked a diagonal

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS returned to winning

ways after three defeats on the bounce in the London and South East Premier Division.

They took on a team relegated from National Two South in conditions which were very slippery underfoot.

Penalties were to play a big part in the game as players found it difficult to keep their feet, and Ciaran Poynter and Wells’ Frank Reynolds traded easy kicks in the opening minutes.

With Irish enjoying more ball Poynter picked up another three points but the home side scored the first try from a ruck.

HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS bounced back from their defeat against the leaders of South Premier League Division with a victory at Tonbridge School.

Neither side could break through tight defences until midway through the first half when Tim Sylvester scored from a short corner for Wells.

The lead was soon doubled as Ben Allberry wove a route through several Winchester players before firing home.

But the home side eased back in their intensity and Winchester took advantage to score two quick goals of their own, making it 2-2 at the break.

UNDER THE RADAR Ryan TaylorDennehy slips a pass grubber which Webster fell on for his second try, though it was not converted.

Irish’s pocket rocket right wing Tadhg O’Hagan then put in a number of surges which ultimately created a try for his left wing Josh Steadman to bring the visitors to within one point at 18-17.

Wells introduced George Montgomery for some extra bite and on 70 minutes he put in a great tackle 30 metres from the Wells line.

The ball was spilt and right wing Max Hobbs

Fierce

was on it in a flash, speeding some 60 metres to touch down for a try converted by Reynolds.

The home side secured their fourth try and the bonues point after two minutes of injury time.

Following great approach work from Ryan TaylorDennehy it was Hobbs again who slid several metres on his front into the left corner for his second try.

Wells, who are in sixth place, now visit CS Stags 1863 in Chiswick, West London on Saturday (October 26, kick-off 3pm).

Sluggish TJs lose season’s perfect record Tonbridge Juddians 15 Henley Hawks 27 per cent record for the season came to an end against a team who had never beaten them before.

TJs, who had won six out of six to sit on top of National Two South, unusually started the contest in sluggish fashion.

Henley would have scored a very early try but knocked on, then did get on the scoreboard after the home side were penalised twice, Samir Kharbouch joining a drive and touching down for an unconverted try.

TJs at last made ground upfield, and some good handling and an overhead pass from fly-half Will Robinson to full-back Matt Walsh brought TJs’ first try, converted by Robinson.

The hosts continued to concede penalties to keep them on the back foot and the Hawks took back the lead

on the half-hour with a penalty kick.

TJs went further behind when lock Sam Lunnon intercepted a pass and galloped in for a try from the ten-metre line which was not converted So the error-strewn TJs found themselves in the unfamiliar position of being 13-7 behind at half-time, lacking their usual sparkle and intent.

They narrowed the deficit after the restart when the visitors conceded a penalty and Robinson duly obliged with a successful kick at goal.

But the resurgence did not last.

Further penalties took TJs back to their own 22, and with a wellconstructed catch and drive Hawks hooker Tom Emery went over off the lineout again, fly-half Ben Bolster adding the extras.

Centres Finlay Coxon-Smith and

Duncan Tout both managed to get close to the Hawks’ line but the final yards did not come.

TJs were rewarded for their efforts when they moved the ball slickly out to the left for winger Hugo Watson to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.

But they could not find a way through Hawks’ defence again and they had to resort to some

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS’ 100

Hawksbee and Allberry keep Wells in front

desperate defending of their own.

After a relentless close-quarter attack by the visitors, a penalty try was awarded together with a yellow card for TJs’ No 8 Will Colderick.

Despite the loss Tonbridge remain at the top of the table, just pipping Taunton on points difference.

TJs have another tough task when Redruth are the visitors on Saturday (October 26, kick-off 3pm).

WINGS CLIPPED Hugo Watson is pulled down

The second half saw greater composure and work from Wells, who retook the lead through a fine deflection from Mitch Hawksbee into the bottom corner.

Allberry grabbed his second with a fierce reverse stick shot that left the keeper with no chance, giving Wells a two-goal cushion again.

Winchester fought back again to reduce the arrears but this time Wells kept their shape and hard work to maintain their lead.

A fast counter-attack from the hosts set up Hawksbee to score his second with a simple tap-in at the far post and ensure the victory.

Wells move up to fifth and take on West Hampstead at Whitefield School on Saturday (October 26, 1.30pm start).

Ladies denied

by Blackheath Blackheath & Old Elthamians 0 Tunbridge Wells Ladies 0

By Lily Loveland HOCKEY: THE Wells Ladies were left frustrated after failing to score in a tough game at Blackheath, who sit just a point above them in East Region Division Two South East.

It was a fast paced-encounter with both teams playing well but with plenty of back and forth it was hard for both sides to keep the momentum up.

Wells held strong in defence, led by goalkeeper Ali Playle who made some crucial saves, and the teams were evenly matched.

After two successive stalemates Wells will look to return to winning ways when they travel to Ashford on Saturday (October 26, 1pm start).

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Double strike in added time is agony for Angels Tonbridge Angels 1 Chelmsford City 2

FOOTBALL: TWO goals in stoppage time left Tonbridge Angels bewildered after they had clung on to an early lead for 75 minutes at Longmead.

After their stunning five-goal display against high-flying Braintree in National League South, to see three points slip away so fast was a bitter blow.

The Clarets sealed a victory which for much of the game had looked unlikely despite them having more possession.

The opening goal for the hosts came from a fine strike from Khale Da Costa. A crossfield pass from Jack Rudoni fed the winger on the right, who then cut inside and let fly with an unstoppable

shot past keeper Carl Pentney.

Much of the remainder of the first period belonged to Chelmsford possession-wise with the visitors forcing a double save from Jonathan Henly.

The Clarets came out flying after the interval and two minutes into the second half, Henly again had to save superbly from Sam Higgins.

A free kick just outside the area for Angels in the 73rd minute forced Adrian Cascavel to head over his own bar to stop the hosts extending their lead.

When Henly saved brilliantly again from Fraser Shaw with a minute left it looked like Tonbridge had secured their fifth victory of the season.

But goals from Chris Whelpdale and Shaun Jeffers sent the away supporters into raptures and the points back to Essex.

BLEWIE BOWS OUT Luke Blewden has had to announce his retirement because of ongoing injury issues. He’ played 188 games for the Angels in three separate spells, scoring 34 goals.

The 28-year-old said: “I’ve been playing in pain for the last few years and a scan has shown a lot of knee damage (arthritis and other issues) to the point I need to wear a knee brace.

“I’ve also been told to give up football otherwise I will need a knee replacement before the age of 35.”

By Rich Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL exited the Kent Senior Trophy with their heads held high after showcasing some of their most creative football at Honey Lane.

The visitors dominated their Southern Counties East League Premier Division opponents for long periods in the first half, with the pace of Reuel Powell-Downey causing chaos in the home side’s defence.

Rusthall took a deserved lead from a defensive

CLASS ACT Reuel PowellDowney scored a superb goal

Six of the best for Jemima at Euros

By Andy Tong SWIMMING RTW MONSON’S Jemima Rudd-Jones came home with six medals after representing the Team GB Down’s syndrome squad at the European Championships in Sardinia, Italy.

Jemima competed in 11 events, eight individuals and three relays, and reached the finals of the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly and the 200m individual medley.

‘Amazed’ With an outstanding performance in the butterfly events she won bronze medals in the 50m and 200m and silver in the 100m.

She also won a bronze in the mixed 4x100m

Rustics show class in cup defeat Bearsted 5 Rusthall 2

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY: Jemima Rudd-Jones in action in the ‘fly and on the podium

mix-up on 16 minutes, Luke Adams closing down the central defender and then driving the ball into the net for his 11th goal of the season.

The Bears drew level after 27 minutes through former Rustic Noddi Bobomurodov, who prodded the ball in at the far post after Rusthall failed to clear the ball.

Rusthall were back in front within five minutes with a contender for goal of the season. A fine passing move found Louis Anderson wide on the right.

The pacey full-back played the ball into the feet of Powell-Downey, who dummied, and Steve Camacho sent a first time pass to Powell-Downey, who had continued his run and rifled the ball home for his 10th goal of the season.

The influential Camacho limped off before half-time after a crude challenge, and Bearsted levelled three minutes into the second half with a well taken goal from Joshua Beadle.

Then the home side went in front on 55 minutes through substitute James BesseySaldhana, which provoked Rusthall to start playing again.

But Bearsted went further ahead on 77 minutes when a corner from the left went straight in, and with two minutes remaining the Rustics were caught on the break and Bessey-Saldano scored his second.

The Rustics return to league action with the visit of Bridon Ropes on Saturday (October 26, kick-off 3pm).

freestyle relay and silver in the individual medley with both the 4x50m and the 4x100m relay teams.

The competition featured 138 swimmers from 19 different countries and Team GB finished as the best team in Europe, allowing Jemima to return brimming with self-confidence.

She said: “My goal was to get into a final or two. I am amazed to come home with three individual medals and 3 relay medals.

“I feel stunned. My highlight was my silver medal in the 100m ‘fly - and being with my friends.”

Coach Della Clout added: “I am very proud of Jemima’s growth and approach to her racing. She’s using her training in the pool and understanding her goals better. She did a great job.”

We Offer French & Italian Cuisine, Specialising In Seafood.

Our Restaurant Is A Cosy 500 Year Old Grade 2 Listed Building.

Steak Night -Wednesdays Fish Night - Thursdays £29.50 Includes a FREE Glass Of Wine.

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